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Homework Help: Two tangents with same (X,Y)

  1. Mar 23, 2010 #1

    KayVee

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    1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

    The teacher proposed a problem today during a math session. He gave the function : f(x) = x2-6x+5 - and a point P(4,-6).

    Our mission was to find two tangents for the given point. I thought it was easy, just differentiate the function, and insert the differentiate function for a in : y=a*x + b.

    2. Relevant equations

    function : f(x) = x2-6x+5
    differentiate : f'(x) = 2x-6
    tangent: y= (2x-6)*x + b
    tangent eq: -6= (2x-6)*4 + b

    3. The attempt at a solution

    Given the last tangent equation, my plan was to find the two b's, where the tangents met the y-axis. But I failed.

    Any thoughts?
     
    KayVee, Mar 23, 2010
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  3. Mar 23, 2010 #2

    LareeRudi

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    Your system does not work, in my opinion. in my opinion the prof wants two lines that go thru your 4, -6 point and are TANGENT to the parabola.

    So I'd use your differential for the slope, AND use another formula for slope as follows:

    m = (Y-(-6))/(X-4) which ALSO equals your slope m = 2X-6.... but we have two unknowns, so for the Y, put in your original equation (X^2-6X+5) in it's place.... wee bit cumberson, but cross multiply, simplify and you end up with a quadritic equation that will give you both X points that ARE tangent to the parabola AND go through your given point.

    I think my X values turned out to be 4 + root of 3, and the other was 4 - root of 3.

    Good luck
    LarryR : )

     
    LareeRudi, Mar 23, 2010
  4. Mar 23, 2010 #3

    KayVee

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    Yes, that is the same solution our teacher brought. But I just could not figure out, why mine did not work :) I guess it just doesn't work...
     
    KayVee, Mar 23, 2010
  5. Mar 23, 2010 #4

    Mark44

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    Insights Author

    Staff: Mentor

    It doesn't work because your function has only one tangent line at any given point on the curve. The point (4, -6) is not on the graph of this function.
     
    Mark44, Mar 23, 2010
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