Tangents and Normals to Curves Summary

Tangents and Normals

Summary

the equation of a tangent at a point on a curve can be found by differentiating, finding the gradient and then substituting into the equation of a straight line.

y − y1 = m(x − x1)

the equation of the normal (perpendicular line) can also be found.

Key Skills
  • calculate the gradient at a point on a curve
  • find the equation of a tangent at a point on a curve
  • find the equation of the normal at a point on a curve

Vocabulary

gradient, gradient function, derived function, differentiation, normal,perpendicular.