derivatives [26 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 16] SPM.1.SL.TZ0.8

Let f (x) =
1

3
3
x + x
2
− 15x + 17.

(a) Find f ′ (x). [2]

Markscheme

′
f (x) = x
2
+ 2x − 15 (M1)A1

[2 marks]

The graph of f has horizontal tangents at the points where x = a and x = b, a < b.

(b) Find the value of a and the value of b. [3]

Markscheme

correct reasoning that f ′ (x) = 0 (seen anywhere) (M1)

2
x + 2x − 15 = 0

valid approach to solve quadratic M1

(x − 3) (x + 5), quadratic formula

correct values for x

3, −5

correct values for a and b

a= −5 and b = 3 A1

[3 marks]

(c.i) Sketch the graph of y = f (x).

′
[1]

Markscheme
 A1

[1 mark]

(c.ii) Hence explain why the graph of f has a local maximum point at x = a. [1]

Markscheme

first derivative changes from positive to negative at x = a A1

so local maximum at x = a AG

[1 mark]

(d.i) Find f ′′ (b). [3]

Markscheme

f
′′
(x) = 2x + 2 A1

substituting their b into their second derivative (M1)

′′
f (3) = 2 × 3 + 2

f
′′
(b) = 8 (A1)
 [3 marks]

(d.ii) Hence, use your answer to part (d)(i) to show that the graph of f has a
local minimum point at x = b. [1]

Markscheme

(b) is positive so graph is concave up R1

′′
f

so local minimum at x = b AG

[1 mark]

(e) The normal to the graph of f at x = a and the tangent to the graph of f at x = b

intersect at the point (p, q) .

Find the value of p and the value of q. [5]

Markscheme

normal to f at x = a is x = −5 (seen anywhere) (A1)

attempt to find y-coordinate at their value of b (M1)

f (3) = −10 (A1)

tangent at x = b has equation y = −10 (seen anywhere) A1

intersection at (−5, −10)

p= −5 and q = −10 A1

[5 marks]
2. [Maximum mark: 2] 19M.2.SL.TZ1.S_3
Consider the function f (x) 2
= x e
3x
, x ∈ R.

(b) The graph of f has a horizontal tangent line at x = 0 and at x = a. Find a. [2]

Markscheme

valid method (M1)

eg f (x) = 0,
′
,

a = −0.667 (= −
2

3
) (accept x = −0.667) A1 N2

[2 marks]
3. [Maximum mark: 8] 19M.2.SL.TZ2.T_5
Consider the function f (x) =
1

3
3
x +
3

4
2
x − x − 1.

(b) Write down the y-intercept of the graph of y = f (x). [1]

Markscheme

−1 (A1)

Note: Accept (0, −1).

[1 mark]

(c) Sketch the graph of y = f (x) for −3 ≤ x ≤ 3 and −4 ≤ y ≤ 12. [4]

Markscheme

(A1)(A1)

(A1)(A1)

Note: Award (A1) for correct window and axes labels, −3 to 3 should be indicated on the x-axis
and −4 to 12 on the y-axis.
(A1)) for smooth curve with correct cubic shape;
(A1) for x-intercepts: one close to −3, the second between −1 and 0, and third between 1 and 2;
and y-intercept at approximately −1;
(A1) for local minimum in the 4th quadrant and maximum in the 2nd quadrant, in approximately
 correct positions.
Graph paper does not need to be used. If window not given award at most (A0)(A1)(A0)(A1).

[4 marks]

The function has one local maximum at x = p and one local minimum at x = q.

(h) Determine the range of f (x) for p ≤ x ≤ q. [3]

Markscheme

61 4
−1.27 ⩽ f (x) ⩽ 1.33 (−1.27083 … ⩽ f (x) ⩽ 1.33333 … , − ⩽ f (x) ⩽ )
48 3

(A1)(ft)(A1)(ft)(A1)

Note: Award (A1) for −1.27 seen, (A1) for 1.33 seen, and (A1) for correct weak inequalities with their
endpoints in the correct order. For example, award (A0)(A0)(A0) for answers like 5 ⩽ f (x) ⩽ 2.

Accept y in place of f (x). Accept alternative correct notation such as [−1.27, 1.33].

Follow through from their p and q values from part (g) only if their f (p) and f (q) values are
between −4 and 12. Award (A0)(A0)(A0) if their values from (g) are given as the endpoints.

[3 marks]

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