Worked solution
Find a normal from an implicit derivative
A curve is defined by the equation . Find the equation of the normal to the curve at the point .
[2008/MI/Promo/PU2/II/5]
CJC · Lecture · Example 9
Differentiate every term
The complete working appears in both copies. Implicit differentiation and the product rule give . Thus , so where the denominator is nonzero.
How did this part go?
Evaluate the tangent slope
At the denominator is , and . This is the tangent slope, not the normal slope.
How did this part go?
Use the perpendicular slope
The normal slope is . Through its equation is , giving , as printed.
How did this part go?
Common mistakes
A normal uses the negative reciprocal of a nonzero tangent slope; both lines must pass through the specified point.
Solution notes
Both source copies visually compared; source wording, displayed results and pagination retained. Independently authored analytical explanations are distinguished from printed working.