Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f(x) = √(x + 12) at the point (0, 11).

Solution

The problem shown in the image asks for the equation of the tangent line to the graph of f(x)=x+12f(x) = \sqrt{x + 12} at the point (0,11)(0, 11).

Steps to solve the problem:

  1. Find the derivative of f(x)f(x): The derivative of the function gives us the slope of the tangent line. First, rewrite f(x)f(x) as: f(x)=(x+12)1/2f(x) = (x + 12)^{1/2} To differentiate, apply the chain rule: f(x)=12(x+12)1/21=12x+12f'(x) = \frac{1}{2}(x + 12)^{-1/2} \cdot 1 = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{x + 12}}

  2. Find the slope at x=0x = 0: To find the slope of the tangent line at the point (0,11)(0, 11), plug x=0x = 0 into f(x)f'(x): f(0)=120+12=1212=1223=143f'(0) = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{0 + 12}} = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{12}} = \frac{1}{2 \cdot 2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{4\sqrt{3}}

    Simplify: f(0)=312f'(0) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12} Therefore, the slope of the tangent line is 312\frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}.

  3. Use the point-slope form of the equation of a line: The point-slope form is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) where (x1,y1)=(0,11)(x_1, y_1) = (0, 11) is the point of tangency, and m=312m = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12} is the slope.

    Substituting these values: y11=312(x0)y - 11 = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}(x - 0) Simplifying: y=312x+11y = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}x + 11

Conclusion:

The equation of the tangent line is: y=312x+11y = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{12}x + 11

It matches the answer given in the image. Would you like further clarification or more details on any part of this solution?


Here are 5 related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How do you apply the chain rule when differentiating composite functions?
  2. Why is the slope of the tangent line equal to the derivative at a given point?
  3. What are other methods to find the equation of a tangent line?
  4. How do you interpret the point-slope form of a line equation geometrically?
  5. How would the process change if the function was more complex, like f(x)=x2+12f(x) = \sqrt{x^2 + 12}?

Tip:

For finding derivatives of square roots, always rewrite the square root as an exponent to make differentiation easier!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Tangent Lines
Algebra

Formulas

f'(x) = 1 / (2√(x + 12))
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Theorems

Chain Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (High School Calculus or College Level)