HKDSE Mathematics 11.

Functions and Graphs

11. Functions and Graphs

Summary
1. Graphs of linear function
For linear function y = mx + c, m is the slope and c is the y-intercept.

m>0 m<0 m=0

y y y

c>0
O x O x O x

y y y

c<0
O x O x O x

y y y

c=0
O x O x O x

2. Graphs of quadratic function

The equation of a quadratic function is given by y = ax2 + bx + c or y = a(x – h)2 + k

where a ≠ 0

The shape of the graph is a parabola.

11.1
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

Properties y = ax2 + bx + c y = a(x – h)2 + k Remarks

Direction of If a > 0 then the curve is opening upwards.

opening If a < 0 then the curve is opening downwards.

The axis of symmetry should

be an equation since it is a
Axis of b
x= x=h straight line.
symmetry 2a
i.e. the axis is x = –2 
the axis is –2 
b
h is obtained by
b  2a
 , 
Vertex  2a 4a  (h, k) completing the square and k is
where Δ= b2 – 4ac obtained by putting x = h in the
quadratic function.
The graph attains maximum
Maximum and 
k only when a < 0 and minimum
minimum values 4a
only when a > 0
1. y = 0 → x-intercept
y-intercept c ah2 + k 2. x = 0 → y-intercept
3. y-intercept ≠ k.
4. The intercepts are numbers,
but not a point.
 b  b 2  4ac
x-intercepts i.e. x-intercept = 3 
2a
x-intercept = (3, 0) 

3. Completing the square

1 2
Example: Let f(x)  x  48x  48 . Using the method of completing the square, find the
4
coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y  f(x) .
1 2
Solution: f(x) = x  8 x  36
4
1 2
= ( x  32 x)  36
4

1  2  32   32  
2 2

=  x  32 x         36
4   2   2  

1
= ( x  16) 2  100
4
Vertex = (16 , 100)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
4. Graphical method for solving equations and inequalities
(a) Solving equations Composite transformation
(i) f(x) = k 2f(x)+3 [operation on f(x), outside the brackets]
f(x) times 2 and then plus 3
enlarged to 2 times along y-axis, and then translated 3 units upward
y
y = f(x) f(2x+3) [operation on x, inside the brackets]
y=k
x times 2 and then plus 3
translated 3 units leftward, and then reduce to 1/2 along x-axis

O α x

α is the root of f(x) = k

(b) Solving inequalities

x < a or b < x < c ↔
Region ○ 3 ↔
1 or Region ○

curve lies below line ↔

f(x) < k

a < x < b or x > c ↔

Region ○ 4 ↔
2 or Region ○

curve lies above line ↔

f(x) > k
5. Transformation on graphs of functions
Algebraic transformation
Transformation of the graph of a function y = f(x)
of the function
Translate k units upward g(x) = f(x) + k
Translate k units downward g(x) = f(x) – k
Translation
Translate h units rightward g(x) = f(x – h)
Translate h units leftward g(x) = f(x + h)
Reflect about the x-axis g(x) = – f(x)
Reflection
Reflect about the y-axis g(x) = f(–x)
Enlarge to a times of the original along the y-axis g(x) = af(x)
1 1
Reduce to times of the original along the y-axis g(x) = f ( x)
a a
Enlargement/
Enlarge to a times of the original along the x-axis x
Reduction g(x) = f ( )
a
1 g(x) = f(ax)
Reduce to times of the original along the x-axis
a
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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper I – Section A
1. It is given that f(x) is the sum of two parts, one part varies as x2 and the other part varies as x .
Suppose that f(–2) = 28 and f(6) = –36 .
(a) Find f(x) .
(3 marks)

(b) The figure shows the graph of y  3( x  6) 2  k and the graph of y  f ( x) , where k is a
constant. The two graphs have the same vertex.
(i) Find the value of k .
(ii) It is given that A and B are points lying on the graph of y  3( x  6) 2  k while C
and D are points lying on the graph y  f ( x) . Also, ABCD is a rectangle and AB is
parallel to the x-axis. The x-coordinate of A is 10 . Find the area of the rectangle
ABCD .
(5 marks)
(2011 CE-MATH-I Q11)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
2. In the figure, R is the vertex of the graph of y  2( x  11) 2  23 .
(a) Write down
(i) the equation of the axis of
symmetry of the graph,
(ii) the coordinates of R.
(2 marks)
(b) It is given that P(p, 5) and Q(q, 5) are
two distinct points lying on the graph.
Find
(i) the distance between P and Q;
(ii) the area of the quadrilateral
PRQS, where S is a point lying
on the x-axis.
(7 marks)
(2009 CE-MATH-I Q12)

3. Consider the function f(x) = x2 + bx – 15, where b is a constant. It is given that the graph of y = f(x)
passes through the point (4, 9).
(a) Find b. Hence, or otherwise, find the two x-intercepts of the graph of y = f(x).
(3 marks)
(b) Let k be a constant. If the equation f(x) = k has two distinct real roots, find the range of values
of k.
(4 marks)
(c) Write down the equation of a straight line which intersects the graph of y = f(x) at only one
point.
(1 mark)
(2008 CE-MATH-I Q11)

4. In the figure, the graph of y = – x2 + 10x – 25 touches the x-axis at A(a, 0) and cuts the y-axis at
B(0, b). Find a and b .

(3 marks) (2004 CE-MATH-I Q4)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
5. The graph of y = x2 – x – 6 cut the x-axis at A(a, 0) and B(b, 0) and the y-axis at C(0, c) as shown in
the figure. Find a, b and c .

(4 marks) (1999 CE-MATH-I Q7)

6. The curve y = x2 – 6x + 5 meets the y-axis at A and the x-axis at B

and C as shown in the figure.
(a) Find the coordinates of A, B and C.
(b) The line y = x + 5 passes through A and meets the curve
again at D. Find the coordinates of D.
(Part b is non-foundation) (6 marks) (1991 CE-MATH-I Q6)

7. Miss Lee makes and sells handmade leather belts and handbags. She finds that if a batch of x belts is
made, where 1 ≤ x ≤ 11 , the cost per belt $ B is given by B = x2 – 20x +120 . The figure shows the
graph of the function y =x2 – 20x + 120 .
(a) Use the given graph to write down the number(s) of belts in a batch that will make the cost
per belt
(i) a minimum,
(ii) less than $90.
(3 marks)
(b) Miss Lee also finds that if a batch of x handbags is made, where 1 ≤ x ≤ 8 , the cost per
handbag $ H is given by H = x2 – 17x + c (c is a constant). When a batch of 3 handbags is
made, the cost per handbag is $144 .
(i) Find c .
(ii) Miss Lee made a batch of 10 belts and a batch of 6 handbags. She managed to sell 6
belts at $100 each and 4 handbags at $300 each while the remaining belts and
handbags sold at half of their respective cost. Find her gain or loss.
(4 marks)
(modified from 1997 CE-MATH-I Q13)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

x2 1
8. Let f ( x)  . Find f(3) .
x 1
(1 mark) (1993 CE-MATH-I Q2a)

9. The figure shows the graph of y  2 x 2  4 x  3 ,where x ≥ 0 . P(a , b) is a variable point on the
graph. A rectangle OAPB is drawn with A and B lying on the x- and y- axes respectively.

(a) (i) Find the area of rectangle OAPB in terms of a .

(ii) Find the two values of a for which OAPB is a square.
(6 marks)
3
(b) Suppose the area of OAPB = .
2
(i) Show that 4a 3  8a 2  6a  3  0(*) .
(ii) Use the following graph to solve for a , give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
(3 marks)
(modified from 1992 CE-MATH-I Q9)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

y  2 x 3  4 x 2  3x

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
10. Figure (a) shows a solid hemisphere of radius 10 cm. It is cut into two portions, P and Q , along a
plane parallel to its base. The height and volume of P are h cm and V cm3 respectively.

Figure (a) Figure (b)

It is known that V is the sum of two parts. One part varies directly as h2 and the other part varies
29
directly as h3 . V =  when h = 1 and V = 81 when h = 3 .
3
(a) Find V in terms of h and .
(3 marks)
(b) A solid congruent to P is carved away from the top of Q to form a container as shown in
Figure (b).
(i) Find the surface area of the container (excluding the base).
1400
(ii) It is known that the volume of the container is  cm3. Show that
3
h3 – 30h2 + 300 = 0 .
Using the graph in Figure (c) and a suitable method, find the value of h correct to 1
decimal place.
(5 marks) (modified from 2000 CE-MATH-I Q18)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

Figure (c)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
11. Figure (a) shows a paper cup in the form of a right circular cone of base radius 4 cm and height 8 cm.
Two spherical ice-cream balls of radii 2 cm and x cm respectively are put into the cup. The ice-cream
balls then completely melt into a liquid form. The depth of the liquid in the cup is (2x + 3) cm when
the axis of the cup is vertical. (Assume the volume of ice-cream does not change on melting.)

Figure (a)
(a) Show that 8x3 – 36x2 – 54x + 101 = 0 .
(7 marks)
(b) Figure (b) shows the graph of y  8 x 3  36 x 2  54 x  1 for x ≥ 0 . By adding a suitable
straight line to the graph, find x correct to 1 decimal place.
(2 marks)
(modified from 1998 CE-MATH-I Q16)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
The graph of y  8 x 3  36 x 2  54 x  1

Figure (b)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper I – Section B

12. Let g( x)  3x 2  12 k x  16 k 2  8 , where k is a non-zero real constant.

(a) Using the method of completing the square, express, in terms of k , the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of y  g( x) . (2 marks)
(b) On the same rectangular coordinate system, denote the vertex of the graph of y  g( x) and
the vertex of the graph of y  2g( x) by A and B respectively. Let M be a point lying on AB
such that the area of OBM is the triple of the area of OAM , where O is the origin.
Express, in terms of k , the coordinates of M . (3 marks)
(2022 DSE-MATH-I Q16)

13. Let f ( x)  x 2  12 k x  14 x  36 k 2  89 k  53 , where k is a positive constant. On the same

rectangular coordinate system, denote the vertex of the graph of y  f ( x) and the vertex of the
graph of y  f (14  x) by Q and R respectively.
(a) Using the method of completing the square, express, in terms of k, the coordinates of
Q.
(2 marks)
(b) Write down, in terms of k, the coordinates of R.
(1 mark)
(c) The coordinates of the point S are (7 , 4  3k ) . Denote the inscribed circle of
ΔQRS by C .
(i) Express, in terms of k , the equation of the straight line which passes through Q
and S .

(ii) Express, in terms of k , the equation of C .

(iii) Suppose that QS is the tangent to C at the point T . Let U be the centre
of C . It is given that the coordinates of the point V are (29 , 14) . Is it
possible that STUV is a rectangle? Explain your answer.

(9 marks)
(2021 DSE-MATH-I Q19)
14. Let g x   x 2  2kx  2k 2  4 , where k is a real constant.
(a) Using the method of completing the square, express, in terms of k , the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of y  g x  .
(2 marks)
(b) On the same rectangular coordinate system, let D and E be the vertex of the graph of
y  g x  2 and the vertex of the graph of y   g x  2 respectively. Is there a point F
on this rectangular coordinate system such that the coordinates of the circumcentre of
DEF are 0 , 3 ? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)
(2020 DSE-MATH-I Q17)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

15. Let f x  
1
1 k
 
x 2  6k  2x  9k  25 , where k is a positive constant. Denote the point

4 , 33 by F .
(a) Prove that the graph of y  f x  passes through F .
(1 mark)
(b) The graph of y  g x  is obtained by reflecting the graph of y  f x  with respect to the
y -axis and then translating the resulting graph upwards by 4 units. Let U be the vertex of
the graph of y  g x  . Denote the origin by O .
(i) Using-the method of completing the square, express the coordinates of U in terms
of k .

(ii) Find k such that the area of the circle passing through F , O and U is the least.
(iii) For any positive constant k , the graph of y  g x  passes through the same point
G . Let V be the vertex of the graph of y  g x  such that the area of the circle
passing through F , O and V is the least. Are F , G , O and V concyclic?
Explain your answer.

(11 marks)
(2019 DSE-MATH-I Q19)

16. It is given that f x  partly varies as x 2 and partly varies as x . Suppose that f 2  60 and
f 3  99 .
(a) Find f x  .
(3 marks)
(b) Let Q be the vertex of the graph of y  f x  and R be the vertex of the graph of
y  27  f x  .
(i) Using the method of completing the square, find the coordinates of Q .

(ii) Write down the coordinates of R .

(iii) The coordinates of the point S are 56 , 0 . Let P be the circumcentre of
QRS . Describe the geometric relationship between P , Q and R . Explain your
answer.

(5 marks)
(2018 DSE-MATH-I Q18)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
17. The equation of the parabola Γ is y  2 x 2  2kx  2 x  3k  8 , where k is a real constant. Denote
the straight line y = 19 by L .
(a) Prove that L and Γ intersect at two distinct points.
(3 marks)
(b) The points of intersection of L and Γ are A and B .
(i) Let a and b be the x-coordinates of A and B respectively. Prove that
(a  b) 2  k 2  4k  23 .

(ii) Is it possible that the distance between A and B is less than 4 ? Explain your answer.

(5 marks)
(2017 DSE-MATH-I Q18)

1 2
18. Let f(x)  x  12x  121 .
3
(a) Using the method of completing the square, find the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of
y  f(x) .
(2 marks)
(b) The graph of y  g(x) is obtained by translating the graph of y  f(x) vertically. If the
graph of y  g(x) touches the x-axis, find g(x) .
(2 marks)
1 2
(c) Under a transformation, f(x) is changed to x  12x  121 . Describe the geometric
3
meaning of the transformation.
(2 marks)
(2016 DSE-MATH-I Q18)

19. Let f ( x)  2 x 2  4kx  3k 2  5 , where k is a real constant.

(a) Does the graph of y  f ( x) cut the x-axis? Explain your answer.
(2 marks)
(b) Using the method of completing the square, express, in terms of k , the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of y  f ( x) .
(3 marks)
(c) In the same rectangular coordinate system, let S and T be moving points on the graph of
y  f ( x) and the graph of y  2  f ( x) respectively. Denote the origin by O . Someone
claims that when S and T are nearest to each other, the circumcentre of OST lies on the
x-axis. Is the claim correct? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)
(2015 DSE-MATH-I Q18)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
20. (a) Let f( x)  36 x  x 2 . Using the method of completing the square, find the coordinates of the
vertex of the graph of y  f(x) .
(2 marks)
(b) The length of a piece of string is 108 m . A guard cuts the string into two pieces. One piece is
used to enclose a rectangular restricted zone of area A m 2 . The other piece of length x m
is used to divide this restricted zone into two rectangular regions as shown in the figure.

(i) Express A in terms of x .

(ii) The guard claims that the area of this restricted zone can be greater than 500 m 2 . Do
you agree? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)
(2013 DSE-MATH-I Q17)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
1 1 2
21. Let f ( x)  x x 6 .
2 144
(a) (i) Using the method of completing the square, find the coordinates of the vertex of the
graph of y = f(x) .
(ii) If the graph of y = g(x) is obtained by translating the graph of y = f(x) leftwards by 4
units and upwards by 5 units, find g(x) .
(iii) If the graph of y = h(x) is obtained by translating the graph of y  2 f ( x ) leftwards by
4 units and upwards by 5 units, find h(x) .
(7 marks)
(b) A researcher performs an experiment to study the relationship between the number of
bacteria A (u hundred million) and the temperature (s °C) under some controlled conditions.
From the data of u and s recorded in Table (a), the researcher suggests using the formula
u  2 f ( s ) to describe the relationship.

s a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 a7
u b1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7
Table (a)

(i) According to the formula suggested by the researcher, find the temperature at which
the number of the bacteria is 8 hundred million.
(ii) The researcher then performs another experiment to study the relationship between
the number of bacteria B (v hundred million) and the temperature (t °C) under the
same controlled conditions and the data of v and t are recorded in Table (b).

t a1 – 4 a2 – 4 a3 – 4 a4 – 4 a5 – 4 a6 – 4 a7 – 4
v b1 + 5 b2 + 5 b3 + 5 b4 + 5 b5 + 5 b6 + 5 b7 + 5
Table (b)

Using the formula suggested by the researcher, propose a formula to express v in

terms of t .
(4 marks)
(2010 CE-MATH-I Q16)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
22. The cost of a souvenir of surface area A cm2 is $C. It is given that C is the sum of two parts, one part
varies directly as A while the other part varies directly as A2 and inversely as n, where n is the
number of souvenirs produced. When A = 50 and n = 500, C = 350; when A = 20 and n = 400,
C=100.
(a) Express C in terms of A and n.
(3 marks)
2
(b) The selling price of a souvenir of surface area A cm is $ 8A and the profit in selling the
souvenir is $P.
(i) Express P in terms of A and n.
(ii) Suppose P : n = 5 : 32. Find A : n.
(iii) Suppose n = 500. Can a profit of $100 be made in selling a souvenir? Explain your
answer.
(iv) Suppose n = 400. Using the method of completing the square, find the greatest profit
in selling a souvenir.
(8 marks)
(2006 CE-MATH-I Q15)

23. When other conditions remain the same, the quality of a cup of a particular kind of Chinese tea
depends on the amount of time, t seconds, that tea leaves are soaked in water and the temperature,
x °C , of the water. It is proposed that the quality of a cup of this kind of tea can be measured by the
indicator Q as follows:
Q = 20 000 + F ,
where F consists of two parts with one part varying jointly as x and t , and the other part varying as
the square of t . The greater the value of Q , the better is the quality of the tea.
It is known that Q = 30 600 when t = 40 , x = 85 ; and Q = 28 100 when t = 60 , x = 75 .
(a) Show that Q = 20 000 + 5xt – 4t2 .
(5 marks)
(b) (i) Find the value of Q when the tea leaves are soaked in water for 45 seconds at a
temperature of 82°C .
(ii) When the temperature of water is 78°C , is it possible to achieve the same value of Q
in (b)(i) by changing the amount of time that the tea leaves are soaked in water?
Explain your answer briefly.
(4 marks)
(c) Suppose the temperature of water is 80°C . Using the method of completing the square, find
the amount of time the tea leaves need to be soaked in the water in order to achieve the best
quality of the tea.
(3 marks)
(1996 CE-MATH-I Q13)

11.19
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper I - Answer
1. (a) f ( x)  x 2  12 x 15. (a) U  (3k  1 , 28  9k )
(bi) k = –36 (bii) k  3
(bii) 256 (biii) F , G , O and V are not concyclic.
2. (ai) x = 11 16. (a) f x   3x 2  24 x
(aii) (11, 23) (bi)  4 ,  48 
(bi) 6 (bii)  4 , 75 
(bii) 69 (biii) P is the mid-point of the line segment
3. (a) b = 2 joining Q and R .
x-intercepts are 3 and –5 17. (bii) min. AB = 19 > 4
(b) k > –16 Not possible
(c) y = –16 (accept x = c) 18. (a) (18, –13)
4. a = 5 , b = –25 1
(b) ( x  18) 2
5. a = –2, b = 3, c = –6 3
6. (a) A = (0, 5), B = (1, 0), C = (5, 0) (c) The reflection with respect to y-axis
(b) D = (7, 12) (OR The leftward translation of 36 units)
7. (ai) 10 19. (a) No
(aii) 2, 3, 4, … , 11 (bi) (k , k 2  5)
(bi) c = 186 (bii) The claim is incorrect.
(bii) She gained $1040 20. (a) (18, 324)
8. 5 3 2
(bi) A  x  54 x
9. (ai) 2a  4a  3a
3 2
2
3 (bii) The claim is disagreed since the greatest
(aii) or 1
2 value of A is 486 .
(bii) 1.3 21. (ai) (36, 3)
 1
10. (a) V  10 h2  h3 (aii) g( x)  ( x  32) 2  8
3 144
(bi) 628 cm2 1
( x 32 ) 2  3

(bii) h ≈ 3.4 (aiii) h ( x)  2 144 5

11. (b) x ≈ 1.2 (bi) 36°C

12. (a)  2k , 4k 2

 8
(bii) v  2 144
1
( t 32) 2 3
5

(b)  k ,5k 2
 10 22. (a) C  3A 
40 A 2
n
13. (a) (6k  7 , 5k  4) 40 A 2
(bi) C  5 A 
(b) (7  6k , 5k  4) n
(ci) 4 x  3 y  9k  16  0 (bii) 1 : 16
(cii) ( x  7)  ( y  2k  4)  9k
2 2 2
(biii)impossible
(ciii) Yes. It is possible. (biv) $62.5
14. (a) (k , k 2  4) 23. (bi) 30 350
(b) No (bii) Not possible
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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
(c) 50s

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper II - Functions
24. Let g( x)  ( x  1)( x  a) , where a is a constant. If g(1)  g(2) , then g(a) 
A. 4 .

B. 0.

C. 12 .

D. 24 .
(2024 DSE-MATH-II Q8)

25. Let g( x)  13  5 x 2 . If  is a constant, find g(1  3 ) .

A. 8  45 2

B. 8  45 2

C. 8  30  45 2

D. 8  30  45 2
(2023 DSE-MATH-II Q8)

26. Let f ( x)  x 2  x  1 . If k is a constant, which of the following must be true?

A. f ( k )  f ( k )
B. f (k )  f (1  k )
C. f (k  1)  f (k )  f (1)
D. f (k  1)  f (k )  f (1)
(2022 DSE-MATH-II Q8)

27. Let f ( x)  ( x  h)(x  3)  k , where h and k are constants. If f (0)  f (8)  1 , find k.

A.  14
B. 5
C. 20
D. 31
(2021 DSE-MATH-II Q7)

11.22
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
28. Let f x   3x 2  x  2 . If  is a constant, then f 1     f 1    

A. 2 .
B. 10 .
C. 6  2 .
2

D. 6 2  2 .
(2020 DSE-MATH-II Q5)

29. Let c be a constant. If f x   x 3  cx 2  c , then f c   f  c  

A. 0.
B. 2c .
C. 2c3  2c .
D.  2c 3  2c .
(2019 DSE-MATH-II Q8)

30. If f x   3x 2  2 x  1 , then f 2m 1 

A. 6m2  4m  2 .
B. 6m 2  4m  6 .
C. 12m2  16m  2 .
D. 12m2  16m  6 .
(2018 DSE-MATH-II Q7)

31. Let k be a constant. If f( x)  2 x 2  5 x  k , then f(2)  f(2) 

A. –20 .
B. 0.
C. 16 .
D. 2k .
(2017 DSE-MATH-II Q6)

32. Let f(x) = x2 + 2x + k , where k is a constant. Find f(5) – f(3) .

A. 20
B. k+8
C. k + 35
D. 2k + 50
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q8)

11.23
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
33. If f(x) = x2 – 3x + 17 , then 3f(2) – 1 =
A. 27 .
B. 34 .
C. 44 .
D. 70 .
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q6)

34. Let f( x)  x 2  9 x  c , where c is a constant. If f(1)  8 , then c =

A. –2 .
B. 0.
C. 16 .
D. 18 .
(2009 CE-MATH-II Q6)

35. Let f(x) = x2 + kx + 7, where k is a constant. If f(4) – f(3) = 21 , then k =

A. 0.
B. 4.
C. 14 .
D. 28 .
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q6)

36. Let f(x) = x2 – ax + 2a, where a is a constant. If f(–3) = 29 , then a =

A. –38 .
B. –20 .
C. –4 .
D. 4.
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q8)

11.24
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
x 1
37. Let f ( x)  , then f (3)f ( ) =
1 x 3
3
A. .
16
1
B. .
2
3
C. .
4
D. 1.
(2006 CE-MATH-II Q5)

38. If f(x) = 2x2 – 3x + 4 , then f(1) – f(–1) =

A. –6 .
B. –2 .
C. 2.
D. 6.
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q3)
39. If f(x) = x2 – x + 1 , then f(x + 1) – f(x) =
A. 0.
B. 2.
C. 2x .
D. 4x .
(2004 CE-MATH-II Q3)
1
40. Let f(x) = 2x2 + kx – 1 and f (2)  f ( ) , then k =
2
 17
A. .
3
B. 5 .
C. 3 .
31
D. .
5
(2003 CE-MATH-II Q1)

41. Let f(x) = x2 – x – 3 . If f(k) = k , then k =

A. 1.
B. –1 or 3 .
C. –3 or 1 .
D.  3 or 3 .
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q2)
42. Let f(x) = 3x + ax – 7 . If f(–1) = 0 , find f(–2) .
2

11.25
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
A. –27
B. –11
C. –3
D. 1
E. 13
(2000 CE-MATH-II Q4)
43. If f(x) = x – 1 , then f(a – 1) =
2

A. a2 – 2a .
B. a2 – 3a .
C. a2 – 3a – 2 .
D. a2 – 1 .
E. a2 – 2 .
(1999 CE-MATH-II Q1)

11.26
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
44. If f(x) = x2 – 3x – 1 , then f(a) + f(–a) =
A. 2a2 .
B. 2a2 – 2 .
C. 6a .
D. – 6a .
E. –2.
(1998 CE-MATH-II Q2)
45. If f(x) = 3x2 + bx + 1 and f(x) = f(–x) , then f(–3) =
A. –26 .
B. 0.
C. 3.
D. 25 .
E. 28 .
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q27)
1
If f x   , then f   f  x  
x
46.
1 x  x
1
A.  .
2
B. 1 .
1 x
C.  .
1 x
x
D. .
1 x 2
x
E. .
x 12

(1995 CE-MATH-II Q35)

47. If f(x) = x + 2x, then f(x  1) =
2

A. x2 .
B. x2  1 .
C. x2 + 2x  1 .
D. x2 + 2x  3 .
E. x2 + 4x  1 .
(1994 CE-MATH-II Q1)
2x
48. If f(x) = 10 , then f(4y) =
A. 104y .
B. 102 + 4y .
C. 108y .
D. 40y .
E. 402y .
(1993 CE-MATH-II Q1)

11.27
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
1 1
49. If f(x) = x , then f(x)  f   =
x x
A. 0.
B. 2x .
2
C.  .
x
 1
D. 2 x   .
 x
1 
E. 2  x .
x 
(1991 CE-MATH-II Q35)
1
50. If f(n) = n(n  1) , then f(n + 1)  f(n) =
2
A. f(1) .
B. f(n) .
n
C. .
2
D. 1.
E. n.
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q4)
x 1
51. If f(x) = , then f( ) =
1 x x
1
A. .
x 1
1
B. .
1 x
x
C. .
x 1
x
D. .
1 x
1 x
E. .
x
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q4)
52. If f( x)  3  2 , then f(2 x)  f(x) 
x

A. 2x .
B. 2 3x .
C. 3  2x .
D. 2 x (2 x  1) .
E. 2 x (2 x  1) .
(1988 CE-MATH-II Q34)

11.28
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
53. If f(x) = x + 1, then f(x  1) =
2

A. x2 .
B. x2 – 1 .
C. x2 + 2 .
D. x2 – 2x .
E. x2 – 2x + 2 .
(1987 CE-MATH-II Q10)
54. If f( 2 x)  8 x 3  4 x , then f(3a ) =
A. 9a3 + 6a .
B. 12a3 + 6a .
C. 27a3 + 6a .
D. 108a3 + 6a .
E. 216a3 + 12a .
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q40)
55. A function f(x) is called an even function if f(x) = f(x) . Which of the following function is/are
even functions?
1
I. f1(x) =
x
II. f2(x) = x2
III. f3(x) = x3
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only
E. II and III only
(1983 CE-MATH-II Q37)
56. If f(x) = 5 + 1 , then f(x + 1)  f(x) =
x

A. 1.
B. 6.
C. 4  5x .
D. 5  5x .
E. 4  5x + 1 .
(1982 CE-MATH-II Q29)
57. If f(x) = x + x + 1 , then f(x + 1)  f(x) =
2

A. 1.
B. 3.
C. 2x + 1 .
D. 2x + 2 .
E. x2 + x + 1 .
(1981 CE-MATH-II Q7)

11.29
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper II - Quadratic graph

58. Which of the following statements about the graph of y  2(6  x) 2  7 is true?

A. The graph opens upwards.

B. The graph does not cut the x-axis.

C. The y-intercept of the graph is 7 .

D. The graph passes through the point (6, 7) .

(2024 DSE-MATH-II Q14)

59. Which of the following statements about the graph of y  5  ( x  3) 2 is true?

A. The graph opens downwards.

B. The x-intercept of the graph is 3.

C. The y-intercept of the graph is 5.

D. The graph passes through the point (3, 5) .

(2023 DSE-MATH-II Q10)

60. Let h and k be real constants such that hk < 0. Which of the following statements about the graph of

y   h  x  k  x  are true?

I. The graph opens upwards.

II. The graph has two x-intercepts.
III. The y-intercept of the graph is positive.

A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I , II and III
(2022 DSE-MATH-II Q10)

11.30
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs

61. Let m and n be real constants. Which of the following statements about the graph of
y  (m  x) 2  n must be true?

I. The graph opens upwards.

II. The y-intercept of the graph is positive.
III. The graph passes through the point (n , m) .

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
(2021 DSE-MATH-II Q14)

62. Which of the following statements about the graph of y  3  x x  2  6 is/are true?

I. The graph opens downwards.

II. The graph passes through the point 1 , 10  .
III. The x -intercepts of the graph are –2 and 3 .

A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
(2019 DSE-MATH-II Q10)

Which of the following statements about the graph of y  16  x  6 is true?

2
63.

A. The graph cuts the x -axis.

B. The graph opens upwards.
C. The y -intercept of the graph is 16.
D. The graph passes through the origin.
(2018 DSE-MATH-II Q5)

11.31
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
64. The figure shows the graph of y  ( px  5) 2  q , where
p and q are constants. Which of the following is true?
A. p<0 and q<0
B. p<0 and q>0
C. p>0 and q<0
D. p>0 and q>0
(2017 DSE-MATH-II Q9)

65. If –1 < a < 0 , which of the following may represent the graph of y  (ax  1) 2  a ?
A. B.

C. D.

(2016 DSE-MATH-II Q9)

11.32
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
66. The figure shows the graph of y  a( x  b) 2 , where a
and b are constants. Which of the following is true?
A. a < 0 and b < 0
B. a < 0 and b > 0
C. a > 0 and b < 0
D. a > 0 and b > 0
(2015 DSE-MATH-II Q8)

67. The figure shows the graph of y  mx 2  x  n , where m

and n are constants. Which of the following is true?
A. m  0 and n  0
B. m  0 and n  0
C. m  0 and n  0
D. m  0 and n  0
(2014 DSE-MATH-II Q5)

68. Let f x   3x 2  6 x  k , where k is a constant. If the y -coordinate of the vertex of the graph of
y  f x  is 7 , then k 
A. 1.
B. 3.
C. 4.
D. 10 .
(Non-foundation) (2014 DSE-MATH-II Q35)

69. The figure shows the graph of y  2 x 2  ax  b , where a and b

are constants. The equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph is
A. x2 .
B. x3 .
C. x5 .
D. x 8 .
(2013 DSE-MATH-II Q7)

11.33
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
70. The figure shows the graph of y = a(x + b)2 , where a and b are
constants. Which of the following is true?
A. a > 0 and b > 0
B. a > 0 and b < 0
C. a < 0 and b > 0
D. a < 0 and b < 0
(2012 DSE-MATH-II Q6)

71. Let f(x) be a quadratic function. If the coordinates of the vertex of the graph of y = f(x) are (3, –4) ,
which of the following must be true?
A. The roots of the equation f(x) = 0 are integers.
B. The roots of the equation f(x) – 3 = 0 are rational numbers.
C. The roots of the equation f(x) + 4 = 0 are real numbers.
D. The roots of the equation f(x) + 5 = 0 are nonreal numbers.
(Non-foundation) (2012 DSE-MATH-II Q34)

72. The figure shows the graph of y = ax2 − 2x + b ,

where a and b are constants. Which of the
following is/are true?
I. a>0
II. b<0
III. ab < 1
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
(PP DSE-MATH-II Q8)

73. In the figure, the quadratic graph of y = f (x) intersects the straight line L at A(1, k) and B(7, k) .
Which of the following are true?

I. The solution of the inequality f (x) > k is x < 1 or x > 7 .

II. The roots of the equation f (x) = k are 1 and 7 .
III. The equation of the axis of symmetry of the quadratic
graph of y = f (x) is x = 3 .
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I , II and III
(SAMPLE DSE-MATH-II Q8)

11.34
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
74. Which of the following statements about the graph of y = 25 – (x – 3)2 is true?
A. The x-intercepts of the graph are –2 and 8 .
B. The y-intercept of the graph is 25 .
C. The equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph is x = –3 .
D. The y-coordinate of the vertex of the graph is 16 .
(2011 CE-MATH-II Q7)

75. The equation of the quadratic graph shown in the figure is

A. y = (x – 1)(x – 4) .
B. y = –(x + 1)(x + 4) .
C. y = –2(x + 1)(x + 4) .
D. y = –2(x – 1)(x – 4) .
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q9)

76. The figure shows the graph of y  ( x  h)2  k . Which of the

following must be true?
A. h > 0 and k > 0
B. h > 0 and k < 0
C. h < 0 and k > 0
D. h < 0 and k < 0
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q9)

77. The figure shows the graph of y = f(x), where f(x) is a quadratic function. The solution of f(x) < 3 is
A. a<x<d.
B. b<x<c.
C. x < a or x > d .
D. x < b or x > c .
(2008 CE-MATH-II Q10)

11.35
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
78. Which of the following statements about the graph of y = (x + 1) – 4 is true?
2

A. The coordinates of the vertex of the graph are (–1, 4) .

B. The equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph is x = 1 .
C. The x-intercepts of the graph are –1 and 3 .
D. The y-intercept of the graph is –3 .
(2007 CE-MATH-II Q5)

79. The figure shows the graph of y = f(x) . If f(x) is a quadratic function, then f(x) =
1
A. ( x  1)(x  4) .
2
B. 2( x  1)(x  4) .
1
C. ( x  1)(x  4) .
2
D. 2( x  1)(x  4) .
(2006 CE-MATH-II Q7)

80. The figure shows the graph of y = ax2 + x + b . Which of the following is true?
A. a > 0 and b < 0
B. a > 0 and b > 0
C. a < 0 and b < 0
D. a < 0 and b > 0
(2005 CE-MATH-II Q6)

81. In the figure, the graph of y = 2x2 – 4x + c passes through the point (1, k) . Find the value of k .
A. –5
B. –4
C. –3
D. –2
(2004 CE-MATH-II Q5)

82. The figure shows the graph of y = –x2 + ax + b . Which of the

following is true?
A. a < 0 and b < 0
B. a < 0 and b > 0
C. a > 0 and b < 0
D. a > 0 and b > 0
(2003 CE-MATH-II Q42)

11.36
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
83. The figure shows the graph of y = x2 + bx + c . Find b .

11
A. 
2
B. –5
C. 5
11
D.
2
(2002 CE-MATH-II Q5)
84. In the figure, the graph of y = 2x2 – 9x + 4 cuts the x-axis at A and B , and the y-axis at C . Find the
area of ABC .
A. 4
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
E. 14
(2001 CE-MATH-II Q23)
85. Which of the following can represent the graph of y = –x2 + 2x – 3 ?
A. B. C.

D. E.

(2000 CE-MATH-II Q39)

86. In the figure, the graph of y = x – 6x + k touches the x-axis. Find k .
2

A. k0
B. k9
C. k = –9
D. k=0
E. k=9
(1999 CE-MATH-II Q5)

11.37
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
87. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = x2 – 3x – 18 ?
A. B. C.

D. E.

(1999 CE-MATH-II Q9)

2
88. The figure shows the graph of y = ax + bx + c .Which of the following
is true?
A. a > 0 , c > 0 and b2 – 4ac > 0
B. a > 0 , c > 0 and b2 – 4ac < 0
C. a > 0 , c < 0 and b2 – 4ac < 0
D. a < 0 , c > 0 and b2 – 4ac > 0
E. a < 0 , c < 0 and b2 – 4ac > 0
(1998 CE-MATH-II Q12)

89. The figure shows the graph of a quadratic function f(x) . If the vertex
of the graph is (1 , 3) , then f(x) =
A.  3( x  1) 2  3 .
B.  3( x  1) 2  3 .
C.  ( x  1) 2  3 .
D.  ( x  1) 2  3 .
E. 3( x  1) 2  3 .
(1997 CE-MATH-II Q34)

90. The curve in the figure is the graph of y = –x2 + bx + c . Find the area of the rectangle OPQR .
A. bc
B. b2
C. c2
D. b2 – 4c
E. b2 + 4c
(1996 CE-MATH-II Q41)
11.38
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
91. Which of the following may represent the graph of y   x 2  3x  10 .
A. B.

C. D.

E.

(1995 CE-MATH-II Q41)

92. The graph of y = ax2 + bx + c is given as shown. Which of the following is/are true?
I. a<0
y
II. b<0
III. c<0
A. I only x
O
B. I and II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and III
(1990 CE-MATH-II Q31)

11.39
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
93. The figure shows the graph of a quadratic function y  f  x  . Given that
y (2,18)
the graph has vertex (2 , 18) and it cuts the x-axis at (5 , 0) , find the
quadratic function.
A. y  ( x  2) 2  18
B. y  ( x  2) 2  18
C. y  x  1x  5 o
x
(5,0)
D. y  2x  1x  5
E. y  2x  1x  5
(1989 CE-MATH-II Q45)
94. The figure shows the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c . Which of the
y
following is/are true?
I. a>0 y = ax2 + bx + c
II. b>0
III. c>0
A. I only
B. I and II only x
0
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II and III
(1987 CE-MATH-II Q39)
95. If a, b and c are positive numbers, which of the following is a possible graphical representation of
y = ax2 + bx + c .
A. B. C.

y y y

x
0

x x
0 0

D. E.

y y

x
0

x
0

(1986 CE-MATH-II Q35)

11.40
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
96. In the figure, the equation of the curve is y = (x  2)  1 . The
2
y
curve intersects the x-axis at A and B . C is the vertex of the
curve. The area of ABC is
A. 1.
B. 1.5 . x
O A B
C. 2.
C
D. 2.5 .
E. 3.
(1985 CE-MATH-II Q35)

97. The graph of y = x2 + ax + b (a and b being constants) cuts the x-axis at (2 , 0) and (h , 0) , and cuts
the y-axis at (0 , 2) . h=
A. 3 .
B. 2 .
C. 1 .
D. 0.
E. 1.
(1984 CE-MATH-II Q34)

98. The figure above shows the graph of y = ax2 + bx + c . Determine

y
whether a and c are positive or negative.
A. a > 0 and c > 0
B. a < 0 and c < 0
C. a > 0 and c < 0 x
D. a < 0 and c > 0
E. It cannot be determined from the given data.
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q32)

99. If x and y are real numbers, what is the minimum value of the expression (x + y)2  1 ?
A. 5
B. 1
C. 0
D. 3
E. It cannot be determined
(1980 CE-MATH-II Q38)

11.41
HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper II - Transformation

100. Let f ( x)  3x 2  18mx  22m 2 , where m is a real constant. Which of the following
statements about the graph of y  f (3x) must be true?

I. The x-coordinate of the vertex of the graph is m .

II. The y-coordinate of the vertex of the graph is 5m 2 .
III. The equation of the axis of symmetry of the graph is x  m  0 .

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and III only

D. II and III only

(2023 DSE-MATH-II Q35)

101. Let f x  be a quadratic function. The figure below may represent

the graph of y  f x  and
A. the graph of y  3 f x  .
B. the graph of y  f  3x  .
C. the graph of y   f x  4 .
D. the graph of y  f  x  11 .
(2018 DSE-MATH-II Q31)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
102.

 x
The figure above shows the graph of y  f(x) . If g( x)  f   , which of the following may
2
represent the graph of y  g (x) .
A. B.

C. D.

(2017 DSE-MATH-II Q31)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
103. Which of the following may represent the graph of y  f x  and the graph of y  1 f x  on the
same rectangular coordinate system?
A. B.

C. D.

(2014 DSE-MATH-II Q38)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
104. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = f(x) and the graph of y = f(x – 2) + 1 on the
same rectangular coordinate system?
A. B.

C. D.

(2012 DSE-MATH-II Q38)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
105.

The figure above shows the graph of y = f (x) . If 2f (x) =g(x) , which of the following may represent
the graph of y = g(x) ?
A. B.

C. D.

(PP DSE-MATH-II Q31)

106. If the figure shows the graph of y = f (x) and the graph of y = g(x)
on the same rectangular coordinate system, then
A. g(x) = f (x − 2) − 3 .
B. g(x) = f (x − 2) + 3 .
C. g(x) = f (x + 2) − 3 .
D. g(x) = f (x + 2) + 3 .
(SAMPLE DSE-MATH-II Q37)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
107. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = f(x) and the graph of y = f(x – 2) – 2 on the
same rectangular coordinate system?
A. B.

C. D.

(2011 CE-MATH-II Q37)

108. Let f(x) be a quadratic function. The figure shows

the graph of y = f(x) and
A. the graph of y = f(x – 2) .
B. the graph of y = f(x +2) .
C. the graph of y= f(– x) .
D. the graph of y = – f(x) .
(2010 CE-MATH-II Q37)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
109. The figure shows the graph of y = f(x) . If f(x) = 3g(x) , which of the following may represent the
graph of y = g(x) ?

A. B.

C. D.

(2009 CE-MATH-II Q37)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
110. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = f(x) and the graph of y = f(x) + 2 on the same
rectangular coordinate system?
A. B.

C. D.

(2008 CE-MATH-II Q37)

111. Which of the following may represent the graph of y = f(x) and the graph of y = f(x + 1) on the same
rectangular coordinate system?
A. B.

C. D.

(2007 CE-MATH-II Q38)

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HKDSE Mathematics 11. Functions and Graphs
Paper II - Key
24. D 42. E 60. A 78. D 96. A
25. D 43. A 61. A 79. A 97. C
26. B 44. B 62. A 80. D 98. D
27. A 45. E 63. A 81. C 99. B
28. B 46. D 64. C 82. C 100. D
29. C 47. B 65. D 83. B 101. C
30. D 48. C 66. D 84. C 102. D
31. A 49. D 67. C 85. E 103. A
32. A 50. E 68. D 86. E 104. C
33. C 51. A 69. B 87. A 105. D
34. A 52. E 70. D 88. B 106. C
35. C 53. E 71. C 89. A 107. D
36. D 54. C 72. D 90. A 108. C
37. A 55. B 73. A 91. A 109. D
38. A 56. C 74. A 92. C 110. D
39. C 57. D 75. C 93. D 111. D
40. C 58. A 76. A 94. C
41. B 59. D 77. A 95. D

11.50