1.

Quadratic Equations, Quadratic Functions

and Absolute Values

Attempt ALL questions. The full marks of this test is 32.

Section A

1. Prove that the quadratic equation (a 2 + b 2 ) x 2 − 4(a − b) x + 8 = 0 , where

a + b ≠ 0 , has no real roots in x.
(4 marks)

2. Let α and β be the roots of the equation x 2 + 3 x − 1 = 0 , and a and b be the roots of the
equation x 2 + 4 x + 2 = 0 . Find the quadratic equation whose roots are (aα + bβ ) and
(bα + aβ ) .
(5 marks)

3. Given that α and β are the real roots of the quadratic equation (4k − 3) x 2 − (k + 1) x + 1 = 0
3
where k is a real constant and k ≠ . If α − 2 = β − 2 , find the values of k.
4
(5 marks)

4. Solve the following equations.

(a) 2 x + 9 = 5 − 4 x
(b) 2 3x − 1 + 9 = 5 − 4 3x − 1
(c) x − 4 = x2 − 2x − 8
(6 marks)

Section B

5. (a) If the vertex of the quadratic curve y = x 2 + ax + b is (h, k), express a and b in
terms of h and k.
(2 marks)

1
(b) The curve C : y = x 2 − 4 x + c cuts the x-axis at the points P (α , 0) and Q ( β , 0)
where α < β .
(i) Show that ( β − α ) 2 = 16 − 4c .
(ii) If PQ = 6 , find the value of c.
(iii) Hence, find the vertex of the curve C and sketch the graph of C for 0 ≤ x ≤ 4
in the figure.

(5 marks)

(c) (i) The curve C is moved vertically upwards by m units (m > 0) to form a new
curve C1. If C1 touches the x-axis, find the value of m.
(ii) The curve C is moved vertically downwards by n units (n > 0) to form a new
curve C2. If C2 cuts the x-axis at the points R and S such that RS = 2PQ,
find the value of n.
(5 marks)

END OF TEST