A curve has the equation . A line of gradient passes through the point .
- (i)
Express in the form .
- (ii)
Show that the minimum point of the curve has coordinates .
- (iii)
Sketch the graph of , indicating clearly the exact x-intercept(s) and y-intercept.
- (iv)
Given that , determine the exact value of , for which the line intersects the graph of at one real and distinct point.
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Worked solution
4(i)
1. Factorise out the coefficient of $x^2$ from the $x$ terms
2. Complete the square inside the bracket
3. Expand and simplify to reach the final form
4(ii)
1. Use the completed square form from part (i) to identify the minimum point
From part (i), .
Since for all real , the minimum value of is .
This occurs when , which gives .
2. State the coordinates of the minimum point
Therefore, the minimum point has coordinates (shown).
The minimum point is .
4(iii)
1. Find the exact x-intercepts of the curve by setting $y = 0$.
2. Determine the y-intercept and the new turning point after applying the modulus.
When , .
The original minimum point is .
Reflecting the negative portion in the x-axis, the new turning point is a local maximum at .
3. Sketch the modulus graph with all key features labelled.
Draw a W-shaped curve entirely above or on the x-axis.
Label the y-intercept at .
Label the x-intercepts at and .
Label the local maximum turning point at .
A W-shaped curve in the upper half-plane, touching the x-axis at and , with a local maximum at and y-intercept at .
AI analysis — may contain mistakes.
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