The curves Y=ax^2 +b and Y=2x^2 +cx have a common tangent line at the point (-1,0). Find a,b and c.
Thank you
y = ax^2 + b y = 2x^2 + cx
Since the point (-1, 0) is on both graphs
Using the first function, we have
0 = a(-1)^2 + b
0 = a + b
Using the second function, we have that
0 = 2(-1)^2 + c(-1)
0 = 2 - c
c = 2
Taking the derivative of both functions
y' = 2ax y' = 4x + c
y' = 2ax y' = 4x + 2
The slope of the tangent line is the same for both functions at x = -1
So....equating slopes
2a(-1) = 4(-1) + 2
-2a = -4 + 2
-2a = = -2
a = 1
And since a + b = 0
b = -1
The equation of the tangent line is
y = (4(-1) + 2) ( x - -1)
y = -2(x + 1)
y = -2x -2
Here's a graph : https://www.desmos.com/calculator/2wiesd0ekz