FACTORS AND POLYNOMIALS

1 The polynomial p ( x) = 6x 3 + ax 2 + 6x + b, where a and b are integers, is divisible by 2x - 1. When

p (x) is divided by x - 2, the remainder is 120.

(a) Find the values of a and b. [4]

(b) Hence write down the remainder when p (x) is divided by x. [1]

(c) Find the value of pll (0). [2]

2 The polynomial p (x) = mx 3 - 17x 2 + nx + 6 has a factor x - 3. It has a remainder of -12 when
divided by x + 1. Find the remainder when p (x) is divided by x - 2. [6]

3 DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR IN THIS QUESTION.

The polynomial p (x) = 10x 3 + ax 2 - 10x + b, where a and b are integers, is divisible by 2x + 1.
When p (x) is divided by x + 1, the remainder is -24.

(a) Find the value of a and of b. [4]

(b) Find an expression for p (x) as the product of three linear factors. [4]

(c) Write down the remainder when p (x) is divided by x. [1]

4 The polynomial p (x) = ax 3 - 9x 2 + bx - 6 , where a and b are constants, has a factor of x - 2. The
polynomial has a remainder of 66 when divided by x - 3.

(a) Find the value of a and of b. [4]

(b) Using your values of a and b, show that p (x) = (x - 2) q (x), where q (x) is a quadratic factor to be
found. [2]

(c) Hence show that the equation p (x) = 0 has only one real solution. [2]

5 The polynomial p (x) is ax 3 + bx 2 + 7x + 1, where a and b are integers. It is given that 2x + 1 is a

factor of p (x) and that when p (x) is divided by x - 3 there is a remainder of 175.

(a) Find the value of a and of b. [5]

(b) Using your values of a and b from part (a), find the remainder when pl (x) is divided by x - 1.
[3]

6 The polynomial p (x) = mx 3 - 29x 2 + 39x + n, where m and n are constants, has a factor 3x - 1, and
remainder 6 when divided by x - 1. Show that x - 2 is a factor of p (x) . [6]
7 y

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 x

The diagram shows the graph of y = f (x), where f (x) is a cubic polynomial.

(a) Find f (x). [3]

(b) Write down the values of x such that f (x) 1 0. [2]

8 The polynomial p (x) = 6x 3 + ax 2 + bx + 2 , where a and b are integers, has a factor of x - 2.

(a) Given that p (1) =- 2p (0), find the value of a and of b. [4]

(b) Using your values of a and b,

(i) find the remainder when p (x) is divided by 2x - 1, [2]

(ii) factorise p (x). [2]

9 The polynomial p (x) = ax 3 + bx 2 - 19x + 4, where a and b are constants, has a factor x + 4 and is
such that 2p (1) = 5p (0).

(a) Show that p (x) = (x + 4) (Ax 2 + Bx + C) , where A, B and C are integers to be found. [6]

(b) Hence factorise p (x). [1]

(c) Find the remainder when pl (x) is divided by x. [1]

10 DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR IN THIS QUESTION.

p (x) = 15x 3 + 22x 2 - 15x + 2

(a) Find the remainder when p(x) is divided by x + 1. [2]

(b) (i) Show that x + 2 is a factor of p(x) . [1]

(ii) Write p(x) as a product of linear factors. [3]

 1
11 The three roots of p (x) = 0, where p(x) = 2x 3 + ax 2 + bx + c are x = , x = n and x =- n, where
2
a, b, c and n are integers. The y-intercept of the graph of y = p(x) is 4. Find p(x), simplifying your
coefficients. [5]

12 (a) The cubic equation x 3 + ax 2 + bx - 40 = 0 has three positive integer roots. Two of the roots are
2 and 4. Find the other root and the value of each of the integers a and b. [4]

(b) Do not use a calculator in this question.

Solve the equation x 3 - 5x 2 - 46x - 40 = 0 given that it has three integer roots, only one of which is
positive. [4]

13 The polynomial p (x) = (2x - 1) (x + k) - 12, where k is a constant.

(i) Write down the value of p (- k) . [1]

When p(x) is divided by x + 3 the remainder is 23.

(ii) Find the value of k. [2]

(iii) Using your value of k, show that the equation p (x) =-25 has no real solutions. [3]

14 (i) Given that x - 2 is a factor of ax 3 - 12x 2 + 5x + 6 , use the factor theorem to show that a = 4. [2]

(ii) Showing all your working, factorise 4x 3 - 12x 2 + 5x + 6 and hence solve 4x 3 - 12x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0.
[4]

15 The polynomial p (x) = ax 3 + bx 2 + cx - 9 is divisible by x + 3. It is given that pl(0) = 36 and pll(0) = 86.

(i) Find the value of each of the constants a, b and c. [6]

(ii) Using your values of a, b and c, find the remainder when p (x) is divided by 2x - 1. [2]

16 The polynomial p (x) = ax 3 + 17x 2 + bx - 8 is divisible by 2x - 1 and has a remainder of -35 when
divided by x + 3.

(i) By finding the value of each of the constants a and b, verify that a = b. [4]

Using your values of a and b,

(ii) find p (x) in the form (2x - 1) q (x), where q (x) is a quadratic expression, [2]

(iii) factorise p (x) completely, [1]

(iv) solve a sin 3 i + 17 sin 2 i + b sin i - 8 = 0 for 0° 1 i 1 180° . [3]

17 Do not use a calculator in this question.

It is given that x + 4 is a factor of p ^xh = 2x 3 + 3x 2 + ax - 12. When p ^xh is divided by x - 1 the

remainder is b.

(i) Show that a =-23 and find the value of the constant b. [2]

(ii) Factorise p ^xh completely and hence state all the solutions of p ^xh = 0. [4]

18 It is given that x + 3 is a factor of the polynomial p (x) = 2x 3 + ax 2 - 24x + b. The remainder when
p(x) is divided by x − 2 is −15. Find the remainder when p (x) is divided by x + 1. [6]

19 A polynomial p ^xh is ax3 + 8x 2 + bx + 5, where a and b are integers. It is given that 2x - 1 is a

factor of p ^xh and that a remainder of –25 is obtained when p ^xh is divided by x + 2.

(i) Find the value of a and of b. [5]

(ii) Using your values of a and b, find the exact solutions of p ^xh = 5. [2]

20 The cubic equation x3 + ax2 + bx − 36 = 0 has a repeated positive integer root.

(i) If the repeated root is x = 3 find the other positive root and the value of a and of b. [4]

(ii) There are other possible values of a and b for which the cubic equation has a repeated positive
integer root. In each case state all three integer roots of the equation. [4]

21 It is given that p^xh = x 3 + ax 2 + bx - 48. When p ^xh is divided by x - 3 the remainder is 6.

Given that pl^1h = 0 , find the value of a and of b. [5]

22 Without using a calculator, factorise the expression 10x 3 - 21x 2 + 4. [5]

23 Do not use a calculator in this question.

The polynomial p(x) is ax 3 - 4x 2 + bx + 18. It is given that p(x) and pl (x) are both divisible
by 2x - 3 .

(i) Show that a = 4 and find the value of b. [4]

(ii) Using the values of a and b from part (i), factorise p(x) completely. [2]

(iii) Hence find the values of x for which p(x) = x + 2 . [3]

24 The cubic given by p (x) = x3 + ax2 + bx - 24 is divisible by x - 2. When p (x) is divided by x - 1

the remainder is -20.

(i) Form a pair of equations in a and b and solve them to find the value of a and of b. [4]

(ii) Factorise p (x) completely and hence solve p (x) = 0. [4]

25 (i) Given that f (x) = 4x3 + kx + p is exactly divisible by x + 2 and f l (x) is exactly divisible by
2x - 1 , find the value of k and of p. [4]

(ii) Using the values of k and p found in part (i), show that f (x) = (x + 2) (ax 2 + bx + c) ,
where a, b and c are integers to be found. [2]

(iii) Hence show that f (x) = 0 has only one solution and state this solution. [2]

26 Do not use a calculator in this question.

The polynomial p (x) = 2x 3 - 3x 2 + qx + 56 has a factor x – 2.

(i) Show that q = −30. [1]

(ii) Factorise p (x) completely and hence state all the solutions of p (x) = 0 . [4]
 MARK SCHEME

1(a) 1 B1 1

p   : a  4b 15  0 oe For p   equated to zero
2 2

p  2  : 4a  b  60 oe B1 For p  2  equated to 120

a  17, b  8 2 Dep M1 on both previous B marks,

for solving their equations to obtain
a and b
A1 for both

1(b) 8 B1 on their integer b

1(c) p  x   18 x 2  34x  6 M1 For attempt to differentiate their

p(x), may be implied by correct FT
p  x   36 x  34 answer

p  0   34 A1 on 2  their integer a

2 27m – 153 + 3n + 6 = 0 or better B1

m – 17 – n + 6 = 12 or better B1

Eliminates one unknown for a pair of linear equations in M1

m and n and solves for one unknown

m = 6, n = 5 A2 A for either

24 cao A1

3(a) 5 a M1 For use of the factor theorem

0= − + +5+b
4 4

−24 = −10 + a + 10 + b M1 For use of the remainder

theorem

a + 4b = − 1 5 M1 Dep on both previous M marks

a + b = −24 for solution of their equations
leading to without using a calculator

a = −27 , b = 3 A1
3(b) ( 2x + 1) ( 5 x 2 ........... + their b ) M1 Allow for observation or
algebraic long division. Their a
and b must be integers.

( 2 x + 1) ( 5 x 2 −16x + 3) A1

( 2 x + 1) ( 5 x −1)( x − 3) 2 M1 for attempt to factorise

their 3-term quadratic
A1 all correct from fully correct
working

3(c) 3 B1 FT on their (integer) b

4(a) p ( 2) : 8a − 36 + 2b − 6 = 0 B1

p ( 3) : 27a − 81 + 3b − 6 = 66 B1

M1 Dep on at least one of the previous B

marks, for attempt to solve their
equations and obtain a solution for
both a and b

a = 6, b = −3 A1 For both

4(b) ( x − 2 ) ( 6 x 2 + 3x + 3) 2 M1 for attempt at quadratic factor

either by observation to obtain
6 x2 + px + 3 or by algebraic long
division to obtain at least 6x 2 + 3x...
A1 all correct

4(c) Discriminant of q ( x ) = 32 − 4 × 6 × 3 M1 For calculation of discriminant and

confirmation that it is < 0
= −63
which is < 0

q ( x ) = 0 has no real solutions hence A1 For a correct conclusion from correct

work.
p ( x ) = 0 has only one real solution
5(a)  1 a b 7 M1 1
p −  : − + − +1 For substitution of x = − , at least once,
 2 8 4 2 2
with simplification of first 3 terms.
Allow one sign error.

a b 5 A1 May be implied by later work.

− + − = 0 oe
8 4 2
Non algebraic terms need to be simplified
( 2b − a = 20 ) correctly.

27 a + 9b = 153 oe B1 Non algebraic terms must be simplified.

a = 2, b = 11 2 M for solution of their simultaneous

equations
A1 for both

5(b) p′ ( x ) = 3ax 2 + 2bx + 7 M1 For attempt to differentiate their p ( x ) , allow

in terms of a and b

p′ ( x ) = 6 x 2 + 22x + 7 M1 Dep for use of x = 1 in their p′ ( x )

p′ (1) = 35 A1

6 m 29 39 B1
− + + n = 0 oe
27 9 3

m – 29 + 39 + n = 6 oe B1

Eliminates one unknown correctly for a M1

pair of linear equations in m and n and
solves for one unknown

m = 6, n = −10 A2 A for either

[p(2) =] 48 – 116 + 78 – 10 = 0 oe, A1

nfww

7(a) 1 3 B for negative soi

y=− ( x + 5)( x + 1)( x − 2 ) 1
2 B1 for soi
2
B1 for ( x + 5 ) ( x + 1)( x − 2 )
or x 3 + 4 x 2 − 7x −10

7(b) −5 < x < −1 B1

x>2 B1
 8(a) p ( 2 ) : 48 + 4a + 2b + 2 = 0 B1 For 2a + b + 25 = 0 or multiple
2 a + b + 25 = 0

p (1) = −2p ( 0 ) B1 For a + b + 12 = 0

a + b + 12 = 0

a = −13, b =1 2 M for attempt to solve their

equations in a and b leading to
2 values
A1 for both

8(b)(i)  1  6 13 1 M1 1
p  = − + + 2 For attempt to find p   using
2 8 4 2 2
their a and b

0 A1

8(b)(ii) ( x − 2 ) ( 2 x −1) ( 3x + 1) 2 M for realising that 2 factors are

known and 3rd factor can be got by
observation or algebraic long
division,
or for making use of x − 2 or 2 x − 1
in order to obtain a quadratic factor
A1 Must see all factors together

9(a) −4a + b + 5 = 0 oe B1 Allow multiples of equation

a + b − 25 = 0 oe B1 Allow multiples of equation

a = 6, b =19 2 M1 for solving their 2 equations and

obtaining two solutions
A1 for both a = 6, b =19

( x + 4 ) ( 6 x 2 − 5x + 1) 2 M1 for attempt to obtain quadratic

A = 6, B = −5, C = 1
factor by inspection or by algebraic
long division
( )
A1 6 x 2 − 5 x + 1 or
A = 6, B = −5, C = 1

Alternative (B1) Allow multiples of equation

a + b − 25 = 0 oe

Comparing coefficients (B1)

C = 1 and A = a

4A + B = b (B1)

Leading to 5 A + B = 25 (M1) For use of their a + b − 25 = 0 to

obtain an equation in A and B

4 B + 1 = −19 (B1)

( x + 4 ) ( 6 x 2 − 5x + 1) (A1)
A = 6, B = −5, C = 1
9(b) ( x + 4 ) ( 3x −1) ( 2 x − 1) B1 Must follow from a correct solution
to (a)

9(c) –19 B1

10(a) Finds p (– 1) M1

24 A1

10(b)(i) p (– 2) = B1
15 (– 8) + 22(4) – 15 (– 2) + 2 = 0

10(b)(ii) Attempt to find the quadratic factor M1

15x2 – 8x + 1 A1

(x + 2)(3x – 1)(5x – 1) oe, cao A1 If zero scored, SC1 for an answer of

(x + 2)(3x – 1)(5x – 1) without working.

11 Factorised form: B1
(x + n)(x − n)(2x −1) oe

Multiplies out correctly M1 their factorised form provided of

equivalent difficulty

Correct expanded form in terms of n: A1

3 2 2 2
2x − x − 2n x + n

Uses (their n2) = 4 in their expression M1

2x3 − x2 − 8x + 4 A1 If A0A0 then SC1 for

(x + n)(x − n)(x −0.5) giving n2 = 8
1 2
leading to x3 − x − 8x + 4
2

Alternative method:
B1 for factorised form:
(x + n)(x − n)(2x −1)

M1 for their n 2 = 4

A1 for n = 2

M1 for multiplying out

(x + their 2)(x − their 2)(2x −1)

3 2
A1 for 2x − x − 8x + 4

If A0A0 then SC1 for

(x + n)(x − n)(x −0.5) giving n2 = 8
1 2
leading to x3 − x − 8x + 4
2
12(a) 2 × 4 × p = 40 → p = 5 B1 May be obtained later.

(x – 2)(x – 4)(x – p) = 0 M1 Factorise cubic

a = –11 A1 Expand and identify

b = 38 A1

OR

2 × 4 × p = 40 → p = 5 B1 May be obtained later.

Obtain equations M1
4a + 2b = 32
16a + 4b = –24
and attempt to solve

a = –11 A1

b = 38 A1

12(b) Find x = –1 M1 Trial value/s and finds a root or shows

that (x + 1) or (x + 4) or (x – 10)
divides into x3 – 5x2 – 46x – 40.

(x + 1)(x2 – 6x – 40) (= 0) A1 Factorise to give linear and quadratic

or (x + 4)(x2 – 9x – 10)(= 0) factor
or (x – 10)(x2 + 5x + 4)(= 0)

(x + 1)(x + 4)(x – 10) (= 0) M1 Solve the quadratic to give 2 roots

x = –1, –4, 10 A1

OR

Uses factor theorem to find a root M1 This may be awarded for x = –4 or

(–1)3 – 5(–12) – 46(–1) – 40 x = 10.
or –1 – 5 + 46 – 40 = 0
→ x = –1

Uses factor theorem to attempt to find M1 At least two more trials.

further roots

(–4)3 – 5(–4)2 – 46(–4) – 40 A1

or – 64 – 80 + 184 – 40 = 0
→ x = –4

(10)3 – 5(10)2 – 46(10) – 40 A1

or 1000 – 500 – 460 – 40 = 0
→ x = 10
 13(i) –12 B1

13(ii) ( 2 × −3 −1)( k − 3) −12 = 23 oe M1

or 2 ( −3) + ( 2k − 1)( −3) − k −12 = 23

2

k = −2 A1

13(iii) ( 2 x − 1) ( x − 2 ) −12 = −25 M1 expansion and simplification to a 3 term

quadratic equation equated to zero, using
2 x 2 − 5 x + 15 = 0 their k.

Discriminant: 25 − ( 4 × 2 ×15 ) M1 using discriminant for their three term

= –95 quadratic equation

which is < 0 so no real solutions A1 cao for correct discriminant and correct
conclusion

14(i) Uses x = 2 as a root: M1 or 2 a −12 5 6

a(23 ) −12(22 ) + 5(2) + 6 =0 ↓ 2a −24+4a −38+8a
a −12+2a −19+4a −32+8a = 0

Solves 8a − 48 +10 + 6 =0 to find A1 or solves −32 + 8a = 0 to find a = 4

a=4
If M0 then SC1 for 4(23 ) −12(22 ) + 5(2) + 6 =0 or
showing that the synthetic division with a = 4
results in a remainder of 0

14(ii) (x − 2)(4 x 2 − 4 x − 3) B2 B1 for any two terms correct in quadratic factor

Product of three correct linear factors: B1

(x − 2)(2 x − 3)(2 x +1)

x = 2, x = 1.5, x = −0.5 oe B1 dep on all previous marks having been earned

If B2 B0 then award SC1 for correct factorisation of

correct quadratic factor leading to 3 correct roots

15(i) p ( −3) = 0 leading to M1 For substitution of x = −3 and

−27a + 9b − 3c − 9 = 0 equating to zero

p′ ( x ) = 3ax 2 + 2bx + c M1 For differentiation in the form

p′ ( 0 ) = 36 rx 2 + sx + t and substitution of x = 0

c = 36 A1 nfww

p′′ ( x ) = 6ax + 2b M1 For further differentiation in the form

p′′ ( 0 ) = 2b vx + w of their p′ ( x ) and substitution
of x = 0

b = 43 A1 nfww

a = 10 A1 nfww
15(ii) 1 M1 1
p  For use of x = in their p ( x ) from
2 2
part (i)

21 A1

16(i) 1 1

3
1 1
2 M1 1
p   = a   + 17   + b   − 8 expression for p  
2 2 2 2 2

p ( −3) = a ( −3) +17(−3)2 + b ( −3) − 8

3 M1 expression for p ( −3)

a 17 b A1 both equations correct (allow

+ + −8 = 0 equivalents and terms not collected
8 4 2
−27a +153 − 3b − 8 = −35 but powers should be evaluated)

Leading to a = b = 6 A1 from correct equations with

evidence that both have been found
correctly in order to verify that a = b

16(ii) ( 2 x − 1) ( 3x 2 + 10 x + 8 ) B2 B1 for 3x 2 and +8 from factorisation

or for 3x 2 + 10 x... from long division

16(iii) ( 2 x − 1)( x + 2 ) ( 3x + 4 ) B1 cao

16(iv) 1 B1
sin θ =
2

θ = 30o , 150o B2 B1 for a first correct solution

B1 for a second correct solution with
no extras in range 0 - θ -180 and
no solution arising from other
factors.
17(i) 2(−4)3 + 3 ( −4 ) − 4a − 12 = 0 with one
2 B1 Note: = 0 must be seen or may be implied by
correct interim step leading to e.g. −92 = 4a or 92 = −4a
a = −23
or convincingly showing that
2(−4)3 + 3 ( −4 ) − 4( −23) − 12 = 0
2

or correct synthetic division at least as far as

−4 2 3 a −12
−8 20 −4a − 80
2 −5 a + 20 0
then a = −23

or correct long division to, e.g. verify −23, at least

as far as
2 x2 − 5x − 3
x + 4 2 x 3 + 3x 2 − 23 x − 12
2 x3 + 8 x 2
− 5 x 2 − 23 x
− 5 x 2 − 20 x
− 3x − 12
−3 x −12
0

p(1) = 2 + 3 − 23 − 12 B1
b = −30

17(ii) finds a correct quadratic factor B2 B1 for quadratic factor with 2 correct terms
e.g. (2x2 − 5x – 3)
OR

B1for finding (x – 3) using factor theorem

B1for convincingly finding (2x + 1) as third factor

Product of three linear factors M1

(2x + 1)(x – 3)(x + 4)

1 A1 If M0 then SC1 if quadratic factorised correctly but

x = − , x = 3, x = − 4 nfww does not show full factorisation but does give all 3
2
solutions correctly

18 p(−3) = 0 or p(2) = −15 stated or M1

implied

−54 + 9a + 72 + b = 0 or better A1 finds one correct equation; implies M1

16 + 4a − 48 + b = −15 or better A1 finds another correct equation; implies M1

Solves a pair of simultaneous M1 dep on first M1

equations in a and b condone one sign or arithmetic error in their
solution;
as far as finding one unknown

a = −7, b = 45 A1

60 cao A1
19(i) 1 a b M1 1
p  : + 2 + + 5 = 0 substitution of x = and equating
2 8 2 2
to zero (allow unsimplified)

p ( −2 ) : − 8a + 32 − 2b + 5 = −25 M1 substitution of x = −2 and equating

to –25 (allow unsimplified)

leading to a + 4b + 56 = 0 M1 M1dep for solution of

4a + b − 31 = 0 oe simultaneous equations to obtain a
and b

a = 12, b = −17 A2 A1 for each

19(ii) 12 x3 + 8 x 2 −17 x = 0 B1 for x = 0

x=0

1 55 B1
x=− ± oe
3 6

20(i) Other root = 4 B1

f ( x) = ( x − 3)( x − 3)( x − 4 ) M1 multiply out (x – 3)(x – 3)(x ± p)

= x3 −10 x 2 + 33x − 36

a = –10 b = 33 A2 A1 for each

Can be implied by correct cubic

20(ii) x = 6, x = 6, x = 1 B4 B1 for each of first two sets

x = 2, x = 2, x = 9 B2 for third set

x = 1, x = 1, x = 36

21 p ( 3) = 27 + 9a + 3b − 48 M1 attempt to find p ( 3)

3a + b = 9 oe A1

p ′ ( x ) = 3 x 2 + 2 ax + b M1 attempt to differentiate and find p′ (1)

p′ (1) = 3 + 2a + b must have 2 terms correct

2a + b = −3 oe A1

a = 12, b = −27 A1 for both

22 Correctly finding a correct linear factor or root B1 from a valid method, e.g. factor theorem
used or long division or synthetic
division:
( ) ( )
f ( 2 ) = 10 23 − 21 22 + 4 = 0
10 x 2 − x − 2
or x − 2 10 x 3 − 21x 2 +4
3 2
10 x − 20 x
− x2
− x2 + 2 x
− 2x + 4
−2 x + 4
0

or
2 10 −21 0 4
↓ 20 −2 −4
10 −1 −2 0

correct linear factor stated or implied by, e.g. B1 ( x − 2 ) or ( 2 x −1) or ( 5 x + 2 )

(
( x − 2 ) 10 x 2 − x − 2 )  1  2
do not allow  x −  or  x + 
 2  5

Correct quadratic factor B2 found using any valid method;

( ) ( ) (
10 x 2 − x − 2 or 5 x 2 − 8 x − 4 or 2 x 2 − 5 x + 2 ) B1 for any 2 terms correct

( x − 2 ) ( 2 x −1) ( 5 x + 2 ) mark final answer B1 must be written as a correct product of all

3 linear factors; only award the final B1 if
all previous marks have been awarded

If quadratic factor is not found but correct

remaining linear factors are found using
e.g. the factor theorem or long division or
synthetic division etc. with correct,
sufficient, complete working to justify
that no calculator has been used allow:

B1 for correctly finding a correct linear

factor or root

B1 for a correct linear factor stated or

implied

SC3 for the full, complete and correct

working to find the remaining two linear
factors and arrive at the correct product of
3 linear factors
  3  27 a  9  3b 3
23 (i) p  : −  4 ×  + +18 ( = 0 ) M1 for attempt at p  
2 8  4 2 2
3  9  3 3
p′   =  3a ×  −  8 ×  + b ( = 0 ) M1 for differentiation and attempt at p′  
2  4  2 2
leading to 9a + 4b + 24 = 0 oe
and 27 a + 4b − 48 = 0 oe M1 for solution of simultaneous equations, to
get either a or b
leading to a = 4, b = −15 A1 for both

( x + 2 ) ( 2 x − 3)
2
(ii) oe M1, A1 M1 for attempt at long division or
factorisation

(iii) ( x + 2 ) ( 2 x − 3) = x+2
x + 2 = 0, x = −2 B1 Must be using ( x + 2 ) correctly using part
(ii)
ii) to x = −2

( 2 x − 3)
2
=1 M1 for solution of the quadratic equation
leading to x = 1, x = 2 A1

24 (i) p ( 2 ) = 0 → 8 + 4a + 2b − 24 = 0 B1
→ ( 4a + 2b = 16 )
p (1) = −20 → 1 + a + b − 24 = −20 B1
→ ( a + b = 3)
M1 solve their linear equations for a or b
a = 5 and b = −2 A1

(ii) p ( x ) = x 3 + 5 x 2 − 2 x − 24 M1 find quadratic factor

= ( x − 2 ) ( x + 7 x +12)
2
A1 correct quadratic factor soi
= ( x − 2 ) ( x + 3)( x + 4 ) M1 factorise quadratic factor and write as product
of 3 linear factors
p ( x ) = 0 → x = 2, − 3, − 4. A1 if 0 scored, SC2 for roots only

25 (i) f ( −2 ) = −32 − 2k + p = 0 M1 for attempt at f ( −2 )

 1  12 M1 1
f ′  = + k = 0 for attempt at f ′  
2 4 2
leading to k = −3 and p = 26 A1,A1 A1 for each

(ii) p
B1FT FT for their
2
( x + 2 ) ( 4x 2 − 8 x + 13) B1 all correct

(iii) Showing that 4 x 2 − 8 x + 13 = 0 has M1, M1 for a valid attempt at solution of

no real roots equation leading to no solution or
consideration of the discriminant
so x = −2 only www A1
26 (i) 2(2)3 − 3(2) 2 + 2q + 56 = 0 with one B1 allow for only 16 – 12 + 2q + 56 = 0
correct interim step leading to q = −30 q = −30

NB = 0 must be seen
or may be implied by e.g. −60 = 2q or
60 = −2q;

or convincingly showing
2(2)3 − 3(2) 2 − 30(2) + 56 = 0 ; allow for only
16 – 12 + 2(−30) + 56 = 0

or correct synthetic division at least as far as

2 2 −3 q 56
4 2 2q + 4
2 1 q+2 0
then q = −30

(ii) 2 x 2 + x − 28 B2 B1 for any two terms correct

( x − 2 )( 2x − 7 ) ( x + 4 )
M1 For factorising the correct equation;
condone = 0; condone ( 2 x − 7 ) ( x + 4 ) only
for M1 but for A1 must see all 3 factors in
 7
this part; do not allow  x − 
 2

x = 2, x = −4, x = 3.5 oe A1 not from wrong working;

answers only do not score