The curve C is defined for t ≥ 0 by the parametric equations
$x = t^2 + t$ and $y = 4t^2 - t^3$
C is shown in the diagram below - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 14 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 14
The curve C is defined for t ≥ 0 by the parametric equations
$x = t^2 + t$ and $y = 4t^2 - t^3$
C is shown in the diagram below.
Find the gradient of C at the poi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The curve C is defined for t ≥ 0 by the parametric equations
$x = t^2 + t$ and $y = 4t^2 - t^3$
C is shown in the diagram below - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 14 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Find the gradient of C at the point where it intersects the positive x-axis.
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Answer
To find the gradient at the point where the curve intersects the positive x-axis, we set the y-coordinate to 0:
4t2−t3=0
Factoring gives:
t2(4−t)=0
Thus, t=0 or t=4. The point of intersection is at t=4.
Next, we compute the gradient using the derivatives: