What is the equation of the normal line of f(x)= secx at x = pi/8?

1 Answer
Oct 5, 2016

Slope of normal is

(y-2/sqrt(2+sqrt2))=-(sqrt(2+sqrt2))/(2(sqrt2-1))(x-pi/8)

Explanation:

At x=pi/8, f(x)=secx=2/sqrt(2+sqrt2)

Hence we are seeking tangent at (pi/8,2/sqrt(2+sqrt2))

As (df)/(dx)=secxtanx

at x=pi/8, slope of tangent is sec(pi/8)tan(pi/8)

= 2/sqrt(2+sqrt2)xx(sqrt2-1)

= (2(sqrt2-1))/sqrt(2+sqrt2)

and slope of normal is -sqrt(2+sqrt2)/(2(sqrt2-1)

As given slope m equation of line passing through (x_1,y_1) is

(y-y_1)=m(x-x_1)

the equation of tangent with slope (2(sqrt2-1))/sqrt(2+sqrt2) and passing through (pi/8,2/sqrt(2+sqrt2)) is

(y-2/sqrt(2+sqrt2))=-(sqrt(2+sqrt2))/(2(sqrt2-1))(x-pi/8)