NCEA LEVEL 2

MATHEMATICS
2.14 - AS91269
Apply Systems of Equations in Solving Problems

planned orbit

actual orbit

Z
C1 C2

Questions and Answers

MAHOBE
Published by Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd
2

NCEA Level 2 Mathematics, Questions & Answers

AS91269 Apply Systems of Equations in Solving Problems
Kim Freeman

This edition is part of an eBook series designed to help you study towards NCEA.

Note: This achievement standard is assessed by each individual school and students can use any
appropriate technology.

Published in 2012 by:

Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd
P.O. Box 109-760
Newmarket, Auckland
New Zealand

www.mahobe.co.nz
www.mathscentre.co.nz

© Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd

ISBN(13) 9781877489280

This eBook has been provided by Mahobe Resources (NZ) Ltd to The New Zealand Centre of Mathematics.
School teachers, University lecturers, and their students are able to freely download this book from The New
Zealand Centre of Mathematics website www.mathscentre.co.nz. Electronic copies of the complete eBook
may not be distributed. Students have permission to print one copy for their personal use. Any photocopying
by teachers must be for training or educational purposes and must be recorded and carried out in
accordance with Copyright Licensing Ltd guidelines. The content presented within the book represents the
views of the publisher and contributors as at the date of publication. Because of the rate with which
conditions change, the publisher and the contributors reserve the right to alter and update the contents of
the book at any time based on the new conditions. This eBook is for informational purposes only and the
publisher and the contributors do not accept any responsibilities for any liabilities resulting from the use of
the information within. While every attempt has been made to verify the content provided, neither the
publisher nor the contributors and partners assume any responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.
All rights reserved. All the views expressed in this book are those of the author. The questions and
suggested answers are the responsibility of the author and have not been moderated for use in NCEA
examinations. That’s all the legal stuff out of the way. Lets get on with the show!
 3

The DS-742ET

Find points A, B, C and D.

Find the value of k.

D
y = 0.25x + k x² + (y - 2)² = 10

y=0.25x + 1

C
A
1
y = x -1

By the end of this booklet we hope you will have learnt to

solve this problem.

The exercises were supplied by Kim Freeman. The booklet was

funded by sales of the Mahobe DS-742ET calculator.

If you think you can handle a really powerful calculator then

go ahead and buy a DS-742ET from Mahobe.

MAHOBE www.mahobe.co.nz.
4

Systems of Equations
A "system" of equations is a collection of equations. Usually you have to find the
solutions that they all have in common. Linear equations are ones that graph with
straight lines however in this Achievement Standard you have to form and use a
pair of equations - one of which is non linear.

A system of equations can have no solutions, 1 solution or lots of solutions. You

should also be familiar with the quadratic formula and the “discriminant”.
The discriminant tells the number of real roots (the number of x-intercepts)
associated with a quadratic equation.

A quadratic equation has the form: y = ax² + bx + c

a cannot equal 0.

+
The quadratic formula (to find the roots) is: x = -b - b² - 4ac
2a

Before using this formula make sure that ax² + bx + c = 0

The discriminant is: b² - 4ac.

Sometimes you can combine a system of equations to form one quadratic

equation. You can then factorise, use the quadratic formula, use a calculator or
some graphing software to find the roots.

The roots of a quadratic equation are where the graph crosses the x axis but
when you combine equations to form a quadratic, the roots are the common
solutions to your equations.

A system of equations can have: no solutions.

Note how the lines do not intersect.

If you are able to combine both equations to

form a quadratic then the discriminant b² - 4ac < 0

No solution: b² - 4ac < 0

YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
 5

A system of equations can have: 1 solution. Note how the lines in the graphs
below are either a tangent or only intersect at one point. If you are able to combine
both equations to form a quadratic then the discriminant b² - 4ac = 0

1 solution: b² - 4ac = 0

A system of equations can have 2 solutions.

Note how the lines in the graph on the left intersect at two
points.

If you are able to combine both equations to form a

quadratic then the discriminant b² - 4ac > 0.

2 solutions: b² - 4ac > 0

A system of equations can have more

than 1 or 2 solutions but you are unlikely
to meet these in this achievement
standard.
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
6

Examples - Systems of Equations

1. Find the common solution to the system of equations: y = x²
and y = 8 - x².

The solution is any point (or points) that

is the same for both equations - i.e. where
both their graphs intersect.

if y = x² and y = 8 - x² then x² = 8 - x²
2x² = 8
x² = 4
x = +2 or -2

If x = +2 and y = x² then y = 4
i.e. the first intersection co-ordinate is (2, 2)

If x = -2 then y = x² and y = 4
i.e. the other intersection co-ordinate is (-2, 2)

y = x²

y = 8 - x².
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
 7

2. Find the common solution to the equations: y = x² + 3x + 2

and 2y = -x + 8

y = x²+3x + 2
After sketching the graph you can see that

2y = -x + 8 the solution appears to be (-4, 6) and

(0.5, 3.75) but do not assume that this is the
answer. Use algebra to prove it.
2y = 2x² + 6x + 4
2y = -x + 8
-x + 8 = 2x² + 6x + 4
2x² + 7x - 4 = 0

+ b² - 4ac
-b -
Using the quadratic formula: x = 2a

+ 7² - (4 × 2 × -4)
-7-
x =
2 × 2

+ 81
-7-
x =
4
-7 + 9 -7 - 9
x = or x =
4 4

x = ½ or x = -4
Using the values in one of the other equations:
2y = -x + 8 (using x = ½) 2y = -x + 8 (using x = -4)
2y = -½ + 8 2y = 4 + 8
2y = 7.5 2y = 12
y = 3.75 y = 6
Therefore the intersection points are (0.5, 3.75) and (-4, 6).
With some questions you could just use a calculator such as the
Mahobe DS-742ET to find the answer. Often questions will be
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

written in such a way that you have to use algebra.

MAHOBE
8

3. Show that y = 2x² + 3x + 6 and y = x² + 2x + 2 is an inconsistant system of

equations.

2x² + 3x + 6 = x² + 2x + 2
x² + x + 4 = 0

Using b² - 4ac »» = 1² - 4 × 1 × 4
= 1 - 16
= -15
Because b² - 4ac < 0 there are no solutions.

If you did use the quadratic formula to calculate the answer you
would get the following:

+
x = -b - b² - 4ac
2a

+
x = -1- 1² - (4 × 1 × 4)
2 × 1

+
x = -1- -15
2

Notice the negative inside the square root. Using a calculator will
give you a solution but it is a theoretical one using a value called
i (an imaginary number). y = x²+2x + 2
y = 2x²+ 3x + 6

On the right we have sketched the

graphs of the equations.
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
 9

4. The graph below shows the following system of equations.

6

y = x² + (y - 2)² = 5
4

y = 2x + 2
2

and y = 2x + 7
-4 -2 0 2 4

-2

a. At what points does the line y = 2x + 2 intersect with the circle

x² + (y - 2)² = 5?

If y = x² + (y - 2)² = 5 and y = 2x + 2

then x² + (2x + 2 - 2)² = 5

x² + (2x)² = 5

5x² = 5

x = ±1

Using y = 2x + 2 and x = ±1, coordinates are (-1, 0) and (1, 4)

b. The line y = 2x + 7 appears to be a tangent to the circle

x² + (y - 2)² = 5. Confirm whether it is a tangent or not.

x² + (2x + 7 - 2)² = 5

x² + (2x + 5)² = 5

x² + 4x² + 20x + 25 = 5

5x² + 20x + 20 = 0

Using b² - 4ac = 0 for a tangent (1 solution)

20² - (4 × 5 × 20)

400 - 400 = 0
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

Therefore yes it is a tangent - the actual point is (-2, 3)

MAHOBE
10

5. Solve the system of equations: y² = 13 - x² and x² + 4y² = 25

Rewrite the first equation: y² + x² = 13

Subtract the second equation: 4y² + x² = 25
-3y² = -12
y = ±2
Substitute 2 and -2 into one of the original equations:
y² = 13 - x²
(2)² = 13 - x² (-2)² = 13 - x²
x = ±3 x = ±3
The solutions are (3, 2),(-3, 2), (-3, -2) and (3, -2)
4

-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

-2

-4

6. Solve the following system of equations: 9x² + 25y² = 225

and x² + y² + 2x = 15
4
Multiply equation 2 by -25 and add
2 9x² + 25y² = 225
-25x² - 25y² - 50x = -375
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 -16x² - 50x = -150
Using the quadratic formula or
-2
a Mahobe DS-742ET
-4 x = 15 or -5
8

Substituting these values back into one of the original equations the
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

15
solutions are (-5, 0), ( , 2.781), ( 15 , -2.781)
8 8
MAHOBE
 11

Exercises
1. Sketch the graph of a circle x² + y² = 17 and a line y = x + 3
Calculate the intersection points.

2. Sketch the graph of the circle x² + y² = 20 and the parabola y = x² + 3.5x.

Calculate the intersection points.

3. Investigate the relationship between the straight line x + y = 2 and the

hyperbola xy = 1

4. Find all the intersection points of the circle x² + (y - 3)² = 9

and the parabola y = x²

5. Sketch the graph of x² + y² = 22 and x² - 2y² = 4.

B
Calculate any intersection points.
R
6. A ferry is sailing from Sandy Beach (B) to Port Mahobe
(M). At point R there are rocks which have a marker
and a locator beacon attached. M

Point R has co-ordinates (0, 0) and the ferry follows the path represented by
the equation y = 2x - 8. The locator beacon can be detected by points with
the area described by the equation x² + y² = 85. The ferry uses its radar to
pick up the signal of the locator beacon on the rocks. At what position is the
ferry first able to detect the locator beacon?

7. The cross section of a tunnel that holds power cables is a semicircle. This
shape is represented by the top half of the circle modeled by x² + y² = 12.
Each unit in the x and y values represents 1 metre.
Maintenance men have to periodically change light bulbs near the top of the
tunnel. They reach these by climbing a ladder. The equation that best
models the ladder position is y = 3x - 4.
a. How wide is the tunnel at ground level?
b. If the ladder is placed against the tunnel wall what will be the shortest
distance of the ladder from the tunnel wall?
c. Find the solution to the system of equations x² + y² = 12 and y = 3x - 4
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

and explain what the solutions tell you.

MAHOBE
12

8. The graph below shows the parabolas formed by: y = ½x(10 - x)

and y = (x - 4)² + 4. Calculate the intersection points A and B.

12
B

0 10

9. Find the solution to the system of equations x(x + 2) + y(y - 3) = 3

and 2x(x + 2) - y(y - 18) = 54. What does the solution tell you about the
relationship between the two equations?

10. a. Calculate where the line y = 2x - 2 intersects the circle x² + y² = 25.

A new line that is parallel to y = 2x - 2 is drawn. The new line is a tangent to

the circle x² + y² = 25 and has the equation y = 2x + c

b. Calculate the value of c and therefore the equation of the new line.
c. Use your equation to find the tangent point(s).
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
 13

The DS-742ET

Mahobe have added some amazing technology into

their new eTool advanced scientific calculator.
• Equation solving.
• Enhanced statistics.
• Improved powers and fraction display.

This powerful calculator is designed to handle even the

toughest assignments.

eTOOL

MAHOBE

www.mahobe.co.nz.
14

Systems of Equations - Excellence Examples

a. Calculate where the line y = x + 1 intersects the circle x² + y² = 5.
x² + y² = 5 and y = x + 1 therefore x² + (x + 1)² = 5

x² + x² + 2x + 1 = 5

2x² + 2x - 4 = 0

2(x² + x - 2) = 0

2(x + 2)(x - 1) = 0

x = -2, x = 1

Using the equation y = x + 1 then x = -2, y = -1

and x = 1, y = 2

Intersection points are (-2, -1) and (1, 2).

A new line that is parallel to y = x + 1 is drawn. The new line is a tangent to

the circle x² + y² = 5 and has the equation y = x + k.

b. Calculate the value of k and therefore the equation of the new line.
. If the new line is y = x + c then x² + (x + k)² = 5

x² + x² + 2xk + k² = 5

2x² + 2xk + k² - 5 = 0

Using b² - 4ac = 0 for a tangent and a = 2, b = 2k, c = k² - 5

4k² - [4 × 2 × (k² - 5)] = 0

4k² - 8k² + 40 = 0

-4k² = -40

k² = 10

k = ± 10

This means the equation of the tangent is either:

YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

y=x+ 10 or y = x - 10
MAHOBE
 15

Exercises
1. During November SIM Traders collected $2700 from the sale of telephone
memory SIM cards. During December they lowered the price by $15 per
SIM card. They managed to sell 30 more SIM cards and took in a total of
$3375 for the month.
a. Write a system of equations to model this situation.
b. Find the cost of the SIM cards during each month.

2. Find the value of k so that the line x + 3y = k is a tangent to x = 2y².

3. A person using a cell phone can be located in relation to three towers.

Using a coordinate grid system where each unit represents 1 km a caller is
determined to be 50 km from a tower at the origin, 40 km from a tower
located at (0, 30) and 13 km from a tower at (35, 18).
Give the co-ordinates of the caller. Hint: the system of equations are:
x² + y² = 50², x² + (y - 30)² = 40² and (x - 35)² + (y - 18)² = 13²

4. The orbit of the planet Pluto can be modeled approximately by the equation:
x² y²
+ =1
40² 39²
Astronomers discover a comet that they calculate is following a path
modeled by the equation x = 0.01y² + 35. The values of x and y can be
measured in astronomical units. Is it possible that the two will collide?

5. Mahobe releases two weather satellites into space. The equations of the
orbits of the satellites are: x² + y² = 1 and x² + y² = 1
300² 900² 600² 690²
The distances are measured in kilometres and the centre of the earth is the
centre of each curve. Compare the orbits of each satellite by graphing the
equations and calculating any intersection points.

6. Investigate the following system of equations:

x² y²
x² + y² = k² and + =1
9 4
Find the values of k for which the system has no solutions, one solution and
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

two or more solutions.

MAHOBE
16

7. Find the value of k so that the graphs of x = 2y² and -x + 3y = k are tangent
to each other.

8. Solve the following systems of equations:

a. x² + y = 0 b. x+y=9
2x - y = 3 xy = 20

c. x² + y² = 25 d. (3 ÷ x) + (2 ÷ y) = 10
x² - y = 5 (1 ÷ x) - (1 ÷ y) = -10

e. x² + y² = 8 f. (y - 1)² = 4 + x
xy = 4 x + y = -1

9. The equation y = (x + 4)² represents a parabola.

The straight line y = 5x + 14 intersects the parabola.
Find the point(s) of intersection of the line and the parabola.

4
10. The graph below shows the hyperbola: y = x
and the straight line: y - 0.5x + 2 = 0

a. Find the points of intersection where the straight line meets the
hyperbola.
4

0
-4 4

-4

4
b. Consider the function y = x and y = mx + 2.
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

Investigate the values of m that provide 0, 1 or 2 points of intersection.

Illustrate your investigation results with diagrams.

MAHOBE
 17

Systems of Equations - Excellence Example

A circle has the equation x² + y² = 2500.

A straight line with the equation y = kx - 150 makes a tangent to the circle.

Find the value of k and the coordinates of the tangent.

x² + y² = 2500 and y = kx - 150

therefore x² + (kx - 150)² = 2500

x² + k²x² - 300kx + 22 500 = 2500

(1 + k²)x² - 300kx + 20 000 = 0

Using b² - 4ac = 0, a = (1 + k²), b = -300k, c = 20 000

(-300k)² - [4 × (1 + k²) × 20 000) = 0

90 000k² - [80 000 × (1 + k²)] = 0

90 000k² - 80 000 - 80 000k² = 0

10 000k² - 80 000 = 0

10 000k² = 80 000

k² = 8

k = ± 8

This means the equation of the tangent is either:

y = + 8x - 150 or y = - 8x - 150

Using a DS-742ET calculator (and confirming it on DESMOS)

we further calculated the intersection points as:

(47.14, -16.67) for the positive gradient

YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

and (-47.14, -16.67) for the negative gradient.

MAHOBE
18

The DS-742ET

Mahobe have added some amazing technology into their

new eTool advanced scientific calculator.

• Equation solving.
• Enhanced statistics.
• Improved powers and fraction display.

Don't buy one of those other slow expensive calculators.

Insist on a powerful Mahobe model.

MAHOBE

-100 -50 0 50 100

www.mahobe.co.nz.
 19

Exercises
1. a. A half circle can be modeled by y = - 25 - x². The line y = 2x - 2
intersects the half circle. Find any points of intersection.
b. Find the equation of the line parallel to y = 2x - 2 that makes a tangent
to the half circle y = - 25 - x²

2. a. A circle can be modeled by x² + (y - 2)² = 4

The line y = x + 2 intersects the circle. Find the points of intersection.
b. Find the equation of the line parallel to y = x + 2 that makes a tangent
to the circle x² + (y - 2)² = 4.

1
3. The equation y = 4 x(12 - x) has a tangent y = -x + k.
Find the value of k.

4. This question involves an electrician changing light bulbs in two buildings.

Building A has a semicircular shape that can be modeled by x² + y² = 100
Building B has a parabolic shape that can be modeled by x² + 12y - 120 = 0
In both cases y > 0.
Both interior and exterior lights are positioned at the same height.
When changing the interior light bulbs the top of each ladder just reaches
the roof when positioned at y = 4x - 20.
The diagram below shows the two scenarios.

Building A Building B
-10 0 10 -10 0 10

a. How much higher are the lights in Building A compared to the lights in
Building B?

b. When changing the outside lights of the buildings, the safest gradient
for the ladder is determined to be -1.5. Calculate the co-ordinates of
the base of the ladder (assume that ground level is at y = 0) for both
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

Building A and Building B and comment.

MAHOBE
20

5. Astronomers are tracking a large asteroid and predict that it may strike the
earth with disastrous results. They draw a grid pattern and plot the
gravitational field around the earth. If the asteroid's path falls within this field
there is a major possibility it will be then pulled towards earth.
On their grid, the gravitational field is modeled by the equation x² + y² = 40.
The asteroid is modeled by the equation x = (0.5y - 4)² + 4.
Will the asteroid enter the gravitational field?

6. Satellite pictures show that part of the Grand Canyon river flows with an
approximate model of y = -2x² + 4x + 3. Visitors can view the river at two
different locations: A and B. The path that these viewing locations are on
can be mapped by the equation y = x + 2.
A diagram of the situation is below. Each grid square is 1 km².
What is the distance between points A and B?
5

4 B

2
A

-1 0 1 2 3

Pictures taken of the Grand Canyon. Arizona USA.

7. The shape of the famous "Gateway to the West" arch found in St Louis,
Missouri USA can be modeled by the equation:

1
y = - 150 x² + 21
5
x

What is the distance from 1 side of the arch

to the other?
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

MAHOBE
 21

Examples
1. The graph below shows the lines y = 2x², y = 3 and y = 1.
What is the area of ABCD?
y = 2x²

Find where y = 1 meets y = 2x² 4

1 = 2x²
A B
y = 3
x=±½

Therefore Point C = (- ½, 1) 2

Point D = (+ ½, 1)
y = 1
C D
Point A = (- ½, 3)

Point B = (+ ½, 3) -2 0 2

The left and right sides are 2 (units).

The top and bottom sides are 2 ½ (units)

Area is 2 × 2 ½ = 2 2 or 2.828 units²

2. Calculate the area of the triangle ABC.

Find the roots of y = x² + 5x + 4

y = x² + 5x + 4
y = 0 therefore (x + 4)(x + 1) = 0

x = -4 or x = -1

Therefore AB = 3 units C

At x = 0, point C = (0, 4)
A B0
Area ABC = ½ Base × height

=½×3×4
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

= 6 units²

MAHOBE
22

The DS-742ET

Find points A, B, C and D.

Find the value of k.

D
y = 0.25x + k x² + (y - 2)² = 10

y=0.25x + 1

C
A
1
y = x -1

Have you learnt to solve the above problem yet?

Say goodbye to expensive and slow calculators.

Insist on a powerful fast Mahobe model.

www.mahobe.co.nz. MAHOBE
 23

Exercises
1. The diagram shows the graph y = -2x² + 6x. 4

Inside the graph is a shaded trapezium shape. 5

y =-
2
Find the area of the trapezium. 2

-2 0 2 4
24 y = -2x² + 6x

2. The diagram shows the graph of y = 6(x-2)².

There is a square labelled OABC.
Calculate the area of the square.
C B

0 A 2

W X
3. This graph shows the parabola modeled by x² - 6x + 5.
Calculate the area of the rectangle WXYZ.

0 Y Z

4. Claris thinks that the graph of the hyperbola y = 1x and the line y = -x will
not intersect. Is she right? Show your proof mathematically.

5. Three seismographic stations have detected an earthquake in their region.

Readings indicate that the epicentre is 50 km from Station A, 50 km from
Station B and 13 km from Station C. On a map in which each square unit
represents 1 square kilometre the first station is located at the origin, the
second at (10, 30) and the third is at (-35, 18).
The system of equations that models this situation is:
x² + y² = 50²
(x - 10)² + (y - 30)² = 50²
and (x + 35)² + (y - 18)² = 13²
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

Solve the system of equations and determine the location of the epicentre.

MAHOBE
24

6. Solve the system of equations: x(x + 2) + y(y - 3) = 3

2x(x + 2) - y(y - 18) = 54

7. Draw graphs to illustrate the following equations:

a. x² + y² < 16
x - 2y > -4

b. x² + y² > 16
x² + (y - 4)² > 16

c. x² - y > 2
x-y<4

8. The graph below shows the graph of the equations y = x(6 - x) and y = 2x
a. Find the intersection points of the two lines.
10
y = 2x

y = x(6 - x)

0 6

b. The graph is a representation of two power cables running down a no-

exit street. The cables are split at (0,0) and then follow their projected
paths. However engineers have found that when two electrical cables
cross there can be problems with the magnetic fields that surround the
casings and therefore power supply can be interrupted.

For this reason the engineers decide that the path of cable y = 2x has
to be altered. It can either be moved so that it is parallel to the current
position or the gradient can be altered.

Calculate the new equations so that the cable for both cases makes a
YEAR 12 MATHEMATICS

tangent to the parabolic path.

MAHOBE
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www.mahobe.co.nz.

Witness the exciting power of the DS-742ET.

26

The Answers
Page 11 3.
1. Below is a sketch of the circle and line.
4

-4 4

-4 4

-4

If x + y = 2
-4
then y = 2 - x
x² + (x + 3)² = 17
Using xy = 1 then x(2 - x) = 1
x² + x² + 6x + 9 = 17
2x - x² = 1
2x² + 6x - 8 = 0
2(x² + 3x - 4) = 0 Rewrite x² - 2x + 1 = 0
x(x + 4)(x - 1) = 0 (x - 1)(x - 1) = 0
x = -4 or x = 1
x = 1
Put the x values into an equation to solve for y.
Using x + y = 2, x = 1, y = 1
y = x + 3
y = -4 + 3 y = 1 + 3 There is only one solution (1, 1)
y = -1 y = 4 Using the discriminant b² - 4ac
Intersection points: (-4, -1) and (1, 4)
and the equation x² - 2x + 1 = 0

(-2)² - 4 × 1 × 1 = 0
2.
4
Therefore the line x + y = 2 is a tangent
to the hyperbola xy = 1

4. From the sketch below there appears to

-4 4 be 3 solutions.

-4 6

x² + (x² + 3.5x)² = 20
x² + (x² + 3.5)(x² + 3.5)² = 20
x² + x4 + 7x³ - 20 = 0
x4 + 7x³ + 13.25x² - 20 = 0 -3 3

Using Mahobe DS-742ET calculator.

x = 0.9753 or x = -4 See over the page for the calculations
Using y = x² + 3.5x
if x = 0.9753 y = 4.3648
if x = -4, y = -2

MAHOBE
 27

Page 11 (continued) 6. Substitute y = 2x - 8 into x² + y² = 85

4. Substituting y = x² into x² + (y-3)² = 9
x² + (2x - 8)² = 85
y + (y - 3)² = 9
x² + 4x² - 32x + 64 = 85
y + y² - 6y + 9 = 9
5x² - 32x - 21 = 0
y² - 5y = 0
(5x + 3)(x - 7) = 0
y(y - 5) = 0
x = -0.6 or x = 7
therefore y = 0 or y = 5
Using the equation y = 2x - 8
Using the equation y = x²
y = 2(-0.6) - 8, co-ordinate (-0.6, 9.2)
If y = 0, x = 0
y = 2(7) - 8, co-ordinate (7, 6)
If y = 5, x = ± 5
The rocks are at (0, 0) and the boat is
You can keep the answer as above or approaching from positive co-ordinates.
further write the co-ordinates. This means the ferry will first be able to

(0, 0), (2.2361, 5), (-2.2361, 5) detect the beacon when 7 km east and 6
km north of the rocks.

7. 4
5. Sketch of the graph is below.

-4 4

-4 -2 2 4

-4 -4

A sketch of the graph of the situation is

If x² - 2y² = 4
above. However only values where y > 0
x² = 4 + 2y²
will apply as the tunnel is a semi circle.
Substituting this into x² + y² = 22
7a. Width of the tunnel
4 + 2y² + y² = 22
x² + y² = 12
3y² = 18
at y = 0, x² = 12
y² = 6
x = ±2 3 or ±3.464
y = ± 6 or 2.45, -2.45
This means the width is 4 3 or 6.92 m
Using x² + y² = 22
7b. Ladder equation is y = 3x - 4
x² + 6 = 22
At y = 0, 3x = 4 , x = 1.333 m
x² = 16
From the tunnel wall
x = -+ 4
3.464 - 1.333 = 2.131 metres
The points are (4, 2.45), (4, -2.45),
7c. See over the page.
(-4, 2.45) and, (-4, -2.45)
MAHOBE
28

Page 11 (continued) Page 12 (continued).

7.c. x² + y² = 12 and y = 3x - 4
9. Firstly expand out the equations.
x² + (3x - 4)² = 12
Equation 1: x² + 2x + y² - 3y = 3
x² + 9x² - 24x + 16 = 12
10x² - 24x + 4 = 0 Equation 2: 2x² + 4x - y² + 18y = 54

At this point you can use the quadratic multiply equation 1 by 2 and subtract eq 2
formula or an equation solving calculator
2x² + 4x + 2y² - 6y = 6
such as the Mahobe DS-742ET.
2x² + 4x - y² + 18y = 54
x = 2.2198 or x = 0.1802
Using y = 3x - 4 3y² - 24y = -48

y = 3(2.2198) - 4, y = 2.6594 3y² - 24y + 48 = 0

y = 3(0.1802) - 4, y = -3.4594
3(y² - 8y + 16) = 0
The solution is the positive x and y points
3(y - 4)(y - 4) = 0
(2.22, 2.66). The graph on the previous
page shows how the other value is not y = 4

valid as it is a point underground (y < 0). Using y = 4 and x² + 2x + y² - 3y = 3

x² + 2x + 16 - 12 = 3
Page 12
x² + 2x + 1 = 0
8. ½x(10 - x) = (x - 4)² + 4
5x - ½x² = x² - 8x + 16 + 4 (x + 1)² = 0

5x - ½x² = x² - 8x + 20 x = -1.
1½x² - 13x + 20 = 0
Point of intersection is (-1, 4)
3x² - 26x + 40 = 0
The point is a tangent.
Using the Mahobe DS-742
x = 2 or x = 6.67 10. Here is the graph of the situation.

Using y = ½x(10 - x)
4
x = 2, y = 8
x = 6.67, 11.11 2
A = (2, 8) B = (6.67, 11.11)
9. Below is the graph of the two lines. From -4 -2 0 2 4
-6 6
first glance it appears that they only -2
intersect at one point (a tangent).
-4

-6
substituting 1 equation into the other

4 x² + (2x - 2)² = 25

x² + 4x² - 8x + 4 = 25
2
5x² - 8x - 21 = 0

-6 -2 0 2 Using the Mahobe DS-742ET

-4 4
x = 3 or x = -1.4
-2
Substituting these values into y = 2x - 2

x = 3, y = 4 and x = -1.4, y = -4.8

MAHOBE
 29

Page 12 (continued) 1b. (continued)

10b. Using y = 2x + c and x² + y² = 25
x² + 75x - 5400 = 0
x² + (2x + c)² = 25
(x - 45)(x + 120) = 0
x² + 4x² + 4xc + c² = 25
5x² + 4xc + c² - 25 = 0 x = 45 or x = -120

A quadratic equation is ax² + bx + c In this example, sales of SIM cards cannot

A tangent means b² - 4ac = 0 be negative. Therefore during November
i.e. 1 root. This means in the equation there were 45 SIM cards sold.
above that values of a, b and c are:
The price of each SIM card was $60 (as
a = 5, b = 4c, c = c² - 25
xy = 2700) and the price of the cards in
(4c)² - [4 × 5 × (c² - 25)] = 0
December was $45 ($60 - $15).
16c² = 20c² - 500
2. x = 2y² and x + 3y = k
-4c² = -500
c² = 125 Therefore 2y² + 3y = k

c = ± 125 and 2y² + 3y - k = 0

The two possible equations are
Using b² - 4ac = 0 for tangent.
y = 2x - 125
3² - (4 × 2 × k) = 0
y = 2x + 125
9
Note this problem is best completed by 9 - 8k = 0 therefore k = 8

using surds. This is more accurate and is 3. The best approach to this problem is to
where using the Mahobe DS-742ET is use graphing software such as DESMOS
probably the best calculator.
Finding the intersection points.
found at www.desmos.com.
x² + (2x - 125 )² = 25
x² + 4x² - 20 5 x + 125 = 25
5x² - 20 5 x + 100 = 0
Using the Mahobe DS-742ET
x = 4.4721, y = -2.2358
Doing a similar calculation for the other 80
point: x = -4.4721 y = 2.2358
60

Page 15
40
1a. Let x = Total SIM cards sold.
Let y = price per SIM card in November. 20
November sales xy = 2700
2700 0
or y = x -60 -40 -20 20 40 60
1b. December sales (x + 30)(y - 15) = 3375
-20
(x + 30)(y - 15) - 3375 = 0
xy - 15x + 30y - 450 - 3375 = 0 -40
xy - 15x + 30y - 3825 = 0
substitute in the xy and y values (above) -60
2700
2700 - 15x + 30 - 3825 = 0
x
-15x - 1125 + 81 000 = 0 The intersection point is (40, 30)
x
MAHOBE
30

Page 15 (continued) 6.
4. The situation is modeled in the graph 4
below.
40
2

20
-4 -2 0 2 4

-40 -20 0 20 40
-2

-20
-4
Scenario 2. Graph of k = ±2.5

-40 4
x² y²
+ = 1
40² 39²
2

and x = 0.01y² + 35
therefore 0.01y² = x - 35
-4 -2 0 2 4
y² = 100x - 3500
39²(x²) + 40²(100x - 3500) = 40² × 39²
-2
1521x² + 160 000x - 8 033 600 = 0
Using the Mahobe DS-742ET calculator
and the quadratic equation solver -4
Scenario 3. Graph of k = ±3
x = 37.115 (ignore the -142.309)
at x = 37.115 and y² = 100x - 3500 The graphs of 3 scenarios have been

y² = 211.5 and y = ±14.543 drawn. Both equations are centred

Note that it is the two paths that we see. around the point (0, 0). If x = 0 then y²

We do not have information on where = k² and k²/4 = 1. Therefore k = 2 or -2

each is on that path. While the paths If 2 > k > -2 then there are no solutions.
collide, it doesn't mean that they will
Scenario 1
collide.
The two equations intersect at (0, 2) and
5. Intersection points are (-209, 647),
(0, -2) i.e. k = 2 or k = -2 two solutions.
(209, 647), (-209, -647), (209, -647)
6. Scenario 2
2
If 2 < k < 3 and -2 > k > -3 there are 4
solutions.

-4 -2 0 2 4 Scenario 3

If k = 3 or k = -3 there are two solutions

-2 (3, 0) and (-3, 0)

If k > 3 or k < -3 there are no solutions.

-4 There are no scenarios with only 1
Scenario 1. K = ±2 (inside circle) solution.
MAHOBE
 31

Page 16
Desmos is a free interactive
7. Rearrange the equations

x = 2y² and x = 3y - k
calculator that graphs equations
Therefore 3y - k = 2y² as you write them.
2y² - 3y + k = 0

Using b² - 4ac = 0

(-3)² - (4 × 2 × k) = 0

9 - 8k = 0

k =9 therefore the equation of the www.desmos.com

8
9
tangent is : x = 3y - 8
8b. x + y = 9
or y = 9 - x
and xy = 20
therefore x(9 - x) = 20
2
9x - x² = 20
(1.125, 0.75) rewrite x² - 9x + 20 = 0

-2 0 2 4 6 (x - 5)(x - 4)
x = 5 or 4

-2 Using xy = 20
intersection points are:
(5, 4) and (4, 5)
8a. x² + y = 0
2x - y = 3 10

add x² + 2x = 3
x² + 2x - 3 = 0
(x + 3)(x - 1) = 0 -10 10
x = -3 or x = 1
Using one of the equations
-10
intersection points are:
At first glance the graph above looks like
(-3, -9) and (1, -1)
a tangent but it actually goes through
-4 -2 0 2 4
two points.
8c. x² + y² = 25 or x² = 25 - y²
-2
x² - y = 5
therefore 25 - y² - y = 5
-4
rewrite y² + y - 20 = 0
(y - 5)(y - 4)
-6
y = 5, y = 4
using x² = 25 - y²
-8 x² = 25 - 25,
intersection (0, 5)
-10 x² = 25 - 16
intersection (3, 4)(-3, 4)
MAHOBE
32

Page 16 (continued) 4
3 2
8d. x + y = 10
1 - 1 = -10 multiply this by 2 2
x y

2
- 2 = -20 add to equation 1 0
x y -4 -2 2 4
5
x = -10
-2
x = -0.5

Put this into one of the equations -4

3 2
+ = 10
-0.5 y 8f. (y - 1)² = 4 + x
2
y = 16 , y = 0.125 x + y = -1
Intersection point is (-0.5, 0.125) Rewrite equation 2 and add
1 (y - 1)² = 4 + x
y = -1 - x
(y - 1)² + y = 3
y² - 2y + 1 + y = 3
y² - y - 2 = 0
(y - 2)(y + 1) = 0
-1 -0.5 0.5 1 y = 2 or y = -1
Using x + y = -1
x + 2 = -1 point is (-3, 2)
x - 1 = -1 point is (0, -1)

4
-1

2
8e. x² + y² = 8
4
xy = 4 or y =
x -6 -4 -2 0 2
4
x² + ( )² = 8
x
x² + 16 = 8 -2
x²
x4 + 16 = 8x² 10

x4 - 8x² + 16 = 0 9.
8
Using the equation solver on the

Mahobe DS-742ET
6
x = ±2

Therefore intersection points are: 4

(2. 2) and (-2, -2)

-8 -6 -4 -2 0
MAHOBE
 33

Page 16 10b. (continued)

9. See the graph on the previous page. m < -¼ for 0 points

m = -¼ for 1 point
y = 5x + 14 and y = (x + 4)²
m > -¼ for 2 points
5x + 14 = (x + 4)²

5x + 14 = x² + 8x + 16 Page 19
x² + 3x + 2 = 0 1a. Equation 1 y² = 25 - x²

(x + 2)(x + 1) = 0 Equation 2: y² = (2x - 2)²

(2x - 2)² = 25 - x²
therefore x = -2 or x = -1
4x² -8x + 4 = 25 - x²
When x = -2, and y = 5x + 14, y = 4
5x² - 8x - 21 = 0
When x = -1, and y = 5x + 14, y = 9 Using the Mahobe DS-742ET
Therefore intersection points are x = 3 or x = -7
5
(-2,4) and (-1, 9) Putting the two values back into the
original y = 2x - 2
Note: At first glance of the graph there
x = 3, y = 4
seemed to be only one intersection point
-7
x =-1.4 (or ), y = -4.8 (or -24 )
but algebra showed us something different. 5 5
4 Looking at the graph of the situation
10a. y = , y - 0.5x + 2 = 0
x below the co-ordinates are (-1.4, -4.8).
rewrite equation 2: y = 0.5x - 2
4
0.5x - 2 =
x
0.5x² - 2x = 4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6

0.5x² - 2x - 4 = 0
-2
Use the DS-742ET equation solver!

x = 5.4641 or x = -1.4641 -4
using y = 0.5x - 2

x = 5.4641, y = 0.73205 -6

x = -1.4641, y = -2.73205
4 1b. Using the equations y² + x² = 25 and
10b. y = and y = mx + 2
x y = 2x + c
4
therefore = mx + 2 x² + (2x + c)² = 25
x
4 = mx² + 2x x² + 4x² + 4xc + c² = 25

mx² + 2x - 4 = 0 5x² + 4xc + c² - 25 = 0

b² - 4ac = 0 for 1 root
Using b² - 4ac = 0
Therefore a = 5, b = 4c c = c² - 25
2² - (4 × m × -4) = 0
(4c)² = 4 × 5 × (c² - 25)
4 + 16m = 0 16c² = 20c² - 500
16m = -4 4c² = 500

m = -1 c² = 125
4
c = ± 11.18
No solutions b² -4ac < 0
continued on the next page »»»
1 solution b² - 4ac = 0

2 solutions b² - 4ac > 0 MAHOBE

34

Page 19 (continued) 2b. The parallel line is y = x + k.

1b. cont The circle is x² + (y - 2)² = 4

Therefore x² + (x + k - 2)² = 4
Therefore the equations (if it was a
x² + (x + k - 2)(x + k - 2) = 4
complete circle) are:
Expanding (x + k - 2)(x + k - 2)
y = 2x - 11.18
x² + xk - 2x + xk + k² - 2k - 2x - 2k + 4
y = 2x + 11.18
= x² + 2xk - 4x + k² - 4k + 4
The answer is y = 2x - 11.18
Therefore
See the graph below.
x² + (x + k - 2)(x + k - 2) = -4
-6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 2x² + 2xk - 4x + k² - 4k = 0
2x² + (2k - 4)x + k² - 4k = 0
-2
Note how this is in a quadratic form:
ax² + bx + c = 0
-4
where a = 2, b = (2k - 4), c = k² - 4k
Using b² - 4ac = 0 (for a tangent)
-6 (2k - 4)² - (4 × 2 × (k² - 4k)) = 0
(4k² - 16k + 16) - (8k² - 32k) = 0
-8 -4k² + 16k + 16 = 0
Using the Mahobe DS-742ET
-10 k = 4.8284 or k = -0.8284
There are two possible equations:
-12 y = x + 4.8284
y = x - 0.8284
2a. x² + (y - 2)² = 4 and y = x + 2
Here is the graph of the 2 scenarios.
therefore
x² + (x + 2 - 2)² = 4
6
x² + x² = 4
2x² = 4
x² = 2
x = ± 1.4142
4
Using y = x + 2
x = 1.4142, y = 3.4142
x = -1.4142, y = 0.5859
2

-2 0 2
2

-2

-2 0 2

MAHOBE
 35

Page 19 (continued) Using y = 4x - 20, y = 7.3144

3. y = o.25x(12 - x), tangent y = -x + k. Therefore Building A intersection is:

(6.8286, 7.3144)
3x - 0.25x² = -x + k
Building B
Rewrite the equation
x² + 12y - 120 = 0, y = 4x - 20
-0.25x² + 4x - k = 0
x² + 12(4x - 20) - 120 = 0
Using b² - 4ac = 0 for a tangent
x² + 48x - 240 - 120 = 0
4² - [4 × (-0.25) × (-k)] = 0
x² + 48x - 360 = 0
16 - k = 0
x = 6.5941 or x = -54.5941
k = 16
Look at the diagram of the situation.
Therefore the tangent is y = -x + 16
We are only concerned with the value at
x = 6.5941. Using y = 4x - 20,
10
y = 6.3764. Therefore Building B
intersection is: (6.5941, 6.3764)
The question asks about the difference
between the light heights of Building A
and B: 7.3144 - 6.3764 = 0.9388
Note we were not given any units.
4b. Tangent to Building A

0 6 12 16 x² + y² = 100, y = -1.5x + k
x² + (-1.5x + k)² = 100
4a. x² + 2.25x² - 3kx + k² = 100

10 3.25x² - 3xk + k² - 100 = 0

Compare this to b² - 4ac = 0
a = 3.25, b = 3k, c = k² - 100
(3k)² - [4 × 3.25 × (k² - 100)] = 0
5
9k² - [13k² - 1300] = 0
-4k² + 1300 = 0
-4k² = -1300
-10 -5 0 5 10 k² = 325, therefore k = ± 18.0278
The equation is y = -1.5x + 18.0
Building A
Therefore the coordinates of the ladder at
x² + y² = 100, y = 4x - 20 ground level (y = 0) is (12, 0)
x² + (4x - 20)² = 100 Note: The equation y = -1.5x - 18 would

x² + 16x² - 160x + 400 = 100 not be applicable as the y intercept (-18)

implies it is underground.
17x² - 160x + 300 = 0

Using the Mahobe DS-742ET equation

Tangent to Building B
solver x = 6.8268 or x = 2.5850
Use x² + 12y - 120 = 0
We are only concerned with the value and y = -1.5x + k
at x = 6.8286 x² + 12(-1.5x + k) - 120 = 0
continued over the page. MAHOBE
36

Page 19 (continued) - tangent at Building B

4b. x² - 18x + 12k - 120 = 0

Using the quadratic form ax² + bx + c

and b² - 4ac = 0 (for a tangent).

a = 1, b = -18, c = 12k - 120

(-18)² - [ 4 × (12k - 120)] = 0

324 - 48k + 480 = 0

804 - 48k = 0
Desmos is a free interactive
k = 16.75 calculator that graphs equations
Therefore the equation of the ladder to as you write them.
building B will be y = -1.5x + 16.75

When y = 0, the co-ordinates of the base

of the ladder will be (11.167, 0).
Most of our answers were
Also note that the ladder would only checked by using this website.
reach the point (9, 3.25).

Considering that the exterior light is over

6 m high the electrician may have to re-
www.desmos.com
evaluate the ladder's gradient for
Building B

10

Interior and Exterior lights

5
tangent (9, 3.25)

-10 -5 0 5 10
ladder base(11.167, 0)

For our calculations we only use the

Mahobe DS-742ET calculator.
It is powerful and fast.

If you use anything else then good luck.

MAHOBE
 37

Page 20 6. (continued)
5. While it can be proved algebraically that there Using Pythagoras
are no solutions why not just use technology. Dist = (x2-x1)² + (y2 - y1)²
Below is the graph of the two paths. The asteroid
= (1.78+0.28)² + (3.78-1.72)²
just comes outside the gravitational field.
= 2.91 km

8 7. This can easily be solved by

using the equation solver in the
Mahobe DS-742ET

6 The roots are 0 and 630.

Therefore the width of the
arch base is 630m.

4
Page 23
1. y = -2x² + 6x
2 2.5 = -2x² + 6x
-2x² + 6x - 2.5 = 0
x = 0.5, 2.5

0 Area of a trapezim
2 4 6 8
= ½(top + bottom) × height.
Algebraically
= ½(2 + 3) × 2.5
x = (0.5y - 4)² + 4
= 6.25 units²
= (0.5y - 4)((0.5y - 4) + 4 2. For the square OABC the side
= 0.25y² -4y + 20 lengths are y = x.
y = 6(x - 2)²
Substituting into x² + y² = 40
x = 6(x² - 4x + 4)
x² = (0.25y² -4y + 20)(0.25y² -4y + 20)
x = 6x² - 24x + 24
0.0625y4 - 2y³ + 26y² - 160 + 400 + y² = 40
0 = 6x² -25x + 24
4 8 3
0.0625y - 2y³ + 27y² - 160 + 360 = 0 x = 3 or 2 (2.67 or 1.5)
Using the equation solver in the DS-742ET there Looking at the diagram we are
is no solution. This confirms what our graph only interested in the x = 1.5
above shows. value. Therefore both points C
and A must be 1.5. The area
6. y = -2x² + 4x + 3 and y = x + 2
will be 1.5² = 2.25 units².
-2x² + 4x + 3 = x + 2
3. x² - 6x + 5 = 0
-2x² + 3x + 1 = 0
(x - 5)(x - 1) = 0
Therefore using the Mahobe DS-742ET equation x = 5, x = 1
solver: x = -0.2808 or 1.7801 Therefore the graph crosses the
Using y = x + 2, x = -0.2808, y = 1.7192 x axis at (1, 0) and (5, 0).
The minimum of the parabola
x = 1.7801, y = 3.7801
is mid way between these two
points i.e. (3, -4). Continued
on next page
MAHOBE
38

Page 23 (continued) 5. (continued)

3. (continued) This means y is at (3, 0) Putting x = -40 into one of

the formulas gets y = 30
The y intercept is at x = 0, i.e. (0, 5)
To confirm this point
This means the width of the rectangle is 2 units
(-40, 30) put it into the
and the height is 5 units.
third equation
The area is 10 units².
1 (-40+35)² + (30-18)² = 13²
4. = -x
x
Therefore the epicentre is
1 = -x²
(-40, 30).
x² + 1 = 0
Using b² - 4ac
Page 24
and a = 1, b = 0, c = 1
6. x(x + 2) + y(y - 3) = 3
0 - (4 × 1 × 1) = -4
2x(x + 2) - y(y - 18) = 54
As this is < 0 then there are no solutions.
Expand out all the brackets
This means that they will not intersect.
x² + 2x + y² - 3y = 3
5. Below is a graph of the situation
2x² + 4x - y² + 18y = 54
80
Multiply equation 1 by 2
then subtract equation 2.
60
2x² + 4x + 2y² - 6y = 6
2x² + 4x - y² + 18y = 54
40
3y² - 24y = -48
3y² - 24y + 48 = 0
20
3(y² - 8y + 16) = 0
3(y - 4)² = 0
60 -40 -20 0 20 40 -60
Therefore y = 4
Putting this into equation 1
-20
x(x + 2) + 4(4 - 3) = 3
x² + 2x + 1 = 0
-40
(x + 1)² = 0
Therefore x = -1
Intersection point is (-1, 4)
The graph intersects at (-40, 30) but you may
7a.
want to see it calculated algebraically. 4
y² = 50² - x² and y = 50² - x²
(2.4, 3.2)
(x - 10)² + (y - 30)² = 50²
x² - 20x + 100 + y² - 60y + 900 = 50²
Substitute y² and y
x² - 20x + 1000 + 50² - x² - 60 50² - x² = 50² -4 4
- 20x + 1000 - 60 50² - x² = 0
At this stage you could continue by squaring
everything to cancel the square root or just use the
equation solver in the Mahobe DS-742ET
-4
to get x = -40 or x = 0
We are only interested in the x = -40 value
MAHOBE
 39

Page 24 (continued) 8b. (continued)

7b. x² - 4x + k = 0
8
b² - 4ac = 0 (for 1 root)

(-4)² - 4 × 1 × k = 0

16 - 4k = 0

4 k = 4

Therefore a parallel line which hits the

parabola at a tangent is y = 2x + 4.

The point of intersection will be (2, 8)

The second part of the question involves

-4 4
changing the gradient.

Therefore y = 6x - x² and y = kx

kx = 6x - x²
-4 x² + (k - 6)x = 0

Using b² - 4ac = 0

(k - 6)² - 4 × 1 × 0 = 0
7c.
(k - 6)² = 0

k = 6

Therefore the other line must be y = 6x.

4 It only meets the parabola at (0, 0)

-4

-2

8a. y = 6x - x², y = 2x

to find intersection point y = y

6x - x² = 2x

x² - 4x = 0

x(x - 4) = 0

x = 0, x = 4 If you think that you can

handle the power then insist
Using y = 2x at x = 0 point is (0, 0)
on the Mahobe DS-742ET
at x = 4, point is (4, 8).

8b. y = 6x - x²,
www.mahobe.co.nz
y = 2x + k (a parallel line)

6x - x² = 2x + k

MAHOBE
40

MAHOBE

www.mahobe.co.nz.
When they collide, the DS-742ET will be there calculating it for you.