Edexcel PURE 2024 October — Question 6

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModulePURE
Year2024
SessionOctober
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicModulus function
TypeFind range of k for number of roots
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This is a Further Maths Pure question requiring curve sketching of a reciprocal function, then finding conditions for intersection by forming a quadratic inequality and solving it. The algebraic manipulation to derive the discriminant condition is non-trivial, and interpreting 'at least once' as a discriminant constraint requires solid understanding. More demanding than standard A-level but routine for Further Maths.
Spec1.02c Simultaneous equations: two variables by elimination and substitution1.02g Inequalities: linear and quadratic in single variable1.02m Graphs of functions: difference between plotting and sketching1.02o Sketch reciprocal curves: y=a/x and y=a/x^2

  1. In this question you must show all stages of your working.
\section*{Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable.}
  1. Sketch the curve \(C\) with equation $$y = \frac { 1 } { 2 - x } \quad x \neq 2$$ State on your sketch
    • the equation of the vertical asymptote
    • the coordinates of the intersection of \(C\) with the \(y\)-axis
    The straight line \(l\) has equation \(y = k x - 4\), where \(k\) is a constant.
    Given that \(l\) cuts \(C\) at least once,
    1. show that $$k ^ { 2 } - 5 k + 4 \geqslant 0$$
    2. find the range of possible values for \(k\).

\begin{enumerate}
  \item In this question you must show all stages of your working.
\end{enumerate}

\section*{Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable.}
(a) Sketch the curve $C$ with equation

$$y = \frac { 1 } { 2 - x } \quad x \neq 2$$

State on your sketch

\begin{itemize}
  \item the equation of the vertical asymptote
  \item the coordinates of the intersection of $C$ with the $y$-axis
\end{itemize}

The straight line $l$ has equation $y = k x - 4$, where $k$ is a constant.\\
Given that $l$ cuts $C$ at least once,\\
(b) (i) show that

$$k ^ { 2 } - 5 k + 4 \geqslant 0$$

(ii) find the range of possible values for $k$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel PURE 2024 Q6}}