Porisma

Worked solution

Use both coordinates and gradients at stationary points

[Graphs and Applications of Differentiation] The curve y=f(x)y=f(x), where ff is a cubic polynomial, has stationary points at (−2,8)(-2,8) and (12,1898)(\tfrac12,\tfrac{189}{8}). Determine the equation of the curve.

CJC · Lecture · Example 7

Define the polynomial and use zero gradients

Let f(x)=Ax3+Bx2+Cx+Df(x)=Ax^3+Bx^2+Cx+D, so f′(x)=3Ax2+2Bx+Cf\prime(x)=3Ax^2+2Bx+C. The source callout says stationary points imply zero derivative. Therefore 12A−4B+C=012A-4B+C=0 and 34A+B+C=0\tfrac34A+B+C=0.

How did this part go?

Use the points on the curve

Stationary points also lie on the curve, as the second source callout stresses. Their ordinates give −8A+4B−2C+D=8-8A+4B-2C+D=8 and 18A+14B+12C+D=1898\tfrac18A+\tfrac14B+\tfrac12C+D=\tfrac{189}{8}. Together these four linear equations determine the four coefficients.

How did this part go?

Map the calculator output and interpret

The printed calculator screen gives x1=−2x_1=-2, x2=−9/2x_2=-9/2, x3=6x_3=6, x4=22x_4=22. Its callout maps these to A,B,C,DA,B,C,D respectively and warns against copying the screen variable names into the final solution. Thus f(x)=−2x3−92x2+6x+22f(x)=-2x^3-\tfrac92x^2+6x+22. Verify f(−2)=8f(-2)=8, f(1/2)=189/8f(1/2)=189/8 and f′(−2)=f′(1/2)=0f\prime(-2)=f\prime(1/2)=0.

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Common mistakes

Two zero-gradient equations alone do not determine all four cubic coefficients. Use the ordinates too, and report the original coefficient names.

Solution notes

Student and Teacher PDF page 9 compared. Student printed page 169; Teacher visible footer 9 (underlying extracted label 169). No marks are printed.

Read the hint