A curve is mapped by the equation y = 3x^3 + ax^2 + bx, where a is a constant. The value of dy/dx at x = 2 is double that of dy/dx at x = 1. A turning point occurs when x = -1. Find the values of a and b.

dy/dx = 9x^2 + 2ax + b

x = 2, dy/dx = 9(2)^2 + 2a(2) + b = 36 + 4a + b

x = 1, dy/dx = 9(1)^2 + 2a(1) + b = 9 + 2a + b

36 + 4a + b = 2(9 + 2a + b)

b = 18

x = -1, dy/dx = 0 = 9(-1)^2 + 2a(-1) + 18

9 - 2a + 18 = 0

a = 13.5

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The curve C has equation f(x) = 4(x^1.5) + 48/(x^0.5) - 8^0.5 for x > 0. (a) Find the exact coordinates of the stationary point of C. (b) Determine whether the stationary point is a maximum or minimum.


x^3 + 2x^2 - 9x - 18 = (x^2 - a^2)(x + b) where a,b are integers. Work out the three linear factors of x^3 + 2x^2 - 9x - 18. (Note: x^3 indicates x cubed and x^2 indicates x squared).


This is a question from a past paper: https://prnt.sc/r6jnxc


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