2025 HAFS Calculus I — Concepts Study Guide

Stewart's Calculus 9th Edition | 22 Questions

Concept Map

Stewart ChapterConceptQuestions
Ch 2.7Definition of Derivative (limit)Q1, Q2, Q3
Ch 2.6Limits at InfinityQ4, Q12
Ch 2.4Precise Definition of a Limit (ε-δ)Q5
Ch 2.6Limits of Exponential FunctionsQ6
Ch 3.1Derivatives of Polynomials & Exponential FunctionsQ7, Q8
Ch 3.2Product RuleQ9, Q19
Ch 3.5Implicit DifferentiationQ10, Q15
Ch 2.2, 2.6Properties of LimitsQ11, Q12
Ch 2.7Equation of Tangent LineQ13, Q14
Ch 3.6Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric FunctionsQ16, Q21
Ch 3.4Chain RuleQ17, Q18, Q20
Ch 3.3Trigonometric Functions & RatiosQ19, Q20
Ch 9.3Orthogonal TrajectoriesQ22

Q1 (4.2 pts)

Ch 2.7 — Derivatives and Rates of Change (p.145)
Definition of the Derivative:
The derivative of \(f(x)\) at \(x=a\) is defined as: \[f'(a) = \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{f(a+h) - f(a)}{h}\] This definition starts from the average rate of change (slope of the secant line) and takes \(h \to 0\) to obtain the instantaneous rate of change (slope of the tangent line).

Geometric meaning: The slope of the tangent line to \(y=f(x)\) at the point \((a, f(a))\).

Exam pattern: The definition is often disguised as a limit problem. The key skill is recognizing whether a given limit has the form \(\frac{f(a+h)-f(a)}{h}\).
\(\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{(2+x)^3 - 2^3}{x}\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.7: Recognize derivative definition
This limit has the form \(\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{f(2+x)-f(2)}{x}\) where \(f(t)=t^3\), \(a=2\), \(h=x\).
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule
\(f(t)=t^3 \Rightarrow f'(t)=3t^2\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(f'(2) = 3 \cdot 2^2 = 3 \cdot 4 = 12\)
Verification (direct expansion):
\((2+x)^3 = 8 + 12x + 6x^2 + x^3\)
\((2+x)^3 - 8 = 12x + 6x^2 + x^3\)
Divide by \(x\): \(12 + 6x + x^2 \xrightarrow{x\to 0} 12\) ✓

Answer: (4) 12

Q2 (4.2 pts)

Ch 2.7 — Derivatives and Rates of Change Ch 3.1 — Derivatives of Polynomials and Exponential Functions
Same derivative definition as Q1, but with a rational function: \[f(x) = \frac{1}{x^2} = x^{-2}\] The Power Rule applies to negative integer exponents: \[\frac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1} \quad \text{(for all real } n \text{)}\]
\(\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\dfrac{1}{(2+x)^2} - \dfrac{1}{2^2}}{x}\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.7: Recognize derivative definition
Let \(f(t)=t^{-2}\). This limit equals \(f'(2)\).
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule (negative exponent)
\(f'(t) = -2t^{-3} = -\dfrac{2}{t^3}\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(f'(2) = -\dfrac{2}{2^3} = -\dfrac{2}{8} = -\dfrac{1}{4}\)

Answer: (3) \(-\frac{1}{4}\)

Q3 (4.2 pts)

Ch 2.7 + Ch 3.1
Same pattern as Q1 & Q2, but with a radical function: \[f(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} = x^{-1/2}\] The Power Rule applies to fractional exponents: \[\frac{d}{dx}x^{-1/2} = -\frac{1}{2}x^{-3/2}\]
\(\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0} \frac{\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{4+x}} - \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{4}}}{x}\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.7: Recognize derivative definition
\(f(t)=t^{-1/2}\), \(a=4\). This limit equals \(f'(4)\).
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule (fractional exponent)
\(f'(t) = -\frac{1}{2}t^{-3/2}\)
Step 3 · Exponent calculation
\(f'(4) = -\frac{1}{2}\cdot 4^{-3/2}\). Since \(4^{3/2} = (\sqrt{4})^3 = 2^3 = 8\),
\(f'(4) = -\frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1}{8} = -\frac{1}{16}\)
Key identity: \(a^{m/n} = (\sqrt[n]{a})^m\) — converting fractional exponents to roots is essential.

Answer: (1) \(-\frac{1}{16}\)

Q4 (4.3 pts)

Ch 2.6 — Limits at Infinity; Horizontal Asymptotes (p.135)
The \(\infty - \infty\) indeterminate form cannot be evaluated directly. Use rationalization to resolve it.

Rationalization technique: Multiply \(\sqrt{A} - \sqrt{B}\) by \(\frac{\sqrt{A}+\sqrt{B}}{\sqrt{A}+\sqrt{B}}\): \[\sqrt{A}-\sqrt{B} = \frac{A-B}{\sqrt{A}+\sqrt{B}}\] The square roots cancel, leaving polynomials. Then divide by the highest-degree term.

Quick formula (from Stewart exercises): \[\lim_{x\to\infty}\left(\sqrt{ax^2+bx}-\sqrt{a}\,x\right) = \frac{b}{2\sqrt{a}}\]
\(\displaystyle\lim_{x \to \infty}\left(\sqrt{4x^2+9x}-2x\right)\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.6: Identify indeterminate form
\(\sqrt{4x^2+9x}\approx 2x\) for large \(x\), so this is \(\infty-\infty\).
Step 2 · Rationalization
\(\dfrac{(\sqrt{4x^2+9x})^2-(2x)^2}{\sqrt{4x^2+9x}+2x} = \dfrac{4x^2+9x-4x^2}{\sqrt{4x^2+9x}+2x} = \dfrac{9x}{\sqrt{4x^2+9x}+2x}\)
Step 3 · Ch 2.6: Divide by highest-degree term
Divide numerator and denominator by \(x\): \(\dfrac{9}{\sqrt{4+9/x}+2}\)
Step 4 · Evaluate limit
As \(x\to\infty\): \(\dfrac{9}{\sqrt{4}+2} = \dfrac{9}{4}\)

Answer: (5) \(\frac{9}{4}\)

Q5 (4.3 pts)

Ch 2.4 — The Precise Definition of a Limit (p.113)
The ε-δ definition of a limit: \[\lim_{x\to a}f(x) = L \iff \forall\varepsilon>0,\;\exists\delta>0: 0<|x-a|<\delta \implies |f(x)-L|<\varepsilon\] Intuition: "If \(x\) is close enough to \(a\) (within \(\delta\)), then \(f(x)\) is as close as we want to \(L\) (within \(\varepsilon\))."

Exam format: Given \(\varepsilon\), find the maximum \(\delta\).
Strategy:
1. Solve the inequality \(|f(x)-L|<\varepsilon\) to find the range of \(x\)
2. Compare with \(|x-a|<\delta\) to get candidate values for \(\delta\)
3. Take the minimum of the two candidates as the maximum \(\delta\)
Find the maximum \(\delta\) such that if \(|x-2|<\delta\) then \(|x^2-4|<1\).
Step 1 · Ch 2.4: Solve the conclusion inequality
\(|x^2-4|<1 \Rightarrow -1 Near \(x=2\) (so \(x>0\)): \(\sqrt{3}
Step 2 · Ch 2.4: Compute δ candidates
From \(|x-2|<\delta\): \(2-\delta Left bound: \(2-\delta=\sqrt{3} \Rightarrow \delta=2-\sqrt{3}\approx 0.268\)
Right bound: \(2+\delta=\sqrt{5} \Rightarrow \delta=\sqrt{5}-2\approx 0.236\)
Step 3 · Ch 2.4: Maximum δ = min of candidates
\(\delta = \min(2-\sqrt{3},\;\sqrt{5}-2) = \sqrt{5}-2\)

Answer: (2) \(\sqrt{5}-2\)

Q6 (4.3 pts)

Ch 2.6 — Limits at Infinity Ch 3.1 — The Natural Exponential Function
Limits of the natural exponential function \(e^x\): \[\lim_{x\to\infty}e^x = \infty, \quad \lim_{x\to-\infty}e^x = 0\] For composite forms, evaluate the exponent's limit first, then substitute.

One-sided limits to watch: \[\lim_{x\to 0^+}\frac{1}{x}=+\infty, \quad \lim_{x\to 0^-}\frac{1}{x}=-\infty\]
\(\displaystyle\lim_{x \to 0^+} e^{-1/x}\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.2: One-sided limit
As \(x\to 0^+\): \(\frac{1}{x}\to +\infty\)
Step 2 · Sign handling
Therefore \(-\frac{1}{x}\to -\infty\)
Step 3 · Ch 3.1: Exponential property
\(e^{-\infty}=0\)

Answer: (4) 0

Q7 (4.4 pts)

Ch 3.1 — Derivatives of Polynomials and Exponential Functions (p.183)
Power Rule: \[\frac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1}\] This applies to positive integers, negative integers, fractions, and all real exponents.

Key conversions:
\(\sqrt{x} = x^{1/2}\),   \(\frac{1}{x} = x^{-1}\),   \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} = x^{-1/2}\),   \(\frac{1}{x\sqrt{x}} = x^{-3/2}\)
Find \(f'(x)\) when \(f(x)=\dfrac{2}{\sqrt{x}}\).
Step 1 · Exponent conversion
\(f(x) = 2x^{-1/2}\)
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule
\(f'(x) = 2\cdot\left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)x^{-1/2-1} = -x^{-3/2}\)
Step 3 · Restore original form
\(f'(x) = -\dfrac{1}{x^{3/2}} = -\dfrac{1}{x\sqrt{x}}\)

Answer: (1) \(-\frac{1}{x\sqrt{x}}\)

Q8 (4.4 pts)

Ch 3.1 — Exponential Derivative Ch 3.4 — The Chain Rule (basic)
Derivative of the natural exponential: \[\frac{d}{dx}e^x = e^x\] Combined with Chain Rule: \[\frac{d}{dx}e^{kx} = ke^{kx}\] Essential exponent laws:
\(e^{\ln a} = a\),   \(e^{k\ln a} = e^{\ln a^k} = a^k\)
Find \(f'(\ln 2)\) when \(f(x)=2e^{2x}\).
Step 1 · Ch 3.1 + 3.4: Exponential differentiation
\(f'(x) = 2\cdot 2e^{2x} = 4e^{2x}\)
Step 2 · Exponent law: \(e^{k\ln a}=a^k\)
\(f'(\ln 2) = 4e^{2\ln 2} = 4\cdot e^{\ln 2^2} = 4\cdot e^{\ln 4}\)
Step 3 · Ch 3.1: \(e^{\ln a}=a\)
\(= 4\cdot 4 = 16\)

Answer: (3) 16

Q9 (4.4 pts)

Ch 3.2 — The Product and Quotient Rules (p.190)
Product Rule: \[(fg)' = f'g + fg'\] In words: "(derivative of first) × (second) + (first) × (derivative of second)"

Common mistake: \((fg)' \neq f'\cdot g'\)
Find \(f'(\ln 2)\) when \(f(x)=xe^{2x}\).
Step 1 · Ch 3.2: Apply Product Rule
Let \(u=x\), \(v=e^{2x}\). Then \(u'=1\), \(v'=2e^{2x}\) (by Ch 3.4).
Step 2 · Product Rule result
\(f'(x) = 1\cdot e^{2x} + x\cdot 2e^{2x} = e^{2x}(1+2x)\)
Step 3 · Substitution + exponent calculation
\(f'(\ln 2) = e^{2\ln 2}(1+2\ln 2) = 4(1+2\ln 2) = 4+8\ln 2\)

Answer: (5) \(4+8\ln 2\)

Q10 (4.5 pts)

Ch 3.5 — Implicit Differentiation (p.213)
Implicit Differentiation: When \(y\) is not given as an explicit function of \(x\), and the equation has the form \(F(x,y)=0\):

Method:
1. Differentiate both sides with respect to \(x\)
2. Every time you differentiate a \(y\)-term, multiply by \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) (= \(y'\)) — this is the Chain Rule
3. Solve for \(y'\)

Why Chain Rule applies to \(y\)-terms: \[\frac{d}{dx}y^2 = \frac{d}{dy}(y^2)\cdot\frac{dy}{dx} = 2y\cdot y'\]
Find the slope of the tangent line to \(x^2+2xy+2y^2=5\) at \((1,1)\).
Step 1 · Ch 3.5: Differentiate both sides
\(\frac{d}{dx}(x^2) + \frac{d}{dx}(2xy) + \frac{d}{dx}(2y^2) = 0\)
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule
\(\frac{d}{dx}(x^2) = 2x\)
Step 3 · Ch 3.2: Product Rule for \(2xy\)
\(\frac{d}{dx}(2xy) = 2y + 2xy'\)
Step 4 · Ch 3.5: Chain Rule for \(y^2\)
\(\frac{d}{dx}(2y^2) = 4yy'\)
Step 5 · Combine and simplify
\(2x + 2y + 2xy' + 4yy' = 0\)
Step 6 · Substitute (1,1)
\(2+2+2y'+4y'=0 \Rightarrow 4+6y'=0 \Rightarrow y'=-\frac{2}{3}\)

Answer: (2) \(-\frac{2}{3}\)

Q11 (4.5 pts)

Ch 2.2 — The Limit of a Function (p.89) — Infinite Limits
Infinite Limits: \(\lim_{x\to a}f(x) = \infty\) requires \(f(x)\) to diverge to positive infinity from both sides.

Key distinction:
• \(\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1}{x}\): left limit \(= -\infty\), right limit \(= +\infty\) → DNE (cannot write "\(=\infty\)")
• \(\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1}{x^2}\): left limit \(= +\infty\), right limit \(= +\infty\) → can write "\(=\infty\)"

Reason: \(1/x\) changes sign, but \(1/x^2\) is always positive.
Which are true?
Ā \(\lim_{x\to 0}x=0\),   &Bmacr; \(\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1}{x}=\infty\),   &Cmacr; \(\lim_{x\to 0}\frac{1}{x^2}=\infty\)
Step 1 · Ch 2.2: Continuous function limit
A: \(\lim_{x\to 0}x=0\) ✓ TRUE
Step 2 · Ch 2.2: Compare one-sided limits
B: Left limit \(=-\infty\), right limit \(=+\infty\). They do not agree ✗ FALSE
Step 3 · Ch 2.2: Even power
C: \(x^2>0\), so both sides → \(+\infty\) ✓ TRUE

Answer: (3) A and C only

Q12 (4.5 pts)

Ch 2.6 — Limits at Infinity (p.135)
Application of the rationalization technique from Q4 to true/false judgments. (Same concepts as Q4.)
Determine which of A, B, C are true.
Step 1 · Rationalization
A: \(\frac{2}{\sqrt{x^2+2}+x}\to\frac{2}{\infty}=0\) ✓ TRUE
Step 2 · Rationalization + quick formula
B: \(\frac{6x}{\sqrt{4x^2+6x}+2x}\to\frac{6}{2+2}=\frac{3}{2}\neq 3\) ✗ FALSE
Step 3 · Approximation
C: \(\sqrt{4x^2+\cdots}\approx 2x\), then \(2x-3x=-x\to-\infty\neq 2\) ✗ FALSE

Answer: (1) A only

Q13 (4.6 pts)

Ch 2.7 — Derivatives and Rates of Change (tangent line, p.148)
Equation of the tangent line at \((a, f(a))\): \[y - f(a) = f'(a)(x - a)\] To find the y-intercept, substitute \(x=0\).
Find the y-intercept of the tangent to \(y=-x^2\) at \(x=2\).
Step 1 · Function value
\(f(2)=-4\)
Step 2 · Ch 3.1: Power Rule
\(f'(x)=-2x\), so \(f'(2)=-4\)
Step 3 · Ch 2.7: Tangent line formula
\(y-(-4)=-4(x-2) \Rightarrow y=-4x+4\)
Step 4 · y-intercept
\(x=0\): \(y=4\)

Answer: (2) 4

Q14 (4.6 pts)

Ch 3.5 — Implicit Differentiation (tangent to implicit curve)
Find the y-intercept of the tangent to \(xy=8\) at \(x=2\).
Step 1 · Function value
At \(x=2\): \(y=4\)
Step 2 · Ch 3.5: Implicit differentiation
\(y+xy'=0 \Rightarrow y'=-y/x\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(y'(2)=-4/2=-2\)
Step 4 · Tangent line
\(y-4=-2(x-2) \Rightarrow y=-2x+8\). y-intercept \(=8\)

Answer: (3) 8

Q15 (4.6 pts)

Ch 3.5 — Implicit Differentiation Ch 3.1 — Power Rule (fractional exponent)
Fractional exponent differentiation in implicit context: \[\frac{d}{dx}x^{2/3} = \frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}\]
Find the slope of the tangent to \(x^{2/3}+y^{2/3}=13\) at \((8,27)\).
Step 1 · Verification
\(8^{2/3}+27^{2/3}=(\sqrt[3]{8})^2+(\sqrt[3]{27})^2=4+9=13\) ✓
Step 2 · Ch 3.5 + 3.1: Implicit differentiation
\(\frac{2}{3}x^{-1/3}+\frac{2}{3}y^{-1/3}y'=0\)
Step 3 · Solve for \(y'\)
\(y'=-\dfrac{x^{-1/3}}{y^{-1/3}}=-\left(\dfrac{y}{x}\right)^{1/3}\)
Step 4 · Substitution
\(y'=-\left(\dfrac{27}{8}\right)^{1/3}=-\dfrac{3}{2}\)

Answer: (1) \(-\frac{3}{2}\)

Q16 (4.7 pts)

Ch 3.6 — Derivatives of Logarithmic and Inverse Trigonometric Functions (p.223)
Derivation of the derivative of arcsin:
\(y=\arcsin x \Rightarrow \sin y = x\)
Differentiate both sides: \(\cos y\cdot y'=1 \Rightarrow y'=\frac{1}{\cos y}\)
Since \(\cos y = \sqrt{1-\sin^2 y}=\sqrt{1-x^2}\) (because \(-\pi/2\le y\le\pi/2\) means \(\cos y\ge 0\)):

Final formula: \[\frac{d}{dx}\arcsin x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\]
\(\frac{d}{dx}(\arcsin x)\) at \(x=\frac{4}{5}\)
Step 1 · Ch 3.6: arcsin derivative formula
\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^2}}\)
Step 2 · Substitution
\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-(4/5)^2}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-16/25}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{9/25}}\)
Step 3 · Simplify the root
\(=\frac{1}{3/5}=\frac{5}{3}\)

Answer: (4) \(\frac{5}{3}\)

Q17 (4.7 pts)

Ch 3.4 — The Chain Rule (p.203)
Chain Rule: For composite functions: \[\frac{d}{dx}f(g(x)) = f'(g(x))\cdot g'(x)\] Remember: "derivative of the outer × derivative of the inner"

Exponential composition: \[\frac{d}{dx}e^{g(x)} = e^{g(x)}\cdot g'(x)\]
\(\frac{d}{dx}\{e^{(x^2)}\}\) at \(x=2\)
Step 1 · Ch 3.4: Identify Chain Rule
Outer: \(e^u\), Inner: \(u=x^2\)
Step 2 · Outer derivative × Inner derivative
\(e^{x^2}\cdot 2x\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(e^{2^2}\cdot 2\cdot 2 = 4e^4\)

Answer: (5) \(4e^4\)

Q18 (4.8 pts)

Ch 3.4 — The Chain Rule (double composition)
Double Chain Rule: Applying the Chain Rule twice in succession: \[\frac{d}{dx}e^{e^x} = e^{e^x}\cdot\frac{d}{dx}(e^x) = e^{e^x}\cdot e^x\]
\(\frac{d}{dx}\{e^{(e^x)}\}\) at \(x=\ln 2\)
Step 1 · Ch 3.4: First Chain Rule
Outer: \(e^u\), Inner: \(u=e^x\). Result: \(e^{e^x}\cdot e^x\)
Step 2 · Substitute: \(e^{\ln 2}=2\)
\(e^x = e^{\ln 2}=2\), so \(e^{e^x}=e^2\)
Step 3 · Calculate
\(e^2\cdot 2 = 2e^2\)

Answer: (2) \(2e^2\)

Q19 (4.8 pts)

Ch 3.2 — Product Rule Ch 3.3 — Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
This problem combines three concepts:
1. Product Rule: \((e^x\cos x)' = e^x\cos x - e^x\sin x = e^x(\cos x - \sin x)\)
2. Trig derivative: \((\cos x)' = -\sin x\)
3. Trig ratios from arctan: If \(\theta=\arctan(3/4)\), then from the 3-4-5 right triangle:
  opposite = 3, adjacent = 4, hypotenuse = 5
  \(\sin\theta=3/5\), \(\cos\theta=4/5\)
\(\frac{d}{dx}(e^x\cos x)\) at \(x=\arctan(3/4)\)
Step 1 · Ch 3.2: Product Rule
\(\frac{d}{dx}(e^x\cos x) = e^x\cos x + e^x(-\sin x) = e^x(\cos x-\sin x)\)
Step 2 · Trig ratio calculation
\(x=\arctan(3/4)\): from the 3-4-5 right triangle, \(\sin x=\frac{3}{5}\), \(\cos x=\frac{4}{5}\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(e^{\arctan(3/4)}\left(\frac{4}{5}-\frac{3}{5}\right)=\frac{1}{5}e^{\arctan(3/4)}\)

Answer: (5) \(\frac{1}{5}e^{\arctan(3/4)}\)

Q20 (4.9 pts)

Ch 3.4 — Chain Rule Ch 3.3 — Trigonometric Functions
\(\frac{d}{dx}(e^{\sin x})\) at \(x=\arctan(3/4)\)
Step 1 · Ch 3.4: Chain Rule
\(\frac{d}{dx}e^{\sin x} = e^{\sin x}\cdot\cos x\)
Step 2 · Trig ratios
\(\sin(\arctan(3/4))=\frac{3}{5}\), \(\cos(\arctan(3/4))=\frac{4}{5}\)
Step 3 · Substitution
\(e^{3/5}\cdot\frac{4}{5}=\frac{4}{5}e^{3/5}\)

Answer: (3) \(\frac{4}{5}e^{3/5}\)

Q21 (5.0 pts)

Ch 3.6 — Inverse Trigonometric Functions (derivation via implicit differentiation)
The derivation process of the arctan derivative itself is tested. Key steps:
1. From \(y=\arctan 2x\), use the inverse function definition: \(x=\frac{1}{2}\tan y\)
2. Differentiate both sides w.r.t. \(y\): \(\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{1}{2}\sec^2 y\)
3. Trig identity: \(\sec^2 y = 1+\tan^2 y = 1+(2x)^2 = 1+4x^2\)
4. Substitute: \(\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{1+4x^2}{2}\)
Choose the correct expression for A (\(\frac{dx}{dy}\)) where \(y=\arctan 2x\).
Step 1 · Ch 3.6: Inverse function relation
\(x=\frac{1}{2}\tan y\)
Step 2 · Differentiate w.r.t. \(y\)
\(\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{1}{2}\sec^2 y\)
Step 3 · Trig identity: \(\sec^2=1+\tan^2\)
\(\sec^2 y=1+\tan^2 y=1+(2x)^2=1+4x^2\)
Step 4 · Substitution
\(\frac{dx}{dy}=\frac{1+4x^2}{2}\)

Answer: (4) \(\frac{1+4x^2}{2}\)

Q22 (5.1 pts) — Highest Point Value

Ch 9.3 — Separable Equations (Orthogonal Trajectories, p.619)
Orthogonal Trajectories: A family of curves that intersects a given family of curves at right angles at every intersection point.

Two curves are orthogonal ⇔ the product of slopes at the intersection is \(-1\): \[m_1 \cdot m_2 = -1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad m_2 = -\frac{1}{m_1}\] 4-step method:
1. Eliminate the constant \(C\) from the given family by differentiating
2. Find \(y'\)
3. Orthogonal condition: replace with \(y'_\perp = -1/y'\)
4. Solve the new ODE by separation of variables
Find the orthogonal trajectories of \(\frac{x^2}{4}+y^2=C\).
Step 1 · Differentiate to eliminate C
\(\frac{x}{2}+2yy'=0 \Rightarrow y'=-\frac{x}{4y}\)
Step 2 · Apply orthogonal condition
\(y'_\perp = -\frac{1}{-x/(4y)} = \frac{4y}{x}\)
Step 3 · Ch 9.3: Separation of variables
\(\frac{dy}{y}=\frac{4\,dx}{x}\)
Step 4 · Integrate
\(\ln|y|=4\ln|x|+C_1 \Rightarrow y=Kx^4\)

Answer: (1) \(y=Kx^4\)


Final Checklist — Stewart's Calculus 9/E