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2.11.1 Differentiation Long Questions (Question 1)


Question 1:
The curve y = x3 – 6x2 + 9x + 3 passes through the point P (2, 5) and has two turning points, A (3, 3) and B.
Find 
(a) the gradient of the curve at P.
(b) the equation of the normal to the curve at P.
(c) the coordinates of and determine whether B is a maximum or the minimum point.

Solution:
(a)
y = x3 – 6x2 + 9x + 3
dy/dx = 3x2– 12x + 9
At point P (2, 5),
dy/dx = 3(2)2 – 12(2) + 9 = –3

Gradient of the curve at point P = –3.

(b)
Gradient of normal at point P = 1/3
Equation of the normal at P (2, 5):
yy1 = m (x – x1)
y – 5 = 1/3 (x – 2)
3y – 15 = x – 2
3y = x + 13

(c) 
At turning point, dy/dx = 0.
3x2 – 12x + 9 = 0
x2 – 4x + 3 = 0
(x – 1)( x – 3) = 0
x – 1 = 0  or x – 3 = 0
x = 1  x = 3 (Point A)

Thus at point B:
x = 1
y = (1)3– 6(1)2 + 9(1) + 3 = 7

Thus, coordinates of = (1, 7)

when  x = 1 ,   d 2 y d x 2 = 6 x 12 d 2 y d x 2 = 6 ( 1 ) 12 d 2 y d x 2 = 6 < 0 Since  d 2 y d x 2 < 0 ,   B  is a maximum point .

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