Find two values of k, such that the line y = kx + 2 is tangent to the curve y = x^2 + 4x + 3

There will be intersection when x^2 + 4x + 3 = kx + 2. Our goal is to find the values of k which would only give one solution to this quadratic equation, which would make the lines 'tangent' to each other. First we rearrange the equation to get it in a familiar form: x^2 + (4-k)x + 1 = 0 To have one solution, the discriminant (b^2 - 4ac) must be zero. (4-k)^2 - 411 = 0 16 - 8k + k^2 - 4 = 0 k^2 - 8k +12 = 0 Factorising: (k-6)(k-2) = 0 So k = 6 and k = 2 are valid solutions to this problem.

AN
Answered by Andrew N. Maths tutor

34689 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the values of x, where 0 < x < 360, such that x solves the equation: 8(tan[x])^2 – 5(sec[x])^2 = 7 + 4sec[x]


Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 2x^2 + x - 1 at the point where x = 1.


Integrate ∫x^4+5x^3+sin(2x) dx


A curve has the equation, 6x^2 +3xy−y^2 +6=0 and passes through the point A (-5, 10). Find the equation of the normal to the curve at A.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning