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 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.
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 $(x - \alpha)^2 + b$
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Answer
To express f(x)=x2−ax−18 in the form (x−α)2+b, we need to complete the square.
Start by rewriting the quadratic: f(x)=x2−ax−18
Take half of the coefficient of x, square it and add/subtract that value: f(x)=(x−2a)2−4a2−18
Combine the constants to achieve the desired form, where b=−4a2−18
This gives us the expression in the required form.
Step 2
b) Sketch the graph of $C$, showing the coordinates of $P$ and $Q$
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Answer
To sketch the graph of C, consider the following:
The vertex of the parabola is where the minimum point Q is located.
The coordinates of Q can be obtained from x=2a.
Calculate y at this x to find Q.
The point P is found where the curve meets the y-axis, that is when x=0:
For x=0, f(0)=−18, giving P(0,−18).
Sketch the parabola ensuring it opens upwards and passes through points P and Q, labeling these points accordingly.
Step 3
c) Find the $x$-coordinate of $R$, giving your answer in the form $p + q\sqrt{2}$
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Answer
To find the x-coordinate of point R where the line y=41 intersects the curve:
Set the equation of the curve equal to 41: x2−ax−18=41
This simplifies to x2−ax−59=0.
Use the quadratic formula to solve for x: x=2a±a2+236
The term under the square root can be simplified to find the exact expression, ensuring the result can be expressed as p+q2.
Specifically, since 236=4⋅59=259, thus completing the solution.