Tangent and Normal Lines

Definition
The Tangent Line is a straight line which just
touches the curve at a given point. The Normal
Line is a straight line which is perpendicular to the
tangent.
 Tangent and Normal Lines
Example:
Find equations of the tangent and normal lines to 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 −
2𝑥 2 + 4 at (2, 4).

Solution:
derivative of the equation,
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑥 2 − 4𝑥
thus, the slope of the tangent line at (2, 4),
m = f’(2) = 4
for the equation of the tangent line using
𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜
𝑦 − 4 = 4(𝑥 − 2)
𝒚 = 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟒
 Tangent and Normal Lines
for the equation of the normal line using
1
𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 = −𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜
𝑦 − 4 = −14(𝑥 − 2)
1 1
𝑦 = −4𝑥 + + 4
2
𝟏 𝟗
𝒚 = −𝟒𝒙 +
𝟐
 Tangent and Normal Lines
Example:
Find equations of the tangent and normal lines to 𝑥 2 +
3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 = 5 at (1, 1) with respect to x.

Solution
derivative of the equation,
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥 + 3 𝑥 + 𝑦(1) + 2𝑦 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑦 ′ + 3𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑦 ′ = 0

2𝑥 + 3𝑦
𝑦′ =−
3𝑥 + 2𝑦
 Tangent and Normal Lines
thus, the slope of the tangent line at (1, 1),
m = -1
for the equation of the tangent line using 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 = 𝑚 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜
𝑦 − 1 = −1(𝑥 − 1)
𝒚 = −𝒙 + 𝟐

for the equation of the normal line using 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 = −𝑚1 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜

1
𝑦 − 1 = −(−1) (𝑥 − 1)
𝒚=𝒙
The End