Calculus: Early Transcendentals 8th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285741552
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-155-0

Chapter 2 - Problems Plus - Problems - Page 170: 4

Answer

As $P$ approaches the origin $Q$ approaches the point $(0, \frac{1}{2})$

Work Step by Step

Let the x-coordinate of $P$, $x_P = a$, since P lies on the parabola $y = x^{2}$ $P$ must have coordinates $(a,a^{2})$. The line $OP$ must be in the form $y=mx$, since it goes through the origin. $m = \frac{Δy}{Δx} = \frac{a^{2}}{a} = a$ So $OP: y = ax$ Let $l$ be the perpendicular bisector of $OP$. $l$ must have the form $l:y = cx + d$. Since it is perpendicular to $OP$, $c = -\frac{1}{a}$ The point halfway between $O$ and $P$ will be $(\frac{1}{2}a,\frac{1}{2}a^{2})$ Since $l$ passes through this point we can say that $y = -\frac{1}{a}x+d$ $\frac{1}{2}a^{2} = -\frac{1}{a}(\frac{1}{2}a) + d$ $\frac{1}{2}a^{2} = -\frac{1}{2} + d$ $d = \frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2}$ Which gives $l:y=-\frac{1}{a}x+\frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2}$ The x-coordinate of $Q$ must be $0$ and $Q$ must lie on $l$ thus we get $y_Q = -\frac{1}{a}(0)+\frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2}$ Thus $Q$ must have coordinates $(0,\frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2})$ As $P$ approaches the origin $a \to 0$ Thus we compute $\lim\limits_{a \to 0}(\frac{1}{2}a^{2}+\frac{1}{2})$ $= \frac{1}{2}$ So we get coordinates for $Q$ $(0,\frac{1}{2})$ as $P$ approaches the origin.
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.