Find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of
y=-2/x^2
at the point (2, -2/4)

Question

Find an equation of the line tangent to the graph of
y=-2/x^2
at the point (2, -2/4)

campbell_st · Answer

can you find the 1st derivative of the curve..?

anonymous · Answer

I understand the derivative of the curve is 4/X^3 I just don't know where to go from there.

campbell_st · Answer

ok... so the 1st derivative gives you the equation for the slope of the tangent at any point on the curve. 

so substitute  x = 2 into the equation to find the slope of the tangent at your point. 


when you have the slope 

substitute it into the slope intercept form for the tangent 

and also substitute x = 2 and y = - 1/2 to find the value of b

y = mx + b


hope this helps

anonymous · Answer

Thank you I was making a very stupid mistake. I was going right for the value of b forgetting to plug in 2 for m first. Thanks again

campbell_st · Answer

glad to help