another easy question

[kahyang]

if the questions ask,

f(x) = x + 10x + 35

express f(x) in the form of (x+a) + b where a and b are constants to be found.

do we just answer it as :

f(x) = (x+5) + 10

or do we say

f(x) = (x+5) + 10

a= 5, b=10.

is it necessary to find state what is a and b. thanks =]

[PJones]

if the questions ask,

f(x) = x + 10x + 35

express f(x) in the form of (x+a) + b where a and b are constants to be found.

do we just answer it as :

f(x) = (x+5) + 10

or do we say

f(x) = (x+5) + 10

a= 5, b=10.

is it necessary to find state what is a and b. thanks =]

If it says to be found, then I would state the values.
Some exam papers will have a dotted line saying a= ... b =... so this makes it clear.

[kahyang]

anyone can give a clearer opinion? thanks =p

[Penguins]

From looking at the mark schemes of most of the past papers I've done, it says that the examiners accept the correct answer, regardless of whether you've put it as:

f(x) = (x+5) + 10
or
a=5, b=10

I don't know if this is true for all exam boards, but it's usually written in the AQA mark schemes.