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1993 Paper 2 Q5
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

\noindent

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In the diagram, \(O\) is the origin, \(P\) is a point of a curve \(r=r(\theta)\) with coordinates \((r,\theta)\) and \(Q\) is another point of the curve, close to \(P\), with coordinates \((r+\delta r,\theta+\delta\theta).\) The angle \(\angle PRQ\) is a right angle. By calculating \(\tan\angle QPR,\) show that the angle at which the curve cuts \(OP\) is \[ \tan^{-1}\left({\displaystyle r\dfrac{\mathrm{d}\theta}{\mathrm{d}r}}\right). \] Let \(\alpha\) be a constant angle, \(0<\alpha<\frac{1}{2}\pi\). The curve with the equation \[ r=\mathrm{e}^{\theta\cot\alpha} \] in polar coordinates is called an equiangular spiral. Show that it cuts every radius line at an angle \(\alpha.\) Sketch the spiral. Find the length of the complete turn of the spiral beginning at \(r=1\) and going outwards. What is the total length of the part of the spiral for which \(r\leqslant1\)? {[}You may assume that the arc length \(s\) of the curve satisfies \[ {\displaystyle \left(\frac{\mathrm{d}s}{\mathrm{d}\theta}\right)^{2}=r^{2}+\left(\frac{\mathrm{d}r}{\mathrm{d}\theta}\right)^{2}.}] \]

1993 Paper 2 Q6
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

In this question, \(\mathbf{A,\mathbf{B\) }}and \(\mathbf{X\) are non-zero \(2\times2\) real matrices.} Are the following assertions true or false? You must provide a proof or a counterexample in each case.

  1. If \(\mathbf{AB=0}\) then \(\mathbf{BA=0}.\)
  2. \((\mathbf{A-B)(A+B)=}\mathbf{A}^{2}-\mathbf{B}^{2}.\)
  3. The equation \(\mathbf{AX=0}\) has a non-zero solution \(\mathbf{X}\) if and only if \(\det\mathbf{A}=0.\)
  4. For any \(\mathbf{A}\) and \(\mathbf{B}\) there are at most two matrices \(\mathbf{X}\) such that \(\mathbf{X}^{2}+\mathbf{AX}+\mathbf{B}=\mathbf{0}.\)


Solution:

  1. This is false, for example let \(\mathbf{A} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{B} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\), then \begin{align*} \mathbf{AB} &= \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \\ &= \begin{pmatrix}0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0\end{pmatrix} \\ \mathbf{BA} &= \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \\ &= \begin{pmatrix}0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0\end{pmatrix} \\ \end{align*}
  2. This is also false, using the same matrices from part (i), we find: \begin{align*} (\mathbf{A - B})(\mathbf{A + B}) &= \mathbf{A}^2-\mathbf{BA}+\mathbf{AB}-\mathbf{B}^2 \\ &= \mathbf{A}^2-\mathbf{B}^2+\begin{pmatrix}0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0\end{pmatrix} \\ &\neq \mathbf{A}^2-\mathbf{B}^2 \end{align*}
  3. This is true. Claim: The equation \(\mathbf{AX=0}\) has a non-zero solution \(\mathbf{X}\) if and only if \(\det\mathbf{A}=0.\) Proof: \((\Rightarrow)\) Suppose \(\det\mathbf{A} \neq 0\) then \(\mathbf{A}\) has an inverse, and so we must have \(\mathbf{A}^{-1}\mathbf{AX} = \mathbf{0} \Rightarrow \mathbf{X} = \mathbf{0}\). \((\Leftarrow)\) Suppose \(\det \mathbf{A} = 0\) then \(ad-bc=0\), so consider the matrix \(\mathbf{X} = \begin{pmatrix} d & d\\ -c & -c\end{pmatrix}\) (or if this is zero, \(\mathbf{X} = \begin{pmatrix} a & a\\ -b & -b\end{pmatrix}\))
  4. This is false. Consider \(\mathbf{A} = \mathbf{B} = \mathbf{0}\), then \(\mathbf{X} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & x \\ 0 & 0\end{pmatrix}\) has the property that \(\mathbf{X}^2 = \mathbf{0}\) for all \(x\), so at least more than 2 values

1993 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1491.2

The integers \(a,b\) and \(c\) satisfy \[ 2a^{2}+b^{2}=5c^{2}. \] By considering the possible values of \(a\pmod5\) and \(b\pmod5\), show that \(a\) and \(b\) must both be divisible by \(5\). By considering how many times \(a,b\) and \(c\) can be divided by \(5\), show that the only solution is \(a=b=c=0.\)


Solution: \begin{array}{c|ccccc} a & 0 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 \\ a^2 & 0 & 1 & 4 & 4 & 1 \end{array} Therefore \(a^2 \in \{0,1,4\}\) and so we can have \begin{array} $2a^2+b^2 & 0 & 1 & 4 \\ \hline 0 & 0 & 1 & 4 \\ 1 & 2 & 3 & 1 \\ 4 & 3 & 4 & 2 \end{array} Therefore the only solution must have \(5 \mid a,b\), but then we can write them has \(5a'\) and \(5b'\) so the equation becomes \(2\cdot25 a'^2 + 25b'^2 = 5c^2\) ie \(5 \mid c^2 \Rightarrow 5 \mid c\). But that means we can always divide \((a,b,c)\) by \(5\), which is clearly a contradiction if we consider the lowest power of \(5\) dividing \(a,b,c\) for any solution.

1993 Paper 2 Q8
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Suppose that \(a_{i}>0\) for all \(i>0\). Show that \[ a_{1}a_{2}\leqslant\left(\frac{a_{1}+a_{2}}{2}\right)^{2}. \] Prove by induction that for all positive integers \(m\) \[ a_{1}\cdots a_{2^{m}}\leqslant\left(\frac{a_{1}+\cdots+a_{2^{m}}}{2^{m}}\right)^{2^{m}}.\tag{\ensuremath{*}} \] If \(n<2^{m}\), put \(b_{1}=a_{2},\) \(b_{2}=a_{2},\cdots,b_{n}=a_{n}\) and \(b_{n+1}=\cdots=b_{2^{m}}=A\), where \[ A=\frac{a_{1}+\cdots+a_{n}}{n}. \] By applying \((*)\) to the \(b_{i},\) show that \[ a_{1}\cdots a_{n}A^{(2^{m}-n)}\leqslant A^{2^{m}} \] (notice that \(b_{1}+\cdots+b_{n}=nA).\) Deduce the (arithmetic mean)/(geometric mean) inequality \[ \left(a_{1}\cdots a_{n}\right)^{1/n}\leqslant\frac{a_{1}+\cdots+a_{n}}{n}. \]

1993 Paper 2 Q9
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

\textit{In this question, the argument of a complex number is chosen to satisfy \(0\leqslant\arg z<2\pi.\)} Let \(z\) be a complex number whose imaginary part is positive. What can you say about \(\arg z\)? The complex numbers \(z_{1},z_{2}\) and \(z_{3}\) all have positive imaginary part and \(\arg z_{1}<\arg z_{2}<\arg z_{3}.\) Draw a diagram that shows why \[ \arg z_{1}<\arg(z_{1}+z_{2}+z_{3})<\arg z_{3}. \] Prove that \(\arg(z_{1}z_{2}z_{3})\) is never equal to \(\arg(z_{1}+z_{2}+z_{3}).\)

1993 Paper 2 Q10
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

Verify that if \[ \mathbf{P}=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 2\\ 2 & -1 \end{pmatrix}\qquad\mbox{ and }\qquad\mathbf{A}=\begin{pmatrix}-1 & 8\\ 8 & 11 \end{pmatrix} \] then \(\mathbf{PAP}\) is a diagonal matrix. Put $\mathbf{x}=\begin{pmatrix}x\\ y \end{pmatrix}\( and \)\mathbf{x}_{1}=\begin{pmatrix}x_{1}\\ y_{1} \end{pmatrix}.$ By writing \[ \mathbf{x}=\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a} \] for a suitable vector \(\mathbf{a},\) show that the equation \[ \mathbf{x}^{\mathrm{T}}\mathbf{Ax}+\mathbf{b}^{\mathrm{T}}\mathbf{x}-11=0, \] where $\mathbf{b}=\begin{pmatrix}18\\ 6 \end{pmatrix}\( and \) \mathbf{x}^{\mathrm{T}} \( is the transpose of \)\mathbf{x},$ becomes \[ 3x_{1}^{2}-y_{1}^{2}=c \] for some constant \(c\) (which you should find).


Solution: \begin{align*} \mathbf{PAP} &= \begin{pmatrix}1 & 2\\ 2 & -1 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}-1 & 8\\ 8 & 11 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1 & 2\\ 2 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \\ &= \begin{pmatrix}1 & 2\\ 2 & -1 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}15 & -10\\ 30 & 5 \end{pmatrix} \\ &= \begin{pmatrix}75 & 0\\ 0 & -25 \end{pmatrix} \end{align*} Which is diagonal as required. Letting \(\mathbf{x}=\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}\) \begin{align*} && \mathbf{x}^{\mathrm{T}}\mathbf{Ax}+\mathbf{b}^{\mathrm{T}}\mathbf{x}-11&=0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && (\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a})^T\mathbf{A}(\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}) + \mathbf{b}^T(\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}) - 11 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbf{x}_{1}^T\mathbf{PAP}\mathbf{x}_1 + \mathbf{x}_{1}^T\mathbf{PAa} + \mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{AP}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{Aa} + \mathbf{b}^T(\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}) - 11 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbf{x}_{1}^T\mathbf{PAP}\mathbf{x}_1 +(2\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{A}+\mathbf{b}^T)\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{Aa} + \mathbf{b}^T\mathbf{a} - 11 &= 0 \\ \end{align*} It would be nice if we picked \(\mathbf{a}\) such that \(2\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{A}+\mathbf{b}^T = 0\), if \(\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} a_1 \\a_2 \end{pmatrix}\) then this equation becomes: \begin{align*} && 2\begin{pmatrix}-a_1 + 8a_2 & 8a_1+11a_2 \end{pmatrix} + \begin{pmatrix}18 & 6 \end{pmatrix} &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && a_1 = 1, a_2 = -1 \end{align*} So our equation is now \begin{align*} && \mathbf{x}_{1}^T\mathbf{PAP}\mathbf{x}_1 +(2\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{A}+\mathbf{b}^T)\mathbf{P}\mathbf{x}_{1}+\mathbf{a}^T\mathbf{Aa} + \mathbf{b}^T\mathbf{a} - 11 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbf{x}_{1}^T\mathbf{PAP}\mathbf{x}_1-6 +12 - 11 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 25(3x_1^2 - y_1^2) &= 5 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 3x_1^2 - y_1^2 &= \frac{1}{5} \end{align*}

1993 Paper 2 Q11
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

In this question, take the value of \(g\) to be \(10\ \mathrm{ms^{-2}.\)} A body of mass \(m\) kg is dropped vertically into a deep pool of liquid. Once in the liquid, it is subject to gravity, an upward buoyancy force of \(\frac{6}{5}\) times its weight, and a resistive force of \(2mv^{2}\mathrm{N}\) opposite to its direction of travel when it is travelling at speed \(v\) \(\mathrm{ms}^{-1}.\) Show that the body stops sinking less than \(\frac{1}{4}\pi\) seconds after it enters the pool. Suppose now that the body enters the liquid with speed \(1\ \mathrm{ms}^{-1}.\) Show that the body descends to a depth of \(\frac{1}{4}\ln2\) metres and that it returns to the surface with speed \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\ \mathrm{ms}^{-1},\) at a time \[ \frac{\pi}{8}+\frac{1}{4}\ln\left(\frac{\sqrt{2}+1}{\sqrt{2}-1}\right) \] seconds after entering the pool.


Solution: While descending, the body experiences the force \(-\frac15mg - 2mv^2\). \begin{align*} \text{N2:} && m \dot{v} &= -\frac15 mg - 2mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\dot{v}}{\frac15g + 2v^2} &= -1 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{2}\tan^{-1} v_1 - \frac{1}{2}\tan^{-1} {v_0} &= -T \end{align*} We care about when \(v_1 = 0\), ie \(\displaystyle T = \frac{1}{2}\tan^{-1} {v_0} < \frac12 \frac{\pi}2 = \frac{\pi}4\) seconds. If the body enters at speed \(1\ \mathrm{ms}^{-1}.\) then for the first part of it's journey it will experience forces \(-\frac15mg - 2mv^2\) and so: \begin{align*} \text{N2:} && m v \frac{\d v}{\d x} &= -\frac15 mg - 2mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \int \frac{v}{2(1 + v^2)} \d v &= \int -1 \d x \\ \Rightarrow && \frac14 \ln (1 + v^2) &= -x \end{align*} Therefore the depth is \(\frac14 \ln 2\) metres. When the body is rising, it experiences forces of: \(\frac15mg - 2mv^2\) and so: \begin{align*} \text{N2:} && m v \frac{\d v}{\d x} &= \frac15mg - 2mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \int \frac{v}{2(1 - v^2)} \d v &= \int -1 \d x \\ \Rightarrow && -\frac14 \ln (1 - v^2) &= \frac14 \ln 2 \\ \Rightarrow && 1-v^2 &= \frac12 \\ \Rightarrow && v &= \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \ \mathrm{ms}^{-1} \end{align*} This will take \begin{align*} \text{N2:} && m \dot{v} &= \frac15mg - 2mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\dot{v}}{2(1-v^2)} &= -1 \\ \Rightarrow && \dot{v} \frac{1}{4}\l \frac{1}{1 - v} + \frac{1}{1+v} \r &= -1 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{4} \l -\ln(1 - v) + \ln(1 + v)\r &= -T \end{align*} Since \(v = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) \begin{align*} T &= \frac{1}{4} \ln \l \frac{1+ \frac1{\sqrt{2}}}{1 - \frac1{\sqrt{2}}}\r \\ &= \frac14 \ln \l \frac{\sqrt{2} + 1}{\sqrt{2}-1} \r \end{align*} and therefore the total time will be: \begin{align*} & \frac12 \tan^{-1} 1 + \frac14 \ln \l \frac{\sqrt{2} + 1}{\sqrt{2}-1} \r \\ =& \frac{\pi}{8} + \frac14 \ln \l \frac{\sqrt{2} + 1}{\sqrt{2}-1} \r \end{align*}

1993 Paper 2 Q12
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

TikZ diagram
A uniform sphere of mass \(M\) and radius \(r\) rests between a vertical wall \(W_{1}\) and an inclined plane \(W_{2}\) that meets \(W_{1}\) at an angle \(\alpha.\) \(Q_{1}\) and \(Q_{2}\) are the points of contact of the sphere with \(W_{1}\) and \(W_{2}\) resectively, as shown in the diagram. A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the sphere at \(P\), where \(PQ_{1}\) is a diameter, and the system is released. The sphere is on the point of slipping at \(Q_{1}\) and at \(Q_{2}.\) Show that if the coefficients of friction between the sphere and \(W_{1}\) and \(W_{2}\) are \(\mu_{1}\) and \(\mu_{2}\) respectively, then \[ m=\frac{\mu_{2}+\mu_{1}\cos\alpha-\mu_{1}\mu_{2}\sin\alpha}{(2\mu_{1}\mu_{2}+1)\sin\alpha+(\mu_{2}-2\mu_{1})\cos\alpha-\mu_{2}}M. \] If the sphere is on the point of rolling about \(Q_{2}\) instead of slipping, show that \[ m=\frac{M}{\sec\alpha-1}. \]


Solution:

TikZ diagram
Since the sphere is on the point of slipping at both \(Q_1\) and \(Q_2\), \(F_{r1} = \mu_1 R_1\) and \(F_{r2} = \mu_2 R_2\) \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && -mg-Mg-\mu_1 R_1 + R_2 \sin \alpha + \mu_2 R_2 \cos \alpha &= 0 \\ \text{N2}(\rightarrow): && -R_1 + R_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_2 R_2 \sin \alpha &= 0 \\ \\ \Rightarrow && R_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_2 R_2 \sin \alpha &= R_1 \\ % && -mg-Mg+\mu_1 (R_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_2 R_2 \sin \alpha) + R_2 \sin \alpha + \mu_2 R_2 \cos \alpha &= 0 \\ % \\ \overset{\curvearrowleft}{O}: && mg - \mu_1 R_1 - \mu_2R_2 &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \mu_1 R_2 \l \cos \alpha - \mu_2 \sin \alpha \r - \mu_2 R_2 &= -mg \\ && \mu_1 (R_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_2 R_2 \sin \alpha) + R_2 \sin \alpha + \\ && \quad \quad \mu_2 R_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_1 R_2 \l \cos \alpha - \mu_2 \sin \alpha \r - \mu_2 R_2 &= Mg \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\mu_2+\mu_1 \l \cos \alpha - \mu_2 \sin \alpha \r }{\mu_1 ( \cos \alpha - \mu_2 \sin \alpha) + \sin \alpha + \mu_2 \cos \alpha - \mu_1 \l \cos \alpha - \mu_2 \sin \alpha \r - \mu_2 } &= \frac{m}{M} \\ && \frac{\mu_2+\mu_1 \cos \alpha - \mu_1\mu_2 \sin \alpha }{\cos \alpha (-2\mu_1+\mu_2) + \sin \alpha (1 +2\mu_1\mu_2) -\mu_2} &= \frac{m}{M} \end{align*} If instead the sphere is about to roll about \(Q_2\), then the forces at \(Q_1\) will be \(0\), we can then take moments about \(Q_2\).
TikZ diagram
Looking at perpendicular distances from \(Q_2\) to \(O\) and \(P\) we have \(r \cos \alpha\) and \(r(1-\cos \alpha)\) \begin{align*} \overset{\curvearrowleft}{Q_2}: && mg (1 - \cos \alpha) - Mg \cos \alpha &= 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{\sec \alpha-1} &= \frac{m}{M} \end{align*}

1993 Paper 2 Q13
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

The force \(F\) of repulsion between two particles with positive charges \(Q\) and \(Q'\) is given by \(F=kQQ'/r^{2},\) where \(k\) is a positive constant and \(r\) is the distance between the particles. Two small beads \(P_{1}\) and \(P_{2}\) are fixed to a straight horizontal smooth wire, a distance \(d\) apart. A third bead \(P_{3}\) of mass \(m\) is free to move along the wire between \(P_{1}\) and \(P_{3}.\) The beads carry positive electrical charges \(Q_{1},Q_{2}\) and \(Q_{3}.\) If \(P_{3}\) is in equilibrium at a distance \(a\) from \(P_{1},\) show that \[ a=\frac{d\sqrt{Q_{1}}}{\sqrt{Q_{1}}+\sqrt{Q_{2}}}. \] Suppose that \(P_{3}\) is displaced slightly from its equilibrium position and released from rest. Show that it performs approximate simple harmonic motion with period \[ \frac{\pi d}{(\sqrt{Q_{1}}+\sqrt{Q_{2}})^{2}}\sqrt{\frac{2md\sqrt{Q_{1}Q_{2}}}{kQ_{3}}.} \] {[}You may use the fact that \(\dfrac{1}{(a+y)^{2}}\approx\dfrac{1}{a^{2}}-\dfrac{2y}{a^{3}}\) for small \(y.\){]}

1993 Paper 2 Q14
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

A ball of mass \(m\) is thrown vertically upwards from the floor of a room of height \(h\) with speed \(\sqrt{2kgh},\) where \(k>1.\) The coefficient of restitution between the ball and the ceiling or floor is \(a\). Both the ceiling and floor are level. Show that the kinetic energy of the ball immediately before hitting the ceiling for the \(n\)th time is \[ mgh\left(a^{4n-4}(k-1)+\frac{a^{4n-4}-1}{a^{2}+1}\right). \] Hence show that the number of times the ball hits the ceiling is at most \[ 1-\frac{\ln[a^{2}(k-1)+k]}{4\ln a}. \]


Solution: \begin{align*} && \text{energy when projected} &= \frac12 m(2kgh) \\ &&&= kghm \\ && \text{energy when hitting ceiling the first time} &= mgh + \frac12 m v^2 \\ \text{COE}: && kghm &= mgh + \frac12 mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && v^2 &= 2gh(k-1) \end{align*} It will rebound with speed \(\sqrt{2gh(k-1)}a\). \begin{align*} && \text{energy when rebounding from ceiling} &=gh(k-1)a^2 + mgh \\ && \text{energy before hitting the floor} &= \frac12 mv^2 \\ \text{COE}: && gh(k-1)a^2 + mgh &= \frac12 mv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && v^2 &= 2gh((k-1)a^2+1) \end{align*} The ball will rebound with kinetic energy \(m gh((k-1)a^2+1)a^2 = mgh((k-1)a^4+a^2)\) And will reach the ceiling with kinetic energy \(mgh((k-1)a^4+a^2-1)\). When \(n = 1\), the kinetic energy (before hitting the ceiling for the first time) is \(mgh(k-1)\). Suppose \(s_n\) is the expression for the kinetic energy divided by \(mgh\), ie \(s_1 = k-1\), then: Clearly \(s_1 = k-1 = a^{4\cdot1-4}(k-1) + \frac{a^{4\cdot-4}-1}{a^2+1}\), so our hypothesis holds for \(n=1\). Suppose it is true for \(n\), then the \(n+1\)th time it will be: \begin{align*} s_{n+1} &= s_n a^4+a^2-1 \\ &= \left ( a^{4n-4}(k-1)+\frac{a^{4n-4}-1}{a^{2}+1} \right) a^4 + a^2 - 1 \\ &= a^{4(n+1)-4}(k-1) + \frac{a^{4(n+1)-4}-a^4}{a^2+1} + \frac{a^4-1}{a^2+1} \\ &= a^{4(n+1)-4}(k-1) + \frac{a^{4(n+1)-4}-a^4+a^4-1}{a^2+1} \\ &= a^{4(n+1)-4}(k-1) + \frac{a^{4(n+1)-4}-1}{a^2+1} \end{align*} Which is our desired expression, therefore it is true by induction. We wont reach the ceiling if this energy is not positive, ie: \begin{align*} && 0 &\leq a^{4n-4}(k-1)+\frac{a^{4n-4}-1}{a^{2}+1} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{a^2+1}&\geq a^{4n-4}\left (k - 1 + \frac{1}{a^2+1} \right) \\ \Rightarrow && a^{4n-4} &\geq \frac{1}{a^2+1} \cdot \frac{1}{k - 1 + \frac{1}{a^2+1}} \\ \Rightarrow && a^{4n-4} &\geq \frac{1}{(k-1)(a^2+1)+1} \\ \Rightarrow && 4(n-1) \ln a &\geq - \ln[(k-1)(a^2+1)+1] \\ \underbrace{\Rightarrow}_{\ln a < 0} && (n-1) &\leq \frac{ - \ln[(k-1)(a^2+1)+1]}{4\ln a} \\ \Rightarrow && n & \leq 1 -\frac{ \ln[(k-1)(a^2+1)+1]}{4\ln a} \\ &&&= 1 -\frac{ \ln[(k-1)a^2+k]}{4\ln a} \end{align*}