repeated roots
What repeated roots means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for WJEC.
Definitions of repeated roots
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Reference: WJEC
A repeated squared factor means the curve touches the x-axis tangentially without crossing, and a repeated cubic factor produces a stationary point of inflection.
A curve touching the x-axis tangentially at a repeated root of even multiplicity does not change sign, so no sign change is detected.
When Δ = 0, the equation has one repeated (equal) real root, and the parabola touches the x-axis tangentially at its vertex.
Topics that use repeated roots
- Algebra and Functions (AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
- Numerical Methods (A2 Unit 3: Pure Mathematics B) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- algebraic division
- Asymptotes
- boundary curves
- bounds for the true integral
- cobweb diagram
- Completing the square
- conjunction
- contextual problem solving
Using repeated roots in the exam
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