Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = 6 sin(x) at the point (π/6, 3). The equation of this tangent line can be written in the form y = mx + b where m = __ and b = __.

Solution

To find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y=6sin(x)y = 6 \sin(x) at the point (π6,3)\left( \frac{\pi}{6}, 3 \right), we follow these steps:

Step 1: Differentiate the function to find the slope of the tangent line.

The function is y=6sin(x)y = 6 \sin(x). The derivative yy' gives the slope of the tangent line at any point xx. dydx=ddx(6sin(x))=6cos(x)\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{d}{dx} \left( 6 \sin(x) \right) = 6 \cos(x)

Step 2: Evaluate the derivative at x=π6x = \frac{\pi}{6}.

To find the slope at (π6,3)\left( \frac{\pi}{6}, 3 \right), substitute x=π6x = \frac{\pi}{6} into the derivative: slope=6cos(π6)\text{slope} = 6 \cos\left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) Since cos(π6)=32\cos\left( \frac{\pi}{6} \right) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, the slope becomes: slope=6×32=33\text{slope} = 6 \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} = 3\sqrt{3} Thus, the slope m=33m = 3\sqrt{3}.

Step 3: Use the point-slope form to find the equation of the tangent line.

The point-slope form of a line is: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) We know m=33m = 3\sqrt{3} and the point (x1,y1)=(π6,3)\left( x_1, y_1 \right) = \left( \frac{\pi}{6}, 3 \right). Substituting these values: y3=33(xπ6)y - 3 = 3\sqrt{3}\left(x - \frac{\pi}{6}\right)

Step 4: Solve for yy in the slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b.

Expand the equation: y3=33x33π6y - 3 = 3\sqrt{3}x - 3\sqrt{3}\cdot\frac{\pi}{6} y3=33xπ32y - 3 = 3\sqrt{3}x - \frac{\pi\sqrt{3}}{2} Now, add 3 to both sides to isolate yy: y=33xπ32+3y = 3\sqrt{3}x - \frac{\pi\sqrt{3}}{2} + 3

Thus, the equation of the tangent line is: y=33x+(3π32)y = 3\sqrt{3}x + \left( 3 - \frac{\pi\sqrt{3}}{2} \right)

So, m=33m = 3\sqrt{3} and b=3π32b = 3 - \frac{\pi\sqrt{3}}{2}.

Would you like more details on any of the steps?

Here are five related questions to further your understanding:

  1. What is the geometric meaning of the slope of the tangent line?
  2. How would the equation change if the function were y=6cos(x)y = 6 \cos(x) instead?
  3. What happens to the tangent line equation if we change the point of tangency?
  4. Can we generalize this process to any sinusoidal function, such as y=Asin(x)y = A \sin(x)?
  5. How does the value of bb change if the point of tangency is altered?

Tip: In calculus, the derivative of a function at a point gives the slope of the tangent line at that specific point, which helps in constructing the tangent equation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differentiation
Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

Derivative of sin(x): d/dx[sin(x)] = cos(x)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Theorems

Derivative as Slope of Tangent Line

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12