Find equation of tangent to curve at $t=-\pi$

In summary, the conversation was about finding an equation of the tangent to a curve at a given point using the chain rule and the product rule. The correct equation for the tangent line was found to be $y=-\pi x+\pi^2$.
  • #1
ineedhelpnow
651
0
find an equation of the tangent to the curve at the point corresponding to the given value of the parameter $x=t\cos\left({t}\right)$, $y=t\sin\left({t}\right)$, $t=-\pi$

help me
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
here's what i have so far:

$dx=cos(t)+tsin(t) dt$
$dy=sin(t)-tcos(t) dt$
$d\pi=-\pi t dt$$\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{sin(t)-tcos(t)}{cos(t)+tsin(t)}$


- - - Updated - - -

now i plug in $-\pi$ in for t, correct?
 
  • #3
In order to find the tangent line, you need a slope and a point. Let's begin with the point:

\(\displaystyle (x,y)=\left(-\pi\cos(-\pi),-\pi\sin(-\pi)\right)=?\)

Next, compute the slope, using the chain rule:

\(\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{dt}\cdot\frac{dt}{dx}\)

This will be a function of $t$. Then find:

\(\displaystyle m=\left.\frac{dy}{dx}\right|_{t=-\pi}\)

Now you have your point and your slope, so plug into the point-slope formula...what do you find?
 
  • #4
here's what i did:

so $(x,y)=(-\pi cos(-\pi), -\pi sin(-\pi))=(\pi,0)$

$\frac{dy}{dx}=\pi$

$y=mx+b$
$0=(\pi)(\pi)+b$
$0=\pi^2+b$
$b=-\pi^2$

$y=\pi x-\pi^2$
 
  • #5
You have the correct point, but the wrong slope. Check to make sure you differentiated correctly.
 
  • #6
ineedhelpnow said:
here's what i have so far:

$dx=cos(t)+tsin(t) dt$
$dy=sin(t)-tcos(t) dt$
$d\pi=-\pi t dt$$\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{sin(t)-tcos(t)}{cos(t)+tsin(t)}$


- - - Updated - - -

now i plug in $-\pi$ in for t, correct?
is the dy/dx in this step correct?
 
  • #7
ineedhelpnow said:
is the dy/dx in this step correct?

No, you have not differentiated correctly. Apply the product rule again, and be sure you differentiate the trig. functions correctly. :D
 
  • #8
got the signs wrong :eek:
 
  • #9
ineedhelpnow said:
got the signs wrong :eek:

Yes, so what is the slope and then the line?
 
  • #10
$y=-\pi x+ \pi^2$
 
  • #11
ineedhelpnow said:
$y=-\pi x+ \pi^2$

Yes, that's the one! (Yes)
 

FAQ: Find equation of tangent to curve at $t=-\pi$

1. What is the equation of the tangent line to a curve?

The equation of a tangent line to a curve is given by y = mx + b, where m is the slope of the tangent line and b is the y-intercept.

2. How do you find the slope of a tangent line to a curve?

To find the slope of a tangent line to a curve at a specific point, you can use the derivative of the curve at that point.

3. What does it mean to find the equation of tangent to a curve at a specific point?

Finding the equation of tangent to a curve at a specific point means finding the equation of a line that touches the curve at that point and has the same slope as the curve at that point.

4. How do you find the equation of tangent to a curve at a specific value of t?

To find the equation of tangent to a curve at a specific value of t, you can use the derivative of the curve with respect to t and plug in the value of t to find the slope of the tangent line. Then, use the point-slope form of a line to find the equation of the tangent line.

5. Can the equation of tangent to a curve change at different values of t?

Yes, the equation of tangent to a curve can change at different values of t, as the slope of the tangent line can change depending on the point on the curve that is being considered. This means that the equation of the tangent line will also change at different values of t.

Back
Top