# Tangents to the curve $y=x^3-3x^2-7x+6$ cut off on the negative semi axis $OX$ a line segment half that on the positive semi axis $OY$ is

The coordinates of points at each of which the tangents to the curve $y=x^3-3x^2-7x+6$ cut off on the negative semi axis $OX$ a line segment half that on the positive semi axis $OY$ is/are given by
$(A)(-1,9)$
$(B)(3,-15)$
$(C)(1,-3)$
$(D)$none

Let the point of tangency be $(x_1,y_1)$
Then the equation of tangent is $\frac{y-y_1}{x-x_1}=3x_1^2-6x_1-7$
I am stuck here.

• Is the semi-axis $OX$ perpendicular to the semi-axis $OY$? – Jose Arnaldo Bebita-Dris Jun 17 '17 at 16:42
• yes it is perpendicular. – Brahmagupta Jun 17 '17 at 16:44
• Please include that information in the question. – Jose Arnaldo Bebita-Dris Jun 17 '17 at 16:45

Let the point of tangency be $(x_1,y_1)$
Then the equation of tangent is $\displaystyle\frac{y-y_1}{x-x_1}=3x_1^2-6x_1-7$.

When $y=0$, $\displaystyle x=x_1+\frac{-y_1}{3x_1^2-6x_1-7}$.

When $x=0$, $\displaystyle y=y_1-x_1(3x_1^2-6x_1-7)$.

When $x_1=-1$, $y_1=(-1)^3-3(-1)^2-7(-1)+6=9$ and the $y$-intercept is
$$9-(-1)[3(-1)^2-6(-1)-7]=11>0$$
When $x_1=3$, $y_1=(3)^3-3(3)^2-7(3)+6=-15$ and the $y$-intercept is
$$-15-(3)[3(3)^2-6(3)-7]=-21<0$$
So, the point of tangency is $(-1,9)$.