Step 4: Draw a rough sketch

4
y = 14 x +

15
4

Exercise 6 5: Equation of a tangent to a curve

1. Determine the equation of the tangent to the curve defined by F (x) = x3 +2x2
7x + 1 at x = 2.
2. Determine the point where the gradient of the tangent to the curve:
a) f (x) = 1 3x2 is equal to 5.
b) g(x) = 31 x2 + 2x + 1 is equal to 0.
3. Determine the point(s) on the curve f (x) = (2x 1)2 where the tangent is:
a) parallel to the line y = 4x 2.
b) perpendicular to the line 2y + x 4 = 0.
4. Given the function f : y = x2 + 4x 3.
a) Draw a graph of f , indicating all intercepts and turning points.
b) Find the equations of the tangents to f at:
i. the y-intercept of f .
ii. the turning point of f .
iii. the point where x = 4,25.
c) Draw the three tangents above on your graph of f .
d) Write down all observations about the three tangents to f .
5. More questions. Sign in at Everything Maths online and click Practise Maths.
Check answers online with the exercise code below or click on show me the answer.
1. 28X7

2a. 28X8

2b. 28X9

www.everythingmaths.co.za

228

3. 28XB

4. 28XC
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6.4. Equation of a tangent to a curve