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2019 Paper 2 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

  1. The three integers \(n_1\), \(n_2\) and \(n_3\) satisfy \(0 < n_1 < n_2 < n_3\) and \(n_1 + n_2 > n_3\). Find the number of ways of choosing the pair of numbers \(n_1\) and \(n_2\) in the cases \(n_3 = 9\) and \(n_3 = 10\). Given that \(n_3 = 2n + 1\), where \(n\) is a positive integer, write down an expression (which you need not prove is correct) for the number of ways of choosing the pair of numbers \(n_1\) and \(n_2\). Simplify your expression. Write down and simplify the corresponding expression when \(n_3 = 2n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer.
  2. You have \(N\) rods, of lengths \(1, 2, 3, \ldots, N\) (one rod of each length). You take the rod of length \(N\), and choose two more rods at random from the remainder, each choice of two being equally likely. Show that, in the case \(N = 2n + 1\) where \(n\) is a positive integer, the probability that these three rods can form a triangle (of non-zero area) is $$\frac{n - 1}{2n - 1}.$$ Find the corresponding probability in the case \(N = 2n\), where \(n\) is a positive integer.
  3. You have \(2M + 1\) rods, of lengths \(1, 2, 3, \ldots, 2M + 1\) (one rod of each length), where \(M\) is a positive integer. You choose three at random, each choice of three being equally likely. Show that the probability that the rods can form a triangle (of non-zero area) is $$\frac{(4M + 1)(M - 1)}{2(2M + 1)(2M - 1)}.$$ Note: \(\sum_{k=1}^{K} k^2 = \frac{1}{6}K(K + 1)(2K + 1)\).


Solution:

  1. If \(n_3 = 9\) and we are looking for \(0 < n_1 < n_2 < n_3\) we can consider values for each \(n_2\). \begin{array}{clc|c} n_2 & \text{range} & \text{count} \\ \hline 6 & 4-5 & 2 \\ 7 & 3-6 & 4 \\ 8 & 2-7 & 6 \\ \hline & & 12 \end{array} When \(n_3 = 10\) \begin{array}{clc|c} n_2 & \text{range} & \text{count} \\ \hline 6 & 5 & 1 \\ 7 & 4-6 & 3 \\ 8 & 3-7 & 5 \\ 9 & 2-8 & 7 \\ \hline & & 16 \end{array} When \(n_3 = 2n+1\) we can have \(2 + 4 + \cdots + 2n-2 = n(n-1)\) When \(n_3 = 2n\) we can have \(1 + 3 + \cdots + 2n-3 = (n-1)^2\)
  2. For the 3 rods to form a triangle, it suffices for the sum of the lengths of the shorter rods to be larger than \(N\). When \(N = 2n+1\) there are \(n(n-1)\) ways this can happen, out of \(\binom{2n}{2}\) ways to choos the numbers, ie \begin{align*} && P &= \frac{n(n-1)}{\frac{2n(2n-1)}{2}} \\ &&&= \frac{n-1}{2n-1} \end{align*} When \(N = 2n\) there are \((n-1)^2\) ways this can happen, out of \(\binom{2n-1}{2}\) ways, ie \begin{align*} && P &= \frac{(n-1)^2}{\frac{(2n-1)(2n-2)}{2}} \\ &&&= \frac{n-1}{2n-1} \end{align*}
  3. The number of ways this can happen is: \begin{align*} C &= \sum_{k=3}^{2M+1} \# \{ \text{triangles where }k\text{ is largest} \} \\ &= \sum_{k=1}^{M} \# \{ \text{triangles where }2k+1\text{ is largest} \} +\sum_{k=1}^{M} \# \{ \text{triangles where }2k\text{ is largest} \}\\ &= \sum_{k=1}^{M} n(n-1)+\sum_{k=1}^{M} (n-1)^2\\ &= \sum_{k=1}^{M} (2n^2-3n+1)\\ &= \frac26M(M+1)(2M+1) - \frac32M(M+1) + M \\ &= \frac16 M(4M+1)(M-1) \end{align*} Therefore the probability is \begin{align*} && P &= \frac{M(4M+1)(M-1)}{6 \binom{2M+1}{3}} \\ &&&= \frac{M(4M+1)(M-1)}{(2M+1)2M(2M-1)} \\ &&&= \frac{(4M+1)(M-1)}{2(2M+1)(2M-1)} \end{align*}

2019 Paper 2 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The random variable \(X\) has the probability density function on the interval \([0, 1]\): $$f(x) = \begin{cases} nx^{n-1} & 0 \leq x \leq 1, \\ 0 & \text{elsewhere}, \end{cases}$$ where \(n\) is an integer greater than 1.

  1. Let \(\mu = E(X)\). Find an expression for \(\mu\) in terms of \(n\), and show that the variance, \(\sigma^2\), of \(X\) is given by $$\sigma^2 = \frac{n}{(n + 1)^2(n + 2)}.$$
  2. In the case \(n = 2\), show without using decimal approximations that the interquartile range is less than \(2\sigma\).
  3. Write down the first three terms and the \((k + 1)\)th term (where \(0 \leq k \leq n\)) of the binomial expansion of \((1 + x)^n\) in ascending powers of \(x\). By setting \(x = \frac{1}{n}\), show that \(\mu\) is less than the median and greater than the lower quartile. Note: You may assume that $$1 + \frac{1}{1!} + \frac{1}{2!} + \frac{1}{3!} + \cdots < 4.$$


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \mu &= \E[X] \\ &&&= \int_0^1 x f(x) \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^1 nx^n \d x \\ &&&= \frac{n}{n+1} \\ \\ && \var[X] &= \sigma^2 \\ &&&= \E[X^2] - \mu^2 \\ &&&= \int_0^1 x^2 f(x) \d x - \mu^2 \\ &&&= \int_0^1 nx^{n+1} \d x - \mu^2 \\ &&&= \frac{n}{n+2} - \frac{n^2}{(n+1)^2} \\ &&&= \frac{n(n+1)^2 - n^2(n+2)}{(n+1)^2(n+2)} \\ &&&= \frac{n}{(n+1)^2(n+2)} \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \frac14 &= \int_0^{Q_1} 2x \d x \\ &&&= Q_1^2 \\ \Rightarrow && Q_1 &= \frac12 \\ && \frac34 &= \int_0^{Q_3} 2x \d x \\ &&&= Q_3^2 \\ \Rightarrow && Q_3 &= \frac{\sqrt{3}}2 \\ \\ \Rightarrow && IQR &= Q_3 - Q_1 = \frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{2} \\ && 2 \sigma &= 2\sqrt{\frac{2}{3^2 \cdot 4}} \\ &&&= \frac{\sqrt{2}}{3} \\ \\ && 2\sigma - IRQ &= \frac{\sqrt{2}}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}-1}{2} \\ &&&= \frac{2\sqrt{2}-3\sqrt{3}+3}{6} \\ && (3+2\sqrt{2})^2 &= 17+12\sqrt{2} > 29 \\ && (3\sqrt{3})^2 &= 27 \end{align*} Therefore \(2\sigma > IQR\)
  3. \[ (1+x)^n = 1 + nx + \frac{n(n-1)}2 x^2 + \cdots + \binom{n}{k} x^k+ \cdots \] \begin{align*} && Q_1^{-n} &= 4 \\ && Q_2^{-n} &= 2\\ && \mu &=\frac{n}{n+1} \\ \Rightarrow && \mu^{-n} &= \left (1 + \frac1n \right)^n\\ &&&\geq 1 + n \frac1n + \cdots > 2 \\ \Rightarrow && \mu &< Q_2 \\ \\ && \mu^{-n} &= \left (1 + \frac1n \right)^n\\ &&&= 1 + n \frac1n + \frac{n(n-1)}{2!} \frac{1}{n^2} + \cdots + \frac{n(n-1) \cdots (n-k+1)}{k!} \frac{1}{n^k} + \cdots \\ &&&= 1 + 1 + \left (1 - \frac1n \right ) \frac1{2!} + \cdots + \left (1 - \frac1n \right)\cdot\left (1 - \frac2n \right) \cdots \left (1 - \frac{k-1}n \right) \frac{1}{k!} + \cdots \\ &&&< 1 + 1 + \frac1{2!} + \cdots + \frac1{k!} \\ &&&< 4 \\ \Rightarrow && \mu &> Q_1 \end{align*}

2019 Paper 3 Q1
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The coordinates of a particle at time \(t\) are \(x\) and \(y\). For \(t \geq 0\), they satisfy the pair of coupled differential equations \[ \begin{cases} \dot{x} &= -x -ky \\ \dot{y} &= x - y \end{cases}\] where \(k\) is a constant. When \(t = 0\), \(x = 1\) and \(y = 0\).

  1. Let \(k = 1\). Find \(x\) and \(y\) in terms of \(t\) and sketch \(y\) as a function of \(t\). Sketch the path of the particle in the \(x\)-\(y\) plane, giving the coordinates of the point at which \(y\) is greatest and the coordinates of the point at which \(x\) is least.
  2. Instead, let \(k = 0\). Find \(x\) and \(y\) in terms of \(t\) and sketch the path of the particle in the \(x\)-\(y\) plane.


Solution:

  1. Let \(k = 1\), then \begin{align*} \dot{x} &= - x - y \\ \dot{y} &= x - y \\ \dot{x}-\dot{y} &= -2x \\ \ddot{x} &= -\dot{x}-\dot{y} \\ &= -\dot{x} - (\dot{x}+2x) \\ &= -2\dot{x}- 2x \\ \dot{x}+\dot{y} &= -2y \\ \ddot{y} &= \dot{x}-\dot{y} \\ &= -2y-2\dot{y} \end{align*} So we have an auxiliary equation for \(x\) and \(y\) which is \(\lambda^2 + 2 \lambda+2 = 0 \Rightarrow \lambda = -1 \pm i\). Therefore \(x = Ae^{-t} \cos t + B e^{-t} \sin t, y = Ce^{-t}\cos t + De^{-t} \sin t\). We also must have that, \(A = 1, C = 0\), so \(x = e^{-t} \cos t + Be^{-t} \sin t\) and \(y = De^{-t} \sin x\). \begin{align*} \dot{y} &= -De^{-t} \sin t +De^{-t} \cos t \\ &= e^{-t} \cos x + Be^{-t} \sin t- De^{-t} \sin t \\ \end{align*} therefore \(B = 0, D = 1\) and \(x = e^{-t} \cos t, y = e^{-t} \sin t\)
    TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} y &= e^{-t} \sin t \\ \dot{y} &= -e^{-t} \sin t + e^{-t} \cos t \\ \dot{x} &= e^{-t} \cos t -e^{-t} \sin t \end{align*}
    TikZ diagram
  2. \begin{align*} \dot{x} = -x \\ \dot{y} = x-y \end{align*} So \(x = e^{-t}\). \(\dot{y} + y = e^{-t}\) so \(y = (t+B)e^{-t}\) and so \(y =te^{-t}\).
    TikZ diagram

2019 Paper 3 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The definition of the derivative \(f'\) of a (differentiable) function f is $$f'(x) = \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(x + h) - f(x)}{h}. \quad (*)$$

  1. The function f has derivative \(f'\) and satisfies $$f(x + y) = f(x)f(y)$$ for all \(x\) and \(y\), and \(f'(0) = k\) where \(k \neq 0\). Show that \(f(0) = 1\). Using \((*)\), show that \(f'(x) = kf(x)\) and find \(f(x)\) in terms of \(x\) and \(k\).
  2. The function g has derivative \(g'\) and satisfies $$g(x + y) = \frac{g(x) + g(y)}{1 + g(x)g(y)}$$ for all \(x\) and \(y\), \(|g(x)| < 1\) for all \(x\), and \(g'(0) = k\) where \(k \neq 0\). Find \(g'(x)\) in terms of \(g(x)\) and \(k\), and hence find \(g(x)\) in terms of \(x\) and \(k\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && f(0+x) &= f(0)f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && f(0) &= 0, 1\\ &&\text{since }f'(0) \neq 0 & \text{ there is some non-zero } f(x) \\ \Rightarrow && f(0) &= 1 \end{align*} \begin{align*} && f'(x) &= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h} \\ &&&= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(x)f(h)-f(x)}{h} \\ &&&= f(x) \cdot \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(h)-1}{h} \\ &&&= f(x) \cdot \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{f(0+h)-f(0)}{h} \\ &&&= f(x) \cdot f'(0) \\ &&&= kf(x) \end{align*} Since \(f'(x) = kf(x)\) we must have \(\frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} = k \Rightarrow \ln f(x) = kx + c \Rightarrow f(x) = Ae^{kx}\) but \(f(0) = 1\) so \(f(x) = e^{kx}\)
  2. Consider \begin{align*} && g(0+0) &= \frac{g(0)+g(0)}{1+(g(0))^2} \\ \Rightarrow && g(0)(1+(g(0))^2)&= 2g(0) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= g(0)\left (1- (g(0))^2 \right) \\ \Rightarrow && g(0) &= -1, 0, 1 \\ \Rightarrow && g(0) &= 0 \tag{\(|g(0)| < 1\)} \end{align*} \begin{align*} && g'(x) &=\lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(x+h)-g(x)}{h} \\ &&&= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{\frac{g(x)+g(h)}{1+g(x)g(h)}-g(x)}{h} \\ &&&= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(x)+g(h)-g(x)(1+g(x)g(h))}{h(1+g(x)g(h))} \\ &&&= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{g(h)-g(x)(g(x)g(h))}{h(1+g(x)g(h))} \\ &&&= (1-(g(x))^2) \cdot \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{1}{1+g(x)g(h)} \cdot \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{g(h)}{h} \\ &&&= (1-(g(x))^2) \cdot \frac{1}{1+g(x)\cdot 0} \cdot \lim_{h \to 0} \frac{g(h) - g(0)}{h} \\ &&&= (1-(g(x))^2) \cdot g'(0)\\ &&&= k (1-(g(x))^2) \\ \end{align*} Let \(y = g(x)\) so \begin{align*} && y' &= k(1-y^2) \\ \Rightarrow && kx &= \int \frac{1}{1-y^2} \d y \\ \Rightarrow &&&= \int \frac12\left ( \frac{1}{1-y} + \frac{1}{1+y} \right) \d y \\ &&&= \frac12\ln \left ( \frac{1+y}{1-y} \right) + C \\ x = 0, y = 0: && 0 &= \ln 1 + C \\ \Rightarrow && C &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1+y}{1-y} &= e^{2kx} \\ \Rightarrow && 1+y &= e^{2kx} - e^{2kx}y \\ \Rightarrow && y &= \frac{e^{2kx}-1}{e^{2kx}+1} \\ &&&= \tanh kx \end{align*}

2019 Paper 3 Q3
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The matrix A is given by $$\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix}.$$

  1. You are given that the transformation represented by A has a line \(L_1\) of invariant points (so that each point on \(L_1\) is transformed to itself). Let \((x, y)\) be a point on \(L_1\). Show that \(((a - 1)(d - 1) - bc)xy = 0\). Show further that \((a - 1)(d - 1) = bc\). What can be said about A if \(L_1\) does not pass through the origin?
  2. By considering the cases \(b \neq 0\) and \(b = 0\) separately, show that if \((a - 1)(d - 1) = bc\) then the transformation represented by A has a line of invariant points. You should identify the line in the different cases that arise.
  3. You are given instead that the transformation represented by A has an invariant line \(L_2\) (so that each point on \(L_2\) is transformed to a point on \(L_2\)) and that \(L_2\) does not pass through the origin. If \(L_2\) has the form \(y = mx + k\), show that \((a - 1)(d - 1) = bc\).


Solution:

  1. Suppose \((x,y)\) is on the line of invariant points, then \begin{align*} &&\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} &= \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} \\ &&&= \begin{pmatrix} ax + by \\ cx + dy \end{pmatrix} \\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} (a-1)x + by = 0 \\ (cx + (d-1)y = 0 \end{cases} \tag{*} \end{align*} Therefore either \(x = 0, y = 0\) or \((a-1)(d-1)-bc = 0\) \(\Rightarrow ((a-1)(d-1)-bc)xy = 0\). We also know this is true for all values \(x,y\) on the line of invariant points. If there is one where both \(x \neq 0, y \neq 0\) we are done, otherwise the line of invariant points must be one of the axes. ie but then one of \(\begin{pmatrix} a \\ c \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}\) or \(\begin{pmatrix} b \\ d \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\) is true and we'd also be done. If the line doesn't go through the origin then there are points on every line, not equal to the origin which are fixed. But then every point on those lines is fixed (since \(\mathbf{A}\) is a linear operator) and so every point is fixed. ie \(\mathbf{A} = \mathbf{I}\).
  2. Suppose \((a-1)(d-1) -bc = 0\) and \(b \neq 0\) then I claim that \(y = \frac{1-a}{b}x\) is a line of invariant points. It's clear that the first equation will be satisfied in \((*)\) so it suffices to check the second, but the first condition is equivalent to the equations being linearly dependent, ie both equations are satisfied. If \(b = 0\) then \((a-1)(d-1) = 0\), so our matrix must look like \(\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ c & d\end{pmatrix}\) (if \(d \neq 1\))or \(\begin{pmatrix} * & 0 \\ * & 1\end{pmatrix}\). In the first case, the line \(y = \frac{c}{1-d}x\) and in the second \(x = 0\) is an invariant line.
  3. Suppose the invariant line is \(y = mx+k\) then we must have that \begin{align*} \begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ mx + k \end{pmatrix} &= \begin{pmatrix} (a + mb)x + bk \\ (c+dm)x + dk \end{pmatrix} \end{align*} and \((c+dm)x + dk = m((a + mb)x + bk) +k \Rightarrow k(d-mb-1) = x(-c+(a-d)m+m^2b)\) Since this equation must be true for all values of \(x\), and \(k \neq 0\) we can say that \(mb = d-1\) and \(-c+(a-d)m+m^2b = 0\), ie \(-c + (a-d)m + m(d-1) = 0 \Rightarrow (a-1)m-c = 0\) if \(m \neq 0\) then \((a-1)\frac{(d-1)}{b} - c = 0\) ie our desired relation is true. If \(m = 0\) then we must have that \(y = k\) is an invariant line, ie \(d-1=0\) and \(c=0\) which also satisfies our relation.

2019 Paper 3 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The \(n\)th degree polynomial P\((x)\) is said to be reflexive if:

  1. P\((x)\) is of the form \(x^n - a_1x^{n-1} + a_2x^{n-2} - \cdots + (-1)^na_n\) where \(n \geq 1\);
  2. \(a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n\) are real;
  3. the \(n\) (not necessarily distinct) roots of the equation P\((x) = 0\) are \(a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n\).
  1. Find all reflexive polynomials of degree less than or equal to 3.
  2. For a reflexive polynomial with \(n > 3\), show that $$2a_2 = -a_2^2 - a_3^2 - \cdots - a_n^2.$$ Deduce that, if all the coefficients of a reflexive polynomial of degree \(n\) are integers and \(a_n \neq 0\), then \(n \leq 3\).
  3. Determine all reflexive polynomials with integer coefficients.


Solution:

  1. Suppose \(n = 1\), then all polynomials are reflexive (since \(x - a_1\) has the root \(a_1\). Suppose \(n = 2\), then we want \begin{align*} && x^2-a_1x+a_2 &= (x-a_1)(x-a_2) \\ &&&= x^2-(a_1+a_2)x+a_1a_2 \\ \Rightarrow && a_2 &= 0 \\ \end{align*} So all polynomials of the form \(x^2-a_1x\) work and no others. Suppose \(n = 3\) then we want \begin{align*} && x^3-a_1x^2+a_2x-a_3 &= (x-a_1)(x-a_2)(x-a_3) \\ &&&= x^3-(a_1+a_2+a_3)x+(a_1a_2+a_1a_3+a_2a_3)x-a_1a_2a_3 \\ \Rightarrow && a_2+a_3 &= 0 \\ && a_2a_3 &= a_2 \\ \Rightarrow && -a_2^2 &= a_2 \\ \Rightarrow && a_2 &= 0, -1 \\ && -a_1a_2^2 &= -a_2 \\ \Rightarrow && a_2 &= 0, a_2 = 1/a_1 \end{align*} So we need either \(x^3-a_1x\) or \((x+1)^2(x-1) = x^3+x^2-x-1\)
  2. Suppose \(n > 3\) then \begin{align*} && \sum a_i^2 &= \left (\sum a_i \right)^2 - 2 \sum_{i < j} a_i a_j \\ && &= a_1^2 - 2a_2 \\ \Rightarrow && 2a_2 &= a_1^2 - \sum a_i^2 \\ &&&= -a_2^2 - a_3^2 - \cdots - a_n^2 \end{align*} So \((a_2+1)^2 = 1-a_3^2 -\cdots -a_n^2\) so if \(a_n > 0\) (or any other \(a_i, i > 2\) for that matter) then we must have \(a_n = \pm 1, a_{3}, \ldots a_{n-1} = 0\), but if \(a_n = \pm 1\) \(x = 0\) is not a root. Therefore we must have \(a_0\) and \(a_i = 0\) for all \(i > 3\)
  3. The only reflexive polynomials therefore must be \(x^n - kx^{n-1}\) and \(x^{n+3}+x^{n+2}-x^{n+1}-x^n\)

2019 Paper 3 Q5
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Let $$f(x) = \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + p}},$$ where \(p\) is a non-zero constant. Sketch the curve \(y = f(x)\) for \(x \geq 0\) in the case \(p > 0\).
  2. Let $$I = \int \frac{1}{(b^2 - y^2)\sqrt{c^2 - y^2}} \, dy,$$ where \(b\) and \(c\) are positive constants. Use the substitution \(y = \frac{cx}{\sqrt{x^2 + p}}\), where \(p\) is a suitably chosen constant, to show that $$I = \int \frac{1}{b^2 + (b^2 - c^2)x^2} \, dx.$$ Evaluate $$\int_1^{\sqrt{2}} \frac{1}{(3 - y^2)\sqrt{2 - y^2}} \, dy.$$ [ Note: \(\int \frac{1}{a^2 + x^2} \, dx = \frac{1}{a} \tan^{-1} \frac{x}{a} + \text{constant.}\) ] Hence evaluate $$\int_{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}^1 \frac{y}{(3y^2 - 1)\sqrt{2y^2 - 1}} \, dy.$$
  3. By means of a suitable substitution, evaluate $$\int_{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}^1 \frac{1}{(3y^2 - 1)\sqrt{2y^2 - 1}} \, dy.$$


Solution:

  1. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y &= \frac{cx}{\sqrt{x^2+p}} \\ && \d y &= \frac{c(x^2+p)-cx^2}{(x^2+p)^{3/2}} \d x \\ &&&= \frac{cp^2}{(x^2+p)^{3/2}} \d x\\ && I &= \int \frac1{(b^2-y^2)\sqrt{c^2-y^2}} \d y \\ &&&= \int \frac{1}{\left ( b^2 - \frac{c^2x^2}{x^2+p} \right) \sqrt{c^2 - \frac{c^2x^2}{x^2+p} }} \d y \\ &&&= \int \frac{(x^2+p)^{3/2}}{((b^2-c^2)x^2+pb^2)\sqrt{c^2p}}\frac{cp}{(x^2+p)^{3/2}} \d x \\ &&&= \int \frac{\sqrt{p}}{((b^2-c^2)x^2+pb^2)} \d x \\ p=1: &&&= \int \frac{1}{(b^2-c^2)x^2+b^2} \d x \end{align*} When \(b = \sqrt{3}, c = \sqrt{2}\) \begin{align*} && I_1 &= \int_1^{\sqrt{2}} \frac{1}{(3 - y^2)\sqrt{2 - y^2}} \d y\\ &&&= \int_{x =1 }^{x=\infty} \frac{1}{3+x^2} \d x \\ &&&= \left [ \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \tan^{-1} \frac{x}{\sqrt{3}} \right]_1^\infty \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{2\sqrt{3}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \frac{\pi}{6} \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{3\sqrt{3}} \end{align*} \begin{align*} && I_2 &= \int_{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}^1 \frac{y}{(3y^2 - 1)\sqrt{2y^2 - 1}} \d y \\ x = \frac1y, \d x = -\frac1{y^2} \d y &&&= \int_{x=\sqrt{2}}^{x=1} \frac{x^2}{(3-x^2)\sqrt{2-x^2}}\cdot \left ( -\frac{1}{x^2} \right ) \d x \\ &&&= \int_1^{\sqrt{2}} \frac{1}{(3-x^2)\sqrt{2-x^2}} \d x \\ &&&= I_1 = \frac{\pi}{3\sqrt{3}} \end{align*}
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && I_3 &= \int_{\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}}^1 \frac{1}{(3y^2 - 1)\sqrt{2y^2 - 1}} \d y \\ x = 1/y, \d x = -1/y^2 \d y &&&= \int_{x=1}^{x=\sqrt{2}} \frac{x}{(3-x^2)\sqrt{2-x^2}} \d x \\ u = x^2, \d u = 2x \d x &&&= \int_{u=1}^{u=2} \frac{\frac12}{(3-u)\sqrt{2-u}} \d u \\ v=2-u, \d v = -\d u &&&= \frac12\int_{v=0}^{v=1} \frac{1}{(1+v)\sqrt{v}} \d v \\ &&&=\left [\tan^{-1}\sqrt{v}\right]_0^1 \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{4} \end{align*}

2019 Paper 3 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The point \(P\) in the Argand diagram is represented by the the complex number \(z\), which satisfies $$zz^* - az^* - a^*z + aa^* - r^2 = 0.$$ Here, \(r\) is a positive real number and \(r^2 \neq a^*a\). By writing \(|z - a|^2\) as \((z - a)(z - a)^*\), show that the locus of \(P\) is a circle, \(C\), the radius and the centre of which you should give.

  1. The point \(Q\) is represented by \(\omega\), and is related to \(P\) by \(\omega = \frac{1}{z}\). Let \(C'\) be the locus of \(Q\). Show that \(C'\) is also a circle, and give its radius and centre. If \(C\) and \(C'\) are the same circle, show that $$(|a|^2 - r^2)^2 = 1$$ and that either \(a\) is real or \(a\) is imaginary. Give sketches to indicate the position of \(C\) in these two cases.
  2. Suppose instead that the point \(Q\) is represented by \(\omega\), where \(\omega = \frac{1}{z^*}\). If the locus of \(Q\) is \(C\), is it the case that either \(a\) is real or \(a\) is imaginary?


Solution: \begin{align*} && |z-a|^2 &= (z-a)(z-a)^* \\ &&&= (z-a)(z^*-a^*) \\ &&&= zz^*-az^*-a^*z+aa^* \\ &&&= r^2 \end{align*} Therefore the locus of \(P\) is a circle centre \(a\) radius \(r\).

  1. \begin{align*} && 0 &= zz^* - az^* - a^*z + aa^* - r^2 \\ &&&= \frac{1}{\omega \omega^{*}} - \frac{a}{\omega^*} - \frac{a^*}{\omega} + aa^*-r^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 1-a\omega-a^*\omega^*+(|a|^2-r^2)\omega\omega^* \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \omega\omega^* - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)^*\omega - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\omega^*+\left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\left ( \frac{a}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)-\left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\left ( \frac{a}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)+ \frac{1}{|a|^2-r^2} \\ &&&= \omega\omega^* - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)^*\omega - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\omega^*+\frac{|a|^2}{(|a|^2-r^2)^2}-\frac{|a|^2}{(|a|^2-r^2)^2}+ \frac{1}{|a|^2-r^2} \\ &&&=\omega\omega^* - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)^*\omega - \left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\omega^*+\frac{|a|^2}{(|a|^2-r^2)^2}- \frac{r^2}{(|a|^2-r^2)^2} \end{align*} Therefore \(\displaystyle \left|\omega-\left ( \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\right)\right|^2 = \frac{r^2}{(|a|^2-r^2)^2}\) ie \(\omega\) lies on a circle centre \(\frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2}\), radius \(\frac{r}{||a|^2-r^2|}\). If these are the same circle then \(r = \frac{r}{||a|^2-r^2|} \Rightarrow (|a|^2-r^2)^2 = 1\) and \(a = \frac{a^*}{|a|^2-r^2} \Rightarrow a = \pm a^*\), ie \(a\) is purely real or imaginary.
  2. This is the same story, except we end up with centre \(\frac{a}{|a|^2-r^2}\), so we do not end up with the same conditions

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 \(-\infty < y < \infty\).


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 \(a\).
    TikZ diagram
    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 \((2, 0)\)
    TikZ diagram
  2. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram

2019 Paper 3 Q8
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

A pyramid has a horizontal rectangular base \(ABCD\) and its vertex \(V\) is vertically above the centre of the base. The acute angle between the face \(AVB\) and the base is \(\alpha\), the acute angle between the face \(BVC\) and the base is \(\beta\) and the obtuse angle between the faces \(AVB\) and \(BVC\) is \(\pi - \theta\).

  1. The edges \(AB\) and \(BC\) are parallel to the unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\), respectively, and the unit vector \(\mathbf{k}\) is vertical. Find a unit vector that is perpendicular to the face \(AVB\). Show that $$\cos \theta = \cos \alpha \cos \beta.$$
  2. The edge \(BV\) makes an angle \(\phi\) with the base. Show that $$\cot^2 \phi = \cot^2 \alpha + \cot^2 \beta.$$ Show also that $$\cos^2 \phi = \frac{\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta - 2 \cos^2 \theta}{1 - \cos^2 \theta} \geq \frac{2 \cos \theta - 2 \cos^2 \theta}{1 - \cos^2 \theta}$$ and deduce that \(\phi < \theta\).


Solution:

TikZ diagram
  1. Let \(A = (0,0,0)\) and then \(B = 22b \mathbf{i}, D = 2d\mathbf{j}, C = 2b\mathbf{i}+2d\mathbf{j}\) and \(V = b \mathbf{i} + d\mathbf{j} + h\mathbf{k}\) We also have \begin{align*} && \tan \alpha &= \frac{h}{d}\\ && \tan \beta &= \frac{d}{b} \\ && \vec{AV} \times \vec{VB} &= \begin{pmatrix} b \\ d \\ h \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} -b \\ d \\ h \end{pmatrix} \\ &&&= \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -2bh \\ 2db \end{pmatrix} \\ &&&= 2b \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -d \tan \alpha \\ d \end{pmatrix} \\ &&&= k \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ - \sin \alpha \\ \cos \alpha \end{pmatrix} \end{align*} similarly for the vector perpendicular to the other face it must be \(\begin{pmatrix}-\sin \beta \\ 0 \\ \cos \beta \end{pmatrix}\) Looking at the angle between these perpendicular (to find the angles between the faces we see: \begin{align*} \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ - \sin \alpha \\ \cos \alpha \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}-\sin \beta \\ 0 \\ \cos \beta \end{pmatrix} &= \cos \alpha \cos \beta \end{align*} But this is also \(\pi -\) the angle between the planes, ie \(\cos \theta = \cos \alpha \cos \beta\)
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \cot^2 \phi &= \frac{b^2+d^2}{h^2} \\ && \cot^2 \alpha &= \frac{d^2}{h^2} \\ && \cot^2 \beta &= \frac{b^2}{h^2} \\ \Rightarrow && cot^2 \phi &= \cot^2 \beta+\cot^2 \alpha \end{align*} \begin{align*} && \cos^2 \phi &= \frac{b^2+d^2}{b^2+d^2+h^2} \\ && \cos^2 \alpha &= \frac{d^2}{d^2+h^2} \\ && \cos^2 \beta &= \frac{b^2}{b^2+h^2} \\ && \frac{\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta - 2 \cos^2 \theta}{1-\cos^2 \theta} &= \frac{\frac{d^2}{d^2+h^2}+\frac{b^2}{b^2+h^2}-2\cdot \frac{d^2}{d^2+h^2} \cdot \frac{b^2}{b^2+h^2}}{1 - \frac{d^2}{d^2+h^2} \cdot\frac{b^2}{b^2+h^2}} \\ &&&= \frac{d^2(b^2+h^2)+b^2(d^2+h^2)-2d^2b^2}{(d^2+h^2)(b^2+h^2)-d^2b^2} \\ &&&= \frac{h^2(b^2+d^2)}{h^2(b^2+d^2+h^2)} \\ &&&= \frac{b^2+d^2}{b^2+d^2+h^2} \\ &&&= \cos^2\phi \end{align*} Also notice that \begin{align*} && \cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta &\underbrace{\geq}_{AM-GM} 2 \cos \alpha \cos \beta \\ &&&= 2 \cos \theta \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta - 2 \cos^2 \theta}{1-\cos^2 \theta} &\geq \frac{2 \cos \theta - 2\cos^2 \theta}{1-\cos^2 \theta} \\ &&&= \frac{2\cos \theta}{1+\cos \theta} = \cos \theta \frac{2}{1+\cos \theta} \\ &&&> \cos^2 \theta \\ \Rightarrow && \phi &< \theta \end{align*}

2019 Paper 3 Q9
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

In this question, \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are perpendicular unit vectors and \(\mathbf{j}\) is vertically upwards. A smooth hemisphere of mass \(M\) and radius \(a\) rests on a smooth horizontal table with its plane face in contact with the table. The point \(A\) is at the top of the hemisphere and the point \(O\) is at the centre of its plane face. Initially, a particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) rests at \(A\). It is then given a small displacement in the positive \(\mathbf{i}\) direction. At a later time \(t\), when the particle is still in contact with the hemisphere, the hemisphere has been displaced by \(-s\mathbf{i}\) and \(\angle AOP = \theta\).

  1. Let \(\mathbf{r}\) be the position vector of the particle at time \(t\) with respect to the initial position of \(O\). Write down an expression for \(\mathbf{r}\) in terms of \(a\), \(\theta\) and \(s\) and show that $$\dot{\mathbf{r}} = (a\dot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{s})\mathbf{i} - a\dot{\theta} \sin \theta \mathbf{j}.$$ Show also that $$\dot{s} = (1 - k)a\dot{\theta} \cos \theta,$$ where \(k = \frac{M}{m + M}\), and deduce that $$\dot{\mathbf{r}} = a\dot{\theta}(k \cos \theta \mathbf{i} - \sin \theta \mathbf{j}).$$
  2. Show that $$a\dot{\theta}^2 \left(k \cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta\right) = 2g(1 - \cos \theta).$$
  3. At time \(T\), when \(\theta = \alpha\), the particle leaves the hemisphere. By considering the component of \(\ddot{\mathbf{r}}\) parallel to the vector \(\sin \theta \mathbf{i} + k \cos \theta \mathbf{j}\), or otherwise, show that at time \(T\) $$a\dot{\theta}^2 = g \cos \alpha.$$ Find a cubic equation for \(\cos \alpha\) and deduce that \(\cos \alpha > \frac{2}{3}\).


Solution:

TikZ diagram
  1. \(\mathbf{r} = (a \sin \theta - s) \mathbf{i}+a\cos \theta\mathbf{j}\), so \begin{align*} && \dot{\mathbf{r}} &=(a \dot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{s}) \mathbf{i}- a\dot{\theta} \sin \theta \mathbf{j}\\ \\ \text{COM}(\rightarrow): && 0 &= M(-\dot{s}) + m(a \dot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{s}) \\ \Rightarrow && \dot{s} &= \frac{ma \dot{\theta} \cos \theta}{m+M} \\ &&&= \left ( 1- \frac{M}{m+M} \right) a\dot{\theta} \cos \theta \\ &&&= (1 - k) a\dot{\theta} \cos \theta \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \dot{\mathbf{r}} &=(a \dot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{s}) \mathbf{i}- a\dot{\theta} \sin \theta \mathbf{j} \\ &&&= (a \dot{\theta} \cos \theta - (1 - k) a\dot{\theta} \cos \theta) \mathbf{i}- a\dot{\theta} \sin \theta \mathbf{j} \\ &&&= a\dot{\theta} \left ( k \cos \theta \mathbf{i} - \sin \theta \mathbf{j} \right) \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} COE: &&\underbrace{0}_{\text{k.e.}}+ \underbrace{mga}_{\text{GPE}} &= \underbrace{\frac12 m \mathbf{\dot{r}}\cdot\mathbf{\dot{r}}}_{\text{k.e. }P} + \underbrace{mg a\cos \theta}_{\text{GPE}} + \underbrace{\frac12 M \dot{s}^2}_{\text{k.e. hemisphere}} \\ \Rightarrow && 2amg(1-\cos \theta) &= a^2m \dot{\theta}^2(k^2 \cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta)+ M(1 - k)^2 a^2\dot{\theta}^2 \cos^2 \theta \\ \Rightarrow && 2mg(1-\cos \theta) &= a \dot{\theta}^2 \left (m\sin^2 \theta + (mk^2 + M(1-k)^2)\cos^2 \theta \right) \\ &&&= a \dot{\theta}^2 \left (m\sin^2 \theta + mk\cos^2 \theta \right) \\ \Rightarrow && 2g(1-\cos \theta) &= a \dot{\theta}^2 \left (\sin^2 \theta + k\cos^2 \theta \right) \\ \end{align*}
  3. The equation of motion is \(m \ddot{\mathbf{r}} = \mathbf{R} - mg\mathbf{j}\) and the particle will leave the surface when \(\mathbf{R} = 0\). If we take the component in the directions suggested: \begin{align*} && \ddot{\mathbf{r}} &= a\ddot{\theta}(k \cos \theta \mathbf{i}- \sin \theta \mathbf{j}) + a \dot{\theta}(-k\dot{\theta} \sin \theta \mathbf{i}- \dot{\theta} \cos \theta \mathbf{j}) \\ &&&= ak (\ddot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{\theta}^2 \sin \theta) \mathbf{i} -a(\ddot{\theta} \sin \theta + \dot{\theta}^2 \cos \theta) \mathbf{j} \\ \Rightarrow && \mathbf{\ddot{r}} \cdot (\sin \theta \mathbf{i} + k \cos \theta \mathbf{j}) &= ak (\ddot{\theta} \cos \theta - \dot{\theta}^2 \sin \theta) \sin \theta -ak(\ddot{\theta} \sin \theta + \dot{\theta}^2 \cos \theta)\cos \theta \\ &&&= - ak \dot{\theta}^2 \\ && (-g\mathbf{j}) \cdot (\sin \theta \mathbf{i} + k \cos \theta \mathbf{j}) &= -gk \cos \theta \\ \mathbf{R} = 0: && gk \cos \theta &= ak \dot{\theta}^2 \\ \Rightarrow && g \cos \theta &= a \dot{\theta}^2 \end{align*}
  4. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && 2g(1-\cos \theta) &= a \dot{\theta}^2(k \cos^2 \theta + \sin^2 \theta) \\ && a \dot{\theta}^2 &= g \cos \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && 2g(1-\cos \alpha) &= g \cos \alpha(k \cos^2 \alpha + (1-\cos^2 \alpha)) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= g(k-1)c^3+3gc-2g \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (k-1)c^3+3c - 2 \end{align*} When \(c =1, f(c) = k > 0\) when \(c = \frac23, f(c) = k-1 < 0\). Therefore there is a root with \(\cos \alpha > \frac23\)

2019 Paper 3 Q10
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Two identical smooth spheres \(P\) and \(Q\) can move on a smooth horizontal table. Initially, \(P\) moves with speed \(u\) and \(Q\) is at rest. Then \(P\) collides with \(Q\). The direction of travel of \(P\) before the collision makes an acute angle \(\alpha\) with the line joining the centres of \(P\) and \(Q\) at the moment of the collision. The coefficient of restitution between \(P\) and \(Q\) is \(e\) where \(e < 1\). As a result of the collision, \(P\) has speed \(v\) and \(Q\) has speed \(w\), and \(P\) is deflected through an angle \(\theta\).

  1. Show that $$u \sin \alpha = v \sin(\alpha + \theta)$$ and find an expression for \(w\) in terms of \(v\), \(\theta\) and \(\alpha\).
  2. Show further that $$\sin \theta = \cos(\theta + \alpha) \sin \alpha + e \sin(\theta + \alpha) \cos \alpha$$ and find an expression for \(\tan \theta\) in terms of \(\tan \alpha\) and \(e\). Find, in terms of \(e\), the maximum value of \(\tan \theta\) as \(\alpha\) varies.


Solution:

TikZ diagram
  1. Since the impulse is along the line of centres, the velocities are as show in the diagram. Additionally, vertical velocity is unchanged, so: \(v \sin (\theta + \alpha) = u \sin \alpha\) \begin{align*} \text{COM}(\rightarrow): && u \cos\alpha &= v \cos(\alpha + \theta) + w \\ \Rightarrow && w &= u \cos \alpha - v \cos (\alpha + \theta) \end{align*}
  2. Since the approach speed (horizontally) is \(u \cos \alpha\) the speed of separation is \(e u \cos \alpha\), in particular \(w - v \cos(\theta + \alpha) = e u \cos \alpha\) or \(w = v \cos (\theta + \alpha) + e u \cos \alpha\). \begin{align*} && w &= w \\ && v \cos (\theta + \alpha) + e u \cos \alpha &= u \cos \alpha - v \cos (\alpha + \theta) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{u \sin \alpha}{\sin (\alpha + \theta)} \cos (\theta + \alpha) + e u \cos \alpha &= u \cos \alpha - \frac{u \sin \alpha}{\sin (\alpha + \theta)} \cos (\alpha + \theta) \\ \Rightarrow && \sin \alpha \cos(\theta + \alpha) + e \sin (\alpha+\theta)\cos \alpha &= \sin(\alpha+\theta) \cos \alpha - \cos(\alpha+\theta)\sin \alpha \\ &&&= \sin ((\alpha+\theta)-\alpha) \\ &&&= \sin \theta \end{align*} as required. \begin{align*} && \sin \theta &= \cos(\theta+ \alpha)\sin \alpha + e \sin (\theta + \alpha) \cos \alpha \\ &&&= \cos \theta \cos \alpha \sin \alpha - \sin \theta \sin^2 \alpha + e \sin \theta \cos ^2 \alpha + e \cos \theta \sin \alpha \cos \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && \tan \theta \sec^2 \alpha &= \tan \alpha - \tan \theta \tan^2 \alpha + e \tan \theta + e \tan \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && \tan \theta (1 + \tan^2 \alpha+\tan^2 \alpha-e) &= \tan \alpha + e \tan \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && \tan \theta &= \frac{(1+e)\tan \alpha}{1-e + 2\tan^2 \alpha} \end{align*} We seek to maximise \(y = \frac{x}{c+2x^2}\), \begin{align*} && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= \frac{c+2x^2-4x^2}{(c+2x^2)^2} \\ &&&= \frac{c-2x^2}{(c+2x^2)^2} \end{align*} Therefore the maximum will occur at \(x = \sqrt{c/2}\), ie \(\tan \alpha = \sqrt{(1-e)/2}\) and theta will be \(\displaystyle \frac{(1+e)\sqrt{(1-e)/2}}{2(1-e)} =\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} \frac{1+e}{\sqrt{1-e}}\)

2019 Paper 3 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The number of customers arriving at a builders' merchants each day follows a Poisson distribution with mean \(\lambda\). Each customer is offered some free sand. The probability of any given customer taking the free sand is \(p\).

  1. Show that the number of customers each day who take sand follows a Poisson distribution with mean \(p\lambda\).
  2. The merchant has a mass \(S\) of sand at the beginning of the day. Each customer who takes the free sand gets a proportion \(k\) of the remaining sand, where \(0 \leq k < 1\). Show that by the end of the day the expected mass of sand taken is $$\left(1 - e^{-kp\lambda}\right)S.$$
  3. At the beginning of the day, the merchant's bag of sand contains a large number of grains, exactly one of which is made from solid gold. At the end of the day, the merchant's assistant takes a proportion \(k\) of the remaining sand. Find the probability that the assistant takes the golden grain. Comment on the case \(k = 0\) and on the limit \(k \to 1\). In the case \(p\lambda > 1\) find the value of \(k\) which maximises the probability that the assistant takes the golden grain.


Solution:

  1. Let \(X\) be the number of people arriving on a given day, and \(Y\) be the number taking sand, then \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(Y = k) &= \sum_{x=k}^{\infty} \mathbb{P}(x \text{ arrive and }k\text{ of them take sand}) \\ &&&= \sum_{x=k}^{\infty} \mathbb{P}(X=x)\mathbb{P}(k \text{ out of }x\text{ of them take sand})\\ &&&= \sum_{x=k}^{\infty} e^{-\lambda} \frac{\lambda^x}{x!}\binom{x}{k}p^k(1-p)^{x-k}\\ &&&= e^{-\lambda} \left ( \frac{p}{1-p} \right)^k \sum_{x=k}^{\infty} \frac{((1-p)\lambda)^x}{k!(x-k)!} \\ &&&= e^{-\lambda} \left ( \frac{p}{1-p} \right)^k \frac{((1-p)\lambda)^k}{k!} \sum_{x=0}^{\infty} \frac{((1-p)\lambda)^x}{x!} \\ &&&= e^{-\lambda} \left ( \frac{p}{1-p} \right)^k \frac{((1-p)\lambda)^k}{k!}e^{(1-p)\lambda)} \\ &&&= e^{-p\lambda} \frac{(p\lambda)^k}{k!} \end{align*} which is precisely a Poisson with parameter \(p\lambda\). Alternatively, \(Y = B_1 + B_2 + \cdots + B_X\) where \(B_i \sim Bernoulli(p)\) so \(G_Y(t) = G_X(G_B(t)) = G_X(1-p+pt) = e^{-\lambda(1-(1-p+pt))} = e^{-p\lambda(1-t)}\) so \(Y \sim Po(\lambda)\) Alternatively, alternatively, let \(Z\) be the number of people not taking sand, so \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(Y = y, Z= z) &= \mathbb{P}(X=y+z) \cdot \binom{y+z}{y} p^y(1-p)^z \\ &&&= e^{-\lambda} \frac{\lambda^{y+z}}{(y+z)!} \frac{(y+z)!}{y!z!} p^y(1-p)^z \\ &&&=\left ( e^{-p\lambda} \frac{(p\lambda)^y}{y!} \right) \cdot \left ( e^{-(1-p)\lambda} \frac{((1-p)\lambda)^z}{z!}\right) \end{align*} So clearly \(Y\) and \(Z\) are both (independent!) Poisson with parameters \(p\lambda \) and \((1-p)\lambda\)
  2. The amount taken is \(Sk + S(1-k)k + \cdots +Sk(1-k)^{Y-1} = Sk\cdot \frac{1-(1-k)^Y}{k} = S(1-(1-k)^Y)\) so \begin{align*} \E[\text{taken sand}] &= \E \left [ S(1-(1-k)^Y)\right] \\ &= S-S\E\left [(1-k)^Y \right] \\ &= S - SG_Y(1-k)\\ &=S - Se^{-p\lambda(1-(1-k))} \tag{pgf for Poisson} \\ &= S\left (1-e^{-kp\lambda} \right) \end{align*}
  3. The fraction of grains the assistant takes home is: \((1-k)^Yk\), which has expected value \(ke^{-kp\lambda}\). This the the probability he takes home the golden grain. When \(k = 0\) the probability is \(0\) which makes sense (no-one takes home any sand, including the merchant's assistant). As \(k \to 1\) we get \(e^{-p\lambda}\) which is the probability that no-one gets any sand other than him. \begin{align*} && \frac{\d }{\d k} \left ( ke^{-kp\lambda} \right) &= e^{-kp\lambda} - (p\lambda)ke^{-kp\lambda} \\ &&&= e^{-kp\lambda}(1 - (p\lambda)k) \end{align*} Therefore maximised at \(k = \frac{1}{p\lambda}\). (Clearly this is a maximum just by sketching the function)

2019 Paper 3 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1485.6

The set \(S\) is the set of all integers from 1 to \(n\). The set \(T\) is the set of all distinct subsets of \(S\), including the empty set \(\emptyset\) and \(S\) itself. Show that \(T\) contains exactly \(2^n\) sets. The sets \(A_1, A_2, \ldots, A_m\), which are not necessarily distinct, are chosen randomly and independently from \(T\), and for each \(k\) \((1 \leq k \leq m)\), the set \(A_k\) is equally likely to be any of the sets in \(T\).

  1. Write down the value of \(P(1 \in A_1)\).
  2. By considering each integer separately, show that \(P(A_1 \cap A_2 = \emptyset) = \left(\frac{3}{4}\right)^n\). Find \(P(A_1 \cap A_2 \cap A_3 = \emptyset)\) and \(P(A_1 \cap A_2 \cap \cdots \cap A_m = \emptyset)\).
  3. Find \(P(A_1 \subseteq A_2)\), \(P(A_1 \subseteq A_2 \subseteq A_3)\) and \(P(A_1 \subseteq A_2 \subseteq \cdots \subseteq A_m)\).


Solution: For every element in \(S\) we can choose whether or not it appears in a subset of \(S\), therefore there are \(2^n\) choices so \(2^n\) distinct subsets.

  1. \(\mathbb{P}(1 \in A_1) = \frac12\) (since \(1\) is in exactly half the subsets)
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(A_1 \cap A_2 = \emptyset) &= \mathbb{P}(i \not \in (A_1 \cap A_2) \forall i) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\mathbb{P}(i \in A_1 \cap A_2) \right) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\mathbb{P}(i \in A_1)\mathbb{P}(i \in \cap A_2) \right) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\frac12 \cdot \frac12\right) \\ &&&= \left (\frac34 \right)^n \end{align*}
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(A_1 \cap A_2 \cap A_3 = \emptyset) &= \mathbb{P}(i \not \in (A_1 \cap A_2 \cap A_3) \forall i) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\mathbb{P}(i \in A_1 \cap A_2 \cap A_3) \right) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\mathbb{P}(i \in A_1)\mathbb{P}(i \in \cap A_2))\mathbb{P}(i \in \cap A_3) \right) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \left ( 1-\frac12 \cdot \frac12 \cdot \frac12\right) \\ &&&= \left (\frac78 \right)^n \end{align*} Similarly, \(\displaystyle \mathbb{P}(A_1 \cap A_2 \cap \cdots \cap A_m = \emptyset) = \left ( \frac{2^m-1}{2^m} \right)^n\)
  4. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(A_1 \subseteq A_2) &= \mathbb{P}(A_1 \cap A_2^c = \emptyset) \\ &&&= \left (\frac34 \right)^n \\ \\ && \mathbb{P}(A_1 \subseteq A_2 \subseteq A_3) &= \prod_{i=1}^n \mathbb{P}(\text{once }i\text{ appears it keeps appearing}) \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \frac{\#\{(0,0,0), (0,0,1), (0,1,1), (1,1,1) \}}{2^3} \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \frac{4}{8} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{2^n} \\ \\ && \mathbb{P}(A_1 \subseteq A_2 \subseteq \cdots \subseteq A_m) &= \prod_{i=1}^n \frac{m+1}{2^m} \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{m+1}{2^m} \right)^n \end{align*}

2018 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1516.0 B: 1516.0

The line \(y=a^2 x\) and the curve \(y=x(b-x)^2\), where \(0 < a < b\,\), intersect at the origin \(O\) and at points \(P\) and \(Q \). The \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\) is less than the \(x\)-coordinate of \(Q\). Find the coordinates of \(P\) and \(Q\), and sketch the line and the curve on the same axes. Show that the equation of the tangent to the curve at \(P\) is \[ y = a(3a-2b)x + 2a(b-a)^2 . \] This tangent meets the \(y\)-axis at \(R\). The area of the region between the curve and the line segment \(OP\) is denoted by \(S\). Show that \[ S= \frac1{12}(b-a)^3(3a+b)\,. \] The area of triangle \(OPR\) is denoted by \(T\). Show that \(S>\frac{1}{3}T\,\).


Solution:

TikZ diagram
\begin{align*} && a^2x &= x(b-x)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= x((b-x)^2-a^2) \\ &&&= x(b-a-x)(b+a-x)\\ && y &= x(b-x)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && y' &= (b-x)^2-2x(b-x) \\ P(b-a,a^2(b-a)): &&y' &= (b-(b-a))^2-2(b-a)(b-(b-a)) \\ &&&= a^2-2a(b-a) = a(3a-2b) \\ \Rightarrow && y &= a(3a-2b)(x-(b-a)) + a^2(b-a) \\ &&&= a(3a-2b)x + (b-a)(a^2-3a^2+2ba) \\ &&&= a(3a-2b)x + (b-a)2a(b-a) \\ &&&= a(3a-2b)x + 2a(b-a)^2 \\ \end{align*} Therefore the tangent at \(P\) is \(a(3a-2b)x + 2a(b-a)^2\) The area between the curve and \(OP\) is \begin{align*} &&S &= \int_0^{b-a} \left (x(b-x)^2-a^2x \right) \d x\\ &&&= \left [\frac{x^2}{2}b^2 - \frac{2x^3}{3}b +\frac{x^4}{4} - \frac{a^2x^2}{2}\right]_0^{b-a} \\ &&&= (b-a)^2 \tfrac12 (b^2-a^2) - \tfrac23(b-a)^3b + \tfrac14(b-a)^4 \\ &&&= \tfrac1{12}(b-a)^3(6(b+a)-8b+3(b-a)) \\ &&&= \tfrac1{12}(b-a)^3(b+3a) \end{align*} The area \([OPR] = T= \tfrac12 \cdot (b-a) \cdot 2a(b-a)^2 = a(b-a)^3\) Clearly \(S > \frac4{12}(b-a)^3a = \frac13T\)