Write down the $y$-intercept of the graph of $f$.

Solve $f(x) = 0$.

On the following grid, sketch the graph of $f$, for $- 4 \le x \le 3$.

$y$-intercept is $- 6,{\text{ }}(0,{\text{ }} - 6),{\text{ }}y =  - 6$     A1

[1 mark]

valid attempt to solve     (M1)

eg$\;\;\;(x - 2)(x + 3) = 0,{\text{ }}x = \frac{{ - 1 \pm \sqrt {1 + 24} }}{2}$, one correct answer

$x = 2,{\text{ }}x =  - 3$     A1A1     N3

[3 marks]

    A1A1A1

Note:     The shape must be an approximately correct concave up parabola. Only if the shape is correct, award the following:

A1 for the $y$-intercept in circle and the vertex approximately on $x =  - \frac{1}{2}$, below $y =  - 6$,

A1 for both the $x$-intercepts in circles,

A1 for both end points in ovals.

[3 marks]

Total [7 marks]

Parts (a) and (b) of this question were answered quite well by nearly all candidates, with only a few factoring errors in part (b).

Parts (a) and (b) of this question were answered quite well by nearly all candidates, with only a few factoring errors in part (b).

In part (c), although most candidates were familiar with the general parabolic shape of the graph, many placed the vertex at the $y$-intercept $(0,{\text{ }} - 6)$, and very few candidates considered the endpoints of the function with the given domain.