Photo AI

Given that $f(x) = x^2 - ax - 18, \, x \geq 0,$ a) express $f(x)$ in the form $(x - \alpha)^2 + b$, where $\alpha$ and $b$ are integers - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2

Question icon

Question 2

Given-that--$f(x)-=-x^2---ax---18,-\,-x-\geq-0,$--a)-express-$f(x)$-in-the-form-$(x---\alpha)^2-+-b$,-where-$\alpha$-and-$b$-are-integers-Edexcel-A-Level Maths Pure-Question 2-2016-Paper 2.png

Given that $f(x) = x^2 - ax - 18, \, x \geq 0,$ a) express $f(x)$ in the form $(x - \alpha)^2 + b$, where $\alpha$ and $b$ are integers. The curve $C$ with equati... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Given that $f(x) = x^2 - ax - 18, \, x \geq 0,$ a) express $f(x)$ in the form $(x - \alpha)^2 + b$, where $\alpha$ and $b$ are integers - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2

Step 1

a) express $f(x)$ in the form $(x - \alpha)^2 + b$

96%

114 rated

Answer

To express f(x)=x2ax18f(x) = x^2 - ax - 18 in the form (xα)2+b(x - \alpha)^2 + b, we need to complete the square.

  1. Start by rewriting the quadratic:
    f(x)=x2ax18f(x) = x^2 - ax - 18
  2. Take half of the coefficient of xx, square it and add/subtract that value:
    f(x)=(xa2)2a2418f(x) = (x - \frac{a}{2})^2 - \frac{a^2}{4} - 18
  3. Combine the constants to achieve the desired form, where
    b=a2418b = -\frac{a^2}{4} - 18
    This gives us the expression in the required form.

Step 2

b) Sketch the graph of $C$, showing the coordinates of $P$ and $Q$

99%

104 rated

Answer

To sketch the graph of CC, consider the following:

  1. The vertex of the parabola is where the minimum point QQ is located.
    • The coordinates of QQ can be obtained from x=a2x = \frac{a}{2}.
    • Calculate yy at this xx to find QQ.
  2. The point PP is found where the curve meets the yy-axis, that is when x=0x = 0:
    • For x=0x = 0, f(0)=18f(0) = -18, giving P(0,18)P(0, -18).
  3. Sketch the parabola ensuring it opens upwards and passes through points PP and QQ, labeling these points accordingly.

Step 3

c) Find the $x$-coordinate of $R$, giving your answer in the form $p + q\sqrt{2}$

96%

101 rated

Answer

To find the xx-coordinate of point RR where the line y=41y = 41 intersects the curve:

  1. Set the equation of the curve equal to 41:
    x2ax18=41x^2 - ax - 18 = 41
    This simplifies to
    x2ax59=0x^2 - ax - 59 = 0.
  2. Use the quadratic formula to solve for xx:
    x=a±a2+2362x = \frac{a \pm \sqrt{a^2 + 236}}{2}
  3. The term under the square root can be simplified to find the exact expression, ensuring the result can be expressed as p+q2p + q\sqrt{2}.
    • Specifically, since 236=459=259\sqrt{236} = \sqrt{4 \cdot 59} = 2\sqrt{59}, thus completing the solution.

Join the A-Level students using SimpleStudy...

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

100,000+

Students Supported

1 Million+

Questions answered

;