1. Form an equation using the coordinates of the point on the normal.
Since the normal is drawn to the curve at the point (0,3), the point (0,3) must lie on the curve. Substitute x=0 and y=3 into the curve equation:
3=a(0)+b+02−1c
3=b−c⟹c=b−3
2. Form an equation using the $x$-intercept of the curve.
The curve crosses the x-axis at x=2, meaning it passes through (2,0). Substitute x=2 and y=0 into the curve equation:
0=a(2)+b+22−1c
0=2a+b+3c
6a+3b+c=0
3. Calculate the gradient of the normal and deduce the gradient of the tangent at $x = 0$.
The normal passes through the points (0,3) and (7.5,0).
Gradient of normal=7.5−00−3=−7.53=−52
Let m be the gradient of the tangent at x=0. Since the tangent and normal are perpendicular:
m×(−52)=−1⟹m=25
4. Find $\frac{dy}{dx}$ and use the gradient of the tangent to find $a$.
Differentiate the curve equation with respect to x:
y=ax+b+c(x2−1)−1
dxdy=a−c(x2−1)−2(2x)=a−(x2−1)22cx
At x=0, the gradient of the tangent is dxdy=m:
a−(02−1)22c(0)=25
a=25
5. Solve the simultaneous equations to find $b$ and $c$.
Substitute a=25 and c=b−3 into the equation 6a+3b+c=0:
6(25)+3b+(b−3)=0
15+4b−3=0
12+4b=0⟹4b=−12⟹b=−3
Substitute b=−3 into c=b−3:
c=−3−3=−6
答案a = \frac{5}{2}, b = -3, c = -6