At what point on the curve is there a tangent line parallel to the line

In summary, to find the point on the curve $y = e^x$ where the tangent line is parallel to the line $y = 2x$, you need to equate the slope of the exponential function, which is $e^x$, with the slope of the line, which is $2$, and solve for $x$. Then graphing at that point will show that the tangent line is indeed parallel to the given line.
  • #1
tmt1
234
0
At what point on the curve
$$y = e^x$$ is the tangent line parallel to the line

$$y = 2x$$

The derivative of y is

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = e^x$$

But I'm unsure how to proceed from here.
 
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  • #2
tmt said:
At what point on the curve
$$y = e^x$$ is the tangent line parallel to the line

$$y = 2x$$

The derivative of y is

$$\frac{dy}{dx} = e^x$$

But I'm unsure how to proceed from here.

You need to equate the slope of the exponential function at a point $x$, which is $e^x$ (as you have found) with the slope of the line $y = 2x$, which is $2$. Hence $e^x = 2$, and solve for $x$. Then if you graph that, you will find that the tangent line to $e^x$ at that point $x$ is parallel to $y = 2x$ as they have the same slope :)
 

Related to At what point on the curve is there a tangent line parallel to the line

1. What is a tangent line?

A tangent line is a line that touches a curve at only one point. It represents the slope of the curve at that specific point.

2. What is the relationship between a tangent line and a curve?

A tangent line and a curve are related because the slope of the tangent line at a specific point on the curve is equal to the slope of the curve at that point.

3. How do you find a tangent line parallel to a given line?

To find a tangent line parallel to a given line, you need to find the point on the curve where the slope is equal to the slope of the given line. This point will be the point of tangency and the line passing through this point will be parallel to the given line.

4. Is there always a tangent line parallel to a given line on a curve?

No, there may not always be a tangent line parallel to a given line on a curve. It depends on the shape of the curve and the slope of the given line. If the slope of the given line is equal to the slope of the curve at any point, then there will be a tangent line parallel to the given line at that point.

5. Can a curve have more than one tangent line parallel to a given line?

Yes, a curve can have more than one tangent line parallel to a given line. This can happen when the slope of the given line is equal to the slope of the curve at more than one point on the curve.

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