Math Problem Statement
A curve has equation xy = 12 + x and a line has equation y = kx - 9, where k is a constant. a In the case where k = 2, find the coordinates of the points of intersection of the curve and the line. b Find the set of values of k for which the line does not intersect the curve.
Solution
Part (a): Find the coordinates of the points of intersection when
The equation of the curve is:
The equation of the line is:
When , the line equation becomes:
Substitute into :
Expand and simplify:
Simplify further by dividing through by 2:
Factorize:
Thus, or .
Now find the corresponding -coordinates:
-
For , substitute into : So, one intersection point is .
-
For , substitute into : So, the other intersection point is .
Final Answer for Part (a):
The points of intersection are:
Part (b): Find the set of values of for which the line does not intersect the curve
Substitute into the curve equation :
Expand and simplify:
This is a quadratic equation in , and the discriminant () determines whether the line intersects the curve. The discriminant of a quadratic equation is:
For :
The discriminant is:
For the line to not intersect the curve, the discriminant must be negative:
Solve for :
Final Answer for Part (b):
The line does not intersect the curve when:
Questions for Further Exploration:
- How would the solution change if the line equation included a different constant term instead of ?
- What happens to the points of intersection if ?
- How can we determine the range of -values for the curve ?
- How would you graphically confirm the set of values where no intersection occurs?
- How does the discriminant's value relate to the type of intersection (tangency, two points, or no intersection)?
Tip:
Always analyze the discriminant carefully when studying the intersection of quadratic equations with other curves or lines—it provides a powerful method to determine interaction.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Discriminant Analysis
Formulas
Quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0
Discriminant formula: Δ = b^2 - 4ac
Theorems
Quadratic Formula
Discriminant Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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