Limit word problem, find area of triangle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the area of triangle AOB, formed by the tangent to the curve xy=4 at point P and the axes, is independent of the position of P. The tangent line is derived using calculus, specifically the limit definition of the derivative, resulting in the equation y = (-4/a²)x + 8/a. The area of triangle AOB can be calculated using the formula for the area of a triangle, confirming its independence from the specific location of point P.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically limits and derivatives.
  • Familiarity with the equation of a line in slope-intercept form.
  • Knowledge of the properties of triangles and area calculation.
  • Basic understanding of the Cartesian coordinate system.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of derivatives in calculus, focusing on the limit definition.
  • Learn how to derive equations of tangents to curves in Cartesian coordinates.
  • Explore the properties of triangles and methods for calculating area.
  • Investigate the implications of independence in geometric figures and their properties.
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Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and geometry, as well as anyone interested in the application of derivatives to geometric problems.

Aoiro
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1. the tangent to the curve xy=4 at a point P in the first quadrent meets the x-axis at A and the y-axsis at B. Prove that the area of triangle AOB, where O is the origin, is independent of the position P.

y=4/x
Find thd slope of the Tangent
lim f(a+h)-f(a) /h
lim 4/a+h - 4/a /h
lim 4a - 4a -4h/ a(a+h) /h
lim -4h / h(a(a+h))
lim -4/a(a+h)
-4/h
Quardinents of point P

p(a,4/a)

the equation for the tangent

y-y1=m(x-x1)
y - 4/a = -4/a^2 (x - a)
y - 4/a = (-4/a^2)x + 4a/a^3
y = (-4/a^2)x + 4a/a^3 + 4/a
y = (-4/a^2)x + 8a/a^3

but the answer is y = (-4/a^2)x + 8/a can someone show me the steps to solving this?

I can do the rest I just need help with this. Thanks
 
Last edited:
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y - \frac{4}{a} = -\frac{4}{a^{2}}x + \frac{4a}{a^{3}} should be y - \frac{4}{a} = -\frac{4}{a^{2}}x + \frac{4a}{a^{2}}.

So you have y - \frac{4}{a} = -\frac{4}{a^{2}}(x-a).

y - \frac{4}{a} = -\frac{4x}{a^{2}} + \frac{4a}{a^{2}}

y = -\frac{4x}{a^{2}} + \frac{4}{a} + \frac{4}{a}.

y = -\frac{4x}{a^{2}} + \frac{8}{a}.
 
Last edited:
Thanks courtrigrad
 

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