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 k=2k = 2

The equation of the curve is:

xy=12+xxy = 12 + x

The equation of the line is:

y=kx9y = kx - 9

When k=2k = 2, the line equation becomes:

y=2x9y = 2x - 9

Substitute y=2x9y = 2x - 9 into xy=12+xxy = 12 + x:

x(2x9)=12+xx(2x - 9) = 12 + x

Expand and simplify:

2x29x=12+x2x^2 - 9x = 12 + x

2x210x12=02x^2 - 10x - 12 = 0

Simplify further by dividing through by 2:

x25x6=0x^2 - 5x - 6 = 0

Factorize:

(x6)(x+1)=0(x - 6)(x + 1) = 0

Thus, x=6x = 6 or x=1x = -1.

Now find the corresponding yy-coordinates:

  • For x=6x = 6, substitute into y=2x9y = 2x - 9: y=2(6)9=129=3y = 2(6) - 9 = 12 - 9 = 3 So, one intersection point is (6,3)(6, 3).

  • For x=1x = -1, substitute into y=2x9y = 2x - 9: y=2(1)9=29=11y = 2(-1) - 9 = -2 - 9 = -11 So, the other intersection point is (1,11)(-1, -11).

Final Answer for Part (a):

The points of intersection are: (6,3)and(1,11).(6, 3) \quad \text{and} \quad (-1, -11).


Part (b): Find the set of values of kk for which the line does not intersect the curve

Substitute y=kx9y = kx - 9 into the curve equation xy=12+xxy = 12 + x:

x(kx9)=12+xx(kx - 9) = 12 + x

Expand and simplify:

kx29x=12+xkx^2 - 9x = 12 + x

kx210x12=0kx^2 - 10x - 12 = 0

This is a quadratic equation in xx, and the discriminant (Δ\Delta) determines whether the line intersects the curve. The discriminant of a quadratic equation ax2+bx+c=0ax^2 + bx + c = 0 is:

Δ=b24ac\Delta = b^2 - 4ac

For kx210x12=0kx^2 - 10x - 12 = 0:

  • a=ka = k
  • b=10b = -10
  • c=12c = -12

The discriminant is:

Δ=(10)24(k)(12)\Delta = (-10)^2 - 4(k)(-12)

Δ=100+48k\Delta = 100 + 48k

For the line to not intersect the curve, the discriminant must be negative:

100+48k<0100 + 48k < 0

Solve for kk:

48k<10048k < -100

k<10048k < -\frac{100}{48}

k<2512k < -\frac{25}{12}

Final Answer for Part (b):

The line does not intersect the curve when:

k<2512.k < -\frac{25}{12}.


Questions for Further Exploration:

  1. How would the solution change if the line equation included a different constant term instead of 9-9?
  2. What happens to the points of intersection if k=0k = 0?
  3. How can we determine the range of yy-values for the curve xy=12+xxy = 12 + x?
  4. How would you graphically confirm the set of kk values where no intersection occurs?
  5. 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