How Do You Find a Function Whose Integral is x^3 and Has a Tangent Line x+y=0?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a function f(x) whose integral is x^3 and that has a tangent line described by the equation x + y = 0. The discussion centers around the relationship between the function, its derivative, and the tangent line.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the integral of x^3 and its implications for the function f(x). There is an exploration of the conditions for tangency with the line y = -x, including the need for matching slopes and points of intersection.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the clarity of the problem statement and the assumptions made about the function and its properties. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the function's derivative and the slope of the tangent line.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the wording of the problem, particularly the phrase "who's integral is \int x^{3}". This raises questions about the interpretation of the problem and the definitions involved.

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Homework Statement



Find the equation f(x) who's integral is [tex]\int x^{3}[/tex] and has a tangent x+y=0

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I know that f(x) is 1/4x4+c because of the integral. The tangent is the derivative of f(x) at some point

i have the equations

y=x3+c
y=-x

but solving these equations gives me two unknowns...
 
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Well, at what point does x^3 equal negative 1 (the slope of y=-x)
 
What you have written is not very clear. From what I can tell, f(x) = (1/4)x4 + C.

You're given that f is tangent to the graph y = -x. This means that f'(x) = x3 has to equal -1 (the slope of the line y = -x). It also means that the graph of f has to have a point in common with the line y = -x.
 
-1?
so

1/4x4+c=1
1/4(-1)+c=1
c=3/4

f(x)= 1/4x4+3/4
 
flyers said:
-1?
-1 for what?
flyers said:
so
Why 1? You're not explaining what you're doing, which makes it extremely difficult to understand your work.
flyers said:
1/4x4+c=1
1/4(-1)+c=1
c=3/4

f(x)= 1/4x4+3/4
 
Sorry, I was replying to Char. limit's question
 
Can you post the problem exactly as it is worded? I'm having a hard time believing this is what you have actually been given:
flyers said:
Find the equation f(x) who's integral is [itex]\int x^{3}[/itex]
and has a tangent x+y=0

especially the part that says "who's integral is [itex]\int x^{3}[/itex]..."
 

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