Question

Determine the equation of the tangent to the unit circle x^2+y^2=1 at (-1/2, 1/2sqare root of 3).

Answer 1

Do you have any idea of what the slope of the tangent must be at that point?

Answer 2

if the parametric equations are x=cost and y=sint, then wouldn't the slope of the tangent be -(cost/sint) ? or am I not supposed to use parametric equations? My professor was unclear

Answer 3

I don't remember the parametric approach. Looking at it from a strictly geometric approach, can you conclude anything about the slope of the tangent?

Answer 4

.....would it still be the y'(t)/x'(t) or would I do it like y-(1/2square root of 3)/x+(1/2) ?

Answer 5

so would the equation be (-1/2)x + (1/2sq root of 3)y=1 ?

Answer 6

How about implicitly differentiating the circle's equation..and evaluating it at (x,y)