Ch.

A2 Detailed Solutions

Chapter A2 More about Quadratic Equations in One Unknown and

Complex Numbers

Contents

2016 version 2 - 11
2014 version 12 - 20

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Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics 2016 (Compulsory Part) Book A

2016 version Since ax2 – 2ax – 4 = 0 is a quadratic equation,

coefficient of x2 ≠ 0
Concept Check (p.16)
i.e. a ≠ 0
(a) Since the equation has real roots, ∆ ≥ 0.
∴ a = –4
∆ ≥0
∴ The answer is A.
62 – 4k(–3) ≥ 0
36 + 12k ≥ 0
3. x(4 – kx) = 5
k ≥ –3
–kx2 + 4x – 5 = 0
∴ The conclusion is true.
For the equation to have two unequal real roots, ∆ > 0
(b) Since the equation has two non-real roots, ∆ < 0.
∆>0
∆ <0
(4)2 – 4(–k)(–5) > 0
62 – 4k(–3) < 0
36 + 12k < 0 16 – 20k > 0

k < –3 4
k<
5
∴ The conclusion is true.
Since –kx2 + 4x – 5 = 0 is a quadratic equation,
(c) Since the equation has unequal real roots, ∆ > 0.
coefficient of x2 ≠ 0
∆ >0
62 – 4k(–3) > 0 i.e. k ≠ 0

36 + 12k > 0 ∴ The answer is B.

k > –3
∴ The conclusion is true. 4. nx2 – (2n + 1)x = 2 – n

(d) Since the equation has equal real roots, ∆ = 0. nx2 – (2n + 1)x + (n – 2) = 0

∆ =0 For the equation having no real roots, ∆ < 0 1A

62 – 4k(–3) = 0 ∆<0
36 + 12k = 0 [–(2n+1)]2 – 4(n)(n –2) < 0 1A
k = –3 4n2 + 4n + 1 – 4n2 + 8n < 0 1M
∴ The conclusion is true. 12n + 1 < 0
1
n< − 1A
Exercise A2A (p.17) 12
1. 5x2 – d = 10x
5x2 – 10x – d = 0 5. (a) –x2 + 2kx – 6 = k
For the equation to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 x2 – 2kx + (k + 6) = 0
∆≥0 For the equation having equal roots, ∆ = 0 1A
(–10) – 4(5)(–d) ≥ 0
2 ∆=0
100 + 20d ≥ 0 (–2k)2 – 4(1)(k + 6) = 0 1A
20d ≥ –100 4k2 – 4k – 24 = 0
k ≥ –5 k2 – k – 6 = 0 1M
∴ The answer is C. k = –2 or k=3 1A + 1A
(b) When k = –2,
2. ax2 = 2(ax + 2) x2 – 2(–2) x + (–2 + 6) = 0 1A
ax2 – 2ax – 4 = 0 x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
For the equation to have equal roots, ∆ = 0 x = –2 1A
∆=0
2
(–2a) – 4(a)(–4) = 0 6. 2x2 – (k + 3)x + k = –1
4a2 + 16a = 0 2x2 – (k + 3)x + (k + 1) = 0
a2 + 4a = 0 For the equation to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A
a(a + 4) = 0
a = 0 or –4

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 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

∆ = [–(k + 3)]2 – 4(2)(k + 1) 1A (c) For x2 – 6x + 2k = 0 to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0

= k2 + 6k + 9 – 8k – 8 ∆ ≥0 1A
2
= k – 2k + 1 1M (–6)2 – 4(1)(2k) ≥ 0 1A
= (k – 1)2 ≥ 0 for any real number k 1A 36 – 8k ≥ 0
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A 9
k≤ 1A
2
∴ The greatest integral value of k is 4. 1A
7. (a) 6x – x2 = a
x2 – 6x + a = 0
Concept Check (p.22)
For the equation having real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A
(a) If the signs of the roots are the same, then the product of
∆≥0
roots is greater than 0.
(–6)2 – 4(1)(a) ≥ 0 1A For I, product of roots = q2 which is greater than zero
36 – 4a ≥ 0 For II, product of roots = –q2 which is less than zero
a ≤9 1A For III, product of roots = q which can be negative,
positive or zero
 24 − 4 x 
(b) (i) S = 2 x  1M
 2  For IV, product of roots = –q which can be negative,
positive or zero
= 24 x − 4 x 2 1A ∴ The roots of equation I are of the same sign.
2
(ii) S = 24 x − 4 x (b) If the signs of the roots are not the same, then the product
of roots is less than 0.
4 x 2 − 24 x + S = 0
For I, product of roots = q2 which is greater than zero
For the equation having real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A For II, product of roots = –q2 which is less than zero
∆≥0 For III, product of roots = q which can be negative,
(–24)2 – 4(4)(S) ≥ 0 1A positive or zero

576 – 16S ≥ 0 For IV, product of roots = –q which can be negative,

positive or zero
S ≤ 36 1A
∴ The roots of equation II are of different signs.
∴ S cannot be greater than 36.
∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A
Exercise A2B (p.22)
1. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 5x = x2 – 4,
8. (a) ∠PBA = ∠ACD = 90° (definition of
i.e. x2 – 5x – 4 = 0
rectangle) 1A
−4
∠BAP = 180° – 90° – ∠BPA (∠ sum of △) αβ = = –4
1
= 90° – ∠BPA
∴ The answer is D.
∠BAP = 180° – 90° – ∠CAD (adj. ∠s on
st. line)
90° – ∠BPA = 90° – ∠CAD 1M 2. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 2x2 = 5x + 6,
∠BPA = ∠CAD 1A i.e. 2x2 – 5x – 6 = 0

∴ △PBA ∼ △ACD (AAA) 1A α 2 + β 2 = (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 2αβ

(b) ∵ △PBA ∼ △ACD = (α + β )2 – 2αβ
BA PB 2
∴ = (corr. sides, ∼△s)  −5   −6 
CD AC = −  – 2 
 2   2 
1M
49
x 2 =
= 1A 4
k 6−x
∴ The answer is C.
6x – x2 = 2k
x2 – 6x + 2k = 0 1A
3. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 3x – x2 = 1,
i.e. x2 – 3x + 1 = 0

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(α – 1)(β – 1) = αβ – α – β + 1 1
7. (a) α +β = − 1A
= αβ – (α + β ) + 1 3

1  −3  −6
= –  −  +1 αβ = = –2 1A
1  1  3
= –1 (b) The equation formed must be
∴ The answer is C. α β  α β 
x2 –  +  x +  ×  = 0 1M
 β α  β α 
4. Since α is a root of x2 – x + 2k = 0,
α 2 + β 2 
α 2 – α + 2k = 0 x2 –  x+1=0
 αβ 
 
α 2 = α – 2k
α 2 + β = (α – 2k) + β  α 2 + β 2 + 2αβ − 2αβ 
x2 –  x+1 =0
 αβ 
= (α + β ) – 2k  

 −1   (α + β ) 2 − 2αβ 
=  −  – 2k x2 –  x+1 =0 1M
 1   αβ 
= 1 – 2k
  1 2 
∴ The answer is B.   −  − 2( −2) 
x2 –    x+1 =0
3
 1A
−2
 
5. Since α is a root of x2 + x – k = 0,  
α2+α–k =0
37
α2 =k–α x2 + x+1 =0 1A
18
Since β is a root of x2 + x – k = 0,
(or 18x2 + 37x + 18 = 0)
β +β–k=0
2

β2=k–β
(−4)
(α 2 + 2α)(β 2 – 2k) = (k – α + 2α) (k – β – 2k)
8. α +β = −
2
= (k + α)(–k – β) =2 1A
2
= − k − kβ − kα − αβ 5
αβ = 1A
2
2
= − k − k (α + β ) − αβ
1 1 α+β
 1   −k  + = 1M
2
= − k − k −  −   α β αβ
 1  1 
2
= 1M
= 2k − k 2 5
 
∴ The answer is B. 2
4
= 1A
6. For the equation 4x2 – 3kx + 2 = 0, 5

−3k 3k 1 1
⋅ =
1
α +β = − = 1M
4 4 α β αβ
2 1 1
αβ = = = 1M
4 2 5
 
The equation formed must be 2

x2 – (2α – 1 + 2β – 1)x + (2α – 1)(2β – 1) = 0 2

= 1A
x – [2(α + β) – 2]x + 4αβ – 2α – 2β + 1 = 0
2 5

x2 – [2(α + β) – 2]x + 4αβ – 2(α + β) + 1 = 0 ∴ The equation formed is x2 –

4 2
x + = 0. 1A
5 5
  3k    1   3k 
x 2 − 2  − 2 x + 4  − 2  + 1 = 0
  4   2  4 
2x2 – (3k – 4)x + 4 – 3k + 2 = 0
2x2 – (3k – 4)x + 3(2 – k) = 0
∴ The answer is A.

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 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

−m m 13. α–β
9. (a) α +β = − = 1A
12 12
= (α − β ) 2
2 1
αβ = = 1A
12 6 = (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2 ) − 4αβ
m 1 2
– = 1M = (α + β ) 2 − 4αβ
12 6 3
m = 10 1A 2
 −k   −3
(b) 2
The equation becomes 12x – 10x + 2 = 0. = −  − 4 
 1   1 
12x2 – 10x + 2 = 0
= k 2 + 12
1 1
x= or x= 1A + 1A
3 2 ∴ The answer is D.

10. α2+β2 14. The two roots are positive.

= (α + β )2 – 2αβ ∴ Sum of roots > 0

2 k
 k  −5 − >0
=  −  − 2  9
 1  1 
k <0
= k2 + 10
The two real roots are equal.
∴ The answer is B.
∴ ∆=0
(k)2 – 4(1)(9) = 0
11. α3+β3
k2 = 36
= (α + β )(α 2 – αβ + β 2)
k = –6 or 6 (rejected)
= (α + β )[(α + β )2 – 2αβ – αβ ]
∴ The answer is A.
= (α + β )3 – 3αβ (α + β )
3
 −k   4  − k  15. The two roots are negative.
= −  − 3  − 
 1   1  1  ∴ Sum of roots < 0
3
= k − 12k −b
− <0
∴ The answer is C. 4
b <0

1 1 The two real roots are equal.

12. +
α3 β3 ∴ ∆ =0
(–b)2 – 4(4)(16) = 0
β3 +α3
= b2 = 256
α 3β 3
b = 16 (rejected) or –16
( α + β ) 3 − 3αβ (α + β )
= ∴ The answer is D.
(αβ ) 3
3
 k  1 k  16. For option I,
 −  − 3 −   − 
=    2 2
2 −b
3 Product of roots = = –b < 0
 1 1
− 
 2 ∴ Option I does not have real roots with the same
sign.
k 3 3k
− −
8 4 For option II,
=
1
− Product of roots =
b
=b>0
8
1
= k 3 + 6k ∆ = (–a)2 – 4(1)(b)
∴ The answer is A. = a2 – 4b > 0
∴ Option II has real roots with the same sign.

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For option III, −8

19. α +β = −
−b 2
Product of roots = = –b < 0
1 =4
∴ Option III does not have real roots with the same k
αβ =
sign. 2
∴ The answer is B. α 2 + β 2 = 13
(α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 2αβ = 13
17. For option I, (α + β )2 – 2αβ = 13
n k
Product of roots = =n>0 42 – 2   = 13
1
2
∆ = (m)2 – 4(1)(n)
k=3
= m2 – 4n which can be positive, negative or zero
∴ The answer is B.
∴ Option I either has non-real roots or has real roots
with the same sign.
4
For option II, 20. α +β = −
8
n
Product of roots = − <0 1
3 = −
2
∆ = (m)2 – 4(3)(–n)
k
= m2 + 12n which is positive αβ = −
8
∴ Option II has real roots with different signs.
3
For option III, (α − β ) 2 =
4
−n
Product of roots = =n>0 3
−1 (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 4αβ =
4
∆ = (m)2 – 4(–1)(–n)
3
= m2 – 4n which can be positive, negative or zero (α + β ) 2 − 4αβ =
4
∴ Option III either has non-real roots or has real roots 2
 1  k 3
with same signs.  −  − 4 −  =
 2  8 4
∴ The answer is A.
1 k 3
+ =
4 2 4
18. α = 2β
k=1
For option II,
∴ The answer is A.
by considering the product of roots ,
q
2β 2 = 21. From x2 + ax + b = 0,
2
q = 4β 2 > 0 a
α +β = −
1
∴ Option II must be true.
= –a
For option III, ∆ > 0
b
(–p)2 – 4(2)(q) > 0 αβ =
1
8q < p2
=b
∴ Option III must be true.
From x2 + bx + a = 0,
For option I,
b
sum of roots can be positive or negative (α + 1) + ( β + 1) = −
1
−p (α + β ) + 2 = –b
Sum of roots = − =p
2
–a + 2 = –b
∴ p can be positive or negative.
a = 2 + b ……….. (1)
∴ Option I may not be true.
From x2 + bx + a = 0,
∴ The answer is D.

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 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

a (b) Diagonal of the rectangle

(α + 1)(β + 1) =
1
= α2 +β2 1A
αβ + (α + β ) + 1 = a
b–a+1=a = α 2 + β 2 + 2αβ − 2αβ
2a = b + 1 ……. (2)
= (α + β ) 2 − 2αβ 1M
By solving (1) and (2), a = –1 and b = –3
∴ a+b = 18 2 − 2(70) 1M
= –1 + (–3)
= 184 cm
= –4
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A
∴ The answer is B.

Exercise A2C (p.30)

22. Let α and β be the roots of the equation with α > β.
α2 +9
8 1.
α–β = α + 3i
9
α 2 + 9 α − 3i
(α − β ) 2 =
8
1M = ×
9 α + 3i α − 3i

8 (α 2 + 9)(α − 3i )
(α 2 + 2αβ + β 2 ) − 4αβ = =
9 α 2 − 9i 2

(α + β ) 2 − 4αβ =
8
1M α 3 − 3α 2 i + 9α − 27i
=
9 α 2 − 9i 2
2 2
 −k  1 8 α (α 2 + 9) − 3i(α 2 + 9)
−  − 4  =   1M =
 9  9 9 α2 +9
k = 10 or –10 1A + 1A (α 2 + 9)(α − 3i )
=
α2 +9
23. (a) Area of the picture = αβ 1M = α − 3i
300 ∴ The answer is A.
=
2
= 150 cm2 1A 1 + 3i
2.
(b) (i) Perimeter of the picture i−a
= (α + β ) × 2 1M 1 + 3i i + a
= ×
i−a i+a
 −m 
= − ×2
 2  (1 + 3i )(i + a )
=
= m cm 1A i2 − a2

(ii) Area of the border i + a + 3i 2 + 3ai

=
= (α + 3 × 2)(β + 3 × 2) − αβ 1M −1 − a 2

= αβ + 6(α + β ) + 36 − αβ 1M a − 3 + (3a + 1)i

=
−1− a2
 −m 
= 6 −  + 36 1M 3−a (3a + 1)i
 2  = 2
−
a +1 a2 + 1
= (3m + 36) cm2 1A
3− a
∴ The real part is .
a2 +1
24. (a) αβ = 70 1A
∴ The answer is A.
2(α + β ) = 36

α + β = 18 1A

∴ α and β are the roots of x 2 − 18 x + 70 = 0 .

1A

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b−i 2m + 4i
3. bi − 8. −
4i 1+ i
(b − i)i −2m − 4i 1 − i
= bi − = ×
4i 2 1+ i 1− i
bi + 1 (−2m − 4i )(1 − i)
= bi + =
4 1− i 2
1 5bi
= + − 2m + 2mi − 4i + 4i 2
4 4 =
1 − (−1)
5b
∴ The imaginary part is . (−2m − 4) + (2m − 4)i
4 =
2
∴ The answer is D.
= (− m − 2) + (m − 2)i
By comparing the real parts,
5 − ki
4. – (7k + i) m= – m – 2
i7
2m = –2
−5 + ki
= – 7k – i m = –1
i
(−5 + ki)i By comparing the imaginary parts,
= – 7k – i
i2 n=m–2
= 5i + k – 7k – i = (–1) – 2
= –6k + 4i = –3
∴ The answer is C. ∴ The answer is A.

5. z = (a + 1)i5 + (a – 2)i6 9. (2x + yi3)(a + 2bi) = 1

= (a + 1)i – (a – 2) (2x – yi)(a + 2bi) = 1
Since z is a real number, 2ax +4bxi – ayi + 2by = 1
a+1 =0 (2ax + 2by) + (4bx – ay)i = 1
a = –1
∴ 2ax + 2by = 1……(1)
∴ The answer is B.
4bx – ay = 0…..…(2)
1
6. z = 2i8 + (k + 6)i9 – (k + 7)i10 From (1), ax + by =
2
= 2 + (k + 6)i + (k + 7)
∴ III must be true.
= (k + 9) + (k + 6)i
From (2), II must be false.
Since z is a purely imaginary number,
From (2), 4bx = ay
k+9 =0
k = –9 y 4b
=
x a
∴ The answer is D.
∴ I must be true.

7. (4 – 3i)(b + i) ∴ The answer is C.

= 4b + 4i − 3bi − 3i 2
10. For option I:
= (4b + 3) + (4 − 3b)i
1 1 1 1 2k k
By comparing the imaginary parts, − = − = =
u v 4 4 4 2
b = 4 – 3b
i+k i−k
4b = 4
Since k is a rational number,
b=1
1 1
By comparing the real parts, − is also a rational number.
u v
a = 4b + 3
∴ I is true.
= 4(1) + 3
=7
∴ The answer is D.

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 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

For option II:  3 1 

= i + i
1 i+k 1 i−k  2 2 
= , =  
u 4 v 4
1 3
1 1 1 = − + i 1A
∴ Imaginary part of = imaginary part of = 2 2
u v 4
∴ II must be true.
1 1
For option III: 13. (a) +
3 + 2i 3 − 2i
4 k −i 4k − 4i 3 − 2i + 3 + 2i
u= ⋅ = 2 = 1M
i + k k −i k +1 (3 + 2i )(3 − 2i)
4k 6
∴ The real part of u is . =
k +1
2
9 − 4i 2
4 −k − i −4k − 4i
v= ⋅ = =
6
1A
i −k −k −i k2 +1 13
−4 k (b) Sum of roots
∴ The real part of v is .
k2 +1
13 13
∴ III is not true. = +
3 + 2i 3 − 2i
∴ The answer is C.  1 1 
= 13 +  1M
 3 + 2i 3 − 2i 
1− i  6
11. (a) = 13 
1+ i  13 
1− i 1− i =6
= × 1M
1+ i 1− i ∴ b = –6 1A
2
1 − 2i + i Product of roots
= 2
1M
1− i 13 13
= ×
1 − 1 − 2i 3 + 2i 3 − 2i
=
2 169
= 1M
= –i 1A 13

2014 = 13
 1− i 
(b)   ∴ c = 13 1A
 1+ i 

= (−i )2014 1M 14. (a) Sum of roots

= (−i) 2012 ⋅ (−i )2 1 − 3i 1 + 3i

= +
2 2
= –1 1A
=1 1A
−2
∴ − =1
1   p
12. (a)  + 3 i  3 + 1 i 
2 
2  2 2 
 p =2 1A
Product of roots
3 1 3 3 2
= + i+ i+ i 1M
4 4 4 4 1 − 3i 1 + 3i
= ×
=i 1A 2 2

5 6 1 − 9i 2
1    = 1M
(b)  + 3 i  3 + 1 i 4
2 2   2 2 
 1 − 9(−1)
=
5 4
 1 3  3 1   3 1 
=  + i + i   + i 1M 5

 2 2  2 2   2 2  = 1A
    2
 3 1  q 5
= i5  + i 1M ∴ =
 2 2  p 2

q=5 1A

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(b) px2 – 2x + q = 3x p
∴ − =3
2
2x – 5x + 5 = 0 4
p = –12 1A
− (−5) ± (−5) 2 − 4(2)(5)
x= 1M Product of roots
2(2)
3  3 
5 ± 15i =  − 3i  + 3i 
= 2  2 
4
9
5 15i 5 15i = − 9i 2 1M
= + or − 1A 4
4 4 4 4
9
= − 9( −1)
4
15. (a) (x − 1)(x + 3) = 7 − k 45
= 1A
2 4
x + 2x − 3 + k − 7 = 0
q 45
x 2 + 2 x + k − 10 = 0 1A ∴ =
4 4
As (x − 1)(x + 3) = 7 − k has no real roots, ∆ < 0
q = 45 1A
∆<0 1A
(2)2 – 4(1)(k –10) < 0
1
4 – 4k +40 < 0 17. (a) One of the roots is .
4 − 2i
k > 11 1A
1 1 4 + 2i
= ×
(b) Take k = 12. 1A 4 − 2i 4 − 2i 4 + 2i
The equation becomes x 2 + 2 x + 2 = 0. 1A 4 + 2i
=
2 16 + 4
x + 2x + 2 = 0
2+i
= 1A
− 2 ± (2) 2 − 4(1)(2) 10
x= 1M
2(1) 2−i
Another root is . 1A
10
− 2 ± 4i
=
2 Product of roots
= −1 + i or −1 − i 1A 2+i 2−i
= × 1M
10 10
4 +1
16. (a) 25ai = (8 − 6i)(b + 4i) =
100
25ai = 8b + 32i − 6bi − 24i 2 1M
1
= 1A
25ai = (8b + 24) + (32 − 6b)i 1A 20
By comparing the real parts, 1 1
∴ =
0 = 8b + 24 1M p 20
b = –3 1A p = 20 1A
By comparing the imaginary parts, Sum of roots
25a = 32 – 6b 1M 2+i 2−i
= + 1M
25a = 32 – 6(–3) 10 10
a=2 1A 4
=
3 10
(b) One of the roots is − 3i .
2 2
= 1A
3 5
The other root is + 3i . 1A
2
q 2
Sum of roots ∴ − =
p 5
3 3 q = –8 1A
= − 3i + + 3i
2 2
=3 1A

10 © Educational Publishing House Ltd

 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

(b) Put y = x + 1. Then The equation becomes

20y2 – 8y + 1 = 0. 1M
2±i
y= (by (a)) 1A
10
2±i
x+1=
10
4 i 4 i
x= − + or − − 1A
5 10 5 10

(c) Consider the equation 20(x + 1)2 – 8(x + 1) + 1 = r.

20x2 + 32x + 13 – r = 0
For the equation to have real roots, ∆ > 0
∆>0 1A
2
(32) – 4(20)(13 – r) > 0 1M
1024 – 1040 + 80r > 0
80r > 16
1
r>
5
∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A

© Educational Publishing House Ltd 11

Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics (Compulsory Part) Book A

2014 version ∆=0

2
(–2a) – 4(a)(–4) = 0
Concept Check (p.16)
4a2 + 16a = 0
(a) Since the equation has real roots, ∆ ≥ 0.
a2 + 4a = 0
∆ ≥0
a(a + 4) = 0
62 – 4k(–3) ≥ 0
a = 0 or –4
36 + 12k ≥ 0 2
Since ax – 2ax – 4 = 0 is a quadratic equation,
k ≥ –3
coefficient of x2 ≠ 0
∴ The conclusion is true.
i.e. a ≠ 0
(b) Since the equation has two non-real roots, ∆ < 0.
∴ a = –4
∆ <0
∴ The answer is A.
62 – 4k(–3) < 0
36 + 12k < 0
3. x(4 – kx) = 5
k < –3
–kx2 + 4x – 5 = 0
∴ The conclusion is true.
For the equation to have two unequal real roots, ∆ > 0
(c) Since the equation has unequal real roots, ∆ > 0.
∆>0
∆ >0
(4)2 – 4(–k)(–5) > 0
62 – 4k(–3) > 0
16 – 20k > 0
36 + 12k > 0
4
k > –3 k<
5
∴ The conclusion is true. Since –kx2 + 4x – 5 = 0 is a quadratic equation,
(d) Since the equation has equal real roots, ∆ = 0. coefficient of x2 ≠ 0
∆ =0 i.e. k ≠ 0
62 – 4k(–3) = 0 ∴ The answer is B.
36 + 12k = 0
k = –3 4. nx2 – (2n + 1)x = 2 – n
∴ The conclusion is true. nx2 – (2n + 1)x + (n – 2) = 0
For the equation having no real roots, ∆ < 0 1A
Exercise A2A (p.17)
∆<0
1. 5x2 – d = 10x [–(2n+1)]2 – 4(n)(n –2) < 0 1A
5x2 – 10x – d = 0 2
4n + 4n + 1 – 4n + 8n < 0 2
1M
For the equation to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 12n + 1 < 0
∆≥0 1
n< − 1A
(–10)2 – 4(5)(–d) ≥ 0 12
100 + 20d ≥ 0
20d ≥ –100 5. (a) –x2 + 2kx – 6 = k
k ≥ –5 x2 – 2kx + (k + 6) = 0
∴ The answer is C. For the equation having equal roots, ∆ = 0 1A
∆=0
2. 2
ax = 2(ax + 2) (–2k)2 – 4(1)(k + 6) = 0 1A
2
ax – 2ax – 4 = 0 4k2 – 4k – 24 = 0
For the equation to have equal roots, ∆ = 0 k2 – k – 6 = 0 1M
k = –2 or k=3 1A + 1A
(b) When k = –2,
x2 – 2(–2) x + (–2 + 6) = 0 1A
x2 + 4x + 4 = 0
x = –2 1A

12 © Educational Publishing House Ltd

 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

6. 2x2 – (k + 3)x + k = –1 (c) For x2 – 6x + 2k = 0 to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0

2x2 – (k + 3)x + (k + 1) = 0 ∆ ≥0 1A
For the equation to have real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A (–6)2 – 4(1)(2k) ≥ 0 1A
∆ = [–(k + 3)]2 – 4(2)(k + 1) 1A 36 – 8k ≥ 0
= k2 + 6k + 9 – 8k – 8 9
k≤ 1A
= k2 – 2k + 1 1M 2
∴ The greatest integral value of k is 4. 1A
= (k – 1)2 ≥ 0 for any real number k 1A
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A
Concept Check (p.22)
(a) If the signs of the roots are the same, then the product of
7. (a) 6x – x2 = a
roots is greater than 0.
x2 – 6x + a = 0
For I, product of roots = q2 which is greater than zero
For the equation having real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A
For II, product of roots = –q2 which is less than zero
∆≥0 For III, product of roots = q which can be negative,
(–6)2 – 4(1)(a) ≥ 0 1A positive or zero
36 – 4a ≥ 0 For IV, product of roots = –q which can be negative,
positive or zero
a ≤9 1A
∴ The roots of equation I are of the same sign.
 24 − 4 x 
(b) (i) S = 2 x  1M (b) If the signs of the roots are not the same, then the product
 2  of roots is less than 0.
= 24 x − 4 x 2 1A For I, product of roots = q2 which is greater than zero
For II, product of roots = –q2 which is less than zero
(ii) S = 24 x − 4 x 2
For III, product of roots = q which can be negative,
4 x 2 − 24 x + S = 0 positive or zero
For the equation having real roots, ∆ ≥ 0 1A For IV, product of roots = –q which can be negative,
positive or zero
∆≥0
∴ The roots of equation II are of different signs.
(–24)2 – 4(4)(S) ≥ 0 1A
576 – 16S ≥ 0
Exercise A2B (p.22)
S ≤ 36 1A
1. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 5x = x2 – 4,
∴ S cannot be greater than 36.
i.e. x2 – 5x – 4 = 0
∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A
−4
αβ = = –4
1
8. (a) ∠PBA = ∠ACD = 90° (definition of ∴ The answer is D.
rectangle) 1A
∠BAP = 180° – 90° – ∠BPA (∠ sum of △)
2. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 2x2 = 5x + 6,
= 90° – ∠BPA
i.e. 2x2 – 5x – 6 = 0
∠BAP = 180° – 90° – ∠CAD (adj. ∠s on
st. line) α 2 + β 2 = (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 2αβ
90° – ∠BPA = 90° – ∠CAD 1M = (α + β )2 – 2αβ

∠BPA = ∠CAD 1A  −5 
2
 −6 
= −  – 2 
∴ △PBA ∼ △ACD (AAA) 1A  2   2 
(b) ∵ △PBA ∼ △ACD
49
=
BA PB 4
∴ = (corr. sides, ∼△s)
CD AC ∴ The answer is C.
1M
x 2
= 1A
k 6−x
6x – x2 = 2k
x2 – 6x + 2k = 0 1A

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Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics (Compulsory Part) Book A

3. α and β are the roots of the quadratic equation 3x – x2 = 1, 2x2 – (3k – 4)x + 4 – 3k + 2 = 0
i.e. x2 – 3x + 1 = 0 2x2 – (3k – 4)x + 3(2 – k) = 0
(α – 1)(β – 1) = αβ – α – β + 1 ∴ The answer is A.
= αβ – (α + β ) + 1
1  −3  α +β = −
1
= –  −  +1 7. (a) 1A
1  1  3

= –1 −6
αβ = = –2 1A
∴ The answer is C. 3
(b) The equation formed must be

4. Since α is a root of x2 – x + 2k = 0, α β  α β 
x2 –  +  x +  ×  = 0 1M
α 2 – α + 2k = 0 β α  β α 
α 2 = α – 2k α 2 + β 2 
x2 –  x+1=0
α + β = (α – 2k) + β
2  αβ 
 
= (α + β ) – 2k
 α 2 + β 2 + 2αβ − 2αβ 
 −1  x2 –  x+1 =0
=  −  – 2k  αβ 
 
 1 
= 1 – 2k  (α + β ) 2 − 2αβ 
x2 –  x+1 =0 1M
 αβ 
∴ The answer is B.
  1 2 
  −  − 2( −2) 
5. Since α is a root of x2 + x – k = 0,
x2 –   x+1 =0
3
 1A
α +α–k =0
2 −2
 
α2 =k–α  
Since β is a root of x2 + x – k = 0, 37
x2 + x+1 =0 1A
β +β–k=0
2 18

β2=k–β (or 18x2 + 37x + 18 = 0)

(α 2 + 2α)(β 2 – 2k) = (k – α + 2α) (k – β – 2k)

= (k + α)(–k – β) (−4)
8. α +β = −
2
= − k 2 − kβ − kα − αβ
=2 1A
2
= − k − k (α + β ) − αβ 5
αβ = 1A
2
 1   −k 
= − k 2 − k −  −  
 1  1  1 1 α+β
+ = 1M
α β αβ
2
= 2k − k
2
∴ The answer is B. = 1M
5
 
2
6. For the equation 4x2 – 3kx + 2 = 0, 4
= 1A
−3k 3k 5
α +β = − =
4 4 1 1 1
⋅ = 1M
2 1 α β αβ
αβ = =
4 2
1
= 1M
The equation formed must be 5
 
x2 – (2α – 1 + 2β – 1)x + (2α – 1)(2β – 1) = 0 2
x2 – [2(α + β) – 2]x + 4αβ – 2α – 2β + 1 = 0 2
= 1A
x2 – [2(α + β) – 2]x + 4αβ – 2(α + β) + 1 = 0 5

  3k    1   3k  4 2
x 2 − 2  − 2 x + 4  − 2  + 1 = 0 ∴ The equation formed is x2 – x + = 0. 1A
5 5
  4   2  4 

14 © Educational Publishing House Ltd

 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

−m m
9. (a) α +β = − = 1A = k 2 + 12
12 12
∴ The answer is D.
2 1
αβ = = 1A
12 6
13. The two roots are positive.
m 1 2
– = 1M ∴ Sum of roots > 0
12 6 3
m = 10 1A k
− >0
(b) 2
The equation becomes 12x – 10x + 2 = 0. 9

12x2 – 10x + 2 = 0 k <0

1 1 The two real roots are equal.

x= or x= 1A + 1A
3 2 ∴ ∆=0
(k)2 – 4(1)(9) = 0

10. α3+β3 k2 = 36

= (α + β )(α 2 – αβ + β 2) k = –6 or 6 (rejected)

= (α + β )[(α + β )2 – 2αβ – αβ ] ∴ The answer is A.

= (α + β )3 – 3αβ (α + β )
3
14. The two roots are negative.
 −k   4  − k 
= −  − 3  −  ∴ Sum of roots < 0
 1   1  1 
−b
= k 3 − 12k − <0
4
∴ The answer is C. b <0
The two real roots are equal.

11.
1
+
1 ∴ ∆ =0
α3 β3 (–b)2 – 4(4)(16) = 0

β3 +α3 b2 = 256
=
α 3β 3 b = 16 (rejected) or –16
∴ The answer is D.
( α + β ) 3 − 3αβ (α + β )
=
(αβ ) 3
15. For option I,
3
 k  1 k  −b
 −  − 3 −   −  Product of roots = = –b < 0
= 
2  2 2 1
3
 1
−  ∴ Option I does not have real roots with the same
 2 sign.
k 3 3k For option II,
− −
= 8 4 b
1 Product of roots = =b>0
− 1
8
∆ = (–a)2 – 4(1)(b)
= k 3 + 6k
= a2 – 4b > 0
∴ The answer is A.
∴ Option II has real roots with the same sign.
For option III,
12. α–β
−b
Product of roots = = –b < 0
= (α − β ) 2 1
∴ Option III does not have real roots with the same
= (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2 ) − 4αβ sign.
∴ The answer is B.
= (α + β ) 2 − 4αβ

2
 −k   −3
= −  − 4 
 1   1 

© Educational Publishing House Ltd 15

Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics (Compulsory Part) Book A

16. For option I, α 2 + β 2 = 13

n (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 2αβ = 13
Product of roots = =n>0
1 (α + β )2 – 2αβ = 13
∆= (m)2 – 4(1)(n)
k
2 42 – 2   = 13
= m – 4n which can be positive, negative or zero 2
∴ Option I either has non-real roots or has real roots k=3
with the same sign.
∴ The answer is B.
For option II,
n
Product of roots = − <0 4
3 19. α +β = −
8
∆ = (m)2 – 4(3)(–n)
1
= m2 + 12n which is positive = −
2
∴ Option II has real roots with different signs.
k
For option III, αβ = −
8
−n
Product of roots = =n>0 3
−1 (α − β ) 2 =
4
∆ = (m)2 – 4(–1)(–n)
3
= m2 – 4n which can be positive, negative or zero (α 2 + 2αβ + β 2) – 4αβ =
4
∴ Option III either has non-real roots or has real roots 3
with same signs. (α + β ) 2 − 4αβ =
4
∴ The answer is A.
2
 1  k 3
 −  − 4 −  =
17. α = 2β  2   8  4

For option II, 1 k 3

+ =
by considering the product of roots , 4 2 4
k=1
q
2β 2 =
2 ∴ The answer is A.
q = 4β 2 > 0
∴ Option II must be true. 20. From x2 + ax + b = 0,

For option III, ∆ > 0 α +β = −

a
1
(–p)2 – 4(2)(q) > 0
8q < p2 = –a

∴ b
Option III must be true. αβ =
1
For option I,
=b
sum of roots can be positive or negative
From x2 + bx + a = 0,
−p
Sum of roots = − =p b
2 (α + 1) + ( β + 1) = −
1
∴ p can be positive or negative.
(α + β ) + 2 = –b
∴ Option I may not be true.
–a + 2 = –b
∴ The answer is D.
a = 2 + b ……….. (1)
From x2 + bx + a = 0,
−8
18. α +β = − a
2 (α + 1)(β + 1) =
1
=4
αβ + (α + β ) + 1 = a
k
αβ = b–a+1=a
2
2a = b + 1 ……. (2)
By solving (1) and (2), a = –1 and b = –3

16 © Educational Publishing House Ltd

 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

∴ a+b (b) Diagonal of the rectangle

= –1 + (–3) = α2 +β2 1A
= –4
∴ The answer is B. = α 2 + β 2 + 2αβ − 2αβ

= (α + β ) 2 − 2αβ 1M
21. Let α and β be the roots of the equation with α > β.
2
8  − 18   − 70 
α–β = = −  − 2  1M
9  1   1 

8 = 464 cm
(α − β ) 2 = 1M
9
∴ The claim is agreed. 1A
2 2 8
(α + 2αβ + β ) − 4αβ =
9
Exercise A2C (p.29)
2 8
(α + β ) − 4αβ = 1M
9 α2 +9
1.
2 2
α + 3i
 −k  1 8
−  − 4  =   1M α 2 + 9 α − 3i
 9  9 9 = ×
α + 3i α − 3i
k = 10 or –10 1A + 1A
(α 2 + 9)(α − 3i)
=
α 2 − 9i 2
22. (a) Area of the picture = αβ 1M
α 3 − 3α 2 i + 9α − 27i
300 =
= α 2 − 9i 2
2
= 150 cm2 1A α (α 2 + 9) − 3i(α 2 + 9)
=
(b) (i) Perimeter of the picture α2 +9

= (α + β ) × 2 1M (α 2 + 9)(α − 3i)
=
α2 +9
 −m 
= − ×2 = α − 3i
 2 
= m cm 1A ∴ The answer is A.

(ii) Area of the border

= (α + 3 × 2)(β + 3 × 2) − αβ 1M 1 + 3i
2.
i−a
= αβ + 6(α + β ) + 36 − αβ 1M
1 + 3i i + a
= ×
 −m  i−a i+a
= 6 −  + 36 1M
 2 
(1 + 3i )(i + a )
= (3m + 36) cm2 1A =
i2 − a2

i + a + 3i 2 + 3ai
23. (a) αβ = 70 1A =
−1 − a 2
2(α + β ) = 36 a − 3 + (3a + 1)i
=
α + β = 18 1A −1− a2

∴ α and β are the roots of x 2 − 18 x − 70 = 0 . 3−a (3a + 1)i

= −
a2 + 1 a2 + 1
1A
3− a
∴ The real part is .
a2 +1
∴ The answer is A.

© Educational Publishing House Ltd 17

Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics (Compulsory Part) Book A

b−i By comparing the real parts,

3. bi −
4i m= – m – 2
(b − i)i 2m = –2
= bi −
4i 2 m = –1
bi + 1 By comparing the imaginary parts,
= bi +
4 n=m–2
1 5bi = (–1) – 2
= +
4 4 = –3
5b ∴ The answer is A.
∴ The imaginary part is .
4
∴ The answer is D. 7. (2x + yi3)(a + 2bi) = 1
(2x – yi)(a + 2bi) = 1
5 − ki 2ax +4bxi – ayi + 2by = 1
4. – (7k + i)
i7 (2ax + 2by) + (4bx – ay)i = 1
−5 + ki ∴ 2ax + 2by = 1……(1)
= – 7k – i
i
4bx – ay = 0…..…(2)
(−5 + ki)i 1
= – 7k – i
i2 From (1), ax + by =
2
= 5i + k – 7k – i ∴ III must be true.
= –6k + 4i
From (2), II must be false.
∴ The answer is C. From (2), 4bx = ay
y 4b
=
5. (4 – 3i)(b + i) x a
= 4b + 4i − 3bi − 3i 2 ∴ I must be true.
= (4b + 3) + (4 − 3b)i ∴ The answer is C.

By comparing the imaginary parts,

b = 4 – 3b 1− i
8. (a)
4b = 4 1+ i

b=1 1− i 1− i
= × 1M
By comparing the real parts, 1+ i 1− i

a = 4b + 3 1 − 2i + i 2
= 1M
= 4(1) + 3 1− i2
=7 1 − 1 − 2i
=
∴ The answer is D. 2
= –i 1A
2014
2m + 4i  1− i 
6. − (b)  
1+ i  1+ i 
−2m − 4i 1 − i
= × = (−i )2014 1M
1+ i 1− i
(−2m − 4i )(1 − i) = (−i) 2012 ⋅ (−i )2
=
1− i2 = –1 1A

− 2m + 2mi − 4i + 4i 2
=
1 − (−1)

(−2m − 4) + (2m − 4)i

=
2
= (− m − 2) + (m − 2)i

18 © Educational Publishing House Ltd

 Ch.A2 Detailed Solutions

1   11. (a) Sum of roots

9. (a)  + 3 i  3 + 1 i 
2 2  2 2  1 − 3i 1 + 3i
 = +
2 2
3 1 3 3 2 =1 1A
= + i+ i+ i 1M
4 4 4 4
−2
=i 1A ∴ − =1
p
5 6
1   
(b)  + 3 i  3 + 1 i p =2 1A
2  
2   2 2 
 Product of roots

 1
5 1 − 3i 1 + 3i
3  3 1   3 1  = ×
=  + i + i   + i 1M 2 2
 2 2  2 2   2 2 
 
1 − 9i 2
= 1M
 3 1 
5 4
=i + i 1M
 2 2  1 − 9(−1)
 =
4
 3 1 
= i + i 5
 2 2  = 1A
  2
1 3 q 5
= − + i 1A ∴ =
2 2 p 2
q=5 1A
1 1 (b) px2 – 2x + q = 3x
10. (a) +
3 + 2i 3 − 2i 2x2 – 5x + 5 = 0
3 − 2i + 3 + 2i
= 1M − (−5) ± (−5) 2 − 4(2)(5)
(3 + 2i )(3 − 2i) x= 1M
2(2)
6
= 5 ± 15i
9 − 4i 2 =
4
6
= 1A 5 15i 5 15i
13 = + or − 1A
4 4 4 4
(b) Sum of roots
13 13
= + 12. (a) (x − 1)(x + 3) = 7 − k
3 + 2i 3 − 2i

 1 1  x2 + 2x − 3 + k − 7 = 0
= 13 +  1M
 3 + 2i 3 − 2i  x 2 + 2 x + k − 10 = 0 1A
 6 As (x − 1)(x + 3) = 7 − k has no real roots, ∆ < 0
= 13 
 13 
∆<0 1A
=6 2
(2) – 4(1)(k –10) < 0
∴ b = –6 1A 4 – 4k +40 < 0
Product of roots k > 11 1A
13 13 (b) Take k = 12. 1A
= ×
3 + 2i 3 − 2i 2
The equation becomes x + 2 x + 2 = 0. 1A
169
= 1M
13 x2 + 2x + 2 = 0
= 13
− 2 ± (2) 2 − 4(1)(2)
x= 1M
∴ c = 13 1A 2(1)

− 2 ± 4i
=
2
= −1 + i or −1 − i 1A

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Conquering HKDSE Exam Mathematics (Compulsory Part) Book A

13. (a) 25ai = (8 − 6i)(b + 4i) Product of roots

25ai = 8b + 32i − 6bi − 24i 2 1M 2+i 2−i

= × 1M
10 10
25ai = (8b + 24) + (32 − 6b)i 1A
4 +1
By comparing the real parts, =
100
0 = 8b + 24 1M
1
b = –3 1A = 1A
20
By comparing the imaginary parts,
1 1
25a = 32 – 6b 1M ∴ =
p 20
25a = 32 – 6(–3)
p = 20 1A
a=2 1A
Sum of roots
3
(b) One of the roots is − 3i . 2+i 2−i
2 = + 1M
10 10
3
The other root is + 3i . 1A 4
2 =
10
Sum of roots
2
3 3 = 1A
= − 3i + + 3i 5
2 2
q 2
=3 1A ∴ − =
p 5
p
∴ − =3 q = –8 1A
4
p = –12 1A (b) Put y = x + 1. Then The equation becomes
20y2 – 8y + 1 = 0. 1M
Product of roots
2±i
y= (by (a)) 1A
3  3  10
=  − 3i  + 3i 
2  2 
2±i
x+1=
9 10
= − 9i 2 1M
4
4 i 4 i
x= − + or − − 1A
9 5 10 5 10
= − 9( −1)
4
(c) Consider the equation 20(x + 1)2 – 8(x + 1) + 1 = r.
45
= 1A 20x2 + 32x + 13 – r = 0
4
For the equation to have real roots, ∆ > 0
q 45
∴ = ∆>0 1A
4 4
2
q = 45 1A (32) – 4(20)(13 – r) > 0 1M
1024 – 1040 + 80r > 0
80r > 16
1
14. (a) One of the roots is .
4 − 2i r>
1
5
1 1 4 + 2i
= ×
4 − 2i 4 − 2i 4 + 2i ∴ The claim is disagreed. 1A

4 + 2i
=
16 + 4
2+i
= 1A
10
2−i
Another root is . 1A
10

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