To find the values of m for which the line intersects the curve at two distinct points, we equate the equations of the line and the curve:
\(mx + 4 = 3x^2 - 4x + 7\)
Rearrange to form a quadratic equation:
\(3x^2 - (4 + m)x + 3 = 0\)
For the line to intersect the curve at two distinct points, the discriminant of this quadratic equation must be greater than zero:
\(b^2 - 4ac > 0\)
Here, \(a = 3\), \(b = -(4 + m)\), and \(c = 3\).
Calculate the discriminant:
\((4 + m)^2 - 4 \times 3 \times 3 > 0\)
\((4 + m)^2 - 36 > 0\)
\((4 + m)^2 > 36\)
Taking the square root of both sides:
\(|4 + m| > 6\)
This gives two inequalities:
\(4 + m > 6\) or \(4 + m < -6\)
Solving these:
\(m > 2\) or \(m < -10\)
Thus, the set of values of m for which the line intersects the curve at two distinct points is \(m > 2 \text{ or } m < -10\).