Why isn't the answer to TMUA-P1-MM1-001 shown upfront?

The options are lettered without marking the correct one so you attempt TMUA-P1-MM1-001 first — TMUA questions reward spotting the trap before you check the worked solution below.

Do I need a calculator for TMUA-P1-MM1-001?

No — calculators are banned in the TMUA. TMUA-P1-MM1-001 is set for a no-calculator target of about 180 seconds; the worked solution shows the fastest by-hand route.

Which TMUA specification point is TMUA-P1-MM1-001?

TMUA-P1-MM1-001 is Paper P1 · Algebra and functions (specification code MM1), level 2. Drill more of the same topic from this page.

TMUA-P1-MM1-001 — Paper P1 · Algebra and functions · Level 2

P1MM1Level 2~180s target

Spec: MM1 · No calculator · ~180s

The equation

x^2 + kx + 9 = 0

has two equal real roots. What is the sum of all possible values of

k

Options

$-6$
$0$
$6$
$12$
$36$

Letters only — the answer key is hidden. Work it out, then check the solution below.

Hint (check trope)

No written hint yet — check the trope: discriminant-zero. Name the trap first, work the stem by hand, then open the solution below.

Show solution

Equal roots means the discriminant is zero:

k^2 - 36 = 0

, so

k = 6

k = -6

. Their sum is

0

Keep practising

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Same trap: discriminant-zero
P1MM1Level 2
TMUA-P1-MM1-009
The equation kx^2 + 4x + 1 = 0, with k ≠ 0, has two equal real roots. What is the value of k?
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Step up a level
P1MM1Level 3
TMUA-P1-MM1-016
The polynomial P(x) = x^3 + px^2 + qx - 12 is divisible by both (x - 1) and (x + 3). What is the value of p?
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Browse more

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Keep practising

Same topic · same level

P1MM1Level 2

TMUA-P1-MM1-007

Evaluate (27/8)^-2/3.

Algebra and functions

Open TMUA-P1-MM1-007 →

Same trap: discriminant-zero

P1MM1Level 2

TMUA-P1-MM1-009

The equation kx^2 + 4x + 1 = 0, with k ≠ 0, has two equal real roots. What is the value of k?

Algebra and functions

Open TMUA-P1-MM1-009 →

Step up a level

P1MM1Level 3

TMUA-P1-MM1-016

The polynomial P(x) = x^3 + px^2 + qx - 12 is divisible by both (x - 1) and (x + 3). What is the value of p?

Algebra and functions

Open TMUA-P1-MM1-016 →

TMUA-P1-MM1-001 — Paper P1 · Algebra and functions · Level 2

Options

Keep practising

Master Algebra and functions

TMUA-P1-MM1-001 — Paper P1 · Algebra and functions · Level 2

Options

Keep practising

Master Algebra and functions