Math Problem Statement
y=5sin^2 (x) find the equation of the tangent at x= pi/6
Solution
We are tasked with finding the equation of the tangent line to the curve at . To do this, we need to:
- Differentiate with respect to to find the slope of the tangent line at .
- Use the point-slope form of the tangent line equation to find the equation of the tangent.
Step 1: Differentiate
First, rewrite the equation using a chain rule-friendly form: Now apply the chain rule to differentiate: Using the double-angle identity , we simplify the derivative:
Step 2: Find the slope at
Substitute into the derivative to find the slope of the tangent line: Thus, the slope of the tangent line is .
Step 3: Find the point on the curve at
We now find the -coordinate of the point where : So the point on the curve is .
Step 4: Use the point-slope form to find the equation of the tangent
The point-slope form of a line is: where is the slope, and is the point on the curve.
Substitute the slope and the point into the formula: This is the equation of the tangent line.
Would you like me to simplify this further or provide additional details?
Here are some related questions:
- How do we use the product rule for differentiating trigonometric functions?
- What is the geometric meaning of a tangent line to a curve?
- How would the tangent equation change if instead?
- What is the significance of the double-angle identity in simplifying derivatives?
- How do we find the normal line to a curve at a given point?
Tip: When differentiating trigonometric functions, identities like the double-angle identity can often simplify your work.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Differentiation
Trigonometry
Tangent Line
Formulas
Derivative of y = 5sin^2(x): dy/dx = 5sin(2x)
Tangent line equation: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Double-angle identity: sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x)
Theorems
Chain rule
Point-slope form
Double-angle identity
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12