Four possible sketches of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ are shown below - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 1
Four possible sketches of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ are shown below.
Given $b^2 - 4ac = 0$ and $a, b$ and $c$ are non-zero constants, which sketch is the only one that cou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Four possible sketches of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ are shown below - AQA - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Given $b^2 - 4ac = 0$, identify the condition for the quadratic equation.
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The condition b2−4ac=0 indicates that the quadratic has a double root. This means the graph of the quadratic equation touches the x-axis at exactly one point, creating a
Step 2
Evaluate the sketches provided.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Out of the sketches A, B, C, and D:
Sketch A opens upwards and intersects the x-axis at one point (double root).
Sketch B does not intersect the x-axis.
Sketch C intersects the x-axis at two points.
Sketch D also intersects at two points.
Only Sketch A satisfies the condition for a double root.
Step 3
Select the correct sketch.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Thus, the only sketch that could possibly be correct is: