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.

PS
Answered by Peter S. Maths tutor

4382 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find dy/dx when y = x^2(cos(x)).


y=4x/(x^2+5)


Find the solutions of the equation: sin(x - 15degrees) = 0.5 between 0<= x <= 180


Edexcel C3 June 2015 Q1: tan(x)=p, where p is a constant. Using standard trigonometric identities, find the following in terms of p. a) tan(2x). b) cos(x). c) cot(x-45).


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning