Question
Question: The order of the differential equation of all tangent lines to the parabola y = x<sup>2</sup> is...
The order of the differential equation of all tangent lines to the parabola y = x2 is
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
Answer
1
Explanation
Solution
The parametric form of the given equation is x = t, y = t2. The equation of any tangent at
t is 2xt = y + t2. Differentiating, we get 2t = y1. Putting this value in the equation of tangent, we have 2 x y1/2 = y + (y1/2)2 ̃ 4xy1 = 4y + y12
The order of this equation is one.