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2019 Paper 1 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Two people adopt the following procedure for deciding where to go for a cup of tea: either to a hotel or to a tea shop. Each person has a coin which has a probability \(p\) of showing heads and \(q\) of showing tails (where \(p+q = 1\)). In each round of the procedure, both people toss their coins once. If both coins show heads, then both people go to the hotel; if both coins show tails, then both people go to the tea shop; otherwise, they continue to the next round. This process is repeated until a decision is made. Show that the probability that they make a decision on the \(n\)th round is $$(q^2 + p^2)(2qp)^{n-1}.$$ Show also that the probability that they make a decision on or before the \(n\)th round is at least $$1 - \frac{1}{2^n}$$ whatever the value of \(p\).
  2. Three people adopt the following procedure for deciding where to go for a cup of tea: either to a hotel or to a tea shop. Each person has a coin which has a probability \(p\) of showing heads and \(q\) of showing tails (where \(p + q = 1\)). In the first round of the procedure, all three people toss their coins once. If all three coins show heads, then all three people go to the hotel; if all three coins show tails, then all three people go to the tea shop; otherwise, they continue to the next round. In the next round the two people whose coins showed the same face toss again, but the third person just turns over his or her coin. If all three coins show heads, then all three people go to the hotel; if all three coins show tails, then all three people go to the tea shop; otherwise, they go to the third round. Show that the probability that they make a decision on or before the second round is at least \(\frac{7}{16}\), whatever the value of \(p\).


Solution:

  1. The probability they don't make a decision in a round is \(qp + pq = 2qp\) (TH and HT). The probability they make a decision in a round is \(q^2+p^2\) (TT and HH). Therefore the probability they make a decision in the \(n\)th round is: \[ (q^2+p^2)(2qp)^{n-1} \] by having \(n-1\) failures and one success. The probability they make a decision on or before the \(n\)th round is the \(1-\) the probability they don't, ie \(1 - (2qp)^n\). Notice that \(\sqrt{qp} \leq \frac{p+1}{2} = \frac12 \Rightarrow qp \leq \frac14\) so \(1-(2pq)^n \leq 1 - \frac1{2^n}\)
  2. The probability it's decided in the first round is \(p^3 + q^3\) (HHH, TTT). The probability it's decided in the second round is \(3p^2q \cdot p^2 + 3qq^2 \cdot q^2 = 3pq(p^3+q^3)\) (HHT -> HHH) and (TTH -> TTT) with reorderings). Therefore the probability of making a decision in the first or second round is \((p^3+q^3)(1 + 3pq)\) which is minimised when \(p = q\) by Muirhead (or whatever your favourite inequality is). So \(\frac{2}{8} \cdot \left ( 1 + \frac{3}{4} \right) = \frac{7}{16}\)

2019 Paper 2 Q9
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

A particle \(P\) is projected from a point \(O\) on horizontal ground with speed \(u\) and angle of projection \(\alpha\), where \(0 < \alpha < \frac{1}{2}\pi\).

  1. Show that if \(\sin \alpha < \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}\), then the distance \(OP\) is increasing throughout the flight. Show also that if \(\sin \alpha > \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3}\), then \(OP\) will be decreasing at some time before the particle lands.
  2. At the same time as \(P\) is projected, a particle \(Q\) is projected horizontally from \(O\) with speed \(v\) along the ground in the opposite direction from the trajectory of \(P\). The ground is smooth. Show that if $$2\sqrt{2}v > (\sin \alpha - 2\sqrt{2} \cos \alpha)u,$$ then \(QP\) is increasing throughout the flight of \(P\).


Solution:

  1. Notice that \(P = \begin{pmatrix} u \cos \alpha t\\ u \sin \alpha t - \frac12 g t^2 \end{pmatrix}\), so \begin{align*} && |OP|^2 &= u^2 \cos^2 \alpha t^2 + \left (u \sin \alpha t - \frac12 g t^2 \right)^2 \\ &&&= u^2 \cos^2 \alpha t^2 +u^2 \sin^2 \alpha t^2 - u \sin \alpha g t^3 +\frac14 g^2 t^4 \\ &&&= u^2 t^2 -u\sin \alpha g t^3 + \frac14g^2t^4 \\ && \frac{\d |OP|^2}{\d t} &= 2u^2 t - 3u \sin \alpha g t^2+g^2 t^3 \\ &&&= t \left (2u^2 - 3u \sin \alpha (gt)+(gt)^2\right) \\ && \Delta &= 9u^2 \sin^2 \alpha -4 \cdot 2u^2 \cdot 1 \\ &&&= u^2 (9\sin^2 \alpha -8) \\ \end{align*} Therefore if \(\sin \alpha < \frac{2\sqrt{2}}3\) the discriminant is negative, the quadratic factor is always positive and the distance \(|OP|\) is always increasing. Similarly, if \(\sin \alpha > \frac{2 \sqrt{2}}3\) then the derivative has a root. This means somewhere on its (possibly extended) trajectory \(OP\) is decreasing. This must be before it lands, since if it were after it 'landed' then both the \(x\) and \(y\) distances are increasing, therefore it cannot occur after it 'lands'.
  2. Note that \(Q = \begin{pmatrix} -v t \\0 \end{pmatrix}\) \begin{align*} && |QP|^2 &= (u \cos \alpha t+vt)^2 + \left (u \sin \alpha t - \frac12 g t^2 \right)^2 \\ &&&= u^2 \cos^2 \alpha t^2+2u\cos \alpha v t^2 + v^2 t^2 +u^2 \sin^2 \alpha t^2 - u \sin \alpha g t^3 +\frac14 g^2 t^4 \\ &&&= (u^2+2u v \cos \alpha+v^2) t^2 - u \sin \alpha g t^3 + \frac14 g^2 t^4 \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d |QP|^2}{\d t} &= 2(u^2+u v \cos \alpha+v^2) t - 3u \sin \alpha g t^2 + g^2 t^3 \\ &&&= t \left ( 2(u^2+2u v \cos \alpha+v^2) - 3u \sin \alpha (g t) + (g t)^2\right) \\ && \Delta &= 9u^2 \sin^2 \alpha - 8(u^2+2u v \cos \alpha+v^2) \\ &&&= (9 \sin^2 \alpha -8)u^2 - 16v \cos \alpha u - 8v^2 \\ &&&= \left (( \sin \alpha-2\sqrt{2}\cos \alpha)u-2\sqrt{2} v \right) \left ( ( \sin \alpha+2\sqrt{2}\cos \alpha)u+2\sqrt{2} v \right) \end{align*} Since the second bracket is clearly positive, the first bracket must be negative (for \(\Delta < 0\) and our derivative to be positive), ie \(2\sqrt{2} v > ( \sin \alpha-2\sqrt{2}\cos \alpha)u\)

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)

2018 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.0

A straight road leading to my house consists of two sections. The first section is inclined downwards at a constant angle \(\alpha\) to the horizontal and ends in traffic lights; the second section is inclined upwards at an angle \(\beta\) to the horizontal and ends at my house. The distance between the traffic lights and my house is \(d\). I have a go-kart which I start from rest, pointing downhill, a distance \(x\) from the traffic lights on the downward-sloping section. The go-kart is not powered in any way, all resistance forces are negligible, and there is no sudden change of speed as I pass the traffic lights. Given that I reach my house, show that \(x \sin \alpha\ge d \sin\beta\,\). Let \(T\) be the total time taken to reach my house. Show that \[ \left(\frac{g\sin\alpha}2 \right)^{\!\frac12} T = (1+k) \sqrt{x} - \sqrt{k^2 x -kd\;} \,, \] where \(k = \dfrac{\sin\alpha}{\sin\beta}\,\). Hence determine, in terms of \(d\) and \(k\), the value of \(x\) which minimises \(T\). [You need not justify the fact that the stationary value is a minimum.]


Solution: Applying conservation of energy, since there are no external forces (other than gravity) the condition to reach the house (with any speed) is the initial GPE is larger than the final GPE, ie: \begin{align*} && m g x \sin \alpha &\geq m g d \sin \beta \\ \Rightarrow && x \sin \alpha &\geq d \sin \beta \end{align*} Let \(T_1\) be the time taken on the downward section, and \(T_2\) the time taken on the upward section, then: \begin{align*} && s &= ut + \frac12 a t^2 \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac12 g \sin \alpha T_1^2 \\ \Rightarrow && T_1^2 &= \frac{2x}{g \sin \alpha} \\ && v &= u + at \\ \Rightarrow && v &= T_1 g \sin \alpha \\ && mg x \sin \alpha &= mg d \sin \beta + \frac12 m w^2 \\ \Rightarrow && w &= \sqrt{2(x \sin \alpha - d \sin \beta)} \\ && w &= v - g \sin \beta T_2 \\ \Rightarrow && T_2 &= \frac{v - w}{g \sin \beta} \\ \Rightarrow && T &= T_1 + T_2 \\ &&&= \sqrt{\frac{2x}{g \sin \alpha}} + \frac{\sqrt{\frac{2x}{g \sin \alpha}} g \sin \alpha- \sqrt{2(x \sin \alpha - d \sin \beta)}}{g \sin \beta} \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{2}{g \sin \alpha} \right)^{\tfrac12} \left ( \sqrt{x} + \sqrt{x}k - \sqrt{k^2x-kd}\right) \end{align*} Differentiating wrt to \(x\), we obtain: \begin{align*} && \frac{\d T}{\d x} &= C(-(1+k)x^{-1/2}+k^2(k^2 x - kd)^{-1/2}) \\ \text{set to }0: && 0 &= k^2(k^2 x - kd)^{-1/2} - (1+k)x^{-1/2} \\ \Rightarrow && \sqrt{x} k^2 &= \sqrt{k^2x - kd} (1+k) \\ \Rightarrow && x k^4 &= (k^2x-kd)(1+k)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && x(k^4-k^2(1+k)^2) &= -kd(1+k)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && x(2k^2+k) &= d \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{d}{(2k^2+k)} \end{align*}

2018 Paper 1 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

A multiple-choice test consists of five questions. For each question, \(n\) answers are given (\(n\ge2\)) only one of which is correct and candidates either attempt the question by choosing one of the \(n\) given answers or do not attempt it. For each question attempted, candidates receive two marks for the correct answer and lose one mark for an incorrect answer. No marks are gained or lost for questions that are not attempted. The pass mark is five. Candidates A, B and C don't understand any of the questions so, for any question which they attempt, they each choose one of the \(n\) given answers at random, independently of their choices for any other question.

  1. Candidate A chooses in advance to attempt exactly \(k\) of the five questions, where \(k=0, 1, 2, 3, 4\) or \(5\). Show that, in order to have the greatest probability of passing the test, she should choose \(k=4\,\).
  2. Candidate B chooses at random the number of questions he will attempt, the six possibilities being equally likely. Given that Candidate B passed the test find, in terms of \(n\), the probability that he attempted exactly four questions. [Not on original test: Show that this probability is an increasing function of \(n\).]
  3. For each of the five questions Candidate C decides whether to attempt the question by tossing a biased coin. The coin has a probability of \(\frac n{n+1}\) of showing a head, and she attempts the question if it shows a head. Find the probability, in terms of \(n\), that Candidate C passes the test.


Solution:

  1. Her probability of passing if she answers \(k \leq 2\) is \(0\), since she can attain at most \(4\) marks. If she attempts \(3\) questions, she needs to get all of them right, hence \(\mathbb{P}(\text{gets all }3\text{ correct}) = \frac{1}{n^3}\). If she attempts \(4\) questions, we can afford to get one wrong \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{passes}|\text{attempts }4) &=\mathbb{P}(4/4) +\mathbb{P}(3/4) \\ &&&= \frac{1}{n^4} + 4\cdot\frac{1}{n^3} \cdot \frac{n-1}{n} \\ &&&= \frac{4n-3}{n^4} \end{align*} If she attempts \(5\) questions she can get \(5\) right (10), \(4\) right, \(1\) wrong (7), but \(3\) right will not work (\(6 - 2 = 4< 5\)), hence: \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{passes}|\text{attempts }5) &=\mathbb{P}(5/5) +\mathbb{P}(4/5) \\ &&&= \frac{1}{n^5} + 5\cdot\frac{1}{n^4} \cdot \frac{n-1}{n} \\ &&&= \frac{5n-4}{n^5} \end{align*} If \(4n-3 > n \Leftrightarrow n \geq 2\) then \(4\) attempts is better than \(3\). If \(4n^2-3n > 5n-4 \Leftrightarrow 4n^2-8n+4 = 4(n-1)^2 > 0 \Leftrightarrow n \geq\) then \(4\) is better than \(5\), but \(n\) is \(\geq 2\) so, \(4\) is the best option.
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{passes}) &= \frac16 \cdot 0 + \frac16 \cdot 0 + \frac16 \cdot 0 + \frac16 \cdot \frac1{n^3} + \frac16 \frac{4n-3}{n^4} + \frac16 \frac{5n-4}{n^5} \\ &&&= \frac{n^2+4n^2-3n+5n-4}{6n^5} \\ &&&= \frac{5n^2+2n-4}{6n^5} \\ && \mathbb{P}(\text{answered }4|\text{passes}) &= \frac{\mathbb{P}(\text{answered }4\text{ and passes})}{ \mathbb{P}(\text{passes})} \\ &&&= \frac{\frac16 \cdot \frac{4n-3}{n^4}}{\frac{5n^2-2n-4}{6n^5} } \\ &&&= \frac{4n^2-3n}{5n^2+2n-4} \end{align*} Notice that the function takes all values for \(n\) between the roots of the denominator (which are either side of \(0\) and below \(3/4\). Therefore after \(3/4\) the function must be increase since otherwise we would have a quadratic equation with more than \(2\) roots.
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} &&\mathbb{P}(C \text{ passes}) &= \binom{5}{3} \left ( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^3 \left ( \frac{1}{n+1}\right)^2 \frac{1}{n^3} + \binom{5}{4} \left ( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^4 \left ( \frac{1}{n+1}\right) \frac{4n-3}{n^4} +\\ &&&\quad \quad + \binom{5}{5} \left ( \frac{n}{n+1} \right)^5 \frac{5n-4}{n^5} \\ &&&= \frac{10}{(n+1)^5} + \frac{5(4n-3)}{(n+1)^5} + \frac{(5n-4)}{(n+1)^5} \\ &&&= \frac{10+20n-15+5n-4}{(n+1)^5}\\ &&&= \frac{25n-9}{(n+1)^5}\\ \end{align*}

2018 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

A function \(\f(x)\) is said to be concave for \(a< x < b\) if \[ \ t\,\f(x_1) +(1-t)\,\f(x_2) \le \f\big(tx_1+ (1-t)x_2\big) \, ,\] for \(a< x_1 < b\,\), \(a< x_2< b\) and \(0\le t \le 1\,\). Illustrate this definition by means of a sketch, showing the chord joining the points \(\big(x_1, \f(x_1)\big) \) and \(\big(x_2, \f(x_2)\big) \), in the case \(x_1 < x_2\) and \(\f(x_1)< \f(x_2)\,\). Explain why a function \(\f(x)\) satisfying \(\f''(x)<0\) for \(a< x < b\) is concave for \(a< x < b\,\).

  1. By choosing \(t\), \(x_1\) and \(x_2\) suitably, show that, if \(\f(x)\) is concave for \(a< x < b\,\), then \[ \f\Big(\frac{u+ v+w}3\Big) \ge \frac{ \f(u) +\f(v) +\f(w)}3 \, ,\] for \(a< u < b\,\), \(a< v < b\,\) and \(a< w < b\,\).
  2. Show that, if \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are the angles of a triangle, then \[ \sin A +\sin B + \sin C \le \frac{3\sqrt3}2 \,. \]
  3. By considering \(\ln (\sin x)\), show that, if \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are the angles of a triangle, then \[ \sin A \times \sin B \times \sin C \le \frac {3 \sqrt 3} 8 \,. \]


Solution:

TikZ diagram
Consider the function \(g(t) = f(tx_1 + (1-t)x_2) - tf(x_1) - (1-t)f(x_2)\), notice that \(g(0) = g(1) = 0\). Since \(g''(x) < 0\) over the whole interval, we must have two things: 1. \(g'(x)\) is increasing. 2. It \(g'(x) = 0\) can have at most one solution. Therefore \(g'(x)\) is initially \(0\), we have exactly one turning point. Therefore the function is initially decreasing and then increasing, therefore it is always negative and our inequality holds.
  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && f \left ( \frac{u+v+w}{3} \right) &= f \left ( \frac{2}{3}\cdot \frac{u+v}2+\frac{1}{3}w \right) \\ &&&\geq \frac23 f \left ( \frac{u+v}{2} \right) + \frac13 f(w) \\ &&&\geq \frac23 \left (\frac12 f(u) + \frac12 f(v) \right) + \frac13 f(w) \\ &&&= \frac{f(u)+f(v)+f(w)}{3} \end{align*}
  2. Notice that if \(A, B, C\) are angles in a triangle then they add to \(\pi\) \(0 < A,B,C < \pi\). We also have \(f(x) = \sin x \Rightarrow f''(x) = - \sin x < 0\) on this interval. Therefore \(\sin A + \sin B + \sin C \leq 3 \sin \frac{A+B+C}{3} = 3 \sin \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{3\sqrt{3}}2\)
  3. Also notice that \begin{align*} && f(x) &= \ln ( \sin x) \\ \Rightarrow && f'(x) &= \frac{\cos x}{ \sin x} \\ && f''(x) &= -\textrm{cosec}^2 x < 0 \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \ln( \sin A) + \ln (\sin B) + \ln (\sin C) &\leq 3 \ln \left (\sin \left ( \frac{A + B+ C}{3} \right) \right) \\ &&&= 3 \ln \left ( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) = \ln \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{8} \\ \Rightarrow && \sin A \sin B \sin C &\leq \frac{3\sqrt{3}}8 \end{align*}

2018 Paper 2 Q4
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

In this question, you may use the following identity without proof: \[ \cos A + \cos B = 2\cos\tfrac12(A+B) \, \cos \tfrac12(A-B) \;. \]

  1. Given that \(0\le x \le 2\pi\), find all the values of \(x\) that satisfy the equation \[ \cos x + 3\cos 2x + 3\cos 3 x + \cos 4x= 0 \,. \]
  2. Given that \(0\le x \le \pi\) and \(0\le y \le \pi\) and that \[ \cos (x+y) + \cos (x-y) -\cos2x = 1 \,, \] show that either \(x=y\) or \(x\) takes one specific value which you should find.
  3. Given that \(0\le x \le \pi\) and \(0\le y \le \pi\,\), find the values of \(x\) and \(y\) that satisfy the equation \[ \cos x + \cos y -\cos (x+y) = \tfrac32 \,. \]


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && 0 &= \cos x + 3 \cos 2x + 3 \cos 3x + \cos 4 x \\ &&&= \cos x + \cos 4x + 3 \left (\cos 2x + \cos 3 x \right) \\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \cos \frac{3x}{2} + 6 \cos \frac{x}{2}\cos\frac{5x}{2} \\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \left (\cos \frac{3x}{2} + 3 \cos \frac{x}{2} \right)\\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \left ( \cos \frac{2x}{2}\cos \frac{x}{2} - \sin \frac{2x}{2} \sin \frac{x}{2}+3 \cos \frac{x}{2} \right) \\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \left ( \left (2\cos^2 \frac{x}{2} - 1 \right)\cos \frac{x}{2} - 2\sin \frac{x}{2} \cos \frac{x}{2} \sin \frac{x}{2}+3 \cos \frac{x}{2} \right) \\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \left ( 4\cos^3 \frac{x}{2} \right) \\ &&&= 8 \cos \frac{5x}{2} \cos^3 \frac{x}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{x}{2} &= \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3\pi}{2}, \cdots \\ && \frac{5x}{2} &= \frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3\pi}{2}, \cdots \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{\pi}{5}, \frac{3\pi}{5}, \pi, \frac{7\pi}{5}, \frac{9\pi}{5} \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && 1 &= \cos (x + y) + \cos(x-y) - \cos 2x \\ &&&= 2 \cos x \cos y - 2\cos^2 x + 1 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \cos x (\cos y - \cos x) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &=\cos x \left ( \cos y + \cos (\pi - x) \right) \\ &&&= 2\cos x \cos \frac{y+x-\pi}{2} \cos \frac{y-x+\pi}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{\pi}{2} \\ && y+x - \pi&= \pi ,3\pi, \cdots \\ && y-x + \pi&=\pi, 3 \pi, \cdots \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{\pi}{2} \\ && y+x &= 2\pi \Rightarrow x = y = \pi \\ && y&= x \end{align*} So the only solutions are \(x =y\) and \(x = \frac{\pi}{2}\)
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \frac32 &= \cos x + \cos y - \cos (x+y) \\ &&&= 2 \cos \frac{x+y}{2} \cos \frac{x-y}{2} - 2 \cos^2 \frac{x+y}{2} + 1 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac14 &= \cos \frac{x+y}{2} \left ( \cos \frac{x-y}{2} - \cos \frac{x+y}{2} \right) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \cos^2 \frac{x+y}{2} - \cos \frac{x-y}{2}\cos \frac{x+y}{2} + \frac14 \\ \Rightarrow && \cos \frac{x+y}{2} &= \frac{\cos \frac{x-y}{2} \pm \sqrt{\cos^2 \frac{x-y}{2}-1}}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && \cos \frac{x-y}{2} &= \pm 1\\ && \cos \frac{x+y}{2} &= \pm \frac12 \\ \Rightarrow && x-y &= -4\pi, 0, 4\pi, \cdots \\ \Rightarrow && x &= y \\ \Rightarrow && \cos x &= \frac12 \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{\pi}{3} \\ \Rightarrow && (x, y) &= \left ( \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{\pi}{3}\right) \end{align*}

2018 Paper 2 Q12
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

In a game, I toss a coin repeatedly. The probability, \(p\), that the coin shows Heads on any given toss is given by \[ p= \frac N{N+1} \,, \] where \(N\) is a positive integer. The outcomes of any two tosses are independent. The game has two versions. In each version, I can choose to stop playing after any number of tosses, in which case I win £\(H\), where \(H\) is the number of Heads I have tossed. However, the game may end before that, in which case I win nothing.

  1. In version 1, the game ends when the coin first shows Tails (if I haven't stopped playing before that). I decide from the start to toss the coin until a total of \(h\) Heads have been shown, unless the game ends before then. Find, in terms of \(h\) and \(p\), an expression for my expected winnings and show that I can maximise my expected winnings by choosing \(h=N\).
  2. In version 2, the game ends when the coin shows Tails on two consecutive tosses (if I haven't stopped playing before that). I decide from the start to toss the coin until a total of \(h\) Heads have been shown, unless the game ends before then. Show that my expected winnings are \[ \frac{ hN^h (N+2)^h}{(N+1)^{2h}} \,.\] In the case \(N=2\,\), use the approximation \(\log_3 2 \approx 0.63\) to show that the maximum value of my expected winnings is approximately £3.


Solution:

  1. Since we either win \(h\) or \(0\), to calculate the expected winnings we just need to calculate the probability that we get \(h\) consecutive heads, therefore: \begin{align*} && \mathbb{E}(\text{winnings}) &= E_h \\ &&&= h \cdot \left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right)^h \\ && \frac{E_{h+1}}{E_h} &= \frac{h+1}{h }\left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right) \end{align*} Therefore \(E_h\) is increasing if \(h \leq N\), so we can maximise our winnings by taking \(h = N\). (In fact, we could take \(h = N\) or \(h = N+1\), but arguably \(h = N\) is better as we have the same expected value but lower variance).
  2. We can have up to \(h\) tails appearing (if we imagine slots for tails of the form \(\underbrace{\_H\_H\_H\_\cdots\_H}_{h\text{ spaces and }h\, H}\) so, we have \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{wins}) &= \sum_{t = 0}^h \mathbb{P}(\text{wins and } t\text{ tails}) \\ &&&= \sum_{t = 0}^h\binom{h}{t} \left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right)^h\left ( \frac{1}{N+1} \right)^t \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right)^h \sum_{t = 0}^h\binom{h}{t}\left ( \frac{1}{N+1} \right)^t \cdot 1^{h-t} \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right)^h \left ( 1 + \left ( \frac{1}{N+1} \right) \right)^h \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{N}{N+1} \right)^h \left ( \frac{N+2}{N+1}\right)^h \\ &&&= \frac{N^h(N+2)^h}{(N+1)^{2h}} \\ \Rightarrow && \E(\text{winnings}) &= h \cdot \frac{N^h(N+2)^h}{(N+1)^{2h}} \end{align*} If \(N = 2\), we have \begin{align*} && \E(\text{winnings}) &= E_h \\ &&&= h \cdot \frac{2^h\cdot2^{2h}}{3^{2h}}\\ &&&= h \cdot \frac{2^{3h}}{3^{2h}} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{E_{h+1}}{E_h} &= \frac{h+1}{h} \frac{8}{9} \\ \end{align*} Therefore to maximise the winnings we should take \(h = 8\), and the expected winnings will be: \begin{align*} && E_8 &= 8 \cdot \frac{2^{24}}{3^{16}} \\ \Rightarrow && \log_3 E_8 &= 27 \log_3 2 - 16 \\ &&&\approx 24 \cdot 0.63 - 16 \\ &&&\approx 17 - 16 \\ &&&\approx 1 \\ \Rightarrow && E_8 &\approx 3 \end{align*}

2018 Paper 3 Q1
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

  1. The function \(\f\) is given by \[ \f(\beta)=\beta - \frac 1 \beta - \frac 1 {\beta^2} \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (\beta\ne0) \,. \] Find the stationary point of the curve \(y=\f(\beta)\,\) and sketch the curve. Sketch also the curve \(y=\g(\beta)\,\), where \[ \g(\beta) = \beta + \frac 3 \beta - \frac 1 {\beta^2} \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (\beta\ne0)\,. \]
  2. Let \(u\) and \(v\) be the roots of the equation \[ x^2 +\alpha x +\beta = 0 \,, \] where \(\beta\ne0\,\). Obtain expressions in terms of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) for \(\displaystyle u+v + \frac 1 {uv}\) and \( \displaystyle \frac 1 u + \frac 1 v + uv\,\).
  3. Given that \(\displaystyle u+v + \frac 1 {uv} = -1\,\), and that \(u\) and \(v\) are real, show that \(\displaystyle \frac 1 u+ \frac 1 v + {uv} \le -1\;\).
  4. Given instead that \(\displaystyle u+v + \frac 1 {uv} = 3 \;\), and that \(u\) and \(v\) are real, find the greatest value of \(\displaystyle \frac 1 u+ \frac 1v + {uv}\,\).


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && f(\beta) &= \beta - \frac1{\beta}-\frac1{\beta^2} \\ \Rightarrow && f'(\beta) &= 1 +\frac{1}{\beta^2}+\frac{2}{\beta^3} \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= f'(\beta) \\ &&&= 1 + \frac1{\beta^2} + \frac{2}{\beta^3} \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \beta^3 + \beta + 2 \\ &&&= (\beta+1)(\beta^2-\beta+2) \end{align*} Therefore the only stationary point is at \(\beta = -1, f(-1) = -1\)
    TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} && g(\beta) &= \beta + \frac3{\beta}-\frac1{\beta^2} \\ \Rightarrow && g'(\beta) &= 1 -\frac{3}{\beta^2}+\frac{2}{\beta^3} \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= f'(\beta) \\ &&&= 1 - \frac3{\beta^2} + \frac{2}{\beta^3} \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \beta^3 - 3\beta + 2 \\ &&&= (\beta-1)^2(\beta+2) \end{align*} Therefore there are stationary points at \(\beta=1,f(1) = 3, \beta=-2, f(-2) = \frac14\)
    TikZ diagram
  2. Let \(u,v\) be the roots of \(x^2 + \alpha x + \beta = 0\), then since \((x-u)(x-v) = 0\) we must have \(\alpha = -(u+v), \beta = uv\). Therefore: \begin{align*} && u+v +\frac{1}{uv} &= -\alpha + \frac{1}{\beta} \\ && \frac1u+\frac1v + uv &= \frac{u+v}{uv} + uv \\ &&&= -\frac{\alpha}{\beta} + \beta \end{align*} Given \(u+v + \frac 1 {uv} = -1\), ie \(-\alpha + \frac{1}{\beta} = -1\). Since the roots are real, we must also have that \(\alpha^2 - 4\beta \geq 0\), so \begin{align*} && -\alpha + \frac1\beta &= -1 \\ \Rightarrow && \alpha &= 1 +\frac1\beta \\ \Rightarrow && -\frac{\alpha}{\beta}+\beta &= -\frac{1}{\beta} \l1+\frac1{\beta}\r + \beta \\ &&&=\beta - \frac{1}{\beta}-\frac{1}{\beta^2} \end{align*} So we want to maximise \(f(\beta)\) subject to \(\alpha ^2 - 4\beta \geq 0\) \begin{align*} && 0 &\leq \alpha^2 -4 \beta \\ &&&= \l 1 + \frac1{\beta} \r^2 - 4\beta \\ &&&= 1+ \frac2{\beta} + \frac1{\beta^2} - 4\beta \\ \Leftrightarrow && 0 &\leq -4\beta^3+\beta^2 + 2\beta + 1 \\ &&&=-(\beta-1)(4\beta^2+3\beta+1)\\ \Leftrightarrow && \beta &\leq 1 \end{align*} But we know \(f(\beta) \leq -1\) on \((-\infty,1]\) so we're done.
  3. Given that \(-\alpha + \frac{1}{\beta} = 3\) we have \begin{align*} && -\alpha + \frac1\beta &= 3 \\ \Rightarrow && \alpha &= -3 +\frac1\beta \\ \Rightarrow && -\frac{\alpha}{\beta}+\beta &= -\frac{1}{\beta} \l-3+\frac1{\beta}\r + \beta \\ &&&=\beta + \frac{3}{\beta}-\frac{1}{\beta^2} \end{align*} which we want to maximise, subject to: \begin{align*} && 0 &\leq \alpha^2 -4 \beta \\ &&&= \l -3 + \frac1{\beta} \r^2 - 4\beta \\ &&&= 9- \frac6{\beta} + \frac1{\beta^2} - 4\beta \\ \Leftrightarrow && 0 &\leq -4\beta^3+9\beta^2 - 6\beta + 1 \\ &&&=-(\beta-1)^2(4\beta-1)\\ \Leftrightarrow && \beta &\leq \frac14 \end{align*} Therefore the maximum will either be \(f(-2) = \frac14\) or \(f(\frac14) = -\frac{15}4\). Therefore the maximum is \(\frac14\)

2018 Paper 3 Q5
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

The real numbers \(a_1\), \(a_2\), \(a_3\), \(\ldots\) are all positive. For each positive integer \(n\), \(A_n\) and \(G_n\) are defined by \[ A_n = \frac{a_1+a_2 + \cdots + a_n}n \ \ \ \ \ \text{and } \ \ \ \ \ G_n = \big( a_1a_2\cdots a_n\big) ^{1/n} \,. \]

  1. Show that, for any given positive integer \(k\), \[ (k+1) ( A_{k+1} - G_{k+1}) \ge k (A_k-G_k) \] if and only if \[\lambda^{k+1}_k -(k+1)\lambda_{{k}} +k \ge 0\,, \] where \( \lambda_{{k}} = \left(\dfrac{a_{k+1}}{G_{k}}\right)^{\frac1 {k+1}}\,\).
  2. Let \[ \f(x)=x^{k+1} -(k+1)x +k \,, \] where \(x > 0\) and \(k\) is a positive integer. Show that \(\f(x)\ge0\) and that \(\f(x)=0\) if and only if \(x = 1\,\).
  3. Deduce that:
    1. \(A_n \ge G_n\) for all \(n\); \\
    2. if \(A_n=G_n\) for some \(n\), then \(a_1=a_2 = \cdots = a_n\,\).


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && (k+1) (A_{k+1} - G_{k+1}) & \geq k(A_k - G_k) \\ \Leftrightarrow && \sum_{i=1}^{k+1} a_i - (k+1)G_{k+1} &\geq \sum_{i=1}^k a_i - kG_k \\ \Leftrightarrow && a_{k+1} -(k+1)G_k^{k/(k+1)}a_{k+1}^{1/(k+1)} & \geq - k G_k \\ \Leftrightarrow && a_{k+1} -(k+1)G_k^{k/(k+1)}a_{k+1}^{1/(k+1)} + k G_k& \geq 0\\ \Leftrightarrow && \frac{a_{k+1}}{G_k} -(k+1)G_k^{k/(k+1)-1}a_{k+1}^{1/(k+1)} + k & \geq 0\\ \Leftrightarrow && \lambda_k^{k+1} -(k+1)\lambda_k+ k & \geq 0\\ \end{align*} as required.
  2. \begin{align*} && f'(x) &= (k+1)x^k - (k+1) \\ &&&= (k+1)(x^k-1) \end{align*} Therefore \(f(x)\) is strictly decreasing on \((0,1)\) and strictly increasing on \((1,\infty)\) and so the minimum will be \(f(1) = 1 - (k+1) + k = 0\), so \(f(x) \geq 0\) with equality only at \(x = 1\).
    1. We can proceed by induction to show since the inequality holds for \(n=1\) and since if it holds for \(n=k\) it will hold for \(n=k+1\) as \(A_{k+1}-G_{k+1}\) must have the same sign as \(A_k - G_k\).
    2. The only way for equality to hold is if \(\lambda_k = 1\) for \(k = 1, \cdots n\), ie \(a_{k+1} = G_k\), but this means \(a_2 = a_1, a_3 = a_1\) etc. Therefore all values are equal.

2017 Paper 1 Q5
D: 1500.0 B: 1456.4

A circle of radius \(a\) is centred at the origin \(O\). A rectangle \(PQRS\) lies in the minor sector \(OMN\) of this circle where \(M\) is \((a,0)\) and \(N\) is \((a \cos \beta, a \sin \beta)\), and \(\beta\) is a constant with \(0 < \beta < \frac{\pi}{2}\,\). Vertex \(P\) lies on the positive \(x\)-axis at \((x,0)\); vertex \(Q\) lies on \(ON\); vertex \(R\) lies on the arc of the circle between \(M\) and \(N\); and vertex \(S\) lies on the positive \(x\)-axis at \((s,0)\). Show that the area \(A\) of the rectangle can be written in the form \[ A= x(s-x)\tan\beta \,. \] Obtain an expression for \(s\) in terms of \(a\), \(x\) and \(\beta\), and use it to show that \[ \frac{\d A}{\d x} = (s-2x) \tan \beta - \frac {x^2} s \tan^3\beta \,. \] Deduce that the greatest possible area of rectangle \(PQRS\) occurs when \(s= x(1+\sec\beta)\) and show that this greatest area is \(\tfrac12 a^2 \tan \frac12 \beta\,\). Show also that this greatest area occurs when \(\angle ROS = \frac12\beta\,\).


Solution:

TikZ diagram
Clearly the distance \(PS\) is \(s - x\), so it remains to determine the heigh \(PQ\). Notice that \(\tan \beta = \frac{PQ}{OP}\) so the height is \(x \tan \beta\) and the area is \(x(s-x)\tan \beta \) Notice that \(R\) has a \(y\)-coordinate of \(x \tan \beta\), but is a distance \(a\) from the origin, so \(s^2 + x^2 \tan^2 \beta = a^2 \Rightarrow s = \sqrt{a^2-x^2 \tan^2 \beta}\) \begin{align*} && \frac{\d A}{\d x} &= (s-x)\tan \beta + x \left (\frac{\d s}{\d x} - 1 \right) \tan \beta \\ &&&= (s-x) \tan \beta + \left (\tfrac12(a^2-x^2\tan^2 \beta)^{-1/2} \cdot (-2x \tan^2 \beta) - 1\right) x \tan \beta \\ &&&= (s-x) \tan \beta + \left ( \frac{-x \tan^2 \beta}{s} -1\right)x \tan \beta \\ &&&= (s-2x) \tan \beta - \frac{x^2}{s}\tan^3\beta \\ \\ \frac{\d A}{\d x} = 0: && 0 &= s(s-2x)-x^2 \tan^2 \beta \\ &&&= s^2-(2x)s-x^2\tan^2 \beta \\ &&&= (s-x)^2-(1+\tan^2\beta)x^2 \\ \Rightarrow && s &= x + x \sec \beta \\ &&&= (1+\sec \beta)x \\ \\ && a^2 &= x^2(1+\sec\beta)^2 + x^2 \tan^2 \beta \\ &&&= x^2(2\sec \beta +2\sec^2 \beta ) \\ &&&= 2x^2 \sec \beta(1+\sec \beta) \\ \\ && A &= x^2\sec \beta \tan \beta \\ &&&= \frac12 a^2 \frac{\sec \beta \tan \beta}{\sec \beta(1+\sec \beta)} \\ &&&= \frac12 a^2 \frac{\tan \beta}{1+\sec \beta} = \frac12 a^2 \tan \frac{\beta}{2}\\ \end{align*} This occurs when \begin{align*} && \frac{RS}{SO} &= \frac{x \tan \beta}{s} \\ &&&= \frac{\tan \beta}{1+\sec \beta} = \tan \frac{\beta}2 \\ \Rightarrow&& \angle ROS &= \frac{\beta}2 \end{align*}

2017 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1484.0 B: 1484.0

A particle is projected at speed \(u\) from a point \(O\) on a horizontal plane. It passes through a fixed point \(P\) which is at a horizontal distance \(d\) from \(O\) and at a height \(d \tan \beta\) above the plane, where \(d>0\) and \(\beta \) is an acute angle. The angle of projection \(\alpha\) is chosen so that \(u\) is as small as possible.

  1. Show that \(u^2 = gd \tan \alpha\) and \(2\alpha = \beta + 90^\circ\,\).
  2. At what angle to the horizontal is the particle travelling when it passes through \(P\)? Express your answer in terms of \(\alpha\) in its simplest form.


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && d &= u \cos \alpha t \\ && d \tan \beta &= u \sin \alpha t - \frac12 gt^2 \\ && &= d\tan \alpha - \frac1{2u^2} g d^2 \sec^2 \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && u^2 &= \frac{gd \sec^2 \alpha}{2(\tan \alpha + \tan \beta)} \\ &&&= \frac{gd t^2}{2(t+\tan \beta)} \\ && \frac{\d}{\d t} \left (u^2 \right) &= \frac{2gdt\cdot 2(t+\tan \beta) - gdt^2 \cdot 2}{4(t+\tan \beta)^2} \\ &&&= \frac{2gdt(2t-t+2\tan \beta)}{4(t+\tan \beta)^2} \\ &&&= \frac{gdt(t+2\tan \beta)}{2(t+\tan \beta)^2} \\ \end{align*} So either \(t = 0\) or \(t = -2 \tan \beta\) \begin{align*} && u^2 &= \frac{gd\cdot 4 \tan^2 \beta}{2(-2\tan \beta + \tan \beta)} \\ &&&= \frac{2gd \tan \beta}{-1} \\ &&&= gd (-2\tan \beta) \\ &&&= gd \tan \alpha \end{align*} \begin{align*} && d \tan \beta &= d \tan \alpha - \frac12 \frac{gd^2}{gd \tan \alpha \cdot \cos^2 \alpha } \\ \Rightarrow && \tan \beta&= \tan \alpha - \frac{1}{2\sin \alpha \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{2 \sin^2 \alpha - 1}{2 \sin \alpha \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{-\cos 2 \alpha}{\sin 2 \alpha} \\ &&&= -\cot 2 \alpha \\ &&&= \tan (2\alpha - 90^\circ) \\ \Rightarrow && \beta &= 2\alpha - 90^\circ \\ \Rightarrow && 2\alpha &= \beta + 90^\circ \end{align*}
  2. Suppose the angle to the horizontal is \(\theta\), then \(\tan \theta = \frac{v_y}{v_x}\) so \begin{align*} && \tan \theta &= \frac{u \sin \alpha - gt}{u \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{u \sin \alpha - \frac12 g \frac{d}{u \cos \alpha}}{u \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{u^2\sin \alpha \cos \alpha - gd}{u^2 \cos^2 \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{gd \tan \alpha \sin \alpha \cos \alpha- gd}{ gd \tan \alpha \cdot \cos^2 \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{\tan \alpha \sin \alpha \cos \alpha - 1}{ \sin \alpha \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= \frac{\sin^2 \alpha - 1}{\sin \alpha \cos \alpha} \\ &&&= -\frac{\cos \alpha}{\sin \alpha}\\ &&&= - \cot \alpha = \tan (\alpha - 90^\circ)\\ \Rightarrow && \theta &= \alpha - 90^\circ \end{align*}

2017 Paper 1 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1513.9

In a lottery, each of the \(N\) participants pays \(\pounds c\) to the organiser and picks a number from \(1\) to \(N\). The organiser picks at random the winning number from \(1\) to \(N\) and all those participants who picked this number receive an equal share of the prize, \(\pounds J\).

  1. The participants pick their numbers independently and with equal probability. Obtain an expression for the probability that no participant picks the winning number, and hence determine the organiser's expected profit. Use the approximation \[ \left( 1 - \frac{a}{N} \right)^N \approx \e^{-a} \tag{\(*\)} \] to show that if \(2Nc = J\) then the organiser will expect to make a loss. Note: \(\e > 2\).
  2. Instead of the numbers being equally popular, a fraction \(\gamma\) of the numbers are popular and the rest are unpopular. For each participant, the probability of picking any given popular number is \(\dfrac{a}{N}\) and the probability of picking any given unpopular number is \(\dfrac{b}{N}\,\). Find a relationship between \(a\), \(b\) and \(\gamma\). Show that, using the approximation \((*)\), the organiser's expected profit can be expressed in the form \[ A\e^{-a} + B\e^{-b} +C \,, \] where \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) can be written in terms of \(J\), \(c\), \(N\) and \(\gamma\). In the case \(\gamma = \frac18\) and \(a=9b\), find \(a\) and \(b\). Show that, if \(2Nc = J\), then the organiser will expect to make a profit. Note: \(\e < 3\).


Solution:

  1. The probability no-one picks the winning number is \(\left ( 1 - \frac{1}{N}\right)^N \approx \frac1e\). \begin{align*} && \mathbb{E}(\text{profit}) &= Nc - (1-e^{-1})J \\ &&& < Nc -(1- \tfrac12 )J \\ &&& < Nc - \frac12 J \\ &&&= \frac{2Nc-J}{2} \end{align*} Therefore if \(J = 2Nc\) the expected profit is negative.
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && 1 &= \sum_{\text{all numbers}} \mathbb{P}(\text{pick }i) \\ &&&= \sum_{\text{popular numbers}} \mathbb{P}(\text{pick }i)+\sum_{\text{unpopular numbers}} \mathbb{P}(\text{pick }i) \\ &&&=\gamma N \frac{a}{N} + (1-\gamma)N \frac{b}{N} \\ &&&= \gamma a + (1-\gamma)b \end{align*} \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{no-one picks winning number}) &= \mathbb{P}(\text{no-one picks winning number} | \text{winning number is popular})\mathbb{P})(\text{winning number is popular}) + \\ &&&\quad + \mathbb{P}(\text{no-one picks} | \text{unpopular})\mathbb{P}(\text{unpopular}) \\ &&&= \left (1 - \frac{a}{N} \right)^N \gamma + \left (1 - \frac{b}{N} \right)^N (1-\gamma) \\ &&&\approx \gamma e^{-a} + (1-\gamma)e^{-b} \\ \\ && \mathbb{E}(\text{profit}) &= Nc - (1-\gamma e^{-a} - (1-\gamma)e^{-b})J \\ &&&= Nc-J+J\gamma e^{-a} +J(1-\gamma)e^{-b} \end{align*} If \(\gamma = \frac18\) and \(a=9b\), then \(1=\frac18 a + \frac78b = 2b \Rightarrow b = \frac12, a = \frac92\) and \begin{align*} && \mathbb{E}(\text{profit}) &= Nc-J +J\tfrac18e^{-9/2}+J\tfrac78e^{-1/2} \\ &&&= Nc-J+\tfrac18Je^{-1/2}(e^{-4}+7) \end{align*} If we can show \(e^{-1/2}\frac{e^{-4}+7}{8} > \frac12\) we'd be done, so \begin{align*} && e^{-1/2}\frac{e^{-4}+7}{8} &> \frac12 \\ \Leftrightarrow && e^{-4}+7 &>4e^{1/2} \\ \Leftrightarrow && 49+14e^{-4}+e^{-8} &>16e \\ \end{align*} But clearly the LHS \(>49\) and the RHS \(<48\) so we're done

2017 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

A curve \(C\) is determined by the parametric equations \[ x=at^2 \, , \; y = 2at\,, \] where \(a > 0\).

  1. Show that the normal to \(C\) at a point \(P\), with non-zero parameter \(p\), meets \(C\) again at a point \(N\), with parameter \(n\), where \[ n= - \left( p + \frac{2}{p} \right). \]
  2. Show that the distance \(\left| PN \right|\) is given by \[ \vert PN\vert^2 = 16a^2\frac{(p^2+1)^3}{p^4} \] and that this is minimised when \(p^2=2\,\).
  3. The point \(Q\), with parameter \(q\), is the point at which the circle with diameter \(PN\) cuts \(C\) again. By considering the gradients of \(QP\) and \(QN\), show that \[ 2 = p^2-q^2 + \frac{2q}p. \] Deduce that \(\left| PN \right|\) is at its minimum when \(Q\) is at the origin.


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \frac{\d x}{\d t} &= 2at \\ && \frac{\d y}{\d t} &= 2a \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= \frac1t \\ && -p &= \text{grad of normal} \\ &&&= \frac{y-2ap}{x-ap^2} \\ \Rightarrow && y &= -px + ap^3+2ap \\ && 2an &= -pan^2 + ap^3 + 2ap \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= pan^2+2an-ap(2+p^2) \\ \Rightarrow && n &= p, -\left ( p + \frac2{p}\right) \\ \Rightarrow && n &= -\left ( p + \frac2{p}\right) \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && |PN|^2 &= (ap^2-an^2)^2 +(2ap-2an)^2 \\ &&&= a^2(p-n)^2(p+n)^2+4a^2(p-n)^2 \\ &&&= a^2(p-n)^2((p+n)^2+4) \\ &&&= a^2\left(p+p+\frac2p \right)^2 \left ( \left ( -\frac2p\right)^2+4\right)\\ &&&= a^2\left(\frac{2p^2+2}p \right)^2 \left ( \frac{4}{p^2}+4\right)\\ &&&= 16a^2 \frac{(p^2+1)^3}{p^4} \\ \\ && \frac{\d |PN|^2}{\d p^2} &= 16a^2\frac{3(p^2+1)^2p^4-2(p^2+1)^3p^2}{p^8} \\ &&&= 16a^2(p^2+1)^2 \frac{3p^2-2(p^2+1)}{p^6} \\ &&&= 16a^2(p^2+1)^2 \frac{p^2-2}{p^6} \end{align*} Therefore minimized when \(p^2=2\) (clearly a minimum by considering behaviour as \(p^2 \to 0, \infty\))
  3. If \(PN\) is the diameter of \(PNQ\) then \(QP\) and \(QN\) are perpendicular, ie \begin{align*} && -1 &= \frac{2ap-2aq}{ap^2-aq^2} \cdot \frac{2aq-2an}{aq^2-an^2} \\ &&&= \frac{2}{p+q} \cdot \frac{2}{q+n} \\ &&&= \frac{2}{p+q} \cdot \frac{2}{q - p -\frac{2}{p}} \\ \Rightarrow && 4 &= (p+q)(p+\frac2{p}-q) \\ &&&= p^2-q^2 + \frac{2q}{p} + 2 \\ \Rightarrow && 2 &= p^2 - q^2 + \frac{2q}{p} \end{align*} Therefore \(q = 0 \Rightarrow p^2 = 2 \Rightarrow |PN|\) is at it's minimum.