Determine the points at which the graph of the function has a horizontal tangent line. f(x) = x2 / x - 8?
Solution:
Given, f(x) = x2 / x - 8
We have to find the points at which the graph of the function has a horizontal tangent line.
A point on a function will have a horizontal tangent line where the first derivative is zero.
Thus, f’(x) = 2x/(x - 8) - x2 / (x - 8)2
On simplification,
f’(x) = (2x(x - 8) - x2)/(x - 8)2
= 2x2 - 16x - x2 / (x - 8)2
= x2 - 16x / (x - 8)2
Now, f’(x) = 0
x2 - 16x / (x - 8)2 = 0
x2 - 16x = 0
x(x - 16) = 0
So, x = 0
x - 16 = 0
x = 16
Put x = 0 in f(x)
f(16) = (0)2 / (0) - 8 = 0
Put x = 16 in f(x)
f(16) = (16)2 / (16 - 8)
= 256/8
= 32
Therefore, the points are (0, 0) and (16, 32).
Determine the points at which the graph of the function has a horizontal tangent line. f(x) = x2 / x - 8?
Summary:
The points at which the graph of the function has a horizontal tangent line. f(x) = x2 / x - 8 are (0, 0) and (16, 32).
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