A curve has equation \(y = f(x)\). It is given that \(f'(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x+6}} + \frac{6}{x^2}\) and that \(f(3) = 1\). Find \(f(x)\). [5]
Solution
To find \(f(x)\), we need to integrate \(f'(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x+6}} + \frac{6}{x^2}\).
The integral of \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{x+6}}\) is \(2\sqrt{x+6}\).
The integral of \(\frac{6}{x^2}\) is \(-\frac{6}{x}\).
Thus, \(f(x) = 2\sqrt{x+6} - \frac{6}{x} + c\).
Using the condition \(f(3) = 1\), substitute \(x = 3\) into the equation:
\(2\sqrt{3+6} - \frac{6}{3} + c = 1\).
This simplifies to \(2(3) - 2 + c = 1\).
\(6 - 2 + c = 1\).
\(c = -3\).
Therefore, \(f(x) = 2\sqrt{x+6} - \frac{6}{x} - 3\).
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