Math Problem Statement

Find an equation of the tangent line to the graph of y = g(x) at x = 2 if g(2) = -4 and g'(2) = 3.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of y=g(x)y = g(x) at the point x=2x = 2.

Given:

  • g(2)=4g(2) = -4
  • g(2)=3g'(2) = 3

The equation of the tangent line at a point (x0,y0)(x_0, y_0) is given by:

yy0=m(xx0)y - y_0 = m(x - x_0)

Where mm is the slope of the tangent line, and (x0,y0)(x_0, y_0) is the point of tangency.

Here:

  • x0=2x_0 = 2
  • y0=g(2)=4y_0 = g(2) = -4
  • m=g(2)=3m = g'(2) = 3

Substitute these values into the equation:

y(4)=3(x2)y - (-4) = 3(x - 2)

Simplify this to get the equation in standard form:

y+4=3(x2)y + 4 = 3(x - 2)

y+4=3x6y + 4 = 3x - 6

y=3x10y = 3x - 10

So, the equation of the tangent line is:

y=3x10y = 3x - 10

Would you like any further details on this solution? Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What does the derivative g(x)g'(x) represent geometrically?
  2. How do you find the slope of a tangent line if given a function's graph?
  3. How would the equation change if g(2)g'(2) was negative?
  4. Can you derive the equation of the tangent line using a different method?
  5. How does the tangent line equation relate to linear approximations?

Tip: Remember, the slope of the tangent line is always equal to the value of the derivative at that specific point.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Tangent Line
Derivative
Slope of a Line

Formulas

Equation of a tangent line: y - y_0 = m(x - x_0)
Derivative: g'(x) gives the slope at x

Theorems

The derivative at a point gives the slope of the tangent line to the function at that point.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (Calculus)