Find the equation of the tangent line to the parabola y=x^2+3x+2 at point P(1, 6).

In order to find the equation of the tangent line, first we have to find its slope. To do this, we take the first derivative of the function. In this particular case, we just need to apply the power rule (if y=x^n, dy/dx=nx^(n-1)) to each of the terms: y=x^2+3x+2 => dy/dx=2x+3 Having done that, in order to find the slope at the particular point we're looking at, we have to substitute for the value of x we are given, in this case x=1. If the slope of the tangent line at point P is m, m=2x1+3=5 Finally, in order to find the equation of the tangent line, we can use the straight line equation, y-y1=m(x-x1), where (x1, y1) are the coordinates of the point we're given. By substituting, we find: y-6=5(x-1) => y-6=5x-5 => y=5x+1 So, the equation of the tangent line is y=5x+1.

BA
Answered by Boris A. Maths tutor

5186 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Integrate x*sin(x) with respect to x.


The curve has the equation y= (x^3)/(2x-1). Find dy/dx.


I don't understand why the function "f(x)=x^2 for all real values of x" has no inverse. Isn't sqrt(x) the inverse?


Express Cosx-3Sinx in form Rcos(x+a) and show that cosx-3sinx=4 has no solution MEI OCR June 2016 C4


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences