Edexcel C12 2017 January — Question 13

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleC12 (Core Mathematics 1 & 2)
Year2017
SessionJanuary
TopicCurve Sketching
TypePolynomial intersection with algebra

13. (a) On separate axes sketch the graphs of
  1. \(y = c ^ { 2 } - x ^ { 2 }\)
  2. \(y = x ^ { 2 } ( x - 3 c )\)
    where \(c\) is a positive constant.
    Show clearly the coordinates of the points where each graph crosses or meets the \(x\)-axis and the \(y\)-axis.
    (b) Prove that the \(x\) coordinate of any point of intersection of $$y = c ^ { 2 } - x ^ { 2 } \text { and } y = x ^ { 2 } ( x - 3 c )$$ where \(c\) is a positive constant, is given by a solution of the equation $$x ^ { 3 } + ( 1 - 3 c ) x ^ { 2 } - c ^ { 2 } = 0$$ Given that the graphs meet when \(x = 2\)
    (c) find the exact value of \(c\), writing your answer as a fully simplified surd.