Date | May 2008 | Marks available | 13 | Reference code | 08M.2.hl.TZ1.13 |
Level | HL only | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ1 |
Command term | Find, Show that, and Express | Question number | 13 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
A family of cubic functions is defined as fk(x)=k2x3−kx2+x, k∈Z+ .
(a) Express in terms of k
(i) f′k(x) and f″k(x) ;
(ii) the coordinates of the points of inflexion Pk on the graphs of fk .
(b) Show that all Pk lie on a straight line and state its equation.
(c) Show that for all values of k, the tangents to the graphs of fk at Pk are parallel, and find the equation of the tangent lines.
Markscheme
(a) (i) f′k(x)=3k2x2−2kx+1 A1
f″k(x)=6k2x−2k A1
(ii) Setting f″(x)=0 M1
⇒6k2x−2k=0⇒x=13k A1
f(13k)=k2(13k)3−k(13k)2+(13k) M1
=727k A1
Hence, Pk is (13k,727k)
[6 marks]
(b) Equation of the straight line is y=79x A1
As this equation is independent of k, all Pk lie on this straight line R1
[2 marks]
(c) Gradient of tangent at Pk :
f′(Pk)=f′(13k)=3k2(13k)2−2k(13k)+1=23 M1A1
As the gradient is independent of k, the tangents are parallel. R1
727k=23×13k+c⇒c=127k (A1)
The equation is y=23x+127k A1
[5 marks]
Total [13 marks]
Examiners report
Many candidates scored the full 6 marks for part (a). The main mistake evidenced was to treat k as a variable, and hence use the product rule to differentiate. Of the many candidates who attempted parts (b) and (c), few scored the R1 marks in either part, but did manage to get the equations of the straight lines.