We have f(x) = (x + 8)^2. We have to find the equation of the tangent to the graph at the point where x = -2.
The slope of the tangent drawn to a graph f(x) at the point (x, f(x)) is the value of the first derivative of the slope at that point.
f(x) = (x + 8)^2 = x^2 + 64 + 16x
f'(x) = 2x + 16
At x = -2
f'(x) = -2*2 + 16 = 12
The slope of the required line is 12. Also it passes through the point (-2 , 36)
The equation of the tangent is (y - 36) / ( x + 2) = 12
=> y - 36 = 12x + 24
=> y = 12x + 60
Therefore we get m = 12 and b = 60
See eNotes Ad-Free
Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.
Already a member? Log in here.