A curve has parametric equations: x = 3t +8, y = t^3 - 5t^2 + 7t. Find the co-ordinates of the stationary points.

First differentiate: dx/dt = 3,   dy/dt = 3t2 - 10t + 7

Using the chain rule: dy/dx = dy/dt * dt/dx = (3t2 - 10t + 7)/3 

At stationary points, the gradient is equal to zero: 3t2 - 10t + 7 = 0

Solve for t using the quadratic formula and substituting these values: a = 3, b = -10, c = 7

Solutions: t = 7/3 and 1

For the co-ordinates, substitute the values of t into the parametric equations: (15, 49/27) and (11, 3)

RB
Answered by Robbie B. Maths tutor

5780 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find all possible values of θ for tan θ = 2 sin θ with the range 0◦ ≤ θ ≤ 360◦


A ball is fired from a cannon at 20m/s at an angle of 56degrees to the horizontal. Calculate the horizontal distance the ball travels as well as its maximum height reached.


X


Show that the cubic function f(x) = x^3 - 7x - 6 has a root x = -1 and hence factorise it fully.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning