Target Mathematics

Past-paper practice

Inequalities and Identities: Topic Questions

36 questions with mark schemes.

1.1: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/November/2025 — Question 5 · 8 marks

(a) On the grid opposite, draw the line with equation
(i) 3x4y=123x - 4y = 12
(ii) y+6+3x=0y + 6 + 3x = 0
(iii) 3y=18x3y = 18 - x
(3)
(b) Show, by shading on the grid, the region RR defined by the inequalities
3x4y123x - 4y \leq 12
y+6+3x0y + 6 + 3x \geq 0
3y18x3y \leq 18 - x
(1)
For all points in RR, with coordinates (x,y)(x, y)
P=3x2yP = 3x - 2y
Using values from your graph,
(c) find the least value of PP and the greatest value of PP
(4)
Only use this grid if you need to redraw your graph.

1.2: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/June/2025 — Question 4 · 8 marks

1.2 diagram 1
(a) On the grid opposite, draw the graph of the line with equation
(i)3x+2y=18(ii)x+3y6=0(iii)y=3x(i) \quad 3x + 2y = 18 \quad (ii) \quad x + 3y - 6 = 0 \quad (iii) \quad y = 3x
(3)
(b) Show, by shading on the grid, the region RR defined by the inequalities
3x+2y18x+3y60y3x3x + 2y \leq 18 \quad x + 3y - 6 \geq 0 \quad y \leq 3x
(1)
For all points in RR, with coordinates (x,y)(x, y)
P=2xyP = 2x - y
(c) find the least value of PP
(4)
Only use this grid if you need to redraw your graph.

1.3: Rectangle inequalities for perimeter and area

4PM1/1R/June/2025 — Question 5 · 7 marks

1.3 diagram 1
(2x+3)cm(2x + 3) \mathrm{cm}
Figure 1 shows a rectangle with width xx cm and length (2x+3)(2x + 3) cm.
The perimeter of the rectangle is PP cm and the area of the rectangle is AAcm2\mathrm{cm}^2
P>10andA<35P > 10 \quad \mathrm{and} \quad A < 35
Find the set of possible values for xx
Give your answer in the form a<x<ba < x < b where aa and bb are rational numbers.
Show clear algebraic working.
(7)

1.2: Algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/November/2025 — Question 2 · 5 marks

(a) Use algebra to find the xx coordinates of the points where the curve with equation y=3x2+9x17y = 3x^2 + 9x - 17 intersects the line with equation y=32xy = 3 - 2x
(3)
(b) Hence, or otherwise, find the set of values of xx for which 32x3x2+9x173 - 2x \leq 3x^2 + 9x - 17
(2)

1.1: Polynomial remainders, factor theorem and polynomial division

4PM1/2R/June/2025 — Question 5 · 8 marks

f(x)=x3+x2+x+cwherec is a constantf(x) = x^3 + x^2 + x + c \quad \mathrm{where} c \text{ is a constant}
The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by (x2)(x - 2) is 4 times the remainder when
f(x)f(x) is divided by (x+1)(x + 1)
(a) Show that c=6c = 6
(4)
Given that (x+2)(x + 2) is a factor of f(x)f(x)
(b) show that the equation f(x)=0f(x) = 0 has only one real root.
(4)

1.5: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/November/2024 — Question 1 · 4 marks

(a) On the grid below, draw the line with equation
(i) 3x+4y=243x + 4y = 24      (ii) 2x5y+10=02x - 5y + 10 = 0
(2)
(b) Show, by shading on the grid, the region RR defined by the inequalities
3x+4y242x5y+100y5x13x + 4y \leq 24 \quad 2x - 5y + 10 \geq 0 \quad y \leq 5 \quad x \geq -1
Label the region RR
(2)

1.2: Equations and inequalities

4PM1/2/June/2024 — Question 1 · 6 marks

f(x)=6x313x2+ax10wherea is a constantf(x) = 6x^3 - 13x^2 + ax - 10 \quad \mathrm{where} a \text{ is a constant}
Given that (3x2)(3x - 2) is a factor of f(x)f(x)
(a) show that a=21a = 21
(2)
(b) Hence show algebraically that the curve y=f(x)y = f(x) has only one intersection with the xx-axis.
(4)

1.6: Rectangle sides in surd form

4PM1/2/November/2024 — Question 2 · 6 marks

The length of rectangle RR is 2 cm greater than its width.
The area of RR is greater than 8cm28\mathrm{cm}^2 and the perimeter of RR is less than 30cm30\mathrm{cm}.
Given that the width of RR is ww cm,
find the set of possible values of ww
Give your answer in the form a<w<ba < w < b where aa and bb are rational numbers.
(6)

1.4: Polynomial remainders, factor theorem and polynomial division

4PM1/2R/June/2024 — Question 4 · 11 marks

f(x)=px3+qx237x12qf(x) = px^3 + qx^2 - 37x - 12q where pp and qq are constants.
When f(x)f'(x) is divided by (x+2)(x + 2) the remainder is 33-33
Given that (x+5)(x + 5) is a factor of f(x)f(x)
(a) (i) show that p=2p = 2
(ii) find the value of qq
(6)
(b) Hence, use algebra to factorise f(x)f(x) completely.
(3)
(c) Hence solve the equation f(x)=0f(x) = 0
(2)

1.6: Equations and inequalities

4PM1/1/November/2023 — Question 3 · 8 marks

g(x)=mx210x37wherem is an integerg'(x) = mx^2 - 10x - 37 \quad \mathrm{where} m \text{ is an integer}
The curve y=g(x)y = g(x) passes through the point with coordinates (1,20)(1, 20)
Given that (x5)(x-5) is a factor of g(x)g(x)
(a) show that g(x)=2x35x237x+60g(x) = 2x^3 - 5x^2 - 37x + 60
(5)
(b) Hence, or otherwise, use algebra to solve the equation g(x)=0g(x) = 0
(3)

1.13: Simultaneous equations

4PM1/1R/June/2023 — Question 2 · 8 marks

One solution to the following simultaneous equations
y=px+96x2xy=5\begin{aligned}y &= px + 9 \\ 6x^2 - xy &= 5\end{aligned}
is (12,q)\left(-\frac{1}{2}, q\right), where pp is an integer and qq is a prime number.
(a) Find the value of pp and the value of qq
(4)
(b) Hence find the other solution to the equations.
(4)

1.7: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/November/2023 — Question 4 · 8 marks

1.7 diagram 1
(a) On the axes opposite, draw the line with equation
(i) y=x1(ii) y=3x+8=0(iii) 2y=x+8\begin{aligned} \text{(i) } y &= -x - 1 & \text{(ii) } y &= -3x + 8 = 0 & \text{(iii) } 2y &= x + 8 \\ & & & &\end{aligned}
(3)
(b) Show, by shading on your graph, the region RR defined by the inequalities
yx1andy3x8and2yx+8y \geq -x - 1 \quad \mathrm{and} \quad y \geq 3x - 8 \quad \mathrm{and} \quad 2y \leq x + 8
(1)
For all points in RR, with coordinates (x,y)(x, y)
P=2y3xP = 2y - 3x
(c) Find
(i) the greatest value of PP
(ii) the least value of PP
(4)
Only use this grid if you need to redraw your graph.

1.8: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/June/2023 — Question 5 · 7 marks

1.8 diagram 1
(a) On the grid opposite draw the line with equation
(i)y=2x+5(ii)4y=x8(iii)5y+3x=30(i) \quad y = 2x + 5 \quad (ii) \quad 4y = x - 8 \quad (iii) \quad 5y + 3x = 30
(3)
(b) Show, by shading, the region RR defined by the inequalities
y2x+54yx85y+3x30y \leq 2x + 5 \quad 4y \geq x - 8 \quad 5y + 3x \leq 30
(1)
For all points in RR with coordinates (x,y)(x, y)
P=2x5yP = 2x - 5y
(c) Using your graph, find the least value of PP
(3)
Only use this grid if you need to redraw your graph.

1.9: Algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2R/June/2023 — Question 2 · 6 marks

Find the set of values of xx for which
(a)2(x+1)<5x2(a) 2(x + 1) < 5x - 2
(2)
(b)3x2x10(b) 3x^2 - x \leq 10
(3)
(c)both2(x+1)<5x2and3x2x10(c) \mathrm{both} 2(x + 1) < 5x - 2 \mathrm{and} 3x^2 - x \leq 10
(1)

1.18: Perimeter and area inequalities for a rectangle

4PM1/1R/June/2022 — Question 4 · 7 marks

1.18 diagram 1
Figure 2 shows a rectangle with width xx metres and length (x+4)(x+4) metres. Its perimeter is PP metres and its area is Am2A\,\mathrm{m}^2.
(a) Find, in terms of xx, an expression for
(i) PP,
(ii) AA.
(2)
The perimeter has to be less than 3030 metres. The area has to be greater than 12m212\,\mathrm{m}^2.
(b) Find the set of possible values for xx. Give your answer in the form
a<x<b.a<x<b.
(5)

1.9: Polynomial remainders, factor theorem and polynomial division

4PM1/2R/June/2022 — Question 4 · 8 marks

f(x)=x3+px2+qx+7,f(x)=x^3+px^2+qx+7,
where pp and qq are integers. (x+1)(x+1) is a factor of f(x)f(x). The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by (x+2)(x+2) is 5-5.
(a) Find the value of pp and the value of qq.
(5)
(b) Hence show that f(x)=0f(x)=0 has only one real root.
(3)

1.10: Factors of a polynomial

4PM1/2/June/2021 — Question 6 · 13 marks

f(x)=x3+(p+1)x210x+q,f(x)=x^3+(p+1)x^2-10x+q,
where pp and qq are integers.
Given that (x3)(x-3) is a factor of f(x)f(x),
(a) show that
9p+q+6=0.9p+q+6=0.
(3)
Given that (x+p)(x+p), where p>0p>0, is also a factor of f(x)f(x),
(b) show that
p2+10p+q=0.p^2+10p+q=0.
(3)
(c) Hence find the value of pp and the value of qq.
(5)
(d) Using your values of pp and qq, factorise f(x)f(x) completely.
(2)

1.11: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/November/2020 — Question 2 · 4 marks

(a) Using the axes below, sketch the lines with equations
(i) y=6y=6,
(ii) y+x=10y+x=10,
(iii) y=2x5y=2x-5.
Show the coordinates of any point where each line crosses the coordinate axes.
(3)
(b) Show, by shading on your sketch, the region RR defined by the inequalities
y6,y+x10,y2x5,x0.y\leq6, \qquad y+x\leq10, \qquad y\geq2x-5, \qquad x\geq0.
(1)

1.11: Polynomial remainders, polynomial division and polynomial roots

4PM1/2R/November/2020 — Question 2 · 11 marks

f(x)=x3+px+q,f(x)=x^3+px+q,
where pp and qq are constants. The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by (x1)(x-1) is 12-12. The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by (x4)(x-4) is 3030.
(a) Find the value of pp and the value of qq.
(6)
Using your values of pp and qq,
(b) show that f(3)=0f(3)=0,
(1)
(c) express f(x)f(x) as a product of linear factors,
(3)
(d) hence solve f(x)=0f(x)=0.
(1)

1.14: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/January/2019 — Question 2 · 3 marks

(a) Using the axes below, sketch the line with equation
(i) y+2x=5y+2x=-5
(ii) y=x+4y=x+4
Show the coordinates of the points where each line crosses the coordinate axes.
(2)
(b) Show, by shading, the region RR defined by the inequalities
y+2x>5,y<x+4,x<1.y+2x>-5,\qquad y<x+4,\qquad x<1.
(1)

1.13: Linear programming region and greatest value of F

4PM1/2R/June/2019 — Question 5 · 7 marks

(a) On the grid opposite, draw the graphs of the lines with equations
2x+3y=24y=2x3y=2x122x+3y=24 \qquad y=2x \qquad 3y=2x-12
(3)
(b) Show, by shading on the grid, the region RR defined by the inequalities
2x+3y24y2x3y2x12y02x+3y \leqslant 24 \qquad y \leqslant 2x \qquad 3y \geqslant 2x-12 \qquad y \geqslant 0
(1)
For all points in RR, with coordinates (x,y)(x,y)
F=2x+5yF=2x+5y
(c) Find the greatest value of FF.
(3)

1.18: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/January/2018 — Question 2 · 8 marks

1.18 diagram 1
(a) On the grid opposite, draw
(i) the line with equation y=3x3y=3x-3
(ii) the line with equation 3x+2y=123x+2y=12 (2)
(b) Show, by shading, the region RR defined by the inequalities
y3x33x+2y12y1y\le 3x-3 \qquad 3x+2y\le12 \qquad y\ge-1
(2)
For all points in RR with coordinates (x,y)(x,y)
P=4xyP=4x-y
(c) Find the greatest value of PP. (4)

1.15: where is an integer.

4PM1/1/January/2017 — Question 2 · 9 marks

f(x)=2x33px2+x+4pf(x)=2x^3-3px^2+x+4p where pp is an integer.
Given that (x4)(x-4) is a factor of f(x)f(x)
(a) show that the value of pp is 3 (2)
Using this value of pp,
(b) find the remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by (x+2)(x+2) (2)
(c) factorise f(x)f(x) completely (3)
(d) solve the equation 2x33px2+x+4p=02x^3-3px^2+x+4p=0 (2)

1.16: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/January/2017 — Question 1 · 4 marks

1.16 diagram 1
(a) On the axes below, sketch the lines with equations x=3x=3, y=x+1y=x+1 and 2y+x=52y+x=5. On your sketch, mark the coordinates of any points where the lines cross the axes. (3)
(b) Show, by shading on your sketch, the region RR defined by the inequalities
x3,yx+1and2y+x5x\le3,\qquad y\le x+1\qquad\text{and}\qquad 2y+x\ge5
(1)

1.17: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/2/June/2017 — Question 1 · 5 marks

1.17 diagram 1
(a) On the grid opposite, draw the graphs of the lines with equations
(i) y=2xy=2x\qquad (ii) y=6xy=6-x\qquad (iii) 2y=x22y=x-2 (3)
(b) Show, by shading on the grid, the region RR defined by the inequalities
y2x,y6x,2yx2,y0y\le2x,\qquad y\le6-x,\qquad 2y\ge x-2,\qquad y\ge0
(1)
For all points in RR, with coordinates (x,y)(x,y),
P=y+2xP=y+2x
(c) Find the greatest value of PP. (1)

1.18: When $f(x)$ is divided by $(x-2)$ the remainder is $-20$

4PM1/2/January/2016 — Question 10 · 12 marks

f(x)=2x3px213xqf(x)=2x^3-px^2-13x-q
When f(x)f(x) is divided by (x2)(x-2) the remainder is 20-20. Given that (x3)(x-3) is a factor of f(x)f(x)
(a) find the value of pp and the value of qq. (7)
(b) Hence use algebra to solve the equation f(x)=0f(x)=0. (5)

1.17: Polynomial remainders, polynomial division and polynomial roots

4PM1/1/January/2015 — Question 9 · 12 marks

f(x)=2x3+ax2+bx+15f(x)=2x^3+ax^2+bx+15
where aa and bb are constants.
The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by x1x-1 is 12-12. The remainder when f(x)f(x) is divided by x+1x+1 is 48.
(a) Find the value of aa and the value of bb. (6)
(b) Show that f ⁣(12)=0f\!\left(\dfrac12\right)=0. (1)
(c) Express f(x)f(x) as a product of linear factors. (4)
(d) Hence solve f(x)=0f(x)=0. (1)

1.19: Graphical and algebraic inequalities

4PM1/1/January/2015 — Question 5 · 9 marks

1.19 diagram 1
(a) On the axes opposite, draw the lines with equations
(i) y=x1y=-x-1
(ii) y=3x9y=3x-9
(iii) 2y=x+72y=x+7 (4)
(b) Show, by shading, the region RR defined by the inequalities
yx1,y3x9,2yx+7y\ge -x-1,\qquad y\ge3x-9,\qquad 2y\le x+7
(1)
For all points in RR with coordinates (x,y)(x,y), P=y2xP=y-2x.
(c) Find
(i) the greatest value of PP,
(ii) the least value of PP. (4)