Learning objectives :

• Be able to use graphs to solve equations

How to use graphs to solve equations

Step 1: Let y be equal to the expressions on both sides of the equal sign.
Step 2: Graph the two functions that were created.
Step 3: Approximate the point(s) at which the graphs of the functions intersect.

The x coordinate of the point(s) where the graphs of the functions intersect will be the solution(s) to the
equation.

The roots of the equation f(x) = k

𝑥2 8 𝑦 = 12
The graph of f(x) = − is shown.
2 𝑥

𝑥2 8 𝑦=6
− =𝑘
2 𝑥

k > 6 means there will be three roots

k = 6 means there will be two roots
k < 6 means there will be no roots

𝑦 = −9

Solving Simultaneous Linear Equations Solving Simultaneous Equations, One Linear

and One Quadratic

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Example 1
Use the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 4 for 0  x  5 to solve

a) 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 4 = 2

b) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 6 = 0

Example 2
4
Assuming that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑥 has been drawn, find the equation of the line which should be drawn to solve
the equations:
4
a) −𝑥 = 0
𝑥
b) 𝑥 2 + 4 = 3𝑥

Example 3
𝑥2 8
The graph of f(x) = − is shown.
2 𝑥

a) Use the graph to find the three roots of the

𝑥2 8
equation 2
− 𝑥 = −5

b) There is one value of k for which the equation

𝑥2 8
2
− 𝑥 = 𝑘 has two roots. Write down this
value of k.

c) For what values of k is there only one root of

𝑥2 8
the equation 2
− 𝑥 = 𝑘?

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Example 4

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Classwork Practice
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5
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7
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9
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 Mark Scheme
Eg Eg 1-3 follow annotation
1-3
Eg 4

Classwork Practice
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0580/42/M/J/15,Q5

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0580/42/O/N/14,Q6
3 0580/42/M/J/14,Q2

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0580/41/M/J/16,Q5

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