# Curve Sketching

#### steezin

Show that for any cubic function of the form y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d, there is a single point of inflection where the slope of the curve at that point is C – b2 / 3a.

#### pickslides

MHF Helper
I would suggest making $$\displaystyle \frac{dy}{dx} =$$
C – b2 / 3a.

steezin

#### mr fantastic

MHF Hall of Fame
Show that for any cubic function of the form y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d, there is a single point of inflection where the slope of the curve at that point is C – b2 / 3a.
It follows from the definition that the x-coord of the point of inflection occurs where dy/dx has a turning point.

steezin

#### HallsofIvy

MHF Helper
Show that for any cubic function of the form y = ax3 + bx2 + cx + d, there is a single point of inflection where the slope of the curve at that point is C – b2 / 3a.
Sounds straightforward to me. An inflection point occurs where the second derivative is 0. Set the second derivative equal to 0 and solve for x. Then calculate the first derivative for that x.

steezin