3 Sets, relations and functions

Question 1 2 marks
1
Find the maximal domain of f (x) = p .
6 − 2x − 1

Solution:
The square root is only defined when the argument is nonnegative.

6 − 2x ≥ 0
x ≤3 (1 mark)

However, the denominator cannot be zero.

p
6 − 2x − 1 ̸= 0
6 − 2x ̸= 1

s
5
x ̸=

la µ
5
¶ µ
x ∈ −∞, ∪ , 3
2
5
2
¸ 2
(1 mark)
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Question 2 2 marks
Consider the function f (x) = −2x 2 + mx + 12, where m ∈ R, over its maximal domain. If
f 1 is defined by restricting the domain of f (x) to (−∞, c], the maximum value of c for
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which f 1 is one-to-one is c = −3. Find the coordinates of the turning point of f (x).

Solution:
This is a quadratic function, so the maximum value of c = −3 implies that f (x) has
its turning point at (−3, k). (1 mark)
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f (x) = a(x + 3)2 + k = −2x 2 + mx + 12

ax 2 + 6ax + 9a + k = −2x 2 + mx + 12
x 2 : a = −2
x : m = −12
constants : 9a + k = 12
k = 30

The turning point is at (−3, 30). (1 mark)

Maths Methods 1/2 Extension Questions © EdAtlas | Page 1

 3 Sets, relations and functions

Question 3 3 marks
b(b + 2)
(CAS) Find the range of f : [−b, b] → R, f (x) = 2x 2 − 2bx + , where b > 0, in terms
2
of b .

Solution: ¶2
b
µ
f (x) = 2 x − +b
2
³ ´
Completing the square shows that the minimum turning point is at b
2 ,b .
(1 mark)

9b 2
f (−b) = +b
2
b2
f (b) = +b (1 mark)
2

s
9b 2
· ¸
r f ∈ b, +b (1 mark)
2

la
Note that f (−b) > f (b) for all values of b > 0.
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Maths Methods 1/2 Extension Questions © EdAtlas | Page 2