Applications of Derivatives
Extremum and Inflection Points
Grade 12
Question:
<p><strong>Paragraph for Questions 595 and 596:</strong></p><p>A quadratic polynomial \( f(x) \) with positive leading coefficient such that \( g(x) = f(\ln x) \ \forall x > 0 \). Also the curve \( y = g(x) \) satisfies the following conditions:</p><p>(a) There is exactly one value for a positive number \( p \) such that \( (p, g(p)) \) is its extremum point and \( (p^2, g(p^2)) \) is its inflection point.</p><p>(b) Exactly one tangent line can be drawn from the point \( (0, 0) \) to the curve \( y = g(x) \).</p><p>The value of \( \dfrac{f(10)}{f(2)} \) equals:</p>
<p>(a) 25</p>
<p>(b) 36</p>
<p>(c) 41</p>
<p>(d) 64</p>
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Use the conditions that (p, g(p)) is an extremum and (p², g(p²)) is an inflection point to determine the specific quadratic f(x), then apply the tangent line condition to verify uniqueness.
<p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Let f(x) = ax² + bx + c with a > 0. Then g(x) = f(ln x) = a(ln x)² + b(ln x) + c.</p><p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Compute derivatives: g'(x) = (2a ln x + b)/x and g''(x) = (2a - 2a ln x - b)/x².</p><p><strong>Step 3:</strong> At extremum point p: g'(p) = 0 ⟹ 2a ln p + b = 0 ⟹ b = -2a ln p.</p><p><strong>Step 4:</strong> At inflection point p²: g''(p²) = 0 ⟹ 2a - 2a ln(p²) - b = 0 ⟹ 2a - 4a ln p - b = 0.</p><p><strong>Step 5:</strong> Substitute b = -2a ln p into the inflection condition: 2a - 4a ln p + 2a ln p = 0 ⟹ 2a(1 - ln p) = 0 ⟹ ln p = 1 ⟹ p = e.</p><p><strong>Step 6:</strong> Thus b = -2a and g(x) = a(ln x)² - 2a ln x + c = a(ln x - 1)² + (c - a).</p><p><strong>Step 7:</strong> For exactly one tangent from origin to y = g(x): If tangent at point (t, g(t)) passes through (0,0), then g(t)/t = g'(t). This gives: [a(ln t - 1)² + (c - a)]/t = (2a ln t - 2a)/t.</p><p><strong>Step 8:</strong> Simplifying: a(ln t - 1)² + (c - a) = 2a(ln t - 1) ⟹ a(ln t - 1)² - 2a(ln t - 1) + (c - a) = 0.</p><p><strong>Step 9:</strong> Let u = ln t - 1: au² - 2au + (c - a) = 0. For exactly one tangent, discriminant = 0: 4a² - 4a(c - a) = 0 ⟹ 4a² - 4ac + 4a² = 0 ⟹ c = 2a.</p><p><strong>Step 10:</strong> Therefore f(x) = a(x² - 2x + 2). Verify: g(x) = a(ln x - 1)² + a with minimum at x = e and inflection at x = e².</p><p><strong>Step 11:</strong> Calculate the ratio: f(10)/f(2) = [a(100 - 20 + 2)]/[a(4 - 4 + 2)] = 82/2 = 41.</p><p><strong>∴ Answer:</strong> A</p>
Correct Answer: A