1. A, B, C, D and E are points on the curve y = f(x) shown in the diagram below.

E
y
y = f(x)

D
B

A
C

(a) Describe the gradient of the curve in passing from the point B, through point C to point
D.
(3)

(b) D has coordinates (a, f(a)), and the x-coordinate at E is a + 4. Write an expression for the
gradient of the line segment [DE].
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

2. The letters A to E are placed at particular points on the curve y = f(x).

y

B
D

A E

y = f(x)

1
 (a) What is the gradient of the curve y =f(x) at the point marked C?
(1)

dy
(b) In passing from point B, through point C, to point D what is happening to ? Is it
dx
decreasing or increasing?
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

3. The diagram shows a part of the curve y = f (x).

y
2

–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 x
–1

–2

(a) For what values of x is f '(x) = 0?

(3)

(b) For what range of values of x is f '(x) <0?

(2)
(Total 5 marks)

2
4.

f(x)
D

C y = f(x)
A E
L
B
K

F H x
G

Given the graph of f (x) state

(a) the intervals from A to L in which f (x) is increasing.

(1)

(b) the intervals from A to L in which f (x) is decreasing.

(1)

(c) a point that is a maximum value.

(1)

(d) a point that is a minimum value.

(1)

(e) the name given to point K where the gradient is zero.

(1)
(Total 5 marks)

5. The function f (x) is given by the formula

f (x) = 2x3 – 5x2 + 7x – l

(a) Evaluate f (1).

(2)

3
 (b) Calculate f '(x).
(3)

(c) Evaluate f '(2).

(2)

(d) State whether the function f (x) is increasing or decreasing at x = 2.

(1)

(e) The sketch graph shown below is the graph of a cubic function.

–1 1 2 x

(i) Is it possible that this is the graph of the function f (x) above?

(ii) State one reason for your decision.

(2)
(Total 10 marks)

1. (a) At B, the gradient is zero.

From B to C, the gradient is negative.
At C, the gradient is zero.
From C to D, the gradient is positive.
At D, the gradient is zero. (A3) 3
Note: Award [½ mark] for each correct statement and round
up.

y 2 − y1
(b) Gradient =
x 2 − x1
f (a + 4) − f (a)
= (M2)
(a + 4) − (a)
Note: Award (M1) for f(a + 4)

f (a + 4) − f (a)
= (A1) 3
4
[6]

4
 dy
2. (a) = 0 at point C (A1) 1
dx

dy
(b) changes from +ve to –ve and is decreasing (A2) 2
dx
Notes: Award (A1) for “+ve to –ve” and, (A1) for
“decreasing”.
Accept equivalent answers, e.g. “decreasing, becomes zero, and
then begins to increase negatively”.
[3]

(a) Describe the gradient of the curve in passing from the point B, through point C to point
D.
(3)

5
 (b) D has coordinates (a, f(a)), and the x-coordinate at E is a + 4. Write an expression for the
gradient of the line segment [DE].
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

3. (a) x=3 (A1)

x=5 (A1)
x = 6.8 – 7.2 (A1) 3

(b) 3<x<5 (A1)(A1)

[5]

4. (a) B → D, G → L (or G → K and K → L) (both correct) (accept C, H, L) (A1) 1

(b) A → B, D → G (both correct) (accept A, E, F) (A1) 1

(c) D (A1) 1

(d) B or G (accept either) (A1) 1

(e) Point of inflexion (A1) 1

[5]

5. (a) Substitute x = 1 into f(x), f(1) = 3. (M1)(A1)

or (G2) 2

(b) f ′(x) = 6x2 –10x + 7 (A1)(A1)(A1)

Note: If the –1 is left in and written separately then the constant
is wrong so max possible is (A2).

(c) Substitute x = 2 into (b) f ′(2) = 11. (M1)(A1)

or (G2) 2
Note: No ft here if original f(x) is just written as answer for (b).

(d) Increasing. (A1) 1

6
(e) (i) No. (A1)

(ii) Because the gradient at x = 2 is wrong (or wrong sign) or

any other valid reason (eg f(x) has an inflection not a
max/min), (but note that f(1) and f(0) both agree, and both
the formula and the graph have a single real root near to 0,
so none of these is a valid reason).
A sketch of the graph from the GDC with no detailed reason
can be awarded (G1) if it is reasonable. (R1) 2
[10]