Question 1 · Short response
5.83 marksA curve has the equation \(y = \ln(x^2 - 3x + 3)\). Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point where \(x = 2\). Give your answer in the form \(y = mx + c\).
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Worked solution
First, find the \(y\)-coordinate of the point of contact by substituting \(x = 2\) into the equation of the curve:
\(y = \ln(2^2 - 3(2) + 3) = \ln(4 - 6 + 3) = \ln(1) = 0\).
So the point of contact is \((2, 0)\).
Next, find the derivative using the chain rule:
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x - 3}{x^2 - 3x + 3}\).
Evaluate the gradient of the tangent at \(x = 2\):
\(m = \frac{2(2) - 3}{2^2 - 3(2) + 3} = \frac{1}{1} = 1\).
Using the point-slope formula \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\):
\(y - 0 = 1(x - 2)\)
\(y = x - 2\).
\(y = \ln(2^2 - 3(2) + 3) = \ln(4 - 6 + 3) = \ln(1) = 0\).
So the point of contact is \((2, 0)\).
Next, find the derivative using the chain rule:
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x - 3}{x^2 - 3x + 3}\).
Evaluate the gradient of the tangent at \(x = 2\):
\(m = \frac{2(2) - 3}{2^2 - 3(2) + 3} = \frac{1}{1} = 1\).
Using the point-slope formula \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\):
\(y - 0 = 1(x - 2)\)
\(y = x - 2\).
Marking scheme
- **M1**: Attempting to find the \(y\)-coordinate by substituting \(x = 2\) into the equation of the curve.
- **A1**: Finding the point of contact is \((2, 0)\) (or stating \(y = 0\)).
- **M1**: Attempting to differentiate using the chain rule.
- **A1**: Correct derivative expression \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x - 3}{x^2 - 3x + 3}\).
- **A1**: Evaluating the gradient at \(x = 2\) to get \(m = 1\).
- **A0.83**: Correct equation of the tangent line: \(y = x - 2\).
- **A1**: Finding the point of contact is \((2, 0)\) (or stating \(y = 0\)).
- **M1**: Attempting to differentiate using the chain rule.
- **A1**: Correct derivative expression \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2x - 3}{x^2 - 3x + 3}\).
- **A1**: Evaluating the gradient at \(x = 2\) to get \(m = 1\).
- **A0.83**: Correct equation of the tangent line: \(y = x - 2\).