Question:

If the acute angle between the parabolas $y=8x-x^{2}$ and $y=x^{2}-4x$ is $\theta$, then $\tan\theta=$

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Always find the correct intersection coordinates first, then evaluate the numerical values of the derivative slopes at that point to plug into the tangent formula.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • 1
  • $\sqrt{3}$
  • $\frac{15}{17}$
  • $\frac{12}{31}$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
The angle $\theta$ between two curves at their point of intersection is the angle between their tangents at that point, given by $\tan\theta = \left|\frac{m_1 - m_2}{1 + m_1 m_2}\right|$, where $m_1$ and $m_2$ are the slopes of the curves at the intersection point.

Step 2: Meaning
First, find the intersection points by equating the curves: $8x - x^2 = x^2 - 4x \implies 2x^2 - 12x = 0 \implies 2x(x-6) = 0$. This gives $x = 0$ or $x = 6$. Let's analyze the non-trivial intersection point at $x = 6$.

Step 3: Analysis
Differentiate both curves to find their slope functions: 1. For $y_1 = 8x - x^2 \implies m_1 = \frac{dy_1}{dx} = 8 - 2x$. At $x = 6$, $m_1 = 8 - 12 = -4$. 2. For $y_2 = x^2 - 4x \implies m_2 = \frac{dy_2}{dx} = 2x - 4$. At $x = 6$, $m_2 = 12 - 4 = 8$.

Step 4: Conclusion
Substitute the slopes $m_1 = -4$ and $m_2 = 8$ into the angle formula: $\tan\theta = \left|\frac{-4 - 8}{1 + (-4)(8)}\right| = \left|\frac{-12}{1 - 32}\right| = \left|\frac{-12}{-31}\right| = \frac{12}{31}$. This perfectly matches option (D).

Final Answer: (D)
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