The equation of a curve is y = ax^2 + 3x + c where a and b are integers. The curve has a minimum point at (1,1), find a and c

We start by trying to find out the values of a and c using the information about the minimum point. We know we can rearrange the right hand side by completing the square: y = a(x^2 + 3x)+cy = a(x+3/2a)^2+c-(9/(4a)) as y = a(x^2 + (3/a)x + 9/(4a2)) = ax^2 + 3x + 9/4a to ensure that this is equivalent to ax^2 +3x + c, we substract 9/4a and add c. we know that this is a minimum point so we need the square to be minimum as if the inside is negative, negative squared is positive and if it is positive, positive squared is positive the minimum must be where the square is 0. So x = -3/(2a) so 1 = -3/2a so a = -3/2 as -3/(2*(-3/2)) = 1. We now know that 1 = 0+c-(9/4(-3/2)), 1 = c + (9/6) so c = -3/6 .

LE
Answered by Larbi E. Maths tutor

3119 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve simultaneously. x^2+y^2 = 25 ; y - 3x = 13


How do you factorize a quadratic equation which has a coefficient of x^2 other than 1?


Calculate the equation of a line that passes through the point (2,4) and has a gradient of 1.5 in the form y=mx+c


Find x in the following linear equation (5x-3)/4=2


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning