The folium-like curve is shown implicitly in the –plane.

MATHEMATICS · Multi-part · A Level · Mathematics · Differentiation · Differentiation

Problem

The folium-like curve x3+y3−9xy=0x^{3}+y^{3}-9xy=0 is shown implicitly in the xyxy–plane. (1) Derive a simplified expression for dydx\dfrac{dy}{dx} at an arbitrary point (x,y)(x,y) on the curve. (2) Determine all points on the curve where the tangent line is horizontal. Present exact coordinates. (3) For each point found in part (b), compute d2ydx2\dfrac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} and decide whether the curve is concave up or concave down with respect to the xx–axis at that point. Show analytical justification. (4) Treating yy as a differentiable function of xx, classify each point from part (b) as a local maximum, local minimum, or neither for yy. Support your conclusions with appropriate reasoning.

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