Equation of the tangent line to the curve.

[adevon2122]

Question is to find the equation of the tangent line to the curve at the specified value of x

y= -e^x/x x=1



I don't know what to do here, if I need to find y', or y-coord, etc...just not sure. Thanks[/size]

 

[skeeter]

y = -e^x/x

you need two things ...

1. the coordinates of the point of tangency. you have the x-value, evaluate y(1) to get the y-value.
2. you need to determine the slope at the point of tangency ... m = y'(1).
you'll have to use the quotient rule to find y'(x) first.

now use the point-slope form of a linear equation to find the equation of the tangent line ...

y - y(1) = m(x - 1) ... just substitute your values for y(1) and m.