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2016 Paper 2 Q1
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

The curve \(C_1\) has parametric equations \(x=t^2\), \(y= t^3\), where \(-\infty < t < \infty\,\). Let \(O\) denote the point \((0,0)\). The points \(P\) and \(Q\) on \(C_1\) are such that \(\angle POQ\) is a right angle. Show that the tangents to \(C_1\) at \(P\) and \(Q\) intersect on the curve \(C_2\) with equation \(4y^2=3x-1\). Determine whether \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) meet, and sketch the two curves on the same axes.

2016 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

Use the factor theorem to show that \(a+b-c\) is a factor of \[ (a+b+c)^3 -6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2) +8(a^3+b^3+c^3) \,. \tag{\(*\)} \] Hence factorise (\(*\)) completely.

  1. Use the result above to solve the equation \[ (x+1)^3 -3 (x+1)(2x^2 +5) +2(4x^3+13)=0\,. \]
  2. By setting \(d+e=c\), or otherwise, show that \((a+b-d-e)\) is a factor of \[ (a+b+d+e)^3 -6(a+b+d+e)(a^2+b^2+d^2+e^2) +8(a^3+b^3+d^3+e^3) \, \] and factorise this expression completely. Hence solve the equation \[ (x+6)^3 - 6(x+6)(x^2+14) +8(x^3+36)=0\,. \]


Solution: Suppose \(c = a+b\) then \begin{align*} (a+b+c)^3 &-6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2) +8(a^3+b^3+c^3) \\ &= (2(a+b))^3-6(2(a+b))(a^2+b^2+(a+b)^2) + 8(a^3+b^3+(a+b)^3) \\ &=16(a+b)^3 - 24(a+b)(a^2+b^2+ab)+8(a^3+b^3) \\ &= 8(a+b)(2(a+b)^2-3(a^2+b^2+ab)+(a^2-ab+b^2)) \\ &= 0 \end{align*} Therefore \(a+b-c\) is a factor. By symmetry \(a-b+c\) and \(-a+b+c\) are also factors. Since our polynomial is degree \(3\) it must be \(K(a+b-c)(b+c-a)(c+a-b)\) for some \(K\). Since the coefficient of \(a^3\) is \(3\), \(K = 3\). so we have: \(3(a+b-c)(b+c-a)(c+a-b)\)

  1. We want \(x + a + b = x+1\), \(x^2 + a^2 + b^2 = x^3+\frac52, x^3 + a^3 + b^3 = x^3+ \frac{13}{4}\). \(a+b = 1, a^2 + b^2 = 5/2\) so \(a = \frac32, b = -\frac12\) \begin{align*} 0 &= (x+1)^3 - 3(x+1)(2x^2+5)+2(4x^3+13) \\ &= 3(x +\frac{3}{2}+\frac{1}{2})(x - \frac{3}{2} - \frac{1}{2})(-x + \frac{3}{2} - \frac{1}{2}) \\ &= 3(x+2)(x-2)(1-x) \end{align*} and so the roots are \(x = 1, 2, -2\)
  2. Letting \(c = d+e\) we have \begin{align*} (a+b+d+e)^3 &-6(a+b+d+e)(a^2+b^2+d^2+e^2) +8(a^3+b^3+d^3+e^3) \\ &= (a+b+c)^3 -6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2-2de) +8(a^3+b^3+c^3 - 3cde) \\ &= (a+b+c)^3 -6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2)+8(a^3+b^3+c^3)+12(a+b+c)de - 24cde \\ &= \underbrace{(a+b+c)^3 -6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2)+8(a^3+b^3+c^3)}_{\text{has a factor of }a+b-c} + 12(a+b-c)de \end{align*} Therefore there is a factor of \(a+b-c\) or \(a+b-d-e\). By symmetry we must have the factors: \((a+b-d-e)(a-b-d+e)(a-b+d-e)\) and so the final expression must be: \(K(a+b-d-e)(a-b-d+e)(a-b+d-e)\) The coefficient of \(a^3\) is \(3\), therefore \(K = 3\) We want \(x+a+b+c = x + 6\), \(x^2+a^2+b^2+c^2 = 14\) and \(x^3 + a^3+b^3+c^3 = 36\), ie \(a = 1,b=2,c=3\) would work, so \begin{align*} 0 &= (x+6)^3 - 6(x+6)(x^2+14) +8(x^3+36) \\ &= 3(x+1-2-3)(x-1+2-3)(x-1-2+3) \\ &= 3x(x-4)(x-2) \end{align*} ie the roots are \(x = 0, 2, 4\)

2016 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1517.4

For each non-negative integer \(n\), the polynomial \(\f_n\) is defined by \[ \f_n(x) = 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac {x^3}{3!} + \cdots + \frac{x^n}{n!} \]

  1. Show that \(\f'_{n}(x) = \f_{n-1}(x)\,\) (for \(n\ge1\)).
  2. Show that, if \(a\) is a real root of the equation \[\f_n(x)=0\,,\tag{\(*\)}\] then \(a<0\).
  3. Let \(a\) and \(b\) be distinct real roots of \((*)\), for \(n\ge2\). Show that \(\f_n'(a)\, \f_n'(b)>0\,\) and use a sketch to deduce that \(\f_n(c)=0\) for some number \(c\) between \(a\) and \(b\). Deduce that \((*)\) has at most one real root. How many real roots does \((*)\) have if \(n\) is odd? How many real roots does \((*)\) have if \(n\) is even?


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && f'_n(x) &= 0 + 1 + \frac{2x}{2!} + \frac{3x^2}{3!} + \cdots + \frac{nx^{n-1}}{n!} \\ &&&= 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac{x^3}{3!} + \cdots + \frac{x^{n-1}}{(n-1)!} \\ &&&= f_{n-1}(x) \end{align*}
  2. Claim: \(f_n(x) > 0\) for all \(x > 0\) Proof: (By induction) Base case: (\(n = 1\)) \(f_1(x) = 1 + x > 1\) therefore \(f_1(x) > 0\) Suppose it's true for \(n = k\), then consider \(f_{k+1}\), if we differentiate it, we find it is increasing on \((0, \infty)\) by our inductive hypothesis. But then \(f_{k+1}(0) = 1 > 0\). Therefore \(f_{k+1}(x) > 0\) as well. Therefore by the principle of mathematical induction we are done. Since \(f_n(x) > 0\) for non-negative \(x\), if \(a\) is a root it must be negative.
  3. Suppose \(f_n(a) = f_n(b) = 0\) then \(f'_n(a) = -\frac{a^n}{n!}\) and \(f'_n(b) = -\frac{b^n}{n!}\), but then \(f_n'(a) f_n'(b) = \frac{(-a)^n(-b)^n}{(n!)^2} > 0\) since \(a < 0, b < 0\). \(_n'(a) f_n'(b)\) is positive, the two gradients must have the same sign (and not be zero). Therefore if they are both increasing, at some point the curve must cross the axis in between. Therefore there is some root \(c\) between \(a\) and \(b\). But then there is also a root between \(c\) and \(a\) and \(c\) and \(b\), and very quickly we find more than \(n\) roots which is not possivel. Therefore there must be at most \(1\) root. If \(n\) is odd there must be exactly one root, since \(f_n\) changes sign as \(x \to -\infty\) vs \(x = 0\). If \(n\) is even then there can't be any roots, since if it crossed the \(x\)-axis there would be two roots (not possible) and it cannot touch the axis, since \(f'_n(a) \neq 0\) unless \(a = 0\), and we know \(a < 0\)

2016 Paper 2 Q4
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Let \[ y=\dfrac{x^2+x\sin\theta+1}{x^2+x\cos\theta+1} \,.\]

  1. Given that \(x\) is real, show that \[ (y\cos\theta -\sin\theta)^2 \ge 4 (y-1)^2 \,. \] Deduce that \[ y^2+1 \ge 4(y-1)^2 \,, \] and hence that \[ \dfrac {4-\sqrt7}3 \le y \le \dfrac {4+\sqrt7}3 \,. \]
  2. In the case $y= \dfrac {4+\sqrt7}3 \,$, show that \[\sqrt{y^2+1}=2(y-1)\] and find the corresponding values of \(x\) and \(\tan\theta\).

2016 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

In this question, the definition of \(\displaystyle\binom pq\) is taken to be \[ \binom pq = \begin{cases} \dfrac{p!}{q!(p-q)!} & \text{ if } p\ge q\ge0 \,,\\[4mm] 0 & \text{ otherwise } . \end{cases} \]

  1. Write down the coefficient of \(x^n\) in the binomial expansion for \((1-x)^{-N}\), where \(N\) is a positive integer, and write down the expansion using the \(\Sigma\) summation notation. By considering $ (1-x)^{-1} (1-x)^{-N} \, ,$ where \(N\) is a positive integer, show that \[ \sum_{j=0}^n \binom { N+j -1}{j} = \binom{N+n}{n}\,. \]
  2. Show that, for any positive integers \(m\), \(n\) and \(r\) with \(r\le m+n\), \[ \binom{m+n} r = \sum _{j=0}^r \binom m j \binom n {r-j} \,. \]
  3. Show that, for any positive integers \(m\) and \(N\), \[ \sum_{j=0}^n(-1)^{j} \binom {N+m} {n-j} \binom {m+j-1}{j } = \displaystyle \binom N n . \]


Solution:

  1. \(\frac{(-N)(-N-1)\cdots(-N-n+1)}{n!} = \binom{N+n-1}{n}\), so \[ (1-x)^{-N} = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \binom{N+n-1}{n} x^n\] \begin{align*} && (1-x)^{-N-1} &= (1-x)^{-1}(1-x)^{-N} \\ &&&= (1 + x + x^2 + \cdots)\left ( \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \binom{N+n-1}{n} x^n\right)\\ [x^{n}]: && \binom{N+1+n-1}{n} &= \sum_{j=0}^n \underbrace{1}_{x^{n-j} \text{ from 1st bracket}}\cdot\underbrace{\binom{N+j-1}{j}}_{x^j\text{ from second bracket}} \\ \Rightarrow && \binom{N+n}{n} &= \sum_{j=0}^n \binom{N+j-1}{j} \end{align*}
  2. Consider \((1+x)^{m+n} = (1+x)^m(1+x)^n\) and consider the coefficient of \(x^r\) from each side. On the left hand side this is clearly \(\binom{m+n}{r}\) on the right hand side we can take \(x^j\) from \((1+x)^m\) and \(x^{n-j}\) from \((1+x)^n\) and \(j\) can take any value from \(0\) to \(r\), ie \[ \binom{m+n} r = \sum _{j=0}^r \binom m j \binom n {r-j} \]
  3. Consider \((1-x)^{-(N+m+1)} = (\)

2016 Paper 2 Q6
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

This question concerns solutions of the differential equation \[ (1-x^2) \left(\frac{\d y}{\d x}\right)^2 + k^2 y^2 = k^2\, \tag{\(*\)} \] where \(k\) is a positive integer. For each value of \(k\), let \(y_k(x)\) be the solution of \((*)\) that satisfies \(y_k(1)=1\); you may assume that there is only one such solution for each value of \(k\).

  1. Write down the differential equation satisfied by \(y_1(x)\) and verify that \(y_1(x) = x\,\).
  2. Write down the differential equation satisfied by \(y_2(x)\) and verify that \(y_2(x) = 2x^2-1\,\).
  3. Let \(z(x) = 2\big(y_n(x)\big)^2 -1\). Show that \[ (1-x^2) \left(\frac{\d z}{\d x}\right)^2 +4n^2 z^2 = 4n^2\, \] and hence obtain an expression for \(y_{2n}(x)\) in terms of \(y_n(x)\).
  4. Let \(v(x) = y_n\big(y_m(x)\big)\,\). Show that \(v(x) = y_{mn}(x)\,\).

2016 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

Show that \[ \int_0^a \f(x) \d x= \int _0^a \f(a-x) \d x\,, \tag{\(*\)} \] where f is any function for which the integrals exist.

  1. Use (\(*\)) to evaluate \[ \int_0^{\frac12\pi} \frac{\sin x}{\cos x + \sin x} \, \d x \,. \]
  2. Evaluate \[ \int_0^{\frac14\pi} \frac{\sin x}{\cos x + \sin x} \, \d x \,. \]
  3. Evaluate \[ \int_0^{\frac14\pi} \ln (1+\tan x) \, \d x \,. \]
  4. Evaluate \[ \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac x {\cos x \, (\cos x + \sin x)}\, \d x \,. \]


Solution: \begin{align*} u = a-x, \d u = - \d x: && \int_0^a f(x) \d x &= \int_{u=a}^{u=0} f(a-u) (-1) \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^a f(a-u) \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^a f(a-x) \d x \end{align*}

  1. \begin{align*} && I &= \int_0^{\frac12 \pi} \frac{\sin x}{\cos x + \sin x } \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac12 \pi} \frac{\sin (\frac12 \pi - x)}{\cos (\frac12 \pi-x) + \sin (\frac12 \pi-x) } \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac12 \pi} \frac{\cos x}{\sin x + \cos x } \d x\\ \Rightarrow && 2I &= \int_0^{\frac12 \pi} 1 \d x \\ \Rightarrow && I &= \frac{\pi}{4} \end{align*}
  2. \begin{align*} && I &= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac{\sin x}{\cos x + \sin x } \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac{\sin (\frac14 \pi - x)}{\cos (\frac14 \pi-x) + \sin (\frac14 \pi-x) } \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac{\frac1{\sqrt{2}} \cos x - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \sin x}{\frac1{\sqrt{2}} \cos x + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \sin x + \frac1{\sqrt{2}} \cos x - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \sin x} \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac{\cos x - \sin x}{2 \cos x} \d x \\ &&&= \left [\frac12 x + \ln(\cos x) \right]_0^{\pi/4} \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{8} -\frac12\ln2 - 1 \end{align*}
  3. \begin{align*} && I &= \int_0^{\frac14\pi} \ln (1+\tan x) \, \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \ln \left (1 + \tan \left(\frac{\pi}{4} - x\right) \right) \, \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \ln \left (1 +\frac{1 - \tan x}{1+ \tan x} \right) \, \d x\\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \ln \left (\frac{2}{1+ \tan x} \right) \, \d x\\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{4} \ln 2 - I \\ \Rightarrow && I &= \frac{\pi}{8} \ln 2 \end{align*}
  4. \begin{align*} && I &= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac x {\cos x \, (\cos x + \sin x)}\, \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac {\frac14 \pi - x} {(\frac1{\sqrt{2}} \cos x + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \sin x) \, (\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}\cos x)}\, \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^{\frac14 \pi} \frac {\frac14 \pi - x} {\cos x \, (\cos x + \sin x)}\, \d x \\ \\ \Rightarrow && I &= \frac{\pi}{8} \int_0^{\pi/4} \frac{\sec^2 x}{1 + \tan x} \d x\\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{8} \left [\ln (1 + \tan x) \right]_0^{\pi/4} \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{8} \ln 2 \end{align*}

2016 Paper 2 Q8
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Evaluate the integral \[ \hphantom{ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (m> \tfrac12)\,.} \int_{m-\frac12} ^\infty \frac 1{x^2}\, \d x { \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (m> \tfrac12)\,.} \] Show by means of a sketch that \[ \sum_{r=m}^n \frac 1 {r^2} \approx \int_{m-\frac12}^{n+\frac12} \frac1 {x^2} \, \d x \,, \tag{\(*\)} \] where \(m\) and \(n\) are positive integers with \(m

  • You are given that the infinite series $\displaystyle \sum_{r=1}^\infty \frac 1 {r^2}$ converges to a value denoted by \(E\). Use~\((*)\) to obtain the following approximations for \(E\): \[ E\approx 2\,; \ \ \ \ E\approx \frac53\,; \ \ \ \ E\approx \frac{33}{20} \,.\]
  • Show that, when \(r\) is large, the error in approximating \(\dfrac 1{r^2}\) by \(\displaystyle \int_{r-\frac12}^{r+\frac12} \frac 1 {x^2} \, \d x\) is approximately~\(\dfrac 1{4r^4}\,\). Given that \(E \approx 1.645\), show that \(\displaystyle \sum_{r=1}^\infty \frac1{r^4} \approx 1.08\, \).
  • 2016 Paper 2 Q9
    D: 1600.0 B: 1473.6

    A small bullet of mass \(m\) is fired into a block of wood of mass \(M\) which is at rest. The speed of the bullet on entering the block is \(u\). Its trajectory within the block is a horizontal straight line and the resistance to the bullet's motion is \(R\), which is constant.

    1. The block is fixed. The bullet travels a distance \(a\) inside the block before coming to rest. Find an expression for \(a\) in terms of \(m\), \(u\) and \(R\).
    2. Instead, the block is free to move on a smooth horizontal table. The bullet travels a distance \(b\) inside the block before coming to rest relative to the block, at which time the block has moved a distance \(c\) on the table. Find expressions for \(b\) and \(c\) in terms of \(M\), \(m\) and \(a\).

    2016 Paper 2 Q10
    D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

    A thin uniform wire is bent into the shape of an isosceles triangle \(ABC\), where \(AB\) and \(AC\) are of equal length and the angle at \(A\) is \(2\theta\). The triangle \(ABC\) hangs on a small rough horizontal peg with the side \(BC\) resting on the peg. The coefficient of friction between the wire and the peg is \(\mu\). The plane containing \(ABC\) is vertical. Show that the triangle can rest in equilibrium with the peg in contact with any point on \(BC\) provided \[ \mu \ge 2\tan\theta(1+\sin\theta) \,. \]


    Solution:

    TikZ diagram
    Clearly the centre of mass will lie on the perpendicular from \(A\). We can also consider each side's wire as equivalent to a point mass at the centre of the side with mass proportional to the length of the side. Recalling that \(b = c\) (the triangle is isoceles we must have (for the \(y\)-coordinate \begin{align*} && a \cdot 0 + b \cdot \frac12 b \cos \theta + c \cdot \frac12 c \cos \theta &= (a+b+c) \overline{y} \\ \Rightarrow && b^2 \cos \theta &= (2b + 2b\sin \theta) \overline{y} \\ \Rightarrow && \overline{y} &= \frac{b \cos \theta}{2(1+\sin \theta)} \end{align*}
    TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\nearrow): && R - mg \cos \phi &= 0 \\ \text{N2}(\nwarrow): && F -mg \sin \phi &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && F &\leq \mu R \\ \Rightarrow && \sin \phi &\leq \mu \cos \phi \\ \Rightarrow && \tan \phi &\leq \mu \end{align*} When the peg is at \(C\) \begin{align*} \tan \phi &= \frac{CM}{MG} \\ &= \frac{b\sin \theta}{\frac{b \cos \theta}{2(1+\sin \theta)}} \\ &= 2 \tan \theta(1+\sin \theta) \end{align*} Therefore \(2 \tan \theta(1+\sin \theta) \leq \mu\) as required.