PastPaper.question 1 · Structured / Algebraic
6.81 PastPaper.marksThe function \( \mathrm{f} \) is defined by \( \mathrm{f}(x) = 2x^2 - 12x + 13 \) for \( x \ge k \), where \( k \) is a constant. (a) Find the smallest value of \( k \) for which \( \mathrm{f} \) has an inverse. (b) For this value of \( k \), find an expression for \( \mathrm{f}^{-1}(x) \) and state its domain.
PastPaper.showAnswersPastPaper.hideAnswers
PastPaper.workedSolution
(a) Express \( \mathrm{f}(x) \) in completed square form: \( \mathrm{f}(x) = 2(x^2 - 6x) + 13 = 2[(x-3)^2 - 9] + 13 = 2(x-3)^2 - 5 \). The vertex of the quadratic curve is at \( (3, -5) \). For a quadratic function to be one-to-one (and thus have an inverse) for \( x \ge k \), \( k \) must be at least the x-coordinate of the vertex. Thus, the smallest value of \( k \) is \( 3 \). (b) Let \( y = 2(x-3)^2 - 5 \). Rearranging to make \( x \) the subject: \( y + 5 = 2(x-3)^2 \implies \frac{y+5}{2} = (x-3)^2 \). Since \( x \ge 3 \), we take the positive square root: \( x - 3 = \sqrt{\frac{y+5}{2}} \implies x = 3 + \sqrt{\frac{y+5}{2}} \). Thus, \( \mathrm{f}^{-1}(x) = 3 + \sqrt{\frac{x+5}{2}} \). The domain of \( \mathrm{f}^{-1} \) is the range of \( \mathrm{f} \). Since \( x \ge 3 \), the minimum value of \( \mathrm{f}(x) \) is \( -5 \), so the domain of \( \mathrm{f}^{-1} \) is \( x \ge -5 \).
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1: Attempt to complete the square on f(x). A1: Identify correct vertex or write in form 2(x-3)^2 - 5. A1: Conclude k = 3. M1: Rearrange y = 2(x-3)^2 - 5 to make x the subject. A1: Obtain correct inverse function expression. A1: State correct domain x >= -5.