Pure Maths 1

1.1 Quadratics - Medium

Subject: Mathematics
Syllabus Code: 9709
Level: AS Level
Component: Pure Mathematics 1
Topic: 1.1 Quadratics
Difficulty: Medium
Questions
1. A line has equation y = 3x − 2k and a curve has equation y = x2 − kx + 2, where k is a constant.
Show that the line and the curve meet for all values of k. (9709/12/F/M/23 number 1)

2. Solve the equation 8x6 + 215x3 − 27 = 0. (9709/12/M/J/23 number 4)

3. The function f is defined for x ∈ R by f (x) = x2 − 6x + c, where c is a constant. It is given that

f (x) > 2 for all values of x. Find the set of possible values of c. (9709/13/M/J/23 number 2)

4. A curve has equation y = x2 + 2cx + 4 and a straight line has equation y = 4x + c, where c is
a constant. Find the set of values of c for which the curve and the line intersect at two distinct
points. (9709/12/F/M/22 number 2)

5. A line has equation y = 3x + k and a curve has equation y = x2 + kx + 6, where k is a constant.

Find the set of values of k for which the line and curve have two distinct points of intersection.
(9709/12/F/M/21 number 4)

6. The line with equation y = kx − k, where k is a positive constant, is a tangent to the curve with
1
equation y = − 2x . Find, in either order, the value of k and the coordinates of the point where the
tangent meets the curve. (9709/11/M/J/23 number 5)

7. A curve has equation y = kx2 + 2x − k and a line has equation y = kx − 2, where k is a constant.
Find the set of values of k for which the curve and line do not intersect. (9709/11/O/N/21 number
2)

8. The equation of a curve is y = 2x2 + kx + k − 1, where k is a constant. (9709/12/M/J/20 number

6)

(a) Given that the line y = 2x + 3 is a tangent to the curve, find the value of k.
It is now given that k = 2.
(b) Express the equation of the curve in the form 2(x + a)2 + b, where a and b are constants, and
hence state the coordinates of the vertex of the curve.

9. Find the set of values of m for which the line with equation y = mx + 1 and the curve with equation
y = 3x2 + 2x + 4 intersect at two distinct points. (9709/13/M/J/20 number 1)

10. Find the set of values of m for which the line with equation y = mx − 3 and the curve with equation
y = 2x2 + 5 do not meet. (9709/11/O/N/20 number 1)

11. The equation of a line is y = mx + c, where m and c are constants, and the equation of a curve is
xy = 16. (9709/11/M/J/20 number 5)

(a) Given that the line is a tangent to the curve, express m in terms of c.
(b) Given instead that m = −4, find the set of values of c for which the line intersects the curve
at two distinct points.

1
Answers
1. A line has equation y = 3x − 2k and a curve has equation y = x2 − kx + 2, where k is a constant.
Show that the line and the curve meet for all values of k. (9709/12/F/M/23 number 1)
y = 3x − 2k y = x2 − kx + 2

To prove that the line and curve meet for all values of k we have to evaluate the
discriminant i.e we have to find out what b2 − 4ac is. Let’s start by equating the two
equations,
3x − 2k = x2 − kx + 2

Put all the terms on one side,

x2 − kx − 3x + 2 + 2k = 0

Simplify,
x2 − (k + 3)x + 2 + 2k = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 1, b = −(k + 3), c = 2 + 2k

Substitute into the discriminant,

[−(k + 3)]2 − 4(1)(2 + 2k)

Expand the brackets,

k 2 + 6k + 9 − 8 − 8k

Simplify,
k 2 + 6k + 1

Complete the square,

(k − 1)2

Sketch the function representing the discriminant,

(k − 1)2

x
1

2
 From the sketch we can tell that the function representing the discriminant will always
be ≥ to 0 since the range of function is y ≥ 0. Therefore, our final answer would be,

(k − 1)2 ≥ 0 for all values of k. This means the discriminant (b2 − 4ac) is greater or equal to zero
for all values of k. Hence the line and curve meet for all values of k.

2. Solve the equation 8x6 + 215x3 − 27 = 0. (9709/12/M/J/23 number 4)

8x6 + 215x3 − 27 = 0

This is a hidden quadratic. Rewrite x6 in terms of x3 ,

2
8 x3 + 215x3 − 27 = 0

Let y = x3 ,
8y 2 + 215y − 27 = 0

We now have a quadratic in the form ax2 + bx + c. Solve the quadratic,

(8y − 1)(y + 27) = 0

1
y= y = −27
8

Go back to the substitution we created earlier,

y = x3
1
x3 = x3 = −27
8

Make x the subject of the formula,

  13

13 1
13 1
x3 = x3 = (−27) 3
8
1
x= x = −3
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

1
x = , −3
2
3. The function f is defined for x ∈ R by f (x) = x2 − 6x + c, where c is a constant. It is given that
f (x) > 2 for all values of x. Find the set of possible values of c. (9709/13/M/J/23 number 2)

f (x) = x2 − 6x + c

Since f (x) > 2 we know that,

b2 − 4ac < 0

3
 Note: This is because the function lies above the x-axis, therefore does not intersect it,
hence no real roots.
f (x) > 2

Substitute f (x),
x2 − 6x + c > 2

Put all the terms on one side,

x2 − 6x + c − 2 > 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 1, b = −6, c = c − 2

Substitute into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac < 0
(−6)2 − 4(1)(c − 2) < 0

Simplify the left hand side,

36 − 4c + 8 < 0
−4c + 44 < 0

Add 4c to both sides,

4c > 44

Make c the subject of the formula,

c > 11

Therefore, the final answer is,

c > 11

4. A curve has equation y = x2 + 2cx + 4 and a straight line has equation y = 4x + c, where c is
a constant. Find the set of values of c for which the curve and the line intersect at two distinct
points. (9709/12/F/M/22 number 2)

y = x2 + 2cx + 4 y = 4x + c

Since the curve and line intersect at two distinct points,

b2 − 4ac > 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

x2 + 2cx + 4 = 4x + c

Put all the terms on one side,

x2 + 2cx − 4x + 4 − c = 0

4
 Factorise like terms,
x2 + (2c − 4)x + (4 − c) = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 1, b = 2c − 4, c = 4 − c

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac > 0

(2c − 4)2 − 4(1)(4 − c) > 0

Simplify the left hand side,

4c2 − 16c + 16 − 16 + 4c > 0

4c2 − 12c > 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

4c(c − 3) = 0
c = 0, c = 3

Identify the regions satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

c < 0, c > 3

Therefore, the final answer is,

c < 0, c > 3

5. A line has equation y = 3x + k and a curve has equation y = x2 + kx + 6, where k is a constant.

Find the set of values of k for which the line and curve have two distinct points of intersection.
(9709/12/F/M/21 number 4)

y = 3x + k y = x2 + kx + 6

Since the curve and line intersect at two distinct points,

b2 − 4ac > 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

3x + k = x2 + kx + 6

Put all the terms on one side,

x2 + kx − 3x + 6 − k = 0

Factorise like terms,

x2 + (k − 3)x + (6 − k) = 0

5
 Identify a, b and c,
a = 1, b = k − 3, c = 6 − k

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac > 0

(k − 3)2 − 4(1)(6 − k) > 0

Simplify the left hand side,

k 2 − 6k + 9 − 24 + 4k > 0
k 2 − 2k − 15 > 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

(k − 5)(k + 3) = 0

k = 5, k = −3

Identify the regions satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

k < −3, k > 5

Therefore, the final answer is,

k < −3, k > 5

6. The line with equation y = kx − k, where k is a positive constant, is a tangent to the curve with
1
equation y = − 2x . Find, in either order, the value of k and the coordinates of the point where the
tangent meets the curve. (9709/11/M/J/23 number 5)
1
y = kx − k y=−
2x

Since the line is a tangent to the curve,

b2 − 4ac = 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

1
kx − k = −
2x

Multiply both sides by 2x,

2x(kx − k) = −1

Expand the bracket,

2kx2 − 2kx = −1

6
Put all the terms on one side,
2kx2 − 2kx + 1 = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 2k, b = −2k, c = 1

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac = 0

(−2k)2 − 4(2k)(1) = 0

Simplify the left hand side,

4k 2 − 8k = 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

4k(k − 2) = 0
k = 0, k = 2

Disregard k = 0 since the question states that k is a positive constant,

k=2

Substitute the value of k into the equation,

2kx2 − 2kx + 1 = 0

2(2)x2 − 2(2)x + 1 = 0

Simplify the equation,

4x2 − 4x + 1 = 0

Solve the quadratic equation,

(2x − 1)2
1
x=
2

Substitute the x-coordinate into one of the original equations to find y,

1
y=−
2x
1
y=− 1


2 2
y = −1

7
 Therefore, the final answer is,
 
1
k = 2, the coordinates of the point are , −1
2

7. A curve has equation y = kx2 + 2x − k and a line has equation y = kx − 2, where k is a constant.
Find the set of values of k for which the curve and line do not intersect. (9709/11/O/N/21 number
2)
y = kx2 + 2x − k y = kx − 2

Since the curve and line do not intersect,

b2 − 4ac < 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

kx2 + 2x − k = kx − 2

Put all the terms on one side,

kx2 + 2x − kx − k + 2 = 0

Factorise like terms,

kx2 + (2 − k)x − k + 2 = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = k, b = 2 − k, c = −k + 2

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac < 0

(2 − k)2 − 4(k)(−k + 2) < 0

Simplify the left hand side,

4 − 4k + k 2 + 4k 2 − 8k < 0
5k 2 − 12k + 4 < 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

(5k − 2)(k − 2) = 0
2
k= , k=2
5

Identify the region satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

2
<k<2
5
8
 Therefore, the final answer is,
2
<k<2
5
8. The equation of a curve is y = 2x2 + kx + k − 1, where k is a constant. (9709/12/M/J/20 number
6)
(a) Given that the line y = 2x + 3 is a tangent to the curve, find the value of k.
y = 2x2 + kx + k − 1 y = 2x + 3

Since the line is a tangent to the curve,

b2 − 4ac = 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

2x2 + kx + k − 1 = 2x + 3

Put all the terms on one side,

2x2 + kx − 2x + k − 1 − 3 = 0

Simplify,
2x2 + (k − 2)x + k − 4 = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 2, b = k − 2, c = k − 4

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac = 0
(k − 2)2 − 4(2)(k − 4) = 0

Simplify the left hand side,

k 2 − 4k + 4 − 8k + 32 = 0
k 2 − 12k + 36 = 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

(k − 6)2 = 0
k=6

Therefore, the final answer is,

k=6
It is now given that k = 2.
(b) Express the equation of the curve in the form 2(x + a)2 + b, where a and b are constants, and
hence state the coordinates of the vertex of the curve.
y = 2x2 + kx + k − 1

9
 Substitute k with 2,
y = 2x2 + 2x + 2 − 1
2x2 + 2x + 1

Factor out a 2 in the first two terms,

2 x2 + x + 1

Complete the square for the quadratic inside the brackets,

" 2 #
1 1
2 x+ − +1
2 4

Expand the square brackets,

1
2 (x + 1)2 − +1
2

Simplify,
1
2 (x + 1)2 +
2

Identify the coordinates of the vertex,

 
1
−1,
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

1
2 (x + 1)2 +
2
 
1
The coordinates of the vertex are −1,
2
9. Find the set of values of m for which the line with equation y = mx + 1 and the curve with equation
y = 3x2 + 2x + 4 intersect at two distinct points. (9709/13/M/J/20 number 1)

y = mx + 1 y = 3x2 + 2x + 4

Since the curve and line intersect at two distinct points,

b2 − 4ac > 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

mx + 1 = 3x2 + 2x + 4

Put all the terms on one side,

3x2 + 2x − mx + 4 − 1 = 0

10
 Factorise like terms,
3x2 + (2 − m)x + 3 = 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = 3, b = 2 − m, c = 3

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac > 0

(2 − m)2 − 4(3)(3) > 0

Simplify the left hand side,

4 − 4m + m2 − 36 > 0
m2 − 4m − 32 > 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

(m − 8)(m + 4) = 0

m = 8, m = −4

Identify the regions satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

m < −4, m > 8

Therefore, the final answer is,

m < −4, m > 8

10. Find the set of values of m for which the line with equation y = mx − 3 and the curve with equation
y = 2x2 + 5 do not meet. (9709/11/O/N/20 number 1)

y = mx − 3 y = 2x2 + 5

Since the curve and line do not intersect,

b2 − 4ac < 0

Let’s start by equating the two equations together,

mx − 3 = 2x2 + 5

Put all the terms on one side,

2x2 − mx + 5 + 3 = 0

Simplify,
2x2 − mx + 8 = 0

11
 Identify a, b and c,
a = 2, b = −m, c = 8

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac < 0

(−m)2 − 4(2)(8) < 0

Simplify the left hand side,

m2 − 64 < 0

Find the roots of the quadratic,

(m − 8)(m + 8) = 0

k = ±8

Identify the region satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

−8 < m < 8

Therefore, the final answer is,

−8 < m < 8

11. The equation of a line is y = mx + c, where m and c are constants, and the equation of a curve is
xy = 16. (9709/11/M/J/20 number 5)

(a) Given that the line is a tangent to the curve, express m in terms of c.

y = mx + c xy = 16

Since the line is a tangent to the curve,

b2 − 4ac = 0

Let’s start by solving the two equations simultaneously. Substitute y in xy = 16,

xy = 16

x(mx + c) = 16

Expand the bracket,

mx2 + cx = 16

Put all the terms on one side,

mx2 + cx − 16 = 0

12
 Identify a, b and c,
a = m, b = c, c = −16

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac = 0

(c)2 − 4(m)(−16) = 0

Simplify the left hand side,

c2 + 64m = 0

Make m the subject of the formula,

64m = −c2
−c2
m=
64

Therefore, the final answer is,

−c2
m=
64
(b) Given instead that m = −4, find the set of values of c for which the line intersects the curve
at two distinct points.
y = mx + c xy = 16

From part a we deduced that when these two equations are solved simultaneously
the give the equation,
mx2 + cx − 16 = 0

Substitute m with −4,

−4x2 + cx − 16 = 0

We are told that the line and the curve intersect at two distinct points. This means
that,
b2 − 4ac > 0

Identify a, b and c,
a = −4, b = c, c = −16

Substitute these values into the discriminant,

b2 − 4ac > 0

(c)2 − 4(−4)(−16) > 0

Simplify the left hand side,

c2 − 256 > 0

13
Find the roots of the quadratic,

(c − 16)(c + 16) = 0

c ± 16

Identify the regions satisfied by the quadratic inequality,

c < −16, c > 16

Therefore, the final answer is,

c < −16, c > 16

14