Question
If the fraction function y = \dfrac{ax^2+bx+6}{x^2+2} has minimum value 2 and maximum value 6, find the value of a,b
If the fraction function y = \dfrac{ax^2+bx+6}{x^2+2} has minimum value 2 and maximum value 6, find the value of a,b
Rearrange the function
ax^2+bx+6 = y(x^2+2)
then,
(y-a)x²-bx+2y-6=0
which implies y\ne a, or it will be possible to have min or max values.
For a quadratic equation to have real solutions,
the discriminant must be greater than or equal to 0, that is,
\Delta = b^2-(y-a)(2y-6) \geq 0
Since y has minimum value 2 and maximum value 6
2\leq y\leq 6
(y-2)(y-6)\leq 0
Expand the inequality
Comparing (2) with (1) results in the system of equations in terms a,b
\begin{cases} a+3 &=8 \\ 3a-\dfrac{b^2}{8}&=12 \end{cases}
Solving for a,b yields
a = 5, b = \pm2\sqrt{6}