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Find the slope of the graph of the function \( g(x)=\frac{3 x}{x-2} \) at \( (4,6) \). Then find an equation for the line tangent to the graph at that point. The slope of the graph of the function \( g(x)=\frac{3 x}{x-2} \) at \( (4,6) \) is \( -\frac{3}{2} \) (Type an integer or a simplified fraction.) The equation for the line tangent to \( g(x)=\frac{3 x}{x-2} \) at \( (4,6) \) is \( y= \)

Ask by Reeves Murray. in the United States
Mar 09,2025

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Answer

The slope of the graph at \( (4,6) \) is \( -\frac{3}{2} \), and the equation of the tangent line is \( y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 12 \).

Solution

We are given the function \[ g(x)=\frac{3x}{x-2}. \] To find the slope at \( (4,6) \), we first compute the derivative using the quotient rule. The quotient rule states that if \[ h(x)=\frac{f(x)}{u(x)}, \] then \[ h'(x)=\frac{u(x)f'(x)-f(x)u'(x)}{[u(x)]^2}. \] Here, let \[ f(x)=3x \quad \text{and} \quad u(x)=x-2. \] First, we compute the derivatives: \[ f'(x)=3 \quad \text{and} \quad u'(x)=1. \] Using the quotient rule: \[ g'(x)=\frac{(x-2)(3)-3x(1)}{(x-2)^2} = \frac{3x-6-3x}{(x-2)^2} = \frac{-6}{(x-2)^2}. \] To find the slope at \( x=4 \), substitute \( x=4 \): \[ g'(4)=\frac{-6}{(4-2)^2}=\frac{-6}{2^2}=\frac{-6}{4}=-\frac{3}{2}. \] Thus, the slope of the graph at \( (4,6) \) is \( -\frac{3}{2} \). Next, we find the equation of the tangent line using the point-slope form: \[ y-y_1=m(x-x_1), \] where \( (x_1,y_1)=(4,6) \) and \( m=-\frac{3}{2} \). Substituting these values: \[ y-6=-\frac{3}{2}(x-4). \] Expanding the right-hand side: \[ y-6=-\frac{3}{2}x+6. \] Finally, solve for \( y \): \[ y=-\frac{3}{2}x+6+6=-\frac{3}{2}x+12. \] Thus, the equation for the tangent line is \[ y=-\frac{3}{2}x+12. \]

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The Deep Dive

To find the slope of the function \( g(x) = \frac{3x}{x-2} \) at the point \( (4,6) \), we can use differentiation. The derivative \( g'(x) \) gives the slope of the tangent line at any point \( x \). After computing \( g'(x) \) using the quotient rule, you would evaluate it at \( x = 4 \) to confirm the slope is indeed \( -\frac{3}{2} \). Now, to find the tangent line's equation, use the point-slope form \( y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \) where \( m \) is the slope and \( (x_1, y_1) \) is the given point. Plugging in \( m = -\frac{3}{2} \) and the point \( (4, 6) \), the equation becomes: \[ y - 6 = -\frac{3}{2}(x - 4) \] To express it in slope-intercept form, just simplify: \[ y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 6 + 6 \] \[ y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 12 \] So the completed equation of the tangent line is \( y = -\frac{3}{2}x + 12 \). Exploring rational functions like \( g(x) \) can unveil fascinating patterns and behaviors, especially near vertical asymptotes where the function can behave wildly! When analyzing such functions, keep an eye on those moments—they can lead to key insights about limits and continuity. In real-world applications, the concept of tangents isn't just a math exercise; it appears in physics too! For instance, in motion along a curved path, the tangent line at any point gives the instantaneous velocity—super crucial for cars making sharp turns or roller coasters speeding along loops!

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