Let a curve y=f(x),x∈(0,∞) pass through the points P(1,23) and Q(a,21). If the tangent at any point R(b,f(b)) to the given curve cuts the y-axis at the point S(0,c) such that bc=3, then (PQ)2 is equal to ____.
Answer: 5
Solution
The tangent at R(b,f(b)) has equation:
y−f(b)=f′(b)(x−b)
At S(0,c): c−f(b)=−bf′(b)
Given bc=3, so c=b3:
b3−f(b)=−bf′(b)
bf′(b)−f(b)=−b3
Dividing by b2:
b2bf′(b)−f(b)=−b33
This is dbd(bf(b))=−b33
Integrating: bf(b)=2b23+λ
Using P(1,23): 23=23+λ⇒λ=0
So f(b)=2b3
For point Q(a,21): 21=2a3⇒a=3
Therefore Q(3,21) and (PQ)2=(3−1)2+(21−23)2=4+1=5