Curve Sketching

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2025 Paper 2 Q1
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The function \(\mathrm{Min}\) is defined as \[ \mathrm{Min}(a, b) = \begin{cases} a & \text{if } a \leq b \\ b & \text{if } a > b \end{cases} \]

  1. Sketch the graph \(y = \mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x)\).
  2. Solve the equation \(2\mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) = 5x - 3\).
  3. Solve the equation \(\mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) + \mathrm{Min}(x^3, 4x) = mx\) in the cases \(m = 2\) and \(m = 6\).
  4. Show that \((1, -3)\) is a local maximum point on the curve \(y = 2\mathrm{Min}(x^2, x^3) - 5x\) and find the other three local maxima and minima on this curve. Sketch the curve.

Show Solution
  1. TikZ diagram
  2. \(2 \textrm{Min}(x^2,2x) = 5x-3\) tells us either \(2x^2 = 5x-3 \Rightarrow 2x^2 - 5x +3 = 0 \Rightarrow (2x-3)(x-1) \Rightarrow x = 1, \frac32\) and \(0 \leq x \leq 2\) or \(4x = 5x-3 \Rightarrow x= 3\) and \(x < 0\) or \(2 > x\), therefore our solutions are \(x = 1, \frac32, 3\)
  3. We have different cases based on \(x\) vs \(-2, 0, 2\), ie Case \(x \leq -2\): \begin{align*} && mx &= \mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) + \mathrm{Min}(x^3, 4x) \\ &&&= 2x + x^3 \end{align*} So \(2x = 2x + x^3 \Rightarrow x^3 = 0\), but \(x \leq -2\) so no solutions. or \(6x = 2x + x^3 \Rightarrow 0 = x(x^2-4) \Rightarrow x = 0, 2, -2\) so \(x = -2\). Case \(-2 < x \leq 0\): \begin{align*} && mx &= \mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) + \mathrm{Min}(x^3, 4x) \\ &&&= 2x + 4x \end{align*} So \(2x = 2x + 4x\) ie \(x = 0\) which is valid. Or \(6x = 2x + 4x\) ie valid for all values in \(-2 \leq x \leq 0\) Case \(0 < x \leq 2\): \begin{align*} && mx &= \mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) + \mathrm{Min}(x^3, 4x) \\ &&&= x^2 + x^3 \end{align*} So \(2x = x^2 + x^3 \Rightarrow 0 = x(x^2+x-2) = x(x-1)(x+2)\) so \(x = 0, 1, -2\), but the range means \(x = 0\) or \(x = 1\) Or \(6x = x^2 + x^3 \Rightarrow 0 = x(x^2+x-6) = x(x-2)(x+3)\) so \(x = 0, 2, -3\), but the range means \(x = 0\) or \(x = 2\) Case \(2 \leq x \): \begin{align*} && mx &= \mathrm{Min}(x^2, 2x) + \mathrm{Min}(x^3, 4x) \\ &&&=2x + 4x \end{align*} So \(2x = 2x + 4x \Rightarrow x = 0\) so no solutions. Or \(6x = 2x + 4x\) so a range of solutions. Therefore the final solutions for \(m = 2\) are \(x = 0, x = 1\) and for \(m = 2\) are \(x \in [-2,0] \cup [2, \infty)\)
  4. \(\mathrm{Min}(x^2, x^3)\) switches when \(x = 1\), so we must consider both limits: \begin{align*} && \frac{\d y}{\d x}\vert_{x > 1} &= 4x - 5 \\ \\ && \frac{\d y}{\d x}\vert_{x < 1} &= 6x^2 - 5 \\ \end{align*} so when \(x = 1\) the sign of the derivative changes from positive to negative, hence a local maximum. The other local maxima and minima will be when \(x = \frac54\) or \(x = \pm \sqrt{5/6}\)
    TikZ diagram
2024 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Sketch the curve \(C_1\) with equation \[ \left(y^2 + (x-1)^2 - 1\right)\left(y^2 + (x+1)^2 - 1\right) = 0. \]
  2. Consider the curve \(C_2\) with equation \[ \left(y^2 + (x-1)^2 - 1\right)\left(y^2 + (x+1)^2 - 1\right) = \tfrac{1}{16}. \]
    1. Show that the line \(y = k\) meets the curve \(C_2\) at points for which \[ x^4 + 2(k^2 - 2)x^2 + \left(k^4 - \tfrac{1}{16}\right) = 0. \] Hence determine the number of intersections between curve \(C_2\) and the line \(y = k\) for each positive value of \(k\).
    2. Determine whether the points on curve \(C_2\) with the greatest possible \(y\)-coordinate are further from, or closer to, the \(y\)-axis than those on curve \(C_1\).
    3. Show that it is not possible for both \(y^2 + (x-1)^2 - 1\) and \(y^2 + (x+1)^2 - 1\) to be negative, and deduce that curve \(C_2\) lies entirely outside curve \(C_1\).
    4. Sketch the curves \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) on the same axes.

Show Solution
  1. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
    1. Suppose \(y=k\) meets the curve \(C_2\) then \begin{align*} && \tfrac1{16} &= (k^2+(x-1)^2-1)(k^2+(x+1)^2-1) \\ &&&= (k^2+x^2-2x)(k^2+x^2+2x) \\ &&&= k^4+2k^2x^2+x^4-4x^2 \\ &&&= x^4+(2k^2-4)x^2+k^4 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= x^4+(2k^2-4)x^2+(k^4-\tfrac1{16}) \\ \\ && \Delta &= 4(k^2-2)^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot (k^4-\tfrac1{16}) \\ &&&= 4(k^4-4k^2+4 - k^4 +\tfrac{1}{16}) \\ &&&= 16(1+\tfrac{1}{64} - k^2) \\ &&&= 16(\tfrac{65}{64} - k^2) \end{align*} Therefore if \(|k| < \frac{\sqrt{65}}{8}\) there are \(4\) intersections. If \(|k| = \frac{\sqrt{65}}{8}\) there are \(2\) intersections, otherwise there are \(0\).
    2. The greatest possible \(y\) value is \( \frac{\sqrt{65}}{8}\) and at this point \(x^2 = \frac{2(2-\frac{65}{64}}{2} =1 - \frac{1}{64} < 1\) so they are close to the \(y\)-axis.
    3. The regions where \(y^2+(x-1)^2-1 < 0\) and \(y^2+(x+1)^2-1 < 0\) is the interior of the two circles from the first part. However, since they don't overlap they can never both be negative. Therefore in our equation both are positive and therefore \(C_2\) is entirely outside \(C_1\)
    4. \(\,\)
      TikZ diagram
2019 Paper 3 Q7
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The Devil's Curve is given by $$y^2(y^2 - b^2) = x^2(x^2 - a^2),$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive constants.

  1. In the case \(a = b\), sketch the Devil's Curve.
  2. Now consider the case \(a = 2\) and \(b = \sqrt{5}\), and \(x \geq 0\), \(y \geq 0\).
    1. Show by considering a quadratic equation in \(x^2\) that either \(0 \leq y \leq 1\) or \(y \geq 2\).
    2. Describe the curve very close to and very far from the origin.
    3. Find the points at which the tangent to the curve is parallel to the \(x\)-axis and the point at which the tangent to the curve is parallel to the \(y\)-axis.
    Sketch the Devil's Curve in this case.
  3. Sketch the Devil's Curve in the case \(a = 2\) and \(b = \sqrt{5}\) again, but with \(-\infty < x < \infty\) and \(-\infty < y < \infty\).

Show Solution
  1. Suppose \(a=b\), ie \begin{align*} && y^2(y^2-a^2) &= x^2(x^2-a^2) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= x^4-y^4-a^2(x^2-y^2) \\ &&&= (x^2-y^2)(x^2+y^2-a^2) \end{align*} Therefore we have the lines \(y = \pm x\) and a circle radius \(a\).
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    1. Since \(x^4 - 4x^2 - y^2(y^2-5)= 0\), we must have \(0 \leq \Delta = 16 + 4y^2(y^2-5) \Rightarrow y^4-5y^2+4 = (y^2-4)(y^2-1) \geq 0\), therefore \(0 \leq y \leq 1\) or \(y \geq 2\) (since we are only considering positive values of \(y\)).
    2. When \((x, y) \approx 0\) the equation is more like \(4x^2 \approx 5y^2\) or \(y \approx \frac{2}{\sqrt{5}}x\) If \(|x|, |y|\) are very large, it is more like \(x^4 \approx y^4\), ie \(y \approx x\)
    3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && (2y(y^2-5)+y^2(2y))y' &= 2x(x^2-4)+2x^3 \\ \Rightarrow && (4y^3-10y)y' &= 4x^3-8x \end{align*} Therefore the gradient is parallel to the \(x\)-axis when \(x = 0, x = \sqrt{2}\). We need \(x = 0, y \neq 0\), ie \(y = \sqrt{5}\), so \((0, \sqrt{5})\) and \((\sqrt{2}, 0)\) It is parallel to the \(y\)-axis when \(y = 0\) or \(y = \sqrt{\frac52}\), ie \((2, 0)\)
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  2. \(\,\)
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2016 Paper 1 Q3
D: 1500.0 B: 1487.6

In this question, \(\lfloor x \rfloor\) denotes the greatest integer that is less than or equal to \(x\), so that (for example) \(\lfloor 2.9 \rfloor = 2\), \(\lfloor 2\rfloor = 2\) and \(\lfloor -1.5 \rfloor = -2\). On separate diagrams draw the graphs, for \(-\pi \le x \le \pi\), of:

(i) \(y = \lfloor x \rfloor\); (ii) \(y=\sin\lfloor x \rfloor\); (iii) \(y = \lfloor \sin x\rfloor\); (iv) \(y= \lfloor 2\sin x\rfloor\).
In each case, you should indicate clearly the value of \(y\) at points where the graph is discontinuous.

Show Solution
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2015 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1484.0 B: 1538.1

  1. Sketch the curve \(y = \e^x (2x^2 -5x+ 2)\,.\) Hence determine how many real values of \(x\) satisfy the equation \(\e^x (2x^2 -5x+ 2)= k\) in the different cases that arise according to the value of \(k\). {\em You may assume that \(x^n \e^x\to 0\) as \(x\to-\infty\) for any integer \(n\).}
  2. Sketch the curve \(\displaystyle y = \e^{x^2} (2x^4 -5x^2+ 2)\,\).

Show Solution
  1. \(y = e^x(2x^2-5x+2) = e^x(2x-1)(x-2)\), we also have \(y' = e^x(2x^2-5x+2 + 4x-5) = e^x(2x^2-x-3) = e^x(2x-3)(x+1)\) \(y(-1) = \frac{9}{e}\), \(y(\frac32) = -e^{3/2}\)
    TikZ diagram
    If \(k < -e^{3/2}\) there are no solutions. If \(k = -e^{3/2}\) there is a unique solution. If \(-e^{3/2} < k \leq 0\) there are two solutions. If \(0 < k < \frac{9}{e}\) there are three solutions. Otherwise there is a unique solution.
  2. TikZ diagram
2013 Paper 1 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1487.3

In this question, \(\lfloor x \rfloor\) denotes the greatest integer that is less than or equal to \(x\), so that \(\lfloor 2.9 \rfloor = 2 = \lfloor 2.0 \rfloor\) and \(\lfloor -1.5 \rfloor = -2\). The function \(\f\) is defined, for \(x\ne0\), by \(\f(x) = \dfrac{\lfloor x \rfloor}{x}\,\).

  1. Sketch the graph of \(y=\f(x)\) for \(-3\le x \le 3\) (with \(x\ne0\)).
  2. By considering the line \(y= \frac7{12}\) on your graph, or otherwise, solve the equation \(\f(x) = \frac7 {12}\,\). Solve also the equations \(\f(x) =\frac{17}{24}\) and \(\f(x) = \frac{4 }{3 }\,\).
  3. Find the largest root of the equation \(\f(x) =\frac9{10}\,\).
Give necessary and sufficient conditions, in the form of inequalities, for the equation \(\f(x) =c\) to have exactly \(n\) roots, where \(n\ge1\).

Show Solution
  1. TikZ diagram
  2. Notice that there are no solutions when \(x < 0\) since \(f(x) \geq 1\) in that region. Suppose \(x = n + \epsilon, 0 < \epsilon < 1\), then \(f(x) = \frac{n}{n+\epsilon}\), ie \(12n = 7n + 7 \epsilon \Rightarrow 5 n = 7\epsilon \Rightarrow \epsilon = \frac{5}{7}n \Rightarrow n < \frac75\), so \(n = 1 ,\epsilon = \frac57, x = \frac{12}5\). \begin{align*} && \frac{17}{24} &= f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && 17n + 17 \epsilon &= 24 n \\ \Rightarrow && 17 \epsilon &= 7 n \\ \Rightarrow && n &< \frac{17}{7} \\ \Rightarrow && n &= 1, 2 \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{24}{17}, \frac{48}{17} \end{align*}. For \(f(x) = \frac{4}{3}\) we notice that \(x < 0\), so let \(x = -n +\epsilon\), ie \begin{align*} && \frac43 &= f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac43 &= \frac{-n}{-n+\epsilon} \\ \Rightarrow && 4\epsilon &= n \\ \Rightarrow && n &= 1,2,3 \\ \Rightarrow && x &= -\frac{5}{4}, -\frac{3}{2}, -\frac{9}{4} \end{align*}
  3. \begin{align*} && \frac9{10} &= f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && 9n + 9 \epsilon &= 10 n \\ \Rightarrow && 9 \epsilon &= n \\ \Rightarrow && n < 9 \end{align} So largest will be when \(n = 8, \epsilon = \frac{8}{9}\), ie \(\frac{80}{9}\)
If \(c < 1\) \begin{align*} && c &= \frac{k}{k + \epsilon} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{c}{1-c} \epsilon &= k \end{align*} For this to have exactly \(n\) solutions, we need \(n < \frac{c}{1-c} \leq n+1\). If \(c > 1\) \begin{align*} && c &= \frac{-k}{-k+\epsilon} \\ \Rightarrow && c \epsilon &= (c-1) k \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{c}{c-1} \epsilon &= k \end{align*} Therefore for there to be exactly \(n\) solutions we need \(n < \frac{c}{c-1} \leq n+1\)
2011 Paper 2 Q1
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Sketch the curve \(y=\sqrt{1-x} + \sqrt{3+x}\;\). Use your sketch to show that only one real value of \(x\) satisfies \[ \sqrt{1-x} + \sqrt{3+x} = x+1\,, \] and give this value.
  2. Determine graphically the number of real values of \(x\) that satisfy \[ 2\sqrt{1-x} = \sqrt{3+x} + \sqrt{3-x}\;. \] Solve this equation.

Show Solution
  1. TikZ diagram
    Clearly the only solution is \(x = 1\)
  2. TikZ diagram
    There is clearly only one solution, with \(x \approx -2\) \begin{align*} && 4(1-x) &= 6+2\sqrt{9-x^2} \\ && -2x-1 &=\sqrt{9-x^2} \\ \Rightarrow && 4x^2+4x+1 &= 9-x^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 5x^2+4x-8 \\ &&x&= \frac{-2\pm 2\sqrt{11}}{5} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= -\left ( \frac{2+2\sqrt{11}}{5} \right) \end{align*}
2007 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

A curve has equation \(y=2x^3-bx^2+cx\). It has a maximum point at \((p,m)\) and a minimum point at \((q,n)\) where \(p>0\) and \(n>0\). Let \(R\) be the region enclosed by the curve, the line \(x=p\) and the line \(y=n\).

  1. Express \(b\) and \(c\) in terms of \(p\) and \(q\).
  2. Sketch the curve. Mark on your sketch the point of inflection and shade the region \(R\). Describe the symmetry of the curve.
  3. Show that \(m-n=(q-p)^3\).
  4. Show that the area of \(R\) is \(\frac12 (q-p)^4\).

Show Solution
  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y &= 2x^3-bx^2+cx \\ \Rightarrow && y' &= 6x^2-2bx+c \end{align*} We must have \(p, q\) are the roots of this equation, ie \(\frac13b = p+q, \frac16c = pq\)
  2. The point of inflection will be at \(\frac{b}6\) The graph will have rotational symmetry of \(180^{\circ}\) about the point of inflection.
    TikZ diagram
  3. \begin{align*} && m-n &= 2(p^3-q^3)-b(p^2-q^2)+c(p-q) \\ &&&= (p-q)(2(p^2+qp+q^2)-b(p+q)+c) \\ &&&= (p-q)(2(p^2+qp+q^2)-3(p+q)^2+6pq) \\ &&&= (p-q)(-p^2-q^2+2pq) \\ &&&= (q-p)^3 \end{align*}
  4. The area of \(R\) is \begin{align*} A &= \frac12 bh \\ &= \frac12 (q-p)(m-n) = \frac12(q-p)^4 \end{align*} as required.
2006 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1469.6

The notation \({\lfloor } x \rfloor\) denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to the real number \(x\). Thus, for example, \(\lfloor \pi\rfloor =3\,\), \(\lfloor 18\rfloor =18\,\) and \(\lfloor-4.2\rfloor = -5\,\).

  1. Two curves are given by \(y= x^2+3x-1\) and \(y=x^2 +3\lfloor x\rfloor -1\,\). Sketch the curves, for \(1\le x \le 3\,\), on the same axes. Find the area between the two curves for \(1\le x \le n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer.
  2. Two curves are given by \(y= x^2+3x-1\) and \(y=\lfloor x\rfloor ^2+3\lfloor x\rfloor -1\,\). Sketch the curves, for \(1\le x \le 3\,\), on the same axes. Show that the area between the two curves for \(1\le x \le n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer, is \[ \tfrac 16 (n-1)(3n+11)\,. \]

Show Solution
  1. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
    The difference between the curves is \(3x - 3\lfloor x \rfloor\), which has area \(\frac32\) for each step. Therefore the area between the curves from \(1 \leq x \leq n\) is \(\frac32 (n-1)\)
  2. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
    The area between the curves is \(x^2 - \lfloor x \rfloor ^2 + 3(x - \lfloor x \rfloor)\). Looking at \begin{align*} && A &= \int_1^n \left ( x^2 - \lfloor x \rfloor ^2 \right )\d x \\ &&&= \frac{n^3-1^3}{3} - \sum_{k=1}^{n-1} k^2 \\ &&&= \frac{(n-1)(n^2+n+1)}{3} - \frac{(n-1)n(2n-1)}{6} \\ &&&= \frac{(n-1) \left (2n^2+2n+2-2n^2+n \right)}{6} \\ &&&= \frac{(n-1)(3n+2)}{6} \end{align*} Therefore the total area is \(\frac{(n-1)(3n+2)}{6}+\frac32(n-1) = \frac{(n-1)}{6}\left ( 3n+2+9\right) =\frac{(n-1)(3n+11)}{6}\)
2006 Paper 3 Q1
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

Sketch the curve with cartesian equation \[ y = \frac{2x(x^2-5)}{x^2-4} \] and give the equations of the asymptotes and of the tangent to the curve at the origin. Hence determine the number of real roots of the following equations:

  1. \(3x(x^2-5)= (x^2-4)(x+3)\,\);
  2. \(4x(x^2-5)= (x^2-4)(5x-2)\,\);
  3. \(4x^2(x^2-5)^2= (x^2-4)^2(x^2+1)\,\).

Show Solution
\begin{align*} && y &= \frac{2x(x^2-5)}{x^2-4} \\ &&&= 2x(x^2-5)(-\tfrac14)(1-\tfrac14x^2)^{-1} \\ &&&= \tfrac52x + \cdots \\ &&&= \frac{2x(x^2-4)-2x}{x^2-4} \\ &&&= 2x - \frac{2x}{x^2-4} \end{align*}
TikZ diagram
  1. We are looking for the intersections of \(y = \frac23(x+3)\) and \(y = f(x)\)
    TikZ diagram
    Therefore 3 real roots.
  2. We are looking for intersections of \(y = \frac12(5x-2)\) and \(y = f(x)\)
    TikZ diagram
    so one solution.
  3. We are looking for intersections of \(y = f(x)^2\) and \(y = x^2+1\), or \(y = \sqrt{x^2+1}\) and \(y = f(x)\) where \(f(x) \geq 0\)
    TikZ diagram
    So \(3\) solutions.
2004 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1600.7

The curve \(C\) has equation $$ y = x(x+1)(x-2)^4. $$ Determine the coordinates of all the stationary points of \(C\) and the nature of each. Sketch \(C\). In separate diagrams draw sketches of the curves whose equations are:

  1. \( y^2 = x(x+1)(x-2)^4\;\);
  2. \(y = x^2(x^2+1)(x^2-2)^4\,\).

Show Solution
\begin{align*} && y &= x(x+1)(x-2)^4 \\ \Rightarrow && y' &= (x+1)(x-2)^4+x(x-2)^4+4x(x+1)(x-2)^3 \\ &&&= (x-2)^3 \left ( (2x+1)(x-2)+4x(x+1) \right) \\ &&&= (x-2)^3 \left (2x^2-3x-2+4x^2+4x \right) \\ &&&=(x-2)^3(6x^2+x-2) \\ &&&=(x-2)^3(2x-1)(3x+2) \end{align*} Therefore there are stationary points at \((2,0), (\frac12, -\frac{625}{64}), (-\frac23, -\frac{4078}{81})\) \((0,2)\) is a minimum by considering the sign of \(y'\) either side. \( (-\frac23, \frac{2560}{729})\) is a minimum, since it's the first stationary point. \( (\frac12, \frac{243}{64})\) is a maximum since you can't have consecutive minima and the second derivative is clearly non-zero.
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  1. \(\,\)
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  2. \(\,\)
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2004 Paper 3 Q2
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

The equation of a curve is \(y=\f ( x )\) where \[ \f ( x ) = x-4-\frac{16 \l 2x+1 \r^2}{x^2 \l x - 4 \r} \;. \]

  1. Write down the equations of the vertical and oblique asymptotes to the curve and show that the oblique asymptote is a tangent to the curve.
  2. Show that the equation \(\f ( x ) =0\) has a double root.
  3. Sketch the curve.

Show Solution
  1. Clearly \(x = 0\) and \(x = 4\) are vertical asymptotes. Notice that \(\frac{16 \l 2x+1 \r^2}{x^2 \l x - 4 \r}\) tends to \(0\) as \(x \to \infty\). Therefore the oblique asymptote is \(y = x-4\).
  2. \begin{align*} && 0 &= \frac{x^2(x-4)^2-4^2(2x+1)^2}{x^2(x-4)} \\ &&&= \frac{(x(x-4)-4(2x+1))(x(x-4)+4(2x+1))}{x^2(x-4)} \\ &&&= \frac{(x^2-12x-4)(x^2+4x+4)}{x^2(x-4)}\\ &&&= \frac{(x^2-12x-4)(x+2)^2}{x^2(x-4)} \end{align*} Therefore \(f(x) = 0\) has a double root at \(x = -2\). Notice it also has roots at \(6 \pm 2\sqrt{10}\)
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2003 Paper 3 Q5
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

Find the coordinates of the turning point on the curve \(y = x^2 - 2bx + c\,\). Sketch the curve in the case that the equation \(x^2 - 2bx + c=0\) has two distinct real roots. Use your sketch to determine necessary and sufficient conditions on \(b\) and \(c\) for the equation \(x^2 - 2bx + c = 0\) to have two distinct real roots. Determine necessary and sufficient conditions on \(b\) and \(c\) for this equation to have two distinct positive roots. Find the coordinates of the turning points on the curve \(y = x^3 - 3b^2x + c\) (with \(b>0\)) and hence determine necessary and sufficient conditions on \(b\) and \(c\) for the equation \(x^3 - 3b^2x + c = 0\) to have three distinct real roots. Determine necessary and sufficient conditions on \(a\,\), \(b\) and \(c\) for the equation \(\l x - a \r^3 - 3b^2 \l x - a \r + c = 0\) to have three distinct positive roots. Show that the equation \(2x^3 - 9x^2 + 7x - 1 = 0\) has three distinct positive roots.

Show Solution
\begin{align*} y &= x^2-2bx+c \\ &= (x-b)^2+c-b^2 \end{align*} Therefore the turning point is at \((b,c-b^2)\)
TikZ diagram
Therefore there will be two distinct roots if \(c -b^2 < 0 \Rightarrow c < b^2\). For the equation to have two distinct positive roots it needs to have two distinct roots (ie the condition above) and \(y(0) = c\) needs to be positive, ie \(c > 0\). Therefore the curve has two distinct positive roots if \(0 < c < b^2\). The turning points on \(y = x^3-3b^2x+c\) will have \(0 = y' = 3x^2-3b^2 \Rightarrow x = \pm b\) Therefore for the cubic to have three distinct real root we must have a root between the turning points, \(y(-b) > 0 > y(b)\) \(b^3-3b^3+c = c-2b^3 < 0\) \((-b)^3+3b^3+c = c+2b^3 > 0\) ie \(-2b^3 < c < 2b^3\). The equation \(\l x - a \r^3 - 3b^2 \l x - a \r + c = 0\) will have 3 distinct roots if \(-2b^3 < c < 2b^3\), they will all be positive if the \(y(0) < 0\) and \(a+b > 0\) (ie the first turning point is in the first quadrant, ie \(-a^3+3b^2a+c < 0, a+b>0\). \begin{align*} 2x^3 - 9x^2 + 7x - 1 &= 2(x^3-\frac92x^2+\frac72 x-\frac12) \\ &= 2((x-\frac{3}{2})^3-\frac{27}{4}x+\frac{27}{8}+\frac72x-\frac12) \\ &= 2((x-\frac{3}{2})^3-\frac{13}{4}x+\frac{23}{8}) \\ &= 2((x-\frac{3}{2})^3-\frac{13}{4}(x-\frac{3}{2})-\frac{39}{8}+\frac{23}{8}) \\ &= 2((x-\frac{3}{2})^3-\frac{13}{4}(x-\frac{3}{2})-2) \\ \end{align*} Therefore in our notation \(a = \frac32, b = \sqrt{13/12}, c = 2\). Clearly \(a+b > 0\), so we need to check \(|c| < 2b^3\) which is clearly true as \(b > 1\). Finally we need to check \(y(0) = -1\), so all conditions are satisfied and there are 3 distinct roots.
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2001 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Sketch the graph of the function \([x/N]\), for \(0 < x < 2N\), where the notation \([y]\) means the integer part of \(y\). (Thus \([2.9] = 2\), \ \([4]=4\).)

  1. Prove that \[ \sum_{k=1}^{2N} (-1)^{[k/N]} k = 2N-N^2. \]
  2. Let \[ S_N = \sum_{k=1}^{2N} (-1)^{[k/N]} 2^{-k}. \] Find \(S_N\) in terms of \(N\) and determine the limit of \(S_N\) as \(N\to\infty\).

2000 Paper 3 Q4
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

The function \(\f(x)\) is defined by $$ \f(x) = \frac{x( x - 2 )(x-a)}{ x^2 - 1}. $$ Prove algebraically that the line \(y = x + c\) intersects the curve \(y = \f ( x )\) if \(\vert a \vert \ge1\), but there are values of \(c\) for which there are no points of intersection if \(\vert a \vert <1\). Find the equation of the oblique asymptote of the curve \(y=\f(x)\). Sketch the graph in the two cases

  1. \(a<-1\)
  2. \(-1 < a < -\frac12\)
(You need not calculate the turning points.)

Show Solution
\begin{align*} && x+ c &= f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && (x+c)(x^2-1) &= x(x-2)(x-a) \\ \Rightarrow && x^3 + cx^2-x-c &= x^3-(2+a)x^2+2ax \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (c+2+a)x^2-(1+2a)x-c \\ && 0 &\leq \Delta = (1+2a)^2 + 4(2+c+a)c \\ &&&= 4c^2+(4a+8)c + (1+2a)^2 \\ && \Delta_c &= 16(a+2)^2-16(1+2a)^2 \\ &&&= 16(1-a)(3a+3) \\ &&&= 48(1-a^2) \end{align*} Therefore if \(|a| \geq 1\) we must have \(\Delta_c \leq 0\) which means \(\Delta \geq 0\) and so there are always solutions. If \(|a| < 1\) there are values for \(c\) where \(\Delta < 0\) and there would be no solutions. \begin{align*} && y &= \frac{x^3-(2+a)x^2+2ax}{x^2-1} \\ &&&= \frac{(x^2-1)(x-(2+a))+(2a+1)x-(2+a)}{x^2-1} \\ &&&= x - (2+a) + \frac{(2a+1)x-(2+a)}{x^2-1} \end{align*} therefore the oblique asymptote has equation \(y = x - (2+a)\)
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1999 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

The curve \(C\) has equation $$ y = \frac x {\sqrt{x^2-2x+a}}\; , $$ where the square root is positive. Show that, if \(a>1\), then \(C\) has exactly one stationary point. Sketch \(C\) when (i) \(a=2\) and (ii) \(a=1\).

Show Solution
\begin{align*} && y &= \frac x {\sqrt{x^2-2x+a}} \\ && y' &= \frac{\sqrt{x^2-2x+a} - \frac{x(x-1)}{\sqrt{x^2-2x+a}}}{x^2-2x+a} \\ &&&= \frac{-x+a}{(x^2-2x+a)^{3/2}} \end{align*} Since the denominator is always positive, the only stationary point is when \(x = a\)
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1997 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

Let $$y^2=x^2(a^2-x^2),$$ where \(a\) is a real constant. Find, in terms of \(a\), the maximum and minimum values of \(y\). Sketch carefully on the same axes the graphs of \(y\) in the cases \(a=1\) and \(a=2\).

Show Solution
\begin{align*} && y^2 &= x^2a^2-x^2 \\ &&&= \frac{a^4}{4} -\left ( x^2 -\frac{a^2}{2} \right)^2 \end{align*} Therefore the maximum and minimum values of \(y\) are \(\pm \frac{a^2}2\)
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1994 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.8

  1. Show that the equation \[ (x-1)^{4}+(x+1)^{4}=c \] has exactly two real roots if \(c>2,\) one root if \(c=2\) and no roots if \(c<2\).
  2. How many real roots does the equation \(\left(x-3\right)^{4}+\left(x-1\right)^{4}=c\) have?
  3. How many real roots does the equation \(\left|x-3\right|+\left|x-1\right|=c\) have?
  4. How many real roots does the equation \(\left(x-3\right)^{3}+\left(x-1\right)^{3}=c\) have?
{[}The answers to parts (ii), (iii) and (iv) may depend on the value of \(c\). You should give reasons for your answers.{]}

Show Solution
  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && c &= (x-1)^4+(x+1)^4 \\ &&&= 2x^4+12x^2+2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (x^2+6)^2-\frac{c}{2} - 35 \\ \Rightarrow && \underbrace{x^2+6}_{\geq 6} &= \pm \sqrt{35 + \frac{c}{2}}\\ \end{align*} Therefore there are two solutions if \(c > 2\), one solution if \(c = 2\) and no solutions otherwise.
  2. \(\,\) This equation is the same equation if \(y = x-2\), ie there are two solutions if \(c > 2\), one solution if \(c = 2\) and no solutions otherwise.
  3. Rewriting as \(|x-1|+|x+1| = c\) we have For \(x < -1\): \(1-x-1-x = -2x\) For \(-1 \leq x \leq 1\): \(1-x+x+1 = 2\) For \(x > 1\): \(x-1+x+1 = 2x\) Therefore there are infinitely many solutions if \(c = 2\) (the interval \([-3,-1]\)), two solutions if \(c > 2\) and none otherwise.
  4. Rewriting as \((x-1)^3+(x+1)^3\) we have \(x^3+6x = c\). Notice that \(3x^2+6 > 0\) so the function is increasing, ie there is one solution for all \(c\)
1994 Paper 2 Q8
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

`24 Hour Spares' stocks a small, widely used and cheap component. Every \(T\) hours \(X\) units arrive by lorry from the wholesaler, for which the owner pays a total \(\pounds (a+qX)\). It costs the owner \(\pounds b\) per hour to store one unit. If she has the units in stock she expects to sell \(r\) units per hour at \(\pounds(p+q)\) per unit. The other running costs of her business remain at \(\pounds c\) pounds an hour irrespective of whether she has stock or not. (All of the quantities \(T,X,a,b,r,q,p\) and \(c\) are greater than 0.) Explain why she should take \(X\leqslant rT\). Given that the process may be assumed continuous (the items are very small and she sells many each hour), sketch \(S(t)\) the amount of stock remaining as a function of \(t\) the time from the last delivery. Compute the total profit over each period of \(T\) hours. Show that, if \(T\) is fixed with \(T\geqslant p/b\), the business can be made profitable if \[ p^{2}>2\frac{(a+cT)b}{r}. \]

1993 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Let \(N=10^{100}.\) The graph of \[ \mathrm{f}(x)=\frac{x^{N}}{1+x^{N}}+2 \] for \(-3\leqslant x\leqslant3\) is sketched in the following diagram. \noindent

\psset{xunit=1.0cm,yunit=1.0cm,algebraic=true,dotstyle=o,dotsize=3pt 0,linewidth=0.5pt,arrowsize=3pt 2,arrowinset=0.25} \begin{pspicture*}(-4.15,-1.01)(4.08,4.09) \psaxes[labelFontSize=\scriptstyle,xAxis=true,yAxis=true,labels=none,Dx=1,Dy=1,ticksize=0pt 0,subticks=2]{->}(0,0)(-4.15,-1.01)(4.08,4.09)[\(x\),140] [\(y\),-40] \psline(-4,3)(-1,3) \psline(-1,3)(-1,2) \psline(-1,2)(1,2) \psline(1,2)(1,3) \psline(1,3)(4,3) \rput[tl](-1.39,-0.2){\(-1\)} \rput[tl](1,-0.2){\(1\)} \rput[tl](0.19,1.9){\(2\)} \rput[tl](0.19,3.18){\(3\)} \end{pspicture*} \par
Explain the main features of the sketch. Sketch the graphs for \(-3\leqslant x\leqslant3\) of the two functions \[ \mathrm{g}(x)=\frac{x^{N+1}}{1+x^{N}} \] and \[ \mathrm{h}(x)=10^{N}\sin(10^{-N}x). \] In each case explain briefly the main features of your sketch.

1993 Paper 1 Q7
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

Sketch the curve \[ \mathrm{f}(x)=x^{3}+Ax^{2}+B \] first in the case \(A>0\) and \(B>0\), and then in the case \(A<0\) and \(B>0.\) Show that the equation \[ x^{3}+ax^{2}+b=0, \] where \(a\) and \(b\) are real, will have three distinct real roots if \[ 27b^{2}+3a^{3}b<0, \] but will have fewer than three if \[ 27b^{2}+4a^{3}b<0. \]

1990 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Sketch the curves given by \[ y=x^{3}-2bx^{2}+c^{2}x, \] where \(b\) and \(c\) are non-negative, in the cases: \begin{questionparts} \item \(2b < c\sqrt{3}\) \item \(2b=c\sqrt{3}\neq0\) \item \(c\sqrt{3} < 2b < 2c\), \item \(b=c\neq0\) \item \(b > c > 0\), \item \(c=0,b\neq0\) \item \(c=b=0\). \end{questionpart} Sketch also the curves given by \(y^{2}=x^{3}-2bx^{2}+c^{2}x\) in the cases \((i), (v)\) and \((vii)\).

Show Solution
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\((i)\)
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\((v)\)
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\((vii)\)
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1989 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.1

Sketch the graph of \(8y=x^{3}-12x\) for \(-4\leqslant x\leqslant4\), marking the coordinates of the turning points. Similarly marking the turning points, sketch the corresponding graphs in the \((X,Y)\)-plane, if \begin{alignat*}{3} \rm{(a)} & \quad & & X=\tfrac{1}{2}x, & \qquad & Y=y,\\ \rm{(b)} & & & X=x, & & Y=\tfrac{1}{2}y,\\ \rm{(c)} & & & X=\tfrac{1}{2}x+1, & & Y=y,\\ \rm{(d)} & & & X=x, & & Y=\tfrac{1}{2}y+1. \end{alignat*} Find values for \(a,b,c,d\) such that, if \(X=ax+b,\) \(Y=cy+d\), then the graph in the \((X,Y)\)-plane corresponding to \(8y=x^{3}-12x\) has turning points at \((X,Y)=(0,0)\) and \((X,Y)=(1,1)\).

Show Solution
\(8\frac{\d y}{\d x} = 3(x^2-4)\) so the turning points are at \((\pm 2, \mp 2)\)
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We need either \begin{align*} && \begin{cases} -2a+b &= 0 \\ 2c+d &= 0 \\ 2a+b &= 1 \\ -2c+d &= 1 \end{cases} && \text{ or } && \begin{cases} -2a+b &= 1 \\ 2c+d &= 1 \\ 2a+b &= 0 \\ -2c+d &= 0 \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} -2a+b &= 0 \\ 2a+b &= 1 \\ 2c+d &= 0 \\ -2c+d &= 1 \end{cases} && \text{ or } && \begin{cases} -2a+b &= 1 \\ 2a+b &= 0 \\ 2c+d &= 1 \\ -2c+d &= 0 \end{cases}\\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} (a,b) = (\frac14,\frac12) \\ (c,d) = (-\frac14, \frac12)\end{cases} && \text{ or } && \begin{cases} (a,b) = (-\frac14,\frac12) \\ (c,d) = (\frac14, \frac12)\end{cases} \end{align*} So either \(X = \frac14 x + \frac12, Y = -\frac14 y + \frac12\) or \(X = -\frac14x + \frac12, Y = \frac14y + \frac12\)
1989 Paper 2 Q4
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

The function \(\mathrm{f}\) is defined by \[ \mathrm{f}(x)=\frac{\left(x-a\right)\left(x-b\right)}{\left(x-c\right)\left(x-d\right)}\qquad\left(x\neq c,\ x\neq d\right), \] where \(a,b,c\) and \(d\) are real and distinct, and \(a+b\neq c+d\). Show that \[ \frac{x\mathrm{f}'(x)}{\mathrm{f}(x)}=\left(1-\frac{a}{x}\right)^{-1}+\left(1-\frac{b}{x}\right)^{-1}-\left(1-\frac{c}{x}\right)^{-1}-\left(1-\frac{d}{x}\right)^{-1}, \] \((x\neq0,x\neq a,x\neq b)\) and deduce that when \(\left|x\right|\) is much larger than each of \(\left|a\right|,\left|b\right|,\left|c\right|\) and \(\left|d\right|,\) the gradient of \(\mathrm{f}(x)\) has the same sign as \((a+b-c-d).\) It is given that there is a real value of real value of \(x\) for which \(\mathrm{f}(x)\) takes the real value \(z\) if and only if \[ [\left(c-d\right)^{2}z+\left(a-c\right)\left(b-d\right)+\left(a-d\right)\left(b-c\right)]^{2}\geqslant4\left(a-c\right)\left(b-d\right)\left(a-d\right)\left(b-c\right). \] Describe briefly a method by which this result could be proved, but do not attempt to prove it. Given that \(a < b\) and \(a < c < d\), make sketches of the graph of \(\mathrm{f}\) in the four distinct cases which arise, indicating the cases for which the range of \(\mathrm{f}\) is not the whole of \(\mathbb{R}.\)

Show Solution
Notice that \(\ln f(x) = \ln (x - a) + \ln (x-b) - \ln (x-c) - \ln (x-d)\) therefore: \begin{align*} \frac{\d}{\d x}: && \frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} &= (x-a)^{-1}+(x-b)^{-1}-(x-c)^{-1} - (x-d)^{-1} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{x} \left ( (1-\frac{a}{x})^{-1}+(1-\frac{b}{x})^{-1}-(1-\frac{c}{x})^{-1} - (1-\frac{d}{x})^{-1}\right) \end{align*} Multiplying by \(x\) gives the desired result. When \(|x|\) is very large then: \begin{align*} \frac{x f'(x)}{f(x)} &\approx 1 + \frac{a}{x} + o(\frac{1}{x^2})+ 1 + \frac{b}{x} + o(\frac{1}{x^2})-(1 + \frac{c}{x} + o(\frac{1}{x^2}))-(1 + \frac{d}{x} + o(\frac{1}{x^2})) \\ &= \frac{a+b-c-d}{x} + o(x^{-2}) \end{align*} Dividing by \(x\) we obtain \(\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} \approx \frac{a+b-c-d}{x^2} + o(x^{-3})\) if \(|x|\) is sufficiently large this will be dominated by the \(\frac{a+b-c-d}{x^2}\) term which will have the same sign as \((a+b-c-d)\). When \(|x|\) is very large all of the brackets will have the same sign, and therefore \(f(x)\) will be positive, and so \(f'(x)\) must have the same sign as \(a+b-c-d\). To prove this result, we could set \(f(x) = k\) and rearrange to form a quadratic in \(x\). We could then check the discriminant is non-zero. Case 1: \(a < c < d < b\) and \(a+b > c+d \Rightarrow\) not all values reached and approx asymtope from below on the right and above on the left.
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Case 2: \(a < c < d < b\) and \(a + b < c + d \Rightarrow\) not all values hit, but approach from above on the right and below on the left
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Case 2: \(a < c < b < d \Rightarrow\) all values hit
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Case 3: \(a < b < c < d \Rightarrow \) not all values hit
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1989 Paper 3 Q4
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

Sketch the curve whose cartesian equation is \[ y=\frac{2x(x^{2}-5)}{x^{2}-4}, \] and give the equations of the asymptotes and of the tangent to the curve at the origin. Hence, or otherwise, determine (giving reasons) the number of real roots of the following equations:

  1. \(4x^{2}(x^{2}-5)=(5x-2)(x^{2}-4)\);
  2. \(4x^{2}(x^{2}-5)^{2}=(x^{2}-4)^{2}(x^{2}+1)\);
  3. \(4z^{2}(z-5)^{2}=(z-4)^{2}(z+1)\).

Show Solution
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The gradient at the origin is \(\frac{5}{2}\) which we can observe by looking at the taylor series
  1. \begin{align*} && 4x^{2}(x^{2}-5)&=(5x-2)(x^{2}-4) \\ && \frac{2x(x^2-5)}{x^2-4} &= \frac{5x-2}{2x} = \frac52 -\frac1x \end{align*} Therefore it will have two roots as the hyperbola will intersect our graph in two places. (In the upper left and lower right quadrants).
  2. \begin{align*} && 4x^{2}(x^{2}-5)^{2}&=(x^{2}-4)^{2}(x^{2}+1) \\ && \frac{2x(x^2-5)}{x^2-4} &= \frac{(x^2-4)(x^2+1)}{2x} \end{align*}
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    No solutions \begin{align*} && 4z^{2}(z-5)^{2}&=(z-4)^{2}(z+1) \\ && \frac{2z(z^2-5)}{z^2-4} &= \frac{(z+5)(z-4)(z+1)}{(z-5)(z+4)} \end{align*}
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    5 solutions