The points P(0,a), Q(a,0) and R(a,−a) lie on the curve C with cartesian equation xy2+x3+a2y−a3=0, where a>0. At each of P,Q and R, express y as a Taylor series in h, where h is a small increment in x, as far as the term in h2. Hence, or otherwise, sketch the shape of C near each of these points.
Show that, if (x,y) lies on C, then 4x4−4a3x−a4⩽0. Sketch the graph of y=4x4−4a3−a4.
Given that the y-axis is an asymptote to C, sketch the curve C.