Finding Equation Of A Curve From Its Gradient Function


3.3 Finding Equation of a Curve from its Gradient Function


Example 1:
Find the equation of the curve that has the gradient function  d y d x = 2 x + 8 and passes through the point (2, 3).

Solution:
y = ( 2 x + 8 ) y = 2 x 2 2 + 8 x + C
y = x2 + 8x + C
3 = 22 +8(2) + C  (2, 3)
C = –17
Hence, the equation of the curve is
 y = x2 + 8x – 17



Example 2:
The gradient function of a curve is given by 2x – 4 and the curve has a minimum value of 3. Find the equation of the curve.

Solution:
At the point where a curve has a minimum value,  d y d x = 0
d y d x = 0  
2x – 4 = 0
x = 2

Therefore minimum point = (2, 3).

d y d x = 2 x 4 y = ( 2 x 4 ) d x y = 2 x 2 2 4 x + C y = x 2 4 x + C

When x = 2, y = 3.
3 = 22 – 4(2) + c
c = 7

Hence, the equation of the curve is
y = x2 – 4x + 7