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2009 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

The curve \(C\) has equation \[ y= a^{\sin (\pi \e^ x)}\,, \] where \(a>1\).

  1. Find the coordinates of the stationary points on \(C\).
  2. Use the approximations \(\e^t \approx 1+t\) and \(\sin t \approx t\) (both valid for small values of \(t\)) to show that \[ y\approx 1-\pi x \ln a \; \] for small values of \(x\).
  3. Sketch \(C\).
  4. By approximating \(C\) by means of straight lines joining consecutive stationary points, show that the area between \(C\) and the \(x\)-axis between the \(k\)th and \((k+1)\)th maxima is approximately \[ \Big( \frac {a^2+1}{2a} \Big) \ln \Big ( 1+ \big( k-\tfrac34)^{-1} \Big)\,. \]


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y & = a^{\sin(\pi e^x)} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= a^{\sin(\pi e^x)} \cdot ( \ln a) \cdot (\cos (\pi e^x)) \cdot \pi e^x \\ \frac{\d y}{\d x} = 0: && 0 &= \cos(\pi e^x) \\ \Rightarrow && \pi e^x &= \left ( \frac{2n+1}{2} \right) \pi \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \ln \left ( \frac{2n+1}{2} \right) \\ && y &= a^{(-1)^n} \\ &&(x,y) &= \left (\ln \left ( \frac{2n+1}{2} \right), a^{(-1)^n} \right) \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y &= a^{\sin(\pi e^x)} \\ &&&= e^{\ln a \cdot \sin(\pi e^x)} \\ &&&\approx e^{\ln a \cdot \sin(\pi (1+x))} \\ &&&\approx e^{-\ln a \cdot \sin(\pi x)} \\ &&&\approx e^{-\ln a \cdot \pi x} \\ &&&\approx 1-( \pi\ln a) x \end{align*}
  3. TikZ diagram
  4. The \(k\)th maxima is at \(\ln \left ( \frac{4(k-1)+1}{2}\right)\) and \(a\) ,and the \((k+1)\)th is at \(\ln \left ( \frac{4k+1}{2}\right)\). They have a minima between at \(\ln \left ( \frac{4k-3}{2}\right)\). \begin{align*} && \text{Area} &\approx \frac12 \left (\ln \left ( \frac{4k-1}{2}\right)- \ln \left ( \frac{4k-3}{2}\right)\right) \left ( a + \frac1a \right) + \frac12 \left ( \ln \left ( \frac{4k+1}{2}\right)-\ln \left ( \frac{4k-1}{2}\right)\right) \left ( a + \frac1a \right) \\ &&&= \frac{a^2+1}{2a} \ln \left (\frac{4k+1}{4k-3} \right) \\ &&&= \frac{a^2+1}{2a} \ln \left (1 + \frac{4}{4k-3} \right) \\ &&&= \frac{a^2+1}{2a} \ln \left (1 + \frac{1}{k-\tfrac34} \right) \\ &&&= \frac{a^2+1}{2a} \ln \left (1 + (k-\tfrac34)^{-1} \right) \\ \end{align*}

2009 Paper 2 Q12
D: 1600.0 B: 1496.6

A continuous random variable \(X\) has probability density function given by \[ \f(x) = \begin{cases} 0 & \mbox{for } x<0 \\ k\e^{-2 x^2} & \mbox{for } 0\le x< \infty \;,\\ \end{cases} \] where \(k\) is a constant.

  1. Sketch the graph of \(\f(x)\).
  2. Find the value of \(k\).
  3. Determine \(\E(X)\) and \(\var(X)\).
  4. Use statistical tables to find, to three significant figures, the median value of \(X\).


Solution:

  1. \par
    TikZ diagram
  2. Let \(Y \sim N(0,\frac14)\), then: \begin{align*} &&\int_0^\infty \frac{1}{\sqrt{2 \pi \cdot \frac14}} e^{-2x^2} \, dx &= \frac12\\ \Rightarrow && \int_0^\infty e^{-2x^2} &= \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2 \sqrt{2}} \\ \Rightarrow && k &= \boxed{\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{\pi}}} \end{align*}
  3. \begin{align*} \mathbb{E}[X] &= \int_0^\infty x f(x) \, dx \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{\pi}}\int_0^\infty x e^{-2x^2}\, dx \\ &= \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{\pi}} \left [-\frac{1}{4}e^{-2x^2} \right]_0^\infty \\ &= \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi}} \\ \end{align*} In order to calculate \(\mathbb{E}(X^2)\) it is useful to consider the related computation \(\mathbb{E}(Y^2)\). In fact, by symmetry, these will be the same values. Therefore \(\mathbb{E}(X^2) = \mathbb{E}(Y^2) = \mathrm{Var}(Y) = \frac{1}{4}\) (since \(\mathbb{E}(Y) = 0\)). Therefore \(\mathrm{Var}(Y) = \mathbb{E}(Y^2) - \mathbb{E}(Y)^2 = \frac14 - \frac{1}{2\pi}\)
  4. \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(X < x) &= \frac12 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 2\mathbb{P}(0 \leq Y < x) &= \frac12 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 2\l \mathbb{P}(Y < x) - \frac12 \r &= \frac12 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbb{P}(Y < x)&= \frac34 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbb{P}(\frac{Y-0}{1/2} < \frac{x}{1/2})&= \frac34 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \mathbb{P}(Z < \frac{x}{1/2})&= \frac34 \\ \Leftrightarrow && \Phi(2x)&= \frac34 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 2x &= 0.6744895\cdots \\ \Leftrightarrow && x &= 0.3372\cdots \\ \Leftrightarrow && &= 0.337 \, (3 \text{sf}) \\ \end{align*}

2009 Paper 3 Q3
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

The function \(\f(t)\) is defined, for \(t\ne0\), by \[ \f(t) = \frac t {\e^t-1}\,. \] \begin{questionparts} \item By expanding \(\e^t\), show that \(\displaystyle \lim _{t\to0} \f(t) = 1\,\). Find \(\f'(t)\) and evaluate \(\displaystyle \lim _{t\to0} \f'(t)\,\). \item Show that \(\f(t) +\frac12 t\) is an even function. [{\bf Note:} A function \(\g(t)\) is said to be {\em even} if \(\g(t) \equiv \g(-t)\).] \item Show with the aid of a sketch that \( \e^t( 1-t)\le 1\,\) and deduce that \(\f'(t)\ne 0\) for \(t\ne0\). \end{questionpart} Sketch the graph of \(\f(t)\).


Solution:

  1. Claim \(f(t) + \frac12 t\) is an even function. Proof: Consider \(f(-t) - \frac12t\), then \begin{align*} f(-t) - \frac12t &= \frac{-t}{e^{-t}-1} - \frac12t \\ &= \frac{-te^t}{1-e^t} - \frac12 t \\ &= \frac{t(1-e^t) -t}{1-e^t} - \frac12 t \\ &= t - \frac{t}{1-e^t} - \frac12 t \\ &= \frac{t}{e^t-1} + \frac12 t \end{align*} So it is even.
  2. TikZ diagram
    Drawing the tangent to \(y = e^{-x}\) at \((0,1)\) we find that \(e^{-t} \geq (1-t)\) for all \(t\), in particular, \(e^t(1-t) \leq 1\) \(f'(t) = \frac{(e^t(1-t) -1}{(e^t-1)^2} \leq 0\) and \(f'(t) = -\frac12\) when \(t = 0\)
TikZ diagram
[Note: This is the exponential generating function for the Bernoulli numbers]

2008 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.7

A function \(\f(x)\) is said to be convex in the interval \(a < x < b\) if \(\f''(x)\ge0\) for all \(x\) in this interval.

  1. Sketch on the same axes the graphs of \(y= \frac23 \cos^2 x\) and \(y=\sin x\) in the interval \(0\le x \le 2\pi\). The function \(\f(x)\) is defined for \(0 < x < 2\pi\) by \[\f(x) = \e^{\frac23 \sin x}. \] Determine the intervals in which \(\f(x)\) is convex.
  2. The function \(\g(x)\) is defined for \(0 < x < \frac12\pi\) by \[\g(x) = \e^{-k \tan x}. \] If \(k=\sin 2 \alpha\) and \(0 < \alpha < \frac{1}{4}\pi\), show that \(\g(x)\) is convex in the interval \(0 < x < \alpha\), and give one other interval in which \(\g(x)\) is convex.


Solution:

  1. TikZ diagram
    \begin{align*} && f(x) &= \exp\left (\tfrac23\sin x \right) \\ && f'(x) &= \exp\left (\tfrac23\sin x \right) \cdot \tfrac23 \cos x \\ && f''(x) &= \left ( \exp\left (\tfrac23\sin x \right) \cdot \tfrac23\right) \left ( \tfrac23 \cos^2 x - \sin x \right) \end{align*} Therefore \(f(x)\) is convex when \(\frac23 \cos^2 x \geq \sin x\). Note that we can find the equality points when \begin{align*} && \sin x &= \frac23 \cos^2 x \\ &&&= \frac23 (1- \sin^2 x) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 2\sin^2 x + 3 \sin x - 2 \\ &&&= (2 \sin x -1) (\sin x+2) \end{align*} ie \(\sin x = \frac12 \Rightarrow x = \frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{5\pi}{6}\). Therefore \(f\) is convex on \([0, \frac{\pi}{6}] \cup [\frac{5\pi}{6}, 2\pi]\)
  2. Suppose \(g(x) = \exp \left ( -k \tan x \right)\) then \begin{align*} && g'(x) &= \exp \left ( -k \tan x \right) \cdot (-k \sec^2 x ) \\ && g''(x) &= \left ( -k \exp \left ( -k \tan x \right) \right) \left ( -k\sec^4 x + 2 \sec x \cdot \sec x \tan x\right) \\ &&&= -k \exp \left ( -k \tan x \right) \sec^4 x \left ( -k + 2\sin x \cos x \right) \\ &&&= -k \exp \left ( -k \tan x \right) \sec^4 x \left ( -k + \sin 2x \right) \\ \end{align*} If \(0 < \alpha < \frac{\pi}{4}\) then \(k > 0\) so \(g\) is convex if \(-k + \sin 2x < 0\), ie \(\sin 2x < \sin 2\alpha\), ie on \((0, \alpha)\) and \((\frac{\pi}{2} - \alpha, \frac{\pi}{2})\)

2008 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.0

The function \(\f\) is defined by \[ \f(x) = \frac{\e^x-1}{\e-1}, \ \ \ \ \ x\ge0, \] and the function \(\g\) is the inverse function to \(\f\), so that \(\g(\f(x))=x\). Sketch \(\f(x)\) and \(\g(x)\) on the same axes. Verify, by evaluating each integral, that \[ \int_0^\frac12 \f(x) \,\d x + \int_0^k \g(x) \,\d x = \frac1 {2(\sqrt \e +1)}\,, \] where \(\displaystyle k= \frac 1{\sqrt\e+1}\), and explain this result by means of a diagram.

2008 Paper 1 Q10
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

On the (flat) planet Zog, the acceleration due to gravity is \(g\) up to height \(h\) above the surface and \(g'\) at greater heights. A particle is projected from the surface at speed \(V\) and at an angle \(\alpha\) to the surface, where \(V^2 \sin^2\alpha > 2 gh\,\). Sketch, on the same axes, the trajectories in the cases \(g'=g\) and \(g' < g\). Show that the particle lands a distance \(d\) from the point of projection given by \[ d = \left(\frac {V-V'} g + \frac {V'}{ g'} \right) V\sin2\alpha\,, \] where \(V' = \sqrt{V^2-2gh\,\rm{cosec}^2\alpha\,}\,\).

2008 Paper 2 Q3
D: 1600.0 B: 1516.0

  1. Find the coordinates of the turning points of the curve \(y=27x^3-27x^2+4\). Sketch the curve and deduce that \(x^2(1-x)\le 4/27\) for all \(x\ge0\,\). Given that each of the numbers \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) lies between \(0\) and \(1\), prove by contradiction that at least one of the numbers \(bc(1-a)\), \(ca(1-b)\) and \(ab(1-c)\) is less than or equal to \(4/27\).
  2. Given that each of the numbers \(p\) and \(q\) lies between \(0\) and \(1\), prove that at least one of the numbers \(p(1-q)\) and \(q(1-p)\) is less than or equal to \(1/4\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y & = 27x^3 - 27x^2 + 4 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= 81x^2 - 54x \\ \Rightarrow && x &= 0, \frac23 \\ \Rightarrow && (x,y) &= (0, 4), \left (\frac23, 0 \right) \end{align*}
    TikZ diagram
    Since \(f(x) \geq 0\) for \(x \geq 0\) we must have \(27x^2(1-x) \leq 4 \Rightarrow x^2(1-x) \leq \frac{4}{27}\) Suppose for contradiction that \(bc(1-a) > \frac{4}{27}, ca(1-b) > \frac{4}{27}, ab(1-c) > \frac{4}{27}\) then taking the product we see \begin{align*} && \left ( \frac{4}{27} \right)^3 &< bc(1-a) \cdot ca(1-b) \cdot ab(1-c) \\ &&&= a^2(1-c) \cdot b^2(1-b) \cdot c^2(1-c) \leq \left ( \frac{4}{27}\right)^3 \end{align*} which is a contradiction.
  2. Notice that \(f(x) = x(1-x)\) has a turning point at \((\frac12, \frac14)\), and so \(f(x) \leq \frac14\). Suppose for contradiction that both \(p(1-q)\) and \(q(1-p)\) are larger than \(1/4\) \begin{align*} && \left ( \frac14 \right)^2 &< p(1-q) \cdot q(1-p) \\ &&&= p(1-p) \cdot q(1-q) \\ &&&\leq \left ( \frac14 \right)^2 \end{align*} which is a contradiction.

2008 Paper 2 Q6
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

A curve has the equation \(y=\f(x)\), where \[ \f(x) = \cos \Big( 2x+ \frac \pi 3\Big) + \sin \Big ( \frac{3x}2 - \frac \pi 4\Big). \]

  1. Find the period of \(\f(x)\).
  2. Determine all values of \(x\) in the interval \(-\pi\le x \le \pi\) for which \(\f(x)=0\). Find a value of \(x\) in this interval at which the curve touches the \(x\)-axis without crossing it.
  3. Find the value or values of \(x\) in the interval \(0\le x \le 2\pi\) for which \(\f(x)=2\,\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && f(x) &= \cos \left( 2x+ \frac \pi 3\right) + \sin \left ( \frac{3x}2 - \frac\pi 4\right) \\ &&&= \cos \left( 2x+ \frac \pi 3\right) + \cos\left (\frac{\pi}{2} - \left ( \frac{3x}2 - \frac\pi 4\right) \right)\\ &&&= \cos \left( 2x+ \frac \pi 3\right) + \cos\left (\frac{3\pi}{4} - \frac{3x}2 \right)\\ &&&= 2 \cos \left (\frac{2x+ \frac \pi 3+\frac{3\pi}{4} - \frac{3x}2}{2} \right) \cos \left ( \frac{\left (2x+ \frac \pi 3 \right) - \left (\frac{3\pi}{4} - \frac{3x}2 \right)}{2} \right)\\ &&&= 2 \cos \left (\frac{\frac{x}{2}+ \frac {13\pi}{12}}{2} \right) \cos \left ( \frac{\frac{7x}{2}- \frac {5\pi}{12}}{2} \right)\\ &&&= 2 \cos \left (\frac{x}{4}+ \frac {13\pi}{24} \right) \cos \left ( \frac{7x}{4}- \frac {5\pi}{24} \right)\\ \end{align*}

  1. The period of \(f\) will be the LCM of \(\frac{2\pi}{\pi}\) and \(\frac{2\pi}{\frac32} = \frac{4\pi}{3}\) which is \(4\pi\). (This is also clear from the factorised form).
  2. \(f(x) = 0\) means one of those two factors is zero, ie \begin{align*} \text{first factor}: && 0 &= \cos \left (\frac{x}{4}+ \frac {13\pi}{24} \right) \\ &&n\pi + \frac{\pi}{2}&= \frac{x}{4}+ \frac {13\pi}{24} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= 4n\pi - \frac{\pi}{6} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= -\frac{\pi}{6} \\ \\ \text{second factor}: && 0 &= \cos \left ( \frac{7x}{4}- \frac {5\pi}{24} \right) \\ && n\pi + \frac{\pi}{2} &= \frac{7x}{4}- \frac {5\pi}{24} \\ \Rightarrow && 7x &= 4n\pi + \frac{17}{6}\pi \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{4n}7\pi + \frac{17}{42}\pi \\ \Rightarrow && x &= -\frac{31}{42} \pi, -\frac16\pi, \frac{17}{42}\pi, \frac{41}{42}\pi \end{align*} Therefore all solutions are \(-\frac{31}{42} \pi, -\frac16\pi, \frac{17}{42}\pi, \frac{41}{42}\pi\) We can see that \(-\frac{\pi}{6}\) is a repeated root, therefore it touches the axis and does not cross.
  3. \(f(x) = 2\) requires both factors to be \(1\) or \(-1\). \begin{align*} \text{first factor}: && \pm1 &= \cos \left (\frac{x}{4}+ \frac {13\pi}{24} \right) \\ &&n\pi &= \frac{x}{4}+ \frac {13\pi}{24} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= 4n\pi - \frac{13\pi}{6} \\ \Rightarrow && x &= \frac{11}{6}\pi \\ \end{align*} We only need to test this value, where it's \(-1\), so we look at \( \cos \left ( \frac{77\pi}{24}- \frac {5\pi}{24} \right) = \cos (3\pi) = -1\), so the only value is \(\frac{11}{6}\pi\)

2008 Paper 3 Q4
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

  1. Show, with the aid of a sketch, that \(y> \tanh (y/2)\) for \(y>0\) and deduce that \begin{equation} \textrm{arcosh} x > \dfrac{x-1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} \text{ for } x>1. \tag{\(*\)} \end{equation}
  2. By integrating \((*)\), show that $\textrm{arcosh} x > 2 \dfrac{{x-1}}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} \( for \)x>1$.
  3. Show that $\textrm{arcosh} x >3 \dfrac{\sqrt{x^2-1}}{{x+2}} \( for \)x>1$.
[Note: \(\textrm{arcosh} x \) is another notation for \(\cosh^{-1}x\).]


Solution:

  1. TikZ diagram
    If \(y = \textrm{arcosh} x \), then \(\tanh\textrm{arcosh} x/2 = \sqrt{\frac{\cosh \textrm{arcosh} x-1}{\cosh \textrm{arcosh} x+1}} = \sqrt{\frac{x-1}{x+1}} = \frac{x-1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}}\)
  2. \begin{align*} \int \textrm{arcosh} x \d x &= \left [x \textrm{arcosh} x \right] - \int \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} \d x \\ &= x \textrm{arcosh} x - \sqrt{x^2-1}+C \\ \int \frac{x-1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} &= \sqrt{x^2-1} - \textrm{arcosh} x +C \end{align*} Therefore \begin{align*} && \int_1^x \textrm{arcosh} t \d t &> \int_1^x \frac{t-1}{\sqrt{t^2-1}} \d t \\ \Rightarrow && x \textrm{arcosh} x - \sqrt{x^2-1} - 0 &> \sqrt{x^2-1} - \textrm{arcosh} x - 0 \\ \Rightarrow && (x+1) \textrm{arcosh} x &> 2\sqrt{x^2-1} \\ \Rightarrow && \textrm{arcosh} x & > 2\frac{\sqrt{x^2-1}}{x+1} \\ &&&= 2 \frac{\sqrt{x-1}}{\sqrt{x+1}} \\ &&&= 2 \frac{x-1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} \end{align*}
  3. Integrating both sides again, \begin{align*} && \int_1^x \textrm{arcosh} t \d t &> 2 \int_1^x \frac{t-1}{\sqrt{t^2-1}} \d t \\ \Rightarrow && x \textrm{arcosh} x - \sqrt{x^2-1} &> 2\left (\sqrt{x^2-1} - \textrm{arcosh}x \right) \\ \Rightarrow && (x+2)\textrm{arcosh} x &> 3 \sqrt{x^2-1} \\ \Rightarrow && \textrm{arcosh} x &> 3 \frac{\sqrt{x^2-1}}{x+2} \end{align*}

2008 Paper 3 Q9
D: 1700.0 B: 1484.0

A particle of mass \(m\) is initially at rest on a rough horizontal surface. The particle experiences a force \(mg\sin \pi t\), where \(t\) is time, acting in a fixed horizontal direction. The coefficient of friction between the particle and the surface is \(\mu\). Given that the particle starts to move first at \(t=T_0\), state the relation between \(T_0\) and \(\mu\).

  1. For \(\mu = \mu_0\), the particle comes to rest for the first time at \(t=1\). Sketch the acceleration-time graph for \(0\le t \le 1\). Show that \[ 1+\left(1-\mu_0^2\right)^{\frac12} -\mu_0\pi +\mu_0 \arcsin \mu_0 =0\,. \]
  2. For \(\mu=\mu_0\) sketch the acceleration-time graph for \(0\le t\le 3\). Describe the motion of the particle in this case and in the case \(\mu=0\).
\noindent[{\bf Note:} \(\arcsin x\) is another notation for \(\sin^{-1}x\).\ ]

2008 Paper 3 Q12
D: 1700.0 B: 1516.0

Let \(X\) be a random variable with a Laplace distribution, so that its probability density function is given by \[ \f(x) = \frac12 \e^{-\vert x \vert }\;, \text{ \(-\infty < x < \infty \)}. \tag{\(*\)} \] Sketch \(\f(x)\). Show that its moment generating function \({\rm M}_X(\theta)\) is given by \({\rm M}_X(\theta)= (1-\theta^2)^{-1}\) and hence find the variance of \(X\). A frog is jumping up and down, attempting to land on the same spot each time. In fact, in each of \(n\) successive jumps he always lands on a fixed straight line but when he lands from the \(i\)th jump (\(i=1\,,2\,,\ldots\,,n\)) his displacement from the point from which he jumped is \(X_i\,\)cm, where \(X_i\) has the distribution \((*)\). His displacement from his starting point after \(n\) jumps is \(Y\,\)cm (so that \(Y=\sum\limits_{i=1}^n X_i\)). Each jump is independent of the others. Obtain the moment generating function for \(Y/ \sqrt {2n}\) and, by considering its logarithm, show that this moment generating function tends to \(\exp(\frac12\theta^2)\) as \(n\to\infty\). Given that \(\exp(\frac12\theta^2)\) is the moment generating function of the standard Normal random variable, estimate the least number of jumps such that there is a \(5\%\) chance that the frog lands 25 cm or more from his starting point.


Solution:

TikZ diagram
\begin{align*} && M_X(\theta) &= \E \left [ e^{\theta X} \right] \\ &&&= \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{\theta x} f(x) \d x \\ &&&= \int_{-\infty}^0 e^{\theta x}\frac12 e^{x} \d x+ \int_0^{\infty} e^{\theta x} \frac12 e^{-x} \d x \\ &&&= \frac12 \left [ \frac{1}{1+\theta}e^{(1+\theta)x} \right]_{-\infty}^0 +\frac12 \left [ \frac{1}{\theta-1}e^{(\theta-1)x} \right]_{0}^{\infty} \\ &&&= \frac12 \left ( \frac{1}{1+ \theta} + \frac{1}{1-\theta} \right) \\ &&&= \frac{1}{1-\theta^2} = (1-\theta^2)^{-1} \\ &&&= 1 + \theta^2 + \theta^4 + \cdots \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \E[X] &= 0 \\ && \E[X^2] &= 2 \\ \Rightarrow && \var[X] &= 2 \end{align*} \begin{align*} && M_{Y/\sqrt{2n}}(\theta) &= \E \left [ \exp \left ( \theta \frac{Y}{\sqrt{2n}} \right) \right] \\ &&&= \E \left [ \exp \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} \sum_{i=1}^n X_i \right) \right] \\ &&&= \E \left [ \prod_{i=1}^n \exp \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} X_i \right) \right] \\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n \E \left [\exp \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} X_i \right) \right] \tag{independence}\\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n M_{X_i} \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} \right)\\ &&&= \prod_{i=1}^n M_{X} \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} \right)\\ &&&= M_{X} \left ( \frac{\theta }{\sqrt{2n}} \right)^n\\ &&&= \left (1 - \frac{\theta^2}{2n} \right)^{-n} \to \exp(\tfrac12 \theta^2) \end{align*} Given that \(M_{Y/\sqrt{2n}} \to M_Z\) we assume that \(Y/\sqrt{2n} \to Z\) or \(Y/\sqrt{2n} \approx Z\). \begin{align*} && 5\% &\approx \mathbb{P}(|Z| > 2) \\ &&&\approx \mathbb{P} \left (|Y| > 2\sqrt{2n} \right) \end{align*} So we wish to choose \(n\) such that \(2\sqrt{2n} = 25\) or \(n = \frac{625}8 \approx 78\) so take \(n = 79\)

2007 Paper 1 Q8
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

A curve is given by the equation \[ y = ax^3 - 6ax^2+ \left( 12a + 12 \right)x - \left( 8a + 16 \right)\,, \tag{\(*\)} \] where \(a\) is a real number. Show that this curve touches the curve with equation \[ y=x^3 \tag{\(**\)} \] at \(\left( 2 \, , \, 8 \right)\). Determine the coordinates of any other point of intersection of the two curves.

  1. Sketch on the same axes the curves \((*)\) and \((**)\) when \(a = 2\).
  2. Sketch on the same axes the curves \((*)\) and \((**)\) when \(a = 1\).
  3. Sketch on the same axes the curves \((*)\) and \((**)\) when \(a = -2\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && y &= ax^3 - 6ax^2+ \left( 12a + 12 \right)x - \left( 8a + 16 \right) \\ && y(2) &= 8a-24a+24a+24-8a-16 \\ &&&= 8 \\ && y'(x) &= 3ax^2-12ax+(12a+12) \\ && y'(0) &= 12a-24a+12a+12 \\ &&&= 12 \end{align*} Therefore since our curve has the same value and gradient at \((2,8)\) as \(y = x^3\) they must touch at this point. Therefore \begin{align*} && ax^3 - 6ax^2+ \left( 12a + 12 \right)x - \left( 8a + 16 \right) - x^3 &= (x-2)^2((a-1)x-(2a+4)) \end{align*} Therefore if \(a \neq 1\), they touch again when \(x = \frac{2a+4}{a-1}\).

  1. TikZ diagram
  2. TikZ diagram
  3. TikZ diagram

2007 Paper 1 Q14
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

The discrete random variable \(X\) has a Poisson distribution with mean \(\lambda\).

  1. Sketch the graph \(y=\l x+1 \r \e^{-x}\), stating the coordinates of the turning point and the points of intersection with the axes. It is known that \(\P(X \ge 2) = 1-p\), where \(p\) is a given number in the range \(0 < p <1\). Show that this information determines a unique value (which you should not attempt to find) of \(\lambda\).
  2. It is known (instead) that \(\P \l X = 1 \r = q\), where \(q\) is a given number in the range \(0 < q <1\). Show that this information determines a unique value of \(\lambda\) (which you should find) for exactly one value of \(q\) (which you should also find).
  3. It is known (instead) that \(\P \l X = 1 \, \vert \, X \le 2 \r = r\), where \(r\) is a given number in the range \(0 < r < 1\). Show that this information determines a unique value of \(\lambda\) (which you should find) for exactly one value of \(r\) (which you should also find).


Solution: Let \(X \sim Po(\lambda)\), then

  1. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram
    Suppose \(\mathbb{P}(X \geq 2) = 1-p\) then \(\mathbb{P}(X=0) + \mathbb{P}(X=1) = p\), ie \(e^{-\lambda} +\lambda e^{-\lambda} = p\) If \(f(x) = (1+x)e^{-x}\) we have see it is strictly decreasing on \(x \geq 0\) and takes all values from \(1\) to \(0\), therefore we can find a unique value such that \(f(\lambda) = p\) which is our desired \(\lambda\).
  2. Note that \(\mathbb{P}(X = 1) = \lambda e^{-\lambda}\)
    TikZ diagram
    Sketching \(y = xe^{-x}\) and finding it's turning point we can see that there is a unique value of \(\lambda = 1\) when \(q = \frac{1}{e}\), otherwise there is either no solution (\(p > \frac1{e}\)) or two solutions (\(0 < q > \frac1{e}\)).
  3. Suppose \(\mathbb{P}(X = 1 | X \leq 2) = r\), ie \begin{align*} && r &= \frac{\lambda e^{-\lambda}}{e^{-\lambda} + \lambda e^{-\lambda} + \frac12 \lambda^2 e^{-\lambda}} \\ &&&= \frac{2\lambda}{2+2\lambda+\lambda^2} \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= r\lambda^2 + 2(r-1) \lambda + 2r\\ \Rightarrow && \Delta &= 4(r-1)^2 - 4\cdot r \cdot 2 r \\ &&&= 4((r-1)^2-2r^2) \\ &&&= 4(r-1-\sqrt{2}r)(r-1+\sqrt{2}r) \\ &&&= -4((\sqrt{2}-1)r + 1)((1+\sqrt{2})r-1) \end{align*} Therefore our quadratic in \(r\) has a unique solution if \(r = \frac{1}{1+\sqrt{2}}\). If it has a positive solution then note since \(2r > 0\) both solutions are positive, so \(\lambda\) is not unique by excluding other solutions.

2007 Paper 2 Q2
D: 1600.0 B: 1500.0

A curve has equation \(y=2x^3-bx^2+cx\). It has a maximum point at \((p,m)\) and a minimum point at \((q,n)\) where \(p>0\) and \(n>0\). Let \(R\) be the region enclosed by the curve, the line \(x=p\) and the line \(y=n\).

  1. Express \(b\) and \(c\) in terms of \(p\) and \(q\).
  2. Sketch the curve. Mark on your sketch the point of inflection and shade the region \(R\). Describe the symmetry of the curve.
  3. Show that \(m-n=(q-p)^3\).
  4. Show that the area of \(R\) is \(\frac12 (q-p)^4\).


Solution:

  1. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && y &= 2x^3-bx^2+cx \\ \Rightarrow && y' &= 6x^2-2bx+c \end{align*} We must have \(p, q\) are the roots of this equation, ie \(\frac13b = p+q, \frac16c = pq\)
  2. The point of inflection will be at \(\frac{b}6\) The graph will have rotational symmetry of \(180^{\circ}\) about the point of inflection.
    TikZ diagram
  3. \begin{align*} && m-n &= 2(p^3-q^3)-b(p^2-q^2)+c(p-q) \\ &&&= (p-q)(2(p^2+qp+q^2)-b(p+q)+c) \\ &&&= (p-q)(2(p^2+qp+q^2)-3(p+q)^2+6pq) \\ &&&= (p-q)(-p^2-q^2+2pq) \\ &&&= (q-p)^3 \end{align*}
  4. The area of \(R\) is \begin{align*} A &= \frac12 bh \\ &= \frac12 (q-p)(m-n) = \frac12(q-p)^4 \end{align*} as required.

2007 Paper 2 Q14
D: 1600.0 B: 1484.0

The random variable \(X\) has a continuous probability density function \(\f(x)\) given by \begin{equation*} \f(x) = \begin{cases} 0 & \text{for } x \le 1 \\ \ln x & \text{for } 1\le x \le k\\ \ln k & \text{for } k\le x \le 2k\\ a-bx & \text{for } 2k \le x \le 4k \\ 0 & \text{for } x\ge 4k \end{cases} \end{equation*} where \(k\), \(a\) and \(b\) are constants.

  1. Sketch the graph of \(y=\f(x)\).
  2. Determine \(a\) and \(b\) in terms of \(k\) and find the numerical values of \(k\), \(a\) and \(b\).
  3. Find the median value of \(X\).


Solution:

  1. TikZ diagram
  2. Since \(f(x)\) is continuous, \(a -bx\) joins \((2k, \ln k)\) and \((4k ,0)\). ie it has a gradient of \(\frac{-\ln k}{2k}\) and is zero at \(4k\), hence \(\displaystyle b = -\frac{\ln k}{2k}, a = 2\ln k\). The \(3\) sections have areas \(\int_1^k \ln x \d x = k \ln k -k +1\), \(k \ln k, k \ln k\). Therefore \begin{align*} &&1&= 3k\ln k - k +1 \\ \Rightarrow &&0 &= k(3\ln k - 1) \\ \Rightarrow &&\ln k &= \frac13 \\ \Rightarrow &&k &= e^{1/3} \\ && a &= \frac23 \\ && b&= -\frac16e^{-1/3} \end{align*}
  3. Clearly \(1 > k \ln k > \frac{1}{3}\), therefore the median must lie between \(k\) and \(2k\). So we need, \(\frac12\) to be the area of the rectangle + the triangle, ie: \begin{align*} && \frac12 &= k \ln k + (2k-M) \ln k \\ &&&= \frac13 k + \frac13 (2k - M) \\ \Rightarrow && M &= 3k - \frac32 \\ \Rightarrow && M &= 3e^{1/3} - \frac32 \end{align*}