1531 problems found
Let \(a_{1}=\cos x\) with \(0 < x < \pi/2\) and let \(b_{1}=1\). Given that \begin{eqnarray*} a_{n+1}&=&{\textstyle \frac{1}{2}}(a_{n}+b_{n}),\\[2mm] b_{n+1}&=&(a_{n+1}b_{n})^{1/2}, \end{eqnarray*} find \(a_{2}\) and \(b_{2}\) and show that \[a_{3}=\cos\frac{x}{2}\cos^{2}\frac{x}{4} \ \quad\mbox{and}\quad \ b_{3}=\cos\frac{x}{2}\cos\frac{x}{4}.\] Guess general expressions for \(a_{n}\) and \(b_{n}\) (for \(n\ge2\)) as products of cosines and verify that they satisfy the given equations.
Solution: \begin{array}{c|c|c} n & a_n & b_n \\ \hline 1 & \cos x & 1 \\ \hline 2 & \frac12(1 + \cos x) & \sqrt{a_2} \\ &=\frac12(1+2\cos^2 \frac{x}{2}-1)& \sqrt{a_2} \\ &= \cos^2 \frac{x}{2} & \cos \frac{x}{2} \\ \hline 3 & \frac12(\cos^2 \frac{x}{2}+\cos \frac{x}{2}) & \sqrt{a_3\cos \frac{x}{2}} \\ &= \cos \frac{x}{2} \cdot \frac12 (\cos \frac{x}{2}+1) & \sqrt{a_3\cos \frac{x}{2}} \\ &= \cos \frac{x}{2} \cos^2 \frac{x}{4} & \cos \frac{x}{2} \cos \frac{x}{4} \end{array} Claim: \(\displaystyle a_n = \cos \frac{x}{2^{n-1}}\prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k}\), \(\displaystyle b_n = \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k}\) Claim: \(a_{n+1} = \frac12(a_n + b_n)\) Proof: \begin{align*} && \frac12(a_n + b_n) &= \frac12 \left ( \cos \frac{x}{2^{n-1}}\prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} + \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \right) \\ &&&= \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \frac12\left (\cos \frac{x}{2^{n-1}} + 1 \right) \\ &&&= \left ( \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \right) \cos^{2} \frac{x}{2^n} \\ &&&= \cos \frac{x}{2^n} \prod_{k=1}^{n} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \\ &= a_{n+1} \end{align*} Claim: \(b_{n+1} = \sqrt{a_{n+1}b_n}\) Proof: \begin{align*} && \sqrt{a_{n+1}b_n} &= \sqrt{ \cos \frac{x}{2^n} \prod_{k=1}^{n} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \cdot \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} }\\ &&&= \prod_{k=1}^{n-1} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \sqrt{\cos ^2\frac{x}{2^{n}}} \\ &&&= \prod_{k=1}^{n} \cos \frac{x}{2^k} \\ &&&= b_{n+1} \end{align*}
My bank pays \(\rho\%\) interest at the end of each year. I start with nothing in my account. Then for \(m\) years I deposit \(\pounds a\) in my account at the beginning of each year. After the end of the \(m\)th year, I neither deposit nor withdraw for \(l\) years. Show that the total amount in my account at the end of this period is \[\pounds a\frac{r^{l+1}(r^{m}-1)}{r-1}\] where \(r=1+{\displaystyle \frac{\rho}{100}}\). At the beginning of each of the \(n\) years following this period I withdraw \(\pounds b\) and this leaves my account empty after the \(n\)th withdrawal. Find an expression for \(a/b\) in terms of \(r\), \(l\), \(m\) and \(n\).
Solution: Rather than putting the deposits in the same account, imagine they are all put in separate accounts. Then for example, the first \(\pounds a\) will go on to become \(\pounds r^m \cdot r^l a\) from \(m\) years of compound interest as more money is deposited, followed by \(l\) years where no money is deposited. Therefore the total amount at the end is: \begin{align*} && S &= r^{m}r^l a + r^{m-1}r^l a + \cdots + r r^l a \\ &&&= r^l a(r^m + \cdots + r) \\ &&&= ar^l\frac{r^{m+1}-r}{r-1} \\ &&&= a \frac{r^{l+1}(r^m-1)}{r-1} \end{align*} Rather than withdrawing \(b\) each time, imagine that in the \(n\)th year we withdraw each \(b\) with the appropriate additional interest, ie \begin{align*} && \underbrace{a \frac{r^{l+1}(r^m-1)}{r-1}}_{\text{amount before \(n\) years}} \underbrace{r^{n-1}}_{\text{accounting for interest}} &= b r^{n-1} + br^{n-2} + \cdots + b \\ &&&= b \frac{r^n-1}{r-1} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{a}{b} &= \frac{r^n-1}{r^{l+n}(r^m-1)} \end{align*}
Fluid flows steadily under a constant pressure gradient along a straight tube of circular cross-section of radius \(a\). The velocity \(v\) of a particle of the fluid is parallel to the axis of the tube and depends only on the distance \(r\) from the axis. The equation satisfied by \(v\) is \[\frac{1}{r}\frac{{\mathrm d}\ }{{\mathrm d}r} \left(r\frac{{\mathrm d}v}{{\mathrm d}r}\right) =-k,\] where \(k\) is constant. Find the general solution for \(v\). Show that \(|v|\rightarrow\infty\) as \(r\rightarrow 0\) unless one of the constants in your solution is chosen to be~\(0\). Suppose that this constant is, in fact, \(0\) and that \(v=0\) when \(r=a\). Find \(v\) in terms of \(k\), \(a\) and \(r\). The volume \(F\) flowing through the tube per unit time is given by \[F=2\pi\int_{0}^{a}rv\,{\mathrm d}r. \] Find \(F\).
Two small spheres \(A\) and \(B\) of equal mass \(m\) are suspended in contact by two light inextensible strings of equal length so that the strings are vertical and the line of centres is horizontal. The coefficient of restitution between the spheres is \(e\). The sphere \(A\) is drawn aside through a very small distance in the plane of the strings and allowed to fall back and collide with the other sphere \(B\), its speed on impact being \(u\). Explain briefly why the succeeding collisions will all occur at the lowest point. (Hint: Consider the periods of the two pendulums involved.) Show that the speed of sphere \(A\) immediately after the second impact is \(\frac{1}{2}u(1+e^{2})\) and find the speed, then, of sphere \(B\).
A shell explodes on the surface of horizontal ground. Earth is scattered in all directions with varying velocities. Show that particles of earth with initial speed \(v\) landing a distance \(r\) from the centre of explosion will do so at times \(t\) given by \[ {\textstyle \frac{1}{2}} g^2t^2=v^{2}\pm\surd(v^{4}-g^{2}r^{2}). \] Find an expression in terms of \(v\), \(r\) and \(g\) for the greatest height reached by such particles.
Hank's Gold Mine has a very long vertical shaft of height \(l\). A light chain of length \(l\) passes over a small smooth light fixed pulley at the top of the shaft. To one end of the chain is attached a bucket \(A\) of negligible mass and to the other a bucket \(B\) of mass \(m\). The system is used to raise ore from the mine as follows. When bucket \(A\) is at the top it is filled with mass \(2m\) of water and bucket \(B\) is filled with mass \(\lambda m\) of ore, where \(0<\lambda<1\). The buckets are then released, so that bucket \(A\) descends and bucket \(B\) ascends. When bucket \(B\) reaches the top both buckets are emptied and released, so that bucket \(B\) descends and bucket \(A\) ascends. The time to fill and empty the buckets is negligible. Find the time taken from the moment bucket \(A\) is released at the top until the first time it reaches the top again. This process goes on for a very long time. Show that, if the greatest amount of ore is to be raised in that time, then \(\lambda\) must satisfy the condition \(\mathrm{f}'(\lambda)=0\) where \[\mathrm{f}(\lambda)=\frac{\lambda(1-\lambda)^{1/2}} {(1-\lambda)^{1/2}+(3+\lambda)^{1/2}}.\]
Suppose that a solution \((X,Y,Z)\) of the equation \[X+Y+Z=20,\] with \(X\), \(Y\) and \(Z\) non-negative integers, is chosen at random (each such solution being equally likely). Are \(X\) and \(Y\) independent? Justify your answer. Show that the probability that \(X\) is divisible by \(5\) is \(5/21\). What is the probability that \(XYZ\) is divisible by 5?
Solution: They are not independent: \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(X = 20 \,\, \cap Y = 20) = 0 \\ && \mathbb{P}(X = 20 )\mathbb{P}(Y = 20) \neq 0 \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} X = 0: && 21 \text{ solutions} \\ X = 5: && 16 \text{ solutions} \\ X = 10: && 11 \text{ solutions} \\ X = 15: && 6 \text{ solutions} \\ X = 20: && 1 \text{ solutions} \\ 5 \mid X: && 55 \text{ solutions} \\ \\ && \binom{20+2}{2} = 11 \cdot 21 \text{ total solutions} \\ \Rightarrow && \mathbb{P}(5 \mid X) = \frac{55}{11 \cdot 21} = \frac{5}{21} \end{align*} \begin{align*} \mathbb{P}(5 \mid XYZ) &= 3\cdot \mathbb{P}(5 \mid X) - 2\mathbb{P}(5 \mid X, Y, Z) \\ &= \frac{3 \cdot 55 - 2 \cdot \binom{4+2}{2}}{11 \cdot 21} = \frac{35}{77} \end{align*}
I have a bag initially containing \(r\) red fruit pastilles (my favourites) and \(b\) fruit pastilles of other colours. From time to time I shake the bag thoroughly and remove a pastille at random. (It may be assumed that all pastilles have an equal chance of being selected.) If the pastille is red I eat it but otherwise I replace it in the bag. After \(n\) such drawings, I find that I have only eaten one pastille. Show that the probability that I ate it on my last drawing is \[\frac{(r+b-1)^{n-1}}{(r+b)^{n}-(r+b-1)^{n}}.\]
To celebrate the opening of the financial year the finance minister of Genland flings a Slihing, a circular coin of radius \(a\) cm, where \(0 < a < 1\), onto a large board divided into squares by two sets of parallel lines 2 cm apart. If the coin does not cross any line, or if the coin covers an intersection, the tax on yaks remains unchanged. Otherwise the tax is doubled. Show that, in order to raise most tax, the value of \(a\) should be \[\left(1+{\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{4}}\right)^{-1}.\] If, indeed, \(a=\left(1+{\displaystyle \frac{\pi}{4}}\right)^{-1}\) and the tax on yaks is 1 Slihing per yak this year, show that its expected value after \(n\) years will have passed is \[ \left(\frac{8+\pi}{4+\pi}\right)^{n}.\]
Show that, if \(n\) is an integer such that $$(n-3)^3+n^3=(n+3)^3,\quad \quad {(*)}$$ then \(n\) is even and \(n^2\) is a factor of \(54\). Deduce that there is no integer \(n\) which satisfies the equation \((*)\). Show that, if \(n\) is an integer such that $$(n-6)^3+n^3=(n+6)^3, \quad \quad{(**)}$$ then \(n\) is even. Deduce that there is no integer \(n\) which satisfies the equation \((**)\).
Solution: \begin{align*} && n^3 &= (n+3)^3 - (n-3)^3 \\ &&&= n^3 + 9n^2+27n + 27 - (n^3 - 9n^2+27n-27) \\ &&&= 18n^2+54 \end{align*} Therefore since \(2 \mid 2(9n^2 + 27)\), \(2 \mid n^3 \Rightarrow 2 \mid n\), so \(n\) is even. Since \(n^2 \mid n^3\), \(n^2 \mid 54 = 2 \cdot 3^3\), therefore \(n = 1\) or \(n = 3\). \((1-3)^3 + 1^3 < 0 < (1+3)^3\). So \(n = 1\) doesn't work. \((3 - 3)^3 + 3^3 < (3+3)^3\) so \(n = 3\) doesn't work. Therefore there are no solutions. \begin{align*} && n^3 &= (n+6)^3 - (n-6)^3 \\ &&&= n^3 + 18n^2 + 180n + 6^3 - (n^3 - 18n^2 + 180n - 6^3 ) \\ &&&= 36n^2+2 \cdot 6^3 \end{align*} Therefore \(n^2 \mid 2 \cdot 6^3 = 2^4 \cdot 3^3\), therefore \(n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12\). \(n = 1\), \(1^3 <36+2\cdot 6^3\) \(n = 2\), \(2^3 <36 \cdot 4 + 2 \cdot 6^3\) \(n = 3\), \(3^3 <36 \cdot 9 + 2 \cdot 6^3\) \(n = 4\), \(4^3 < 36 \cdot 16 + 2 \cdot 6^3\) \(n = 6\), \(6^3 < 36\cdot 6^2+ 2 \cdot 6^3\) \(n = 12\), \(12^3 < 36 \cdot 12^2 + 2 \cdot 6^3\) Therefore there are no solutions \(n\) to the equation. These are both special cases of Fermat's Last Theorem, when \(n = 3\)
Use the first four terms of the binomial expansion of \((1-1/50)^{1/2}\), writing \(1/50 = 2/100\) to simplify the calculation, to derive the approximation \(\sqrt 2 \approx 1.414214\). Calculate similarly an approximation to the cube root of 2 to six decimal places by considering \((1+N/125)^a\), where \(a\) and \(N\) are suitable numbers. [You need not justify the accuracy of your approximations.]
Solution: \begin{align*} && (1-1/50)^{1/2} &= 1 + \frac12 \cdot \left ( -\frac1{50} \right) + \frac1{2!} \frac12 \cdot \left ( -\frac12 \right)\cdot \left ( -\frac1{50} \right)^2 + \frac1{3!} \frac12 \cdot \left ( -\frac12 \right) \cdot \left ( -\frac32 \right)\cdot \left ( -\frac1{50} \right)^3 + \cdots \\ &&&=1-\frac{1}{100} - \frac12 \frac1{10000} -\frac12 \frac1{1000000} +\cdots \\ &&&= 0.9899495 + \cdots \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{7\sqrt{2}}{10} &\approx 0.9899495 \\ \Rightarrow && \sqrt{2} &\approx \frac{9.899495}{7} \\ &&&\approx 1.414214 \end{align*} \begin{align*} && (1 + 3/125)^{1/3} &= \frac{\sqrt[3]{125+3}}{5} \\ &&& = \frac{8\sqrt[3]{2}}{10} \\ && (1 + 3/125)^{1/3} &= 1 + \frac13 \left ( \frac{3}{125} \right) + \frac1{2!} \cdot \frac{1}{3} \cdot \left ( -\frac23\right) \left ( \frac{3}{125}\right)^2 +\cdots \\ &&&= 1+ \frac{8}{1000} - \frac{64}{1000000} \\ &&&= 1.007936 \\ \Rightarrow && \sqrt[3]{2} &= \frac{10.07936}{8} \\ &&&= 1.259920 \end{align*}
Show that the sum \(S_N\) of the first \(N\) terms of the series $$\frac{1}{1\cdot2\cdot3}+\frac{3}{\cdot3\cdot4}+\frac{5}{3\cdot4\cdot5}+\cdots +\frac{2n-1}{n(n+1)(n+2)}+\cdots$$ is $${1\over2}\left({3\over2}+{1\over N+1}-{5\over N+2}\right).$$ What is the limit of \(S_N\) as \(N\to\infty\)? The numbers \(a_n\) are such that $$\frac{a_n}{a_{n-1}}=\frac{(n-1)(2n-1)}{(n+2)(2n-3)}.$$ Find an expression for \(a_n/a_1\) and hence, or otherwise, evaluate \(\sum\limits_{n=1}^\infty a_n\) when \(\displaystyle a_1=\frac{2}{9}\;\).
Solution: First notice by partial fractions: \begin{align*} \frac{2n-1}{n(n+1)(n+2)} &= \frac{-1/2}{n} + \frac{3}{n+1} + \frac{-5/2}{n+2} \\ &= \frac{-1}{2n} + \frac{3}{n+1} - \frac{5}{2(n+2)} \end{align*} And therefore: \begin{align*} \sum_{n = 1}^N \frac{2n-1}{n(n+1)(n+2)} &= -\frac12 \sum_{n=1}^N \frac1n +3\sum_{n=1}^N \frac1{n+1} -\frac52 \sum_{n=1}^N \frac1{n+2} \\ &= -\frac12-\frac14 + \frac{3}{2}+ \sum_{n=3}^N (3-\frac12 -\frac52)\frac1n + \frac{3}{N+1} - \frac{5}{2(N+1)} - \frac{5}{2(N+2)} \\ &= \frac12 \l \frac32+\frac1{N+1}-\frac{5}{N+2} \r \end{align*} As \(N \to \infty, S_N \to \frac{3}{4}\). \begin{align*} && \frac{a_n}{a_{n-1}}&=\frac{(n-1)(2n-1)}{(n+2)(2n-3)} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{a_n}{a_1} &= \frac{a_n}{a_{n-1}} \cdot \frac{a_{n-1}}{a_{n-2}} \cdots \frac{a_2}{a_1} \\ &&&= \frac{(n-1)(2n-1)}{(n+2)(2n-3)} \cdot \frac{(n-2)(2n-3)}{(n+1)(2n-5)} \cdots \frac{(1)(3)}{(4)(1)} \\ &&&= \frac{(2n-1)3\cdot 2\cdot 1}{(n+2)(n+1)n} \\ &&& = \frac{6(2n-1)}{n(n+1)(n+2)} \end{align*} Therefore \(a_n = \frac{4}{3} \frac{2n-1}{n(n+1)(n+2)}\) and so our sequence is \(\frac43\) the earlier sum, ie \(1\)
The integral \(I_n\) is defined by $$I_n=\int_0^\pi(\pi/2-x)\sin(nx+x/2)\,{\rm cosec}\,(x/2)\,\d x,$$ where \(n\) is a positive integer. Evaluate \(I_n-I_{n-1}\), and hence evaluate \(I_n\) leaving your answer in the form of a sum.
Solution: \begin{align*} && I_n - I_{n-1} &= \int_0^\pi \left ( \frac{\pi}{2} - x \right) \left ( \sin\left(nx + \frac{x}{2}\right) - \sin \left ((n-1)x + \frac{x}{2} \right)\right) \cosec \frac{x}{2} \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^\pi \left ( \frac{\pi}{2} - x \right) \left (2 \sin \left ( \frac{nx + \frac{x}{2} - (n-1)x - \frac{x}{2} }{2}\right)\cos nx \right) \cosec \frac{x}{2} \d x \\ &&&= \int_0^\pi \left ( \frac{\pi}{2} - x \right) \left (2 \sin \left ( \frac{x}{2}\right)\cos nx \right) \cosec \frac{x}{2} \d x \\ &&&=2 \int_0^\pi \left ( \frac{\pi}{2} - x \right) \cos nx \d x \\ &&&=\pi \left [ \frac{\sin nx}{n}\right]_0^{\pi} - 2\int_0^\pi x \cos n x \d x \\ &&&= 0 - 2\left[ \frac{x \sin nx}{n} \right]_0^{\pi} + 2\int_0^\pi \frac{\sin nx}{n} \d x \\ &&&= 2\left[ -\frac{\cos nx}{n^2} \right]_0^{\pi} \\ &&&=2 \frac{1-(-1)^{n}}{n^2} \\ \\ && I_0 &= \int_0^\pi (\pi/2 - x) \d x =0 \\ \Rightarrow && I_{2k+2} = I_{2k+1} &= 4 \left (\frac{1}{1^2} + \frac{1}{3^2} + \cdots + \frac{1}{(2k+1)^2} \right) \end{align*}
Define the modulus of a complex number \(z\) and give the geometric interpretation of \(\vert\,z_1-z_2\,\vert\) for two complex numbers \(z_1\) and \(z_2\). On the basis of this interpretation establish the inequality $$\vert\,z_1+z_2\,\vert\le \vert\,z_1\,\vert+\vert\,z_2\,\vert.$$ Use this result to prove, by induction, the corresponding inequality for \(\vert\,z_1+\cdots+z_n\,\vert\). The complex numbers \(a_1,\,a_2,\,\ldots,\,a_n\) satisfy \(|a_i|\le 3\) (\(i=1, 2, \ldots , n\)). Prove that the equation $$a_1z+a_2z^2\cdots +a_nz^n=1$$ has no solution \(z\) with \(\vert\,z\,\vert\le 1/4\).
Solution: Suppose \(z = a+ib\), where \(a,b \in \mathbb{R}\) then the modulus of \(z\), \(|z| = \sqrt{a^2+b^2}\). Noting the similarity to the Pythagorean theorem, we can say that \(|z_1 - z_2|\) is the distance between \(z_1\) and \(z_2\) in the Argand diagram. \begin{align*} |z_1 + z_2| &= |(z_1 - 0) + (0 -z_2)| \\ &\underbrace{\leq}_{\text{the direct distance is shorter than going via }0} |z_1 - 0| + |0 - z_2| \\ &= |z_1| + |-z_2| \\ &= |z_1| + |z_2| \end{align*} Claim: \(\displaystyle \vert\,z_1+\cdots+z_n\,\vert \leq \sum_{i=1}^n |z_i|\) Proof: (By Induction) Base Case: \(n = 1, 2\) have been proven. Inductive step, suppose it is true for \(n = k\), then consider \(n = k+1\), ie \begin{align*} \vert\,z_1+\cdots+z_k+z_{k+1}\,\vert &\leq \vert\,z_1+\cdots+z_k\vert + \vert z_{k+1}\,\vert \\ &\underbrace{\leq}_{\text{inductive hypothesis}} \sum_{i=1}^k |z_i| + |z_{k+1}| \\ &= \sum_{i=1}^{k+1} |z_i| \end{align*} Therefore if our hypothesis is true for \(n = k\) it is true for \(n = k+1\), and so since it is true for \(n = 1\) it is true by the principle of mathematical induction for all integers \(n \geq 1\). Suppose \(|z| \leq 1/4\), then consider: \begin{align*} \vert a_1z+a_2z^2+\cdots +a_nz^n \vert &\leq \vert a_1 z\vert + \vert a_2z^2\vert + \cdots + \vert a_n z_n\ \vert \\ &= \vert a_1\vert\vert z\vert + \vert a_2\vert\vert z^2\vert + \cdots + \vert a_n\vert\vert z^n\ \vert \\ &\leq 3\left ( |z| + |z|^2 + \cdots + |z|^n \right) \\ &\leq 3 \left ( \frac{1}{4} + \frac1{4^2} + \cdots + \frac{1}{4^n} \right) \\ &< 3 \frac{1/4}{1-1/4} \\ &= 1 \end{align*} Therefore we cannot have equality and there are no solutions.
Two curves are given parametrically by \[ x_{1}=(\theta+\sin\theta),\qquad y_{1}=(1+\cos\theta),\tag{1} \]and \[ x_{2}=(\theta-\sin\theta),\qquad y_{1}=-(1+\cos\theta),\tag{2} \] Find the gradients of the tangents to the curves at the points where \(\theta= \pi/2\) and \(\theta=3\pi/2\). Sketch, using the same axes, the curves for \(0\le\theta \le 2\pi\). Find the equation of the normal to the curve (1) at the point with parameter \(\theta\). Show that this normal is a tangent to the curve (2).