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Worked solution

Find a normal from an implicit derivative

A curve is defined by the equation x3+y3+3xy−1=0x^3+y^3+3xy-1=0. Find the equation of the normal to the curve at the point (2,−1)(2,-1).

[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 3x2+3y2dydx+3xdydx+3y=03x^2+3y^2\dfrac{dy}{dx}+3x\dfrac{dy}{dx}+3y=0. Thus (3y2+3x)dydx=−3x2−3y(3y^2+3x)\dfrac{dy}{dx}=-3x^2-3y, so dydx=−x2+yx+y2\dfrac{dy}{dx}=-\dfrac{x^2+y}{x+y^2} where the denominator is nonzero.

How did this part go?

Evaluate the tangent slope

At (2,−1)(2,-1) the denominator is 2+(−1)2=3≠02+(-1)^2=3\ne0, and dy/dx=−(4−1)/3=−1dy/dx=-(4-1)/3=-1. This is the tangent slope, not the normal slope.

How did this part go?

Use the perpendicular slope

The normal slope is −1/(−1)=1-1/(-1)=1. Through (2,−1)(2,-1) its equation is y−(−1)=1(x−2)y-(-1)=1(x-2), giving y=x−3y=x-3, 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.

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