Math Problem Statement

Find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y = 2e^x at the point (0, 0).

Solution

The problem in the image asks us to find the equation of the tangent line to the curve y=2exy = 2e^x at the point (0,0)(0, 0). Let us solve it step by step.


Solution:

  1. Find the derivative of the function y=2exy = 2e^x: The derivative represents the slope of the tangent line at a given point.
    dydx=ddx[2ex]=2ex\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{d}{dx}[2e^x] = 2e^x

  2. Evaluate the slope at x=0x = 0: Substitute x=0x = 0 into the derivative to find the slope of the tangent line. slope=2e0=2\text{slope} = 2e^0 = 2

  3. Write the equation of the tangent line: The equation of a tangent line is given by: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) where mm is the slope, and (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) is the point of tangency.
    Here, m=2m = 2, (x1,y1)=(0,0)(x_1, y_1) = (0, 0). Substitute these values: y0=2(x0)y - 0 = 2(x - 0) y=2xy = 2x


Final Answer:

The equation of the tangent line is: y=2xy = 2x

Would you like a detailed breakdown of any step, or have any further questions? Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What is the geometric significance of the tangent line to a curve at a point?
  2. How does the derivative help in finding the slope of a tangent?
  3. What happens if the function involves higher-order terms or products (e.g., y=x2exy = x^2e^x)?
  4. Can we find the normal line's equation at the same point? If so, how?
  5. What is the slope of a tangent line to y=2exy = 2e^x at x=1x = 1?

Tip: For exponential functions like exe^x, the slope of the tangent grows exponentially with xx, reflecting the rapid growth of the function!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Differentiation
Exponential Functions
Tangent Line

Formulas

y - y1 = m(x - x1) (Equation of a line)
Derivative of exponential function: d/dx[e^x] = e^x

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12