### Folium of Descartes

Investigate the family of graphs given by the equation x^3+y^3=3axy for different values of the constant a.

### Witch of Agnesi

Sketch the members of the family of graphs given by y = a^3/(x^2+a^2) for a=1, 2 and 3.

### Quick Route

What is the quickest route across a ploughed field when your speed around the edge is greater?

# Patterns of Inflection

##### Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

This problem is a good place to put into action the analogies for calculus explored in Calculus Analogies, so you might wish to consider that problem first.

Draw sets of coordinate axes $x-y$ and sketch a few simple smooth curves with varying numbers of turning points.

Mark on each curve the approximate locations of the maxima $M$, the minima $m$ and the points of inflection $I$.

In each case list the order in which the maxima, minima and points of inflection occur along the curve.

What patterns do you notice in these orders? Make a conjecture.

Test out your conjecture on the cubic equations
$$3x^3-6x^2+9x+11\quad\mbox{ and } 2x^3-5x^2-4x$$

Prove your conjecture for any cubic equation.

Extension: Consider the same problem for polynomials of order 4 or greater.