Question:

The triangle formed by the tangent to the curve $f(x)=x^2 + bx - b$ at the point $(1,1)$ and the coordinate axes lies in the first quadrant. If its area is 2, then the value of $b$ is

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Area with axes = $\frac{1}{2} \times x\text{-intercept} \times y\text{-intercept}$.
Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
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  • $3$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Equation of tangent + intercept form → area of triangle.

Step 1:
Differentiate function.
\[ f'(x) = 2x + b \]

Step 2:
Slope at $x=1$.
\[ m = 2(1) + b = 2 + b \]

Step 3:
Equation of tangent.
\[ y - 1 = (2+b)(x - 1) \] \[ y = (2+b)x - (2+b) + 1 \] \[ y = (2+b)x - (1+b) \]

Step 4:
Find intercepts.
$x$-intercept: \[ 0 = (2+b)x - (1+b) \Rightarrow x = \frac{1+b}{2+b} \] $y$-intercept: \[ y = -(1+b) \]

Step 5:
Area of triangle.
\[ \frac{1}{2} \times \left|\frac{1+b}{2+b}\right| \times |1+b| = 2 \]

Step 6:
Solve equation.
Simplifying gives: \[ b = 1 \] Conclusion:
$b = 1$
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