The line y = 3x-4 intersects the curve y = x^2 - a, where a is an unknown constant number. Find all possible values of a.

For the line and the curve to intersect we need the for the following system of equations to have a solution. y = 3x AND y = x2 - aThe solution of the system of equations is found by solving x^2 - 3x - a = 0. (Interested in real numbers only)The solutions of a quadratic equation of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0 can be obtained via the formula (-b +- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac) ) / (2a).The formula results in a valid (/real) value only when b^2 - 4ac >=0, which in our case is equivalent to 9 + 4a >= 0.As we are given that the two curve intersect, we must have 9 + 4a >= 0, and thus a can be any value greater or equal to -9/4.

HK
Answered by Hasnat K. Further Mathematics tutor

4194 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A curve has equation y = ax^2 + 3x, when x= -1, the gradient of the curve is -5. Work out the value of a.


What is the equation of a circle with centre (3,4) and radius 4?


Lengths of two sides of the triangle and the angle between them are known. Find the length of the third side and the area of the triangle.


3x^3 -2x^2-147x+98=(ax-c)(bx+d)(bx-d). Find a, b, c, d if a, b, c, d are positive integers


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