Tangent Planes: Proof of Tangential Surfaces at (1,2,3) with Differentiation

In summary, two surfaces, z = √(2x²+2y²-1) and z = (1/3)√(x²+y²+4), are said to be tangential at a point (1, 2, 3) if they have the same tangent plane at that point. To show that these surfaces are tangential at (1, 2, 3), one must first differentiate both surfaces and then evaluate them at x = 1, y = 2, z = 3. However, there may be difficulties in showing that the surfaces are tangential at this point. It may be helpful to start by evaluating the second surface at x = 1, y =
  • #1
dexza666
4
0
Two surfaces are said to be tangential at a point P if they have the same
tangent plane at P . Show that the surfaces z = √(2x²+2y²-1) and z = (1/3)√(x²+y²+4) are tangential at the point (1, 2, 3).

differentiate first then evaluate both at 1,2,3
 
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  • #2
First, I find it hard to believe this is not schoolwork and I am going to move it to the homework section.

Secondly you should understand that you must show some work and not just expect someone to tell you how to do it.

In fact, it looks like you have been told how to do it: "differentiate first then evaluate both at 1,2,3". Have you done that?

I must say that I foresee a serious problem in "showing that the surfaces are tangential at (1, 2, 3)"! You might try first evaluating the second one at x= 1, y= 2. What do you get for z?
 
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FAQ: Tangent Planes: Proof of Tangential Surfaces at (1,2,3) with Differentiation

What is a tangent plane?

A tangent plane is a flat surface that touches a curved surface at a single point, without crossing through it. It is used to approximate the behavior of a curved surface at that specific point.

How is a tangent plane different from a normal plane?

A normal plane is perpendicular to a given surface, while a tangent plane is parallel to the surface at a specific point. This means that a tangent plane only touches the surface at one point, while a normal plane can intersect the surface at multiple points.

What is the process for proving tangential surfaces at a given point?

The process involves using the concept of differentiation, which is a mathematical tool used to find the slope of a curve at a specific point. To prove tangential surfaces, the slope of the curve at the point of tangency must be equal to the slope of the tangent plane at that same point.

Why is proving tangential surfaces important in mathematics?

Proving tangential surfaces is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of a curved surface at a specific point. This can be useful in various applications, such as engineering, physics, and computer graphics.

Can a tangent plane be used to approximate the behavior of a curved surface at any point?

No, a tangent plane can only approximate the behavior of a curved surface at the specific point of tangency. As the distance from the point of tangency increases, the approximation becomes less accurate. To approximate the behavior at other points, multiple tangent planes can be used.

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