IGCSE Maths Notes: Tangents and Normals
Tangents
Given a curve
we
can find the equation of the tangent to
at
a point where
by
Finding![]()
Differentiating f(x)
and substituting x=p to find
Using
to
find the equation of the tangent.
Example: Find the equation
of the tangent to the curve![]()
![]()
Multiply the brackets out to
get
and
differentiate to get![]()
and now find![]()
![]()
Normals
Give a curve
we
can find the equation of the normal to
at
a point where
by
Finding![]()
Differentiating f(x)
and substituting x=p to find
Using
to
find the equation of the normal.
Example: Find the equation
of the normal to the curve![]()
![]()
Multiply the brackets out to
get
and
differentiate to get![]()
and now find![]()
![]()