SOLUTION: Given the quadratic function y=x^2-x+k-1 and the linear function y=x+1, find the number of points that their graphs have in common. (assume k>4)

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Given the quadratic function y=x^2-x+k-1 and the linear function y=x+1, find the number of points that their graphs have in common. (assume k>4)       Log On


   



Question 1014924: Given the quadratic function y=x^2-x+k-1 and the linear function y=x+1, find the number of points that their graphs have in common. (assume k>4)
Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve the system of equations y+=+x%5E2+-x+%2Bk+-+1 and y = x + 1.
Then x%5E2+-x+%2Bk+-+1+=+x+%2B1 , or x%5E2+-2x+%2Bk+-+2=0 .
The discriminant is then equal to b%5E2+-+4ac+=+4+-+4%281%29%28k-2%29+=+12+-+4k.
Since it is given that k > 4, it follows that:
-4k < -16,
12 - 4k < 12 - 16 = -4,
12 - 4k < -4 < 0,
hence the discriminant is negative, and thus the system has no (real) solutions. Therefore the two graphs don't have points in common. (They do not intersect.)