[Math] Find a Cubic Function given an inflection point, critical point, and function value.

calculuscubicsderivativesfunctions

Find a cubic function f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d

Given:

  • Inflection point (0,18)
  • Critical point x = 2
  • F(2) = 2

I know how to solve for the general forms of the derivatives, and to set the values of the functions and the derivatives at those points, but the system of equations that I come up with lead me to the wrong answer.

My work so far is as follows:

  • f(x) = ax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d
  • f'(x) = 3ax^2 + 2bx + c
  • f''(x) = 6ax + 2b

  • f(2) = a(2)^3 + b(2)^2 + c(2) + d = 2
  • f(2) = 8a + 4b + 2c + d =2
  • f'(2) = 3a(2)^2 + 2b(2) + c = 0
  • f'(2) = 12a + 4b +c = 0
  • f''(18) = 6a(18) + 2b = 0
  • f''(18) = 108a + 2b = 0

Thus:

  • f(2) = 8a + 4b + 2c + d =2
  • f'(2) = 12a + 4b +c = 0
  • f''(18) = 108a + 2b = 0

But here I get stuck and unable to solve for any particular variable.

Best Answer

An inflection point at (0,18) gives two equations:

$f''(0) = 0$ and $f(0)=18$.

The critical point gives rise to the equation $f'(2)=0$ and you have $f(2)=2$. Then you have four linear equations in four unknowns, which you can solve by substitution.

Related Question