Problems

Filters
Clear Filters
2013 Paper 1 Q8
D: 1516.0 B: 1474.0

  1. The functions \(\mathrm{a, b, c}\) and \(\mathrm{d}\) are defined by
    • \({\rm a}(x) =x^2 \ \ \ \ (-\infty < x < \infty),\)
    • \({\rm b}(x) = \ln x \ \ \ \ (x > 0),\)
    • \({\rm c}(x) =2x \ \ \ \ (-\infty < x < \infty),\)
    • \({\rm d}(x)= \sqrt x \ \ \ \ (x\ge0) \,.\)
    Write down the following composite functions, giving the domain and range of each: \[ \rm cb, \quad ab, \quad da, \quad ad. \]
  2. The functions \(\mathrm{f}\) and \(\mathrm{g}\) are defined by
    • \(\f(x)= \sqrt{x^2-1\,} \ \ \ \ (\vert x \vert \ge 1),\)
    • \(\g(x) = \sqrt{x^2+1\,} \ \ \ \ (-\infty < x < \infty).\)
    Determine the composite functions \(\mathrm{fg}\) and \(\mathrm{gf}\), giving the domain and range of each.
  3. Sketch the graphs of the functions \(\h\) and \({\rm k}\) defined by
    • \(\h(x) = x+\sqrt{x^2-1\,}\, \ \ \ \ ( x \ge1)\),
    • \({\rm k}(x) = x-\sqrt{x^2-1\,}\, \ \ \ \ (\vert x\vert \ge1),\)
    justifying the main features of the graphs, and giving the equations of any asymptotes. Determine the domain and range of the composite function \(\mathrm{kh}\).


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} cb(x) &= c(b(x)) \\ &= 2 \ln x \quad (x > 0) \\ ab(x) &= (b(x))^2 \\ &= (\ln x)^2 \quad (x > 0) \\ da(x) &= \sqrt{a(x)} \\ &= \sqrt{x^2} \\ &= |x| \quad (-\infty < x < \infty) \\ ad(x) &= (d(x))^2 \\ &= (\sqrt{x})^2 \\ &= x \quad (x \geq 0) \end{align*} The domains are specified above. The ranges are \(\mathbb{R}, \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}, \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}, \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}\) respectively.
  2. \begin{align*} fg(x) &= \sqrt{g(x)^2-1} \quad (|g(x)| \geq 1) \\ &= \sqrt{x^2+1-1} \\ &= |x| \end{align*} So \(fg: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}\). \begin{align*} gf(x) &= \sqrt{f(x)^2 + 1} \\ &= \sqrt{\left ( \sqrt{x^2-1} \right)^2+1} \quad (|x| \geq 1) \\ &= |x| \end{align*} So \(gf: \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0} \to \mathbb{R}_{\geq 0}\)
    • TikZ diagram
    • TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} kh(x) &= h(x) - \sqrt{h(x)^2 -1} \quad (|h(x)| \geq 1)\\ &= x + \sqrt{x^2+1} - \sqrt{(x + \sqrt{x^2+1})^2 - 1} \\ &= x + \sqrt{x^2+1} - \sqrt{x^2 + x^2 - 2x} \quad (x \geq 1) \\ &= x + \sqrt{x^2+1} - \sqrt{2x^2-2x} \quad (x \geq 1) \end{align*} This has domain \(x \geq 1\) and range, \((0, 1]\)

2013 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1516.0 B: 1516.0

Two particles, \(A\) and \(B\), are projected simultaneously towards each other from two points which are a distance \(d\) apart in a horizontal plane. Particle \(A\) has mass \(m\) and is projected at speed \(u\) at angle \(\alpha\) above the horizontal. Particle \(B\) has mass \(M\) and is projected at speed \(v\) at angle \(\beta\) above the horizontal. The trajectories of the two particles lie in the same vertical plane. The particles collide directly when each is at its point of greatest height above the plane. Given that both \(A\) and \(B\) return to their starting points, and that momentum is conserved in the collision, show that \[ m\cot \alpha = M \cot \beta\,. \] Show further that the collision occurs at a point which is a horizontal distance \(b\) from the point of projection of \(A\) where \[ b= \frac{Md}{m+M}\, , \] and find, in terms of \(b\) and \(\alpha\), the height above the horizontal plane at which the collision occurs.


Solution: Since \(A\) and \(B\) return to their starting points, and at their highest points there is no vertical component to their velocities, their horizontal must perfectly reverse, ie \begin{align*} && m u \cos \alpha - M v \cos \beta &= -m u \cos \alpha + M v \cos \beta \\ \Rightarrow && mu \cos \alpha &= Mv \cos \beta \end{align*} Since they reach their highest points at the same time, they must have the same initial vertical speed, ie \(u \sin \alpha = v \sin \beta\), so \begin{align*} && m v \frac{\sin \beta}{\sin \alpha} \cos \alpha &= M v \cos \beta \\ \Rightarrow && m \cot \alpha &= M \cot \beta \end{align*} The horizontal distance travelled by \(A\) & \(B\) will be: \begin{align*} && d_A &= u \cos \alpha t \\ && d_B &= v \cos \beta t \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{d_A}{d_A+d_B} &= \frac{u \cos \alpha}{u \cos \alpha + v \cos \beta} \\ &&&= \frac{\frac{M}{m}v \cos \beta}{\frac{M}{m}v \cos \beta + v \cos \beta} \\ &&&= \frac{M}{M+m} \\ \Rightarrow && d_A = b &= \frac{Md}{m+M} \end{align*} Applying \(v^2 = u^2 + 2as\) we see that \begin{align*} && 0 &= u \sin \alpha - gt \\ \Rightarrow && t &= \frac{u \sin \alpha}{g} \\ && b &=u \cos \alpha \frac{u \sin \alpha}{g} \\ \Rightarrow && u^2 &= \frac{2bg}{\sin 2 \alpha} \\ && 0 &= u^2 \sin^2 \alpha - 2g h \\ \Rightarrow && h &= \frac{u^2 \sin^2 \alpha}{2g} \\ &&&= \frac{2bg}{\sin 2 \alpha} \frac{ \sin^2 \alpha}{2g} \\ &&&= \frac12 b \tan \alpha \end{align*}

2013 Paper 1 Q10
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Two parallel vertical barriers are fixed a distance \(d\) apart on horizontal ice. A small ice hockey puck moves on the ice backwards and forwards between the barriers, in the direction perpendicular to the barriers, colliding with each in turn. The coefficient of friction between the puck and the ice is \(\mu\) and the coefficient of restitution between the puck and each of the barriers is \(r\). The puck starts at one of the barriers, moving with speed \(v\) towards the other barrier. Show that \[ v_{i+1}^2 - r^2 v_i^2 = - 2 r^2 \mu gd\, \] where \(v_i\) is the speed of the puck just after its \(i\)th collision. The puck comes to rest against one of the barriers after traversing the gap between them \(n\) times. In the case \(r\ne1\), express \(n\) in terms of \(r\) and \(k\), where \(k= \dfrac{v^2}{2\mu g d}\,\). If \(r=\e^{-1}\) (where \(\e\) is the base of natural logarithms) show that \[ n = \tfrac12 \ln\big(1+k(\e^2-1)\big)\,. \] Give an expression for \(n\) in the case \(r=1\).


Solution: \begin{align*} \text{W.E.P.}: && \text{change in energy} &= \text{work done on particle} \\ \Rightarrow && \underbrace{\frac12mv^2}_{\text{speed before hitting barrier}} - \underbrace{\frac12mu^2}_{\text{speed leaving first barrier}} &= \underbrace{\left( -\mu mg \right)}_{F} \cdot \underbrace{d}_{d} \\ \Rightarrow && v^2 &= v_i^2-2\mu gd \end{align*} Newton's experimental law tells us that the speed leaving the barrier will be \(r\) times the speed approaching, ie \begin{align*} && v_{i+1} &= rv \\ \Rightarrow && v_{i+1}^2 &= r^2 v^2 \\ &&&= r^2v_i^2 - 2r^2\mu gd \\ \Rightarrow && v_{i+1}^2 - r^2v_i^2 &= - 2r^2\mu gd \end{align*} It must be the case that after \(n+1\) collisions the speed is zero, ie \(v_{n+1}^2 = 0\). Not that we can consider \(w_i = \frac{v_i^2}{2\mu gd}\) and we have the recurrence: \begin{align*} && w_{i+1} &=r^2w_i -r^2 \\ \end{align*} Looking at this we have a linear recurrence with a constant term, so let's try \(w_i = C\), then \begin{align*} && C &= r^2 C - r^2 \\ \Rightarrow && C &= \frac{-r^2}{1-r^2} \\ \end{align*} So \(w_i = Ar^{2i} - \frac{r^2}{1-r^2}\). \(w_0 = k \Rightarrow A = k+\frac{r^2}{1-r^2}\) Therefore \(w_n = \left (k+\frac{r^2}{1-r^2} \right)r^{2n} - \frac{r^2}{1-r^2}\) Suppose \(w_n = 0\) then, \begin{align*} && 0 &= \left (k+\frac{r^2}{1-r^2} \right)r^{2n} - \frac{r^2}{1-r^2} \\ \Rightarrow && r^{2n} &= \frac{r^2}{1-r^2} \frac{1}{k+\frac{r^2}{1-r^2}} \\ &&&= \frac{r^2}{k(1-r^2)+r^2} \\ \Rightarrow && 2n \ln r &= 2\ln r - \ln[k(1-r^2)+r^2] \\ \Rightarrow && n &= 1 - \frac1{2\ln r} \ln[k(1-r^2)+r^2)] \end{align*} If \(r = e^{-1}\) then \(\ln r = -1\) \begin{align*} && n &= 1 + \frac12 \ln [k(1-e^{-2}) + e^{-2}] \\ &&&= 1 + \frac12 \ln [e^{-2}(k(e^2-1)+1)] \\ &&&= 1 + \frac12 \ln e^{-2} + \frac12 \ln [1+k(e^2-1)] \\ &&&= \frac12 \ln [1+k(e^2-1)] \end{align*} If \(r = 1\) the recurrence becomes: \(w_{i+1} = w_i - 1\), so \(w_i = k-n\), so we have \(k\) collisions.

2013 Paper 1 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

\(\,\)

TikZ diagram
The diagram shows a small block \(C\) of weight \(W\) initially at rest on a rough horizontal surface. The coefficient of friction between the block and the surface is \(\mu\). Two light strings, \(AC\) and \(BC\), are attached to the block, making angles \(\frac12 \pi -\alpha\) and \(\alpha\) to the horizontal, respectively. The tensions in \(AC\) and \(BC\) are \(T\sin\beta\) and \(T\cos\beta\) respectively, where \(0< \alpha+\beta<\frac12\pi\).
  1. In the case \(W> T\sin(\alpha+\beta)\), show that the block will remain at rest provided \[ W\sin\lambda \ge T\cos(\alpha+\beta- \lambda)\,, \] where \(\lambda\) is the acute angle such that \(\tan\lambda = \mu\).
  2. In the case \(W=T\tan\phi\), where \(2\phi =\alpha+\beta\), show that the block will start to move in a direction that makes an angle \(\phi\) with the horizontal.


Solution:

TikZ diagram
  1. Assuming the block is at rest we must have: \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && 0 &= T \sin \beta\cos \alpha + T \cos \beta \sin \alpha +R -W \\ \Rightarrow && W &> T \sin \beta\cos \alpha + T \cos \beta \sin \alpha \\ &&&= T\sin(\alpha+\beta) \\ \Rightarrow && R &= W-T\sin(\alpha+\beta)\\ \\ \text{N2}(\rightarrow): && 0 &= T \cos \beta \cos \alpha - T \sin \beta \sin \alpha - F \\ \Rightarrow && T \cos(\alpha+\beta) &= F \\ &&&\leq \mu (W-T\sin(\alpha+\beta)) \\ \Rightarrow && W \sin \lambda &\geq T \cos (\alpha+\beta)\cos \lambda +T \sin (\alpha+\beta) \sin \lambda \\ &&&= T\cos(\alpha+\beta-\lambda) \end{align*}
  2. If \(W = T\tan \phi\) where \(2\phi = \alpha + \beta\) then \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && ma_y &= T\sin(\alpha+\beta) - W \\ &&&= T \sin(\alpha+\beta) - T \tan \left ( \frac{\alpha+\beta}{2} \right ) \\ &&&= T \tan \left ( \frac{\alpha+\beta}{2} \right ) \left ( 2 \cos^2 \left ( \frac{\alpha+\beta}{2} \right ) -1\right) \\ &&&= T \tan \phi \cos \left ( \alpha+\beta\right ) \tag{notice this is positive so \(R=F=0\)} \\ \text{N2}(\rightarrow): && ma_x &= T \cos(\alpha+\beta) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{a_y}{a_x} &= \tan \phi \end{align*} Therefore we are accelerating at an angle \(\phi\) to the horizontal

2013 Paper 1 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1468.0

Each day, I have to take \(k\) different types of medicine, one tablet of each. The tablets are identical in appearance. When I go on holiday for \(n\) days, I put \(n\) tablets of each type in a container and on each day of the holiday I select \(k\) tablets at random from the container.

  1. In the case \(k=3\), show that the probability that I will select one tablet of each type on the first day of a three-day holiday is \(\frac9{28}\). Write down the probability that I will be left with one tablet of each type on the last day (irrespective of the tablets I select on the first day).
  2. In the case \(k=3\), find the probability that I will select one tablet of each type on the first day of an \(n\)-day holiday.
  3. In the case \(k=2\), find the probability that I will select one tablet of each type on each day of an \(n\)-day holiday, and use Stirling's approximation \[ n!\approx \sqrt{2n\pi} \left(\frac n\e\right)^n \] to show that this probability is approximately \(2^{-n} \sqrt{n\pi\;}\).


Solution:

  1. The probability the first is different to the second is \(\frac68\), the probability the third is different to both of the first two is \(\frac37\) therefore the probability is \(\frac{6}{8} \cdot \frac37 = \frac9{28}\) Whatever pills we are left with on the last day is essentially the same random choice as we make on the first day, therefore \(\frac9{28}\)
  2. The probability the first is different to the second is \(\frac{2n}{3n-1}\), the probability the third is different to both of the first two is \(\frac{n}{3n-2}\) therefore the probability is \(\frac{2n^2}{(3n-1)(3n-2)}\). [We can also view this as \(\frac{(3n) \cdot (2n) \cdot n}{(3n) \cdot (3n-1) \cdot (3n-2)}\)]
  3. Suppose describe the pills as \(B\) and \(R\) and also number them, then we must have a sequence of the form: \[ B_1R_1 \, B_2R_2 \, B_3R_3 \, \cdots \, B_{n}R_n \] However, we can also rearrange the order of the \(B\) and \(R\) pills in \(n!\) ways each, and also the order of the pairs in \(2^n\) ways. There are \((2n)!\) orders we could have taken the pills out therefore the probability is \begin{align*} && P &= \frac{2^n (n!)^2}{(2n)!} = \frac{2^n}{\binom{2n}{n}} \\ &&&\approx \frac{2^n \cdot 2n \pi \left ( \frac{n}{e} \right)^{2n}}{\sqrt{2 \cdot 2n \cdot \pi} \left ( \frac{2n}{e} \right)^{2n}} \\ &&&= \frac{2^n \sqrt{n \pi} \cdot n^{2n} \cdot e^{-2n}}{2^{2n} \cdot n^{2n} \cdot e^{-2n}} \\ &&&= 2^{-n} \sqrt{n \pi} \end{align*} There is a nice way to think about this question using conditional probability. Suppose we are drawing out of an infinitely supply of \(R\) and \(B\) pills, then each day there is a \(\frac12\) chance of getting different pills. Therefore over \(n\) days there is a \(2^{-n}\) chance of getting different pills. Conditional on the balanced total we see that \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(\text{balanced every day} |\text{balanced total}) &= \frac{\mathbb{P}(\text{balanced every day})}{\mathbb{P}(\text{balanced total})} \end{align*} We have already seen the term that is balanced total is \(\frac{1}{2^{2n}}\binom{2n}{n}\), but we can also approximate the balanced total using a normal approximation. \(B(2n, \tfrac12) \approx N(n, \frac{n}{2})\) and so: \begin{align*} \mathbb{P}(X = n) &\approx \mathbb{P}\left (n-0.5 \leq \sqrt{\tfrac{n}{2}} Z + n \leq n+0.5 \right) \\ &= \mathbb{P}\left (- \frac1{\sqrt{2n}} \leq Z \leq \frac{1}{\sqrt{2n}} \right) \\ &= \int_{- \frac1{\sqrt{2n}}}^{\frac1{\sqrt{2n}}} \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} e^{-x^2/2} \d x \approx \frac{2}{\sqrt{2n}} \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} \\ &\approx \frac{1}{\sqrt{n\pi}} \end{align*}

2013 Paper 1 Q13
D: 1516.0 B: 1532.0

From the integers \(1, 2, \ldots , 52\), I choose seven (distinct) integers at random, all choices being equally likely. From these seven, I discard any pair that sum to 53. Let \(X\) be the random variable the value of which is the number of discarded pairs. Find the probability distribution of \(X\) and show that \(\E (X) = \frac 7 {17}\). Note: \(7\times 17 \times 47 =5593\).


Solution: There are \(\binom{26}3\binom{23}{1}2\) ways to obtain \(3\) pairs There are \(\binom{26}2 \binom{24}3 \cdot 2^3\) ways to obtain \(2\) pairs There are \(\binom{26}1 \binom{25}5 \cdot 2^5\) ways to obtain \(1\) pairs There are \(\binom{26}7 \cdot 2^7\) ways to obtain \(0\) pairs There are \(\binom{52}{7}\) ways to choose our integers, so \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(X = 3) &= \frac{\binom{26}{3} \cdot \binom{23}{1} \cdot 2}{\binom{52}{7}} \\ &&&= \frac{7! \cdot 26 \cdot 25 \cdot 24 \cdot 23 \cdot 2}{3! \cdot 52 \cdot 51 \cdot 50 \cdot 49 \cdot 48 \cdot 47 \cdot 46} \\ &&&= \frac{7 \cdot 6 \cdot 5 \cdot 4 }{51 \cdot 2\cdot 49 \cdot 2\cdot 47 \cdot 2} \\ &&&= \frac{ 5 }{17\cdot 7\cdot 47} = \frac{5}{5593} \\ \\ && \mathbb{P}(X = 2) &= \frac{\binom{26}2 \binom{24}3 \cdot 2^3}{\binom{52}{7}} \\ &&&= \frac{220}{5593} \\ \\ && \mathbb{P}(X = 1) &= \frac{\binom{26}1 \binom{25}5 \cdot 2^5}{\binom{52}{7}} \\ &&&= \frac{1848}{5593} \\ \\ && \mathbb{P}(X = 0) &= \frac{\binom{26}7 \cdot 2^7}{\binom{52}{7}} \\ &&&= \frac{3520}{5593} \\ \\ && \mathbb{E}(X) &= \frac{1848}{5593} + 2 \cdot \frac{220}{5593} + 3 \cdot \frac{5}{5593} \\ &&&= \frac{2303}{5593} = \frac{7}{17} \end{align*} Notice we can find the expected value directly: Let \(X_i\) be the random variable the \(i\)th number is discarded. Notice that \(\mathbb{E}(X) = \mathbb{E}\left (\frac12 \left (X_1 +X_2 +X_3 +X_4 +X_5 +X_6 +X_7\right) \right)\) and also notice that each \(X_i\) has the same distribution (although not independent!). Then \begin{align*} &&\mathbb{E}(X) &= \frac72 \mathbb{E}(X_i) \\ &&&= \frac72 \cdot \left (1 - \frac{50}{51} \cdot \frac{49}{50} \cdots \frac{45}{46} \right) = \frac74 \left ( 1 - \frac{45}{51}\right) \\ &&&= \frac72 \cdot \frac{6}{51} \\ &&&= \frac7{17} \end{align*}

2013 Paper 2 Q1
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

  1. Find the value of \(m\) for which the line \(y = mx\) touches the curve \(y = \ln x\,\). If instead the line intersects the curve when \(x = a\) and \(x = b\), where \(a < b\), show that \(a^b = b^a\). Show by means of a sketch that \(a < \e < b\).
  2. The line \(y=mx+c\), where \(c>0\), intersects the curve \(y=\ln x\) when \(x=p\) and \(x=q\), where \(p < q\). Show by means of a sketch, or otherwise, that \(p^q > q^p\).
  3. Show by means of a sketch that the straight line through the points \((p, \ln p)\) and \((q, \ln q)\), where \(\e\le p < q\,\), intersects the \(y\)-axis at a positive value of \(y\). Which is greater, \(\pi^\e\) or \(\e^\pi\)?
  4. Show, using a sketch or otherwise, that if \(0 < p < q\) and \(\dfrac{\ln q - \ln p}{q-p} = \e^{-1}\), then \(q^p > p^q\).


Solution: \begin{questionparts} \item The tangent to \(y = \ln x\) is \begin{align*} && \frac{y - \ln x_1}{x - x_1} &= \frac{1}{x_1} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{x_1y -x_1 \ln x_1}{ x- x_1} &= 1 \\ \Rightarrow && x_1 y - x_1 \ln x_1 &= x - x_1 \end{align*} So to run through the origin, we need \(\ln x_1 = 1 \Rightarrow x_1 = e\) so the line will be \(y = \frac1{e} x\) If \(ma = \ln a \Rightarrow m = \frac{\ln a}{a} = \frac{\ln b}{b} \Rightarrow b \ln a = a \ln b \Rightarrow a^b = b^a\). \item

2013 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

For \(n\ge 0\), let \[ I_n = \int_0^1 x^n(1-x)^n\d x\,. \]

  1. For \(n\ge 1\), show by means of a substitution that \[ \int_0^1 x^{n-1}(1-x)^n\d x = \int_0^1 x^n(1-x)^{n-1}\d x\, \] and deduce that \[ 2 \int_0^1 x^{n-1}(1-x)^n\d x = I_{n-1}\,. \] Show also, for \(n\ge1\), that \[ I_n = \frac n {n+1} \int_0^1 x^{n-1} (1-x)^{n+1} \d x \] and hence that \(I_n = \dfrac{n}{2(2n+1)} I_{n-1}\,.\)
  2. When \(n\) is a positive integer, show that \[ I_n = \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n+1)!}\,. \]
  3. Use the substitution \(x= \sin^2 \theta\) to show that \(I_{\frac12}= \frac \pi 8\), and evaluate \(I_{\frac32}\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} u = 1-x, \d u = -\d x && \int_0^1 x^{n-1}(1-x)^n \d x &= \int_{u=1}^{u=0} (1-u)^{n-1}u^n (-1) \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^1 u^n (1-u)^{n-1} \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^1 x^n (1-x)^{n-1} \d x \\ \\ \Rightarrow && 2\int_0^1 x^{n-1}(1-x)^n \d x &= \int_0^1 \left ( x^{n-1}(1-x)^n + x^{n}(1-x)^{n-1} \right)\d x \\ &&&= \int_0^1x^{n-1}(1-x)^{n-1} \left ( (1-x) + x \right) \d x\\ &&&= I_{n-1} \\ \\ && I_n &= \left [x^n \cdot (-1)\frac{(1-x)^{n+1}}{n+1}\right]_0^1 + \int_0^1 n x^{n-1} \frac{(1-x)^{n+1}}{n+1} \d x\\ &&&= \frac{n}{n+1} \int_0^1 x^{n-1} (1-x)^{n+1} \d x \\ \\ && I_n &= \frac{n}{n+1} \int_0^1 x^{n-1} (1-x)^{n+1} \d x \\ &&&= \frac{n}{n+1} \int_0^1 \left ( x^{n-1} (1-x)^{n} - x^n(1-x)^n \right) \d x \\ &&&= \frac{n}{n+1} \left (\frac12 I_{n-1} - I_n \right) \\ \Rightarrow && I_n \cdot \left ( \frac{2n+1}{n+1} \right) &= \frac{n}{2(n+1)} I_{n-1}\\ \Rightarrow && I_n &= \frac{n}{2(2n+1)} I_{n-1} \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && I_0 &= \int_0^1 1 \d x = 1 \\ \Rightarrow && I_1 &= \frac{1}{2 \cdot 3} \\ && I_n &= \frac{n}{2(2n+1)} \cdot \frac{n-1}{2(2n-1)}\cdot \frac{n-2}{2(2n-3)} \cdots \frac{1}{2 \cdot 3} \\ &&&= \frac{n!}{2^n (2n+1)(2n-1)(2n-3) \cdots 3} \\ &&&= \frac{n! (2n)(2n-2)\cdots 2}{2^n (2n+1)!} \\ &&&= \frac{(n!)^2 2^n}{2^n(2n+1)!} \\ &&&= \frac{(n!)^2}{(2n+1)^2} \end{align*}
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && I_{\frac12} &= \int_0^1 \sqrt{x(1-x)} \d x\\ x = \sin^2 \theta, \d x = 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta \d \theta: &&&= \int_{\theta =0}^{\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}} \sin \theta \cos \theta 2 \sin \theta \cos \theta \d \theta \\ &&&= \frac12 \int_0^{\pi/2} \sin^2 2 \theta \d \theta \\ &&&= \frac12 \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{1-\cos 2 \theta}{2} \d \theta \\ &&&= \frac14 \left [\theta - \frac12 \sin 2 \theta \right]_0^{\pi/2} \\ &&&= \frac{\pi}{8} \\ \\ && I_{\frac32} &= \frac{3/2}{2 \cdot ( 2 \cdot \frac32 + 1)} I_{\frac12} \\ &&&= \frac{3}{4 \cdot 4} \frac{\pi}{8} \\ &&&= \frac{3 \pi}{128} \end{align*}

2013 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Given that the cubic equation \(x^3+3ax^2 + 3bx +c=0\) has three distinct real roots and \(c<0\), show with the help of sketches that either exactly one of the roots is positive or all three of the roots are positive.
  2. Given that the equation \(x^3 +3ax^2+3bx+c=0\) has three distinct real positive roots show that \begin{equation*} a^2>b>0, \ \ \ \ a<0, \ \ \ \ c<0\,. \tag{\(*\)} \end{equation*} \noindent[{\bf Hint}: Consider the turning points.]
  3. Given that the equation \(x^3 +3ax^2+3bx+c=0\) has three distinct real roots and that \begin{equation*} ab<0, \ \ \ \ c>0\,, \end{equation*} determine, with the help of sketches, the signs of the roots.
  4. Show by means of an explicit example (giving values for \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\)) that it is possible for the conditions (\(*\)) to be satisfied even though the corresponding cubic equation has only one real root.

2013 Paper 2 Q4
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

The line passing through the point \((a,0)\) with gradient \(b\) intersects the circle of unit radius centred at the origin at \(P\) and \(Q\), and \(M\) is the midpoint of the chord \(PQ\). Find the coordinates of \(M\) in terms of \(a\) and \(b\).

  1. Suppose \(b\) is fixed and positive. As \(a\) varies, \(M\) traces out a curve (the locus of \(M\)). Show that \(x=- by\) on this curve. Given that \(a\) varies with \(-1\le a \le 1\), show that the locus is a line segment of length \(2b/(1+b^2)^\frac12\). Give a sketch showing the locus and the unit circle.
  2. Find the locus of \(M\) in the following cases, giving in each case its cartesian equation, describing it geometrically and sketching it in relation to the unit circle:
    • \(a\) is fixed with \(0 < a < 1\), and \(b\) varies with \(-\infty < b < \infty\);
    • \(ab=1\), and \(b\) varies with \(0< b\le1\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && y &= bx-ba \\ && 1 &= x^2 + y^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 1 &= x^2 + b^2(x-a)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (1+b^2)x^2-2ab^2x+b^2a^2-1 \end{align*} This will have roots which sum to \(\frac{2ab^2}{1+b^2}\), therefore \(M = \left ( \frac{ab^2}{1+b^2}, \frac{ab^3}{1+b^2}-ba \right)=\left ( \frac{ab^2}{1+b^2}, \frac{-ba}{1+b^2} \right)\)

  1. Since \(b\) is fixed so is \(\frac{b}{1+b^2} = t\) and all the points are \((bta, -ta)\), ie \(x = -by\). If \(a \in [-1,1]\) we are ranging on the points \((bt, -t)\) to \((-bt, t)\) which is a distance of \begin{align*} && d &= \sqrt{(bt+bt)^2+(-2t)^2} \\ &&&= \sqrt{4(b^2+1)t^2} \\ &&&=2 \sqrt{(b^2+1)\frac{b^2}{(b^2+1)^2}} \\ &&&= \frac{2b}{\sqrt{b^2+1}} \end{align*}
    TikZ diagram
    • If \(a\) is fixed we have \(\left ( \frac{ab^2}{1+b^2}, -\frac{ba}{1+b^2} \right)\) \begin{align*} && \frac{x}{y} &= - b \\ \Rightarrow && y &= \frac{a\frac{x}{y}}{1 + \frac{x^2}{y^2}} \\ \Rightarrow && y^2 \left ( 1 + \frac{x^2}{y^2} \right) &= ax \\ \Rightarrow && x^2-ax + y^2 &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \left (x - \frac{a}{2} \right)^2 + y^2 &= \frac{a^2}{4} \end{align*} Therefore we will end up with a circle centre \((\tfrac{a}{2}, 0)\) going through the origin.
      TikZ diagram
    • If \(ab = 1\), we have \(\left ( \frac{b}{1+b^2}, -\frac{1}{1+b^2} \right)\) \begin{align*} && \frac{x}{y} &= -b \\ \Rightarrow && y &= -\frac{1}{1+\frac{x^2}{y^2}} \\ \Rightarrow && y + \frac{x^2}{y} &= - 1 \\ \Rightarrow && y^2 +y+ x^2 &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \left ( y + \frac12 \right)^2 + x^2 &= \frac14 \end{align*}
      TikZ diagram