Figure 1 shows part of the graph of $y = f(x), x \in \mathbb{R}$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 2 - 2005 - Paper 5
Question 2
Figure 1 shows part of the graph of $y = f(x), x \in \mathbb{R}$. The graph consists of two line segments that meet at the point $(1, a)$, where $a < 0$. One line me... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 1 shows part of the graph of $y = f(x), x \in \mathbb{R}$ - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 2 - 2005 - Paper 5
Step 1
a) $y = f(x)$
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Answer
To sketch the graph of y=f(x), we consider the piecewise nature of the function defined by the absolute value.
The function f(x)=∣x−1∣−2 consists of two segments:
For x<1, f(x)=−(x−1)−2=−x−1.
For x≥1, f(x)=(x−1)−2=x−3.
The graph will meet the y-axis at b and the x-axis will be touched at the point (3,0). The coordinates for intersections are clear, with the intercepts being calculated as follows:
For x=0:
f(0)=∣0−1∣−2=1−2=−1, so b=−1.
For x=3:
f(3)=∣3−1∣−2=2−2=0.
Continuity points at (1,−2) are important as well, confirming a=−2 as determined.
Step 2
b) $y = f(|x|)$
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Answer
For the transformed function y=f(∣x∣), since absolute values affect symmetry, we can express the equation as follows:
For ∣x∣<1, the function remains as −x−1.
For ∣x∣≥1, it is reflected hence: f(∣x∣)=∣x−1∣−2 will yield.
The graph will be symmetric about the y-axis, leading to intersections and confirming b values.
Intersections remain at symmetric points, thereby capturing key intercepts of the reflected graph.
Step 3
Given that $f(x) = |x - 1| - 2$, find (1) the value of $a$ and the value of $b$.
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Answer
From the function f(x)=∣x−1∣−2, we evaluate:
The vertex occurs at (1,−2), thus a=−2.
From previous calculations, b=−1 from our earlier evaluation of f(0).
Step 4
Given that $f(x) = |x - 1| - 2$, find (2) the value of $x$ for which $f(x) = 5$.
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