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
4. Applications of Derivatives
Implicit Differentiation
Problem 3.8.62a
Textbook Question
60–62. {Use of Tech} Multiple tangent lines Complete the following steps. <IMAGE>
a. Find equations of all lines tangent to the curve at the given value of x.
4x³ =y²(4−x); x=2 (cissoid of Diocles)

1
First, understand the problem: We need to find the equations of tangent lines to the curve defined by the equation 4x³ = y²(4−x) at x = 2. This involves finding the derivative of the curve with respect to x to determine the slope of the tangent line at the given point.
Differentiate the equation implicitly with respect to x. Start by differentiating both sides of the equation 4x³ = y²(4−x). Use the product rule and chain rule where necessary. The derivative of the left side with respect to x is straightforward, while the right side requires implicit differentiation.
After differentiating, solve for dy/dx, which represents the slope of the tangent line at any point (x, y) on the curve. Substitute x = 2 into this derivative to find the slope of the tangent line at the specific point where x = 2.
Next, find the y-coordinate corresponding to x = 2 by substituting x = 2 into the original equation 4x³ = y²(4−x) and solving for y. This will give you the point (2, y) on the curve where the tangent line touches.
Finally, use the point-slope form of the equation of a line, y - y₁ = m(x - x₁), where m is the slope found in step 3 and (x₁, y₁) is the point found in step 4, to write the equation of the tangent line at x = 2.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Tangent Lines
A tangent line to a curve at a given point is a straight line that touches the curve at that point without crossing it. The slope of the tangent line is equal to the derivative of the function at that point. To find the equation of the tangent line, one typically uses the point-slope form of a line, which requires both the slope and the coordinates of the point of tangency.
Recommended video:
Slopes of Tangent Lines
Implicit Differentiation
Implicit differentiation is a technique used to differentiate equations where the dependent and independent variables are not explicitly separated. In cases like the given equation, where y is defined implicitly in terms of x, this method allows us to find dy/dx by differentiating both sides of the equation with respect to x, treating y as a function of x. This is essential for finding the slope of the tangent line.
Recommended video:
Finding The Implicit Derivative
Cissoid of Diocles
The cissoid of Diocles is a specific type of curve defined by a particular equation, often used in the context of problems involving tangents and areas. In this case, the equation 4x³ = y²(4−x) describes the cissoid, and understanding its geometric properties is crucial for determining the points at which tangent lines can be drawn. Familiarity with the shape and behavior of this curve aids in visualizing the problem.
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