Sorry, was in a hurry...
Okay, lemme try to explain what I used.
Point on curve closest to (18, 0).In general, when you're required to find the closest distance, you look for a line perpendicular to your point.
If I give you a set of parallel lines, the closest distance between them is the perpendicular height.
That's what I used. The tangent to the point (you are required to find)
on the curve must be perpendicular to the line joining the point required (
on the curve) and (18, 0).
I tried to draw it... Don't laugh, did that too in a hurry.