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Example HL
Example HL
Example HL
Description
A quarticfunction with a "W" shape has two points of inflection, Q and R. ln this investigation a line is drawn
through Q and R to meet the quartic function again at P and S. The ratio PQ:QR:RS is to be investigated
using specific examples to form a conjecture, and then examined formally to prove the findings,
Method
1. Graph the function f (*) = xu - 8xt + 18x2 - l2x + 24 .
2. Find the coordinates of the points of inflection Q and R. Determine the points P and S, where the line
QR intersects the quartic function again, and calculate the ratio PQ:QRlR5.
4. Choose another quartic function with a "W" shape and investigate the same ratios.
6. Extend this investigation to other quartic functions that are not strictly of a "W" shape.
*ft,e
1L
*,',lo
I U =-
;il*"-i
#."
l&' q( *+-..
a.!4^ ffl. J"."1"^ $
-=-\Zx---=r- :-ll:
"'a'\ a-' €Dc cJ* ot "l&"
ft,tqfr#'r-"^
N-;i," - jtu i"^ :--"
qr&d,.ajft.t3
#'", = o,.**-*- ,
G'
A.
^ - Sk)+ *+-gJ+tg,.'-r2rtzf
q{ {,; Po Rs
>c(rc-^) = f-:+:r-
*3 = o t +b
Bz-
; =. Li t:6lkos+ ,th-.^,*
P& QR -lA--k flr"-,-
-+ {ct) = x+ - zo-}
-r (r.3 t t-}*J)
h*,h- ',*r hy,-t (f -^)L A. o= ,.G--^lt*-^r- i)
a^/ a""r{-
o ), ( io, -*-
6{ ?O
OR
s;,-',rJ( R-s = ,- €
P''a. R-s
=
Feedback to student
Name: Student B
B Communication 3/3
Good introductions, continuity and appropriate diag rams.
C Mathematical process 5 / 5
Examples were tested, analysed and a general proof was provided. Further examples were considered.
D Results 4/5
All correct, but the limitations were not made sufficiently clear.
E Use oftechnology 2 / 3
While graphs were helpful, technology could have enhanced the task by being used in further examples.