MATHWISE ACADEMY
GRADE 11 MATHEMATICS
June Practice Examination (Paper 1 - Test 1)
Examiner: Vashi S Y
Instructions & Guidelines:
- This simulated workspace contains Questions 1 to 3 totaling 100 marks.
- Ensure all algebraic solutions are fully expanded and simplified before checking solutions.
- 💡 Tip: Use your browser's print function (Ctrl/Cmd + P or click the Download / Print PDF button) to save this out as a clean, structured worksheet!
QUESTION 1: EXPONENTS, SURDS & NATURE OF ROOTS
[20 Marks]Step-by-Step Solution:
Express all bases as prime bases of 3:
$$\frac{3^{n+1} \cdot (3^2)^{n-2}}{(3^3)^{n-1}}$$
Apply the power-of-a-power rule $ (a^m)^n = a^{mn} $:
$$= \frac{3^{n+1} \cdot 3^{2n-4}}{3^{3n-3}}$$
Apply multiplication and division laws of exponents:
$$= \frac{3^{(n+1) + (2n-4)}}{3^{3n-3}} = \frac{3^{3n-3}}{3^{3n-3}}$$
$$= 3^{(3n-3) - (3n-3)} = 3^0 = 1$$
- Expressing 9 as $3^2$ and 27 as $3^3$ (1 Mark)
- Expanding power terms to $3^{2n-4}$ and $3^{3n-3}$ (1 Mark)
- Applying addition/subtraction index laws (1 Mark)
- Final answer $1$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Simplify each surd by factorising with a perfect square:
$$\sqrt{50} = \sqrt{25 \cdot 2} = 5\sqrt{2}$$
$$\sqrt{18} = \sqrt{9 \cdot 2} = 3\sqrt{2}$$
$$\sqrt{8} = \sqrt{4 \cdot 2} = 2\sqrt{2}$$
Combine the like terms:
$$5\sqrt{2} - 3\sqrt{2} - 2\sqrt{2} = 0$$
- Simplifying at least two of the surds correctly (2 Marks)
- Final simplified calculation of $0$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
To investigate the nature of roots, calculate the discriminant ($\Delta = b^2 - 4ac$):
$$\Delta = (k)^2 - 4(2)(-3)$$
$$\Delta = k^2 + 24$$
Analyze the value of $\Delta$:
- Since $k^2 \ge 0$ for all real values of $k$, it follows that $k^2 + 24 \ge 24$.
- Therefore, $\Delta > 0$ for all real values of $k$.
Since the discriminant is strictly positive ($\Delta > 0$), the roots are guaranteed to be real and unequal.
- Identifying correct parameters: $a = 2, b = k, c = -3$ (1 Mark)
- Calculating discriminant expression $\Delta = k^2 + 24$ (1 Mark)
- Stating that $k^2 \ge 0$ thus $k^2 + 24 > 0$ (1 Mark)
- Concluding the roots are real and unequal ($\Delta > 0$) (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
For non-real roots, the discriminant must be strictly less than zero ($\Delta < 0$):
$$\Delta = b^2 - 4ac < 0$$
$$\Delta = (-4)^2 - 4(1)(p) < 0$$
$$16 - 4p < 0$$
Isolate $p$:
$$16 < 4p \implies 4 < p$$
$$p > 4$$
- Stating condition requirement $\Delta < 0$ (1 Mark)
- Correct substitution of values into discriminant $16 - 4p < 0$ (1 Mark)
- Transposition steps (1 Mark)
- Final inequality $p > 4$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
First, factorise out the coefficient of $x^2$ (which is $-2$):
$$A(x) = -2(x^2 - 20x)$$
Complete the square inside the bracket by adding and subtracting $\left(\frac{-20}{2}\right)^2 = 100$:
$$A(x) = -2(x^2 - 20x + 100 - 100)$$
$$A(x) = -2\left[(x - 10)^2 - 100\right]$$
Distribute the $-2$ back across the bracket:
$$A(x) = -2(x - 10)^2 + 200$$
Review the completed square form to state maximum area:
The maximum area of the garden is $200\text{ m}^2$ (which occurs when $x = 10\text{ m}$).
- Factoring out $-2$ coefficient correctly (1 Mark)
- Completing square inside bracket ($+ 100 - 100$) (1 Mark)
- Grouping square terms to $(x - 10)^2$ (1 Mark)
- Distributing back to get $-2(x - 10)^2 + 200$ (1 Mark)
- Correct maximum area statement of $200\text{ m}^2$ (1 Mark)
QUESTION 2: EQUATIONS & INEQUALITIES
[40 Marks]Step-by-Step Solution:
Distribute and rearrange into standard quadratic form:
$$x^2 - 3x - 10 = 0$$
Factorise the quadratic trinomial expression:
$$(x - 5)(x + 2) = 0$$
Set each linear factor equal to zero:
$$x = 5 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -2$$
- Standard form writing $x^2 - 3x - 10 = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Correct binomial factorisation factors (1 Mark)
- Both final correct roots $x = 5$ or $x = -2$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Apply the quadratic formula using parameters $a = 3$, $b = -5$, and $c = -1$:
$$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$
$$x = \frac{-(-5) \pm \sqrt{(-5)^2 - 4(3)(-1)}}{2(3)}$$
$$x = \frac{5 \pm \sqrt{25 + 12}}{6} = \frac{5 \pm \sqrt{37}}{6}$$
Calculate decimals using a scientific calculator:
$$x \approx 1.85 \quad \text{or} \quad x \approx -0.18$$
- Writing the quadratic formula correctly (1 Mark)
- Correct substitution of values (1 Mark)
- Correct decimal evaluation for first root $1.85$ (1 Mark)
- Correct decimal evaluation for second root $-0.18$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Square both sides of the equation to eliminate the radical sign (restrictions require $x \ge -5$ and $x \ge 1$):
$$x + 5 = (x - 1)^2$$
$$x + 5 = x^2 - 2x + 1$$
Rearrange into standard quadratic form:
$$x^2 - 3x - 4 = 0$$
Factorise the quadratic expression:
$$(x - 4)(x + 1) = 0 \implies x = 4 \quad \text{or} \quad x = -1$$
Check Solutions:
- Check $x = 4$: LHS $= \sqrt{4 + 5} = \sqrt{9} = 3$; RHS $= 4 - 1 = 3$. (Valid)
- Check $x = -1$: LHS $= \sqrt{-1 + 5} = \sqrt{4} = 2$; RHS $= -1 - 1 = -2$. (Invalid, since LHS $\neq$ RHS)
$$x = 4 \text{ only}$$
- Squaring both sides of the equation (1 Mark)
- Correct expansion and standard form $x^2 - 3x - 4 = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Factorisation to find both roots $x = 4$ and $x = -1$ (1 Mark)
- Showing valid check substitution operation (1 Mark)
- Concluding $x = 4$ as only valid root (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Factorise the quadratic expression to determine the critical values:
$$(x - 5)(x + 3) \ge 0$$
The critical values are $x = 5$ and $x = -3$.
Apply testing or graphical methods (parabola opens upwards since $a > 0$):
- For $x \le -3$, the expression is positive.
- For $-3 < x < 5$, the expression is negative.
- For $x \ge 5$, the expression is positive.
Solution Set: $$x \le -3 \quad \text{or} \quad x \ge 5$$
Number Line Representation:
Draw a horizontal line. Plot points at $-3$ and $5$. Place a solid dot (closed circle) on both $-3$ and $5$, drawing arrows extending outwards to the left of $-3$ and to the right of $5$.
- Factorising to find critical values $-3$ and $5$ (2 Marks)
- Correct inequality interval solution set (2 Marks)
- Accurate number line representation with closed boundary circles (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Separate exponents using exponential multiplication properties:
$$2^x \cdot 2^2 - 2^x = 96$$
Factorise out the common base term $2^x$:
$$2^x(2^2 - 1) = 96$$
$$2^x(4 - 1) = 96 \implies 2^x(3) = 96$$
Divide by 3:
$$2^x = 32$$
Write 32 in base 2 and equate the exponents:
$$2^x = 2^5$$
$$x = 5$$
- Splitting power components using index properties (1 Mark)
- Factorising out common $2^x$ factor (1 Mark)
- Simplifying bracket expression to $3$ (1 Mark)
- Isolating to $2^x = 32$ (1 Mark)
- Final solution $x = 5$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Isolate $y$ in the linear equation:
$$y = x + 3 \quad \text{--- (Equation 1)}$$
Substitute Equation 1 into the quadratic equation:
$$x^2 + x(x + 3) = 14$$
$$x^2 + x^2 + 3x = 14$$
$$2x^2 + 3x - 14 = 0$$
Factorise the quadratic trinomial expression:
$$(2x + 7)(x - 2) = 0$$
Set each factor equal to zero to find $x$:
$$2x + 7 = 0 \implies x = -\frac{7}{2} \quad (-3.5)$$
$$x - 2 = 0 \implies x = 2$$
Substitute these $x$ values back into Equation 1 to find the corresponding $y$ values:
- If $x = 2 \implies y = 2 + 3 = 5$
- If $x = -3.5 \implies y = -3.5 + 3 = -0.5 \quad \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right)$
Solution Coordinates: $$(2;\ 5) \quad \text{and} \quad (-3.5;\ -0.5)$$
- Isolating $y = x + 3$ correctly (1 Mark)
- Substituting linear term into quadratic expression (1 Mark)
- Simplifying to standard trinomial form $2x^2 + 3x - 14 = 0$ (2 Marks)
- Factoring to binomial brackets (1 Mark)
- Both correct $x$ values: $x = 2$ and $x = -3.5$ (2 Marks)
- Both correct matching $y$ values: $y = 5$ and $y = -0.5$ (2 Marks)
Step-by-Step Solution:
For equal roots, set the discriminant equal to zero ($\Delta = 0$):
$$\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 0$$
Substitute $a = 3$, $b = -p$, and $c = 12$:
$$(-p)^2 - 4(3)(12) = 0$$
$$p^2 - 144 = 0$$
$$p^2 = 144$$
$$p = \pm 12 \quad (p = 12 \text{ or } p = -12)$$
- Stating the equal roots condition requirement $\Delta = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Substituting coefficients into formula (1 Mark)
- Simplifying algebraic equation to $p^2 = 144$ (1 Mark)
- Correctly extracting square root to state both signs (2 Marks)
Step-by-Step Solution:
For an expression to be a perfect square, its corresponding equation must have equal roots ($\Delta = 0$):
$$\Delta = b^2 - 4ac = 0$$
Substitute $a = 1$, $b = -2k$, and $c = (3k + 4)$:
$$(-2k)^2 - 4(1)(3k + 4) = 0$$
$$4k^2 - 12k - 16 = 0$$
Divide the entire equation by 4:
$$k^2 - 3k - 4 = 0$$
Factorise the quadratic trinomial:
$$(k - 4)(k + 1) = 0$$
$$k = 4 \quad \text{or} \quad k = -1$$
- Identifying perfect square means setting $\Delta = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Substituting values and expanding correctly (1 Mark)
- Factorising trinomial expression $(k-4)(k+1) = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Stating both accurate values $k = 4$ or $k = -1$ (1 Mark)
QUESTION 3: FUNCTIONS & GRAPHS
[40 Marks]Given the functions:
$f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$ (parabola) and $g(x) = \frac{6}{x + 2} + 1$ (hyperbola).
Step-by-Step Solution:
The parabola is given in standard vertex form: $f(x) = a(x - p)^2 + q$.
The turning point coordinates are $(p;\ q)$:
For $f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$:
Turning Point $= (1;\ 9)$
- Correct $x$-coordinate value ($1$) (1 Mark)
- Correct $y$-coordinate value ($9$) (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
To find the $y$-intercept, substitute $x = 0$ into $f(x)$:
$$f(0) = -(0 - 1)^2 + 9$$
$$f(0) = -(-1)^2 + 9 = -1 + 9 = 8$$
$$y\text{-intercept} = (0;\ 8)$$
- Substituting $x = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Correct coordinate pair $(0;\ 8)$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
To find $x$-intercepts, substitute $f(x) = 0$:
$$0 = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$$
$$(x - 1)^2 = 9$$
$$x - 1 = \pm 3$$
Separate the equations:
$$x - 1 = 3 \implies x = 4$$
$$x - 1 = -3 \implies x = -2$$
$$x\text{-intercepts} = (4;\ 0) \quad \text{and} \quad (-2;\ 0)$$
- Substituting $f(x) = 0$ (1 Mark)
- Isolating square term $(x - 1)^2 = 9$ (1 Mark)
- Solving for both $x$ values: $x = 4$ and $x = -2$ (1 Mark)
- Writing as complete coordinate pairs $(4;\ 0)$ and $(-2;\ 0)$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Domain of $g(x) = \frac{6}{x + 2} + 1$:
The hyperbola has an asymptote where the denominator is zero: $x + 2 \neq 0 \implies x \neq -2$.
Domain: $$x \in \mathbb{R}, \ x \neq -2$$
Range of $f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$:
The parabola opens downwards ($a = -1 < 0$) and has a maximum $y$-value at its vertex turning point, which is $y = 9$.
Range: $$y \le 9, \ y \in \mathbb{R}$$
- Identifying vertical asymptote boundary $x \neq -2$ (1 Mark)
- Stating correct Domain of $g(x)$ (1 Mark)
- Identifying maximum turning point value $y = 9$ (1 Mark)
- Stating correct Range of $f(x)$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
For hyperbola $g(x) = \frac{6}{x + 2} + 1$:
1. Vertical asymptote occurs where denominator is zero:
$$x = -2$$
2. Horizontal asymptote represents the standalone constant term:
$$y = 1$$
- Correct equation of vertical asymptote ($x = -2$) (1 Mark)
- Correct equation of horizontal asymptote ($y = 1$) (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Calculate the $y$-intercept (substitute $x = 0$):
$$g(0) = \frac{6}{0 + 2} + 1 = \frac{6}{2} + 1 = 3 + 1 = 4$$
Coordinate: $$(0;\ 4)$$
2. Calculate the $x$-intercept (substitute $g(x) = 0$):
$$0 = \frac{6}{x + 2} + 1 \implies -1 = \frac{6}{x + 2}$$
$$-1(x + 2) = 6 \implies -x - 2 = 6 \implies -x = 8 \implies x = -8$$
Coordinate: $$(-8;\ 0)$$
- Substituting $x = 0$ for $y$-intercept (1 Mark)
- Correct $y$-intercept coordinate $(0;\ 4)$ (1 Mark)
- Substituting $g(x) = 0$ to solve for $x$ (1 Mark)
- Correct $x$-intercept coordinate $(-8;\ 0)$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
An axis of symmetry of the hyperbola with positive gradient is modeled by:
$$y = (x - p) + q$$
Substitute the asymptote intersection shifts $p = -2$ and $q = 1$:
$$y = (x - (-2)) + 1$$
$$y = x + 2 + 1$$
$$y = x + 3$$
- Selecting the correct positive gradient model formula $y = x + c$ (1 Mark)
- Substituting horizontal/vertical shift coordinates $(-2;\ 1)$ (1 Mark)
- Correct final equation $y = x + 3$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
First, calculate coordinate outputs for $x_1 = -1$ and $x_2 = 2$ using parabola function $f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$:
$$f(-1) = -(-1 - 1)^2 + 9 = -(-2)^2 + 9 = -4 + 9 = 5 \implies (-1;\ 5)$$
$$f(2) = -(2 - 1)^2 + 9 = -(1)^2 + 9 = -1 + 9 = 8 \implies (2;\ 8)$$
Now apply average gradient formula:
$$\text{Avg Gradient} = \frac{f(2) - f(-1)}{2 - (-1)}$$
$$= \frac{8 - 5}{2 + 1} = \frac{3}{3}$$
$$= 1$$
- Calculating $f(-1) = 5$ and $f(2) = 8$ (1 Mark)
- Substituting values into gradient formula (1 Mark)
- Correct final average gradient of $1$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Find where the parabola graph lies on or above the x-axis:
We calculated the horizontal x-intercepts of $f(x)$ to be $x = -2$ and $x = 4$ in Question 3.1.3.
Since the parabola is concave down ($a = -1$), the graph is above the x-axis ($f(x) \ge 0$) between the intercepts:
$$-2 \le x \le 4 \quad \text{or} \quad x \in [-2;\ 4]$$
- Identifying critical values $-2$ and $4$ from intercepts (1 Mark)
- Correct inequality interval representation (1 Mark)
- Correct inclusive boundary bracket formatting ($\le$) (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
For the hyperbola $g(x) = \frac{6}{x + 2} + 1$, the numerator is positive ($a = 6 > 0$).
This means the curves lie in the first and third quadrants relative to their asymptotes, and both curves are strictly decreasing throughout their domains.
The only point of exclusion is the vertical asymptote $x \neq -2$.
Decreasing for: $$x \in \mathbb{R}, \ x \neq -2 \quad \text{or} \quad x < -2 \ \cup \ x > -2$$
- Identifying that the function is decreasing everywhere except at asymptote (1 Mark)
- Correct interval notation $x \neq -2$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the two coordinates:
- Turning point of $f(x) = (1;\ 9)$ (from Question 3.1.1)
- Asymptote intersection center of $g(x) = (-2;\ 1)$ (from Question 3.2.1)
Calculate gradient $m$ of $h(x)$:
$$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{1 - 9}{-2 - 1} = \frac{-8}{-3} = \frac{8}{3}$$
Solve for equation using $y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$ and coordinate point $(1; 9)$:
$$y - 9 = \frac{8}{3}(x - 1) \implies y = \frac{8}{3}x - \frac{8}{3} + 9$$
$$h(x) = \frac{8}{3}x + \frac{19}{3} \quad \text{or} \quad h(x) \approx 2.67x + 6.33$$
- Identifying both points $(1; 9)$ and $(-2; 1)$ correctly (1 Mark)
- Calculating correct gradient $m = \frac{8}{3}$ (1 Mark)
- Correct substitution of coordinate points (1 Mark)
- Final standard straight line equation $y = \frac{8}{3}x + \frac{19}{3}$ (1 Mark)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Analyze the equation $f(x) = k$:
$$-(x - 1)^2 + 9 = k \implies -(x - 1)^2 = k - 9 \implies (x - 1)^2 = 9 - k$$
For the equation to have no real roots, the term on the right must be strictly negative:
$$9 - k < 0 \implies 9 < k$$
$$k > 9$$
Alternative Graphical Method: Since the maximum range of the parabola $f(x)$ is $y \le 9$, the horizontal line $y = k$ will not intersect the parabola if $k > 9$. Thus, no real roots occur.
- Identifying maximum turning point value of $y = 9$ (1 Mark)
- Setting up algebraic inequality condition $9 - k < 0$ or stating graphical non-intersection (1 Mark)
- Correct final inequality range $k > 9$ (1 Mark)
Sketch Properties Solution:
A correct sketch of the parabola $f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 9$ must feature:
- Symmetrical concave-down shape.
- Turning point vertex labeled clearly at point $(1;\ 9)$.
- Vertical axis y-intercept labeled at $(0;\ 8)$.
- Horizontal axis x-intercepts labeled at $(-2;\ 0)$ and $(4;\ 0)$.
- Correct turning point plotted at $(1;\ 9)$ (1 Mark)
- Correct y-intercept plotted at $(0;\ 8)$ (1 Mark)
- Both x-intercepts plotted at $(-2;\ 0)$ and $(4;\ 0)$ (1 Mark)
- Symmetric concave-down parabola shape curve (1 Mark)