# Creating a function

1. Oct 28, 2013

### Elpinetos

f: ℝ→ℝ y = 3x²/4+bx+c
Let P(-1|9) be a point on the function, with a tangent-slope of -6
Find b and c

No matter how I calculate, I get b = $\frac{-9}{2}$ and c = $\frac{15}{4}$
The solution textbook I have tells me that c is $\frac{-15}{4}$

Am I doing something wrong or did they make a typo in the solution textbook? Oo

2. Oct 28, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

Homework-type problems must be posted in the Homework & Coursework section, not in the technical math section. I am moving this post to the Calculus & Beyond section under Homework & Coursework.

3. Oct 28, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

It would be helpful if you showed us what you did.

BTW, we write points with a comma separating the coordinates, not a vertical bar. In other words, like this: P(-1, 9).

4. Oct 29, 2013

### Elpinetos

Okay, sorry :)

So what I did was, I got the first derivative y' = 3/2x+b

Then I set f(-1) = 9 and f'(-1) = -6

So -6 = 3/2*(-1)+b --> b = -9/2

9 = 3/4*(-1)² + (-1)*b + c

9 = 3/4 - b + c

9 = 3/4 - (-9/2) + c

9 = 3/4 + 18/4 + c

9-21/4 = c

c = 15/4

--> f: y = 3/4x^2 - 9/2x + 15/4

5. Oct 29, 2013

### Dick

You are completely correct and there's a typo in the solution.

6. Oct 29, 2013

### Elpinetos

Thank you :)

7. Oct 29, 2013

### Staff: Mentor

It's easy enough to check. The values you got show that the function is f(x) = (3/4)x2 - (9/2)x + 15/4. You can verify that f(-1) = 9 and that f'(-1) = -6.

Since your answer differs from the book answer, make sure that you are working the right problem and that you haven't overlooked or added a minus sign somewhere.