Mathematics

Corrigé

11.4 Quadratic Functions

Pack A — Réponses

# Question Réponse
1 Solve $x^2 - 7x + 12 = 0$ by factorising. $x = 3$ or $x = 4$
2 Solve $x^2 - 16 = 0$. $x = \pm 4$
3 Solve $x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0$ using factorising. $x = -2$ or $x = -3$
4 State the coordinates of the vertex of $y = (x - 3)^2 + -4$ and whether it is a min or max. Vertex $(3, -4)$; minimum
5 State the $y$-intercept of $y = x^2 - 5x + 7$. $(0, 7)$
6 Solve $2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0$ by factorising. $x = -\dfrac{1}{2}$ or $x = 3$
7 State the axis of symmetry of $y = x^2 - 6x + 8$. $x = 3$
8 Solve $x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0$ using the quadratic formula. $x = -1$ or $x = 5$
9 Does $y = -2x^2 + 3x + 1$ open upwards or downwards? Downwards (because the leading coefficient is negative).
10 State the $x$-intercepts of $y = (x - 2)(x + 5)$. $x = 2$ and $x = -5$
11 Express $x^2 + 8x + 10$ in the form $(x + p)^2 + q$. $(x + 4)^2 - 6$
12 Find the vertex of $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$. $(3, 2)$
13 Solve $2x^2 - x - 6 = 0$ by factorising. $x = -\dfrac{3}{2}$ or $x = 2$
14 Expand $(x - 3)(x + 5)$ and write in $ax^2 + bx + c$ form. $x^2 + 2x - 15$
15 Write $y = 2(x - 3)^2 - 5$ in expanded form $y = ax^2 + bx + c$. $y = 2x^2 - 12x + 13$
16 Solve $x^2 + 8x + 10 = 0$ exactly, leaving any irrational answer in surd form. $x = -4 \pm \sqrt{6}$
17 A number plus its square is 30. Find the number. $x = 5$ or $x = -6$
18 For $y = (x - 3)^2 - 4$, state (a) the vertex, (b) the $x$-intercepts. (a) $(3, -4)$; (b) $x = 1$ and $x = 5$
19 Express $y = 2x^2 - 8x + 5$ in vertex form. $y = 2(x - 2)^2 - 3$
20 A rectangle has length $(x + 3)$ cm and width $x$ cm. Its area is 18 cm$^2$. Find $x$. $x = 3$ cm
21 Express $f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 10$ in vertex form, then state the range of $f$. $(x + 4)^2 - 6$; range $y \geq -6$
22 A quadratic $y = x^2 + bx + 7$ has its minimum value at $x = 3$. Find $b$. $b = -6$
23 How many real roots does $2x^2 - 4x + 3 = 0$ have? Use the discriminant. No real roots ($\Delta = 16 - 24 = -8 < 0$).
24 The line $y = 2x + 1$ is tangent to the curve $y = x^2 + k$. Find $k$. $k = 2$
25 Solve $x^2 - 5x + 6 \leq 0$. $2 \leq x \leq 3$
26 A monic quadratic has roots $-2$ and $5$. Write it in expanded form. $x^2 - 3x - 10$
27 A ball thrown follows $h(t) = -5t^2 + 20t + 1$ ($h$ in m, $t$ in s). Find (a) the maximum height, (b) the time it occurs. (a) 21 m; (b) at $t = 2$ s
28 For $x^2 + 5x - 6 = 0$, find the sum and product of the roots without solving. Sum $-5$; product $-6$
29 A fountain jet has $h(x) = -(x - 4)^2 + 9$ ($h$ height in m, $x$ horizontal distance in m). Find (a) max height, (b) range of $x$ above ground. (a) 9 m; (b) $1 \leq x \leq 7$
30 For what range of $k$ does $x^2 + kx + 9 = 0$ have no real roots? $-6 < k < 6$
31 A rectangle has perimeter 26 cm and area 40 cm$^2$. Find its dimensions. 5 cm by 8 cm
32 For what values of $k$ does the line $y = x + k$ intersect $y = x^2$ at two distinct points? $k > -\dfrac{1}{4}$
33 A quadratic $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ passes through $(0, 5)$, $(1, 8)$ and $(3, 2)$. Find $a$, $b$, $c$. $a = -\dfrac{5}{2}$, $b = \dfrac{11}{2}$, $c = 5$
34 Express $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$ in vertex form. Hence describe the transformation from $y = x^2$ to $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$. $y = (x - 3)^2 + 2$; translation 3 right and 2 up.
35 A parabola has vertex $(2, 3)$ and passes through $(5, 30)$. Find its equation. $y = 3(x - 2)^2 + 3$
36 Find the points of intersection of $y = x^2 + 2x - 3$ and $y = x + 1$. $(-4, -3)$ and $(1, 2)$
37 Find the minimum value of $f(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 7$. $-5$
38 Show that for all real $k$, the equation $x^2 + 2kx + (k^2 + 1) = 0$ has no real solutions. $\Delta = (2k)^2 - 4(k^2 + 1) = -4 < 0$.
39 A farmer has 40 m of fencing to enclose a rectangular pen against a wall (so one side is the wall). Find the dimensions giving the maximum area. 20 m parallel to wall, 10 m perpendicular; area 200 m$^2$
40 A ball is thrown and its height (m) at times $t = 0, 1, 2$ is recorded as $1.5, 5, 7.5$ m. Assuming $h(t) = at^2 + bt + c$, find $a$, $b$, $c$ and predict $h(3)$. $a = -0.5$, $b = 4$, $c = 1.5$; $h(3) = 9$

Pack B — Réponses

# Question Réponse
1 Solve $x^2 - 9x + 20 = 0$ by factorising. $x = 4$ or $x = 5$
2 Solve $x^2 - 25 = 0$. $x = \pm 5$
3 Solve $x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0$ using factorising. $x = -2$ or $x = -5$
4 State the coordinates of the vertex of $y = (x - -2)^2 + 5$ and whether it is a min or max. Vertex $(-2, 5)$; minimum
5 State the $y$-intercept of $y = x^2 - -3x + 4$. $(0, 4)$
6 Solve $2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0$ by factorising. $x = -1$ or $x = \dfrac{2}{3}$
7 State the axis of symmetry of $y = x^2 - 4x + -1$. $x = 2$
8 Solve $x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0$ using the quadratic formula. $x = -4$ or $x = 2$
9 Does $y = -2x^2 + 3x + 1$ open upwards or downwards? Upwards.
10 State the $x$-intercepts of $y = (x - 4)(x + 3)$. $x = 4$ and $x = -3$
11 Express $x^2 + 6x + 5$ in the form $(x + p)^2 + q$. $(x + 3)^2 - 4$
12 Find the vertex of $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$. $(-2, -5)$
13 Solve $2x^2 - x - 6 = 0$ by factorising. $x = -2$ or $x = \dfrac{1}{3}$
14 Expand $(x - 3)(x + 5)$ and write in $ax^2 + bx + c$ form. $2x^2 + 7x - 4$
15 Write $y = 2(x - 3)^2 - 5$ in expanded form $y = ax^2 + bx + c$. $y = -3x^2 - 6x + 1$
16 Solve $x^2 + 8x + 10 = 0$ exactly, leaving any irrational answer in surd form. $x = 3 \pm \sqrt{7}$
17 A number plus its square is 30. Find the number. $x = 7$ or $x = -8$
18 For $y = (x - 3)^2 - 4$, state (a) the vertex, (b) the $x$-intercepts. (a) $(-1, -9)$; (b) $x = -4$ and $x = 2$
19 Express $y = 2x^2 - 8x + 5$ in vertex form. $y = 3(x + 2)^2 - 13$
20 A rectangle has length $(x + 3)$ cm and width $x$ cm. Its area is 18 cm$^2$. Find $x$. $x = 3$ cm
21 Express $f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 10$ in vertex form, then state the range of $f$. $(x - 3)^2 - 7$; range $y \geq -7$
22 A quadratic $y = x^2 + bx + 7$ has its minimum value at $x = 3$. Find $b$. $b = 4$
23 How many real roots does $2x^2 - 4x + 3 = 0$ have? Use the discriminant. One repeated real root ($\Delta = 36 - 36 = 0$).
24 The line $y = 2x + 1$ is tangent to the curve $y = x^2 + k$. Find $k$. $k = 1$
25 Solve $x^2 - 5x + 6 \leq 0$. $x < -3$ or $x > 4$
26 A monic quadratic has roots $-2$ and $5$. Write it in expanded form. $x^2 + x - 12$
27 A ball thrown follows $h(t) = -5t^2 + 20t + 1$ ($h$ in m, $t$ in s). Find (a) the maximum height, (b) the time it occurs. (a) 47 m; (b) at $t = 3$ s
28 For $x^2 + 5x - 6 = 0$, find the sum and product of the roots without solving. Sum $\dfrac{3}{2}$; product $-2$
29 A fountain jet has $h(x) = -(x - 4)^2 + 9$ ($h$ height in m, $x$ horizontal distance in m). Find (a) max height, (b) range of $x$ above ground. (a) 16 m; (b) $-1 \leq x \leq 7$
30 For what range of $k$ does $x^2 + kx + 9 = 0$ have no real roots? $-4 < k < 4$
31 A rectangle has perimeter 26 cm and area 40 cm$^2$. Find its dimensions. 3 cm by 8 cm
32 For what values of $k$ does the line $y = x + k$ intersect $y = x^2$ at two distinct points? $k > 0$
33 A quadratic $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ passes through $(0, 5)$, $(1, 8)$ and $(3, 2)$. Find $a$, $b$, $c$. $a = 3$, $b = 0$, $c = -2$
34 Express $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$ in vertex form. Hence describe the transformation from $y = x^2$ to $y = x^2 - 6x + 11$. $y = (x + 2)^2 - 5$; translation 2 left and 5 down.
35 A parabola has vertex $(2, 3)$ and passes through $(5, 30)$. Find its equation. $y = 3(x + 1)^2 - 4$
36 Find the points of intersection of $y = x^2 + 2x - 3$ and $y = x + 1$. $(0, -1)$ and $(3, 2)$
37 Find the minimum value of $f(x) = 3x^2 - 12x + 7$. $-11$
38 Show that for all real $k$, the equation $x^2 + 2kx + (k^2 + 1) = 0$ has no real solutions. $\Delta = (-2k)^2 - 4(k^2 + 4) = -16 < 0$.
39 A farmer has 40 m of fencing to enclose a rectangular pen against a wall (so one side is the wall). Find the dimensions giving the maximum area. 30 m parallel, 15 m perpendicular; area 450 m$^2$
40 A ball is thrown and its height (m) at times $t = 0, 1, 2$ is recorded as $1.5, 5, 7.5$ m. Assuming $h(t) = at^2 + bt + c$, find $a$, $b$, $c$ and predict $h(3)$. $a = -1$, $b = 5$, $c = 2$; $h(3) = 8$

Problèmes — Solutions détaillées

1

**Factorising.** Solve each quadratic by factorising. (a) $x^2 - 7x + 12 = 0$ (b) $2x^2 - 5x - 3 = 0$ (c) $x^2 - 9 = 0$

Réponse

(a) $x = 3$ or $x = 4$. (b) $x = -\frac{1}{2}$ or $x = 3$. (c) $x = \pm 3$.

(a) $(x - 3)(x - 4) = 0$. (b) $(2x + 1)(x - 3) = 0$. (c) Difference of squares: $(x - 3)(x + 3) = 0$.
2

**Completing the square.** Let $f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 10$. (a) Express $f(x)$ in vertex form. (b) Hence solve $f(x) = 0$, giving exact answers in surd form. (c) State the range of $f$. (d) Describe the single transformation that maps $y = x^2$ onto $y = (x + 5)^2$.

Réponse

(a) $(x + 4)^2 - 6$. (b) $x = -4 \pm \sqrt{6}$. (c) $y \geq -6$. (d) Translation 5 units left.

(a) Half of 8 is 4. $(x + 4)^2 = x^2 + 8x + 16$, so $f(x) = (x + 4)^2 - 6$. (b) $(x + 4)^2 = 6 \Rightarrow x = -4 \pm \sqrt{6}$. (c) Min value $-6$, so range $y \geq -6$. (d) Replacing $x$ with $x + 5$ shifts the graph 5 units **left**.
3

**Quadratic formula.** Solve, giving exact answers. (a) $x^2 - 4x + 1 = 0$ (b) $2x^2 + 5x - 3 = 0$ (c) $3x^2 - 7x + 2 = 0$

Réponse

(a) $x = 2 \pm \sqrt{3}$. (b) $x = -3$ or $x = \frac{1}{2}$. (c) $x = 2$ or $x = \frac{1}{3}$.

(a) $x = \frac{4 \pm \sqrt{16 - 4}}{2} = 2 \pm \sqrt{3}$. (b) Factor: $(2x - 1)(x + 3) = 0$. (c) $(3x - 1)(x - 2) = 0$.
4

**Graph features.** For $f(x) = x^2 - 6x + 8$: (a) Find the $x$- and $y$-intercepts. (b) Find the vertex. (c) State the axis of symmetry. (d) Sketch the graph.

Réponse

(a) $x$-intercepts $(2, 0)$ and $(4, 0)$; $y$-intercept $(0, 8)$. (b) $(3, -1)$. (c) $x = 3$.

(a) $x^2 - 6x + 8 = (x - 2)(x - 4)$. $y$-intercept at $x = 0$: 8. (b) Axis $x = 3$; $f(3) = 9 - 18 + 8 = -1$. (c) Stated. (d) Upward parabola with min at $(3, -1)$, crossing $x$-axis at $x = 2, 4$ and $y$-axis at 8.
5

**Quadratic modelling — projectile.** A ball is thrown vertically. Its height (m) above ground after $t$ seconds is $h(t) = -5t^2 + 20t + 1.5$. (a) Find the height at $t = 0$ and explain what it represents. (b) Find the time at which the ball reaches its maximum height. (c) Find the maximum height. (d) Find, to 3 s.f., the time at which the ball hits the ground.

Réponse

(a) 1.5 m — initial height (release point). (b) $t = 2$ s. (c) 21.5 m. (d) $t \approx 4.07$ s.

(a) $h(0) = 1.5$ m. (b) Axis $t = \frac{20}{10} = 2$. (c) $h(2) = -20 + 40 + 1.5 = 21.5$ m. (d) $h(t) = 0$: $-5t^2 + 20t + 1.5 = 0 \Rightarrow 5t^2 - 20t - 1.5 = 0 \Rightarrow t = \frac{20 \pm \sqrt{400 + 30}}{10} = 2 \pm \frac{\sqrt{430}}{10}$. Positive: $t \approx 4.07$.
6

**Quadratic modelling — fountain.** A water jet follows $h(x) = -(x - 4)^2 + 9$ ($h$ height in m, $x$ horizontal distance in m). (a) Find the maximum height and where it occurs. (b) Find $h(0)$ and explain in context. (c) Find the $x$-values at which the jet returns to ground level.

Réponse

(a) 9 m at $x = 4$ m. (b) $h(0) = -7$ — nozzle is 7 m below ground. (c) $x = 1$ or $x = 7$.

(a) Vertex form: max 9 at $x = 4$. (b) $h(0) = -16 + 9 = -7$ — the nozzle sits 7 m below ground level. (c) $(x - 4)^2 = 9 \Rightarrow x = 1$ or $7$.
7

**Optimisation — area.** A farmer uses 80 m of fencing to enclose a rectangular field with one side along a straight river (no fencing needed on that side). (a) Let the width perpendicular to the river be $x$ m. Express the length along the river and the area in terms of $x$. (b) Find the value of $x$ that maximises the area. (c) State the maximum area and the corresponding length along the river.

Réponse

(a) Length $= 80 - 2x$; area $A = x(80 - 2x) = 80x - 2x^2$. (b) $x = 20$. (c) Max area 800 m$^2$ with length 40 m.

(a) Two widths and one length total fencing: $2x + L = 80 \Rightarrow L = 80 - 2x$. $A = xL = 80x - 2x^2$. (b) Vertex of $A(x) = -2x^2 + 80x$: $x = \frac{80}{4} = 20$. (c) $A(20) = 1600 - 800 = 800$; $L = 40$.
8

**Discriminant — tangency [EXT].** The line $y = 2x + 1$ meets the curve $y = x^2 + k$ at exactly one point. (a) Show that $x^2 - 2x + (k - 1) = 0$. (b) Find $k$ for which the line is tangent. (c) Find the coordinates of the point of tangency.

Réponse

(a) See working. (b) $k = 2$. (c) $(1, 3)$.

(a) Equate $y$'s: $x^2 + k = 2x + 1 \Rightarrow x^2 - 2x + (k - 1) = 0$. (b) Tangent ⇔ $\Delta = 0$: $4 - 4(k - 1) = 0 \Rightarrow k = 2$. (c) Substitute: $x^2 - 2x + 1 = 0 \Rightarrow (x - 1)^2 = 0$, so $x = 1$, $y = 2(1) + 1 = 3$.
9

**Inequality [EXT].** Solve $x^2 - x - 6 \geq 0$. Express your answer in interval notation, and on a number line.

Réponse

$x \leq -2$ or $x \geq 3$; i.e. $(-\infty, -2] \cup [3, \infty)$.

Factor: $(x - 3)(x + 2) \geq 0$. The parabola opens upwards and the product is $\geq 0$ outside (and at) the roots: $x \leq -2$ or $x \geq 3$.
10

**Quadratic from data.** A quadratic $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$ has $f(0) = 5$, $f(1) = 6$, $f(2) = 13$. (a) Set up three equations in $a$, $b$, $c$. (b) Solve for $a$, $b$, $c$. (c) State the axis of symmetry and the vertex.

Réponse

(a) $c = 5$; $a + b + c = 6$; $4a + 2b + c = 13$. (b) $a = 3$, $b = -2$, $c = 5$. (c) Axis $x = \frac{1}{3}$; vertex $\left(\frac{1}{3}, \frac{14}{3}\right)$.

(a) From $f(0) = 5$: $c = 5$. Then $a + b = 1$ and $4a + 2b = 8 \Rightarrow 2a + b = 4$. (b) Subtract: $a = 3$, $b = -2$. (c) Axis $x = -\frac{b}{2a} = \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{3}$. $f(1/3) = 3(1/9) - 2(1/3) + 5 = 1/3 - 2/3 + 5 = -1/3 + 5 = 14/3$.
11

**Word problem — consecutive integers.** The product of two consecutive positive integers is 156. (a) Let the smaller be $n$. Write a quadratic equation in $n$. (b) Solve to find the integers.

Réponse

(a) $n(n + 1) = 156$. (b) 12 and 13.

(a) Consecutive integers $n$ and $n + 1$ multiply to give 156. (b) $n^2 + n - 156 = 0 \Rightarrow (n - 12)(n + 13) = 0$. Positive root $n = 12$, so integers are 12 and 13.
12

**Two-variable optimisation.** A rectangular poster of total area 200 cm$^2$ has a 2 cm margin on all four sides. The printed area inside the margins is to be maximised, subject to the poster's overall dimensions being integer multiples of 1 cm. (a) Let the poster have width $w$ cm and height $\frac{200}{w}$ cm. Write the printed area $A$ in terms of $w$. (b) Sketch (or describe) $A(w)$ for $w > 4$ and find the value of $w$ that maximises $A$. (c) State the maximum printed area.

Réponse

(a) $A = (w - 4)\left(\dfrac{200}{w} - 4\right) = 200 - 4w - \dfrac{800}{w} + 16 = 216 - 4w - \dfrac{800}{w}$. (b) Differentiating gives $w = \sqrt{200} \approx 14.14$, so $w = 14$ cm. (c) Approximately $130.3$ cm$^2$.

(a) Printed dimensions: width $w - 4$, height $\frac{200}{w} - 4$. (b) $A = (w - 4)(\frac{200}{w} - 4)$. Expand: $A = 200 - 4w - \frac{800}{w} + 16$. Taking derivative: $A'(w) = -4 + \frac{800}{w^2} = 0 \Rightarrow w^2 = 200 \Rightarrow w \approx 14.14$. Closest integer: $w = 14$ giving height $\frac{200}{14} \approx 14.29$ → round to 14 to keep the "integer cm" constraint. (c) $A(14) = 216 - 56 - \frac{800}{14} \approx 216 - 56 - 57.14 = 102.86$ cm$^2$ (approximately). [Note: the integer constraint complicates this; the unconstrained optimum is the square poster $\sqrt{200} \times \sqrt{200}$, which gives the largest printed area.]