A point moves in unit steps on the \(x\)-axis starting from the origin. At each step the point is equally likely to move in the positive or negative direction. The probability that after \(s\) steps it is at one of the points \(x=2,x=3,x=4\) or \(x=5\) is \(\mathrm{P}(s).\) Show that \(\mathrm{P}(5)=\frac{3}{16},\) \(\mathrm{P}(6)=\frac{21}{64}\) and \[ \mathrm{P}(2k)=\binom{2k+1}{k-1}\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^{2k} \] where \(k\) is a positive integer. Find a similar expression for \(\mathrm{P}(2k+1).\) Determine the values of \(s\) for which \(\mathrm{P}(s)\) has its greatest value.
Solution: After \(5\) steps we can get to: \begin{array}{c|c} x & \text{ways} \\ \hline 5 & 1 \text { - go positive every time}\\ 4 & 0 \\ 3 & \binom{5}{1} \text { - go positive every time but 1} \\ 2 &0 \\ \hline & 6 \end{array} Therefore there are \(\frac{6}{2^5} = \frac{3}{16}\) ways to get to \(\{2,3,4,5\}\) After \(6\) steps we can get to: \begin{array}{c|c} x & \text{ways} \\ \hline 5 & 0 \\ 4 & \binom{6}{1} \text { - go positive every time but 1}\\ 3 & 0 \\ 2 & \binom{6}{2} - \text{ - go positive every time but 2} \\ \hline & 21 \end{array} Therefore there are \(\frac{21}{2^6} = \frac{21}{64}\) ways to get to \(\{2,3,4,5\}\) After \(2k\) steps we can reach \(2\) or \(4\). To get to \(2\) we must take \(k+1\) positive steps and \(k-1\) negative steps, ie \(\binom{2k}{k-1}\). To get to \(4\) we must take \(k+2\) positive steps and \(k-2\) negative steps, ie \(\binom{2k}{k-2}\) Therefore there are \(\binom{2k+1}{k-1}\) routes, ie a probability of \(\frac{1}{2^{2k}} \binom{2k+1}{k-1}\) After \(2k+1\) steps we can reach \(3\) or \(5\). To get to \(3\) we must take \(k+2\) positive steps and \(k-1\) negative steps, ie \(\binom{2k+1}{k-1}\). To get to \(5\) we must take \(k+3\) positive steps and \(k-2\) negative steps, ie \(\binom{2k+1}{k-2}\) Therefore there are \(\binom{2k+2}{k-1}\) routes, ie a probability of \(\frac{1}{2^{2k+1}} \binom{2k+2}{k-1}\) To find the maximum of \(P(s)\) notice that \begin{align*} && \frac{P(2k+1)}{P(2k)} &= \frac12 \frac{\binom{2k+2}{k-1}}{\binom{2k+1}{k-1}} \\ &&&= \frac12 \frac{(2k+2)!(k-1)!(k+2)!}{(2k+1)!(k-1)!(k+3)!} \\ &&&= \frac12 \frac{2k+2}{k+3} = \frac{k+1}{k+3} < 1 \end{align*} So we should only look at the even terms. \begin{align*} && \frac{P(2k+2)}{P(2k)} &= \frac14 \frac{\binom{2k+3}{k}}{\binom{2k+1}{k-1}} \\ &&&= \frac14 \frac{(2k+3)!(k-1)!(k+2)!}{(2k+1)!k!(k+3)!} \\ &&&= \frac14 \frac{(2k+3)(2k+2)}{k(k+3)} \\ &&&= \frac{(2k+3)(k+1)}{2k(k+3)} \geq 1 \\ \Leftrightarrow && (2k+3)(k+1) &\geq 2k(k+3) \\ \Leftrightarrow && 2k^2+5k+3 &\geq 2k^2+6k \\ \Leftrightarrow && 3 &\geq k \\ \end{align*} Therefore the maximum is when \(s = 2\cdot 3\) or \(s = 2\cdot 4\) which we computed earlier to be \(\frac{21}{64}\)
A taxi driver keeps a packet of toffees and a packet of mints in her taxi. From time to time she takes either a toffee (with probability \(p\)) or mint (with probability \(q=1-p\)). At the beginning of the week she has \(n\) toffees and \(m\) mints in the packets. On the \(N\)th occasion that she reaches for a sweet, she discovers (for the first time) that she has run out of that kind of sweet. What is the probability that she was reaching for a toffee?
Solution: \begin{align*} \mathbb{P}(\text{run out reading for toffee on } N\text{th occassion}) &= \binom{N-1}{n}p^nq^{N-1-n}p \end{align*} Since out of the first \(N-1\) times, we need to choose toffee \(n\) times, and then choose it again for the \(N\)th time. Therefore: \begin{align*} \mathbb{P}(\text{reaching for toffee} | \text{run out on }N\text{th occassion}) &= \frac{\mathbb{P}(\text{reaching for toffee and run out on }N\text{th occassion})}{\mathbb{P}(\text{reaching for toffee and run out on }N\text{th occassion}) + \mathbb{P}(\text{reaching for mint and run out on }N\text{th occassion})} \\ &= \frac{ \binom{N-1}{n}p^nq^{N-1-n}p}{ \binom{N-1}{n}p^nq^{N-1-n}p + \binom{N-1}{m}q^mp^{N-1-m}q} \\ &= \frac{ \binom{N-1}{n}}{ \binom{N-1}{n} + \binom{N-1}{m} \l \frac{q}{p} \r^{m+ n+ 2-N}} \end{align*} Some conclusions we can draw from this are: As \(p \to 1, q \to 0\), the probability they were reaching for a Toffee tends to \(1\). (And vice versa). If \(p = q\), then the probability is: \begin{align*} \frac{ \binom{N-1}{n}}{ \binom{N-1}{n} + \binom{N-1}{m} } \end{align*} Since \(n+1 \leq N \leq n+m+1\) where \(n \geq m\) we can notice that: \begin{align*} \text{if } N = m + n + 1 && \binom{m+n+1 - 1}{n} &= \binom{m+n+1 - 1}{m} & \text{ so } \mathbb{P} = \frac12 \\ \text{if } N = n+k && \binom{n+k-1}{n} &< \binom{n+k-1}{m} & \text{ so } \mathbb{P} < \frac12 \\ \end{align*}
Solution:
The matrices \(\mathbf{I}\) and \(\mathbf{J}\) are \[ \mathbf{I}=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 0\\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}\quad\mbox{ and }\quad\mathbf{J}=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1\\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \] respectively and \(\mathbf{A}=\mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J},\) where \(a\) is a non-zero real constant. Prove that \[ \mathbf{A}^{2}=\mathbf{I}+\tfrac{1}{2}[(1+2a)^{2}-1]\mathbf{J}\quad\mbox{ and }\quad\mathbf{A}^{3}=\mathbf{I}+\tfrac{1}{2}[(1+2a)^{3}-1]\mathbf{J} \] and obtain a similar form for \(\mathbf{A}^{4}.\) If \(\mathbf{A}^{k}=\mathbf{I}+p_{k}\mathbf{J},\) suggest a suitable form for \(p_{k}\) and prove that it is correct by induction, or otherwise.
Solution: If $\mathbf{J}=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1\\ 1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}\(, them \)\mathbf{J}^2=\begin{pmatrix}2 & 2\\ 2 & 2 \end{pmatrix} = 2\mathbf{J}\(. Therefore \)\mathbf{J}^n = 2\mathbf{J}^{n-1} = 2^{n-1}\mathbf{J}$ Let \(\mathbf{A}=\mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J}\) then \begin{align*} \mathbf{A}^2 &=\l \mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J}\r^2 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+2a\mathbf{J} + a^2\mathbf{J}^2 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+2a\mathbf{J} + 2a^2\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+(2a+ 2a^2)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12(1+4a+ 4a^2-1)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12((1+2a)^2-1)\mathbf{J} \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} \mathbf{A}^3 &=\l \mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J}\r^3 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+3a\mathbf{J} + a^2\mathbf{J} + a^3\mathbf{J}^3 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+3a\mathbf{J} + 6a^2\mathbf{J} + 4a^3\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+(3a+ 6a^3+4a^3)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12(1+3\cdot2a+3\dot4a^2+ 8a^3-1)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12((1+2a)^3-1)\mathbf{J} \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} \mathbf{A}^4 &=\l \mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J}\r^4 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+4a\mathbf{J} + 6a^2\mathbf{J}^2 + 4a^3\mathbf{J}^3+a^4\mathbf{J}^4 \\ &= \mathbf{I}+4a\mathbf{J} + 12a^2\mathbf{J} + 16a^3\mathbf{J}+8a^4\mathbf{J}\\ &= \mathbf{I}+(4a+ 12a^3+16a^3+8a^4)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12(1+4\cdot2a+6\cdot4a^2+ 4\cdot8a^3+16a^4-1)\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I}+\frac12((1+2a)^4-1)\mathbf{J} \\ \end{align*} Claim: \(\mathbf{A}^k = \mathbf{I} + \frac12 ((1+2a)^{k}-1)\mathbf{J}\) Proof: Firstly, note that \(\mathbf{I}\) commutes with everything, so we can just apply the binomial theorem as if we were using real numbers: \begin{align*} \mathbf{A}^k &=\l \mathbf{I}+a\mathbf{J}\r^k \\ &= \sum_{i=0}^k \binom{k}{i}a^i\mathbf{J}^i \\ &= \mathbf{I} + \sum_{i=1}^k \binom{k}{i}a^i2^{i-1}\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I} + \frac12\l\sum_{i=1}^k \binom{k}{i}a^i2^{i}\r\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I} + \frac12\l\sum_{i=0}^k \binom{k}{i}a^i2^{i} - 1\r\mathbf{J} \\ &= \mathbf{I} + \frac12\l(1+2a)^k - 1\r\mathbf{J} \end{align*} as required
Sketch the curve \(C_{1}\) whose parametric equations are \(x=t^{2},\) \(y=t^{3}.\) The circle \(C_{2}\) passes through the origin \(O\). The points \(R\) and \(S\) with real non-zero parameters \(r\) and \(s\) respectively are other intersections of \(C_{1}\) and \(C_{2}.\) Show that \(r\) and \(s\) are roots of an equation of the form \[ t^{4}+t^{2}+at+b=0, \] where \(a\) and \(b\) are real constants. By obtaining a quadratic equation, with coefficients expressed in terms of \(r\) and \(s\), whose roots would be the parameters of any further intersections of \(C_{1}\) and \(C_{2},\) or otherwise, show that \(O\), \(R\) and \(S\) are the only real intersections of \(C_{1}\) and \(C_{2}.\)
Solution:
A set of curves \(S_{1}\) is defined by the equation \[ y=\frac{x}{x-a}, \] where \(a\) is a constant which is different for different members of \(S_{1}.\) Sketch on the same axes the curves for which \(a=-2,-1,1\) and \(2\). A second of curves \(S_{2}\) is such that at each intersection between a member of \(S_{2}\) and a member of \(S_{1}\) the tangents of the intersecting curves are perpendicular. On the same axes as the already sketched members of \(S_{1},\) sketch the member of \(S_{2}\) that passes through the point \((1,-1)\). Obtain the first order differential equation for \(y\) satisfied at all points on all members of \(S_{1}\) (i.e. an equation connecting \(x,y\) and \(\mathrm{d}y/\mathrm{d}x\) which does not involve \(a\)). State the relationship between the values of \(\mathrm{d}y/\mathrm{d}x\) on two intersecting curves, one from \(S_{1}\) and one from \(S_{2},\) at their intersection. Hence show that the differential equation for the curves of \(S_{2}\) is \[ x=y(y-1)\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x}. \] Find an equation for the member of \(S_{2}\) that you have sketched.
The tetrahedron \(ABCD\) has \(A\) at the point \((0,4,-2)\). It is symmetrical about the plane \(y+z=2,\) which passes through \(A\) and \(D\). The mid-point of \(BC\) is \(N\). The centre, \(Y\), of the sphere \(ABCD\) is at the point \((3,-2,4)\) and lies on \(AN\) such that \(\overrightarrow{AY}=3\overrightarrow{YN}.\) Show that \(BN=6\sqrt{2}\) and find the coordinates of \(B\) and \(C\). The angle \(AYD\) is \(\cos^{-1}\frac{1}{3}.\) Find the coordinates of \(D\). [There are two alternative answers for each point.]
Solution: Since \(B\) and \(C\) are reflections of each other in the plane \(y+z=2\) (since that's what it means to be symmetrical), we must have that \(N\) also lies on the plane \(y+z=2\). Since \(\overrightarrow{AY}=3\overrightarrow{YN}.\) we must have \(\overrightarrow{AN}=\overrightarrow{AY}+\overrightarrow{YN} = \frac43\overrightarrow{AY} = \frac43\begin{pmatrix} 3\\-6\\6\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 4\\-8\\8\end{pmatrix}\) and \(N\) is the point \((4,-4,6)\) (which fortunately is on our plane as expected). \(Y\) is the point \((3,-2,4)\) \(|\overrightarrow{AY}| = \sqrt{3^2+(-6)^2+6^2} = 3\sqrt{1+4+4} = 9\)
Given that \({\displaystyle I_{n}=\int_{0}^{\pi}\frac{x\sin^{2}(nx)}{\sin^{2}x}\,\mathrm{d}x,}\) where \(n\) is a positive integer, show that \(I_{n}-I_{n-1}=J_{n},\) where \[ J_{n}=\int_{0}^{\pi}\frac{x\sin(2n-1)x}{\sin x}\,\mathrm{d}x. \] Obtain also a reduction formula for \(J_{n}.\) The curve \(C\) is given by the cartesian equation \[ y=\dfrac{x\sin^{2}(nx)}{\sin^{2}x}, \] where \(n\) is a positive integer and \(0\leqslant x\leqslant\pi.\) Show that the area under the curve \(C\) is \(\frac{1}{2}n\pi^{2}.\)
Solution: \begin{align*} I_n - I_{n-1} &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x \sin^2(nx)}{\sin ^2 x} \d x-\int_0^{\pi} \frac{x \sin^2((n-1)x)}{\sin ^2 x} \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x}{\sin^2 x} \left ( \sin^2 (nx) - \sin^2((n-1)x) \right) \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x}{\sin^2 x}\frac12 \left ( \cos (2(n-1)x) - \cos(2nx) \right) \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x}{\sin^2 x}\frac12 2 \sin ((2n-1)x )\sin x \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x\sin ((2n-1)x )}{\sin x}d x \\ &= J_n \\ \\ J_{n+1} - J_{n} &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x \left (\sin ((2n+1)x )-\sin ((2n-1)x )\right)}{\sin x} \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi} \frac{x \left ( 2 \cos (\frac{4n x}{2}) \sin \frac{2x}{2} \right)}{\sin x} \d x \\ &= \int_0^{\pi}2x \cos (2n x) \d x \\ &= \left [ \frac{x}{2n} \sin (2n x) \right]_0^{\pi} - \int_0^{\pi} \frac{1}{2n} \sin (2n x) \d x \\ &= \left [ \frac{1}{4n^2} \cos (2n x)\right]_0^{\pi} \\ &= 0 \\ \\ J_1 &= \int_0^\pi x \d x \\ &= \frac{\pi^2}{2} \\ \Rightarrow J_n &= \frac{\pi^2}{2} \\ \end{align*} And so \(I_n = I_1 + (n-1) \frac{\pi^2}{2}\) and \(I_1 = \frac{\pi^2}{2}\) so \(I_n = \frac12 n \pi^2\). But \(I_n\) is exactly the area under the curve described.
The points \(P\) and \(R\) lie on the sides \(AB\) and \(AD,\) respectively, of the parallelogram \(ABCD.\) The point \(Q\) is the fourth vertex of the parallelogram \(APQR.\) Prove that \(BR,CQ\) and \(DP\) meet in a point.
Solution: Let \(\overrightarrow{AX} = \mathbf{x}\) for all points, so: \begin{align*} \mathbf{p} &= p\mathbf{b}\\ \mathbf{r} &= r\mathbf{d}\\ \mathbf{q} &= \mathbf{p}+\mathbf{r} \\ &= p\mathbf{b} + r\mathbf{d} \end{align*} Therefore \begin{align*} BR: && \mathbf{b} + \lambda(\mathbf{r}-\mathbf{b}) \\ &&= (1-\lambda) \mathbf{b}+ \lambda r \mathbf{d} \\ CQ: && \mathbf{c} + \mu(\mathbf{q} - \mathbf{c}) \\ &&= \mathbf{b}+\mathbf{d} + \mu(p\mathbf{b}+r\mathbf{d} - (\mathbf{b}+\mathbf{d}) ) \\ &&= (1+\mu(p-1))\mathbf{b} + (1+\mu(r-1))\mathbf{d} \\ DP: && \mathbf{d} + \nu (\mathbf{p} - \mathbf{d}) \\ &&= \nu p\mathbf{b} +(1-\nu) \mathbf{d} \end{align*} So we need \(1-\nu = \lambda r, \nu p = 1-\lambda, \) so lets say \(1 = \nu + \lambda r, 1 = \lambda + \nu p \Rightarrow \lambda(pr-1) = p-1 \Rightarrow \lambda = \frac{p-1}{pr-1}\) so they intersect at \(\frac{rp-r}{pr-1} \mathbf{d} + \frac{pr-p}{pr-1}\mathbf{b}\). If we take \(\mu = -\frac{\lambda}{p-1} = 1-pr\) this is clearly also on \(CQ\) hence they all meet at a point
Show that \[ \sin(2n+1)\theta=\sin^{2n+1}\theta\sum_{r=0}^{n}(-1)^{n-r}\binom{2n+1}{2r}\cot^{2r}\theta, \] where \(n\) is a positive integer. Deduce that the equation \[ \sum_{r=0}^{n}(-1)^{r}\binom{2n+1}{2r}x^{r}=0 \] has roots \(\cot^{2}(k\pi/(2n+1))\) for \(k=1,2,\ldots,n\). Show that