Finding Tangent Slope to Parabola Using Theorem 2 | Limit Help

  • Thread starter Orion1
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Limit
In summary, we can use Theorem 2 to find the tangent slope to a parabola at a given point. This involves taking the limit as h approaches 0 of the difference quotient, which can be simplified to (a + h - 1)(a + h + 3)/h. To eliminate h from the denominator, we can either use a throughout or immediately plug in its value. In this case, plugging in a = -3 gives us a slope of 2(a+1), which is then simplified to 2(-3+1) and solved to get a final answer of -4. We can also use the Tangent Line Theorem to find the slope, but may run into difficulties when trying
  • #1
Orion1
973
3

Find tangent slope to parabola using Theorem 2.
[tex]y(x) = x^2 + 2x \; \text{at} \; P(-3.3)[/tex]

Theorem 2:
[tex]m = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{f(a + h) - f(a)}{h}[/tex]
[tex]m = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(a + h)^2 + 2(a + h) - 3}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{a^2 + h^2 + 2ah + 2a + 2h - 3}{h}[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{a^2 + h^2 + 2ah + 2a + 2h - 3}{h} = \lim_{h \rightarrow 0} \frac{(a + h - 1)(a + h + 3)}{h}[/tex]
:rolleyes:

I have already solved the tangent line using the Tangent Line Theorem, however, I have been unable to eliminate [tex]h[/tex] from the denominator in this theorem using division or numerator conjugates...

Any suggestions?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
either use a throughout or immediatedly plug in its value. Then
m=lim (h2+2ah+2h)/h=2(a+1)
 
  • #3
Isn't a=-3...?

Daniel.
 
  • #4
[tex] \lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{y(x+h) - y(x)}{h} [/tex]

y(x) = x^2 + 2x

[tex] \lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{(x+h)^2 + 2(x+h) - x^2 - 2x}{h} [/tex]

[tex] \lim_{h\rightarrow 0} \frac{x^2 + 2xh + h^2 + 2x + 2h - x^2 - 2x}{h} [/tex]

[tex] \lim_h{\rightarrow 0} \frac{2xh + h^2 + 2h}{h} [/tex]

Can you see what's going on now?
 
  • #5

Solved!, thanks everyone!
 

FAQ: Finding Tangent Slope to Parabola Using Theorem 2 | Limit Help

What is Theorem 2 in relation to finding tangent slope to a parabola?

Theorem 2 states that the slope of the tangent line at any point on a parabola is equal to the derivative of the parabola's equation at that point.

How is Theorem 2 applied to finding tangent slope to a parabola?

In order to apply Theorem 2, you must first find the derivative of the parabola's equation. Then, you can plug in the x-value of the desired point to find the slope of the tangent line at that point.

Can Theorem 2 be used to find the slope at any point on a parabola?

Yes, Theorem 2 can be used to find the slope at any point on a parabola as long as the parabola's equation is known.

Are there any limitations to using Theorem 2 for finding tangent slope to a parabola?

Theorem 2 can only be applied to parabolas and cannot be used for other types of curves or functions.

Can Theorem 2 be used to find the slope of a tangent line at the vertex of a parabola?

Yes, Theorem 2 can be used to find the slope of the tangent line at the vertex of a parabola, as long as the parabola's equation is known and the derivative at the vertex is taken into account.

Similar threads

Back
Top