Adam S.

asked • 01/18/23

There is a line through the origin that divides the region bounded by the parabola y = 5 x − 7 x ^ 2 and the x-axis into two regions with equal area. What is the slope of that line?

1 Expert Answer

By:

Adam S.

After solving for m I get m is equal to either 5 or -2, and when solving for p, p is = to 0 or 3/2. I am not quite sure how I move forward from this step as I tried a couple ways of substituting but was not able to get a valid answer.
Report

01/18/23

Patrick F.

tutor
Let me clarify what are m and p. m is the gradient of the straight line. Our goal is to find m. p is the x value when the line and the curve are equal. p can be found by setting mx = -7x^2+5x. p in terms of m is (5-m)/7 We set up the equation with the integrals in the final step. Basically, total area under the curve from 0 to 5/7 is equal to twice the area of the difference between the curve and the line for 0 to p. This equation is solved for m. First, try to understand why we need p. Finding p in terms of m is not hard. Then understand the equations with integrals, and importantly the limits of the integrals. What looks hard is possibly the solving of the cubic for m at the very end. I didn't have the patience so I used technology and got m=1.03. Looks reasonable when I draw the the line y = 1.03x
Report

01/18/23

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.