SOLUTION: In the xy plane, the graph of y=x^2+1 intersects the line m at (a,2) and (b,5). What's the greatest possible slope of m?

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: In the xy plane, the graph of y=x^2+1 intersects the line m at (a,2) and (b,5). What's the greatest possible slope of m?      Log On


   

Question 1088886: In the xy plane, the graph of y=x^2+1 intersects the line m at (a,2) and (b,5). What's the greatest possible slope of m?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The slope of the line would be,
m=%285-2%29%2F%28b-a%29
Solve for a and b.
a%5E2%2B1=2
a%5E2=1
a=1 or a=-1
.
.
.
b%5E2%2B1=5
b%5E2=4
b=-2 and b=2
.
.
.
For the greatest value of slope, make a-b a minimum but still positive.
So,
a=1
and
b=2
So,
m=3%2F1=3