Calculus
Applications of Derivatives - Tangents and Normals
GRB_1000_SCQ
Grade Class 12
Question:
The tangent to the curve $y = xe^{x^2}$ at the point $(1, e)$, also passes through the point:
$\left(\frac{5}{3}, 2e\right)$
$\left(\frac{4}{3}, 2e\right)$
$(3, 6e)$
$(2, 3e)$
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Equation of tangent to a curve using differentiation
Step 1: Find the derivative of the curve.
We need to find $\frac{dy}{dx}$ for the curve $y = xe^{x^2}$.
Using the product rule, where $u = x$ and $v = e^{x^2}$:
$$y' = \frac{d}{dx}(x) \cdot e^{x^2} + x \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(e^{x^2})$$
$$y' = e^{x^2} + x \cdot 2xe^{x^2}$$
$$y' = e^{x^2}(1 + 2x^2)$$
Step 2: Calculate the slope of the tangent at the point $(1, e)$.
We substitute $x = 1$ into the derivative:
$$y'|_{x=1} = e^{1}(1 + 2(1)^2) = e(1 + 2) = 3e$$
Step 3: Write the equation of the tangent line.
Using the point-slope form of a line with point $(1, e)$ and slope $m = 3e$:
$$y - e = 3e(x - 1)$$
$$y - e = 3ex - 3e$$
$$y = 3ex - 2e$$
Step 4: Check which option satisfies the tangent line equation.
We substitute each option into the equation $y = 3ex - 2e$ to see which point lies on the tangent line.
For Option 2: $\left(\frac{4}{3}, 2e\right)$
$$y = 3e \cdot \frac{4}{3} - 2e = 4e - 2e = 2e \,\checkmark$$
This matches the $y$-coordinate of the point, confirming it lies on the tangent line.
**Final Answer:** The tangent line passes through the point $\left(\frac{4}{3}, 2e\right)$.
The correct answer is **Option 2**.
Correct Answer: 2