Coefficients of a cubic from its point of inflexion and horizontal tangents, and the nature of a turning point

Coefficients of a cubic from its point of inflexion and horizontal tangents, and the nature of a turning point

IB Year 6 | Grade 12
15 marks

The function \(g\) is given by \(g(x)=px^3+qx^2+rx+s\) for \(x\in\mathbb{R}\), with real constants \(p\), \(q\), \(r\) and \(s\).

The point \((1,\,r+s-4)\) on the graph of \(y=g(x)\) is a point of inflexion.

  1. Show that \(p=2\) and \(q=-6\).[6]
  2. The graph of \(y=g(x)\) has a horizontal tangent at \(x=3\) and another at \(x=m\), where \(m\ne3\).
    1. Show that \(r=-18\).
    2. Find \(m\).
    3. Determine the nature of the stationary point at \(x=m\), justifying your answer.[7]
  3. Show that, at the point of inflexion, the tangent to the curve \(y=g(x)\) is parallel to the line \(24x+y=5\).[2]

Solution:

Solution locked

680+ questions here come with free worked solutions. A free account saves your questions and progress; this one needs tuition enrolment.

Create a free account to practise similar questions.

Answer:(a) \(p=2,\ q=-6\) (b)(i) \(r=-18\) (b)(ii) \(m=-1\) (b)(iii) local maximum

Need help? Join our JC Math tuition classes.

Learn more