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jpw
Radio Wave
Canada
8 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 01:10:22
Suppose that the tangent line at a point P on the curve y=x^3 intersects the curve again at a point Q. Show that the slope of the tangent at Q is four times the slope of the tangent at P.The tangent slope at P is 3x^2 and point P is at (x, x^3) right but how do i find an expression for Q. I tried using (x+h, (x+h)^3) but that doesnt work out in the end.
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Tom
PF Mentor
  
USA
2944 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 01:31:53
Basic procedure to find Q:Let P be (h,h3). Let Q be (k,k3). The tangent line at P is y=mx+b, with m=3a2 (as you already indicated). You can find 'b' in two ways: Evaluate y at the point P and get an expression for b in terms of h. Evaluate y at the point Q and get an expression for b in terms of h and k. Since the b in both calculations is the same, you can equate the two expressions to get k in terms of h. Try that, and if you still need help, post what you get and what you're stuck on. Tom __________ Do your ears a favor. They'll thank you for it. http://www.super400.com
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jpw
Radio Wave
Canada
8 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 03:58:13
isn't 'b' the y-int so, isnt it different for both tangent P and Q. because otherwise, that means that P and Q are both the same tangent or they are perpendicular which they aren't.
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HallsofIvy
Micro Wave
USA
163 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 15:13:19
The y-intercept of the tangent line at Q is not relevant. The problem says that you construct a tangent (to y= x) at P and Q is the point where it again intersects the curve y= x3. Writing P as (h,h3) and Q as (k,k3), the tangent line at P is y= (3h2)(x- h)+ h3. That will cross the curve at (k,k3) when k3= (3h2)(k-h)+ h3. From that k3- h3= (3h2)(k-h). Of course, (k3- h3)/(k-h)= k2+kh+ h2 this tells us that k2+ kh+ h2= 3h2 Now determine the slope of the tangent line at Q (3k2) and compare it to 3h2.
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jpw
Radio Wave
Canada
8 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2003 : 18:18:32
first off...where does the (x-h) in your equation come from and why are you making your y-intercept equal to x^3?????
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jpw
Radio Wave
Canada
8 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2003 : 01:56:19
for Point P: h3=(3h2)(h)+b -2h3=b For Point Q: k3=3h2k+b b=(k3)-(3h2k) so now we make them equal each other and this part i still dont understand. why do both b's equal each other? shouldnt they both be different because are we not talking about the tangent lines at P and Q? why are they both the same?
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Edited by - jpw on 02/28/2003 02:03:24
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HallsofIvy
Micro Wave
USA
163 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2003 : 14:01:11
First, in order to do problems involving tangent LINES, it would be a really good idea to know how to write the equation of a LINE! Indeed, since the whole point of a tangent line is that it passes through a certain point on a curve and has a certain slope there, it would be a really good idea to know the "point-slope" form of a line! quote: so now we make them equal each other and this part i still dont understand. why do both b's equal each other? shouldnt they both be different because are we not talking about the tangent lines at P and Q? why are they both the same?
Exactly. They are NOT the same. That's why I (1) found the equation of the tangent line at P. (2) found where that crosses the curve when x=Q (so I could get a relationship between P and Q) (3) found the slope of the tangent line at x= Q.
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