Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This is an application of derivatives involving rates of change. The phrase "y-coordinate changes 9 times as fast as x-coordinate" translates mathematically to a specific relationship between their derivatives with respect to time ($\frac{dy}{dt}$ and $\frac{dx}{dt}$).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Express the given rate condition mathematically: $\frac{dy}{dt} = 9 \cdot \frac{dx}{dt}$.
2. Differentiate the given curve equation $3y = x^3 - 3$ with respect to time $t$.
3. Substitute the rate condition into the differentiated equation to solve for $x$.
4. Substitute the found $x$ values back into the original curve equation to find the corresponding $y$ coordinates.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The equation of the drone's path is:
\[ 3y = x^3 - 3 \]
Differentiate both sides with respect to time $t$:
\[ \frac{d}{dt}(3y) = \frac{d}{dt}(x^3 - 3) \]
\[ 3 \frac{dy}{dt} = 3x^2 \frac{dx}{dt} \]
Divide both sides by 3:
\[ \frac{dy}{dt} = x^2 \frac{dx}{dt} \]
We are given the condition that the y-coordinate changes 9 times as fast as the x-coordinate. This means:
\[ \frac{dy}{dt} = 9 \frac{dx}{dt} \]
Substitute this condition into our differentiated equation:
\[ 9 \frac{dx}{dt} = x^2 \frac{dx}{dt} \]
Assuming the drone is actually moving, $\frac{dx}{dt} \neq 0$, so we can divide both sides by $\frac{dx}{dt}$:
\[ 9 = x^2 \]
This gives two possible values for the x-coordinate:
\[ x = \pm 3 \]
Now, find the corresponding y-coordinates by substituting these x values back into the original path equation $3y = x^3 - 3$.
Case 1: If $x = 3$:
\[ 3y = (3)^3 - 3 \]
\[ 3y = 27 - 3 \]
\[ 3y = 24 \]
\[ y = 8 \]
So, one position is $(3, 8)$.
Case 2: If $x = -3$:
\[ 3y = (-3)^3 - 3 \]
\[ 3y = -27 - 3 \]
\[ 3y = -30 \]
\[ y = -10 \]
So, another position is $(-3, -10)$.
Looking at the given options, $(-3, -10)$ is not present, but $(3, 8)$ is.
Step 4: Final Answer:
One of the precise positions is $(3, 8)$.