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1994 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0
complex numbers real and imaginary parts modulus conjugate function composition Möbius transformation algebraic manipulation

The function \(\mathrm{f}\) is defined, for any complex number \(z\), by \[ \mathrm{f}(z)=\frac{\mathrm{i}z-1}{\mathrm{i}z+1}. \] Suppose throughout that \(x\) is a real number.

  1. Show that \[ \mathrm{Re}\,\mathrm{f}(x)=\frac{x^{2}-1}{x^{2}+1}\qquad\mbox{ and }\qquad\mathrm{Im}\,\mathrm{f}(x)=\frac{2x}{x^{2}+1}. \]
  2. Show that \(\mathrm{f}(x)\mathrm{f}(x)^{*}=1,\) where \(\mathrm{f}(x)^{*}\) is the complex conjugate of \(\mathrm{f}(x)\).
  3. Find expressions for \(\mathrm{Re}\,\mathrm{f}(\mathrm{f}(x))\) and \(\mathrm{Im}\,\mathrm{f}(\mathrm{f}(x)).\)
  4. Find \(\mathrm{f}(\mathrm{f}(\mathrm{f}(x))).\)

Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && f(x) &= \frac{ix-1}{ix+1} \\ &&&= \frac{ix-1}{ix+1} \frac{1-ix}{1-ix} \\ &&&= \frac{ix-1+x^2+ix}{1^2+x^2} \\ &&&= \frac{x^2-1}{x^2+1} + i \frac{2x}{x^2+1} \\ \Rightarrow && \textrm{Re}(f(x)) &= \frac{x^2-1}{x^2+1} \\ && \textrm{Im}(f(x)) &= \frac{2x}{x^2+1} \end{align*}
  2. \begin{align*} && f(x)f(x)^* &= \frac{ix-1}{ix+1} \frac{(ix-1)^*}{(ix+1)^*} \\ &&&= \frac{ix-1}{ix+1} \frac{-ix-1}{-ix+1} \\ &&&= \frac{ix-1}{ix+1} \frac{-(ix+1)}{-(ix-1)} \\ &&&= 1
  3. \begin{align*} && \begin{pmatrix} i & -1 \\ i & 1 \end{pmatrix}^2 &= \begin{pmatrix} -1-i & -i-1 \\ -1+i & -i+1 \end{pmatrix} \\ \Rightarrow && f(f(z)) &= \frac{-(1+i)(z+1)}{(-1+i)(z-1)} \\ &&&= \frac{2i}{2} \frac{z+1}{z-1} \\ &&&= i \frac{z+1}{z-1} \\ \Rightarrow && \textrm{Re}(f(f(x))) &= 0 \\ && \textrm{Im}(f(f(x))) &= \frac{x+1}{x-1} \end{align*}
  4. \begin{align*} && \begin{pmatrix} i & -1 \\ i & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} i & i \\ 1 & -1 \end{pmatrix} &= \begin{pmatrix} -2 & 0 \\ 0 & -2 \end{pmatrix} \\ \Rightarrow && f(f(f(z))) &= z \end{align*}

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1994 Paper 3 Q2
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0
quadratics substitution palindromic polynomial quartic algebraic manipulation solving equations

  1. By setting \(y=x+x^{-1},\) find the solutions of \[ x^{4}+10x^{3}+26x^{2}+10x+1=0. \]
  2. Solve \[ x^{4}+x^{3}-10x^{2}-4x+16=0. \]

Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} && x^{4}+10x^{3}+26x^{2}+10x+1 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x^2 + 10x + 26 + 10x^{-1} + x^{-2} &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && (x^2 + x^{-2} + 2) + 10(x+x^{-1}) + 24 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && y^2 + 10y + 24 &= 0 \tag{\(y = x + x^{-1}\)} \\ \Leftrightarrow && (y+6)(y+4) &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \begin{cases} x+x^{-1} = -4 \\ x+x^{-1} = -6 \\ \end{cases} \\ \Leftrightarrow && \begin{cases} x^2+4x+1 = 0 \\ x^2+6x+1 = 0 \\ \end{cases} \\ \Leftrightarrow && \boxed{\begin{cases} x = -2 \pm \sqrt{3} \\ x = -3 \pm 2\sqrt{2} \\ \end{cases}} \\ \end{align*}
  2. \begin{align*} && x^{4}+x^{3}-10x^{2}-4x+16=0 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x^2 + x - 10 - 4x^{-1} + 4x^{-2} &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && (x^2+4x^{-2} - 4) + (x - 4x^{-1}) - 6 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && (x^2+4x^{-2} - 4) + (x - 4x^{-1}) - 6 &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && z^2 + z - 6 &= 0 \tag{\(z = x -2x^{-1}\)} \\ \Leftrightarrow && (z+3)(z-2) &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \begin{cases} x-2x^{-1} = -3 \\ x-2x^{-1} = 2 \\ \end{cases} \\ \Leftrightarrow && \begin{cases} x^2+3x-2 = 0 \\ x^2-2x-2 = 0 \\ \end{cases} \\ \Leftrightarrow && \boxed{\begin{cases} x = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{17}}{2} \\ x = 1 \pm \sqrt{3} \\ \end{cases}} \\ \end{align*}

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1994 Paper 3 Q12
D: 1700.0 B: 1473.3
probability independent events geometric series tennis conditional probability algebraic manipulation infinite series

In certain forms of Tennis two players \(A\) and \(B\) serve alternate games. Player \(A\) has probability \(p\low_{A}\) of winning a game in which she serves and \(p\low_{B}\) of winning a game in which player \(B\) serves. Player \(B\) has probability \(q\low_{B}=1-p\low_{B}\) of winning a game in which she serves and probability \(q\low_{A}=1-p\low_{A}\) of winning a game in which player \(A\) serves. In Shortened Tennis the first player to lead by 2 games wins the match. Find the probability \(P_{\text{short}}\) that \(A\) wins a Shortened Tennis match in which she serves first and show that it is the same as if \(B\) serves first. In Standard Tennis the first player to lead by 2 or more games after 4 or more games have been played wins the match. Show that the probability that the match is decided in 4 games is \[ p^{2}_Ap_{B}^{2}+q_{A}^{2}q_{B}^{2}+2(p\low_{A}p\low_{B}+q\low_{A}q\low_{B})(p\low_{A}q\low_{B}+q\low_{A}p\low_{B}). \] If \(p\low_{A}=p\low_{B}=p\) and \(q\low_{A}=q\low_{B}=q,\) find the probability \(P_{\text{stan}}\) that \(A\) wins a Standard Tennis match in which she serves first. Show that \[ P_{\text{stan}}-P_{\text{short}}=\frac{p^{2}q^{2}(p-q)}{p^{2}+q^{2}}. \]

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1993 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1531.5
integration orthogonality trigonometric product-to-sum formula substitution special cases definite integral algebraic manipulation

  1. Evaluate \[ \int_{0}^{2\pi}\cos(mx)\cos(nx)\,\mathrm{d}x, \] where \(m,n\) are integers, taking into account any special cases that arise.
  2. Find \({\displaystyle \int\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{x}}\,\mathrm{d}x}.\)

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1993 Paper 2 Q8
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0
proof by induction inequality AM-GM inequality sequences power of two positive reals algebraic manipulation

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 \(m\) \[ a_{1}\cdots a_{2^{m}}\leqslant\left(\frac{a_{1}+\cdots+a_{2^{m}}}{2^{m}}\right)^{2^{m}}.\tag{*} \] 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 \[ \left(a_{1}\cdots a_{n}\right)^{1/n}\leqslant\frac{a_{1}+\cdots+a_{n}}{n}. \]

Solution: \begin{align*} && 0 &\leqslant (a_1 - a_2)^2 \\ &&&= a_1^2 -2a_1a_2 + a_2^2 \\ &&&= (a_1+a_2)^2 -4a_1a_2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && a_1a_2 &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_1+a_2}2 \right)^2 \end{align*} Claim: \((*)\) is true Proof: (By induction) We have already proven the base case. Suppose it is true for some \(m\), then consider \(m+1\) \begin{align*} && a_1 \cdots a_{2^m} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_{2^m}}{2^m} \right)^{2^m} \tag{by (*)} \\ && a_{2^m+1} \cdots a_{2^{m+1}} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_{2^m+1} + \cdots + a_{2^{m+1}}}{2^m} \right)^{2^m} \tag{by (*)} \\ \Rightarrow && (a_1 \cdots a_{2^m})^{1/2^m} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_{2^m}}{2^m} \right) \\ && (a_{2^m+1} \cdots a_{2^{m+1}})^{1/2^m} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_{2^m+1} + \cdots + a_{2^{m+1}}}{2^m} \right) \\ \Rightarrow && (a_1 \cdots a_{2^m})^{1/2^m} \cdot (a_{2^m+1} \cdots a_{2^{m+1}})^{1/2^m} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{ (a_1 \cdots a_{2^m})^{1/2^m} +(a_{2^m+1} \cdots a_{2^{m+1}})^{1/2^m} }{2} \right )^2 \\ &&&\leqslant \left ( \frac{ \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_{2^m}}{2^m}+\frac{a_{2^m+1} + \cdots + a_{2^{m+1}}}{2^m} }{2} \right )^2 \\ &&&\leqslant \left ( \frac{ a_1 + \cdots + a_{2^m}+a_{2^m+1} + \cdots + a_{2^{m+1}} }{2^{m+1}} \right )^2 \\ \Rightarrow && a_1 \cdots a_{2^{m+1}} &\leqslant \left ( \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_{2^{m+1}}}{2^{m+1}} \right)^{2^{m+1}} \end{align*} Which is precisely \((*)\) for \(m+1\). Therefore our statement is true by induction. Suppose \(n < 2^m\) and \(b_1 = a_1, b_2 = a_2, \cdots b_n = a_n\) and \(b_{n+1} = \cdots = b_{2^m} = A\) where \(A = \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_n}{n}\) then \begin{align*} && b_1 \cdots b_n \cdot b_{n+1} \cdots b_{2^m} &\leq \left ( \frac{b_1 + \cdots + b_n + b_{n+1} + \cdots + b_{2^m}}{2^{m}} \right)^{2^m} \\ \Leftrightarrow && a_1 \cdots a_n \cdot A^{2^m-n} &\leq \left ( \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_n + (2^m-n)A}{2^m} \right)^{2^m} \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{nA + (2^m - n)A}{2^m} \right)^{2^m} \\ &&&= A^{2^m} \\ \Rightarrow && a_1 \cdots a_n &\leq A^n \\ \Rightarrow && (a_1 \cdots a_n)^{1/n} &\leq A = \frac{a_1 + \cdots + a_n}{n} \end{align*}

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1993 Paper 3 Q9
D: 1700.0 B: 1485.7
inequality proof AM-GM inequality sum of squares generalisation algebraic manipulation quadratic forms

For the real numbers \(a_1\), \(a_2\), \(a_3\), \(\ldots\),

  1. prove that \(a_1^2+a_2^2 \ge 2a_1a_2\),
  2. prove that \(a_1^2+a_2^2 +a_3^2 \ge a_2a_3 + a_3a_1 +a_1a_2\),
  3. prove that $3(a_1^2+a_2^2 +a_3^2 +a_4^2) \ge 2(a_1a_2+a_1a_3 + a_1a_4 +a_2a_3 + a_2a_4 +a_3a_4)\(,
  4. state and prove a generalisation of (iii) to the case of \)n$ real numbers,
  5. prove that $$ \left(\sum_{i=1}^n a_i \right)^2 \ge {2n\over n-1} \sum_{i,j} a_ia_j, $$ where the latter sum is taken over all pairs \((i,j)\) with $1\le i

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1992 Paper 2 Q7
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0
roots of polynomials cubic symmetric functions Vieta's formulas repeated roots discriminant algebraic manipulation

The cubic equation \[ x^{3}-px^{2}+qx-r=0 \] has roots \(a,b\) and \(c\). Express \(p,q\) and \(r\) in terms of \(a,b\) and \(c\).

  1. If \(p=0\) and two of the roots are equal to each other, show that \[ 4q^{3}+27r^{2}=0. \]
  2. Show that, if two of the roots of the original equation are equal to each other, then \[ 4\left(q-\frac{p^{2}}{3}\right)^{3}+27\left(\frac{2p^{3}}{27}-\frac{pq}{3}+r\right)^{2}=0. \]

Solution: \(p = a+b+c, q = ab+bc+ca, r = abc\)

  1. Suppose two roots are equal to each other, this means that one of the roots is also a root of the derivative. ie \begin{align*} && 0 &= x^3+qx - r \\ && 0 &= 3x^2+q \end{align*} have a common root, but this root must satisfy \(x^2 = -\frac{q}{3}\). Then \begin{align*} &&0 &= x^3 + qx - r \\ &&&= x^3 -3x^3 - r \\ &&&= -2x^3 -r \\ \Rightarrow && r^2 &= 4x^6 \\ &&&= 4 \left ( -\frac{q}{3}\right)^3 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 27r^2+4q^3 \end{align*}
  2. Consider \(x = z + \frac{p}{3}\), then the equation is: \begin{align*} x^{3}-px^{2}+qx-r &= (z + \frac{p}{3})^3 - p(z + \frac{p}{3})^2 + q(z + \frac{p}{3}) - r \\ &= z^3 + pz^2 + \frac{p^2}{3}z + \frac{p^3}{27} - \\ &\quad -pz^2-\frac{2p^2}{3}z-\frac{p^3}{9} + \\ &\quad\quad qz + \frac{pq}{3} - r \\ &= z^3+\left (\frac{p^2}{3}-\frac{2p^2}{3}+q \right)z + \left (\frac{p^3}{27}-\frac{p^3}{9}+\frac{pq}{3}-r \right) \\ &= z^3+\left (-\frac{p^2}{3}+q \right)z + \left (-\frac{2p^3}{27}+\frac{pq}{3}-r \right) \\ \end{align*} Since this equation must also have repeated roots we must have: \begin{align*} 4\left (-\frac{p^2}{3}+q \right)^3 + 27 \left (-\frac{2p^3}{27}+\frac{pq}{3}-r \right)^2 = 0 \end{align*} which is exactly our desired result

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1991 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0
simultaneous equations symmetric functions algebraic manipulation proof cyclic equations distinct values constraint

It is given that \(x,y\) and \(z\) are distinct and non-zero, and that they satisfy \[ x+\frac{1}{y}=y+\frac{1}{z}=z+\frac{1}{x}. \] Show that \(x^{2}y^{2}z^{2}=1\) and that the value of \(x+\dfrac{1}{y}\) is either \(+1\) or \(-1\).

Solution: \begin{align*} && x-y &= \frac1z - \frac1y \\ && x-z &= \frac1x - \frac1y \\ && y-z &= \frac1x - \frac1z \\ \Rightarrow && (x-y)(x-z)(y-z) &= \frac{(y-z)(y-x)(z-x)}{x^2y^2z^2} \\ \Rightarrow && x^2y^2 z^2 &= 1 \\ \end{align*} Suppose \(x + \frac1{y} =k \Rightarrow xy + 1 = ky\) Therefore \(y + \frac{1}{z} = y \pm xy = k\) Therefore \(1 \mp y = k(y \mp 1) \Rightarrow k = \pm 1\)

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1990 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.0
arithmetic progression sequences summation double arithmetic progression factorial progression difference method algebraic manipulation

The sequence \(a_{1},a_{2},\ldots,a_{n},\ldots\) forms an arithmetic progression. Establish a formula, involving \(n,\) \(a_{1}\) and \(a_{2}\) for the sum \(a_{1}+a_{2}+\cdots+a_{n}\) of the first \(n\) terms. A sequence \(b_{1},b_{2},\ldots,b_{n},\ldots\) is called a double arithmetic progression if the sequence of differences \[ b_{2}-b_{1},b_{3}-b_{2},\ldots,b_{n+1}-b_{n},\ldots \] is an arithmetic progression. Establish a formula, involving \(n,b_{1},b_{2}\) and \(b_{3}\), for the sum \(b_{1}+b_{2}+b_{3}+\cdots+b_{n}\) of the first \(n\) terms of such a progression. A sequence \(c_{1},c_{2},\ldots,c_{n},\ldots\) is called a factorial progression if \(c_{n+1}-c_{n}=n!d\) for some non-zero \(d\) and every \(n\geqslant1\). Suppose \(1,b_{2},b_{3},\ldots\) is a double arithmetic progression, and also that \(b_{2},b_{4},b_{6}\) and \(220\) are the first four terms in a factorial progression. Find the sum \(1+b_{2}+b_{3}+\cdots+b_{n}.\)

Solution: Since the common difference is \(a_2 - a_1\) we can find that \(a_n = a_1 + (n-1)(a_2-a_1)\), then \begin{align*} && a_1 &&+&& a_2 &&+&& \cdots &&+&& (a_1 + (n-2)(a_2 - a_1) && + && (a_1 + (n-1) (a_2 - a_1)) \\ + && (a_1 + (n-1) (a_2 - a_1))&&+&& (a_1 + (n-2)(a_2 - a_1)&&+&& \cdots &&+&& a_2 && + && a_1 \\ \hline \\ = && 2a_1 + (n-1)(a_2 - a_1) && + && 2a_1 + (n-1)(a_2 - a_1) && + && \cdots && + 2a_1 + (n-1)(a_2 - a_1) && + 2a_1 + (n-1)(a_2 - a_1) \\ = && n(2a_1 + (n-1) (a_2 - a_1)) \end{align*} Therefore the sum is \(a_1 n + \frac{n(n-1)}{2} (a_2 - a_1)\). Since \(b_n - b_1 = (b_n - b_{n-1}) + (b_{n-1} - b_{n-2}) + \cdots (b_2 - b_1)\), \(b_n - b_1 = a_1 (n-1) + \frac{(n-1)(n-2)}{2}(a_2 - a_1) = (b_2-b_1)(n-1) + \frac{(n-1)(n-2)}{2}(b_3 -2b_2 +b_1)\). So \(b_n = b_1 + (b_2 - b_1)(n-1) + \frac{(n-1)(n-2)}{2} (b_3 - 2b_2 + b_1)\). In particular \begin{align*} \sum_{i=1}^n b_i &= \sum_{i=1}^n \l b_1 + (b_2 - b_1)(n-1) + \frac{(n-1)(n-2)}{2} (b_3 - 2b_2 + b_1)\r \\ &= nb_1 + (b_2-b_1) \frac{n(n-1)}{2} + \frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{6}(b_3-2b_2+b_1) \end{align*} Let \(b_2 - b_1 = x\) and \(b_3 - 2b_2+b_1 = y\), then \begin{align*} b_4 - b_2 &= d &= &2x + 3y \\ b_6-b_4 &= 2d &=& 2x +(10-3)y \\ &&=&2x + 7y \\ 220-b_6&=6d &=& 220-(1 + 5x + 10y) \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} && 4x + 6y &= 2x + 7y \\ && 6x+21y &= 219-5x-10y \\ \Rightarrow && 2x - y &= 0 \\ && 11x + 31y &= 219 \\ \Rightarrow && x &= 3 \\ && y &= 6 \end{align*} Therefore the final sum is \begin{align*} n + 3 \frac{n(n-1)}{2} + 6 \frac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{6} &= n^3-\frac32n^2+\frac32n \end{align*}

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1988 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.7
integration integration by parts substitution logarithmic function trigonometric definite integral algebraic manipulation partial fractions

Find the following integrals:

  1. \(\ {\displaystyle \int_{1}^{\mathrm{e}}\frac{\ln x}{x^{2}}\,\mathrm{d}x}\,,\)
  2. \(\ {\displaystyle \int\frac{\cos x}{\sin x\sqrt{1+\sin x}}\,\mathrm{d}x.}\)

Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} \int_{1}^{\mathrm{e}}\frac{\ln x}{x^{2}}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \left [-\frac{\ln x}{x} \right]_1^e + \int_1^e \frac{1}{x^2} \, \d x \\ &= -\frac{1}{e} + \left [ -\frac{1}{x} \right]_1^e \\ &= 1 - \frac{2}{e} \end{align*}
  2. \begin{align*} \int\frac{\cos x}{\sin x\sqrt{1+\sin x}}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \int \frac{2u}{(u^2-1)u} \d u \tag{\(u^2 = 1+\sin x\)} \\ &= \int \frac{1}{u-1} - \frac{1}{u+1} \d u \\ &= \ln(u-1) - \ln (u+1) + C \\ &= \ln \l \frac{u-1}{u+1} \r + C \\ &= \ln \l \frac{\sqrt{\sin x + 1} + 1}{\sqrt{\sin x + 1} -1} \r + C \end{align*}

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1988 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0
simultaneous equations algebraic manipulation proof symmetric functions factorisation special cases

The numbers \(x,y\) and \(z\) are non-zero, and satisfy \[ 2a-3y=\frac{\left(z-x\right)^{2}}{y}\quad\mbox{ and }\quad2a-3z=\frac{\left(x-y\right)^{2}}{z}, \] for some number \(a\). If \(y\neq z\), prove that \[ x+y+z=a, \] and that \[ 2a-3x=\frac{\left(y-z\right)^{2}}{x}. \] Determine whether this last equation holds only if \(y\neq z\).

Solution: \begin{align*} && \begin{cases} 2a-3y=\frac{\left(z-x\right)^{2}}{y} \\ 2a-3z=\frac{\left(x-y\right)^{2}}{z} \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} 2ay-3y^2=\left(z-x\right)^{2} \\ 2az-3z^2=\left(x-y\right)^{2} \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && 2a(y-z)-3(y+z)(y-z) &= (z-x+x-y)(z-x-x+y) \\ \Rightarrow && (y-z)(2a-3y-3z) &= (z-y)(z-2x+y) \\ \Rightarrow && 2a-3y-3z &= 2x-y-z \tag{\(y \neq z\)} \\ \Rightarrow && a &= x+y+z \\ \end{align*} This is is our first result. \begin{align*} && 2a-3y-3z &= 2x-y-z \\ \Rightarrow && 2a-3y-3x &= 3z-y-x \\ \Rightarrow && (y-x)2a-3(y-x)(y+x) &= (y-x)(2z-x-y) \\ \Rightarrow && 2a(y-x)-3(y^2-x^2) &= (z-y)^2-(x-z)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 2ax - 3x^2 &= (y-z)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 2a - 3x &= \frac{(y-z)^2}{x} \end{align*} Suppose \(x = \frac23 a, y = z = \frac16 a\) then all equations are satisfied, but \(y = z\).

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1987 Paper 1 Q5
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0
integration trigonometric substitution definite integral square root algebraic manipulation Weierstrass substitution

Using the substitution \(x=\alpha\cos^{2}\theta+\beta\sin^{2}\theta,\) show that, if \(\alpha<\beta\), \[ \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x=\pi. \] What is the value of the above integral if \(\alpha>\beta\)? Show also that, if \(0<\alpha<\beta\), \[ \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{x\sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x=\frac{\pi}{\sqrt{\alpha\beta}}. \]

Solution: Using the suggested substitution, we can find. \begin{align*} && x &=\alpha\cos^{2}\theta+\beta\sin^{2}\theta \\ && x-\alpha &=\alpha(\cos^{2}\theta-1)+\beta\sin^{2}\theta \\ &&& = (\beta - \alpha) \sin^2 \theta \\ && \beta - x &= -\alpha\cos^{2}\theta+\beta(1-\sin^{2}\theta) \\ &&&= (\beta-\alpha)\cos^2 \theta \\ && x &=\alpha\cos^{2}\theta+\beta\sin^{2}\theta \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{dx}{d\theta} &= (\beta - \alpha) 2 \cos \theta \sin\theta \\ \\ &&\int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{1}{(\beta - \alpha)\sin\theta \cos \theta} (\beta - \alpha) 2 \cos \theta \sin \theta \, d \theta \\ &&&= \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{1}{\bcancel{(\beta - \alpha)}\bcancel{\sin\theta \cos \theta}} \bcancel{(\beta - \alpha)} 2 \bcancel{\cos \theta \sin \theta} \, d \theta \\ &&&= \int_0^{\pi/2} 2 d \theta \\ && &= 2 \frac{\pi}{2} = \boxed{\pi} \end{align*} If \(\alpha > \beta\) we can rewrite the integral as: \begin{align*} \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-\beta)(\alpha-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x \\ &= -\int_{\beta}^{\alpha}\frac{1}{\sqrt{(x-\beta)(\alpha-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x \\ &= -\pi \end{align*} Where the last step we are directly using the first integral with the use of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) reversed. Finally, using the substitution \(xt = 1\), we fortunately lose the \(\frac1{x}\) term: \begin{align*} && x &= \frac{1}{t} \\ && \frac{dx}{dt} &= -\frac1{t^2} \\ \\ && \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{1}{x\sqrt{(x-\alpha)(\beta-x)}}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \int_{\alpha}^{\beta}\frac{t}{\sqrt{(\frac{1}{t}-\alpha)(\beta-\frac{1}{t})}} \frac{-1}{t^2}\,\mathrm{d}t \\ && &= \int_{\frac1{\alpha}}^{\frac1\beta}\frac{-1}{\sqrt{(1-t\alpha)(t\beta-1)}}\,\mathrm{d}t \\ && &= \int_{\frac1{\alpha}}^{\frac1\beta}\frac{-1}{\sqrt{\alpha\beta}\sqrt{(\frac1{\alpha}-t)(t-\frac1{\beta})}}\,\mathrm{d}t \\ && &= \frac1{\sqrt{\alpha\beta}}\int_{\frac1{\alpha}}^{\frac1\beta}\frac{-1}{\sqrt{(\frac1{\alpha}-t)(t-\frac1{\beta})}}\,\mathrm{d}t \\ &&&= \boxed{\frac{\pi}{\sqrt{\alpha\beta}}} \end{align*} Where again the last step we are using the intermediate integral, with the roles of \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) replaced with \(\frac{1}{\beta}\) and \(\frac1{\alpha}\)

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