| Exam Board | OCR |
|---|---|
| Module | C1 (Core Mathematics 1) |
| Marks | 4 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Mark scheme | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Solving quadratics and applications |
| Type | Quadratic in higher integer powers |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.3 This is a straightforward quartic-quadratic substitution problem (let u = x²) requiring factorization of u² - 5u - 14 = 0, then solving two simple quadratic equations. While it requires multiple steps and exact form answers, the technique is standard C1 material with no conceptual challenges beyond recognizing the substitution pattern. |
| Spec | 1.02f Solve quadratic equations: including in a function of unknown1.02j Manipulate polynomials: expanding, factorising, division, factor theorem |
2. Find in exact form the real solutions of the equation
$$x ^ { 4 } = 5 x ^ { 2 } + 14 .$$
\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR C1 Q2 [4]}}