Question:

For the curve \( y = 3x^3 - 3x^2 + 1 \) at \( x = 1 \), find the equation of the tangent.

Show Hint

To find the tangent equation quickly: 1. Differentiate the function to get the slope. 2. Substitute the given \(x\) value to find the slope \(m\). 3. Find the corresponding \(y\)-coordinate. 4. Use the point–slope formula \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\).
Updated On: Apr 15, 2026
  • \( y = 3x - 2 \)
  • \( y = 3x - 3 \)
  • \( y = 3x - 1 \)
  • \( y = x + 1 \)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The equation of the tangent to a curve \(y = f(x)\) at \(x = a\) is given by: \[ y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a) \] where:
  • \(f'(a)\) is the slope of the tangent obtained using differentiation.
  • \(f(a)\) is the point on the curve where the tangent touches.
Thus, we first find the derivative to determine the slope and then use the point–slope form of a straight line.
Step 1: {Differentiate the given function.} Given \[ y = 3x^3 - 3x^2 + 1 \] Differentiating with respect to \(x\): \[ \frac{dy}{dx} = 9x^2 - 6x \] This represents the slope of the tangent at any point \(x\).
Step 2: {Find the slope at \(x = 1\).} \[ m = 9(1)^2 - 6(1) \] \[ m = 9 - 6 = 3 \] Thus, the slope of the tangent is \(m = 3\).
Step 3: {Find the point on the curve at \(x = 1\).} Substitute \(x=1\) into the original equation: \[ y = 3(1)^3 - 3(1)^2 + 1 \] \[ y = 3 - 3 + 1 \] \[ y = 1 \] So the point of tangency is \[ (1,1) \]
Step 4: {Use the point–slope form of the tangent line.} \[ y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) \] Substituting \(m=3\), \(x_1=1\), \(y_1=1\): \[ y - 1 = 3(x - 1) \] \[ y - 1 = 3x - 3 \] \[ y = 3x - 2 \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0