Porisma

Worked solution

Divide parameter derivatives to obtain the Cartesian gradient

For x=(1+t)2x=(1+t)^2, y=2ty=2t, find dy/dxdy/dx in terms of t and hence the point where the gradient is 1.

CJC · Lecture · Example 8

Differentiate and divide

dx/dt=2(1+t)dx/dt=2(1+t) and dy/dt=2dy/dt=2, so dy/dx=2/[2(1+t)]=1/(1+t)dy/dx=2/[2(1+t)]=1/(1+t) where t≠−1t\ne-1.

How did this part go?

Apply the specified gradient

1/(1+t)=11/(1+t)=1 gives t=0t=0, hence (x,y)=(1,0)(x,y)=(1,0). At t=−1t=-1, the displayed quotient is undefined and the curve has a vertical tangent; that parameter is not a gradient-one solution.

How did this part go?

Common mistakes

The derivative formula requires dx/dt nonzero.

Read the hint