Real quick easy question: hori and vert tan lines

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding points on the graph of the function Y=x(sqrt(4-x^2)) where the tangent lines are horizontal and vertical. The subject area pertains to calculus, specifically the analysis of derivatives to determine the behavior of tangent lines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivative of the function and its implications for identifying horizontal and vertical tangents. There are attempts to simplify the derivative expression and set it to zero to find critical points. Questions arise about the correct form of the derivative and the conditions for horizontal and vertical tangents.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing hints and corrections regarding the derivative calculations. Some guidance has been offered on simplifying the derivative, but there is no clear consensus on the correct approach or final values yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through algebraic manipulations and derivative calculations, with some expressing confusion about specific terms and their origins. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, which may be contributing to misunderstandings.

ClaudeFrollo
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sorry, i hit enter too soon

Homework Statement


Y=x(sqrt(4-x^2))

how do I find all pts on the graph where the tan line is vert and hori?

Homework Equations



Y=x(sqrt(4-x^2))

The Attempt at a Solution



y'=(x)(.5(4-x^2)^(-1/2)(-2x))+(sqrt(4-x^2))(1)
 
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You have a horizontal tangent where y'=0. You have a vertical tangent where y' goes to + or - infinity.
 
Welcome to PF!

ClaudeFrollo said:
y'=(x)(.5(4-x^2)^(-1/2)(-2x))+(sqrt(4-x^2))(1)

Hi ClaudeFrollo! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a square-root: √ and a squared: ² :smile:)

You have y' = -x²/√(4 - x²) + √(4 - x²),

and you want to solve y' = 0.

Hint: simplify the expression for y' by putting the whole thing as a fraction with √(4 - x²) on the bottom. :wink:
 
(1-x)/[tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex]=y'

y'= 1/2

Hmm... so does that mean that that's the slope of the horizontal tangent line?
 
ClaudeFrollo said:
(1-x)/[tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex]=y'

y'= 1/2

Hmm... so does that mean that that's the slope of the horizontal tangent line?

That's not y'. Try the algebra you used to simplify the derivative again. Then try and set y'=0 and figure out x and then the x values where y' goes to infinity.
 
Whoops. I think I meant:

x([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

so... y'=-x? So x=0 when y'=0?
 
ClaudeFrollo said:
Whoops. I think I meant:

x([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

so... y'=-x? So x=0 when y'=0?

No. I don't think you meant that either. Can you put the two terms from the product rule over a common denominator and add them?
 
ClaudeFrollo said:
Whoops. I think I meant:

x([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

so... y'=-x? So x=0 when y'=0?

hmm :cry: … I think you need a Big Hint:

[tex]\sqrt{4\ -\ x^2}\ =\ \frac{4\ -\ x^2}{\sqrt{4\ -\ x^2}}[/tex]​
 
Ohhhhh yeah, so I guess

((1-x)+(4-x[tex]^{2}[/tex]))/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

so f'(0)= 5/4?
 
  • #10
ClaudeFrollo said:
Ohhhhh yeah, so I guess

((1-x)+(4-x[tex]^{2}[/tex]))/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

so f'(0)= 5/4?

I'm confused … where did 1-x come from? :confused:
 
  • #11
I meant -x^2, not 1-x D:
 
  • #12
ClaudeFrollo said:
I meant -x^2, not 1-x D:

That's better! :biggrin:

So y' = 0 when … ? :smile:
 
  • #13
when x= -2, 2?
 
  • #14
ClaudeFrollo said:
when x= -2, 2?

No. What did you finally get for the numerator of f'?
 
  • #15
ClaudeFrollo said:
when x= -2, 2?

ClaudeFrollo, you'll make less mistakes if you always give a full answer, and don't try to do things in your head. :rolleyes:

hmm … now seems as good a time as any to remark that your "Real quick easy question" was a clear breach of the Trade Descriptions Act :wink:

Dick said:
No. What did you finally get for the numerator of f'?

Well? :smile:
 
  • #16
tiny-tim said:
Well? :smile:

I thought I answered this when I said

((-x2(4-x2))/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

...wouldn't the numerator just be ((-x2(4-x2))?
 
  • #17
ClaudeFrollo said:
I thought I answered this when I said

((-x2(4-x2))/([tex]\sqrt{4-x^{2}}[/tex])

...wouldn't the numerator just be ((-x2(4-x2))?

Don't you mean -x^2+(4-x^2)? While do you keep twisting things up?
 

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