Functions [39 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 5]
The quadratic equation (k − 1)x2 + 2x + (2k − 3) = 0, where

k ∈ R, has real distinct roots.

Find the range of possible values for k. [5]

Markscheme

* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics

senior examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the
new MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared
to formal exam papers.

attempts to find an expression for the discriminant, Δ, in terms of k (M1)

Δ = 4 − 4(k − 1)(2k − 3) (= −8k

2
+ 20k − 8) (A1)

−2±√ 4−4(k−1)(2k−3)
Note: Award M1A1 for finding x =
2(k−1)
.

attempts to solve Δ > 0 for k (M1)

Note: Award M1 for attempting to solve Δ = 0 for k.

2
< k < 2 A1A1
 Note: Award A1 for obtaining critical values k =
1

2
, 2 and A1 for correct
inequality signs.

[5 marks]

2. [Maximum mark: 16]

(a) The graph of a quadratic function f has its vertex at the point
(3, 2) and it intersects the x-axis at x = 5. Find f in the form
2
f (x) = a(x − h) + k.
[3]

Markscheme

correct substitution of h = 3 and k = 2 into f (x) (A1)

2
f (x) = a(x − 3) + 2

correct substitution of (5, 0) (A1)

2 1
0 = a(5 − 3) + 2 (a = − )
2

Note: The first two A marks are independent.

2
A1
1
f (x) = − (x − 3) + 2
2

[3 marks]

The quadratic function g is defined by g(x) 2

= px + (t − 1)x − p where

x ∈ R and p, t ∈ R, p ≠ 0.
In the case where g(−3) = g(1) = 4,

(b.i) find the value of p and the value of t. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

correct substitution of (1, 4) (A1)

p + (t − 1) − p = 4

t = 5 A1

substituting their value of t into 9p − 3(t − 1) − p = 4 (M1)

8p − 12 = 4

p = 2 A1

METHOD 2

correct substitution of ONE of the coordinates (−3, 4) or (1, 4)

(A1)

9p − 3(t − 1) − p = 4 OR p + (t − 1) − p = 4

valid attempt to solve their two equations (M1)

p = 2, t = 5 A1A1

2
(g(x) = 2x + 4x − 2)

[4 marks]

(b.ii) find the range of g. [3]

 Markscheme

attempt to find the x-coordinate of the vertex (M1)

2
OR OR OR
−3+1 −4
x = (= −1) 4x + 4 = 0 2(x + 1) − 4
2 2×2

y-coordinate of the vertex = −4 (A1)

correct range A1

[−4, + ∞[ OR y ≥ −4 OR g ≥ −4 OR [−4, ∞)

[3 marks]

(c) The linear function j is defined by j(x) = −x + 3p where

x ∈ R and p ∈ R, p ≠ 0.

Show that the graphs of j(x) = −x + 3p and

+ (t − 1)x − p have two distinct points of

2
g(x) = px

intersection for every possible value of p and t. [6]

Markscheme

equating the two functions or equations (M1)

g(x) = j(x) OR px
2
+ (t − 1)x − p = −x + 3p

px
2
+ tx − 4p = 0 (A1)

attempt to find discriminant (do not accept only in quadratic formula)

(M1)

Δ = t
2 2
+ 16p A1
 > 0, because t ≥ 0 and p > 0, therefore the sum
2 2 2 2
Δ = t + 16p

will be positive R1R1

Note: Award R1 for recognising that Δ is positive and R1 for the reason.

There are two distinct points of intersection between the graphs of g and j
. AG

[6 marks]

3. [Maximum mark: 4]
Consider the equation kx2 − (k + 3)x + 2k + 9 = 0, where k ∈ R.

(a) Write down an expression for the product of the roots, in terms
of k. [1]

Markscheme

product of roots = A1
2k+9

[1 mark]

(b) Hence or otherwise, determine the values of k such that the

equation has one positive and one negative real root. [3]

Markscheme

recognition that the product of the roots will be negative (M1)

 2k+9
< 0
k

critical values k = 0, −
9

2
seen (A1)

−
9

2
< k < 0 A1

[3 marks]

4. [Maximum mark: 7]
Consider the function f (x) = −2(x − 1)(x + 3), for x ∈ R. The

following diagram shows part of the graph of f .

For the graph of f

(a.i) find the x-coordinates of the x-intercepts. [2]

Markscheme

setting f (x) = 0 (M1)

 x = 1, x = −3 (accept (1, 0), (−3, 0)) A1

[2 marks]

(a.ii) find the coordinates of the vertex. [3]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

x = −1 A1

substituting their x-coordinate into f (M1)

y = 8 A1

(−1, 8)

METHOD 2

attempt to complete the square (M1)

2
−2((x + 1) − 4) (M1)

x = −1, y = 8 A1A1

(−1, 8)

[3 marks]

(b) The function f can be written in the form

2
f (x) = −2(x − h) + k.
 Write down the value of h and the value of k. [2]

Markscheme

h = −1 A1

k = 8 A1

[2 marks]

5. [Maximum mark: 7]
The equation 3px2 + 2px + 1 = p has two real, distinct roots.

(a) Find the possible values for p. [5]

Markscheme

attempt to use discriminant b2 − 4ac(> 0) M1

2
(2p) − 4(3p)(1 − p)(> 0)

16p
2
− 12p(> 0) (A1)

p(4p − 3)(> 0)

attempt to find critical values (p = 0, p =

3

4
) M1

recognition that discriminant > 0 (M1)

p < 0 or p > A1
3

Note: Condone ‘or’ replaced with ‘and’, a comma, or no separator

 [5 marks]

(b) Consider the case when p = 4. The roots of the equation can
a±√ 13
be expressed in the form x =
6
, where a ∈ Z. Find the

value of a. [2]

Markscheme

2
p = 4 ⇒ 12x + 8x − 3 = 0

−b±√ b −4ac
2

valid attempt to use x =

2a
(or equivalent) M1

−8±√ 208
x =
24

−2±√ 13
x =
6

a = −2 A1

[2 marks]

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