CPM Homework Help : CALC Problem 7-62

Find a so that the parabola y = ax² + 3 is tangent to the line y = 5 − x. Also, state the point of tangency. Homework Help ✎

Hint 1:

At the point of tangency ax² + 3 = 5 − x

Hint 2:

Since the tangent line is y = 5 − x, then the slope of the tangent is −1 at the point of tangency.
Therefore 2ax = −1.

Hint 3:

Solve a system of equations.