The function , a polynomial of degree four, has stationary points at and .
is an increasing function when .
is not an increasing function when .
- (i)
State the nature of the stationary points and . Explain your answer.
- (ii)
Given that , where is a non-zero constant, find an expression for .
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Worked solution
8(i)
1. Determine the nature of stationary point B
Since is an increasing function when , for .
Since is not an increasing function when , and is a stationary point, for just before 4.
Thus, the gradient changes from negative to positive at .
Therefore, is a minimum point.
2. Determine the nature of stationary point A
We are given that is not an increasing function when . This means for .
Since is a stationary point, .
For , .
For , .
The gradient does not change sign at (it is negative on both sides).
Therefore, is a stationary point of inflexion.
is a point of inflexion and is a minimum point.
8(ii)
1. Expand the expression for $\mathrm{f}'(x)$ to prepare for integration.
2. Integrate $\mathrm{f}'(x)$ to find the general form of $\mathrm{f}(x)$.
3. Use the given stationary points $A(1, 5)$ and $B(4, 0)$ to form simultaneous equations for $a$ and $c$.
Substitute :
Substitute :
4. Solve the simultaneous equations to find $a$ and $c$.
5. Write the final expression for $\mathrm{f}(x)$.
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