Find the range of values of k for which x²+kx-3k<5 for some x, i.e. the curve y=x²+kx-3k goes below y=5

We know that x²+kx-3k-5<0 for some x for the values the k that we are trying to find.This will only occur when the curve has two distinct intersections with the x-axis. There are two distinct intersections only when the discriminant of the quadratic equation is more than 0. So k²-4(1)(-3k-5)>0 which is simplified as k²+12k+20>0.To find the values of k which satisfy this we solve k²+12k+20=0 by factorising and getting (k+10)(k+2)=0 so k=-10 or k=-2.Using these intersections with the x-axis we can sketch the graph of this quadratic and see that it is greater than 0 when k<-10 or k>-2. Therefore the solution to the question is k<-10 or k>-2.

Answered by Peter S. Maths tutor

3197 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Sketch the graph y=-x^3, using this sketch y=-x^(1/3)


Find the integral between 1 and -2 for (4-x^2-3x^3)


The tangent to a point P (p, pi/2) on the curve x=(4y-sin2y)^2 hits the y axis at point A, find the coordinates of this point.


The curve has equation y = x^3 - x^2 - 5x + 7 and the straight line has equation y = x + 7. One point of intersection, B, has coordinates (0, 7). Find the other two points of intersection, A and C.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences