Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
The curves form a family, with a different constant for each curve. A second family crosses every curve of the first family at right angles. Find the curve of the second family that passes through the point . It has the form . Find , the positive -intercept of the curve, and the slope of the curve at .
To find orthogonal trajectories, form without the constant, then solve . The tangent meets the axes at and . The sub-tangent is and the sub-normal is .
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. The family and the point .
Plan. Form the equation of the family, swap the slope, solve, and use the point.
Step 1. The equation of the family. and , so .
Step 2. The swap. . Then , so , which is .
Step 3. The point. , so .
Step 4. The intercept. At , and .
Step 5. The slope. at .
Answer: , the intercept is and the slope is .
Check. The cubic has slope at , and .
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