Which Real Numbers Intersect This Curve at Four Distinct Points?

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The discussion centers on identifying real numbers \( c \) such that the polynomial curve \( y = x^4 + 9x^3 + cx^2 + 9x + 4 \) intersects a straight line at four distinct points. The participant MarkFL confirms the correctness of a provided solution, indicating a collaborative verification of mathematical reasoning. The focus is on polynomial behavior and intersection analysis in algebraic geometry.

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Find the real numbers $c$ for which there is a straight line that intersects the curve $y=x^4+9x^3+cx^2+9x+4$ at four distinct points?
 
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My solution:

If we look at the concavity of the function, we see that we require the second derivative of the function to have two real, distinct roots:

$$f''(x)=12x^2+54x+2c$$

Requiring the discriminant to be positive gives us:

$$54^2-4(12)(2c)>0$$

$$c<\frac{243}{8}$$
 
Hi MarkFL,

Thanks for participating and your answer is correct!(Clapping)
 

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