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Topic: Calculus

Expert: Paul Klarreich
Date: 5/11/2008
Subject: Basic curve sketching with derivatives.

Question
2) Consider F(x)=x^3+ax^2+bx+c, where a,b, and c are constants with a>0(or equal to 0) and b>0 (or equal to 0).

a) Use second derivatives to explain its concavity and inflection point.

b) If (5,7) is its inflection point, then find (a) and (c) and its critical point if there is any.

Answer
Questioner: David
Category: Calculus
Private: No

Subject: relative max & min problem
Question: 2) Consider F(x)=x^3+ax^2+bx+c, where a,b, and c are constants with a>=0 and b>=0

a) Use second derivatives to explain its concavity and inflection point.

b) If (5,7) is its inflection point, then find a and c and its critical point if there is any.
..........................................
Hi, David,

F' = 3x^2 + 2ax + b

F'' = 6x + 2a.

There would be an inflection point when F'' = 0,
6x + 2a = 0

x = -a/3

If x < -a/3, then F'' < 0 ==> concave down,
If x > -a/3, then F'' < 0 ==> concave up.

If (5,7) is the inflection point, then

5 = -a/3, so a = - 15

You have now:

F(x) = x^3 - 15x^2 + bx + c

F(5) = 125 - 15(25) + 5b + c

F(5) = 125 - 375 + 5b + c

F(5) = -250 + 5b + c = 7

So 5b + c = - 243

Any ideas about b? I think you need some more info.

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