Functions [38 marks]
1. [Maximum mark: 5] SPM.1.SL.TZ0.5
The functions f and g are defined such that f (x) =
x+3
4
and
g (x) = 8x + 5.
(a) Show that (g ∘ f ) (x) = 2x + 11. [2]
Markscheme
attempt to form composition M1
correct substitution g ( x+3
4
) = 8(
x+3
4
) + 5 A1
(g ∘ f ) (x) = 2x + 11 AG
[2 marks]
(b) Given that (g ∘ f )
−1
(a) = 4, find the value of a. [3]
Markscheme
attempt to substitute 4 (seen anywhere) (M1)
correct equation a = 2 × 4 + 11 (A1)
a= 19 A1
[3 marks]
2. [Maximum mark: 8] SPM.1.AHL.TZ0.9
The function f is defined by f (x) = e
2x
− 6e
x
+ 5, x ∈ R, x ⩽ a. The
graph of y = f (x) is shown in the following diagram.
(a) Find the largest value of a such that f has an inverse function. [3]
Markscheme
attempt to differentiate and set equal to zero M1
′
f (x) = 2e
2x
− 6e
x
= 2e
x x
(e − 3) = 0 A1
minimum at x = ln 3
a = ln 3 A1
[3 marks]
(b) For this value of a, find an expression for f −1 (x), stating its
domain. [5]
Markscheme
Note: Interchanging x and y can be done at any stage.
2
y = (e
x
− 3) − 4 (M1)
e
x
− 3 = ±√ y + 4 A1
as x ⩽ ln 3, x = ln (3 − √ y + 4) R1
so f −1 (x) = ln (3 − √ x + 4) A1
domain of f −1 is x ∈ R, −4 ⩽ x < 5 A1
[5 marks]
3. [Maximum mark: 6] EXN.1.SL.TZ0.3
The following table shows the probability distribution of a discrete
random variable X where x = 1, 2, 3, 4.
Find the value of k, justifying your answer. [6]
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.
uses ∑ P(X = x)(= 1) (M1)
2 2
k + (7k + 2) + (−2k) + (3k )(= 1)
4k
2
+ 5k + 1(= 0) A1
EITHER
attempts to factorize their quadratic M1
(k + 1)(4k + 1) = 0
OR
attempts use of the quadratic formula on their equation M1
2
−5±√ 5 −4(4)(1) −5±3
k = (= )
8 8
THEN
k = −1, −
1
4
A1
rejects k = −1 as this value leads to invalid probabilities, for example,
P(X = 2) = −5 < 0 R1
so k = −
1
4
A1
Note: Award R0A1 if k = −
1
4
is stated without a valid reason given for
rejecting k = −1.
[6 marks]
4. [Maximum mark: 5] EXN.2.SL.TZ0.5
The quadratic equation (k − 1)x 2
+ 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.
1
2
< k < 2 A1A1
1
Note: Award A1 for obtaining critical values k =
2
, 2 and A1 for correct
inequality signs.
[5 marks]
5. [Maximum mark: 14] 24N.1.SL.TZ1.8
The function f is defined as f (x) = log2 (8x), where x > 0.
(a) Find the value of
(a.i) f (2); [2]
Markscheme
substitution of x = 2 in part (i) or x =
1
8
in part (ii) (M1)
log2 (8 × 2) OR log2 (16)
log2 (16) = 4 A1
[2 marks]
(a.ii) f(
1
). [1]
8
Markscheme
f(
1
8
) = 0 A1
[1 mark]
(b) Find an expression for f −1(x). [4]
Markscheme
swap x and y (M1)
x = log2 (8y) OR x = 3 + log2 y
attempt to write as exponential (M1)
2
x
= 8y (A1)
x x
(f
−1
(x) =)
2
8
(= 2
x−3
) (accept y =
2
8
or x−3
y = 2 ) A1
[4 marks]
(c) Hence, or otherwise, find f −1(0). [1]
Markscheme
8
A1
[1 mark]
The graph of y = f (4x ) can
2
be obtained by translating and stretching the
graph of y = log2 x.
(d) Describe these two transformations specifying the order in
which they are to be applied. [6]
Markscheme
METHOD 1
2 2
f (4x ) = log2 (8 × 4x )
attempt to use addition rule for logs (M1)
log2 8 + log2 4 + log2 x
2
OR log2 32 + log2 x
2
(or equivalent)
(A1)
attempt to use exponent property for logarithms (M1)
2
f (4x ) = 5 + 2 log2 x (or equivalent) A1
the graph of g must be vertically stretched (dilated) by a scale factor of 2
and then vertically translated (shifted) 5 units upwards. A2
METHOD 2
2 2
f (4x ) = log2 (8 × 4x )
attempt to write argument as a power (M1)
2
2
log2 (32x ) = log2 ((√ 32x) ) (or equivalent) (A1)
attempt to use exponent property for logarithms (M1)
2
f (4x ) = 2 log2 (√ 32x) (or equivalent) A1
EITHER
the graph of g must be vertically stretched (dilated) by a scale factor of 2
1
and stretched (dilated) horizontally by a scale factor of . A1
√ 32
OR
the graph of g must be stretched (dilated) horizontally by a scale factor of
1
and vertically stretched (dilated) by a scale factor of 2. A1
√ 32
Note: In this method, the final mark is A1, as the question specifically asks for
a translation and a stretch.
[6 marks]
© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2025
