Quadratic Functions: worked exam questions

12 solved quadratic functions questions, each worked line by line the way the 0606 mark scheme rewards. Learn the method in the Quadratic Functions topic notes, then see it applied here.

Paper 1 4 marks

A Quadratic in Disguise with a Square Root

Solve x − 5√x + 6 = 0 by substituting u = √x to reveal a quadratic, then squaring back, a 0606 question on quadratic-type equations.

Paper 1 4 marks

Completing the Square for a Maximum

Write 3 + 4x − 2x² in completed-square form and read off its maximum, a 0606 question on completing the square when the x² coefficient is negative.

Paper 1 5 marks

Completing the Square to Find the Minimum

Write 2x² − 12x + 5 in the form a(x + b)² + c, then read off the minimum point directly, a 0606 Paper 1 question where the completed square does all the work.

Paper 1 5 marks

Intersection of a Line and a Quadratic Curve

Find where a line crosses a quadratic curve by solving simultaneously, a 0606 question producing a quadratic with two intersection points.

Paper 2 6 marks

Maximum Area with Completing the Square

Maximise the area of a rectangular pen against a wall using completing the square, a 0606 quadratic optimisation done without calculus.

Paper 1 4 marks

No Real Roots: Finding a Range of k

Find the values of k for which a quadratic has no real roots using b² − 4ac < 0, a 0606 discriminant question giving a bounded range.

Paper 2 6 marks

Range of a Quadratic on a Restricted Domain

Find the range of x² − 4x + 7 over all reals and over 0 ≤ x ≤ 3, a 0606 question where the vertex and the endpoints together decide the answer.

Paper 1 5 marks

Sketching a Parabola: Intercepts and Vertex

Find the intercepts and vertex of a quadratic to sketch it, a 0606 question pulling together factorising and completing the square for the key features.

Paper 1 4 marks

Solving a Quadratic Inequality

Solve 2x² − 5x − 3 > 0 by factorising and reading the parabola, the 0606 method that beats sign tables and gets the 'inside or outside' choice right.

Paper 1 4 marks

Two Distinct Roots: Finding a Range of k

Find the values of k for which a quadratic has two distinct real roots, a 0606 discriminant question that ends in an inequality, not an equation.

Paper 1 5 marks

Using the Discriminant for Equal Roots

Find the values of k for which a quadratic has two equal roots by setting b² − 4ac = 0, a 0606 discriminant question that reduces to a quadratic in k.

Paper 2 5 marks

When Is a Line a Tangent to a Curve?

Find k so that a line is a tangent to a quadratic curve, using the discriminant of the combined equation, a 0606 favourite linking lines, curves and roots.

← All worked examples

Worked examples show the routine. A tutor builds it into your child.

Weekly 1-to-1 classes with a founder-vetted 0606 specialist, your child's own working marked line by line against real mark schemes. A 1-hour trial class first, always.