Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
2. Intro to Derivatives
Tangent Lines and Derivatives
Problem 69
Textbook Question
Given the function f and the point Q, find all points P on the graph of f such that the line tangent to f at P passes through Q. Check your work by graphing f and the tangent lines.
f(x) = 1/x; Q (-2, 4)

1
Step 1: Identify the point P on the graph of f(x) = \frac{1}{x} as (a, f(a)) = (a, \frac{1}{a}).
Step 2: Find the derivative of f(x) = \frac{1}{x}, which is f'(x) = -\frac{1}{x^2}. This represents the slope of the tangent line at any point P.
Step 3: Write the equation of the tangent line at point P using the point-slope form: y - \frac{1}{a} = -\frac{1}{a^2}(x - a).
Step 4: Substitute the coordinates of point Q (-2, 4) into the tangent line equation: 4 - \frac{1}{a} = -\frac{1}{a^2}(-2 - a).
Step 5: Solve the equation from Step 4 for a to find the x-coordinates of all points P where the tangent line passes through Q.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Tangent Line
A tangent line to a function at a given point is a straight line that touches the graph of the function at that point without crossing it. The slope of the tangent line is determined by the derivative of the function at that point. For the function f(x) = 1/x, the derivative f'(x) = -1/x^2 gives the slope of the tangent line at any point P on the graph.
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Finding Points on a Graph
To find points P on the graph of a function where a tangent line passes through a specific point Q, we need to set up an equation that relates the coordinates of P and Q. This involves using the point-slope form of the line equation, which incorporates the slope of the tangent line and the coordinates of point P. Solving this equation will yield the x-coordinates of the points P.
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Graphing Functions and Tangents
Graphing the function f(x) = 1/x and its tangent lines helps visualize the relationship between the function and the points where the tangent lines intersect the point Q. By plotting the function and the calculated tangent lines, one can verify the accuracy of the solutions found algebraically. This graphical representation aids in understanding the behavior of the function and the tangents at various points.
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