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1994 Paper 3 Q13
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

During his performance a trapeze artist is supported by two identical ropes, either of which can bear his weight. Each rope is such that the time, in hours of performance, before it fails is exponentially distributed, independently of the other, with probability density function \(\lambda\exp(-\lambda t)\) for \(t\geqslant0\) (and 0 for \(t<0\)), for some \(\lambda>0.\) A particular rope has already been in use for \(t_{0}\) hours of performance. Find the distribution for the length of time the artist can continue to use it before it fails. Interpret and comment upon your result. Before going on tour the artist insists that the management purchase two new ropes of the above type. Show that the probability density function of the time until both ropes fail is \[ \mathrm{f}(t)=\begin{cases} 2\lambda\mathrm{e}^{-\lambda t}(1-\mathrm{e}^{-\lambda t}) & \text{ if }t\geqslant0,\\ 0 & \text{ otherwise.} \end{cases} \] If each performance lasts for \(h\) hours, find the probability that both ropes fail during the \(n\)th performance. Show that the probability that both ropes fail during the same performance is \(\tanh(\lambda h/2)\).

1994 Paper 3 Q14
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

Three points, \(P,Q\) and \(R\), are independently randomly chosen on the perimeter of a circle. Prove that the probability that at least one of the angles of the triangle \(PQR\) will exceed \(k\pi\) is \(3(1-k)^{2}\) if \(\frac{1}{2}\leqslant k\leqslant1.\) Find the probability if \(\frac{1}{3}\leqslant k\leqslant\frac{1}{2}.\)