Two differentiable curves are given by the relations and

MATHEMATICS · Subjective · A Level · Mathematics · Differentiation · Differentiation

Problem

Two differentiable curves are given by the relations F(x,y)=0F(x,y)=0 and G(x,y)=0G(x,y)=0. (i) State what it means for the two curves to have a common tangent at a point P(x0,y0)P(x_0,y_0) lying on both curves. (ii) Show that, if P(x0,y0)P(x_0,y_0) satisfies both relations, equality of the slopes (dydx)\left(\frac{dy}{dx}\right) calculated separately for each curve at PP is a necessary condition for the curves to possess a common tangent at PP. (iii) Prove that this condition is also sufficient provided the two slopes are finite and the two curves are differentiable at PP.

Related theory

Browse the problem library