Chapter 1: Problem 28
Modify the argument of Example 1 to find the equation of the tangent line to the specified graph at the point given. $$ \text { the graph of } y=x^{2} \text { at }(0,0) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation of the tangent line is \( y = 0 \).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the given function
The given function is \( y = x^2 \). We need to find the equation of the tangent line at the point \((0,0)\).
02
Find the derivative of the function
The derivative of a function gives us the slope of the tangent line. To find the derivative, apply the power rule to \( y = x^2 \): \[ \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x \].
03
Evaluate the derivative at the given point
Substitute \( x = 0 \) into the derivative \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x \) to find the slope of the tangent line at \((0,0)\). This yields \( m = 2 \times 0 = 0 \).
04
Use the point-slope form to find the equation of the tangent line
The point-slope form of a line is \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \), where \( (x_1, y_1) \) is the point on the line, and \( m \) is the slope. Here, \( (x_1, y_1) = (0,0) \). Substitute these values and the slope from Step 3 into the equation: \[ y - 0 = 0(x - 0) \].
05
Simplify the equation
Since the slope is zero, the equation becomes \( y = 0 \), which represents a horizontal line through the point \((0,0)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Derivative
In calculus, a derivative is a fundamental concept that represents the rate at which a function is changing at any given point. Think of it as a tool that helps us understand how a function behaves as its input changes. When you calculate a derivative, you're essentially finding the "instantaneous" rate of change.
- The derivative is denoted by \( \frac{dy}{dx} \), which means the change in \( y \) with respect to \( x \).
- If a function is given as \( y = f(x) \), then its derivative \( f'(x) \) shows how \( y \) changes with \( x \).
Power Rule
The power rule is a nifty shortcut for finding the derivative of functions of the form \( y = x^n \), where \( n \) is any real number. It's one of the first derivative rules you typically learn because it simplifies the process significantly.
- The rule states: the derivative of \( x^n \) is \( nx^{n-1} \).
- For example, if \( y = x^2 \), applying the power rule gives \( \frac{dy}{dx} = 2x^{2-1} = 2x \).
Point-Slope Form
Once you have the slope from the derivative, the point-slope form is a great way to find the equation of a line. Especially when you know one point on the line and its slope. The point-slope form of a line's equation is \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \).
- Here, \( (x_1, y_1) \) is the known point, and \( m \) is the slope.
- In our exercise, at the point \( (0,0) \), the slope is 0.
Horizontal Line
A horizontal line in graphing is a straight line that goes from left to right, parallel to the x-axis. It has a constant y-value everywhere. Key characteristics of a horizontal line include:
- A slope of zero because there is no vertical change as you move along the line.
- The equation of a horizontal line is of the form \( y = c \), where \( c \) is a constant.