Problems

Filters
Clear Filters

87 problems found

2011 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

The two sequences \(a_0\), \(a_1\), \(a_2\), \(\ldots\) and \(b_0\), \(b_1\), \(b_2\), \(\ldots\) have general terms \[ a_n = \lambda^n +\mu^n \text { \ \ \ and \ \ \ } b_n = \lambda^n - \mu^n\,, \] respectively, where \(\lambda = 1+\sqrt2\) and \(\mu= 1-\sqrt2\,\).

  1. Show that $\displaystyle \sum_{r=0}^nb_r = -\sqrt2 + \frac 1 {\sqrt2} \,a_{\low n+1}\,$, and give a corresponding result for \(\displaystyle \sum_{r=0}^na_r\,\).
  2. Show that, if \(n\) is odd, $$\sum_{m=0}^{2n}\left( \sum_{r=0}^m a_{\low r}\right) = \tfrac12 b_{n+1}^2\,,$$ and give a corresponding result when \(n\) is even.
  3. Show that, if \(n\) is even, $$\left(\sum_{r=0}^na_r\right)^{\!2} -\sum_{r=0}^n a_{\low 2r+1} =2\,,$$ and give a corresponding result when \(n\) is odd.

2011 Paper 3 Q3
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

Show that, provided \(q^2\ne 4p^3\), the polynomial \[ \hphantom{(p\ne0, \ q\ne0)\hspace{2cm}} x^3-3px +q \hspace {2cm} (p\ne0, \ q\ne0) \] can be written in the form \[ a(x-\alpha)^3 + b(x-\beta)^3\,, \] where \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are the roots of the quadratic equation \(pt^2 -qt +p^2=0\), and \(a\) and \(b\) are constants which you should express in terms of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\). Hence show that one solution of the equation \(x^3-24x+48=0\,\) is \[ x= \frac{2 (2-2^{\frac13})}{1-2^{\frac13}} \] and obtain similar expressions for the other two solutions in terms of \(\omega\), where \(\omega = \mathrm{e}^{2\pi\mathrm{i}/3}\,\). Find also the roots of \(x^3-3px +q=0\) when \(p=r^2\) and \(q= 2r^3\) for some non-zero constant \(r\).

2010 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1484.0 B: 1516.0

Given that \[ 5x^{2}+2y^{2}-6xy+4x-4y\equiv a\left(x-y+2\right)^{2} +b\left(cx+y\right)^{2}+d\,, \] find the values of the constants \(a\), \(b\), \(c\) and \(d\). Solve the simultaneous equations \begin{align*} 5x^{2}+2y^{2}-6xy+4x-4y&=9\,, \\ 6x^{2}+3y^{2}-8xy+8x-8y&=14\,. \end{align*}


Solution: \(a\left(x-y+2\right)^{2} +b\left(cx+y\right)^{2}+d\, \equiv (a + bc^2)x^2 + (a+b)y^2 + (-2a+2bc)xy + (4a)x+(-4ay) + 4a+d\) so we want to solve \[ \begin{cases} a + bc^2 &= 5 \\ a+b &= 2 \\ 2bc - 2a &= -6 \\ 4a &= 4 \\ -4a &= 4 \\ 4a+d &= -9 \end{cases} \Rightarrow a = 1, b = 1, c = -2, d = -13 \] Therefore we have: \((x-y+2)^2 + (2x+y)^2-13 = 0\) and our simultaneous equations will be: \[ \begin{cases} (x-y+2)^2 + (-2x+y)^2 &= 13 \\ 2(x-y+2)^2 + (-2x+y)^2 &= 22 \end{cases} \] which are simultaneous equations in \((x-y+2)^2\) and \((-2x+y)^2\) which solve to \((x-y+2)^2 = 9, (-2x+y)^2 = 4 \) so we need to solve \(4\) sets of simultaneous equations: \begin{align*} &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= 3 \\ -2x + y &= 2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (-3, -4) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= -3 \\ -2x + y &= 2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (3, 8) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= 3 \\ -2x + y &= -2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (1, 0) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= -3 \\ -2x + y &= -2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (7, 12) \\ \end{align*} So \((x,y) = (-3, -4), (3, 8), (1, 0), (7,12)\)

2010 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Use the substitution \(x=\dfrac{1}{t^{2}-1}\; \), where \(t>1\), to show that, for \( x>0\), \[ \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x\left(x+1\right) \; } \ }\; \d x =2 \ln \left(\sqrt x+ \sqrt{x +1} \; \right)+c \,. \] Note: You may use without proof the result \(\displaystyle \int \! \frac{1}{t^2-a^2} \, \d t = \frac{1}{2a} \ln \left| \frac{t-a}{t+a}\right| + \rm {constant}\). The section of the curve \[ y=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}\; }-\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x+1}\; } \] between \(x=\frac{1}{8}\) and \(x=\frac{9}{16}\) is rotated through \(360^{o}\) about the \(x\)-axis. Show that the volume enclosed is \(2\pi \ln \tfrac{5}{4}\,\). \(\phantom{\dfrac AB}\)


Solution: \begin{align*} && x &= \frac{1}{t^2-1} \\ && t &= \sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}\\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d x}{\d t} &= \frac{-2t}{(t^2-1)^2} \\ \Rightarrow && I &= \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x(x+1)}} \d x \\ &&&= \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac1{t^2-1} \frac{t^2}{t^2-1}}} \cdot \frac{-2 t}{(t^2-1)^2} \d t \\ &&&= \int \frac{t^2-1}{t} \frac{-2t}{(t^2-1)^2} \d t \\ &&&= -\int \frac{2}{t^2-1} \d t \\ &&&= - \frac{2}{2 \cdot 1} \ln \left | \frac{t-1}{t+1} \right| +C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{t+1}{t-1} \right| + C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{\sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}+1}{\sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}-1} \right| + C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{\sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x+1}-\sqrt{x}} \right| + C \\ &&&= 2\ln \left | \sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}\right| + C \\ &&&= 2\ln \left ( \sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}\right) + C \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} && V&= \pi \int_{1/8}^{9/16} y^2 \d x \\ &&&= \pi \int_{1/8}^{9/16} \left ( \frac1x + \frac{1}{x+1} - \frac{2}{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}\right) \d x \\ &&&= \pi \left [ \ln x + \ln (x+1) - 4 \ln(\sqrt{x+1} + \sqrt{x}) \right]_{1/8}^{9/16} \\ &&&= \pi \left ( \ln \frac{9}{16} + \ln \frac{25}{16} - 4 \ln \left ( \frac54 + \frac34\right) \right) +\\ &&&\quad -\pi \left ( \ln \frac{1}{8} + \ln \frac{9}{8} - 4 \ln \left ( \frac1{2\sqrt{2}} + \frac3{2\sqrt{2}}\right) \right) \\ &&&= \pi \left ( 2 \ln 3 - 8 \ln 2 + 2 \ln 5 - 4\ln2 \right) - \pi \left ( -6 \ln 2 + 2\ln 3 - 2\ln 2\right) \\ &&&= \pi (2 \ln 5 - 4 \ln 2 ) \\ &&&= 2 \pi \ln \tfrac54 \end{align*}

2010 Paper 3 Q1
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.8

Let \(x_{\low1}\), \(x_{\low2}\), \ldots, \(x_n\) and \(x_{\vphantom {\dot A} n+1}\) be any fixed real numbers. The numbers \(A\) and \(B\) are defined by \[ A = \frac 1 n \sum_{k=1}^n x_{ \low k} \,, \ \ \ B= \frac 1 n \sum_{k=1}^n (x_{\low k}-A)^2 \,, \ \ \ \] and the numbers \(C\) and \(D\) are defined by \[ C = \frac 1 {n+1} \sum\limits_{k=1}^{n+1} x_{\low k} \,, \ \ \ D = \frac1{n+1} \sum_{k=1}^{n+1} (x_{\low k}-C)^2 \,. \]

  1. Express \( C\) in terms of \(A\), \(x_{\low n+1}\) and \(n\).
  2. Show that $ \displaystyle B= \frac 1 n \sum_{k=1}^n x_{\low k}^2 - A^2\,\(.
  3. Express \)D \( in terms of \)B\(, \)A\(, \)x_{\low n+1}\( and \)n$. Hence show that \((n + 1)D \ge nB\) for all values of \(x_{\low n+1}\), but that \(D < B\) if and only if \[ A-\sqrt{\frac{(n+1)B}{n}} < x_{\low n+1} < A+\sqrt{\frac{(n+1)B}{n}}\,. \]

2010 Paper 3 Q4
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

  1. The number \(\alpha\) is a common root of the equations \(x^2 +ax +b=0\) and \(x^2+cx+d=0\) (that is, \(\alpha\) satisfies both equations). Given that \(a\ne c\), show that \[ \alpha =- \frac{b-d}{a-c}\,. \] Hence, or otherwise, show that the equations have at least one common root if and only if \[ (b-d)^2 -a(b-d)(a-c) + b(a-c)^2 =0\,. \] Does this result still hold if the condition \(a\ne c\) is not imposed?
  2. Show that the equations \(x^2+ax+b=0\) and \(x^3+(a+1)x^2+qx+r=0\) have at least one common root if and only if \[ (b-r)^2-a(b-r)(a+b-q) +b(a+b-q)^2=0\,. \] Hence, or otherwise, find the values of \(b\) for which the equations \(2x^2+5 x+2 b=0\) and \(2x^3+7x^2+5x+1=0\) have at least one common root.


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && 0 &= \alpha^2 + a \alpha + b \tag{1} \\ && 0 &= \alpha^2 + c \alpha + d \tag{2} \\ \\ (1) - (2): && 0 & =\alpha ( a-c) + (b-d) \\ \Rightarrow && \alpha &= - \frac{b-d}{a-c} \tag{\(a\neq c\)} \end{align*} (\(\Rightarrow\)) Suppose they have a common root, then given we know it's form, we must have: \begin{align*} && 0 &= \left ( - \frac{b-d}{a-c} \right)^2 +a\left ( - \frac{b-d}{a-c} \right) + b \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (b-d)^2 - a(b-d)(a-c) + b(a-c)^2 \end{align*} (\(\Leftarrow\)) Suppose the equation holds, then \begin{align*} && 0 &= (b-d)^2 - a(b-d)(a-c) + b(a-c)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \left ( - \frac{b-d}{a-c} \right)^2 +a\left ( - \frac{b-d}{a-c} \right) + b \\ \end{align*} So \(\alpha\) is a root of the first equation. Considering \((1) - (2)\) we must have that \(\alpha(a-c) +(b-d) = t\) (whatever the second equation is), but that value is clearly \(0\), therefore \(\alpha\) is a root of both equations. If \(a = c\) then the equation becomes \(0 = (b-d)^2\), ie the two equations are the same, therefore they must have common roots!
  2. \begin{align*} && 0 &= x^2+ax+b \tag{1} \\ && 0 &= x^3+(a+1)x^2+qx+r \tag{2} \\ \\ (2) - x(1) && 0 &= x^2 + (q-b)x + r \tag{3} \end{align*} Therefore if the equations have a common root, \((1)\) and \((3)\) have a common root, ie \((b-r)^2-a(b-r)(a-(q-b))+b(a-(q-b))^2 = 0\) which is exactly our condition. \(a = \frac52, q = \frac52, r = \frac12\) \begin{align*} && 0 &= \left (b-\frac12 \right)^2 - \frac52\left (b-\frac12\right) b + b^3 \\ &&&= b^2 -b + \frac14 - \frac52 b^2+\frac54b + b^3 \\ &&&= b^3 -\frac32 b^2 +\frac14 b + \frac14 \\\Rightarrow && 0 &= 4b^3 - 6b^2+b + 1 \\ &&&= (b-1)(4b^2-2b-1) \\ \Rightarrow && b &= 1, \frac{1 \pm \sqrt{5}}{4}\end{align*}

2009 Paper 1 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

A curve has the equation \[ y^3 = x^3 +a^3+b^3\,, \] where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive constants. Show that the tangent to the curve at the point \((-a,b)\) is \[ b^2y-a^2x = a^3+b^3\,. \] In the case \(a=1\) and \(b=2\), show that the \(x\)-coordinates of the points where the tangent meets the curve satisfy \[ 7x^3 -3x^2 -27x-17 =0\,. \] Hence find positive integers \(p\), \(q\), \(r\) and \(s\) such that \[ p^3 = q^3 +r^3 +s^3\,. \]


Solution: \begin{align*} && y^3 &= x^3 + a^3 + b^3 \\ \Rightarrow && 3y^2 \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= 3x^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= \frac{x^2}{y^2} \end{align*} Therefore the tangent at the point \((-a,b)\) has gradient \(\frac{a^2}{b^2}\), ie \begin{align*} && \frac{y-b}{x+a} &= \frac{a^2}{b^2} \\ \Rightarrow && b^2y - b^3 &= a^2 x + a^3 \\ \Rightarrow && b^2 y-a^2 x &= a^3 + b^3 \end{align*} Notice that tangent will be, \(4y-x = 9\) so substituting this we obtain: \begin{align*} && \left (\frac{9+x}{4} \right)^3 &= x^3 + 9 \\ \Rightarrow && 9^3 + 3 \cdot 9^2 x + 3 \cdot 9x^2 + x^3 &= 64x^3 + 64 \cdot 9 \\ \Rightarrow && 9 \cdot (9^2 - 8^2) + 9 \cdot (3 \cdot 9) + 9 \cdot 3x^2 -9 \cdot 7x^3 &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && 7x^3-3x^2-27x-17 &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && (x+1)^2(7x-17) &= 0 \tag{repeated root since tangent} \end{align*} So we have another point on the curve \(y^3 = x^3 + 2^3 + 1^3\), namely \((\frac{17}7, \frac{17+9 \cdot 7}{28}) = (\frac{17}7, \frac{20}{7})\), so \begin{align*} 20^3 &= 17^3 + 14^3 + 7^3 \end{align*}

2009 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

The sides of a triangle have lengths \(p-q\), \(p\) and \(p+q\), where \(p>q> 0\,\). The largest and smallest angles of the triangle are \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\), respectively. Show by means of the cosine rule that \[ 4(1-\cos\alpha)(1-\cos\beta) = \cos\alpha + \cos\beta \,. \] In the case \(\alpha = 2\beta\), show that \(\cos\beta=\frac34\) and hence find the ratio of the lengths of the sides of the triangle.


Solution: The largest angle will be opposite the side with length \(p+q\). Similarly the smallest angle will be opposite the side with length \(p-q\). The cosine rule tells us that: \begin{align*} && (p+q)^2 &= p^2 + (p-q)^2 - 2p(p-q) \cos \alpha \\ && 0 &= p(p-4q-2(p-q)\cos \alpha)\\ && 0 &= p(1-2\cos \alpha) + q(2\cos \alpha - 4)\\ \Rightarrow && \frac{p}{q} & = \frac{4-2 \cos \alpha}{1-2 \cos \alpha} \\ && (p-q)^2 &= p^2 + (p+q)^2 - 2p(p+q) \cos \beta \\ && 0 &= p(p+4q-2(p+q) \cos \beta) \\ && 0 &= p(1-2\cos \beta)+q(4-2\cos \beta) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{p}{q} &= \frac{2\cos \beta - 4}{1-2\cos \beta} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{4-2 \cos \alpha}{1-2 \cos \alpha} &= \frac{2\cos \beta - 4}{1-2\cos \beta} \\ \Rightarrow && (2-\cos \alpha)(1-2\cos \beta) &= (\cos \beta - 2)(1 - 2 \cos \alpha) \\ \Rightarrow && 2 - \cos \alpha -4\cos \beta+2\cos \alpha \cos \beta &= \cos \beta - 2-2\cos \alpha \cos \beta + 4 \cos \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && 4-4\cos \alpha - 4\cos \beta+4\cos \alpha\cos \beta &= \cos \alpha + \cos \beta \\ \Rightarrow && 4(1-\cos \alpha)(1-\cos \beta) &= \cos \alpha + \cos \beta \end{align*} If \(\alpha = 2 \beta\), and let \(c = \cos \beta\) \begin{align*} && 4 (1- \cos 2 \beta)(1-\cos \beta) &= \cos 2 \beta + \cos \beta \\ \Rightarrow && 4(1-(2c^2-1))(1-c) &= 2c^2-1+c\\ \Rightarrow && 8(1+c)(1-c)^2 &= (2c-1)(c+1) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (c+1)(8(1-c)^2-(2c-1)) \\ &&&= (c+1)(8c^2-18c+9) \\ &&&= (c+1)(4c-3)(2c-3) \\ \end{align*} Therefore \(c = -1, \frac32, \frac34\). Clearly \(\cos \beta \neq -1, \frac32\), since they are not valid angles in a triangle (or valid values of \(\cos \beta\)). \(\frac{p}{q} = \frac{2 \cdot \frac34-4 }{1 - 2\cdot \frac34} = \frac{3-8}{2-3} = 5\) so \(4:5:6\)

2009 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1484.0 B: 1502.7

  1. Show that, for \(m>0\,\), \[ \int_{1/m}^m \frac{x^2}{x+1} \, \d x = \frac{(m-1)^3(m+1)}{2m^2}+ \ln m\,. \]
  2. Show by means of a substitution that \[ \int_{1/m}^m \frac1 {x^n(x+1)}\,\d x = \int_{1/m}^m \frac {u^{n-1}}{u+1}\,\d u \,. \]
  3. Evaluate:
    • \(\bf (a)\) \(\displaystyle \int_{1/2}^2 \frac {x^5+3}{x^3(x+1)}\,\d x \;;\)
    • \(\bf (b)\) \(\displaystyle \int_1^2 \frac{x^5+x^3 +1}{x^3(x+1)}\, \d x\;. \)


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && \int_{1/m}^m \frac{x^2}{x+1} \d x &= \int_{1/m}^m \left ( x- 1 + \frac{1}{x+1} \right) \d x \\ &&&= \left [ \frac{x^2}{2} - x + \ln (x+1) \right]_{1/m}^m \\ &&&= \left ( m^2/2 - m + \ln(m+1) \right)- \left ( \frac{1}{2m^2} - \frac{1}{m} + \ln\left(\frac1m+1\right) \right) \\ &&&= \frac{m^4-2m^3-1+2m}{2m^2} + \ln (m+1) - \ln(m+1) + \ln m \\ &&&= \frac{(m-1)^3(m+1)}{2m^2} + \ln m \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} u = \frac{1}x, \d x = -\frac{1}{u^2} \d u:&& \int_{1/m}^m \frac1 {x^n(x+1)}\,\d x &= \int_{u=m}^{u=1/m} \frac{1}{u^{-n}(u^{-1}+1)} \frac{-1}{u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_{1/m}^m \frac{u^{n-1}}{u+1} \d u \end{align*}
    • \(\bf (a)\) \(\,\) \begin{align*} && I &= \int_{1/2}^2 \frac {x^5+3}{x^3(x+1)}\,\d x \\ &&&= \int_{1/2}^2 \left ( \frac{x^2}{x+1} + \frac{3}{x^3(x+1)} \right) \d x \\ &&&= \int_{1/2}^2 \frac{x^2}{x+1} \d x + 3 \int_{1/2}^2 \frac{x^2}{x+1} \d x \\ &&&= 4 \left ( \frac{(2-1)^3(2+1)}{2 \cdot 2^2} + \ln 2 \right) \\ &&&= \frac32+4 \ln 2 \end{align*}
    • \(\bf (b)\) \(\,\) \begin{align*} && J &= \int_1^2 \frac{x^5+x^3 +1}{x^3(x+1)}\, \d x \\ && K &= \int_1^2 \frac{x^5 +1}{x^3(x+1)}\, \d x\\ u = 1/x, \d x = -1/u^2 \d u: &&&= \int_{u=1}^{u=1/2} \frac{u^{-5}+1}{u^{-3}(u^{-1}+1)} \frac{-1}{u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_{1/2}^1 \frac{1 + u^5}{u^3(u+1)} \d u \\ \Rightarrow && K &= \frac12 \int_{1/2}^2 \frac{x^5+1}{x^3(x+1)} \d x \\ &&&= \frac{(2-1)^3(2+1)}{2 \cdot 2^2} + \ln 2 \\ &&&= \frac38 + \ln 2 \\ && L &= \int_1^2 \frac{x^3}{x^3(x+1)} \d x \\ &&&= \ln (3) - \ln 2 \\ \Rightarrow && J &= \frac38 + \ln 3 \end{align*}

2009 Paper 1 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Two particles move on a smooth horizontal table and collide. The masses of the particles are \(m\) and \(M\). Their velocities before the collision are \(u{\bf i}\) and \(v{\bf i}\,\), respectively, where \(\bf i\) is a unit vector and \(u>v\). Their velocities after the collision are \(p{\bf i}\) and \(q{\bf i}\,\), respectively. The coefficient of restitution between the two particles is \(e\), where \(e<1\).

  1. Show that the loss of kinetic energy due to the collision is \[ \tfrac12 m (u-p)(u-v)(1-e)\,, \] and deduce that \(u\ge p\).
  2. Given that each particle loses the same (non-zero) amount of kinetic energy in the collision, show that \[ u+v+p+q=0\,, \] and that, if \(m\ne M\), \[ e= \frac{(M+3m)u + (3M+m)v}{(M-m)(u-v)}\,. \]


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} \text{COM}: && mu + Mv &= mp + Mq \\ \Rightarrow && m(u-p) &= M(q-v) \\ \text{NEL}: && q-p &= e(u-v) \\ && q +ev &= p+eu \\ && \Delta \text{ k.e.} &= \frac12 m u^2 + \frac12 M v^2 -\frac12 m p^2 - \frac12 M q^2 \\ &&&= \frac12m (u^2 - p^2)+\frac12M(v^2-q^2) \\ &&&= \frac12m (u^2 - p^2)+\frac12M(v-q)(v+q) \\ &&&= \frac12m(u^2-p^2) - \frac12 m(u-p)(v+q) \\ &&&= \frac12 m(u-p) \left ( u+p-v-q\right) \\ &&&= \frac12 m(u-p) \left (u-v+(p-q)\right) \\ &&&= \frac12 m(u-p) \left (u-v-e(u-v)\right) \\ &&&= \frac12m(u-p)(u-v)(1-e) \end{align*} Since the loss in energy is positive, and \(m\), \(u-v\) and \(1-e\) are all positive, so is \(u-p\), ie \(u \geq p\)
  2. \begin{align*} && \frac12 m u^2 - \frac12mp^2 &= \frac12Mv^2 - \frac12Mq^2 \\ && \frac12 m(u-p)(u+p) &= \frac12 M (v-q)(v+q) \\ && \frac12 m (u-p)(u+p) &= -\frac12 m(u-p)(v+q) \\ \Rightarrow && u+p+v+q &= 0 \end{align*} \begin{align*} && p+q &= -(u+v)\\ &&mp+Mq &= mu+Mv \\ \Rightarrow && (M-m)q &= mu+Mv+mu+mv\\ \Rightarrow && q &= \frac{(M+m)v+2mu}{M-m} \\ \Rightarrow && (m-M)p &= mu+Mv+Mu+Mv \\ \Rightarrow && p &= -\frac{(M+m)u+2Mv}{M-m} \\ \\ && e &= \frac{q-p}{u-v} \\ &&&= \frac{(M+m)v+2mu+(M+m)u+2Mv}{(u-v)(M-m)} \\ &&&= \frac{(3M+m)v+(3m+M)u}{(u-v)(M-m)} \end{align*}

2009 Paper 2 Q1
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

Two curves have equations \(\; x^4+y^4=u\;\) and \(\; xy = v\;\), where \(u\) and \(v\) are positive constants. State the equations of the lines of symmetry of each curve. The curves intersect at the distinct points \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) (taken anticlockwise from \(A\)). The coordinates of \(A\) are \((\alpha,\beta)\), where \(\alpha > \beta > 0\). Write down, in terms of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\), the coordinates of \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\). Show that the quadrilateral \(ABCD\) is a rectangle and find its area in terms of \(u\) and \(v\) only. Verify that, for the case \(u=81\) and \(v=4\), the area is \(14\).


Solution: The curve \(x^4 + y^4 = u\) has lines of symmetry:

  • \(y = 0\)
  • \(x = 0\)
  • \(y = x\)
  • \(y = -x\)
The curve \(xy = v\) has lines of symmetry:
  • \(y = x\)
  • \(y = -x\)
TikZ diagram
The points are \(A = (\alpha, \beta), B = (\beta, \alpha), C = (-\alpha, -\beta), D = (-\beta, -\alpha)\) \(AD\) has gradient \(\frac{\beta+\alpha}{\alpha+\beta} = 1\), \(BC\) has the same gradient. \(AB\) has gradient \(\frac{\alpha-\beta}{\beta-\alpha} = -1\), as does \(CD\). Therefore it has two sets of perpendicular and parallel sides, hence a rectangle. The area is \(|AD||AB| = \sqrt{2(\alpha+\beta)^2}\sqrt{2(\alpha-\beta)^2} = 2(\alpha^2-\beta^2)\) The squared area is \(4(\alpha^4+\beta^4 - 2 \alpha^2\beta^2) = 4(u - 2v^2)\) ie the area is \(2\sqrt{u-2v^2}\) When \(u = 81, v = 4\) we have the area is \(2 \sqrt{81 - 2 \cdot 16} = 14\) as required.

2009 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Expand and simplify \((\sqrt{x-1}+1)^2\,\).

  1. Evaluate \[ \int_{5}^{10} \frac{ \sqrt{x+2\sqrt{x-1} \;} + \sqrt{x-2\sqrt{x-1} \;} } {\sqrt{x-1}} \,\d x\;. \]
  2. Find the total area between the curve \[ y= \frac{\sqrt{x-2\sqrt{x-1}\;}}{\sqrt{x-1}\;} \] and the \(x\)-axis between the points \(x=\frac54\) and \(x=10\).
  3. Evaluate \[ \int_{\frac54}^{10} \frac{ \sqrt{x+2\sqrt{x-1}\;} + \sqrt{x-2\sqrt{x+1}+2 \;} } {\sqrt{x^2-1} } \;\d x\;. \]

2008 Paper 1 Q3
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

Prove that, if \(c\ge a\) and \(d\ge b\), then \[ ab+cd\ge bc+ad\,. \tag{\(*\)} \]

  1. If \(x\ge y\), use \((*)\) to show that \(x^2+y^2\ge 2xy\,\). If, further, \(x\ge z\) and \(y\ge z\), use \((*)\) to show that \(z^2+xy\ge xz+yz\) and deduce that \(x^2+y^2+z^2\ge xy+yz+zx\,\). Prove that the inequality \(x^2+y^2+z^2\ge xy+yz+zx\,\) holds for all \(x\), \(y\) and \(z\).
  2. Show similarly that the inequality \[\frac st +\frac tr +\frac rs +\frac ts +\frac rt +\frac sr \ge 6\] holds for all positive \(r\), \(s\) and \(t\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && \underbrace{(c-a)}_{\geq 0}\underbrace{(d-b)}_{\geq 0} & \geq 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && cd -bc -ad + ab &\geq 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && ab +cd &\geq bc+ad \\ \end{align*}

  1. Applying \((*)\) with \(c=d=x\) and \(a=b=y\) we obtain: \(x^2 + y^2 \geq xy + xy = 2xy\) Similarly, applying \((*)\) with \(c=x, d=y, a=b=z\) we obtain: \(z^2 + xy \geq zx+zy\) so \(x^2+y^2+z^2 \geq 2xy + z^2 \geq xy + zx+zy\) There was nothing special about our choice of ordering \(x,y,z\) so it is true for all \(x,y,z\)
  2. \begin{align*} \frac st +\frac tr +\frac rs +\frac ts +\frac rt +\frac sr &=\left ( \frac st+\frac ts \right)+\left ( \frac tr +\frac rt \right)+\left ( \frac rs +\frac sr \right) \\ & \geq 2 \sqrt{\frac st \frac ts} + 2 \sqrt{\frac tr \frac rt} + 2 \sqrt{\frac rs \frac sr} \\ & = 2 + 2 + 2 \\ &= 6 \end{align*}

2007 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1489.2

  1. Given that \(x^2 - y^2 = \left( x - y \right)^3\) and that \(x-y = d\) (where \(d \neq 0\)), express each of \(x\) and \(y\) in terms of \(d\). Hence find a pair of integers \(m\) and \(n\) satisfying \(m-n = \left( \sqrt {m} - \sqrt{n} \right)^3\) where \(m > n > 100\).
  2. Given that \(x^3 - y^3 = \left( x - y \right)^4\) and that \(x-y = d\) (where \(d \neq 0\)), show that \(3xy = d^3 - d^2\). Hence show that \[ 2x = d \pm d \sqrt {\frac{4d-1 }{3}} \] and determine a pair of distinct positive integers \(m\) and \(n\) such that \(m^3 - n^3 = \left( m - n \right)^4\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && x^2-y^2 &=(x-y)^3 \\ \Rightarrow && x+y &=d^2 \\ && x-y &= d \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \tfrac12(d^2+d) \\ && y &= \tfrac12(d^2-d) \end{align*} Therefore consider \(x^2 = m, y^2 = n\), so \(m = \tfrac14(d^2+d)^2, n = \tfrac14(d^2-d)^2\) so we want \(d^2-d > 20\), so \(d = 6, n = 225, m = 441\).
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && x^3-y^3 &= (x-y)^4 \\ \Rightarrow && x^2+xy+y^2 &= (x-y)^3 \\ && d^3 &= (x-y)^2+3xy \\ && d^3 &= d^2 + 3xy \\ \Rightarrow && 3xy &= d^3 - d^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 3x(x-d) &= d^3-d^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 3x^2-3dx-(d^3-d^2) \\ \Rightarrow && 2x &=d \pm \sqrt{d^2+4\frac{(d^3-d^2)}{3}} \\ &&&= d \pm d \sqrt{\frac{3+4d-4}{3}} \\ &&&= d \pm d \sqrt{\frac{4d-1}{3}} \end{align*} Therefore we need \(\frac{4d-1}{3}\) to be an odd square. \(y = x-d = -\frac{d}{2} \pm \frac{d}{2} \sqrt{\frac{4d-1}{3}}\). Since we want positive values, we should take the positive square roots. \(d = \frac{3 \cdot 3^2 + 1}{4} = 7\) we have \(2x = 7 +7 \cdot 3 = 28 \Rightarrow x = 14, y = 7\)

2007 Paper 3 Q7
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

The functions \(\s(x)\) (\(0\le x<1\)) and \(t(x)\) (\(x\ge0\)), and the real number \(p\), are defined by \[ \s(x) = \int_0^x \frac 1 {\sqrt{1-u^2}}\, \d u\;, \ \ \ \ t(x) = \int_0^x \frac 1 {1+u^2}\, \d u\;, \ \ \ \ p= 2 \int_0^\infty \frac 1 {1+u^2}\, \d u \;. \] For this question, do not evaluate any of the above integrals explicitly in terms of inverse trigonometric functions or the number \(\pi\).

  1. Use the substitution \(u=v^{-1}\) to show that \(\displaystyle t(x) =\int_{1/x}^\infty\frac 1 {1+v^2}\, \d v \, \). Hence evaluate \(t(1/x) + t(x)\) in terms of \(p\) and deduce that \(2t(1)= \frac12 p\,\).
  2. Let \(y=\dfrac{u}{\sqrt{1+u^2}}\). Express \(u\) in terms of \(y\), and show that \(\displaystyle \frac{\d u}{\d y} = \frac 1 {\sqrt{(1-y^2)^3}}\). By making a substitution in the integral for \(t(x)\), show that \[ t(x) = \s\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}}\right)\!. \] Deduce that \(\s\big(\frac1{\sqrt2}\big) =\frac1 4 p\,\).
  3. Let \(z= \dfrac{u+ \frac1{\sqrt3}}{1-\frac 1{\sqrt3}u}\,\). Show that \(\displaystyle t(\tfrac1{\sqrt3}) = \int_{\frac1{\sqrt3}}^{\sqrt3} \frac1 {1+z^2} \,\d z\;, \) and hence that \(3t(\frac1{\sqrt3}) = \frac12 p\,\).


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && t(x) &= \int_0^x \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ u = v^{-1}, \d u = -v^{-2} \d v&&&= \int_{v = \infty}^{v = 1/x} \frac{1}{1+v^{-2}} \frac{-1}{v^2} \d v \\ &&&= \int_{1/x}^\infty \frac{1}{1+v^2} \d v \\ \\ \Rightarrow && t(x) + t(1/x) &= \int_0^x \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u + \int_0^{1/x} \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_{1/x}^{\infty} \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u + \int_0^{1/x} \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^{\infty} \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \frac12 p \\ \\ \Rightarrow && t(1) +t(1/1) = 2t(1) &= \frac12 p \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y &= \frac{u}{\sqrt{1+u^2}} \\ \Rightarrow && y^2 &= \frac{u^2}{1+u^2} \\ &&&= 1-\frac{1}{1+u^2} \\ \Rightarrow && 1+u^2 &= \frac{1}{1-y^2} \\ \Rightarrow && u &= \frac{y}{\sqrt{1-y^2}} \\ \\ && \frac{\d u}{\d y} &= \frac{\sqrt{1-y^2} + y^2(1-y^2)^{-1/2}}{1-y^2} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{(1-y^2)^{3/2}} \\ \\ && t(x) &= \int_0^x \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^{y = x/\sqrt{1+x^2}} \frac{1}{1 + \frac{y^2}{1-y^2}} \frac{1}{(1-y^2)^{3/2}} \d y \\ &&&= \int_0^{x/\sqrt{1+x^2}} \frac{1-y^2}{(1-y^2)^{3/2}} \d y \\ &&&= \int_0^{x/\sqrt{1+x^2}} \frac{1}{(1-y^2)^{1/2}} \d y \\ &&&= s\left ( \frac{x}{\sqrt{1+x^2}} \right) \\ \\ \Rightarrow && s\left ( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \right) &= t(1) = \frac14p \end{align*}
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && z &= \frac{u + \frac1{\sqrt{3}}}{1- \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} u}\\ \Rightarrow && z - \frac{z}{\sqrt{3}}u &= u + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \\ \Rightarrow && u &= \frac{z-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}}{1 + \frac{z}{\sqrt{3}}} \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d u}{\d z} &= \frac{\sqrt{3}(\sqrt{3}+z ) -(\sqrt{3}z-1)}{\left (\sqrt{3}+z \right)^2} \\ &&&= \frac{4}{(\sqrt{3}+z)^2} \\ \\ \Rightarrow && t \left ( \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \right) &= \int_0^{1/\sqrt{3}} \frac{1}{1+u^2} \d u \\ &&&= \int_{z=1/\sqrt{3}}^{z=\sqrt{3}} \frac{1}{1 + \left ( \frac{\sqrt{3}z-1}{\sqrt{3}+z}\right)^2} \frac{4}{(\sqrt{3}+z)^2} \d z\\ &&&= \int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^{\sqrt{3}} \frac{4}{(\sqrt{3}+z)^2+(\sqrt{3}z-1)^2} \d z \\ &&&= \int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^{\sqrt{3}} \frac{4}{4+4z^2} \d z \\ &&&= \int_{1/\sqrt{3}}^{\sqrt{3}} \frac{1}{1+z^2} \d z \end{align*} Notice that \(t(1/\sqrt{3})+t(\sqrt{3}) = \frac12p\) and also notice that \(t(1/\sqrt{3}) + t(1/\sqrt{3}) =t(\sqrt{3})\) so \(3t(1/\sqrt{3}) = \frac12p\)