Function revision part 2 [98 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 5] SPM.1.SL.TZ0.5

The functions f and g are defined such that f (x) =
x+3

4
and
g (x) = 8x + 5.

(a) Show that (g ∘ f ) (x) = 2x + 11. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to form composition M1

correct substitution g ( x+3

4
) = 8(
x+3

4
) + 5 A1

(g ∘ f ) (x) = 2x + 11 AG

[2 marks]

(b) Given that (g ∘ f )

−1
(a) = 4, find the value of a. [3]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute 4 (seen anywhere) (M1)

correct equation a = 2 × 4 + 11 (A1)

a= 19 A1

[3 marks]
2. [Maximum mark: 6] EXN.1.SL.TZ0.5
The functions f and g are defined for x ∈ R by f (x) = x − 2 and

g(x) = ax + b, where a, b ∈ R.

Given that (f ∘ g)(2) = −3 and (g ∘ f )(1) = 5, find the value

of a and the value of b. [6]

Markscheme

* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics

senior examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the
new MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared
to formal exam papers.

(f ∘ g)(x) = ax + b − 2 (M1)

(f ∘ g)(2) = −3 ⇒ 2a + b − 2 = −3 (2a + b = −1) A1

(g ∘ f )(x) = a(x − 2) + b (M1)

(g ∘ f )(1) = 5 ⇒ −a + b = 5 A1

a valid attempt to solve their two linear equations for a and b M1

so a = −2 and b = 3 A1

[6 marks]
3. [Maximum mark: 7] 23M.1.SL.TZ1.2
The function f is defined by f (x) for x ∈ R, x ≠ 2.
7x+7
=
2x−4

(a) Find the zero of f (x). [2]

Markscheme

recognizing f (x) = 0 (M1)

x = −1 A1

[2 marks]

(b) For the graph of y = f (x), write down the equation of

(b.i) the vertical asymptote; [1]

Markscheme

x = 2 (must be an equation with x) A1

[1 mark]

(b.ii) the horizontal asymptote. [1]

Markscheme

y =
7

2
(must be an equation with y) A1

[1 mark]
(c) Find f −1 (x), the inverse function of f (x). [3]

Markscheme

EITHER

interchanging x and y (M1)

2xy − 4x = 7y + 7

correct working with y terms on the same side: 2xy − 7y = 4x + 7

(A1)

OR

2yx − 4y = 7x + 7

correct working with x terms on the same side: 2yx − 7x = 4y + 7

(A1)

4y+7
interchanging x and y OR making x the subject x =
2y−7
(M1)

THEN

(or equivalent) A1
−1 4x+7 7
f (x) = (x ≠ )
2x−7 2

[3 marks]
4. [Maximum mark: 7] 23M.1.SL.TZ2.6
The functions f and g are defined for x ∈ R by

f (x) = ax + b, where a, b ∈ Z

+ x + 3.
2
g(x) = x

Find the two possible functions f such that

− 14x + 15.
2
(g ∘ f )(x) = 4x

[7]

Markscheme

attempts to form (g ∘ f )(x) (M1)

2 2
[f (x)] + f (x) + 3 OR (ax + b) + ax + b + 3

2
a x
2
+ 2abx + b
2
+ ax + b + 3(= 4x
2
− 14x + 15) (A1)

equates their corresponding terms to form at least one equation (M1)

2
a x
2
= 4x
2
OR a
2
= 4 OR 2abx + ax = −14x OR
2ab + a = −14 OR b
2
+ b + 3 = 15

a = ±2 (seen anywhere) A1

attempt to use 2ab + a = −14 to pair the correct values (seen

anywhere) (M1)
f (x) = 2x − 4 (accept a = 2 with b = −4), f (x) = −2x + 3

(accept a = −2 with b = 3) A1A1

[7 marks]
5. [Maximum mark: 7] 21N.1.SL.TZ0.1
Consider the function f (x) = −2(x − 1)(x + 3), for x ∈ R. The

following diagram shows part of the graph of f .

For the graph of f

(a.i) find the x-coordinates of the x-intercepts. [2]

Markscheme

setting f (x) = 0 (M1)

x = 1, x = −3 (accept (1, 0), (−3, 0)) A1

[2 marks]

(a.ii) find the coordinates of the vertex. [3]

Markscheme

METHOD 1
 x = −1 A1

substituting their x-coordinate into f (M1)

y = 8 A1

(−1, 8)

METHOD 2

attempt to complete the square (M1)

2
−2((x + 1) − 4) (M1)

x = −1, y = 8 A1A1

(−1, 8)

[3 marks]

(b) The function f can be written in the form

2
f (x) = −2(x − h) + k.

Write down the value of h and the value of k. [2]

Markscheme

h = −1 A1

k = 8 A1

[2 marks]
6. [Maximum mark: 5] EXN.2.SL.TZ0.5
The quadratic equation (k − 1)x 2 + 2x + (2k − 3) = 0, where

k ∈ R, has real distinct roots.

Find the range of possible values for k. [5]

Markscheme

* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics

senior examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the
new MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared
to formal exam papers.

attempts to find an expression for the discriminant, Δ, in terms of k (M1)

Δ = 4 − 4(k − 1)(2k − 3) (= −8k

2
+ 20k − 8) (A1)

−2±√ 4−4(k−1)(2k−3)
Note: Award M1A1 for finding x =
2(k−1)
.

attempts to solve Δ > 0 for k (M1)

Note: Award M1 for attempting to solve Δ = 0 for k.

2
< k < 2 A1A1

Note: Award A1 for obtaining critical values k =

1

2
, 2 and A1 for correct
inequality signs.
 [5 marks]

7. [Maximum mark: 6] 23M.1.SL.TZ1.5

Find the range of possible values of k such that e 2x + ln k = 3e
x

has at least one real solution. [6]

Markscheme

recognition of quadratic in e x (M1)

2
+ ln k(= 0) OR A
x x 2
(e ) − 3e − 3A + ln k(= 0)

recognizing discriminant ≥ 0 (seen anywhere) (M1)

2
(−3) − 4(1)(ln k) OR 9 − 4 ln k (A1)

9
ln k ≤
4
(A1)

e
9/4
(seen anywhere) A1

0 < k ≤ e
9/4
A1

[6 marks]
8. [Maximum mark: 16] 22N.1.SL.TZ0.7
(a) The graph of a quadratic function f has its vertex at the point
(3, 2) and it intersects the x-axis at x = 5. Find f in the form
2
f (x) = a(x − h) + k.
[3]

Markscheme

correct substitution of h = 3 and k = 2 into f (x) (A1)

2
f (x) = a(x − 3) + 2

correct substitution of (5, 0) (A1)

2 1
0 = a(5 − 3) + 2 (a = − )
2

Note: The first two A marks are independent.

2
A1
1
f (x) = − (x − 3) + 2
2

[3 marks]

The quadratic function g is defined by g(x) = px

2
+ (t − 1)x − p where

x ∈ R and p, t ∈ R, p ≠ 0.

In the case where g(−3) = g(1) = 4,

(b.i) find the value of p and the value of t. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1
 correct substitution of (1, 4) (A1)

p + (t − 1) − p = 4

t = 5 A1

substituting their value of t into 9p − 3(t − 1) − p = 4 (M1)

8p − 12 = 4

p = 2 A1

METHOD 2

correct substitution of ONE of the coordinates (−3, 4) or (1, 4)

(A1)

9p − 3(t − 1) − p = 4 OR p + (t − 1) − p = 4

valid attempt to solve their two equations (M1)

p = 2, t = 5 A1A1

2
(g(x) = 2x + 4x − 2)

[4 marks]

(b.ii) find the range of g. [3]

Markscheme

attempt to find the x-coordinate of the vertex (M1)

2
OR OR OR
−3+1 −4
x = (= −1) 4x + 4 = 0 2(x + 1) − 4
2 2×2

y-coordinate of the vertex = −4 (A1)

 correct range A1

[−4, + ∞[ OR y ≥ −4 OR g ≥ −4 OR [−4, ∞)

[3 marks]

(c) The linear function j is defined by j(x) = −x + 3p where

x ∈ R and p ∈ R, p ≠ 0.

Show that the graphs of j(x) = −x + 3p and

+ (t − 1)x − p have two distinct points of

2
g(x) = px

intersection for every possible value of p and t. [6]

Markscheme

equating the two functions or equations (M1)

g(x) = j(x) OR px
2
+ (t − 1)x − p = −x + 3p

px
2
+ tx − 4p = 0 (A1)

attempt to find discriminant (do not accept only in quadratic formula)

(M1)

Δ = t
2
+ 16p
2
A1

> 0, because t ≥ 0 and p > 0, therefore the sum

2 2 2 2
Δ = t + 16p

will be positive R1R1

Note: Award R1 for recognising that Δ is positive and R1 for the reason.

There are two distinct points of intersection between the graphs of g and j
. AG
[6 marks]
9. [Maximum mark: 6] 17N.1.SL.TZ0.S_8
Let f (x) = x
2
− x, for x ∈ R. The following diagram shows part of the
graph of f .

The graph of f crosses the x-axis at the origin and at the point P(1, 0).

The line L intersects the graph of f at another point Q, as shown in the

following diagram.

(d) Find the area of the region enclosed by the graph of f and the
line L. [6]

Markscheme

valid approach (M1)

 1
eg ∫ L − f, ∫
−1
(1 − x )dx, splitting
2
area into triangles and
integrals

correct integration (A1)(A1)

1
3 3 2 2
x x x x
eg [x −
3
] , −
3
−
2
+
2
+ x
−1

substituting their limits into their integrated function and subtracting (in
any order) (M1)

eg 1 −
1

3
− (−1 −
−1

3
)

Note: Award M0 for substituting into original or differentiated function.

area = 4

3
A2 N3

[6 marks]
10. [Maximum mark: 16] 22M.2.SL.TZ1.8
The function f is defined by f (x) , where x ∈ R, x ≠ −4.
4x+1
=
x+4

For the graph of f

(a.i) write down the equation of the vertical asymptote. [1]

Markscheme

x = −4 A1

[1 mark]

(a.ii) find the equation of the horizontal asymptote. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute into y = ac OR table with large values of x OR

sketch of f showing asymptotic behaviour (M1)

y = 4 A1

[2 marks]

(b.i) Find f −1 (x). [4]

Markscheme

4x+1
y =
x+4

attempt to interchange x and y (seen anywhere) M1

 xy + 4y = 4x + 1 OR xy + 4x = 4y + 1 (A1)

xy − 4x = 1 − 4y OR xy − 4y = 1 − 4x (A1)

(accept y ) A1
−1 1−4x 1−4x
f (x) = =
x−4 x−4

[4 marks]

(b.ii) Using an algebraic approach, show that the graph of f −1 is

obtained by a reflection of the graph of f in the y-axis followed
by a reflection in the x-axis. [4]

Markscheme

reflection in y-axis given by f (−x) (M1)

(A1)
−4x+1
f (−x) =
−x+4

reflection of their f (−x) in x-axis given by −f (−x) accept "now

−f (x)" M1

−4x+1
(−f (−x) =) −
−x+4

OR A1
−4x+1 4x−1
=
x−4 −x+4

AG
1−4x −1
= (= f (x))
x−4

Note: If the candidate attempts to show the result using a particular

coordinate on the graph of f rather than a general coordinate on the
graph of f , where appropriate, award marks as follows:
M0A0 for eg (2, 3) → (−2, 3)
M0A0 for (−2, 3) → (−2, −3)
 [4 marks]

The graphs of f and f −1 intersect at x = p and x = q, where p < q.

(c.i) Find the value of p and the value of q. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to solve f (x) = f

−1
(x) using graph or algebraically (M1)

p = −1 AND q = 1 A1

Note: Award (M1)A0 if only one correct value seen.

[2 marks]

(c.ii) Hence, find the area enclosed by the graph of f and the graph
of f −1 . [3]

Markscheme

attempt to set up an integral to find area between f and f −1 (M1)

(A1)
4x+1 1−4x
∫( − ) d x
x+4 x−4
−1

= 0. 675231 …

= 0. 675 A1
[3 marks]
11. [Maximum mark: 6] 20N.1.SL.TZ0.T_12
Jean-Pierre jumps out of an airplane that is flying at constant altitude. Before
opening his parachute, he goes through a period of freefall.

Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed during the time of freefall, S , in m s −1 , is modelled

by the following function.

−t
S(t) = K − 60(1. 2 ) , t ≥ 0

where t, is the number of seconds after he jumps out of the airplane, and K is a
constant. A sketch of Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed against time is shown below.

Jean-Pierre’s initial vertical speed is 0 m s −1 .

(a) Find the value of K . [2]

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure. It appeared in a paper that
permitted the use of a calculator, and so might not be suitable for all forms
of practice.

0 = K − 60(1. 2 )
0
(M1)

Note: Award (M1) for correctly substituted function equated to zero.

 (K =) 60 (A1) (C2)

[2 marks]

(b) In the context of the model, state what the horizontal

asymptote represents. [1]

Markscheme

the (vertical) speed that Jean-Pierre is approaching (as t increases) (A1)

(C1)
OR
the limit of the (vertical) speed of Jean-Pierre (A1) (C1)

Note: Accept “maximum speed” or “terminal speed”.

[1 mark]

(c) Find Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed after 10 seconds. Give your

answer in km h
−1
. [3]

Markscheme

(S =) 60 − 60(1. 2
−10
) (M1)

Note: Award (M1) for correctly substituted function.

(S =) 50. 3096 … (m s
−1
) (A1)(ft)
Note: Follow through from part (a).

(A1)(ft) (C3)
−1 −1
181 (km h ) (181. 114 … (km h ))

Note: Award the final (A1)(ft) for correct conversion of their speed to
.
−1
km h

[3 marks]
12. [Maximum mark: 6] 20N.1.SL.TZ0.S_4
Let f (x) = a log 3 (x − 4), for x > 4, where a > 0.

Point A(13, 7) lies on the graph of f .

(a) Find the value of a. [3]

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

attempt to substitute coordinates (in any order) into f (M1)

eg a log 3 (13 − 4) = 7 , a log 3 (7 − 4) = 13 , a log 9 = 7

finding log 3 9 = 2 (seen anywhere) (A1)

eg log 3 9 = 2 , 2a = 7

a =
7

2
A1 N2

[3 marks]

(b) The x-intercept of the graph of f is (5, 0).

On the following grid, sketch the graph of f .

 [3]

Markscheme

A1A1A1 N3

Note: Award A1 for correct shape of logarithmic function (must be

increasing and concave down).
Only if the shape is correct, award the following:
A1 for being asymptotic to x = 4
A1 for curve including both points in circles.

[3 marks]
13. [Maximum mark: 5] 21M.1.SL.TZ1.1
The graph of y = f (x) for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6 is shown in the following diagram.

(a.i) Write down the value of f (2). [1]

Markscheme

f (2) = 6 A1

[1 mark]

(a.ii) Write down the value of (f ∘ f )(2). [1]

Markscheme

(f ∘ f )(2) = −2 A1
 [1 mark]

(b) Let g(x) =

1
f (x) + 1 for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6. On the axes
2

above, sketch the graph of g.

[3]

Markscheme

M1A1A1

Note: Award M1 for an attempt to apply any vertical stretch or vertical

translation, A1 for a correct horizontal line segment between −4 and 0
(located roughly at y = 3),
A1 for a correct concave down parabola including max point at (2, 4) and
for correct end points at (0, 3) and (6, 0) (within circles). Points do not
need to be labelled.

[3 marks]
© International Baccalaureate Organization, 2024