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Worked solution

Find an exact normal on a trigonometric curve

A curve is defined by sin⁡x+cos⁡y=1\sin x+\cos y=1, 0≤x,y≤π/20\le x,y\le\pi/2. Find the exact equation of the normal at (π/6,π/3)(\pi/6,\pi/3).

CJC · Lecture · Self-Practice 3

Find the tangent slope

Both copies print the final answer without working. Independently, differentiating in radians gives cos⁡x−sin⁡y dy/dx=0\cos x-\sin y\,dy/dx=0, so dy/dx=cos⁡x/sin⁡ydy/dx=\cos x/\sin y. At the given point, both numerator and denominator equal 3/2\sqrt3/2, giving slope 1.

How did this part go?

Use the negative reciprocal

The normal has slope −1-1. Through (π/6,π/3)(\pi/6,\pi/3) it is y−π/3=−(x−π/6)y-\pi/3=-(x-\pi/6), hence y=−x+π/2y=-x+\pi/2, matching both printed answers.

How did this part go?

Common mistakes

Keep the tangent slope, normal slope and requested quantity separate.

Solution notes

Both source copies visually compared; printed asks and answers retained. Independent explanations are distinguished from source working.

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