# Math Help - find a and b given point of inflection and local min.

1. ## find a and b given point of inflection and local min.

The function f(x) = x^3 + ax² + bx has a local minimum at x=3 and a point of inflection at x = -1. Find the values of a and b.

I don't even know where to begin on this problem; any help is appreciated.

2. Originally Posted by h4hv4hd4si4n
The function f(x) = x^3 + ax² + bx has a local minimum at x=3 and a point of inflection at x = -1. Find the values of a and b.

I don't even know where to begin on this problem; any help is appreciated.
The condition for an extremal point is f'(x) = 0 and the condition for a point of inflection is f''(x) = 0

$f(x) = x^3+ax^2+bx$

$f'(x)= 3x^2+2ax+b$

$f''(x)=6x+2a$

Plug in the values you know:

$f'(3) = 0 = 27+6a+b$

$f''(-1)=0= -6+2a$

Solve this system of simultaneous equations for a and b.

3. I got a = 3 and b = -45

is that correct?

4. Originally Posted by h4hv4hd4si4n
I got a = 3 and b = -45

is that correct?
I've got the same result.