How many points of intersection are there between the parabola \(y=x^2-2kx+k^2+4\) and the x-axis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: No intersection
On the x-axis, \(y=0\). Therefore, the intersection equation is \(x^2-2kx+k^2+4=0\), whose discriminant is \(D=(-2k)^2-4(k^2+4)=-16<0\). Hence it has no real roots, so the parabola does not intersect the x-axis. Option D is incorrect because the discriminant remains -16 for every real value of k. Exam tip: Rewriting the equation as \(y=(x-k)^2+4\) immediately shows that the minimum y-value is 4, so the parabola stays 4 units above the x-axis.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
No intersection
Why is this the correct answer?
On the x-axis, \(y=0\). Therefore, the intersection equation is \(x^2-2kx+k^2+4=0\), whose discriminant is \(D=(-2k)^2-4(k^2+4)=-16<0\). Hence it has no real roots, so the parabola does not intersect the x-axis. Option D is incorrect because the discriminant remains -16 for every real value of k. Exam tip: Rewriting the equation as \(y=(x-k)^2+4\) immediately shows that the minimum y-value is 4, so the parabola stays 4 units above the x-axis.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Quadratic Equations. Topic: Nature of Roots.
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