instant help needed!

ronny

New member
Joined
Jan 7, 2006
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Find the equation of the tangent to (x)^1/2 + (y)^1/2 = 2 a^1/2

which is parallel to x+y=2

Thanxs

I tried it but i jst got m = -1

i didn't noe after that.
 
This isn't a chat room with paid staffers waiting on hand to provide instant replies. I'd help now, but I would guess from your subject line that "now" is too late.

Sorry.

Eliz.
 
ronny said:
Find the equation of the tangent to (x)^1/2 + (y)^1/2 = 2 a^1/2

which is parallel to x+y=2

Thanxs

I tried it but i jst got m = -1

i didn't noe after that.
Implicitly differentiate both sides of the curve's equation \(\displaystyle \mbox{x^{\frac{1}{2}} + y^{\frac{1}{2}} = 2}\) with respect to \(\displaystyle \mbox{x}\) and solve for \(\displaystyle \mbox{\frac{dy}{dx}}\).

Set \(\displaystyle \mbox{\frac{dy}{dx}} = -1\) and you should find \(\displaystyle \mbox{x^{\frac{1}{2}} = y^{\frac{1}{2}}\).

Substituting this result into the curve's equation gives you the coordinates of the point where the tangent with slope -1 touches the curve; plug this coordinate into the straight line equation along with your slope to find the tangent's equation.
 
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