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A hint to get started

Use missing output levels and a circle comparison to count roots

C has equation y=(x2+ax+4)/(x+b)y=(x^2+ax+4)/(x+b), 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 (4−x2)(x+1)2=(x2−4x+4)2(4-x^2)(x+1)^2=(x^2-4x+4)^2.

[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.

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