A curve has equation \(y = x^3 + 3x^2 - 9x + k\), where \(k\) is a constant.
(i) Write down an expression for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\).
(ii) Find the \(x\)-coordinates of the two stationary points on the curve.
(iii) Hence find the two values of \(k\) for which the curve has a stationary point on the \(x\)-axis.
Solution
(i) Differentiate \(y = x^3 + 3x^2 - 9x + k\) with respect to \(x\):
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = 3x^2 + 6x - 9\).
(ii) Stationary points occur where \(\frac{dy}{dx} = 0\):
\(3x^2 + 6x - 9 = 0\).
Factorize the quadratic equation:
\(3(x^2 + 2x - 3) = 0\).
\(3(x + 3)(x - 1) = 0\).
Thus, \(x = -3\) or \(x = 1\).
(iii) For the curve to have a stationary point on the \(x\)-axis, \(y = 0\) at the stationary points:
Substitute \(x = -3\) into \(y = x^3 + 3x^2 - 9x + k\):
\((-3)^3 + 3(-3)^2 - 9(-3) + k = 0\).
\(-27 + 27 + 27 + k = 0\).
\(k = -27\).
Substitute \(x = 1\) into \(y = x^3 + 3x^2 - 9x + k\):
\(1^3 + 3(1)^2 - 9(1) + k = 0\).
\(1 + 3 - 9 + k = 0\).
\(k = 5\).
Thus, the values of \(k\) are \(-27\) and \(5\).
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