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Question 1Algebra and Polynomials
The polynomial p(x) = 2x^3 - 5x^2 + 4x - 7 is divided by (x - 2). What is the remainder?
- -7
- -3 Correct answer.
- 5
- 3
Explanation
By the remainder theorem, dividing p(x) by (x - 2) leaves remainder p(2). Substituting gives 2(8) - 5(4) + 4(2) - 7 = 16 - 20 + 8 - 7 = -3.
Question 2Algebra and Polynomials
Which of the following is a factor of f(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 - 5x - 6?
- x + 2
- x - 3
- x - 2 Correct answer.
- x - 1
Explanation
By the factor theorem, (x - c) is a factor exactly when f(c) = 0. Here f(2) = 8 + 8 - 10 - 6 = 0, so x - 2 is a factor.
Question 3Algebra and Polynomials
What is the degree of the product (3x^2 - 2x + 1)(x^3 + 4x - 5)?
- 6
- 4
- 3
- 5 Correct answer.
Explanation
The degree of a product of polynomials is the sum of their degrees. The first factor has degree 2 and the second has degree 3, so the product has degree 2 + 3 = 5.
Question 4Algebra and Polynomials
When 2x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 5 is divided by (x - 1), what is the quotient?
- 2x^2 - 5x + 9
- 2x^2 - x + 3 Correct answer.
- 2x^2 + x - 3
- 2x^2 + x + 5
Explanation
Synthetic division using x = 1 gives coefficients 2, -3, 4, -5, producing quotient coefficients 2, -1, 3 and remainder -2. Therefore the quotient is 2x^2 - x + 3.
Question 5Algebra and Polynomials
In the expansion of (2 - 3x)^5, what is the coefficient of x^3?
- -1080 Correct answer.
- 720
- 1080
- -540
Explanation
The general term is C(5,r) 2^(5-r) (-3x)^r. For x^3, r = 3, giving C(5,3) × 2^2 × (-3)^3 = 10 × 4 × (-27) = -1080.
Question 6Algebra and Polynomials
Express (5x + 1)/((x - 1)(x + 2)) in partial fractions.
- 2/(x - 1) - 3/(x + 2)
- 3/(x - 1) + 2/(x + 2)
- 2/(x - 1) + 3/(x + 2) Correct answer.
- 1/(x - 1) + 4/(x + 2)
Explanation
Write (5x + 1)/((x - 1)(x + 2)) = A/(x - 1) + B/(x + 2), so 5x + 1 = A(x + 2) + B(x - 1). Setting x = 1 gives A = 2, and setting x = -2 gives B = 3.
Question 7Algebra and Polynomials
The polynomial f(x) = x^3 + ax^2 - 3x + 2 has (x - 1) as a factor. Find the value of a.
- 2
- -1
- 1
- 0 Correct answer.
Explanation
Since (x - 1) is a factor, the factor theorem gives f(1) = 0. Substituting x = 1 gives 1 + a - 3 + 2 = a, so a = 0.
Question 8Algebra and Polynomials
Given that x = 3 is a root of x^3 - 4x^2 + x + 6 = 0, what are the other two roots?
- 2 and 1
- 2 and -1 Correct answer.
- 1 and -2
- -2 and -1
Explanation
Dividing the cubic by the known factor (x - 3) gives x^2 - x - 2. This quadratic factorises as (x - 2)(x + 1), so the other roots are 2 and -1.
Question 9Algebra and Polynomials
Find the term independent of x in the expansion of (x + 2/x)^6.
- 120
- 160 Correct answer.
- 240
- 80
Explanation
The general term is C(6,r) x^(6-r) (2/x)^r = C(6,r) 2^r x^(6-2r). For the term independent of x, set 6 - 2r = 0, so r = 3. The term is C(6,3) × 2^3 = 20 × 8 = 160.
Question 10Algebra and Polynomials
The polynomial p(x) = x^4 - 2x^3 + ax^2 + bx - 6 is divisible by (x - 1) and leaves a remainder of 12 when divided by (x + 1). Find a and b.
- (11, -4) Correct answer.
- (4, 11)
- (-11, 4)
- (11, 4)
Explanation
Using p(1) = 0 gives 1 - 2 + a + b - 6 = 0, so a + b = 7. Using p(-1) = 12 gives 1 + 2 + a - b - 6 = 12, so a - b = 15. Solving these simultaneously gives a = 11 and b = -4.
Question 11Algebra and Polynomials
The quadratic equation 2x^2 - 4x + 5 = 0 has which type of roots?
- infinitely many real roots
- a complex conjugate pair Correct answer.
- two distinct real roots
- one repeated real root
Explanation
For a quadratic ax^2 + bx + c = 0, the discriminant b^2 - 4ac determines the nature of the roots. Here b^2 - 4ac = (-4)^2 - 4(2)(5) = 16 - 40 = -24, which is negative, so there are no real roots. Since the coefficients are real, the roots form a complex conjugate pair.
Question 12Algebra and Polynomials
Which of the following is a linear factor of x^3 - 8?
- x + 2
- x - 2 Correct answer.
- x - 4
- x + 4
Explanation
A linear factor x - k corresponds to a root x = k. Substituting x = 2 into x^3 - 8 gives 8 - 8 = 0, so x - 2 is a factor. Equivalently, the difference of cubes gives x^3 - 8 = (x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4).
Question 13Algebra and Polynomials
The expression x^2 + 6x + 5 can be written in the form (x + a)^2 + b. What is the pair (a, b)?
- (3, -4) Correct answer.
- (6, 5)
- (-3, -4)
- (3, 4)
Explanation
Complete the square by taking half of the coefficient of x, which is 3, so a = 3. Then x^2 + 6x + 5 = (x + 3)^2 - 9 + 5 = (x + 3)^2 - 4, giving b = -4. Hence (a, b) = (3, -4).
Question 14Algebra and Polynomials
When p(x) = x^3 - 3x^2 + 2x - 5 is divided by (x - 2)(x + 1), the remainder is ax + b. What is a + b?
- 2
- -7 Correct answer.
- -5
- -9
Explanation
Write p(x) = (x - 2)(x + 1)q(x) + ax + b. Substituting x = 2 gives 2a + b = p(2) = -5. Substituting x = -1 gives -a + b = p(-1) = -11. Solving these equations gives a = 2 and b = -9, so a + b = -7.
Question 15Algebra and Polynomials
The roots of 2x^2 - 7x + 3 = 0 are α and β. What is 1/α + 1/β?
- 6/7
- 7/3 Correct answer.
- 7/6
- 3/7
Explanation
For 2x^2 - 7x + 3 = 0, the sum of roots is α + β = 7/2 and the product is αβ = 3/2. Then 1/α + 1/β = (α + β)/(αβ) = (7/2)/(3/2) = 7/3.
Question 16Algebra and Polynomials
The rational function (3x + 1)/((x - 2)^2(x + 1)) is to be expressed in partial fractions. Which form is correct before finding the constants?
- A/(x - 2)^2 + B/(x + 1)
- A/(x - 2) + B/(x - 2)^2 + C/(x + 1) + D/(x + 1)^2
- A/(x - 2) + B/(x - 2)^2 + C/(x + 1) Correct answer.
- A/(x - 2) + B/(x + 1)
Explanation
The factor (x - 2) is repeated twice, so it requires both A/(x - 2) and B/(x - 2)^2. The factor (x + 1) is not repeated, so it needs only the single term C/(x + 1). Therefore the correct form includes three partial fractions.
Question 17Algebra and Polynomials
In the expansion of (1 + ax)^6, where a > 0, the coefficient of x^2 is 60. What is a?
- 4
- 6
- √2
- 2 Correct answer.
Explanation
By the binomial theorem, the coefficient of x^2 in (1 + ax)^6 is C(6, 2)a^2 = 15a^2. Setting 15a^2 = 60 gives a^2 = 4. Since a > 0, we have a = 2.
Question 18Algebra and Polynomials
Solve the inequality x^3 - 4x > 0.
- x < -2 or 0 < x < 2
- -2 < x < 0 or x > 2 Correct answer.
- x < -2 or x > 2
- -2 < x < 2
Explanation
Factorise x^3 - 4x = x(x - 2)(x + 2). The critical values are x = -2, 0 and 2. A sign chart shows the product is positive on -2 < x < 0 and on x > 2, so these are the solution intervals.
Question 19Algebra and Polynomials
The polynomial p(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx + c has a repeated root at x = 2 and p(1) = 0. What is c?
- 4
- 8
- -8
- -4 Correct answer.
Explanation
A repeated root at x = 2 means (x - 2)^2 is a factor, so p(x) = (x - 2)^2(x - r). Since p(1) = 0, we get (1 - 2)^2(1 - r) = 1 - r = 0, so r = 1. Thus p(x) = (x - 2)^2(x - 1), whose constant term is 4 × (-1) = -4.
Question 20Algebra and Polynomials
What is the coefficient of x^5 in the expansion of (1 - 2x)^7(1 + x)?
- -672
- 560
- -112 Correct answer.
- 112
Explanation
The coefficient of x^5 in (1 - 2x)^7 is C(7, 5)(-2)^5 = -672, and the coefficient of x^4 is C(7, 4)(-2)^4 = 560. Multiplying by (1 + x) gives coefficient of x^5 equal to -672 + 560 = -112.
Question 21Algebra and Polynomials
The quadratic equation x^2 + kx + 9 = 0, where k is a real constant, has a repeated root. What are the possible values of k?
- ±3
- ±6 Correct answer.
- 6 only
- ±9
Explanation
A quadratic has a repeated root exactly when its discriminant b^2 - 4ac is zero. Here a = 1, b = k and c = 9, so k^2 - 36 = 0, giving k^2 = 36 and hence k = ±6. Both values give a perfect square and therefore a double root.
Question 22Algebra and Polynomials
Find the remainder when p(x) = 4x^3 - 2x^2 + 5x - 3 is divided by (2x - 1).
- 1/2
- -1/2 Correct answer.
- -3
- 0
Explanation
The remainder theorem gives the remainder on division by 2x - 1 as p(1/2), because 2x - 1 = 0 when x = 1/2. Substituting gives 4(1/8) - 2(1/4) + 5(1/2) - 3 = 1/2 - 1/2 + 5/2 - 3 = -1/2. Thus the remainder is -1/2.
Question 23Algebra and Polynomials
The roots of x^2 - 6x + 4 = 0 are α and β. What is α^2 + β^2?
- 28 Correct answer.
- 32
- 44
- 36
Explanation
By Vieta’s formulas, α + β = 6 and αβ = 4. Use the identity α^2 + β^2 = (α + β)^2 - 2αβ, so the value is 6^2 - 2(4) = 36 - 8 = 28. This avoids solving for the individual roots.
Question 24Algebra and Polynomials
Solve the inequality x^4 - 5x^2 + 4 ≤ 0.
- [-2, -1] ∪ [1, 2] Correct answer.
- [-2, 2]
- (-∞, -2] ∪ [-1, 1] ∪ [2, ∞)
- [-1, 1]
Explanation
Factor the quartic as (x^2 - 1)(x^2 - 4) ≤ 0. Let y = x^2; then (y - 1)(y - 4) ≤ 0, so 1 ≤ y ≤ 4. Hence 1 ≤ x^2 ≤ 4, which gives x ∈ [-2, -1] ∪ [1, 2].
Question 25Functions and Graphs
Find the maximal domain of the real-valued function f(x) = 1/√(4 − x).
- x ≥ 4
- x > 4
- x ≤ 4
- x < 4 Correct answer.
Explanation
The square root requires its argument to be non-negative, so 4 − x ≥ 0, giving x ≤ 4. Because the square root is in a denominator it cannot be zero, so 4 − x ≠ 0, that is x ≠ 4. Combining these two conditions leaves x < 4.
Question 26Functions and Graphs
The function f is defined by f(x) = 3x − 7. Find the value of f⁻¹(5).
- 22
- 4
- 2
- 8 Correct answer.
Explanation
The inverse function undoes the operations of f, so f⁻¹(x) = (x + 7)/3. Substituting x = 5 gives (5 + 7)/3 = 4. Equivalently, solving 3x − 7 = 5 also yields x = 4.
Question 27Functions and Graphs
The curve y = f(x) is transformed into the curve y = f(x − 3) + 2. Which single description correctly gives the transformation?
- A translation 3 units to the left and 2 units down
- A translation 3 units to the left and 2 units up
- A translation 3 units to the right and 2 units up Correct answer.
- A translation 3 units to the right and 2 units down
Explanation
Replacing x by x − 3 acts inside the function and shifts the graph 3 units in the positive x-direction, that is to the right. Adding 2 outside the function raises every y-coordinate by 2, moving the graph 2 units up.
Question 28Functions and Graphs
Find the range of the function f(x) = x² − 6x + 5, where x ∈ ℝ.
- (−∞, 3]
- (−∞, −4]
- [−4, ∞) Correct answer.
- [3, ∞)
Explanation
Completing the square gives x² − 6x + 5 = (x − 3)² − 4. Since a square is never negative, (x − 3)² − 4 ≥ −4, and the value −4 is attained at x = 3. Hence the range is [−4, ∞).
Question 29Functions and Graphs
Solve the equation |2x − 5| = 7 for real x.
- x = −1 only
- x = 1 or x = −6
- x = 6 only
- x = −1 or x = 6 Correct answer.
Explanation
The modulus equation splits into two linear cases: 2x − 5 = 7 gives x = 6, and 2x − 5 = −7 gives x = −1. Both values satisfy the original equation, so the solution set is {−1, 6}.
Question 30Functions and Graphs
The function f is defined by f(x) = x² + 1 for x ≥ 0. Find an expression for f⁻¹(x).
- √(x − 1) Correct answer.
- ±√(x − 1)
- (x − 1)²
- √x − 1
Explanation
Write y = x² + 1 and solve for x: x² = y − 1, so x = √(y − 1) because the restriction x ≥ 0 selects the positive square root. Interchanging x and y gives f⁻¹(x) = √(x − 1), defined for x ≥ 1.
Question 31Functions and Graphs
Solve the inequality x² − 5x + 6 < 0.
- x < 2 or x > 3
- 2 < x < 3 Correct answer.
- x < −3 or x > −2
- −3 < x < −2
Explanation
Factorising gives (x − 2)(x − 3) < 0, so the roots are 2 and 3. The parabola y = x² − 5x + 6 opens upwards, so it lies below the x-axis strictly between the roots. Hence the solution is 2 < x < 3.
Question 32Functions and Graphs
The functions f and g are given by f(x) = √x and g(x) = 1/(x − 2). Find the domain of the composite function h(x) = f(g(x)).
- x ≠ 2
- x > 0
- x ≥ 2
- x > 2 Correct answer.
Explanation
The composite is h(x) = √(1/(x − 2)). For the square root to be real we need 1/(x − 2) ≥ 0, which requires x − 2 > 0 since the numerator is positive. Also x = 2 must be excluded, so the domain is x > 2.
Question 33Functions and Graphs
The function f(x) = x² + 2kx + k + 2, where k is a real constant, has no real roots. Find the set of possible values of k.
- −2 < k < 1
- k < −2 or k > 1
- −1 < k < 2 Correct answer.
- k < −1 or k > 2
Explanation
A quadratic has no real roots exactly when its discriminant is negative. Here the discriminant is (2k)² − 4(k + 2) = 4k² − 4k − 8, so we need k² − k − 2 < 0. Factorising gives (k − 2)(k + 1) < 0, and the upward parabola is negative between its roots, so −1 < k < 2.
Question 34Functions and Graphs
The function f is defined by f(x) = (2x + 1)/(x − 3) for x ≠ 3. Find f⁻¹(x).
- (3x + 1)/(2 − x)
- (2x + 1)/(x − 3)
- (3x + 1)/(x − 2), x ≠ 2 Correct answer.
- (x − 3)/(2x + 1)
Explanation
Write y = (2x + 1)/(x − 3) and rearrange: y(x − 3) = 2x + 1, so xy − 3y = 2x + 1. Collecting x terms gives x(y − 2) = 3y + 1, hence x = (3y + 1)/(y − 2). Interchanging x and y gives f⁻¹(x) = (3x + 1)/(x − 2), with x ≠ 2.
Question 35Functions and Graphs
The functions f and g are defined by f(x) = 2x − 3 and g(x) = x². Find the value of f(g(2)).
- 5 Correct answer.
- 8
- 1
- 4
Explanation
First evaluate the inner function: g(2) = 2² = 4. Then apply f to this result: f(4) = 2(4) − 3 = 5. Composition is worked from the inside outwards.
Question 36Functions and Graphs
Find the maximal domain of the real-valued function f(x) = √(2x − 6).
- x ∈ ℝ
- x > 3
- x ≥ 3 Correct answer.
- x ≤ 3
Explanation
The expression under the square root must be non-negative, so 2x − 6 ≥ 0. Solving gives x ≥ 3, and the endpoint 3 is included because √0 is defined.
Question 37Functions and Graphs
Which of the following functions is even on ℝ?
- f(x) = x³
- f(x) = x² + 1 Correct answer.
- f(x) = x + 1
- f(x) = x³ + x
Explanation
A function is even when f(−x) = f(x) for every x in its domain. For f(x) = x² + 1, substituting −x gives (−x)² + 1 = x² + 1, so the condition holds. The other listed functions do not satisfy this symmetry condition.
Question 38Functions and Graphs
Solve the inequality |2x + 1| ≤ 7 for real x.
- −4 < x < 3
- −4 ≤ x ≤ 3 Correct answer.
- x ≥ −4
- x ≤ 3
Explanation
The inequality |2x + 1| ≤ 7 is equivalent to −7 ≤ 2x + 1 ≤ 7. Subtract 1 to get −8 ≤ 2x ≤ 6, then divide by 2 to obtain −4 ≤ x ≤ 3. Both endpoints are included because the modulus inequality is non-strict.
Question 39Functions and Graphs
The graph of y = f(2x) is obtained from the graph of y = f(x) by which single transformation?
- a vertical stretch with scale factor 2
- a horizontal stretch with scale factor 2
- a vertical stretch with scale factor 1/2
- a horizontal stretch with scale factor 1/2 Correct answer.
Explanation
Replacing x by 2x affects the horizontal direction and compresses the graph towards the y-axis. A point at x = a on y = f(x) moves to x = a/2 on y = f(2x), which is a horizontal stretch of scale factor 1/2. Vertical transformations would instead modify the whole function value.
Question 40Functions and Graphs
Find the maximal domain of the real-valued function f(x) = √(x² − 9).
- (−∞, −3] ∪ [3, ∞) Correct answer.
- [−3, 3]
- (−∞, −3) ∪ (3, ∞)
- [3, ∞)
Explanation
The radicand must satisfy x² − 9 ≥ 0, which factors as (x − 3)(x + 3) ≥ 0. This inequality holds outside the interval between the roots, including the roots themselves, so the domain is x ≤ −3 or x ≥ 3.
Question 41Functions and Graphs
The function f is defined by f(x) = 1/(x − 2) for x > 2. Find the range of f.
- (−∞, 0)
- (2, ∞)
- ℝ
- (0, ∞) Correct answer.
Explanation
For x > 2, the denominator x − 2 is positive, so 1/(x − 2) is positive. As x approaches 2 from above the value becomes arbitrarily large, and as x increases without bound the value approaches 0 but never reaches it. Hence the range is (0, ∞).
Question 42Functions and Graphs
The functions f and g are defined by f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x/(x − 1) for x ≠ 1. Find an expression for f(g(x)).
- (3x − 1)/(x − 1) Correct answer.
- (x + 1)/(x − 1)
- (2x + 1)/(x − 1)
- (3x + 1)/(x − 1)
Explanation
Substitute g(x) into f: f(g(x)) = 2[x/(x − 1)] + 1. Writing 1 as (x − 1)/(x − 1) gives [2x + (x − 1)]/(x − 1) = (3x − 1)/(x − 1), with x ≠ 1.
Question 43Functions and Graphs
Find the number of real solutions of the equation |x² − 4x| = 2.
- 2
- 3
- 0
- 4 Correct answer.
Explanation
The equation splits into x² − 4x = 2 or x² − 4x = −2. The first quadratic has discriminant 16 + 8 = 24 > 0, giving two distinct real roots; the second has discriminant 16 − 8 = 8 > 0, also giving two distinct real roots. No root is shared, so there are four real solutions in total.
Question 44Functions and Graphs
The curve y = (x² + 1)/(x − 2) has an oblique asymptote. Find its equation.
- y = x − 2
- y = x + 1
- y = x + 2 Correct answer.
- y = 2x + 1
Explanation
Divide x² + 1 by x − 2: x² + 1 = (x − 2)(x + 2) + 5, so y = x + 2 + 5/(x − 2). As x tends to ±∞ the fractional term tends to 0, leaving the oblique asymptote y = x + 2.
Question 45Exponentials and Logarithms
What is the value of log_2 32?
- 4
- 5 Correct answer.
- 6
- 25
Explanation
By definition, log_2 32 is the exponent to which 2 must be raised to obtain 32. Since 2^5 = 32, the logarithm equals 5.
Question 46Exponentials and Logarithms
Which expression is equal to log_3 18 - log_3 2?
- 9
- 16
- 3
- 2 Correct answer.
Explanation
Use the quotient law log_a m - log_a n = log_a(m/n). Thus log_3 18 - log_3 2 = log_3(18/2) = log_3 9, and since 3^2 = 9, the value is 2.
Question 47Exponentials and Logarithms
Solve 4^x = 8 for x.
- 2
- 3
- 1/2
- 3/2 Correct answer.
Explanation
Write both sides as powers of 2: 4^x = (2^2)^x = 2^(2x), and 8 = 2^3. Equating exponents gives 2x = 3, so x = 3/2.
Question 48Exponentials and Logarithms
Solve log_2(x + 3) = 4.
- 5
- 16
- 13 Correct answer.
- 11
Explanation
Convert the logarithmic equation to exponential form: x + 3 = 2^4 = 16. Hence x = 13, which is valid because x + 3 = 16 is positive.
Question 49Exponentials and Logarithms
Solve 3^(x + 1) = 7, giving x in terms of natural logarithms.
- ln(7/3)
- ln7/ln3 + 1
- ln7/ln3 - 1 Correct answer.
- ln7/ln4
Explanation
Take natural logarithms of both sides: (x + 1)ln3 = ln7. Therefore x + 1 = ln7/ln3, so x = ln7/ln3 - 1.
Question 50Exponentials and Logarithms
Solve log_10 x + log_10(x - 3) = 1.
- 5 or -2
- -2
- 10
- 5 Correct answer.
Explanation
Combine the logarithms: log_10[x(x - 3)] = 1, so x(x - 3) = 10. Solving x^2 - 3x - 10 = 0 gives (x - 5)(x + 2) = 0, so x = 5 or x = -2; reject -2 because logarithms require positive arguments.