Find the equation of the line tangent to the graph of f(x) = 2x^2 - 6x + 1 at x = 1
T tkthustler New member Joined Sep 24, 2006 Messages 17 Oct 4, 2006 #1 Find the equation of the line tangent to the graph of f(x) = 2x^2 - 6x + 1 at x = 1
G galactus Super Moderator Staff member Joined Sep 28, 2005 Messages 7,216 Oct 4, 2006 #2 Find your derivative. \(\displaystyle f'(x)=4x-6\) That gives you the slope at a point, in this case, x=1. 4(1)-6. The slope at x = 1 is -2. Your y value at x = 1 is y = 3. So, you need the slope of the tangent line at (1, 3) You have the slope(m) and x, y coordinates(1 and 3). Use y = mx + b to find b, then you have your line equation.
Find your derivative. \(\displaystyle f'(x)=4x-6\) That gives you the slope at a point, in this case, x=1. 4(1)-6. The slope at x = 1 is -2. Your y value at x = 1 is y = 3. So, you need the slope of the tangent line at (1, 3) You have the slope(m) and x, y coordinates(1 and 3). Use y = mx + b to find b, then you have your line equation.
