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2015 Paper 3 Q10
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

A light rod of length \(2a\) has a particle of mass \(m\) attached to each end and it moves in a vertical plane. The midpoint of the rod has coordinates \((x,y)\), where the \(x\)-axis is horizontal (within the plane of motion) and \(y\) is the height above a horizontal table. Initially, the rod is vertical, and at time \(t\) later it is inclined at an angle \(\theta\) to the vertical. Show that the velocity of one particle can be written in the form \[ \begin{pmatrix} \dot x + a \dot\theta \cos\theta \\ \dot y - a \dot\theta \sin\theta \end{pmatrix} \] and that \[ m\begin{pmatrix} \ddot x + a\ddot\theta \cos\theta - a \dot\theta^2 \sin\theta \\ \ddot y- a\ddot\theta \sin\theta - a \dot\theta^2 \cos\theta \end{pmatrix} =-T\begin{pmatrix} \sin\theta \\ \cos\theta \end{pmatrix} -mg \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \] where the dots denote differentiation with respect to time \(t\) and \(T\) is the tension in the rod. Obtain the corresponding equations for the other particle. Deduce that \(\ddot x =0\), \(\ddot y = -g\) and \(\ddot\theta =0\). Initially, the midpoint of the rod is a height \(h\) above the table, the velocity of the higher particle is \(\Big(\begin{matrix} \, u \, \\ v \end{matrix}\Big)\), and the velocity of the lower particle is \(\Big(\begin{matrix}\, 0 \, \\ v\end{matrix}\Big)\). Given that the two particles hit the table for the first time simultaneously, when the rod has rotated by \(\frac12\pi\), show that \[ 2hu^2 = \pi^2a^2 g - 2\pi uva \,. \]

2015 Paper 3 Q11
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

  1. A horizontal disc of radius \(r\) rotates about a vertical axis through its centre with angular speed \(\omega\). One end of a light rod is fixed by a smooth hinge to the edge of the disc so that it can rotate freely in a vertical plane through the centre of the disc. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at a distance \(d\) from the hinge. The rod makes a constant angle \(\alpha\) with the upward vertical, as shown in the diagram, and \(d\sin\alpha < r\).
    TikZ diagram
    By considering moments about the hinge for the (light) rod, show that the force exerted on the rod by \(P\) is parallel to the rod. Show also that \[ r\cot\alpha = a + d \cos\alpha \,, \] where \(a = \dfrac {g \;} {\omega^2}\,\). State clearly the direction of the force exerted by the hinge on the rod, and find an expression for its magnitude in terms of \(m\), \(g\) and \(\alpha\).
  2. The disc and rod rotate as in part (i), but two particles (instead of \(P\)) are attached to the rod. The masses of the particles are \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) and they are attached to the rod at distances \(d_1\) and \(d_2\) from the hinge, respectively. The rod makes a constant angle \(\beta\) with the upward vertical and \(d_1\sin\beta < d_2\sin\beta < r\). Show that \(\beta\) satisfies an equation of the form \[ r\cot\beta = a+ b \cos\beta \,, \] where \(b\) should be expressed in terms of \(d_1\), \(d_2\), \(m_1\) and \(m_2\).


Solution:

  1. Since the particle is not moving (relative to the hinge) there is no moment about the hinge and in particular the only forces must be directed towards the hinge, ie parallel to the rod.
    TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && R \cos \alpha &= mg \\ \\ \text{N2}(\leftarrow, \text{radially}): && R \sin \alpha &= m (r-d\sin \alpha) \omega^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \cot \alpha &= \frac{g}{(r-d\sin \alpha) \omega^2} \\ \Rightarrow && r\cot \alpha-d \cos \alpha &= a \\ \Rightarrow && r \cot \alpha &= a + d \cos \alpha \end{align*} The force of the hinge is acting in the same direction and magnitude as the rod on the particle (the force \(R\) in the diagram). It has magnitude \(mg \sec \alpha\)
  2. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} \overset{\curvearrowleft}{\text{hinge}}: && gm_1d_1 \sin \beta+gm_2d_2 \sin \beta &= m_1 (r-d_1 \sin \beta) \omega^2 d_1 \cos \beta + m_2 (r-d_2 \sin \beta) \omega^2 d_2 \cos \beta \\ \Rightarrow && a(m_1d_1+m_2d_2) \tan \beta &= r(m_1d_1+m_2d_2) - (m_1d_1^2+m_2d_2^2) \sin \beta \\ \Rightarrow && r\cot \beta &= a + \frac{m_1d_1^2+m_2d_2^2}{m_1d_1+m_2d_2} \cos \beta \end{align*}

2015 Paper 3 Q12
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

A 6-sided fair die has the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on its faces. The die is thrown \(n\) times, the outcome (the number on the top face) of each throw being independent of the outcome of any other throw. The random variable \(S_n\) is the sum of the outcomes.

  1. The random variable~\(R_n\) is the remainder when \(S_n\) is divided by 6. Write down the probability generating function, \(\G(x)\), of \(R_1\) and show that the probability generating function of \(R_2\) is also \(\G(x)\). Use a generating function to find the probability that \(S_n\) is divisible by 6.
  2. The random variable \(T_n\) is the remainder when \(S_n\) is divided by 5. Write down the probability generating function, \(\G_1(x)\), of \(T_1\) and show that \(\G_2(x)\), the probability generating function of \(T_2\), is given by \[ {\rm G}_2(x) = \tfrac 1 {36} (x^2 +7y) \] where \(y= 1+x+x^2+x^3+x^4\,\). Obtain the probability generating function of \(T_n\) and hence show that the probability that \(S_n\) is divisible by \(5\) is \[ \frac15\left(1- \frac1 {6^n}\right) \] if \(n\) is not divisible by 5. What is the corresponding probability if \(n\) is divisible by 5?


Solution:

  1. \(G(x) = \frac{1}{6} (1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 + x^5)\) The pgf for \(R_2\) is: \begin{align*} \frac1{36}x^2 + \frac{2}{36}x^3 + \frac{3}{36}x^4 + \frac{4}{36}x^5 + \frac{5}{36} +\\ \quad \quad + \frac{6}{36}x^1 + \frac{5}{36}x^2 + \frac4{36}x^3 + \frac3{36}x^4 + \frac{2}{36}x^5 + \frac{1}{36} \\ = \frac{1}{6}(1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 + x^5) = G(x) \end{align*} Since rolling the dice twice is the same as rolling the dice once, rolling the dice \(n\) times will be the same as rolling it once, ie the pgf for \(R_n\) will be \(G(x)\) and the probability \(S_n\) is divisible by \(6\) is \(\frac16\)
  2. \(G_1(x) = \frac{1}{6} + \frac{1}{3}x^1 + \frac{1}{6}x^2 + \frac16x^3+ \frac16x^4 = \frac16(1 + 2x+x^2+x^3+x^4)\). If \(G_n\) is the probability generating function for \(T_n\) then we can obtain \(G_n\) by multiplying \(G_{n-1}\) by \(G(x)\) and replacing any terms of order higher than \(5\) with their remainder on division by \(5\). (Or equivalently, working over \(\mathbb{R}[x]/(x^5-1)\). If \(y = 1 + x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4\) then: \begin{align*} xy &= x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 +x^5 \\ &= x + x^2 + x^3 + x^4 + 1 \\ &= y \\ \\ y^2 &= (1 + x+x^2 + x^3+x^4)^2 \\ &= 1 + 2x + 3x^2 + 4x^3+5x^4+4x^5+3x^6 + 2x^7 + x^8 \\ &= (1+4) + (2+3)x+(3+2)x^2 + (4+1)x^3 + 5x^4 \\ &= 5y \end{align*} \begin{align*} \frac{1}{36}(y+x)(y+x) &= \frac1{36}(y^2 + 2xy + x^2) \\ &= \frac1{36}(5y + 2y + x^2 ) \\ &= \frac1{36}(7y + x^2) \end{align*} Similarly, \begin{align*} G_n(x) &= \l\frac{1}{6}(x+y) \r^n \\ &= \frac1{6^n} \l \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} y^ix^{n-i} \r \\ &= \frac1{6^n} \l \sum_{i=1}^n \binom{n}{i} y^i + x^n \r \\ &= \frac1{6^n} \l \sum_{i=1}^n \binom{n}{i} 5^{i-1}y + x^n \r \\ &= \frac1{6^n} \l \frac{1}{5}y((5+1)^n-1) + x^n \r \\ &= \frac1{6^n} \l \frac{1}{5}y(6^n-1) + x^n \r \\ \end{align*} Therefore if \(n \not \equiv 0 \pmod{5}\), we can find the probability of \(T_n = 0\) by looking at the constant coefficient, ie plugging in \(x = 0\), which is: \[\frac1{6^n} \l \frac{1}{5}(6^n-1) \r = \frac{1}{5} \l 1- \frac{1}{6^n} \r \] When \(n \equiv 0 \pmod{5}\) we can also find the constant coefficient by plugging in \(x = 0\), which is: \[\frac1{6^n} \l \frac{1}{5}(6^n-1) + 1 \r = \frac{1}{5} \l 1+ \frac{4}{6^n} \r \]
Note: this whole question can be considered a "roots-of-unity" filter in disguise. Our computations in \(\mathbb{R}[x]/(x^5 - 1)\) are the same as computations using \(\omega\), in fact \(\mathbb{R}[x]/(x^5 - 1) \cong \mathbb{R}[\omega]\) where \(\omega\) is a primitive \(5\)th root of unity

2015 Paper 3 Q13
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

Each of the two independent random variables \(X\) and \(Y\) is uniformly distributed on the interval~\([0,1]\).

  1. By considering the lines \(x+y =\) \(\mathrm{constant}\) in the \(x\)-\(y\) plane, find the cumulative distribution function of \(X+Y\).
  2. Hence show that the probability density function \(f\) of \((X+Y)^{-1}\) is given by \[ \f(t) = \begin{cases} 2t^{-2} -t^{-3} & \text{for \( \tfrac12 \le t \le 1\)} \\ t^{-3} & \text{for \(1\le t <\infty\)}\\ 0 & \text{otherwise}. \end{cases} \] Evaluate \(\E\Big(\dfrac1{X+Y}\Big)\,\).
  3. Find the cumulative distribution function of \(Y/X\) and use this result to find the probability density function of \(\dfrac X {X+Y}\). Write down \(\E\Big( \dfrac X {X+Y}\Big)\) and verify your result by integration.


Solution:

  1. \(\mathbb{P}(X + Y \leq c) \) is the area between the \(x\)-axis, \(y\)-axis and the line \(x + y = c\). There are two cases for this: \[\mathbb{P}(X + Y \leq c) = \begin{cases} 0 & \text{ if } c \leq 0 \\ \frac{c^2}{2} & \text{ if } c \leq 1 \\ 1- \frac{(2-c)^2}{2} & \text{ if } 1 \leq c \leq 2 \\ 1 & \text{ otherwise} \end{cases}\]
  2. \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}((X + Y)^{-1} \leq t) &= 1- \mathbb{P}(X + Y \leq \frac1{t}) \\ \Rightarrow && f_{(X+Y)^{-1}}(t) &= 0 -\begin{cases} 0 & \text{ if } \frac1{t} \leq 0 \\ \frac{\d}{\d t}\frac{1}{2t^2} & \text{ if } \frac{1}{t} \leq 1 \\ \frac{\d}{\d t} \l 1- \frac{(2-\frac1t)^2}{2} \r & \text{ if } 1 \leq \frac{1}{t} \leq 2 \\ 0 & \text{ otherwise}\end{cases} \\ && &= \begin{cases} t^{-3} & \text{ if } t \geq 1 \\ (2-\frac1t)t^{-2} & \text{ if } \frac12 \leq t \leq 1\\ 0 & \text{ otherwise}\end{cases} \\ && &= \begin{cases} t^{-3} & \text{ if } t \geq 1 \\ 2t^{-2}-t^{-3} & \text{ if } \frac12 \leq t \leq 1\\ 0 & \text{ otherwise}\end{cases} \end{align*} Therefore, \begin{align*} \E \Big(\dfrac1{X+Y}\Big) &= \int_{\frac12}^{\infty} t f_{(X+Y)^{-1}}(t) \, \d t \\ &= \int_{\frac12}^{1} t f_{(X+Y)^{-1}}(t) \, \d t + \int_{1}^{\infty} t f_{(X+Y)^{-1}}(t) \d t\\ &= \int_{\frac12}^{1} \l 2t^{-1} - t^{-2} \r \, \d t + \int_{1}^{\infty} t^{-2} \d t\\ &= \left [ 2 \ln (t) + t^{-1} \right]_{\frac12}^{1} + \left [ -t^{-1} \right ]_{1}^{\infty} \\ &= 1 + 2 \ln 2 -2 + 1 \\ &= 2 \ln 2 \end{align*}
  3. \begin{align*} &&\mathbb{P} \l \frac{Y}{X} \leq c \r &= \mathbb{P}( Y \leq c X) \\ &&&= \begin{cases} 0 & \text{if } c \leq 0 \\ \frac{c}{2} & \text{if } 0 \leq c \leq 1 \\ 1-\frac{1}{2c} & \text{if } 1 \leq c \end{cases} \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \mathbb{P} \l \frac{X}{X+Y} \leq t\r &= \mathbb{P} \l \frac{1}{1+\frac{Y}{X}} \leq t\r \\ &&&= \mathbb{P} \l \frac{1}{t} \leq 1+\frac{Y}{X}\r \\ &&&= \mathbb{P} \l \frac{1}{t} - 1\leq \frac{Y}{X}\r \\ &&&= 1- \mathbb{P} \l \frac{Y}{X} \leq \frac{1}{t} - 1\r \\ &&&= 1 - \begin{cases} 0 & \text{if } \frac1{t} \leq 0 \\ \frac{1}{2t} - \frac{1}{2} & \text{if } 0 \leq \frac1{t} \leq 1 \\ 1-\frac{t}{2-2t} & \text{if } 1 \leq \frac1{t} \end{cases} \\ && f_{\frac{X}{X+Y}}(t) &= \begin{cases} 0 & \text{if } \frac1{t} \leq 0 \\ \frac{1}{2t^2} & \text{if } t \geq 1 \\ \frac{1}{2(1-t)^2} & \text{if } 0 \leq t \leq 1 \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && \mathbb{E} \l \frac{X}{X+Y} \r &= \int_0^\infty t f(t) \d t \\ &&&= \int_0^1 \frac{1}{2(1-t)^2} \d t + \int_1^\infty \frac{1}{t^2} \d t \\ &&& = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \\ \\ && \mathbb{E} \l \frac{X}{X+Y} \r &= \int_0^1 \int_0^1 \frac{x}{x+y} \d y\d x \\ &&&= \int_0^1 \l x \ln (x+1) - x \ln x \r \d x \\ &&&= \left [\frac{x^2}2 \ln(x+1) - \frac{x^2}{2} \ln(x) \right]_0^1 -\int_0^1 \l \frac{x^2}{2(x+1)} - \frac{x}{2} \r \d x \\ &&&= \frac{\ln 2}{2} + \frac{1}{4} - \int_0^1 \frac{x^2-1+1}{2(x+1)}\d x \\ &&&= \frac{\ln 2}{2} + \frac{1}{4} - \int_0^1 \frac{x -1}{2} + \frac{1}{2(x+1)}\d x \\ &&&= \frac{\ln 2}{2} + \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{\ln 2}{2} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{2} \end{align*} We can also notice that \(1 = \mathbb{E} \l \frac{X+Y}{X+Y} \r = \mathbb{E} \l \frac{X}{X+Y} \r + \mathbb{E} \l \frac{Y}{X+Y} \r = 2 \mathbb{E} \l \frac{X}{X+Y} \r\) so it's clearly true as long as we can show that the integral converges.

2014 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

All numbers referred to in this question are non-negative integers.

  1. Express each of the numbers 3, 5, 8, 12 and 16 as the difference of two non-zero squares.
  2. Prove that any odd number can be written as the difference of two squares.
  3. Prove that all numbers of the form \(4k\), where \(k\) is a non-negative integer, can be written as the difference of two squares.
  4. Prove that no number of the form \(4k+2\), where \(k\) is a non-negative integer, can be written as the difference of two squares.
  5. Prove that any number of the form \(pq\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are prime numbers greater than 2, can be written as the difference of two squares in exactly two distinct ways. Does this result hold if \(p\) is a prime greater than 2 and \(q=2\)?
  6. Determine the number of distinct ways in which 675 can be written as the difference of two squares.


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && 3 &= 2^2 - 1^2 \\ && 5 &= 3^2 - 2^2 \\ && 8 &= 3^2 - 1^2 \\ && 16 &= 5^2 - 3^2 \end{align*}
  2. Suppose \(n = 2k+1\), then \(n = (k+1)^2 - k^2\)
  3. Suppose \(n = 4k\) then \(n = (2k+1)^2 - (2k-1)^2\)
  4. All squares leave a remainder of \(0\) or \(1\) on division by \(4\). Therefore the difference can leave a remainder of \(0\), \(1\), \(-1 \equiv 3\), none of which are \(2\).
  5. Suppose \(n = pq = a^2 - b^2\) with \(a > b\) ie \((a-b)(a+b) = pq\). Since \(p\) is prime, \(p \mid (a-b)\) or \(p \mid (a+b)\). Similarly for \(q\). Suppose also (wlog) that \(p > q\) Since the factors of \(pq\) are \(1, p, q, pq\) then \(a-b = 1, p\) (which are two possibilities) and \(a+b = pq, q\), ie \(a = \frac{1+pq}{2}, \frac{p+q}{2}\) and \(b = \frac{pq-1}{2}, \frac{p-q}{2}\) \begin{align*} && pq &= \left ( \frac{1+pq}{2} \right)^2- \left ( \frac{1-pq}{2} \right)^2 \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{p+q}{2} \right)^2- \left ( \frac{p-q}{2} \right)^2 \\ \end{align*} Where everything is an integer since \(p\) and \(q\) are odd. If we have \(p > 2\) and \(q = 2\) then \(p\) is odd and the number has the form \(4k+2\) which cannot be expressed as the difference of two squares.
  6. \(675 = 3^3 \cdot 5^2\), each factor pair of \(675\) will lead to a different solution of \(675 = a^2-b^2\), since we will have an equation \(a-b = X, a+b = Y\) where \(X, Y\) are both odd. Therefore there are as many solution as (half) the number of factors, ie \(4 \times 3 = 12\)

2014 Paper 1 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

  1. Show that \(\int \ln (2-x) \d x = -(2-x)\ln (2-x) + (2-x) + c \,,\ \) where \(x<2\).
  2. Sketch the curve \(A\) given by \(y= \ln \vert x^2-4\vert\).
  3. Show that the area of the finite region enclosed by the positive \(x\)-axis, the \(y\)-axis and the curve \(A\) is \(4\ln(2+\sqrt3)-2\sqrt3\,\).
  4. The curve \(B\) is given by \(y= \vert \ln \vert x^2-4\vert \vert\,\). Find the area between the curve \(B\) and the \(x\)-axis with \(| x| <2\). Note: you may assume that \(t \ln t \to 0\) as \(t\to 0\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \int \ln (2- x) \d x &= \left [ (x-2) \ln (2- x) \right] - \int -\frac{x-2}{2-x} \d x \\ && \int \ln (2- x) \d x &= \left [ (x-2) \ln (2- x) \right] + \int 1 \d x \\ &&&= -(2-x) \ln (2-x) +(2-x) + C \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
  3. \begin{align*} && \text{Area} &= \int_0^{\sqrt{3}} \ln | x^2 - 4 | \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^\sqrt{3} \ln(4-x^2) \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^\sqrt{3} \left ( \ln(2-x) + \ln (2+x) \right) \d x \\ &&&= \left [ -(2-x) \ln (2-x) +(2-x) +(2+x)\ln(2+x)-(2+x)\right]_0^{\sqrt{3}} \\ &&&= \left ( -(2-\sqrt{3}) \ln (2-\sqrt{3}) +(2-\sqrt{3}) +(2+\sqrt{3})\ln(2+\sqrt{3})-(2+\sqrt{3}) \right) - \\ &&&\quad \quad \left (- 2\ln (2)+2 +2\ln(2)-2 \right) \\ &&&=\left ( -(2-\sqrt{3}) \ln \left ( \frac{1}{2+\sqrt{3}} \right) -2\sqrt{3} +(2+\sqrt{3})\ln(2+\sqrt{3}) \right) \\ &&&= 4\ln(2 + \sqrt{3}) - 2 \sqrt{3} \end{align*}
  4. TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} && \text{Area} &= 2 \left ( \int_0^\sqrt{3} \ln (4-x^2) \d x - \lim_{t \to 2}\int_{\sqrt{3}}^t \ln(4-x^2) \d x \right) \\ &&&= 8\ln(2 + \sqrt{3})-4\sqrt{3} - 2 \lim_{t \to 2}\int_{\sqrt{3}}^t \left ( \ln (2-x) + \ln (2+x) \right) \d x \\ &&&= 8\ln(2 + \sqrt{3})-4\sqrt{3} - 2 \lim_{t \to 2} \left [ -(2-x) \ln (2-x) +(2-x) +(2+x)\ln(2+x)-(2+x)\right]_{\sqrt{3}}^{t} \\ &&&= 16 \ln(2+\sqrt{3})-8\sqrt{3} - 2 \lim_{t \to 2} \left(-(2-t) \ln (2-t) +(2-t) +(2+t)\ln(2+t)-(2+x) \right) \\ &&&= 16 \ln(2+\sqrt{3})-8\sqrt{3} -2(4 \ln4-4) \\ &&&= 16 \ln(2 + \sqrt{3}) - 16 \ln 2 +8(1-\sqrt{3}) \end{align*}

2014 Paper 1 Q3
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

The numbers \(a\) and \(b\), where \(b > a\ge0\), are such that \[ \int_a^b x^2 \d x = \left ( \int_a^b x \d x\right)^{\!\!2}\,. \]

  1. In the case \(a=0\) and \(b>0\), find the value of \(b\).
  2. In the case \(a=1\), show that \(b\) satisfies \[ 3b^3 -b^2-7b -7 =0\,. \] Show further, with the help of a sketch, that there is only one (real) value of \(b\) that satisfies this equation and that it lies between \(2\) and \(3\).
  3. Show that \(3p^2 + q^2 = 3p^2q\), where \(p=b+a\) and \(q=b-a\), and express \(p^2\) in terms of \(q\). Deduce that \(1< b-a\le\frac43\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \int_0^b x^2 \d x &= \left ( \int_0^b x \d x \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{b^3}{3} &= \left ( \frac{b^2}{2} \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && b &= \frac{4}{3} \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \int_1^b x^2 \d x &= \left ( \int_1^b x \d x \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{b^3}{3} - \frac{1}{3} &= \left ( \frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{1}{2} \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 4(b^3 - 1) &= 3(b^2-1)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 4(b^3-1) &= 3(b^4-2b^2+1) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 3b^4-4b^3-6b^2+7 \\ &&&= (b-1)(3b^3-b^2-7b-7) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 3b^3-b^2-7b-7 \end{align*}
    TikZ diagram
    Let \(f(x) = 3x^3-x^2-7x-7\) then \(f(2) = 3 \cdot 8 - 4 - 14 - 7 = -1 < 0\), \(f(3) = 3 \cdot 27 - 9 - 21 - 7 = 44 > 0\) therefore the root must lie between \(2\) and \(3\).
  3. \(,\) \begin{align*} && \int_a^b x^2 \d x &= \left ( \int_a^b x \d x \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{b^3}{3} - \frac{a^3}{3} &= \left ( \frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{a^2}{2} \right)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 4(b^3 - a^3) &= 3(b^2-a^2)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 4(b^2+ab+a^2) &= 3(b-a)(b+a)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 4 \left ( \left ( \frac{p+q}{2}\right)^2+\left ( \frac{p+q}{2}\right)\left ( \frac{p-q}{2}\right)+\left ( \frac{p-q}{2}\right)^2\right) &= 3qp^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 3p^2 + q^2 &= 3qp^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 3p^2(q-1) &= q^2 \\ \Rightarrow && p^2 &= \frac{q^2}{3(q-1)} \\ \Rightarrow && 1 &\leq \frac{1}{3(q-1)} \\ \Rightarrow && 3(q-1) &\leq 1 \\ \Rightarrow && q & \leq \frac{4}{3} \\ \end{align*}

2014 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

An accurate clock has an hour hand of length \(a\) and a minute hand of length \(b\) (where \(b>a\)), both measured from the pivot at the centre of the clock face. Let \(x\) be the distance between the ends of the hands when the angle between the hands is \(\theta\), where \(0\le\theta < \pi\). Show that the rate of increase of \(x\) is greatest when \(x=(b^2-a^2)^\frac12\). In the case when \(b=2a\) and the clock starts at mid-day (with both hands pointing vertically upwards), show that this occurs for the first time a little less than 11 minutes later.


Solution: The position of the hands are \(\begin{pmatrix} a\sin(-t) \\ a \cos(-t) \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\begin{pmatrix} b\sin(-60t) \\ b \cos(-60t) \end{pmatrix}\), the distance between the hands is \begin{align*} x &= \sqrt{\left ( a \sin t - b \sin 60t\right)^2+\left ( a \cos t - b \cos 60t\right)^2} \\ &= \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab\left (\sin t \sin 60t+\cos t \cos 60t \right)} \\ &= \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos(59t)} = \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta} \\ \\ \frac{\d x}{\d \theta} &= \frac{ab \sin \theta}{ \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta}} \\ \frac{\d^2 x}{\d \theta^2} &= \frac{ab \cos \theta\sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta} - \frac{a^2b^2 \sin^2 \theta}{\sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta}} }{a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta} \\ &= \frac{ab \cos \theta(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta) - a^2b^2 \sin^2 \theta }{(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta)^{3/2}} \\ &= \frac{ab \cos \theta(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta) - a^2b^2(1-\cos^2 \theta)}{(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta)^{3/2}} \\ &= \frac{ab(a^2+b^2) \cos \theta-a^2b^2 \cos \theta- a^2b^2}{(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta)^{3/2}} \\ &= \frac{-ab(a\cos \theta -b)(b \cos \theta - a)}{(a^2+b^2-2ab \cos \theta)^{3/2}} \\ \end{align*} So the rate of increase is largest when \(\cos \theta = \frac{a}{b}\) (since \(\frac{b}{a}\) is impossible. Therefore when \(x = \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2ab \frac{a}{b}} = \sqrt{a^2+b^2-2a^2} = \sqrt{b^2-a^2}\) If \(b = 2a\) then \(\cos \theta = \frac{a}{2a} = \frac12 = \frac{\pi}{3} = 60^\circ\) The relative speed of the hands is \(5.5^\circ\) per minute, so \(\frac{60}{5.5} = \frac{120}{11} \approx 11\) but clearly also less than since \(121 = 11^2\).

2014 Paper 1 Q5
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

  1. Let \(\.f(x) = (x+2a)^3 -27 a^2 x\), where \(a\ge 0\). By sketching \(\.f(x)\), show that \(\.f(x)\ge 0\) for~\(x \ge0\).
  2. Use part (i) to find the greatest value of \(xy^2\) in the region of the \(x\)-\(y\) plane given by \(x\ge0\), \(y\ge0\) and \(x+2y\le 3\,\). For what values of \(x\) and \(y\) is this greatest value achieved?
  3. Use part (i) to show that \((p+q+r)^3 \ge 27pqr\) for any non-negative numbers \(p\), \(q\) and~\(r\). If \((p+q+r)^3 = 27pqr\), what relationship must \(p\), \(q\) and \(r\) satisfy?

2014 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1474.3

  1. The sequence of numbers \(u_0, u_1, \ldots \) is given by \(u_0=u\) and, for \(n\ge 0\), \begin{equation} u_{n+1} =4u_n(1- u_n)\,. \tag{\(*\)} \end{equation} In the case \(u= \sin^2\theta\) for some given angle \(\theta\), write down and simplify expressions for \(u_1\) and \(u_2\) in terms of \(\theta\). Conjecture an expression for \(u_n\) and prove your conjecture.
  2. The sequence of numbers \(v_0, v_1, \ldots\) is given by $v_0= v \text{ and, for }n\ge 0$, \[ v_{n+1} = -pv_n^2 +qv_n +r\,, \] where \(p\), \(q\) and \(r\) are given numbers, with \(p\ne0\). Show that a substitution of the form \(v_n =\alpha u_n +\beta\), where \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are suitably chosen, results in the sequence \((*)\) provided that \[ 4pr = 8 +2q -q^2 \,. \] Hence obtain the sequence satisfying \(v_0=1\) and, for \(n\ge0\), \(v_{n+1} = -v_n^2 +2 v_n +2 \,\).


Solution:

  1. Suppose \(u_0 = u = \sin^2 \theta\) then \begin{align*} && u_1 &= 4 u_0 (1-u_0) \\ &&&= 4 \sin^2 \theta ( 1- \sin^2 \theta) \\ &&&= 4 \sin^2 \theta \cos^2 \theta \\ &&&= (2 \sin \theta \cos \theta)^2 \\ &&&= (\sin 2 \theta)^2 = \sin^2 2 \theta \\ \\ && u_2 & = 4u_1 (1-u_1) \\ &&&= 4 \sin^2 2\theta \cos^2 2 \theta \\ &&&= \sin^2 4 \theta \end{align*} Claim: \(u_n = \sin^2 2^n \theta\). Proof: (By Induction) Base case is clear, suppose it's true for \(n=k\), then \begin{align*} && u_{k+1} &= 4u_k(1-u_k) \\ &&&= 4 \sin^2 2^k \theta(1-\sin^2 2^k \theta) \\ &&&= (2 \sin 2^k \theta \cos 2^k \theta)^2 \\ &&&= (\sin 2^{k+1} \theta)^2 \\ &&&= \sin^2 2^{k+1} \theta \end{align*} Therefore since it is true for \(n = 1\) and if it's true for \(n = k\) it is true for \(n=k+1\) it must be true for all \(k\).
  2. Suppose \(v_n = \alpha u_n + \beta\) then \begin{align*} && (\alpha u_{n+1}+\beta) &= -p(\alpha u_n + \beta)^2 + q(\alpha u_n + \beta) + r \\ &&&= -p\alpha^2u_n^2+\alpha(q-2p\beta) u_n -p \beta^2 +q \beta+r \\ \Rightarrow && u_{n+1} &= u_n(q-2p\beta -p \alpha u_n) -(p\beta^2-(q-1)\beta-r) \end{align*} So if \(\alpha = \frac{4}{p}\) and \(q-2p\beta = 4\) ie \(\beta = \frac{q-4}{2p}\) then we also need the constant term to vanish, ie \begin{align*} 0 &&&= p\beta^2-(q-1)\beta+r \\ &&&= p \left (\frac{q-4}{2p} \right)^2 - (q-1) \frac{q-4}{2p} - r \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= p(q-4)^2 -(q-1)(q-4)2p - 4p^2r \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (q-4)^2-2(q-1)(q-4)-4pr \\ &&&= q^2-8q+16-2q^2+10q-8-4pr \\ \Rightarrow && 4pr &= -q^2+2q+8 \end{align*} Suppose \(v_{n+1} = -v_n^2 + 2v_n +2\) then since \(4\cdot 1 \cdot 2 = 8\) and \(8 + 4 -4 = 8\) we can apply our method. \(v_n = 4u_n + \frac{-2}{2} = 4u_n -1 = 4\sin^2 (2^{n-1} \pi)-1\)