1.02j Manipulate polynomials: expanding, factorising, division, factor theorem

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Edexcel C1 2015 June Q8
10 marks Moderate -0.8
  1. Factorise completely \(9 x - 4 x ^ { 3 }\)
  2. Sketch the curve \(C\) with equation $$y = 9 x - 4 x ^ { 3 }$$ Show on your sketch the coordinates at which the curve meets the \(x\)-axis. The points \(A\) and \(B\) lie on \(C\) and have \(x\) coordinates of - 2 and 1 respectively.
  3. Show that the length of \(A B\) is \(k \sqrt { } 10\) where \(k\) is a constant to be found.
Edexcel C1 2017 June Q10
11 marks Moderate -0.3
10. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{c1b0a49d-9def-4289-a4cd-288991f67caf-24_666_1195_260_370} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} Figure 2 shows a sketch of part of the curve \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x ) , x \in \mathbb { R }\), where $$f ( x ) = ( 2 x - 5 ) ^ { 2 } ( x + 3 )$$
  1. Given that
    1. the curve with equation \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x ) - k , x \in \mathbb { R }\), passes through the origin, find the value of the constant \(k\),
    2. the curve with equation \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x + c ) , x \in \mathbb { R }\), has a minimum point at the origin, find the value of the constant \(c\).
  2. Show that \(\mathrm { f } ^ { \prime } ( x ) = 12 x ^ { 2 } - 16 x - 35\) Points \(A\) and \(B\) are distinct points that lie on the curve \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    The gradient of the curve at \(A\) is equal to the gradient of the curve at \(B\).
    Given that point \(A\) has \(x\) coordinate 3
  3. find the \(x\) coordinate of point \(B\).
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Edexcel C1 2018 June Q9
12 marks Moderate -0.3
  1. The curve \(C\) has equation \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x )\), where
$$f ^ { \prime } ( x ) = ( x - 3 ) ( 3 x + 5 )$$ Given that the point \(P ( 1,20 )\) lies on \(C\),
  1. find \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\), simplifying each term.
  2. Show that $$f ( x ) = ( x - 3 ) ^ { 2 } ( x + A )$$ where \(A\) is a constant to be found.
  3. Sketch the graph of \(C\). Show clearly the coordinates of the points where \(C\) cuts or meets the \(x\)-axis and where \(C\) cuts the \(y\)-axis.
Edexcel C1 Q7
9 marks Moderate -0.8
7.
  1. Factorise completely \(x ^ { 3 } - 4 x\).
    (3)
  2. Sketch the curve with equation \(y = x ^ { 3 } - 4 x\), showing the coordinates of the points where the curve crosses the \(x\)-axis.
    (3)
  3. On a separate diagram, sketch the curve with equation \(y = ( x - 1 ) ^ { 3 } - 4 ( x - 1 ) ,\) showing the coordinates of the points where the curve crosses the \(x\)-axis.
    (3)
    \end{tabular} & Leave blank
    \hline \end{tabular} \end{center}
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    \begin{center} \begin{tabular}{|l|l|} \hline \begin{tabular}{l}
Edexcel P2 2020 January Q3
8 marks Standard +0.3
3. $$f ( x ) = 6 x ^ { 3 } + 17 x ^ { 2 } + 4 x - 12$$
  1. Use the factor theorem to show that ( \(2 x + 3\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
  2. Hence, using algebra, write \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) as a product of three linear factors.
  3. Solve, for \(\frac { \pi } { 2 } < \theta < \pi\), the equation $$6 \tan ^ { 3 } \theta + 17 \tan ^ { 2 } \theta + 4 \tan \theta - 12 = 0$$ giving your answers to 3 significant figures.
Edexcel P2 2021 January Q1
6 marks Moderate -0.3
1. $$f ( x ) = x ^ { 4 } + a x ^ { 3 } - 3 x ^ { 2 } + b x + 5$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x + 1\) ), the remainder is 4
  1. Show that \(a + b = - 1\) When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x - 2\) ), the remainder is - 23
  2. Find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\).
Edexcel P2 2022 January Q5
8 marks Standard +0.3
5. $$f ( x ) = 3 x ^ { 3 } + A x ^ { 2 } + B x - 10$$ where \(A\) and \(B\) are integers.
Given that
  • when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x - 1 )\) the remainder is \(k\)
  • when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x + 1 )\) the remainder is \(- 10 k\)
  • \(k\) is a constant
    1. show that
$$11 A + 9 B = 83$$ Given also that \(( 3 x - 2 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
  • find the value of \(A\) and the value of \(B\).
  • Hence find the quadratic expression \(\mathrm { g } ( x )\) such that $$f ( x ) = ( 3 x - 2 ) g ( x )$$
  • Edexcel P2 2023 January Q5
    9 marks Standard +0.3
    5. $$f ( x ) = x ^ { 3 } + ( p + 3 ) x ^ { 2 } - x + q$$ where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants and \(p > 0\) Given that ( \(x - 3\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\)
    1. show that $$9 p + q = - 51$$ Given also that when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x + p\) ) the remainder is 9
    2. show that $$3 p ^ { 2 } + p + q - 9 = 0$$
    3. Hence find the value of \(p\) and the value of \(q\).
    4. Hence find a quadratic expression \(\mathrm { g } ( x )\) such that $$f ( x ) = ( x - 3 ) g ( x )$$
    Edexcel P2 2024 January Q1
    3 marks Easy -1.2
    1. $$f ( x ) = a x ^ { 3 } + 3 x ^ { 2 } - 8 x + 2 \quad \text { where } a \text { is a constant }$$ Given that when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x - 2 )\) the remainder is 3 , find the value of \(a\).
    Edexcel P2 2024 January Q6
    8 marks Standard +0.3
    1. Given that $$2 \log _ { 4 } ( x + 3 ) + \log _ { 4 } x = \log _ { 4 } ( 4 x + 2 ) + \frac { 1 } { 2 }$$ show that $$x ^ { 3 } + 6 x ^ { 2 } + x - 4 = 0$$
    2. Given also that - 1 is a root of the equation $$x ^ { 3 } + 6 x ^ { 2 } + x - 4 = 0$$
      1. use algebra to find the other two roots of the equation.
      2. Hence solve $$2 \log _ { 4 } ( x + 3 ) + \log _ { 4 } x = \log _ { 4 } ( 4 x + 2 ) + \frac { 1 } { 2 }$$
    Edexcel P2 2019 June Q6
    8 marks Standard +0.3
    6. \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = k x ^ { 3 } - 15 x ^ { 2 } - 32 x - 12\) where \(k\) is a constant Given ( \(x - 3\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    1. show that \(k = 9\)
    2. Using algebra and showing each step of your working, fully factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    3. Solve, for \(0 \leqslant \theta < 360 ^ { \circ }\), the equation $$9 \cos ^ { 3 } \theta - 15 \cos ^ { 2 } \theta - 32 \cos \theta - 12 = 0$$ giving your answers to one decimal place.
    Edexcel P2 2021 June Q7
    10 marks Standard +0.3
    7.
    1. Given that $$3 \log _ { 3 } ( 2 x - 1 ) = 2 + \log _ { 3 } ( 14 x - 25 )$$ show that $$2 x ^ { 3 } - 3 x ^ { 2 } - 30 x + 56 = 0$$
    2. Show that - 4 is a root of this cubic equation.
    3. Hence, using algebra and showing each step of your working, solve $$3 \log _ { 3 } ( 2 x - 1 ) = 2 + \log _ { 3 } ( 14 x - 25 )$$
    Edexcel P2 2023 June Q2
    6 marks Moderate -0.3
    1. In this question you must show all stages of your working. Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable.
    $$f ( x ) = 4 x ^ { 3 } - 8 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + a$$ where \(a\) is a constant.
    Given that ( \(2 x - 3\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    1. use the factor theorem to show that \(a = - 3\)
    2. Hence show that the equation \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = 0\) has only one real root.
    Edexcel P2 2024 June Q4
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    4. $$f ( x ) = ( x - 2 ) \left( 2 x ^ { 2 } + 5 x + k \right) + 21$$ where \(k\) is a constant.
    1. State the remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x - 2\) ) Given that ( \(2 x - 1\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\)
    2. show that \(k = 11\)
    3. Hence
      1. fully factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
      2. find the number of real solutions of the equation $$\mathrm { f } ( x ) = 0$$ giving a reason for your answer.
    Edexcel P2 2019 October Q4
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    4. \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = ( x - 3 ) \left( 3 x ^ { 2 } + x + a \right) - 35\) where \(a\) is a constant
    1. State the remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x - 3 )\). Given \(( 3 x - 2 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    2. show that \(a = - 17\)
    3. Using algebra and showing each step of your working, fully factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    Edexcel P2 2020 October Q3
    10 marks Moderate -0.3
    3. $$f ( x ) = a x ^ { 3 } - x ^ { 2 } + b x + 4$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants. When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x + 4\) ), the remainder is - 108
    1. Use the remainder theorem to show that $$16 a + b = 24$$ Given also that ( \(2 x - 1\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    2. find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\).
    3. Find \(\mathrm { f } ^ { \prime } ( x )\).
    4. Hence find the exact coordinates of the stationary points of the curve with equation \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x )\).
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    Edexcel P2 2021 October Q4
    8 marks Moderate -0.3
    4. $$f ( x ) = \left( x ^ { 2 } - 2 \right) ( 2 x - 3 ) - 21$$
    1. State the value of the remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(2 x - 3\) )
    2. Use the factor theorem to show that \(( x - 3 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\)
    3. Hence,
      1. factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\)
      2. show that the equation \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = 0\) has only one real root.
    Edexcel P2 2022 October Q2
    7 marks Moderate -0.3
    1. A curve \(C\) has equation \(y = \mathrm { f } ( x )\) where
    $$f ( x ) = ( 2 - k x ) ^ { 5 }$$ and \(k\) is a constant.
    Given that when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( 4 x - 5 )\) the remainder is \(\frac { 243 } { 32 }\)
    1. show that \(k = \frac { 2 } { 5 }\)
    2. Find the first three terms, in ascending powers of \(x\), of the binomial expansion of $$\left( 2 - \frac { 2 } { 5 } x \right) ^ { 5 }$$ giving each term in simplest form. Using the solution to part (b) and making your method clear,
    3. find the gradient of \(C\) at the point where \(x = 0\)
    Edexcel P2 2022 October Q7
    9 marks Standard +0.3
    1. The curve \(C\) has equation
    $$y = \frac { 12 x ^ { 3 } ( x - 7 ) + 14 x ( 13 x - 15 ) } { 21 \sqrt { x } } \quad x > 0$$
    1. Write the equation of \(C\) in the form $$y = a x ^ { \frac { 7 } { 2 } } + b x ^ { \frac { 5 } { 2 } } + c x ^ { \frac { 3 } { 2 } } + d x ^ { \frac { 1 } { 2 } }$$ where \(a , b , c\) and \(d\) are fully simplified constants. The curve \(C\) has three turning points.
      Using calculus,
    2. show that the \(x\) coordinates of the three turning points satisfy the equation $$2 x ^ { 3 } - 10 x ^ { 2 } + 13 x - 5 = 0$$ Given that the \(x\) coordinate of one of the turning points is 1
    3. find, using algebra, the exact \(x\) coordinates of the other two turning points.
      (Solutions based entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.)
    Edexcel P2 2023 October Q4
    9 marks Moderate -0.3
    1. In this question you must show all stages of your working.
    Solutions relying on calculator technology are not acceptable. $$f ( x ) = 4 x ^ { 3 } + a x ^ { 2 } - 29 x + b$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
    Given that \(( 2 x + 1 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    1. show that $$a + 4 b = - 56$$ Given also that when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x - 2 )\) the remainder is - 25
    2. find a second simplified equation linking \(a\) and \(b\).
    3. Hence, using algebra and showing your working,
      1. find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\),
      2. fully factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    Edexcel P2 2018 Specimen Q1
    7 marks Moderate -0.8
    1. $$\mathrm { f } ( x ) = x ^ { 4 } + x ^ { 3 } + 2 x ^ { 2 } + a x + b ,$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
    When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x - 1\) ), the remainder is 7
    1. Show that \(a + b = 3\) When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x + 2\) ), the remainder is - 8
    2. Find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\)
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    Edexcel C2 2005 January Q5
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    1. \(\quad \mathrm { f } ( x ) = x ^ { 3 } - 2 x ^ { 2 } + a x + b\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.
    When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x - 2\) ), the remainder is 1 .
    When \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x + 1 )\), the remainder is 28 .
    1. Find the value of \(a\) and the value of \(b\).
    2. Show that ( \(x - 3\) ) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    Edexcel C2 2006 January Q1
    8 marks Moderate -0.8
    1. \(\mathrm { f } ( x ) = 2 x ^ { 3 } + x ^ { 2 } - 5 x + c\), where \(c\) is a constant.
    Given that \(\mathrm { f } ( 1 ) = 0\),
    1. find the value of \(c\),
    2. factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) completely,
    3. find the remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(2 x - 3\) ).
    Edexcel C2 2007 January Q5
    7 marks Moderate -0.8
    5. $$f ( x ) = x ^ { 3 } + 4 x ^ { 2 } + x - 6$$
    1. Use the factor theorem to show that \(( x + 2 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\).
    2. Factorise \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) completely.
    3. Write down all the solutions to the equation $$x ^ { 3 } + 4 x ^ { 2 } + x - 6 = 0$$
    Edexcel C2 2009 January Q6
    8 marks Moderate -0.3
    6. $$f ( x ) = x ^ { 4 } + 5 x ^ { 3 } + a x + b$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants. The remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by ( \(x - 2\) ) is equal to the remainder when \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\) is divided by \(( x + 1 )\).
    1. Find the value of \(a\). Given that \(( x + 3 )\) is a factor of \(\mathrm { f } ( x )\),
    2. find the value of \(b\).