NZ Scholarship Calculus study materials
NZ Scholarship Calculus study resources

NZ Scholarship Calculus practice questions

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Question 1Algebra and functions

The largest possible domain of the real function f(x) = sqrt(ln x - 1) is:

  1. (e, infinity)
  2. [e, infinity) Correct answer.
  3. (0, e]
  4. (0, infinity)

Explanation

The square root requires ln x - 1 >= 0, that is ln x >= 1. Because the natural logarithm is increasing on its domain, this gives x >= e, and any such x automatically satisfies x > 0. Hence the domain is [e, infinity).

Question 2Algebra and functions

For the function f(x) = e^(2x - 1) defined on the reals, the inverse function is given by:

  1. f inverse of x = ln((x + 1)/2), for x > 1
  2. f inverse of x = (ln x + 1)/2, for x > 0 Correct answer.
  3. f inverse of x = 2 ln x + 1, for x > 0
  4. f inverse of x = (ln x - 1)/2, for x > 0

Explanation

Writing y = e^(2x - 1) and taking logarithms gives ln y = 2x - 1, so x = (ln y + 1)/2. Interchanging x and y produces the inverse, and its domain is the range of f, namely x > 0.

Question 3Algebra and functions

The range of the function f(x) = 3 - 2 cos(4x) is:

  1. [1, 5] Correct answer.
  2. [-5, 5]
  3. [-1, 3]
  4. [-2, 2]

Explanation

As x varies, cos(4x) takes every value in [-1, 1]. Multiplying by -2 reverses the interval to [-2, 2], and adding 3 shifts it to [1, 5], which is therefore the range.

Question 4Algebra and functions

The solution set of the inequality |x - 3| >= 2|x + 1| is:

  1. (-infinity, -1/3] union [5, infinity)
  2. [-1/3, 5]
  3. [-5, 1/3] Correct answer.
  4. (-infinity, -5] union [1/3, infinity)

Explanation

Both sides are non-negative, so squaring is reversible: (x - 3)^2 >= 4(x + 1)^2. Expanding and collecting gives 3x^2 + 14x - 5 <= 0, that is (3x - 1)(x + 5) <= 0, whose solution is -5 <= x <= 1/3.

Question 5Algebra and functions

The polynomial P(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx + 6 has x - 1 and x + 2 as factors. Its third linear factor is:

  1. x + 3
  2. x + 1
  3. x - 3 Correct answer.
  4. x - 2

Explanation

For the monic cubic P(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx + 6, the product of the three roots equals -6. The known roots are 1 and -2, so 1 times -2 times r = -6, giving r = 3 and hence the factor x - 3.

Question 6Algebra and functions

The graph of f(x) = (2x^2 - 3x + 1)/(x^2 - 4) has:

  1. vertical asymptotes x = 2 and x = -2, and oblique asymptote y = 2x
  2. vertical asymptotes x = 1 and x = 1/2, and horizontal asymptote y = 2
  3. vertical asymptote x = 2 only, and horizontal asymptote y = 1
  4. vertical asymptotes x = 2 and x = -2, and horizontal asymptote y = 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

The denominator factors as (x - 2)(x + 2) and shares no factor with the numerator (2x - 1)(x - 1), so the graph has vertical asymptotes x = 2 and x = -2. Since numerator and denominator have equal degree 2, the horizontal asymptote is the ratio of leading coefficients, y = 2.

Question 7Algebra and functions

Expressing (3x + 5)/((x + 1)(x + 2)) in partial fractions gives:

  1. 2/(x + 1) - 1/(x + 2)
  2. 1/(x + 1) + 2/(x + 2)
  3. -1/(x + 1) + 2/(x + 2)
  4. 2/(x + 1) + 1/(x + 2) Correct answer.

Explanation

Write 3x + 5 = A(x + 2) + B(x + 1). Substituting x = -1 gives 2 = A, and substituting x = -2 gives -1 = -B, so B = 1. The decomposition is therefore 2/(x + 1) + 1/(x + 2).

Question 8Algebra and functions

The sum of the real solutions of 3^(2x) - 12 times 3^x + 27 = 0 is:

  1. 2
  2. 1
  3. 3 Correct answer.
  4. 4

Explanation

Substituting t = 3^x turns the equation into t^2 - 12t + 27 = 0, which factors as (t - 3)(t - 9) = 0. Since t must be positive, t = 3 or t = 9 give x = 1 or x = 2, whose sum is 3.

Question 9Algebra and functions

The function f is defined by f(x) = x^2 + ax + b for x <= 1 and f(x) = 2 ln x + 3 for x > 1. The values of a and b for which f is differentiable at x = 1 are:

  1. a = 0, b = 3
  2. a = -2, b = 4
  3. a = 2, b = 0
  4. a = 0, b = 2 Correct answer.

Explanation

Continuity at x = 1 requires 1 + a + b = 3, so a + b = 2. Differentiability requires the one-sided derivatives to agree: 2x + a at x = 1 equals 2 + a, while the derivative of 2 ln x + 3 at x = 1 equals 2, so a = 0 and then b = 2.

Question 10Algebra and functions

The equation e^(2x) - k e^x + k = 0 has exactly one real solution. The set of possible values of k is:

  1. k < 0 only
  2. 0 < k < 4
  3. k < 0 or k = 4 Correct answer.
  4. k = 4 only

Explanation

Put t = e^x > 0, so the equation becomes t^2 - kt + k = 0, and we need exactly one positive root. A repeated root t = k/2 must be positive, forcing k = 4 (giving t = 2); alternatively the two roots have opposite signs exactly when their product k is negative, giving one positive root for every k < 0.

Question 11Algebra and functions

The remainder when 2x^3 - 5x^2 + 4x - 7 is divided by x - 2 is:

  1. -11
  2. 1
  3. 5
  4. -3 Correct answer.

Explanation

By the remainder theorem, the remainder on division by x - 2 equals P(2). Substituting x = 2 gives 2(8) - 5(4) + 4(2) - 7 = 16 - 20 + 8 - 7 = -3.

Question 12Algebra and functions

For f(x) = x^2 + 2x, the simplified expression f(x + 1) - f(x) is:

  1. 2x + 3 Correct answer.
  2. x^2 + 2x + 1
  3. 2x + 1
  4. 2x + 4

Explanation

First compute f(x + 1) = (x + 1)^2 + 2(x + 1) = x^2 + 4x + 3. Subtracting f(x) = x^2 + 2x gives 2x + 3.

Question 13Algebra and functions

In the expansion of (2x - 1)^5, the coefficient of x^3 is:

  1. -80
  2. -40
  3. 80 Correct answer.
  4. 40

Explanation

The term containing x^3 comes from choosing (2x)^3 from three factors and -1 from the other two. Its coefficient is C(5,3) times 2^3 times (-1)^2 = 10 times 8 = 80.

Question 14Algebra and functions

The real solution of log_2(x - 1) + log_2(x - 3) = 3 is:

  1. x = -1
  2. x = 5 Correct answer.
  3. x = 4
  4. x = 1

Explanation

Combining the logarithms gives log_2((x - 1)(x - 3)) = 3, so (x - 1)(x - 3) = 8. This gives x^2 - 4x - 5 = 0, so x = 5 or x = -1; the logarithm domain x > 3 eliminates x = -1.

Question 15Algebra and functions

The partial fraction decomposition of (x^2 + 1)/(x(x - 1)^2) is:

  1. 1/x + 2/(x - 1)
  2. 1/x + 2/(x - 1) + 2/(x - 1)^2
  3. 1/x + 1/(x - 1) + 2/(x - 1)^2
  4. 1/x + 2/(x - 1)^2 Correct answer.

Explanation

Write the decomposition as A/x + B/(x - 1) + C/(x - 1)^2. Multiplying by x(x - 1)^2 and equating coefficients gives A = 1, B = 0, and C = 2, so the decomposition is 1/x + 2/(x - 1)^2.

Question 16Algebra and functions

The polynomial P(x) = x^3 - 4x^2 + 6x - 4 has 1 + i as a root. Its real root is:

  1. 4
  2. 1
  3. 2 Correct answer.
  4. -2

Explanation

Because P has real coefficients, complex roots occur in conjugate pairs, so 1 - i is also a root. The product (x - (1 + i))(x - (1 - i)) equals x^2 - 2x + 2, and dividing P by this quadratic leaves the factor x - 2.

Question 17Algebra and functions

The range of f(x) = x/(x^2 + 1) for real x is:

  1. [0, 1]
  2. [-1, 1]
  3. [-1/2, 1/2] Correct answer.
  4. (-infinity, infinity)

Explanation

Let y = x/(x^2 + 1). Rearranging gives yx^2 - x + y = 0, which has a real solution x only when the discriminant 1 - 4y^2 is non-negative. Hence -1/2 <= y <= 1/2, and both endpoints are attained at x = 1 and x = -1.

Question 18Algebra and functions

A function f defined for x not equal to 0 satisfies f(x) + 2f(1/x) = x for all x not equal to 0. The value of f(2) is:

  1. -1
  2. -1/3 Correct answer.
  3. 1/3
  4. 1

Explanation

Substituting x = 2 gives f(2) + 2f(1/2) = 2, while substituting x = 1/2 gives f(1/2) + 2f(2) = 1/2. Eliminating f(1/2) gives f(2) + 1 - 4f(2) = 2, so -3f(2) = 1 and f(2) = -1/3.

Question 19Algebra and functions

The equation x^4 - 4x^3 + 4x^2 + a = 0 has exactly four distinct real solutions precisely when:

  1. a < 0
  2. -1 <= a <= 0
  3. 0 < a < 1
  4. -1 < a < 0 Correct answer.

Explanation

Rewrite the equation as x^2(x - 2)^2 = -a. The graph of g(x) = x^2(x - 2)^2 has local minima 0 at x = 0 and x = 2, a local maximum 1 at x = 1, and tends to infinity as x tends to plus or minus infinity. A horizontal line y = c cuts the graph four times exactly when 0 < c < 1, so 0 < -a < 1, giving -1 < a < 0.

Question 20Algebra and functions

The number of real solutions of the equation 2^x = 1 + x^2 is:

  1. 1
  2. 3 Correct answer.
  3. 2
  4. 4

Explanation

Both x = 0 and x = 1 satisfy the equation. For x < 0, 2^x < 1 while 1 + x^2 >= 1, so no negative solution exists. For x > 1, the function h(x) = 2^x - (1 + x^2) is negative at x = 2 and x = 4 but positive at x = 5, and its single turning point after x = 1 gives exactly one further root between 4 and 5.

Question 21Algebra and functions

The domain of the real function f(x) = ln(9 - x^2) is:

  1. (-∞, -3) ∪ (3, ∞)
  2. (-3, 3) Correct answer.
  3. (0, 3)
  4. [-3, 3]

Explanation

The logarithm is defined only when its argument is strictly positive, so 9 - x^2 > 0. This is equivalent to x^2 < 9, which gives the open interval (-3, 3); the endpoints are excluded because ln 0 is undefined.

Question 22Algebra and functions

For f(x) = x^2 + 1 and g(x) = 2x - 3, the composite function g(f(x)) is:

  1. 2x^2 + 2
  2. 4x^2 - 12x + 10
  3. 2x^2 - 3
  4. 2x^2 - 1 Correct answer.

Explanation

Substitute f(x) into g: g(f(x)) = 2(x^2 + 1) - 3. Expanding gives 2x^2 + 2 - 3 = 2x^2 - 1.

Question 23Algebra and functions

For f(x) = x^3 + 1, the value of f^{-1}(65) is:

  1. 3
  2. 8
  3. 2
  4. 4 Correct answer.

Explanation

The inverse value f^{-1}(65) is the real x satisfying x^3 + 1 = 65. Hence x^3 = 64, and the real cube root is x = 4.

Question 24Algebra and functions

The graph of f(x) = (x^2 - 9)/(x^2 - 2x - 3) has a removable discontinuity at:

  1. (-3, 0)
  2. (3, 3/2) Correct answer.
  3. (-1, 3/2)
  4. (3, 0)

Explanation

Factor numerator and denominator: f(x)=((x-3)(x+3))/((x-3)(x+1)). The factor x-3 cancels, so the discontinuity at x=3 is removable; the limiting y-value is (3+3)/(3+1)=3/2.

Question 25Algebra and functions

The solution set of the inequality (x - 1)/(x + 2) ≤ 2 is:

  1. (-∞, -5] ∪ (-2, ∞) Correct answer.
  2. [-5, -2)
  3. (-∞, -5] ∪ (-2, 2) ∪ (2, ∞)
  4. [-5, -2) ∪ (2, ∞)

Explanation

Bring all terms to one side: (x-1)/(x+2)-2 = (-x-5)/(x+2) ≤ 0. Multiplying by -1 reverses the inequality to (x+5)/(x+2) ≥ 0. A sign chart with critical points -5 and -2 gives x ≤ -5 or x > -2.

Question 26Algebra and functions

A function f defined on the real numbers satisfies f(x) + 2f(1 - x) = 3x for every real x. The value of f(2) is:

  1. -4 Correct answer.
  2. 2
  3. 4
  4. -2

Explanation

Substituting 1-x for x gives f(1-x)+2f(x)=3(1-x). Solving these two equations simultaneously gives f(x)=2-3x, so f(2)=2-6=-4.

Question 27Algebra and functions

Let P(z)=z^3-3z^2+az+b, where a and b are real. Given that 1-2i is a root, the value of a+b is:

  1. -5
  2. 0
  3. 2 Correct answer.
  4. 7

Explanation

Since the coefficients are real, 1+2i is also a root. The sum of the three roots is 3, so the third root is 1; multiplying the roots gives -b=5, so b=-5, and the pairwise sum gives a=7. Therefore a+b=2.

Question 28Algebra and functions

The range of f(x)=ln(2+sin x) is:

  1. [0, ln 3] Correct answer.
  2. [ln 2, ln 3]
  3. (-∞, ln 3]
  4. [0, ln 2]

Explanation

For real x, sin x takes all values in [-1,1], so 2+sin x lies in [1,3]. Because ln is increasing, the range is [ln 1, ln 3]=[0, ln 3].

Question 29Algebra and functions

The equation x^3 - 3x + k = 0 has exactly two distinct real solutions precisely when k is:

  1. any value in (-2, 2)
  2. -2 or 2 Correct answer.
  3. 2 only
  4. -2 only

Explanation

The derivative 3x^2-3 is zero at x=±1, giving the two turning points. Exactly two distinct real roots occur when one turning point lies on the x-axis: f(-1)=2+k=0 or f(1)=-2+k=0, so k=-2 or k=2.

Question 30Algebra and functions

Let f(x)=x^3+ax^2+bx+c. The graph has a local maximum at x=-1 and a point of inflection at x=1. Given f(0)=2, the value of f(2) is:

  1. -12
  2. -18
  3. -22
  4. -20 Correct answer.

Explanation

The inflection condition f''(1)=0 gives 6+2a=0, so a=-3. The local-maximum condition f'(-1)=0 gives 3-2a+b=0, so b=-9; also c=2. Hence f(2)=8-12-18+2=-20.

Question 31Algebra and functions

The minimum value of x^2 − 4x + 7 over all real x is

  1. −3
  2. 3 Correct answer.
  3. 7
  4. 11

Explanation

Completing the square gives x^2 − 4x + 7 = (x − 2)^2 + 3. Since a square is never negative, the expression is at least 3, attained at x = 2. Therefore the minimum value is 3.

Question 32Algebra and functions

The equation x^2 + (k − 2)x + 9 = 0 has two distinct real solutions exactly when

  1. −4 < k < 8
  2. k > 8 only
  3. k < −4 or k > 8 Correct answer.
  4. k < −4 only

Explanation

A quadratic has two distinct real solutions when its discriminant is positive. Here the discriminant is (k − 2)^2 − 36, so the condition is |k − 2| > 6. This gives k < −4 or k > 8.

Question 33Algebra and functions

The graph of y = (3x − 1)/(x + 2) has asymptotes

  1. x = −2 and y = −1
  2. x = −2 and y = 3 Correct answer.
  3. x = 2 and y = 3
  4. x = −2 only

Explanation

The denominator x + 2 is zero at x = −2, giving a vertical asymptote there. The numerator and denominator have the same degree, so the horizontal asymptote is the ratio of leading coefficients, y = 3/1 = 3.

Question 34Algebra and functions

The sum of the real solutions of 3^(2x) − 12·3^x + 27 = 0 is

  1. 3 Correct answer.
  2. 4
  3. 2
  4. 1

Explanation

Let t = 3^x, so the equation becomes t^2 − 12t + 27 = 0, which factors as (t − 3)(t − 9) = 0. Thus 3^x = 3 or 3^x = 9, giving x = 1 or x = 2. The sum of the solutions is 3.

Question 35Algebra and functions

The polynomial P(x) = x^3 + ax^2 + bx − 6 has factors x − 1 and x + 2. The value of a is

  1. 4 Correct answer.
  2. 5
  3. 7
  4. 1

Explanation

Since x − 1 is a factor, P(1) = 0, so 1 + a + b − 6 = 0 and a + b = 5. Since x + 2 is a factor, P(−2) = 0, which gives −8 + 4a − 2b − 6 = 0, that is 2a − b = 7. Solving the two equations gives a = 4 and b = 1.

Question 36Algebra and functions

The graph of y = f(x) is transformed into the graph of y = f(2x − 6). This transformation is equivalent to

  1. a stretch parallel to the x-axis with factor 1/2, then a translation of 3 units to the right Correct answer.
  2. a translation of 3 units to the right, then a stretch parallel to the x-axis with factor 1/2
  3. a stretch parallel to the x-axis with factor 2, followed by a translation of 6 units to the right
  4. a translation of 3 units to the right, then a stretch parallel to the x-axis with factor 2

Explanation

Write f(2x − 6) as f(2(x − 3)). Replacing x by 2x compresses the graph horizontally by a factor of 1/2, and then replacing x by x − 3 translates it 3 units to the right. Doing the translation first would give f(2x − 3), which is a different graph.

Question 37Algebra and functions

Let f(x) = x/(x − 1) for x ≠ 1. The value of f(f(f(3))) is

  1. 3
  2. 1/3
  3. 3/2 Correct answer.
  4. 2/3

Explanation

Applying the function in turn: f(3) = 3/2, then f(3/2) = (3/2)/(1/2) = 3, then f(3) = 3/2 again. The function has period 2 under iteration, so three applications return the value to 3/2.

Question 38Algebra and functions

The sum of the solutions of the equation |x − 2| + |x + 3| = 7 is

  1. 1
  2. −1 Correct answer.
  3. 7
  4. 5

Explanation

The critical points are x = 2 and x = −3, so solve on the three intervals. For x < −3 the equation becomes −2x − 1 = 7, giving x = −4; for x > 2 it becomes 2x + 1 = 7, giving x = 3; on −3 ≤ x ≤ 2 it becomes 5 = 7, which has no solution. The sum of the solutions is −4 + 3 = −1.

Question 39Algebra and functions

The equation x^4 − 4x^2 + k = 0 has exactly three distinct real solutions. The value of k is

  1. −4
  2. 0 Correct answer.
  3. 2
  4. 4

Explanation

Let t = x^2 ≥ 0, so t^2 − 4t + k = 0. Exactly three distinct real x-values occur only when t = 0 is a root, contributing x = 0, while the other root for t is positive, contributing x = ±√t. Substituting t = 0 gives k = 0, and the equation then has t = 0 and t = 4, giving x = 0, 2 and −2.

Question 40Algebra and functions

A function f satisfies f(x) − 2f(1/x) = x^2 for all x ≠ 0. The value of f(2) is

  1. −3/2 Correct answer.
  2. 3/2
  3. −2
  4. 1/2

Explanation

Replacing x by 1/x in the given relation gives f(1/x) − 2f(x) = 1/x^2. Eliminating f(1/x) between the two equations leaves −3f(x) = x^2 + 2/x^2, so f(x) = −(x^2 + 2/x^2)/3. Substituting x = 2 gives f(2) = −(4 + 1/2)/3 = −3/2.

Question 41Algebra and functions

The maximal real domain of the function f(x)=√((x−1)/(x+3)) is:

  1. (−∞, −3) ∪ [1, ∞) Correct answer.
  2. (−∞, −3] ∪ [1, ∞)
  3. (−3, 1]
  4. [−3, 1]

Explanation

The radicand must be non-negative and the denominator cannot be zero. The critical values are x=−3 and x=1; testing intervals shows the quotient is positive for x<−3 and x>1, with x=1 included and x=−3 excluded.

Question 42Algebra and functions

For x≠3, the inverse of f(x)=(2x+1)/(x−3) is:

  1. (3x+1)/(x−2) Correct answer.
  2. (x−3)/(2x+1)
  3. (3x−1)/(x+2)
  4. (x+3)/(2x−1)

Explanation

Set y=(2x+1)/(x−3) and solve for x: y(x−3)=2x+1, so x(y−2)=3y+1 and x=(3y+1)/(y−2). Replacing y by x gives f⁻¹(x)=(3x+1)/(x−2).

Question 43Algebra and functions

When P(x)=x³−4x²+5x−7 is divided by x−2, the remainder is:

  1. −10
  2. −5 Correct answer.
  3. 1
  4. 3

Explanation

By the remainder theorem, the remainder on division by x−2 is P(2). Substituting gives 8−16+10−7=−5.

Question 44Algebra and functions

The solution set of the inequality |x−1| < 2|x+1| is:

  1. (−1/3, 3)
  2. (−∞, −1/3) ∪ (3, ∞)
  3. (−3, −1/3)
  4. (−∞, −3) ∪ (−1/3, ∞) Correct answer.

Explanation

Squaring both sides gives (x−1)²<4(x+1)², which simplifies to 3x²+10x+3>0. The roots are x=−3 and x=−1/3, and the quadratic is positive outside these roots.

Question 45Algebra and functions

The graph of y=(x²+1)/(x−1) has the oblique asymptote:

  1. y=x
  2. y=x+1 Correct answer.
  3. y=x+2
  4. y=x−1

Explanation

Dividing gives x²+1=(x−1)(x+1)+2, so y=x+1+2/(x−1). As |x| becomes large, the fractional term tends to zero, leaving the oblique asymptote y=x+1.

Question 46Algebra and functions

The range of the function f(x)=1/(x²+2), where x is real, is:

  1. (1/2, ∞)
  2. [0, 1/2]
  3. (0, 1/2] Correct answer.
  4. [1/2, ∞)

Explanation

Since x²+2≥2, the reciprocal satisfies 0<f(x)≤1/2. The value 1/2 occurs at x=0 and is included, while 0 is approached as |x|→∞ but never attained.

Question 47Algebra and functions

The polynomial P(x)=x⁴+a x³+b x²+x+2 has x=1 as a double root. The value of a is:

  1. 2
  2. −4
  3. 3 Correct answer.
  4. −7

Explanation

A double root at x=1 requires P(1)=0 and P′(1)=0. These give a+b+4=0 and 3a+2b+5=0, whose solution is a=3 and b=−7.

Question 48Algebra and functions

The real solution of log₂(x+3)+log₂(x−1)=3 is:

  1. −1+2√3 Correct answer.
  2. 5
  3. −1−2√3
  4. 3

Explanation

The domain requires x>1. Combining the logarithms gives (x+3)(x−1)=8, so x²+2x−11=0 and x=−1±2√3. Only −1+2√3 is greater than 1.

Question 49Algebra and functions

The equation 2^x=x² has exactly how many real solutions?

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3 Correct answer.
  4. 4

Explanation

For x<0 the function h(x)=2^x−x² is strictly increasing from −∞ to 1, giving one negative solution. For x>0, the known solutions are x=2 and x=4, and derivative analysis shows there are no others, so there are three real solutions in total.

Question 50Algebra and functions

Let f(x)=x³−3x+1. The equation f(f(x))=0 has exactly how many real solutions?

  1. 7 Correct answer.
  2. 5
  3. 9
  4. 6

Explanation

The cubic f(x)=0 has three real roots: one less than −1 and two between −1 and 3. For a level below −1 the graph meets it once, while for a level between −1 and 3 it meets it three times. Hence the total is 1+3+3=7.