Tangent lines of trigonometric functions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the equation of the tangent line to the curve defined by the function \(y = \sec(x)\) at the point \((\frac{\pi}{3}, 2)\). The user correctly differentiates the function to obtain \(y' = \sec(x) \tan(x)\) and rewrites it as \(y' = \frac{1}{\cos(x)} \cdot \tan(x)\). After calculating the slope at the specified point, they derive the tangent line equation as \(y = 2\sqrt{3}(x - \frac{\pi}{3}) + 2\), which is confirmed as correct by other forum members.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically \(y = \sec(x)\)
  • Knowledge of differentiation techniques for trigonometric functions
  • Familiarity with the tangent line equation \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\)
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the secant function and its derivatives
  • Learn how to apply the product rule in differentiation
  • Explore the use of LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions
  • Practice finding tangent lines for various functions at given points
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on trigonometric functions and their applications in finding tangent lines. Additionally, anyone interested in improving their LaTeX skills for mathematical presentations will benefit from this discussion.

Petrus
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Hello,
I got problem with A homework
"find an equation of the tangent line to curve at the given point.
$y=sec(x)$. $(pi/3,2)$
progress:
$y'=sec(x)tan(x)$. So basically that sec(x) don't say me much so i rewrite it as $1/cos(x)$
$y'=1/cos(x)•tan(x)$ now i can put $pi/3$ on the function to calculate the slope.
i get that the slope is $m=2•sqrt(3)$ and now we use the tangent equation $y-y1=m(x-x1)$
So we got $y-2=2sqrt(3)(x-pi/3)$ and i basically answer $y=2sqrt(3)(x-pi/3)+2$
Is this correct? I am sure i am thinking correct but not 100%
 
Last edited:
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Re: Tangent of trigonometric functions

Yes, you are correct! (Clapping) I assume your last expression was

$$y = 2 \sqrt{3} \left( x - \frac{\pi}{3} \right) +2.$$
 
Re: Tangent of trigonometric functions

Fantini said:
Yes, you are correct! (Clapping) I assume your last expression was

$$y = 2 \sqrt{3} \left( x - \frac{\pi}{3} \right) +2.$$
Yes:) Thanks for the fast responed!:)
 
Re: Tangent of trigonometric functions

You are welcome! Keep on the right track, focusing on the concepts. (Yes)
 
Re: Tangent of trigonometric functions

Petrus said:
Hello,
I got problem with A homework
"find an equation of the tangent line to curve at the given point.
$y=sec(x)$. $(pi/3,2)$
progress:
$y'=sec(x)tan(x)$. So basically that sec(x) don't say me much so i rewrite it as $1/cos(x)$
$y'=1/cos(x)•tan(x)$ now i can put $pi/3$ on the function to calculate the slope.
i get that the slope is $m=2•sqrt(3)$ and now we use the tangent equation $y-y1=m(x-x1)$
So we got $y-2=2sqrt(3)(x-pi/3)$ and i basically answer $y=2sqrt(3)(x-pi/3)+2$
Is this correct? I am sure i am thinking correct but not 100%

Hello Petrus,

Great job in presenting the problem and showing your progress! This is what we like to see.

In order to help you improve the look of your presentation, I want to offer you some tips on using $\LaTeX$.

For trigonometric (or other) functions precede them with a backslash, e.g.:

y=\sec(x) will produce $y=\sec(x)$

For special characters like the symbol for the Greek letter pi, precede this also with a backslash:

\pi will produce $\pi$

To express a fraction, use the \frac{}{} command:

\frac{\pi}{3} will produce $\frac{\pi}{3}$

To make the fraction larger, use either of the following:

\dfrac{\pi}{3} will produce $\dfrac{\pi}{3}$

\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{3} will produce $\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{3}$

Using \displaystyle will make all fractions, integrals, sums, etc. look better in your entire expression.

To enclose a composite expression containing "tall" expressions within parentheses, use \left( \right) and the parentheses will be automatically generated to be tall enough to enclose the expression:

\displaystyle \left(\frac{\pi}{3},2 \right) will produce $\displaystyle \left(\frac{\pi}{3},2 \right)$

To produce the "dot" multiplication symbol use the command \cdot, for example:

\displaystyle y'=\frac{1}{\cos(x)}\cdot\tan(x) will produce $\displaystyle y'=\frac{1}{\cos(x)}\cdot\tan(x)$

To produce the square root symbol, use the command \sqrt{}, e.g.:

m=2\cdot\sqrt{3} will produce $m=2\cdot\sqrt{3}$

To use subscripts, use the underscore character, for example:

y-y_1=m(x-x_1) will produce $y-y_1=m(x-x_1)$

As a last note, if you see a nice expression written in $\LaTeX$ by someone else, and you wish to see the code they have used, right-click on the expression, and on the pop-up menu, choose Show Math As and TeX Commands and a window will pop up showing you the commands used to produce the expression.

Happy TeXing! (Yes)
 

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