VCAA Mathematical Methods Algebra, number and structure

15 sample questions with marking guides and sample answers · Avg. score: 64.7%

Q14
2021
SCSA
Paper 2
5 marks
Q14
5 marks

Question 14

The displacement in metres, x(t)x(t), of a power boat tt seconds after it was launched is given by:

x(t)=5t(t215t+48)6,t0x(t)=\dfrac{5t(t^2-15t+48)}{6},\quad t\ge 0

How far has the power boat travelled before its acceleration is zero?

Reveal Answer

x(t)=5t(t215t+48)6,t0x(t) = \frac{5t(t^2 - 15t + 48)}{6}, \quad t \ge 0

v(t)=dxdt=5t250t+802v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{5t^2 - 50t + 80}{2}

a(t)=d2xdt2=5t25a(t) = \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} = 5t - 25

5t25=0    t=55t - 25 = 0 \implies \therefore t = 5

Distance travelled=055t250t+802dt=245381.7 metres\text{Distance travelled} = \int_0^5 \left| \frac{5t^2 - 50t + 80}{2} \right| dt = \frac{245}{3} \approx 81.7 \text{ metres}

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

determines an expression for velocity

1

determines an expression for acceleration

1

equates acceleration to zero and determines tt

1

shows integration expression for distance travelled

1

determines how far the power boat has travelled

1
Q6
2024
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q6
1 mark

Consider the function f(x)=2x+13xf(x) = \frac{2x+1}{3-x} with domain xR{3}x \in R \setminus \{3\}.

The inverse of ff is

A

f1(x)=3x1x+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3x-1}{x+2} with domain xR{3}x \in R \setminus \{3\}

B

f1(x)=37x+2f^{-1}(x) = 3 - \frac{7}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

C

f1(x)=3+5x+2f^{-1}(x) = 3 + \frac{5}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

D

f1(x)=13xx+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{1-3x}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

Reveal Answer
A

f1(x)=3x1x+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3x-1}{x+2} with domain xR{3}x \in R \setminus \{3\}

Incorrect. Although the algebraic expression for the inverse is correct, the domain of the inverse function must exclude x=2x = -2 to avoid division by zero, not x=3x = 3.

B

f1(x)=37x+2f^{-1}(x) = 3 - \frac{7}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

Correct Answer

Correct. Swapping xx and yy and solving for yy gives y=3x1x+2y = \frac{3x-1}{x+2}, which can be rewritten as 37x+23 - \frac{7}{x+2}. The domain correctly excludes x=2x = -2 to prevent division by zero.

C

f1(x)=3+5x+2f^{-1}(x) = 3 + \frac{5}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

Incorrect. Simplifying this expression yields 3x+11x+2\frac{3x+11}{x+2}, which does not match the correct inverse function f1(x)=3x1x+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3x-1}{x+2}.

D

f1(x)=13xx+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{1-3x}{x+2} with domain xR{2}x \in R \setminus \{-2\}

Incorrect. This expression has the wrong sign in the numerator. The correct inverse function is f1(x)=3x1x+2f^{-1}(x) = \frac{3x-1}{x+2}.

Q5
2022
VCAA
Paper 1
5 marks
Q5a
2 marks

Solve 103x13=10010^{3x-13} = 100 for xx.

Reveal Answer

10(3x13)=10210^{(3x-13)} = 10^2
3x13=23x - 13 = 2
x=5x = 5

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Expresses 100100 as 10210^2 and equates the exponents, e.g., 3x13=23x - 13 = 2

1

Solves for xx to find the correct answer, x=5x = 5

1
Q5b
3 marks

Find the maximal domain of ff, where f(x)=loge(x22x3)f(x) = \log_e(x^2 - 2x - 3).

Reveal Answer

Maximal domain when x22x3>0x^2 - 2x - 3 > 0
(x3)(x+1)>0(x - 3)(x + 1) > 0
From NFL x<1x < -1 and x>3x > 3
x(,1)(3,)x \in (-\infty, -1) \cup (3, \infty)

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Identifies that the argument of the logarithm must be strictly positive, x22x3>0x^2 - 2x - 3 > 0

1

Factorises the quadratic expression or finds the critical values, e.g., (x3)(x+1)>0(x - 3)(x + 1) > 0

1

States the correct maximal domain using union notation, x(,1)(3,)x \in (-\infty, -1) \cup (3, \infty)

1
Q9
2021
QCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q9
1 mark

The graphs of the functions f(x)=2ex+5f(x) = 2e^x + 5 and g(x)=3exg(x) = \frac{3}{e^x} intersect at point A. Determine the coordinates of point A.

A

(1.609, 15)

B

(1.099, 1)

C

(0.4065, 2)

D

(-0.693, 6)

Reveal Answer
A

(1.609, 15)

Incorrect. While this point lies on the graph of f(x)f(x) (since xln(5)x \approx \ln(5) gives f(x)=15f(x) = 15), g(1.609)0.6g(1.609) \approx 0.6. The intersection point must satisfy both equations.

B

(1.099, 1)

Incorrect. This point lies on the graph of g(x)g(x) (since xln(3)x \approx \ln(3) gives g(x)=1g(x) = 1), but f(1.099)11f(1.099) \approx 11. The functions are not equal at this x-value.

C

(0.4065, 2)

Incorrect. This point lies on the graph of g(x)g(x) (since xln(1.5)x \approx \ln(1.5) gives g(x)=2g(x) = 2), but f(0.4065)8f(0.4065) \approx 8. The y-values differ significantly.

D

(-0.693, 6)

Correct Answer

Correct. Set 2ex+5=3ex2e^x + 5 = \frac{3}{e^x} and multiply by exe^x to get the quadratic 2(ex)2+5ex3=02(e^x)^2 + 5e^x - 3 = 0. Factoring gives (2ex1)(ex+3)=0(2e^x - 1)(e^x + 3) = 0. Since ex>0e^x > 0, ex=12e^x = \frac{1}{2}, which yields x=ln(0.5)0.693x = \ln(0.5) \approx -0.693 and y=6y = 6.

Q19
2020
QCAA
Paper 1
6 marks
Q19
6 marks

A horizontal point of inflection is a point of inflection that is also a stationary point.

Determine the value/s of kk for which the graph of f(x)=ln(x)kkxx+1f(x) = \frac{\ln(x)}{k} - \frac{kx}{x+1} has only one horizontal point of inflection.

Reveal Answer

f(x)=1kx(k(x+1)kx(x+1)2)f'(x) = \frac{1}{kx} - (\frac{k(x + 1) - kx}{(x + 1)^2})
Stationary points f(x)=0f'(x) = 0

0=1kx(k(x+1)kx(x+1)2)0 = \frac{1}{kx} - (\frac{k(x + 1) - kx}{(x + 1)^2})

0=1kxk(x+1)20 = \frac{1}{kx} - \frac{k}{(x + 1)^2}

0=x2+(2k2)x+10 = x^2 + (2 - k^2)x + 1 (i)

The quadratic has real roots when discriminant 0\ge 0

(2k2)240(2 - k^2)^2 - 4 \ge 0
2k2±22 - k^2 \ge \pm 2
There is only ONE phi \therefore
2k2=±22 - k^2 = \pm 2
k=0k = 0 (not valid)
and k2=4k^2 = 4 so
k=2,2k = 2, -2
Sub into (i) to determine the x-ordinate of the stationary point.
x=1\rightarrow x = 1
For k=2k = 2
f(x)=12x2+4(x+1)3\therefore f''(x) = \frac{-1}{2x^2} + \frac{4}{(x + 1)^3}
f(1)=12+48f''(1) = \frac{-1}{2} + \frac{4}{8}
f(1)=0f''(1) = 0
For k=2k = -2
f(x)=12x24(x+1)3f''(x) = \frac{1}{2x^2} - \frac{4}{(x + 1)^3}
f(1)=1248f''(1) = \frac{1}{2} - \frac{4}{8}
f(1)=0f''(1) = 0
For each kk value, x=1x = 1 is the x-ordinate of both a stationary point (f(x)=0f'(x) = 0) and a point of inflection (f(x)=0f''(x) = 0)
There is a point of horizontal inflection at x=1x = 1 when k=±2k = \pm 2

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

correctly determines the first derivative

1

correctly determines the quadratic equation to identify the stationary point/s

1

determines valid and non-valid solutions of k

1

determines x-ordinate of stationary point

1

determines values of second derivative for both values of k

1

shows logical organisation communicating key steps

1
Q4
2025
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q4
1 mark

Consider the system of equations below containing the parameter kk, where kRk \in R.

kx+3y=k22x+(2k+1)y=62k\begin{align*} kx + 3y &= k^2\\ 2x + (2k + 1)y &= 6 - 2k \end{align*}

Find the value(s) of kk for which this system has no real solutions.

A

k=2k = -2 only

B

k=32k = \frac{3}{2} only

C

k=2k = -2 or 32\frac{3}{2}

D

kR{2,32}k \in R \setminus \left\{-2, \frac{3}{2}\right\}

Reveal Answer
A

k=2k = -2 only

Correct Answer

Setting the ratios of the xx and yy coefficients equal gives k=2k = -2 and k=32k = \frac{3}{2}. For k=2k = -2, the ratio of the constants is different from the coefficient ratio, resulting in parallel lines and no solution.

B

k=32k = \frac{3}{2} only

When k=32k = \frac{3}{2}, the ratio of the constants equals the ratio of the coefficients, meaning the lines are coincident and the system has infinitely many solutions, not zero.

C

k=2k = -2 or 32\frac{3}{2}

While both values make the lines parallel, k=32k = \frac{3}{2} makes the lines coincident (infinitely many solutions). Only k=2k = -2 makes them distinct and parallel (no solutions).

D

kR{2,32}k \in R \setminus \left\{-2, \frac{3}{2}\right\}

For all values of kk other than 2-2 and 32\frac{3}{2}, the lines have different slopes and intersect at exactly one point, yielding a unique solution rather than no solution.

Q16
2023
QCAA
Paper 1
5 marks
Q16
5 marks

Solve for xx in the equation 4+7e2x=3e2x4 + 7e^{-2x} = 3e^{2x}.

Reveal Answer

4+7e2x=3e2x4 + 7e^{-2x} = 3e^{2x}
4e2x+7=3e4x4e^{2x} + 7 = 3e^{4x}
3e4x4e2x7=03e^{4x} - 4e^{2x} - 7 = 0
(3e2x7)(e2x+1)=0(3e^{2x} - 7)(e^{2x} + 1) = 0
3e2x7=03e^{2x} - 7 = 0 e2x+1=0e^{2x} + 1 = 0
3e2x=73e^{2x} = 7 e2x=1e^{2x} = -1
e2x=73e^{2x} = \frac{7}{3} not possible
ln(73)=2x\ln \left(\frac{7}{3}\right) = 2x
x=12ln(73)x = \frac{1}{2}\ln \left(\frac{7}{3}\right)

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Correctly removes the negative index in the equation

1

Rearranges equation to equate to zero

1

Factorises the equation

1

Rejects the non-feasible solution

1

Determines a feasible solution for x

1
Q15
2025
QCAA
Paper 1
6 marks
Q15
6 marks

Determine all possible solutions for the equation (log2(x))2=log2(x2)+8(\log_2(x))^2 = \log_2(x^2) + 8.

Evaluate the reasonableness of one solution.

Reveal Answer

(log2(x))2=log2(x2)+8(log2(x))2log2(x2)8=0(log2(x))22log2(x)8=0\begin{align*} (\log_2(x))^2 &= \log_2(x^2) + 8\\ (\log_2(x))^2 - \log_2(x^2) - 8 &= 0\\ (\log_2(x))^2 - 2\log_2(x) - 8 &= 0 \end{align*}

Let y=log2xy = \log_2 x

y22y8=0(y4)(y+2)=0\begin{align*} y^2 - 2y - 8 &= 0\\ (y - 4)(y + 2) &= 0 \end{align*}

Solving this gives x=16 or x=14x = 16 \text{ or } x = \frac{1}{4}.

Substitute x=16x = 16 into the original equation to evaluate its reasonableness.

LHS=(log2(16))2=16\text{LHS} = (\log_2(16))^2 = 16

RHS=log2(162)+8=16\text{RHS} = \log_2(16^2) + 8 = 16

Therefore, x=16x = 16 is a reasonable solution.

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

correctly applies an appropriate logarithmic law to convert the x2x^2 term to a term in xx

1

realises the need to solve a quadratic equation

1

determines a solution

1

determines a second solution

1

substitutes the chosen solution into the equation

1

evaluates the reasonableness of one possible solution

1
Q5
2024
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q5
1 mark

Consider the functions f:(1,)R,f(x)=x24xf : (1, \infty) \rightarrow R, f(x) = x^2 - 4x and g:RR,g(x)=exg : R \rightarrow R, g(x) = e^{-x}.

The range of the composite function g(f(x))g(f(x)) is

A

(0,e3)(0, e^3)

B

(0,e3](0, e^3]

C

(0,e4)(0, e^4)

D

(0,e4](0, e^4]

Reveal Answer
A

(0,e3)(0, e^3)

This incorrectly assumes the minimum of f(x)f(x) occurs at the boundary x=1x=1 (giving f(1)=3f(1)=-3), missing the true minimum at the vertex x=2x=2.

B

(0,e3](0, e^3]

This incorrectly uses f(1)=3f(1)=-3 as the minimum value of the inner function, failing to account for the vertex of the parabola at x=2x=2.

C

(0,e4)(0, e^4)

The maximum value e4e^4 is achieved at x=2x=2, which is included in the domain (1,)(1, \infty), so the interval must be closed at e4e^4.

D

(0,e4](0, e^4]

Correct Answer

The range of f(x)=(x2)24f(x) = (x-2)^2 - 4 on (1,)(1, \infty) is [4,)[-4, \infty). Applying the strictly decreasing function g(x)=exg(x) = e^{-x} to this range yields (0,e4](0, e^4].

Q5
2025
VCAA
Paper 1
4 marks
Q5a
2 marks

Solve e2x8ex+7=0e^{2x} - 8e^x + 7 = 0 for xx.

Reveal Answer

e2x8ex+7=0(ex1)(ex7)=0ex=1orex=7x=0orx=loge(7)\begin{align*} e^{2x} - 8e^x + 7 &= 0\\ (e^x - 1)(e^x - 7) &= 0\\ e^x = 1 \quad &\text{or} \quad e^x = 7\\ x = 0 \quad &\text{or} \quad x = \log_e(7) \end{align*}
Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Factorises the equation correctly

1

Solves for xx correctly

1
Q5b
2 marks

Let g(x)=e2x8ex+7g(x) = e^{2x} - 8e^x + 7, where xRx \in R.

The function g(x)g(x) has exactly one stationary point, a local minimum.

Find the largest value of aa such that when gg is restricted to the domain (,a](-\infty, a] it has an inverse function.

Reveal Answer

Find turning point xx-value

g(x)=2e2x8ex=02ex(ex4)=0\begin{align*} g'(x) = 2e^{2x} - 8e^x &= 0\\ 2e^x(e^x - 4) &= 0 \end{align*}

As ex>0,ex=4 only,x=loge(4)e^x > 0, \quad e^x = 4 \text{ only}, \therefore x = \log_e(4)

So a=loge(4)=2loge(2)a = \log_e(4) = 2\log_e(2).

Marking Criteria
DescriptorMarks

Finds the derivative and sets to 0

1

Solves for xx correctly

1
Q19
2022
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q19
1 mark

A box is formed from a rectangular sheet of cardboard, which has a width of aa units and a length of bb units, by first cutting out squares of side length xx units from each corner and then folding upwards to form a container with an open top.

The maximum volume of the box occurs when xx is equal to

A

ab+a2ab+b26\frac{a - b + \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

B

a+b+a2ab+b26\frac{a + b + \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

C

aba2ab+b26\frac{a - b - \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

D

a+ba2ab+b26\frac{a + b - \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

E

a+ba22ab+b26\frac{a + b - \sqrt{a^2 - 2ab + b^2}}{6}

Reveal Answer
A

ab+a2ab+b26\frac{a - b + \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

This formula is incorrect. It does not match the roots of the derivative of the volume function, V(x)=12x24(a+b)x+ab=0V'(x) = 12x^2 - 4(a+b)x + ab = 0.

B

a+b+a2ab+b26\frac{a + b + \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

While this is a root of the derivative V(x)=0V'(x) = 0, it corresponds to the local minimum of the volume function and falls outside the valid domain 0<x<min(a/2,b/2)0 < x < \min(a/2, b/2).

C

aba2ab+b26\frac{a - b - \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

This formula is incorrect. It does not match the roots of the derivative of the volume function, V(x)=12x24(a+b)x+ab=0V'(x) = 12x^2 - 4(a+b)x + ab = 0.

D

a+ba2ab+b26\frac{a + b - \sqrt{a^2 - ab + b^2}}{6}

Correct Answer

The volume is V(x)=x(a2x)(b2x)V(x) = x(a-2x)(b-2x). Setting the derivative V(x)=12x24(a+b)x+abV'(x) = 12x^2 - 4(a+b)x + ab to 00 and solving with the quadratic formula yields this expression as the only root within the valid domain.

E

a+ba22ab+b26\frac{a + b - \sqrt{a^2 - 2ab + b^2}}{6}

This option has an incorrect discriminant. The term under the square root should be a2ab+b2a^2 - ab + b^2, which comes from simplifying the discriminant of the quadratic equation V(x)=0V'(x) = 0.

Q4
2023
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q4
1 mark

Consider the system of simultaneous linear equations below containing the parameter kk.

kx+5y=k+5kx + 5y = k + 5
4x+(k+1)y=04x + (k + 1)y = 0

The value(s) of kk for which the system of equations has infinite solutions are

A

k{5,4}k \in \{-5, 4\}

B

k{5}k \in \{-5\}

C

k{4}k \in \{4\}

D

kR{5,4}k \in R \setminus \{-5, 4\}

E

kR{5}k \in R \setminus \{-5\}

Reveal Answer
A

k{5,4}k \in \{-5, 4\}

While k=5k = -5 does yield infinite solutions, substituting k=4k = 4 creates the equations 4x+5y=94x + 5y = 9 and 4x+5y=04x + 5y = 0, which are parallel lines with no solutions.

B

k{5}k \in \{-5\}

Correct Answer

For a system to have infinite solutions, the equations must be proportional. Substituting k=5k = -5 yields 5x+5y=0-5x + 5y = 0 and 4x4y=04x - 4y = 0, which simplify to the exact same line (x=yx = y).

C

k{4}k \in \{4\}

Substituting k=4k = 4 results in the equations 4x+5y=94x + 5y = 9 and 4x+5y=04x + 5y = 0. These represent parallel lines that never intersect, meaning the system has zero solutions.

D

kR{5,4}k \in R \setminus \{-5, 4\}

Values of kk other than 5-5 and 44 make the determinant of the coefficient matrix non-zero (k(k+1)200k(k+1) - 20 \neq 0), which means the system will have exactly one unique solution.

E

kR{5}k \in R \setminus \{-5\}

This set includes values that yield a single unique solution (any kk other than 5-5 or 44) and no solutions (k=4k = 4), rather than infinite solutions.

Q2
2020
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q2
1 mark

Let p(x)=x32ax2+x1p(x) = x^3 - 2ax^2 + x - 1, where aRa \in R. When pp is divided by x+2x + 2, the remainder is 5.

The value of aa is

A

2

B

74-\frac{7}{4}

C

12\frac{1}{2}

D

32-\frac{3}{2}

E

2-2

Reveal Answer
A

2

This results from a sign error when solving the equation 118a=5-11 - 8a = 5, incorrectly yielding 8a=168a = 16 instead of 8a=16-8a = 16.

B

74-\frac{7}{4}

This value stems from an arithmetic error when evaluating the polynomial at x=2x = -2.

C

12\frac{1}{2}

This results from incorrectly applying the Remainder Theorem by evaluating p(2)=5p(2) = 5 instead of p(2)=5p(-2) = 5.

D

32-\frac{3}{2}

This value comes from an arithmetic error, such as incorrectly evaluating the linear and constant terms of p(2)p(-2).

E

2-2

Correct Answer

By the Remainder Theorem, p(2)=5p(-2) = 5. Substituting x=2x = -2 gives (2)32a(2)2+(2)1=5(-2)^3 - 2a(-2)^2 + (-2) - 1 = 5, which simplifies to 118a=5-11 - 8a = 5, yielding a=2a = -2.

Q5
2022
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q5
1 mark

The largest value of aa such that the function f:(,a]R,f(x)=x2+3x10f: (-\infty, a] \rightarrow R, f(x) = x^2 + 3x - 10, where ff is one-to-one, is

A

12.25-12.25

B

5-5

C

1.5-1.5

D

00

E

22

Reveal Answer
A

12.25-12.25

This is the y-coordinate of the vertex (the minimum value of the function), not the x-coordinate required for the domain.

B

5-5

This is one of the roots of the quadratic equation (x=5x=-5), not the x-coordinate of the vertex that determines where the function changes direction.

C

1.5-1.5

Correct Answer

A quadratic function is one-to-one on an interval ending at its vertex. The x-coordinate of the vertex is found using b/(2a)=3/2=1.5-b/(2a) = -3/2 = -1.5.

D

00

The interval (,0](-\infty, 0] includes the vertex at x=1.5x = -1.5, meaning the function decreases and then increases within this domain, so it is not one-to-one.

E

22

This is the other root of the quadratic equation (x=2x=2). The interval (,2](-\infty, 2] includes the vertex, so the function is not one-to-one.

Q20
2023
VCAA
Paper 2
1 mark
Q20
1 mark

Let f(x)=loge(x+12)f(x) = \log_e\left(x + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right).

Let g(x)=sin(x)g(x) = \sin(x) where x(,5)x \in (-\infty, 5).

The largest interval of xx values for which (fg)(x)(f \circ g)(x) and (gf)(x)(g \circ f)(x) both exist is

A

(12,5π4)\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

B

[12,5π4)\left[-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

C

(π4,5π4)\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

D

[π4,5π4]\left[-\frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right]

E

[π4,12]\left[-\frac{\pi}{4}, -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right]

Reveal Answer
A

(12,5π4)\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

Correct Answer

The domain of (fg)(x)(f \circ g)(x) requires sin(x)>12\sin(x) > -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, giving x(π4,5π4)x \in \left(-\frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right). The domain of (gf)(x)(g \circ f)(x) requires x>12x > -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}. The intersection of these conditions yields the largest valid interval (12,5π4)\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right).

B

[12,5π4)\left[-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

This interval is closed at 12-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}, but f(12)f\left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right) is undefined because it requires taking the natural logarithm of zero.

C

(π4,5π4)\left(-\frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right)

While this interval satisfies the domain of (fg)(x)(f \circ g)(x), it includes values between π4-\frac{\pi}{4} and 12-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} where (gf)(x)(g \circ f)(x) is undefined.

D

[π4,5π4]\left[-\frac{\pi}{4}, \frac{5\pi}{4}\right]

This interval includes values where f(x)f(x) is undefined, and the closed endpoints would result in taking the logarithm of zero or a negative number.

E

[π4,12]\left[-\frac{\pi}{4}, -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right]

This interval contains values where f(x)f(x) is undefined, as the domain of (gf)(x)(g \circ f)(x) strictly requires x>12x > -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}.

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