Worked solution
Find a normal and distinguish its second curve intersection
For , , show the normal at is . It meets the curve again at Q; find t at Q.
[2006//PJC/II/3]
CJC · Lecture · Example 11
Differentiate the two rational functions
, while . Thus , with the original exclusions .
How did this part go?
Select the parameter matching the whole point
gives . At , x is ; at , x is . Hence P uses . Its gradient is , so the normal gradient is . Thus , giving .
How did this part go?
Substitute a second parameter into the normal
At parameter q, . Since , multiply to obtain . The roots are (the existing P, rejected for “again”) and . Therefore t at Q is .
How did this part go?
Common mistakes
A parameter root giving P must be rejected when the question asks for the second intersection.