PastPaper.question 1 · Short Answer
5 PastPaper.marksThe line \( y = 2kx - 3 \) and the curve \( y = x^2 + (k-2)x + 1 \) intersect at two distinct points. Find the set of values of the constant \( k \).
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PastPaper.workedSolution
To find the points of intersection, we set the equations of the line and curve equal to each other:
\( 2kx - 3 = x^2 + (k-2)x + 1 \)
Rearranging this into a standard quadratic form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \):
\( x^2 + (k-2)x - 2kx + 1 + 3 = 0 \)
\( x^2 - (k+2)x + 4 = 0 \)
For the line and the curve to intersect at two distinct points, the discriminant of this quadratic equation must be strictly greater than zero (\( b^2 - 4ac > 0 \)):
\( (-(k+2))^2 - 4(1)(4) > 0 \)
\( (k+2)^2 - 16 > 0 \)
Expanding and simplifying:
\( k^2 + 4k + 4 - 16 > 0 \)
\( k^2 + 4k - 12 > 0 \)
Factorising the quadratic inequality:
\( (k+6)(k-2) > 0 \)
Thus, the critical values are \( k = -6 \) and \( k = 2 \).
Since we require the expression to be greater than zero, the set of values for \( k \) is:
\( k < -6 \) or \( k > 2 \).
\( 2kx - 3 = x^2 + (k-2)x + 1 \)
Rearranging this into a standard quadratic form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \):
\( x^2 + (k-2)x - 2kx + 1 + 3 = 0 \)
\( x^2 - (k+2)x + 4 = 0 \)
For the line and the curve to intersect at two distinct points, the discriminant of this quadratic equation must be strictly greater than zero (\( b^2 - 4ac > 0 \)):
\( (-(k+2))^2 - 4(1)(4) > 0 \)
\( (k+2)^2 - 16 > 0 \)
Expanding and simplifying:
\( k^2 + 4k + 4 - 16 > 0 \)
\( k^2 + 4k - 12 > 0 \)
Factorising the quadratic inequality:
\( (k+6)(k-2) > 0 \)
Thus, the critical values are \( k = -6 \) and \( k = 2 \).
Since we require the expression to be greater than zero, the set of values for \( k \) is:
\( k < -6 \) or \( k > 2 \).
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1: Set the line and curve equations equal and attempt to collect terms to form a 3-term quadratic equation in \( x \).
A1: Obtain the correct quadratic equation \( x^2 - (k+2)x + 4 = 0 \) or equivalent.
M1: Attempt to apply the discriminant condition \( b^2 - 4ac > 0 \).
A1: Correctly solve the inequality to find the critical values \( -6 \) and \( 2 \).
A1: State the final correct range: \( k < -6 \) or \( k > 2 \) (or equivalent interval notation).
A1: Obtain the correct quadratic equation \( x^2 - (k+2)x + 4 = 0 \) or equivalent.
M1: Attempt to apply the discriminant condition \( b^2 - 4ac > 0 \).
A1: Correctly solve the inequality to find the critical values \( -6 \) and \( 2 \).
A1: State the final correct range: \( k < -6 \) or \( k > 2 \) (or equivalent interval notation).