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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)=k2x3kx2+x, kZ+ .

(a)     Express in terms of k

(i)     fk(x) and fk(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)     fk(x)=3k2x22kx+1     A1

fk(x)=6k2x2k     A1

 

(ii)     Setting f(x)=0     M1

6k2x2k=0x=13k     A1

f(13k)=k2(13k)3k(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)22k(13k)+1=23     M1A1

As the gradient is independent of k, the tangents are parallel.     R1

727k=23×13k+cc=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. 

Syllabus sections

Topic 6 - Core: Calculus » 6.3 » Points of inflexion with zero and non-zero gradients.

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