Finding Inflection Points: Solving for a,b, and c

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To determine the coefficients a, b, and c for the function f(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c, critical points and inflection points must be calculated using the first and second derivatives. The critical point at (1,5) requires that the first derivative equals zero, while the inflection point at (2,3) is found by setting the second derivative to zero. After calculations, the values were determined to be a = -6, b = 9, and c = 1, confirming the function meets the specified conditions. The initial confusion regarding the points being critical or inflection was clarified during the discussion. The final coefficients successfully solve the problem as intended.
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Hi, can someone help me guide me on how to find inflections? I am not too sure how to do it in such a problem as the follows:

Homework Statement


Determine a, b, and c so that the function
f(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c has critical points at (1,5) and an inflection point at (2,3)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not too sure how to pursue this, for critical points I know the derivative needs to equal zero and then you find the critical points that way, but I don't know what to do for the inflection.
Thank You!
 
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1st derivative - critical points

2nd derivative - inflection points
 
Yep, thanks I figured it out
a = -9/2
b = 11

But I can't find out what c is;
This is wat I did by the way;

y = x3 + ax2 + bx + c

y' = 3x2 + 2ax + b

y'' = 6x + 2a

Take y' and plug in (1, 5)

5 = 3(1) + 2a(1) + b ==> 2a + b = 2 ... (1)

Take y'' and plug in (2, 3)

3 = 6(2) + 2a ==> a = -9/2 ... (2)

Then, plug (2) into (1) to find b

b = 11
 
AdiV said:
... Take y' and plug in (1, 5) Ouppss!...

...Take y'' and plug in (2, 3) Ouppps, again!...

The points (1,5), (2,3) are (x,y) points not (x,y') or (x,y'') points!

On critical points y'(x_o)=0

On inflection points y''(x_o)=0
 
Ohh, ok, yes, I fixed it now, I have my answer to be

a = -6
b = 9
c = 1
 
AdiV said:
Ohh, ok, yes, I fixed it now, I have my answer to be

a = -6
b = 9
c = 1

And that's the correct one! :smile:
 
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