Finding a and b for y = ax^2 + bx Passing Through (2,4) with Gradient 8

In summary: If a= 3 and b= -4, you have y= 3x2- 4x. What is y when x= 2? y=-6 If a= 3 and b= -4, you have y= 3x2- 4x. What is y when x= 2? y=-6
  • #1
tweety1234
112
0

Homework Statement



The curve [tex] y = ax^{2} + bx [/tex] passes through the point (2,4) with gradient 8. Find a and b .

I have no idea how to work out a and b , do I use simultaneous equations?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to work out a and b , do I use simultaneous equations?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
well start of by thinking about what your dy/dx would be...
 
  • #3
okay so dy/dx = [tex] 2ax + b [/tex] from this how do I find what a and b equal ?
 
  • #4
Use the fact that (2, 4) is a point on the curve in your given equation, which will give you an equation that involves only a and b.

Then use the fact that at x = 2, dy/dx = 8 in your equation for the derivative. This will give you another equation in a and b.

Finally, solve the two equations in a and b simultaneously.
 
  • #5
Mark44 said:
Use the fact that (2, 4) is a point on the curve in your given equation, which will give you an equation that involves only a and b.

Then use the fact that at x = 2, dy/dx = 8 in your equation for the derivative. This will give you another equation in a and b.

Finally, solve the two equations in a and b simultaneously.

so I just sub in the values for x and y ?

are these two equations correct..

[tex] 4a + b = 4 [/tex]

[tex] 4a + b = 8 [/tex]

?
 
  • #6
Have another look at the first equation.
 
  • #7
danago said:
Have another look at the first equation.

x=2 so 2x2=4? can you give more hints, cause I am really stuck

thank you!
 
  • #8
is it meant to be [tex] 32a + b =4 [/tex] ?
 
  • #9
tweety1234 said:
is it meant to be [tex] 32a + b =4 [/tex] ?
No.

Write your first equation.
Substitute 2 for x and 4 for y in that equation. The other equation you wrote, 4a + b = 8, is correct.
 
  • #10
[tex] y = ax^{2} + bx [/tex] , [tex] 4a + 2b = 4 [/tex] is this correct? so a = 3 and b = -4 ?
 
  • #11
Check it yourself. IF a= 3 and b= -4, you have y= 3x2- 4x. What is y when x= 2? What is y' when x= 2?
 

FAQ: Finding a and b for y = ax^2 + bx Passing Through (2,4) with Gradient 8

What is differentiation?

Differentiation is a mathematical process that involves finding the rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable. It is used to calculate the slope of a curve at any given point and is an important concept in calculus.

Why is differentiation important?

Differentiation is important because it allows us to understand and analyze the behavior of a function. It helps us to find maximum and minimum values, calculate rates of change, and solve optimization problems in various fields such as physics, economics, and engineering.

What is the difference between differentiation and integration?

Differentiation and integration are inverse operations of each other. While differentiation calculates the slope of a curve, integration calculates the area under the curve. In simpler terms, differentiation is finding the rate of change while integration is finding the accumulation.

What are the different methods of differentiation?

The most commonly used methods of differentiation are the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules provide a step-by-step process for finding the derivative of a function.

How can differentiation be applied in real life?

Differentiation has various real-life applications, such as determining the velocity and acceleration of an object in physics, finding the marginal cost and revenue in economics, and analyzing the growth and decay of populations in biology. It is also used in engineering to optimize designs and in finance to calculate rates of return and risk management.

Similar threads

Back
Top