| Exam Board | OCR |
|---|---|
| Module | C1 (Core Mathematics 1) |
| Marks | 4 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Solving quadratics and applications |
| Type | Finding quadratic constants from algebraic conditions |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.5 This is a straightforward C1 question requiring completion of the square or using the vertex form. Students need to apply the standard result that the minimum occurs at x = -a/2 and substitute to find both constants. It's slightly easier than average as it's a direct application of well-practiced techniques with no problem-solving required. |
| Spec | 1.02d Quadratic functions: graphs and discriminant conditions1.02e Complete the square: quadratic polynomials and turning points |
2. The curve $C$ has the equation
$$y = x ^ { 2 } + a x + b$$
where $a$ and $b$ are constants.\\
Given that the minimum point of $C$ has coordinates $( - 2,5 )$, find the values of $a$ and $b$.\\
\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR C1 Q2 [4]}}