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Quadratics

Practice exam-style IB Math AA questions for Quadratics, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

Paper
Difficulty
Status
Level
Question 1
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

A quadratic function has xx-intercepts (2,0)(-2,0) and (4,0)(4,0). Its graph passes through the point (1,9)(1,-9).

A

Find the function in factorized form.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the yy-intercept of the graph of ff.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 2
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

The quadratic function ff is given by

f(x)=2x212x+11f(x)=2x^2-12x+11
A

Write f(x)f(x) in the form a(xh)2+ka(x-h)^2+k.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

State the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y=f(x)y=f(x).

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the two zeros of ff.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 3
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the quadratic function f(x)=2x212x+13f(x)=2x^2-12x+13, for xRx\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Express f(x)f(x) in the form a(xh)2+ka(x-h)^2+k.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Write down the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of ff.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Solve the inequality f(x)3f(x)\leq 3.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 4
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The height, hh metres, of a ball above the ground tt seconds after it is thrown is modelled by
h(t)=5t2+20t+25h(t)=-5t^2+20t+25, where t0t\geq 0.

A

Express h(t)h(t) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the maximum height reached by the ball and the time at which it occurs.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the time at which the ball first reaches the ground.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 5
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the quadratic equation x22kx+3k2=0x^2-2kx+3k-2=0, where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the discriminant in terms of kk, giving your answer in factorized form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the values of kk for which the equation has two equal real roots.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the values of kk for which the equation has no real roots.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 6
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the inequality (x1)(x5)3(x-1)(x-5)\leq 3, where xRx\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the roots of the equation (x1)(x5)=3(x-1)(x-5)=3.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Hence solve the inequality.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 7
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A ball is thrown vertically upwards from the top of a platform. Its height above the ground, hh metres, after tt seconds is modelled by

h(t)=4.9t2+18t+12,t0h(t)=-4.9t^2+18t+12, \quad t\ge0
A

Find the greatest height reached by the ball.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the time at which the ball reaches the ground.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the time interval during which the ball is at least 2020 metres above the ground.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 8
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Consider the quadratic equation

(k+2)x24kx+(k1)=0(k+2)x^2-4kx+(k-1)=0

where kRk\in\mathbb{R} and k2k\ne -2.

A

Find an expression for the discriminant in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Hence determine the nature of the roots of the equation for all possible values of kk.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 9
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The graph of y=x25x6y=x^2-5x-6 is shown.

Graph of the parabola y = x^2 - 5x - 6 with intercepts and vertex marked.
A

Find the xx-intercepts of the graph.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Hence solve the inequality x25x6<0x^2-5x-6<0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the minimum value of x25x6x^2-5x-6.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 10
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The quadratic equation x2mx+m+3=0x^2-mx+m+3=0 has roots α\alpha and β\beta. One root is twice the other.

A

Write down α+β\alpha+\beta and αβ\alpha\beta in terms of mm.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the possible values of mm.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 11
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

For kRk\in\mathbb{R}, consider the function fk(x)=x2+2kx+k+3f_k(x)=x^2+2kx+k+3, where xRx\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the minimum value of fk(x)f_k(x) in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of kk for which fk(x)>0f_k(x)>0 for all real xx.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 12
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

For aRa\in\mathbb{R}, let fa(x)=x22(a+1)x+a2+4af_a(x)=x^2-2(a+1)x+a^2+4a.

A

Express fa(x)f_a(x) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

The vertex of the graph of faf_a is (H,K)(H,K). Find a linear relation between HH and KK.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of aa for which the graph of faf_a has two distinct xx-intercepts.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 13
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A quadratic function ff has a vertex at (2,3)(2,-3). Its two xx-intercepts are 66 units apart, and the coefficient of x2x^2 is positive.

A

Find the two xx-intercepts of the graph of ff.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find f(x)f(x) in the form a(xp)(xq)a(x-p)(x-q).

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 14
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The line y=mx+1y=mx+1 intersects the parabola y=x22x+5y=x^2-2x+5, where mRm\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the quadratic equation in xx whose roots give the xx-coordinates of the intersection points.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of mm for which the line is tangent to the parabola.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of mm for which the line does not intersect the parabola.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 15
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A rectangular garden is to be built against a straight wall. Fencing is needed for the other three sides only. The total length of fencing available is 3030 metres. The side parallel to the wall has length xx metres and each perpendicular side has length yy metres.

A rectangle with its top side lying along a straight wall labelled “wall”. The bottom side is labelled $x$ metres and the two vertical sides are each labelled $y$ metres. The top side along the wall is not shown as fenced; the other three sides are drawn as fencing.
A

Write down an equation connecting xx and yy.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Show that the area A m2A\ \text{m}^2 of the garden is given by A=15x12x2A=15x-\frac{1}{2}x^2.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Find the maximum possible area of the garden.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 16
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A quadratic model y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c is fitted to three measured points, shown in the table.

x

y

1

5.5

3

2.5

6

11.5

A

Using the data in the table, determine the quadratic model in the form y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the minimum value predicted by this model.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

State the value of xx at which this minimum occurs.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 17
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The line y=mx+1y=mx+1 is tangent to the parabola y=x24x+7y=x^2-4x+7.

A

Show that mm satisfies m2+8m8=0m^2+8m-8=0.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Hence find the possible values of mm.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

For the positive value of mm, find the point of tangency.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 18
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The quadratic equation

x26x+k=0x^2-6x+k=0

has two distinct real roots α\alpha and β\beta.

A

Write down α+β\alpha+\beta and αβ\alpha\beta in terms of kk.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Given that α2+β2=20\alpha^2+\beta^2=20, determine the value of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

For this value of kk, form the quadratic equation with roots 1α\frac{1}{\alpha} and 1β\frac{1}{\beta}.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 19
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The graph of a quadratic function ff has vertex (2,5)(2,-5) and passes through the point (7,20)(7,20).

A

Determine f(x)f(x) in the form a(xh)2+ka(x-h)^2+k.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the exact xx-intercepts of the graph of ff.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Hence find the distance between the two xx-intercepts.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 20
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The quadratic function ff has vertex (2,9)(2,-9) and passes through the point (0,3)(0,3).

A
I.

Find f(x)f(x) in the form a(xh)2+ka(x-h)^2+k.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence express f(x)f(x) in the form ax2+bx+cax^2+bx+c.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the xx-intercepts of the graph of y=f(x)y=f(x). If you did not obtain f(x)=3(x2)29f(x)=3(x-2)^2-9, use this expression.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Solve the inequality f(x)<3f(x)<3. If you did not obtain f(x)=3(x2)29f(x)=3(x-2)^2-9, use this expression.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the range of ff for the restricted domain 0x50\le x\le 5.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 21
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The height, hh metres, of a small rocket above the ground tt seconds after launch is modelled by

h(t)=4t2+16t+5,t0h(t)=-4t^2+16t+5,\quad t\ge 0
A
I.

Express h(t)h(t) in the form a(tp)2+qa(t-p)^2+q.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

State the maximum height of the rocket and the time at which it occurs.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the time at which the rocket reaches the ground. If you did not obtain h(t)=4(t2)2+21h(t)=-4(t-2)^2+21, use this expression.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Find the interval of time for which the rocket is at least 1717 metres above the ground. If you did not obtain h(t)=4(t2)2+21h(t)=-4(t-2)^2+21, use this expression.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the second time at which the rocket is at its launch height.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 22
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An arch is modelled by a parabola. The height of the arch, HH metres, above a horizontal floor is given by a quadratic function of the horizontal distance xx metres from the left end. The arch meets the floor at x=0x=0 and x=12x=12, and its greatest height is 1818 metres.

A simple diagram of a symmetric parabolic arch above a horizontal floor. The left and right floor contact points are labelled $x=0$ and $x=12$, and the highest point at the vertex is labelled $18\ \text{m}$ with a leader line terminating at the vertex. The horizontal distance is measured from the left end along the floor. The horizontal axis is labelled $x\,[\text{m}]$ and the vertical axis is labelled $H\,[\text{m}]$.
A
I.

Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of the arch.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Show that the height of the arch may be written as H=12x(12x)H=\frac12 x(12-x).

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

horizontal beam is placed at a height of 1010 metres above the floor. Find the horizontal width of the arch at this height. If you did not obtain H=12x(12x)H=\frac12 x(12-x), use this expression.

[4]
Write your answer here...
C

rectangular vehicle is 66 metres wide and passes centrally under the arch. Determine the greatest possible height of the vehicle.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 23
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A quadratic function ff has xx-intercepts (1,0)(-1,0) and (5,0)(5,0), and passes through the point (1,12)(1,-12).

A
I.

Find f(x)f(x) in factorized form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y=f(x)y=f(x).

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Solve the inequality f(x)0f(x)\le 0. If you did not obtain f(x)=32(x+1)(x5)f(x)=\frac32(x+1)(x-5), use this expression.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

The line through the vertex and the yy-intercept of the graph of ff is denoted by LL. Find the equation of LL.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 24
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A quadratic model y=ax2+bx+cy=ax^2+bx+c passes through the three points (0,5)(0,5), (2,3)(2,-3) and (5,0)(5,0).

1

2

3

x

0

2

5

y

5

-3

0

A
I.

Write down the value of cc.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the values of aa and bb.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Express the model in vertex form and state its minimum value. If you did not obtain y=x26x+5y=x^2-6x+5, use this expression.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of xx for which the model predicts y0y\le 0.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 25
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The quadratic equation (k1)x22kx+k+3=0(k-1)x^2-2kx+k+3=0, where k1k\neq 1, has roots α\alpha and β\beta. The roots differ by 22.

A

Write down α+β\alpha+\beta and αβ\alpha\beta in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the possible values of kk.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 26
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the quadratic equation x22(k+1)x+k21=0x^2-2(k+1)x+k^2-1=0, where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the discriminant in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of kk for which the equation has two distinct positive real roots.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 27
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The cross-section of a pedestrian arch is modelled by a parabola. The arch meets the ground at points A(0,0)A(0,0) and B(12,0)B(12,0), where distances are measured in metres. The greatest height of the arch is 55 metres.

Downward-opening parabolic arch with endpoints A and B and a highest point at the midpoint.
A
I.

Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of the parabola.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find an equation for the height hh of the arch in terms of the horizontal distance xx from AA.

[4]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the two values of xx for which the height of the arch is 3.23.2 metres.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence find the horizontal width of the part of the arch that is at least 3.23.2 metres high.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

rectangular vehicle of height HH metres is driven centrally through the arch. Show that the maximum possible width ww metres of the vehicle is given by w=121H5w=12\sqrt{1-\dfrac{H}{5}}, for 0H50\leq H\leq5.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 28
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A company sells headphones. If xx headphones are produced and sold in one week, the selling price is modelled by p=500.025xp=50-0.025x dollars per headphone. The weekly cost, in dollars, is modelled by C=900+18xC=900+18x. The factory can produce at most 10001000 headphones per week.

A
I.

Write down an expression for the weekly revenue RR in terms of xx.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Show that the weekly profit PP is given by P=0.025x2+32x900P=-0.025x^2+32x-900.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the number of headphones that should be produced and sold to maximize the weekly profit.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the maximum weekly profit.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Find the break-even values of xx, according to the model.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Taking account of the factory capacity and the fact that xx must be a whole number, determine the values of xx for which the company makes a profit.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 29
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A sensor records a signal strength SS at time tt seconds. The signal is modelled by a quadratic function S(t)=at2+bt+cS(t)=at^2+bt+c, for 0t90\leq t\leq9. Three recorded values are shown in the table.

time t [s]

signal strength S

0

2.1

4

5.7

9

1.2

A
I.

Use the data to determine the values of aa, bb and cc.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Write the model in vertex form.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the maximum signal strength predicted by the model.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the times at which the signal strength is 44.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

technician wants the signal strength to be at least a threshold value TT for exactly 44 seconds. Determine the greatest possible value of TT.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 30
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A farmer uses 8080 metres of fencing to make three identical rectangular pens side by side. Each pen has length xx metres and width yy metres. The pens share two internal fences, each of length yy metres.

A plan view of three congruent rectangles placed side by side, with total outside boundary and two internal dividing fences shown. The length of each pen is labelled x and the width is labelled y.
A
I.

Show that 6x+4y=806x+4y=80.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Show that the total area AA of the three pens is given by A=60x92x2A=60x-\dfrac{9}{2}x^2.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the value of xx that gives the maximum total area.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the corresponding value of yy and the maximum total area.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

The farmer changes the design to make nn identical pens side by side, using the same 8080 metres of fencing. Deduce the maximum possible total area in terms of nn.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 31
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two functions are defined by f(x)=x26x+cf(x)=x^2-6x+c and g(x)=12x2+4x+1g(x)=-\dfrac{1}{2}x^2+4x+1, where cc is a real constant.

A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of any points of intersection satisfy 1.5x210x+c1=01.5x^2-10x+c-1=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Write down the discriminant of this quadratic equation in terms of cc.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the value of cc for which the graphs are tangent.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

State the number of points of intersection when c=20c=20.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

For c=5c=5, solve the inequality f(x)g(x)f(x)\leq g(x), giving your answer in interval notation.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 32
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A decorative panel is made in the shape of a parabola with vertical axis of symmetry. In a coordinate system with origin at the lowest point of the panel, the curve passes through the points (2.4,1.8)(-2.4,1.8) and (2.4,1.8)(2.4,1.8), where distances are in metres.

Parabolic panel profile with symmetric rim points.
A
I.

Explain why the equation of the curve may be written in the form y=ax2y=ax^2.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the value of aa.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

Write down the equation of the curve.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the width of the panel at a height of 1.01.0 metre above the lowest point.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the height of the panel at a horizontal distance of 1.51.5 metres from the axis of symmetry.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

rectangular sign of height 0.800.80 metres is placed centrally with its lower edge at the lowest point of the panel. Determine the greatest possible width of the sign.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 33
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Consider the equation

(k1)x2+2kx+k+3=0(k-1)x^2+2kx+k+3=0

where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the values of kk for which the equation is quadratic and has two equal real roots.

[4]
Write your answer here...
B

For k=1k=1, solve the resulting equation.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 34
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The graphs of

y=x23x+1y=x^2-3x+1

and

y=2x+ky=2x+k

intersect at two points whose xx-coordinates differ by 44.

A

Show that the xx-coordinates of the points of intersection satisfy x25x+(1k)=0x^2-5x+(1-k)=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the value of kk.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

For this value of kk, find the coordinates of the two points of intersection.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 35
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A family of quadratic functions is defined by

fk(x)=x22kx+3kf_k(x)=x^2-2kx+3k

where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A

Find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y=fk(x)y=f_k(x) in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the values of kk for which the graph of y=fk(x)y=f_k(x) does not meet the xx-axis.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

For the values of kk found in part (b), determine the greatest possible value of the yy-coordinate of the vertex.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 36
SL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Consider the quadratic equation

x22(k1)x+k25=0x^2-2(k-1)x+k^2-5=0

where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Find the discriminant in terms of kk, giving your answer in factorized form.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence determine the values of kk for which the equation has two distinct real roots, two equal real roots, and no real roots.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Solve the equation when k=1k=1.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of kk for which both roots of the equation are real and positive.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 37
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

For tRt\in\mathbb{R}, consider the family of quadratic functions

ft(x)=x22tx+4t3f_t(x)=x^2-2tx+4t-3
A
I.

Find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) in terms of tt.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

The vertex is denoted by (H,K)(H,K). Show that K=(H2)2+1K=-(H-2)^2+1.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of tt for which the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) has two distinct xx-intercepts.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of tt for which ft(x)>0f_t(x)>0 for all xRx\in\mathbb{R}.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 38
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

The line LkL_k has equation y=kx+1y=kx+1, where kRk\in\mathbb{R}. The parabola PP has equation y=x24x+7y=x^2-4x+7.

A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of the points of intersection of LkL_k and PP satisfy x2(k+4)x+6=0x^2-(k+4)x+6=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of kk for which LkL_k is tangent to PP.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

For k=4+26k=-4+2\sqrt{6}, find the point of tangency. If you did not obtain x2(k+4)x+6=0x^2-(k+4)x+6=0, use this equation.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of kk for which LkL_k intersects PP at two points whose xx-coordinates are both positive.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 39
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

The quadratic equation

x2kx+(k+1)=0x^2-kx+(k+1)=0

has roots α\alpha and β\beta, where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Write down α+β\alpha+\beta and αβ\alpha\beta in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Given that α2+β2=6\alpha^2+\beta^2=6, determine the possible values of kk.

[4]
Write your answer here...
B

Show that only one of the values of kk found in part (a)(ii) gives real roots for the original equation.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

For the value of kk which gives real roots, form the quadratic equation with roots 1α\frac{1}{\alpha} and 1β\frac{1}{\beta}.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 40
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For kRk\in\mathbb{R}, consider the family of quadratic functions fk(x)=x22kx+k24k+1f_k(x)=x^2-2kx+k^2-4k+1. The graph of y=fk(x)y=f_k(x) has vertex VkV_k.

A
I.

Express fk(x)f_k(x) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the coordinates of VkV_k and hence find the equation of the locus of VkV_k.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Determine the values of kk for which the graph has two distinct xx-intercepts.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

For k>14k>\dfrac{1}{4}, show that the distance between the two xx-intercepts is 24k12\sqrt{4k-1}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

The two xx-intercepts and VkV_k form a triangle. Determine the value of kk for which the area of this triangle is 2727.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 41
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The quadratic equation x2(2k+1)x+k23=0x^2-(2k+1)x+k^2-3=0 has roots α\alpha and β\beta, where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Write down α+β\alpha+\beta and αβ\alpha\beta in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the discriminant in terms of kk.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Determine the values of kk for which the equation has two distinct positive real roots.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Given that α2+β2=30\alpha^2+\beta^2=30, determine the value of kk for which the equation has real roots.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 42
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The graphs of y=x2+ax+4y=x^2+ax+4 and y=x2+2x+ay=-x^2+2x+a intersect at points whose xx-coordinates satisfy a quadratic equation. Here aRa\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of the points of intersection satisfy 2x2+(a2)x+(4a)=02x^2+(a-2)x+(4-a)=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the discriminant of this equation in terms of aa.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Find the values of aa for which the graphs are tangent.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of aa for which the graphs intersect at two distinct points.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

For a=6a=6, find the coordinates of the two points of intersection and hence find the distance between them.

[5]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 43
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A family of quadratic functions is defined by

ft(x)=x22tx+t24t+3f_t(x)=x^2-2tx+t^2-4t+3

where tRt\in\mathbb{R}. The graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) has vertex VtV_t. The diagram shows several members of the family and the line on which their vertices appear to lie.

Three family members and the line through their vertices.
A
I.

Express ft(x)f_t(x) in vertex form and state the coordinates of VtV_t.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence show that the vertices of all graphs in the family lie on a straight line.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of tt for which the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) has two distinct xx-intercepts.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Show that the line found in part (a)(ii) intersects the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) at x=tx=t and x=t4x=t-4.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence determine the distance between the two intersection points, showing that it is independent of tt. If you did not obtain the two values in part (c)(i), use x=tx=t and x=t4x=t-4.

[1]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 44
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A stream of water from a fountain is modelled by

hk(x)=0.2x2+kx+1h_k(x)=-0.2x^2+kx+1

where xx is the horizontal distance in metres from the nozzle, hk(x)h_k(x) is the height in metres above the ground, and k>0k>0 is a parameter controlled by the nozzle angle. A low wall is located 44 metres from the nozzle and has height 33 metres.

Several downward-opening water-path parabolas with a wall at x=4.
A

Express hk(x)h_k(x) in vertex form and write down the maximum height in terms of kk.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Determine the least value of kk for which the stream clears the wall.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

For k=1.3k=1.3, calculate the horizontal distance from the nozzle to the splash point.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C

The fountain is redesigned so that the stream must clear the wall and land between 88 m and 1010 m from the nozzle, inclusive. Determine the possible values of kk.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 45
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A simplified model for the temperature TT degrees Celsius in a laboratory between 02:00 and 08:00 is

Tm(x)=m(x2)(x8)+20T_m(x)=m(x-2)(x-8)+20

where xx is the time in hours after midnight and m>0m>0. The graph is used to estimate the time interval during which the temperature is at or below a specified level. The graph shows the curves from x=0x=0 to x=10x=10; portions with x<2x<2 or x>8x>8 are extrapolations outside the model's stated validity interval.

Family of quadratic temperature curves with a threshold line at 12°C.
A
I.

Expand Tm(x)T_m(x) into standard form.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

State the equation of the axis of symmetry and the minimum temperature in terms of mm.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

For m=1.5m=1.5, find the times at which the temperature is 12C12^\circ\text{C}, giving your answers to the nearest minute.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the value of mm for which the temperature is at or below 12C12^\circ\text{C} for exactly 22 hours.

[3]
Write your answer here...
D

For a general threshold temperature HH, where H<20H<20, show that the duration DD hours for which Tm(x)HT_m(x)\le H is

D=2920HmD=2\sqrt{9-\frac{20-H}{m}}

and state the condition on mm for this duration to exist.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 46
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The fixed parabola

y=x24x+1y=x^2-4x+1

is intersected by the family of lines

y=mx3y=mx-3

where mRm\in\mathbb{R}. The diagram shows some possible intersections.

Parabola and sample lines.
A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of the intersection points satisfy

x2(m+4)x+4=0x^2-(m+4)x+4=0
[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of mm for which the line intersects the parabola at two distinct points.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

For m=5m=5, find the exact xx-coordinates of the intersection points.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Show that the square of the horizontal distance between the two intersection points is (m+4)216(m+4)^2-16.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the values of mm for which the horizontal distance between the intersection points is 33. If you did not obtain part (c)(i), use (m+4)216(m+4)^2-16 for the square of the distance.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Find the two tangent lines from the family and their points of tangency.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 47
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A rectangular courtyard is 3030 m by 1818 m. A uniform paved border of width xx metres is built around the inside edge, leaving a central rectangular grass region of area A(x)A(x) square metres. The diagram shows the courtyard and grass region.

A top-down diagram of a large rectangle labelled $30$ m by $18$ m, with sharp, straight rectangular corners. Inside it is a smaller rectangle representing the grass region, also with sharp, straight rectangular corners. A uniform border of width $x$ is shown on all four sides, with $x$ labelled clearly.
A
I.

Show that A(x)=4x296x+540A(x)=4x^2-96x+540.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

State the possible values of xx.

[1]
Write your answer here...
III.

Write down the axis of symmetry of the graph of A(x)A(x).

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Calculate the width of the border when the grass area is 320 m2320\ \text{m}^2.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of xx for which the grass area is at least 320 m2320\ \text{m}^2.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D
I.

For a general rectangular courtyard of dimensions LL by WW, where L>W>0L>W>0, show that the grass area is a decreasing function of xx throughout its physical domain.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence find, in terms of LL, WW and BB, the greatest possible border width if the grass area must be at least BB, where 0<B<LW0<B<LW.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 48
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

The parabolas C1C_1 and C2C_2 have equations

C1:y=x26x+5,C2:y=x2+2kx1C_1: y=x^2-6x+5,\qquad C_2: y=-x^2+2kx-1

where kRk\in\mathbb{R}.

A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of the points of intersection satisfy x2(k+3)x+3=0x^2-(k+3)x+3=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of kk for which the two parabolas are tangent to each other.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

For k=3+23k=-3+2\sqrt{3}, find the point of tangency. If you did not obtain x2(k+3)x+3=0x^2-(k+3)x+3=0, use this equation.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of kk for which the two parabolas intersect at two points whose xx-coordinates are both greater than 11.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 49
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

For aRa\in\mathbb{R}, a0a\ne 0, consider the quadratic function

fa(x)=ax22(a+1)x+a+4f_a(x)=ax^2-2(a+1)x+a+4
A
I.

Find the xx-coordinate of the vertex in terms of aa.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

The vertex is denoted by (H,K)(H,K). Show that H+K=3H+K=3.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of aa for which the graph of y=fa(x)y=f_a(x) opens upwards and its vertex is below the xx-axis.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Determine the values of aa for which the graph of y=fa(x)y=f_a(x) has no xx-intercepts.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

For a=14a=\frac14, solve fa(x)0f_a(x)\le 0.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 50
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

For pRp\in\mathbb{R}, consider the quadratic function

qp(x)=x22px+p2pq_p(x)=x^2-2px+p^2-p
A
I.

Find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y=qp(x)y=q_p(x).

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the roots of qp(x)=0q_p(x)=0 in terms of pp, stating the condition for the roots to be real.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of pp for which the equation qp(x)=0q_p(x)=0 has two distinct positive roots. If you did not obtain the roots p±pp\pm\sqrt{p}, use these roots.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

Let the two roots be α\alpha and β\beta. Determine the value of pp for which 1α+1β=4\frac{1}{\alpha}+\frac{1}{\beta}=4, given that the roots are positive.

[3]
Write your answer here...
D

Determine the values of pp for which the number 11 lies strictly between the two roots of qp(x)=0q_p(x)=0.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 51
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For mRm\in\mathbb{R}, define qm(x)=x22mx+m+2q_m(x)=x^2-2mx+m+2. A designer wants qm(x)q_m(x) to be non-negative for every real value of xx in a model.

A
AI.

Express qm(x)q_m(x) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
AII.

Write down the minimum value of qm(x)q_m(x) in terms of mm.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
BI.

Determine the values of mm for which qm(x)0q_m(x)\geq0 for all xRx\in\mathbb{R}.

[3]
Write your answer here...
BII.

For which values of mm does qm(x)=0q_m(x)=0 have exactly one real solution?

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

The designer instead only requires qm(x)0q_m(x)\geq0 for all xx in the interval 0x40\leq x\leq4. Determine the set of possible values of mm.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 52
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A family of parabolas is given by ft(x)=t(x1)(x5)+8f_t(x)=t(x-1)(x-5)+8, where tt is a non-zero real parameter. The vertex of the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x) is denoted by VtV_t.

A
I.

Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph of y=ft(x)y=f_t(x).

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the coordinates of VtV_t in terms of tt.

[3]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

Determine the values of tt for which the graph has two distinct xx-intercepts.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the value of tt for which the graph touches the xx-axis.

[1]
Write your answer here...
C

For t<0t<0 or t>2t>2, let the two xx-intercepts be PP and QQ. Show that the length PQPQ is 248t2\sqrt{4-\dfrac{8}{t}}.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 53
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For rRr\in\mathbb{R}, consider the quadratic equation (r+1)x22rx+r3=0(r+1)x^2-2rx+r-3=0. When r=1r=-1, the equation is not quadratic.

A
I.

For r1r\neq-1, find the discriminant in terms of rr.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of rr for which the equation is quadratic and has two distinct real roots.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B
I.

For r1r\neq-1, write down the sum and product of the roots in terms of rr.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of rr for which the equation has two distinct positive real roots.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C

For the case r=1r=-1, solve the resulting equation. Hence explain why it must be considered separately from the discriminant analysis.

[4]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 54
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A quadratic curve y=fa(x)y=f_a(x) passes through the two fixed points P(1,6)P(-1,6) and Q(3.5,1.5)Q(3.5,1.5). It is written in the form

fa(x)=ax2+bx+cf_a(x)=ax^2+bx+c

where a0a\ne0. The diagram shows several possible curves through PP and QQ.

Several parabolas through the fixed points P and Q.
A
I.

Show that b=152ab=-1-\frac52a and c=572ac=5-\frac72a.

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Write fa(x)f_a(x) in terms of aa only.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of aa for which the graph is tangent to the xx-axis.

[4]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

For each value of aa found in part (b), find the point of tangency with the xx-axis. If you did not obtain values in part (b), use a=227a=\frac{2}{27} and a=23a=\frac23.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of aa for which the graph has no real xx-intercepts.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 55
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A vertical motion model is given by

sv(t)=t2+vt+4vs_v(t)=-t^2+vt+4-v

where sv(t)s_v(t) is the height in metres after tt seconds, t0t\ge0, and vv is a real parameter. A horizontal beam is located at height 99 metres.

Family of downward-opening parabolas with a beam at 9 m.
A
I.

Write sv(t)s_v(t) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the maximum height in terms of vv, assuming the vertex occurs for t0t\ge0.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

Determine the values of vv for which the object reaches the beam at least once.

[4]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

For v=8v=8, find the two times at which the object is at height 99 metres.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the value of vv for which the object just touches the beam, and state the time at which this occurs. If you did not obtain part (b), use v24v20=0v^2-4v-20=0.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 56
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For 0<d<50<d<5, a quadratic function has xx-intercepts at 5d5-d and 5+d5+d, and has yy-intercept 2020. It is denoted by fdf_d. The diagram shows several such parabolas for different values of dd.

Family of parabolas with common y-intercept 20 and axis x=5.
A
I.

Show that

fd(x)=2025d2(x(5d))(x(5+d))f_d(x)=\frac{20}{25-d^2}(x-(5-d))(x-(5+d))
[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

State whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards.

[1]
Write your answer here...
III.

Write down the equation of the axis of symmetry.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Find the minimum value of fd(x)f_d(x) in terms of dd.

[2]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Determine dd if the minimum value is 45-45.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

For this value of dd, write fd(x)f_d(x) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Determine the possible values of dd for which the minimum value is less than 80-80.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 57
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For each real number pp, consider the quadratic equation

x22px+p+2=0x^2-2px+p+2=0

When the roots are real, they are denoted by α\alpha and β\beta. The graph shows how the number of real roots changes as pp varies.

Discriminant as a function of the parameter p.
A
I.

Find the discriminant in terms of pp.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Determine the values of pp for which the equation has two distinct real roots.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

State the values of pp for which the equation has equal real roots.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

Show that, when the roots are real,

(αβ)2=4(p2p2)(\alpha-\beta)^2=4(p^2-p-2)
[3]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Find the values of pp for which the roots differ by 66. If you did not obtain part (b), use (αβ)2=4(p2p2)(\alpha-\beta)^2=4(p^2-p-2).

[3]
Write your answer here...
II.

Prove that there is no value of pp for which the roots are real and both roots lie strictly between 00 and 11.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 58
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A family of parabolas is given by

y=a(x1)2+2y=a(x-1)^2+2

where a>0a>0. A point MM lies on the graph, and its coordinates are (x,y)(x,y). The area of the rectangle with opposite vertices (1,2)(1,2) and MM is studied for points on the right-hand branch of the parabola.

Non-numerical schematic of a parabola with a rectangle and diagonal.
A
I.

Let u=x1u=x-1, where u>0u>0. Express the vertical side length of the rectangle in terms of uu and aa.

[1]
Write your answer here...
II.

Hence write the area RR of the rectangle in terms of uu and aa.

[1]
Write your answer here...
III.

For a=12a=\frac12, find xx when R=32R=32.

[2]
Write your answer here...
B

horizontal line y=18y=18 intersects the parabola in two points. Determine the value of aa for which the distance between these two points is 88.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Show that the line through (1,2)(1,2) and MM has gradient auau.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

For a=2a=2, find the point MM for which this gradient is 1010. If you did not obtain part (c)(i), use gradient auau.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Deduce a relationship between the area RR of the rectangle and the gradient gg of the line through (1,2)(1,2) and MM, in terms of aa.

[3]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 59
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The concentration CC of a medicine in a patient, in arbitrary units, is modelled for 0t80\le t\le 8 by

Ck(t)=kt2+6kt+2C_k(t)=-kt^2+6kt+2

where k>0k>0 and tt is measured in hours. The medicine is considered effective when Ck(t)10C_k(t)\ge 10.

Family of concentration curves with threshold line.
A
I.

Express Ck(t)C_k(t) in vertex form.

[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

State the maximum concentration in terms of kk.

[1]
Write your answer here...
III.

Find the least value of kk for which the medicine is ever effective.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

For k=2k=2, determine the time interval during which the medicine is effective.

[3]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Show that, for k>89k>\frac89, the duration DD for which the medicine is effective is

D=298kD=2\sqrt{9-\frac8k}
[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the value of kk for which the medicine is effective for exactly 44 hours. If you did not obtain part (c)(i), use D=298kD=2\sqrt{9-\frac8k}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Evaluate the model by determining whether it is possible for the medicine to be effective for the entire interval 0t80\le t\le8.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0

Question 60
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two families of parabolas are defined by

fa(x)=x2+ax+1,ga(x)=x2+2x+af_a(x)=x^2+ax+1,\qquad g_a(x)=-x^2+2x+a

where aRa\in\mathbb{R}. The intersections of their graphs depend on aa.

Parabola pairs for two values of a.
A
I.

Show that the xx-coordinates of the intersection points satisfy

2x2+(a2)x+(1a)=02x^2+(a-2)x+(1-a)=0
[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the discriminant of this quadratic in terms of aa.

[2]
Write your answer here...
III.

Determine the values of aa for which the two graphs intersect at two distinct points.

[1]
Write your answer here...
B

For the value of aa for which the graphs are tangent and a>2a>-2, find the point of tangency.

[4]
Write your answer here...
C
I.

Let the two intersection xx-coordinates be rr and ss. Show that

r+s=2a2,rs=1a2r+s=\frac{2-a}{2},\qquad rs=\frac{1-a}{2}
[2]
Write your answer here...
II.

Find the values of aa for which the two intersection xx-coordinates have product 3-3. If you did not obtain part (c)(i), use rs=1a2rs=\frac{1-a}{2}.

[2]
Write your answer here...
D

Determine the values of aa for which both intersection points are distinct and have positive xx-coordinates.

[2]
Write your answer here...

0


Properties of Functions

Rational Functions