Calculus 8th Edition

Published by Cengage
ISBN 10: 1285740629
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-062-1

Chapter 2 - Derivatives - 2.6 Implicit Differentiation - 2.6 - Page 168: 57

Answer

See below.

Work Step by Step

$x^2-xy+y^2=3\\ 2x-(xy'+y)+2yy'=0\\ 2x-xy'-y+2yy'=0\\ y'(2y-x)=y-2x\\ y'=\frac{y-2x}{2y-x}$ The ellipse crosses the $x$-axis when $y=0$ $x^2-xy+y^2=3\\ x^2=3\\ x=\pm\sqrt3$ Then we plug in $\pm\sqrt3$ into $x^2-xy+y^2=3$ and we get $(\sqrt3,0)$; $(-\sqrt3,0)$. Now we need to check if the tangents at those points are parallel. $(\sqrt3,0)$ $y'=\frac{y-2x}{2y-x}\\ y'=\frac{(0)-2(\sqrt3)}{2(0)-(\sqrt3)}\\ y'=2$ $(-\sqrt3,0)$ $y'=\frac{y-2x}{2y-x}\\ y'=\frac{(0)-2(-\sqrt3)}{2(0)-(-\sqrt3)}\\ y'=2$ Therefore, the tangent lines at $(\sqrt3,0)$ and $(-\sqrt3,0)$ are parallel as they both have the same gradient.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.