A hint to get started
Use missing output levels and a circle comparison to count roots
C has equation , with vertical asymptote x=−1 and a stationary point at x=2.
(i) Find a and b.
(ii) Find the other asymptote.
(iii) Without a calculator, find the set of values y cannot take.
(iv) Sketch C, showing axial intercepts, asymptotes and stationary points.
(v) Deduce the number of real roots of .
[2007/HCI/I/13(modified)]
CJC · Discussion · Question 5
A curve’s unavailable horizontal levels follow from a discriminant; a squared-output relation can be compared with a circle.