Math Problem Statement
Find the equations of the tangent line and normal lines to the graph of the function f(x) = 3 \sin x at x = \pi/2.
Solution
We are tasked with finding the equations of the tangent line and the normal line to the function at .
Step 1: Find the value of at
We first evaluate the function at : So, the point on the graph is .
Step 2: Find the derivative of (the slope of the tangent line)
To get the slope of the tangent line, we differentiate : Now, substitute into the derivative: The slope of the tangent line at is 0.
Step 3: Equation of the tangent line
The general form of the equation of a line is: Here, , , and . Substituting these values: Thus, the equation of the tangent line is:
Step 4: Slope of the normal line
The slope of the normal line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line. Since the slope of the tangent line is 0, the slope of the normal line will be undefined, meaning the normal line is a vertical line.
Step 5: Equation of the normal line
Since the normal line is vertical and passes through , the equation of the normal line is:
Final Answer:
- The equation of the tangent line is .
- The equation of the normal line is .
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions for practice:
- Find the tangent and normal lines to at .
- Find the equation of the tangent line to at .
- Determine the slope of the tangent line to at .
- What is the equation of the tangent line to at ?
- Find the point where the tangent line to is horizontal.
Tip: The slope of a normal line is always the negative reciprocal of the slope of the tangent line at the same point.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Trigonometry
Derivatives
Tangent Line
Normal Line
Formulas
Derivative of sin(x): d/dx[sin(x)] = cos(x)
Point-slope form of a line: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Theorems
Derivative of Trigonometric Functions
Tangent-Normal Line Relationship
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12, Calculus I