Lesson 10

Polynomial Curves
Tangents and Normals
The equation of a straight line thru point 𝑷𝟏 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 with a
slope 𝒎𝟏 is 𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 = 𝒎 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏

The normal, being perpendicular to the tangent will have an

𝟏
equation 𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 = − 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏
𝒎
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Tangents and Normals

Length of Tangent Length of Normal

P (x, y) Length of Sub-Normal

Length of Sub-Tangent

𝜏
0 T M N
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Tangents and Normals
Length of Normal
tan τ = 𝑚
𝑀𝑃
tan τ =
𝑇𝑀
Length of Tangent
𝑀𝑃
𝑇𝑀 = P (x, y)
𝑚
𝒚
𝑻𝑴 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕 =
𝒎 𝜏
0 T M N
Length of Sub-Tangent Length of Sub-Normal
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Tangents and Normals
Length of Normal
tan τ = 𝑚
𝑀𝑁
tan τ =
𝑀𝑃
Length of Tangent
𝑀𝑁 = 𝑚 𝑀𝑃
P (x, y)
𝑴𝑵 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍 = 𝒎𝒚
𝜏
0 T M N
Length of Sub-Tangent Length of Sub-Normal
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Increasing and Decreasing Functions
A curve is said to be increasing if the ordinate increases for every values of x
from left to right.

Thus, at any point o the curve 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 , if 𝑦 ′ > 0, 𝑦 increases, and if 𝑦 ′ <

0, 𝑦 decreases.
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Critical Points
When the first derivative is equated to zero, we can have points where the slope
is zero, or where the tangent is horizontal. These points are called Critical
Points.
Critical Points or C.P.’s can either maximum, minimum, or horizontal inflection
point (HIP)
Horizontal inflection point (HIP) is a point on the curve where the curvature
changes direction from concave upwards to concave downwards or vice-versa,
and yet the tangent is horizontal.
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Critical Points
A maxima is a point whose ordinate is greater than that at the point
immediately preceding and immediately following it. A minima is a point
whose ordinate is less than that at the point immediately preceding and
immediately following it.
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Critical Points
To test whether a critical point is a maxima or a minima or a horizontal
inflection point, use the following rule.
(a) If the slope changes from positive to negative, it is a maxima.
(b) If the slope changes from negative to positive, it is a minima.
(c) If the slope does not change, it is a horizontal inflection point.
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Illustrative Problems
1. Find the angles of intersection of the curves 𝑥𝑦 = 8 and 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 20
2. Find the length of subtangent, subnormal, tangent and normal to the curve
2−𝑥
𝑦 2 = 3 at point 1, 1
𝑥
3. Consider the curve 𝑥 = 5𝑦 − 2𝑦 2 , find the points of contact of the
horizontal and vertical tangents.
 Lesson 10
Polynomial Curves
Illustrative Problems
Find the maxima and minima and trace the curve.
1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 5 − 5𝑥 4
1 2
3. 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 1 3 𝑥−1 3

4. 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 1 2 𝑥+1 3
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
When the derivative is equated to zero, it may happen that
several critical values can be obtained. In practice, the value
that gives the desired maximum or minimum can often be
selected at once by inspection.
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
Illustrative Problems
1. Find two numbers whose sum is “a” if the product of one by the square of
the other is to be a maximum
2. A rectangular lot is to be fenced off along a highway. If the fence on the
highway costs “m” peso per yd., on the other sides “n” peso per yd., find the
area of the largest lot that can be fenced off for “k” pesos.
3. A rectangular field of fixed area is to be enclosed and divided into three lots
by parallels to one of the sides. What should be the relative dimensions of the
field to make the amount of fencing a minimum?
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
Illustrative Problems
4. Find the volume of the largest box that can be made by cutting equal squares
out of the corners of a piece of cardboard of dimensions 15 in. x 24 in. and
then turning up the sides.
5. Find the rectangle of maximum perimeter inscribed in a given circle.
6. If the hypotenuse of a right triangle is given, show that the area is a
maximum when the triangle is isosceles.
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
Illustrative Problems
7. Find the most economical proportions for a cylindrical cup.
8. A lot has a form of a right triangle, with perpendicular sides 60 ft and 80 ft
long. Find the length and width of the largest rectangular building that can be
erected, facing the hypotenuse of the triangle.
9. A Norman window consists of a rectangle surmounted by a semicircle. What
shape gives the most light for a given perimeter?
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
Illustrative Problems
10. A trapezoidal gutter is to be made from a strip of tin by bending up the
edges. If the strip is 11 in. wide and the base 7 in. wide. What width across the
top gives maximum carrying capacity?
11. A ship lies 6 in. from shore and opposite a point10 mi. farther along the
shore another ship lies 18 mi. offshore. A boat from the first ship is to land a
passenger and then proceed to the other ship. What is the least distance the
boat can travel?
 Lesson 11
Applications of Derivative: Optimization
Illustrative Problems
12. Find the shortest distance from the point 4, 2 to the curve 𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 12.
13. Cut the largest possible rectangle from a circular quadrant as shown.