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MathsMediumClass 12

Tangents & Normals to Curves

Applications of Derivatives

40

JEE Qs

10%

Hard

75

min

Master all differentiation techniques and the exact geometric interpretation of dy/dx at a point to solve complex problems efficiently.

🧮 Key Formulas

Slope of tangent at (x₀, y₀): m_T = (dy/dx) at (x₀, y₀)
Equation of tangent: y - y₀ = m_T (x - x₀)
Slope of normal at (x₀, y₀): m_N = -1 / m_T (if m_T ≠ 0)
Equation of normal: y - y₀ = m_N (x - x₀)
Angle (θ) between two curves at their intersection point: tan(θ) = |(m₁ - m₂) / (1 + m₁m₂)|
Condition for orthogonal curves: m₁m₂ = -1
Length of Tangent (L_T) = |y₀| * sqrt(1 + (1/m_T)²) = |y₀| * cosec(ψ)
Length of Normal (L_N) = |y₀| * sqrt(1 + m_T²) = |y₀| * sec(ψ)
Length of Subtangent (L_ST) = |y₀ / m_T|
Length of Subnormal (L_SN) = |y₀ * m_T|

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1Always find the point of tangency (x₀, y₀) first. If not given, assume it or find it using given conditions.
  • 2Be proficient in all differentiation techniques (implicit, parametric, chain rule) to correctly find dy/dx.
  • 3If the tangent is parallel to the x-axis, dy/dx = 0. If parallel to the y-axis, dx/dy = 0 (or dy/dx is undefined).
  • 4For the angle between two curves, find their slopes at each point of intersection. Multiple intersection points might yield different angles.
  • 5A common tangent to two curves implies that at the point of tangency, the coordinates and the slopes (dy/dx) are equal for both curves.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Incorrectly calculating dy/dx, especially for implicit or parametric functions, leading to wrong slopes.
  • Confusing the slope of the tangent with the slope of the normal, or using the reciprocal without the negative sign.
  • Making algebraic errors when solving for the point of tangency or intersection.
  • Not checking for special cases like vertical tangents (dy/dx undefined, meaning dx/dy = 0).

📝 Practice Questions

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NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Maths Ch 10: Straight Lines
  • Class 12 Maths Ch 5: Continuity and Differentiability
  • Class 12 Maths Ch 6: Applications of Derivatives