[Math] Finding Tangents to a curve that pass through the origin

calculus

I am trying to find the number of tangents to a curve that all pass through the origin. The curve's equation is $y=x^3 + x^2 – 22x + 20$. I also need to find the equation of said tangents.

Best Answer

The parametric form is $t,t^3+t^2-22t+20$

The gradient at $x=t$ will be $$3t^2+2t-22$$

So, the equation of the tangent at $x=t$ will be $$\frac{y-(t^3+t^2-22t+20)}{x-t}=3t^2+2t-22$$

This has to pass through the origin $(0,0)$

Hope you can take it home from here