Question

The point P(4, 1) lies on the curve (y = x - 3). If Q is the point x, √{x - 3}, use your calculator to find the slope of the secant line PQ.

a) 3.5
b) 3.9
c) -3.5
d) -3.9

Answer 1

The slope of the secant line PQ is undefined because the denominator is zero..

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the slope of the secant line PQ, we need to find the coordinates of point Q first. Since Q has the y-coordinate of √{x - 3}, we can substitute x = 4 into the equation to find the y-coordinate:

Q(4, √{4 - 3}) = (4, 1).

Now we can find the slope of the secant line PQ by using the formula:

m = Δy / Δx = (1 - 1)/ (4 - 4) = 0 / 0.

The slope of the secant line PQ is undefined because the denominator is zero.