A curve has equation $y = x^3 - 48x$ - AQA - A-Level Maths Mechanics - Question 15 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 15
A curve has equation $y = x^3 - 48x$.
The point A on the curve has $x$ coordinate $-4$.
The point B on the curve has $x$ coordinate $-4 + h$.
15 (a) Show that the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A curve has equation $y = x^3 - 48x$ - AQA - A-Level Maths Mechanics - Question 15 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how the result of part (a) can be used to show that A is a stationary point on the curve.
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Answer
To show that point A is a stationary point, we need to analyze the gradient found in part (a).
As h→0, the gradient of the line AB, which is given by h2−12h, approaches:
limh→0(h2−12h)=0.
Since the gradient of the curve at point A is the same as the gradient of line AB, we conclude that the gradient approaches zero at point A. Thus, A must be a stationary point on the curve.