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1991 Paper 3 Q13
D: 1700.0 B: 1500.0

A smooth particle \(P_{1}\) is projected from a point \(O\) on the horizontal floor of a room with has a horizontal ceiling at a height \(h\) above the floor. The speed of projection is \(\sqrt{8gh}\) and the direction of projection makes an acute angle \(\alpha\) with the horizontal. The particle strikes the ceiling and rebounds, the impact being perfectly elastic. Show that for this to happen \(\alpha\) must be at least \(\frac{1}{6}\pi\) and that the range on the floor is then \[ 8h\cos\alpha\left(2\sin\alpha-\sqrt{4\sin^{2}\alpha-1}\right). \] Another particle \(P_{2}\) is projected from \(O\) with the same velocity as \(P_{1}\) but its impact with the ceiling is perfectly inelastic. Find the difference \(D\) between the ranges of \(P_{1}\) and \(P_{2}\) on the floor and show that, as \(\alpha\) varies, \(D\) has a maximum value when \(\alpha=\frac{1}{4}\pi.\)

1991 Paper 3 Q14
D: 1700.0 B: 1486.2

TikZ diagram
The end \(O\) of a smooth light rod \(OA\) of length \(2a\) is a fixed point. The rod \(OA\) makes a fixed angle \(\sin^{-1}\frac{3}{5}\) with the downward vertical \(ON,\) but is free to rotate about \(ON.\) A particle of mass \(m\) is attached to the rod at \(A\) and a small ring \(B\) of mass \(m\) is free to slide on the rod but is joined to a spring of natural length \(a\) and modulus of elasticity \(kmg\). The vertical plane containing the rod \(OA\) rotates about \(ON\) with constant angular velocity \(\sqrt{5g/2a}\) and \(B\) is at rest relative to the rod. Show that the length of \(OB\) is \[ \frac{(10k+8)a}{10k-9}. \] Given that the reaction of the rod on the particle at \(A\) makes an angle \(\tan^{-1}\frac{13}{21}\) with the horizontal, find the value of \(k\). Find also the magnitude of the reaction between the rod and the ring \(B\).

1991 Paper 3 Q15
D: 1700.0 B: 1485.9

A pack of \(2n\) (where \(n\geqslant4\)) cards consists of two each of \(n\) different sorts. If four cards are drawn from the pack without replacement show that the probability that no pairs of identical cards have been drawn is \[ \frac{4(n-2)(n-3)}{(2n-1)(2n-3)}. \] Find the probability that exactly one pair of identical cards is included in the four. If \(k\) cards are drawn without replacement and \(2 < k < 2n,\) find an expression for the probability that there are exactly \(r\) pairs of identical cards included when \(r < \frac{1}{2}k.\) For even values of \(k\) show that the probability that the drawn cards consist of \(\frac{1}{2}k\) pairs is \[ \frac{1\times3\times5\times\cdots\times(k-1)}{(2n-1)(2n-3)\cdots(2n-k+1)}. \]

1991 Paper 3 Q16
D: 1700.0 B: 1504.3

The random variables \(X\) and \(Y\) take integer values \(x\) and \(y\) respectively which are restricted by \(x\geqslant1,\) \(y\geqslant1\) and \(2x+y\leqslant2a\) where \(a\) is an integer greater than 1. The joint probability is given by \[ \mathrm{P}(X=x,Y=y)=c(2x+y), \] where \(c\) is a positive constant, within this region and zero elsewhere. Obtain, in terms of \(x,c\) and \(a,\) the marginal probability \(\mathrm{P}(X=x)\) and show that \[ c=\frac{6}{a(a-1)(8a+5)}. \] Show that when \(y\) is an even number the marginal probability \(\mathrm{P}(Y=y)\) is \[ \frac{3(2a-y)(2a+2+y)}{2a(a-1)(8a+5)} \] and find the corresponding expression when \(y\) is off. Evaluate \(\mathrm{E}(Y)\) in terms of \(a\).

1990 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

\(\,\)

TikZ diagram
In the above diagram, \(ABCD\) represents a semicircular window of fixed radius \(r\) and centre \(D\), and \(AXYC\) is a quadrilateral blind. If \(\angle XDY=\alpha\) is fixed and \(\angle ADX=\theta\) is variable, determine the value of \(\theta\) which gives the blind \(maximum\) area. If now \(\alpha\) is allowed to vary but \(r\) remains fixed, find the maximum possible area of the blind.


Solution: The area for \(\alpha\) fixed is \(\frac12 r^2 \sin \alpha + \frac12 r^2 \sin \theta + \frac12 r^2 \sin (\pi - \theta - \alpha)\) So we wish to maximise \(V = \sin \theta + \sin(\pi - \theta-\alpha)\) \begin{align*} && V &= \sin \theta + \sin(\pi - \theta-\alpha)\\ &&&= 2\sin \l \frac{\pi-\alpha}2\r\cos \l \frac{2\theta + \alpha - \pi}{2}\r \end{align*} The largest \(\cos\) can be is \(1\) when \(\displaystyle 2\theta + \alpha - \pi = 0 \Rightarrow \theta = \frac{\pi-\alpha}2\). (ie we split the remaining area exactly in half). We are now trying to maximise \(W = \sin \alpha + 2 \sin \frac{\pi - \alpha}2\) ie \begin{align*} && W &= \sin \alpha + 2 \cos \frac{\alpha}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d W}{\d \alpha} &= \cos \alpha-\sin \frac{\alpha}{2} \\ &&&= 1-2 \sin^2 \frac{\alpha}{2} - \sin \frac{\alpha}{2} \\ &&&= (1+\sin \frac{\alpha}{2})(1-2\sin \frac{\alpha}{2}) \end{align*} Therefore \(\frac{\alpha}{2} = -\frac{3\pi}{2}, \frac{\alpha}{2} = \frac{\pi}{6}, \frac{5\pi}{6} \Rightarrow \alpha = -3\pi, \frac{\pi}{3}, \frac{5\pi}{3}\). The only turning point in our range is \(\frac{\pi}{3}\). This is obvious a a maximum by symmetry or checking the end points, but we could also check the second derivative \(\frac{\d^2 W}{\d \alpha^2} = -\sin \frac{\pi}{3}-\cos \frac{\pi}{3} < 0\) so we have a maximum. Therefore the largest possible area is: \(\displaystyle \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{4}r^2\)

1990 Paper 1 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

Let \(\omega=\mathrm{e}^{2\pi\mathrm{i}/3}.\) Show that \(1+\omega+\omega^{2}=0\) and calculate the modulus and argument of \(1+\omega^{2}.\) Let \(n\) be a positive integer. By evaluating \((1+\omega^{r})^{n}\) in two ways, taking \(r=1,2\) and \(3\), or otherwise, prove that \[ \binom{n}{0}+\binom{n}{3}+\binom{n}{6}+\cdots+\binom{n}{k}=\frac{1}{3}\left(2^{n}+2\cos\left(\frac{n\pi}{3}\right)\right), \] where \(k\) is the largest multiple of \(3\) less than or equal to \(n\). Without using a calculator, evaluate \[ \binom{25}{0}+\binom{25}{3}+\cdots+\binom{25}{24} \] and \[ \binom{24}{2}+\binom{24}{5}+\cdots+\binom{24}{23}\,. \] {[}\(2^{25}=33554432.\){]}


Solution: Since \(\omega^3 = 1\) and \(\omega \neq 1\) we must have that \((\omega-1)(1 + \omega + \omega^2) = 0\) but by dividing by \(\omega - 1\) we obtain the desired result. \(1+\omega^2 = -\omega\) so \(|1 + \omega^2| = |-\omega| = 1\) and \(\arg ( 1 + \omega^2) = \arg(-\omega) = \pi - \frac{2\pi}{3} = \frac{\pi}{3}\) \begin{align*} && (1 + 1)^n &= \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k}\\ && (1+ \omega)^n &= \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k} \omega^{k} \\ && (1+ \omega^2)^n &= \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k} \omega^{2k} \\ \Rightarrow && 2^n+(-\omega^2)^n + (-\omega)^n &= \sum_{k=0, k \equiv 0 \pmod{3}}^n (1+1+1)\binom{n}{k} + \sum_{k=0, k \equiv 1 \pmod{3}}^n (1 + \omega + \omega^2) \binom{n}{k} + \sum_{k=0, k \equiv 2 \pmod{3}}^n (1 + \omega^2 + \omega) \binom{n}{k} \\ \Rightarrow && 2^n +((-\omega)^n)^{-1}+(-\omega)^n &= \sum_{k=0, k \equiv 0 \pmod{3}}^n \binom{n}{k} \end{align*} \(2^n +((-\omega)^n)^{-1}+(-\omega)^n = 2^n + 2 \textrm{Re}(-\omega^n) = 2^n + 2 \cos \frac{n\pi}{3}\) Therefore our answer follows. \begin{align*} \binom{25}{0}+\binom{25}{3}+\cdots+\binom{25}{24} &= \frac13 \l 2^{25} + 2\cos (\frac{25 \pi}{3}) \r \\ &= \frac13 \l 2^{25} + 2 \cos \frac{\pi}{3} \r \\ &= \frac13 \l 2^{25} + 1 \r \\ &= \frac13 \l (4096 \cdot 4096 \cdot 2) + 1 \r \\ &= 11\,184\,811 \end{align*} Notice that \(S_2 = \binom{24}{2} + \cdots +\binom{24}{23} = \binom{24}{1} + \cdots + \binom{24}{22} = S_1\) and \(S_0 = \binom{24}0 + \cdots + \binom{24}{21} = \frac13 \l 2^{24} + 2 \r\) Therefore since \(S_0 + 2 \cdot S_2 = 2^{24}\) we must have \begin{align*} S_2 &= \frac12 \l 2^{24} - \frac13 \l 2^{24} + 2 \r \r \\ &= \frac13 \l 2^{24} - 1 \r \\ &= \frac13 \l 16777216- 1 \r \\ &= \frac13 \cdot 16777215 \\ &= 5\,592\,405 \end{align*}

1990 Paper 1 Q3
D: 1516.0 B: 1484.0

Given a curve described by \(y=\mathrm{f}(x)\), and such that \(y\geqslant0\), a push-off of the curve is a new curve obtained as follows: for each point \((x,\mathrm{f}(x))\) with position vector \(\mathbf{r}\) on the original curve, there is a point with position vector \(\mathbf{s}\) on the new curve such that \(\mathbf{s-r}=\mathrm{p}(x)\mathbf{n},\) where \(\mathrm{p}\) is a given function and \(\mathbf{n}\) is the downward-pointing unit normal to the original curve at \(\mathbf{r}\).

  1. For the curve \(y=x^{k},\) where \(x>0\) and \(k\) is a positive integer, obtain the function \(\mathrm{p}\) for which the push-off is the positive \(x\)-axis, and find the value of \(k\) such that, for all points on the original curve, \(\left|\mathbf{r}\right|=\left|\mathbf{r-s}\right|\).
  2. Suppose that the original curve is \(y=x^{2}\) and \(\mathrm{p}\) is such that the gradient of the curves at the points with position vectors \(\mathbf{r}\) and \(\mathbf{s}\) are equal (for every point on the original curve). By writing \(\mathrm{p}(x)=\mathrm{q}(x)\sqrt{1+4x^{2}},\) where \(\mathrm{q}\) is to be determined, or otherwise, find the form of \(\mathrm{p}\).


Solution:

  1. Suppose we have \(y = x^k\), then the tangent at \((t,t^k)\) has gradient \(\frac{\d y}{\d x} = kx^{k-1} = kt^{k-1}\) and the normal has gradient \(-\frac1k x^{1-k}\). For the push-off to be the positive \(x\)-axis, we need \(p(x)\) to be the length of the line. The line will have the equation: \begin{align*} && \frac{y - t^k}{x - t} &= -\frac1k t^{1-k} \\ y = 0: && x-t &= \frac{kt^k}{t^{1-k}} \\ && x& =t + kt^{2k-1} \end{align*} The distance from \((t,t^k)\) to \((t+kt^{2k-1},0)\) is \(\sqrt{t^{2k} + k^2t^{4k-2}} = t^k \sqrt{1+k^2t^{2k-2}} = y \sqrt{1+k^2 \frac{y^2}{x^2}} = \frac{y}{x} \sqrt{x^2 + k^2y^2}\), ie \(p(x) = \frac{y}{x}\sqrt{x^2+k^2y^2}\) If \(\left|\mathbf{r}\right|=\left|\mathbf{r-s}\right|\), then we need \(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} = \frac{y}{x}\sqrt{x^2+ky^2}\), but clearly this is satisfied when \(k = 1\).
  2. The points are \((t, t^2)\) and the normal has graident \(-\frac{1}{2t}\), the normal vector is \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{1+\frac{1}{4t^2}}}\binom{1}{-\frac1{2t}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{4t^2+1}} \binom{2t}{-1}\). If we write \(p(x) = q(x)\sqrt{4x^2+1}\) then the the new points are at \(\binom{t+q(t)2t}{t^2-\q(t)}\) an the gradient will be \(\frac{2t-q'(t)}{1+q'(t)2t+2q(t)}\). We need it to be the case that \begin{align*} && 2t &= \frac{2t-q'(t)}{1+2q(t)+2tq'(t)} \\ \Rightarrow && 4tq(t) &= -q'(t)(1+4t^2) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{q'(t)}{q(t)} &= -\frac{4t}{1+4t^2} \\ \Rightarrow && \ln q(t) &= -\frac12 \ln(1+4t^2)+C \\ \Rightarrow && q(t) &= A(1+4t^2)^{-1/2} \\ \Rightarrow && p(x) &= A \end{align*} So the push-off's are constants.

1990 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.0

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*}

1990 Paper 1 Q5
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

  1. Evaluate \[ \int_{1}^{3}\frac{1}{6x^{2}+19x+15}\,\mathrm{d}x\,. \]
  2. Sketch the graph of the function \(\mathrm{f}\), where \(\mathrm{f}(x)=x^{1760}-x^{220}+q\), and \(q\) is a constant. Find the possible numbers of \textit{distinct }roots of the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x)=0\), and state the inequalities satisfied by \(q\).


Solution:

  1. \begin{align*} \int_{1}^{3}\frac{1}{6x^{2}+19x+15}\,\mathrm{d}x &= \int_1^3 \frac1{(2x+3)(3x+5)} \d x \\ &= \int_1^3 \l \frac{2}{2x+3} - \frac{3}{3x+5} \r \d x \\ &= \left [\ln(2x+3) - \ln(3x+5) \right ]_1^3 \\ &= \l \ln9 - \ln14 \r - \l \ln 5 - \ln 8 \r \\ &= \ln \frac{72}{70} \\ &= \ln \frac{36}{35} \end{align*}
  2. TikZ diagram
    When \(q = 0\) the roots are \(-1, 0, 1\) There can be \(0, 2, 3, 4\) roots. There will be no roots if \(q > -\min (x^{1760} - x^{220})\) since the whole graph will be above the axis. There will be \(2\) roots if \(q = -\min (x^{1760} - x^{220})\) or \(q > 0\) There will be \(4\) roots if \(0 > q > -\min (x^{1760} - x^{220})\). There will be \(3\) roots if \(q =0\)

1990 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1505.5

Let \(ABCD\) be a parallelogram. By using vectors, or otherwise, prove that:

  1. \(AB^{2}+BC^{2}+CD^{2}+DA^{2}=AC^{2}+BD^{2}\);
  2. \(|AC^{2}-BD^{2}|\) is 4 times the area of the rectangle whose sides are any side of the parallelogram and the projection of an adjacent side on that side.
State and prove a result like \((ii)\) about \(|AB^{2}-AD^{2}|\) and the diagonals.


Solution: Set up coordinates such that \(A\) at the origin and \(\vec{AB} = \mathbf{x}\) and \(\vec{AD} = \mathbf{y}\) and so \(\vec{AC} = \mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y}\)

  1. \begin{align*} AC^2 + BD^2 &= (\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y})\cdot (\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y}) + (\mathbf{y}-\mathbf{x})\cdot(\mathbf{y}-\mathbf{x}) \\ &= 2\mathbf{x}\cdot\mathbf{x} + 2\mathbf{y}\cdot\mathbf{y} \\ &= AB^2 + CD^2 +AD^2 + BC^2 \end{align*}
  2. \begin{align*} AC^2 -BD^2 &= (\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y})\cdot (\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y}) - (\mathbf{y}-\mathbf{x})\cdot(\mathbf{y}-\mathbf{x}) \\ &= 4 \mathbf{x}\cdot \mathbf{y} \end{align*} \(\mathbf{x}\cdot\mathbf{y} = |\mathbf{x}||\mathbf{y}|\cos \theta\) which is exactly the lenth of one side mutliplied by the length of the projection to that same side.
\begin{align*} AB^2 - AD^2 &= \mathbf{x}\cdot\mathbf{x} - \mathbf{y}\cdot \mathbf{y} \\ &= (\mathbf{x}+\mathbf{y})\cdot(\mathbf{x}-\mathbf{y}) \\ &= AC \cdot BD \end{align*} So this is the area of the rectangle formed by the length of one diagonal and the projection of the other diagonal onto it.

1990 Paper 1 Q7
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Let \(y,u,v,P\) and \(Q\) all be functions of \(x\). Show that the substitution \(y=uv\) in the differential equation \[ \frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x}+Py=Q \] leads to an equation for \(\dfrac{\mathrm{d}v}{\mathrm{d}x}\) in terms of \(x,Q\) and \(u\), provided that \(u\) satisfies a suitable first order differential equation. Hence or otherwise solve \[ \frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x}-\frac{2y}{x+1}=\left(x+1\right)^{\frac{5}{2}}, \] given that \(y(1)=0\). For what set of values of \(x\) is the solution valid?


Solution: Suppose \(y = uv\) then and suppose \(\frac{\d u}{\d x} + P u = 0\) then \begin{align*} && \frac{\d y}{\d x} + Py &= Q \\ && uv' + u'v + Puv &= Q \\ && uv' &= Q \\ && \frac{\d v}{\d x} &= \frac{Q}{u} \end{align*} Consider \begin{align*} && 0 &= \frac{\d u}{\d x} - \frac{2u}{x+1} \\ \Rightarrow && \ln u &= 2\ln (1 + x) + C \\ \Rightarrow && u &= A(1+x)^2 \end{align*} and \begin{align*} && \frac{\d v}{\d x} &= \frac1{A}(x+1)^{\frac12} \\ \Rightarrow && v &= \frac2{3A}(x+1)^{\frac32} + k \\ \Rightarrow && y &= \frac23(x+1)^\frac72 + k(x+1)^2 \\ && 0 &= y(1) \\ &&&= \frac23 2^{7/2}+k2^2 \\ \Rightarrow && k &= -\frac{2^{5/2}}{3} \\ \Rightarrow && y &= \frac23 (x+1)^{7/2} - \frac{2^{5/2}}{3}(x+1)^2 \end{align*}

1990 Paper 1 Q8
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

Show that \[ \cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{4}\right)=\frac{\sin\alpha}{4\sin\left(\dfrac{\alpha}{4}\right)}\,, \] where \(\alpha\neq k\pi\), \(k\) is an integer. Prove that, for such \(\alpha\), \[ \cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{4}\right)\cdots\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right)=\frac{\sin\alpha}{2^{n}\sin\left(\dfrac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right)}\,, \] where \(n\) is a positive integer. Deduce that \[ \alpha=\frac{\sin\alpha}{\cos\left(\dfrac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\dfrac{\alpha}{4}\right)\cos\left(\dfrac{\alpha}{8}\right)\cdots}\,, \] and hence that \[ \frac{\pi}{2}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}}}\cdots}\,. \]


Solution: \begin{align*} &&\sin \alpha &= 2 \sin \frac{\alpha}{2} \cos \frac{\alpha}{2} \\ &&&= 4 \sin \frac{\alpha}{4} \cos \frac{\alpha}{4} \cos \frac{\alpha}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\sin \alpha}{4 \sin \frac{\alpha}{4}} &= \cos \frac{\alpha}{2} \cos \frac{\alpha}{4} \end{align*} We proceed by induction on \(n\). Clearly this is true for \(n = 1\) (as we just established). Assume it is true for \(n=k\). Then: \begin{align*} && \frac{\sin \alpha}{2^n \sin \frac{\alpha}{2^n}} &= \cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{4}\right)\cdots\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\sin \alpha}{2^{n+1} \sin \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}} \cos \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}}} &= \cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{4}\right)\cdots\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\sin \alpha}{2^{n+1} \sin \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}} } &= \cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{4}\right)\cdots\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right)\cos \left ( \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}} \right) \\ \end{align*} Therefore it is true for \(n=k+1\) Therefore since it is true for \(n=1\) and if it is true for \(n=k\) it is also true for \(n=k+1\) by the principle of mathematical induction it is true for all \(n \geq 1\) \begin{align*} \lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{\sin \alpha}{\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2}\right)\cdots\cos\left(\frac{\alpha}{2^{n}}\right)} &= \lim_{n \to \infty} 2^n \sin \frac{\alpha}{2^n} \\ &= \lim_{n \to \infty} \alpha \frac{\sin \frac{\alpha}{2^n}}{\frac{\alpha}{2^n}} \\ &= \alpha \lim_{t \to 0} \frac{\sin t}{t} \\ &= \alpha \end{align*} When \(\alpha = \frac{\pi}{2}\) notice that \(\sin \alpha =1\), \(\cos \frac{\alpha}{2} = \sqrt{\frac12}\) and \(2\cos^2 \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}}-1 = \cos \frac{\alpha}{2} \Rightarrow \cos \frac{\alpha}{2^{n+1}} = \sqrt{\frac12 + \cos \frac{\alpha}{2^n}}\) exactly the series we see.

1990 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1484.0 B: 1516.0

Let \(A\) and \(B\) be the points \((1,1)\) and \((b,1/b)\) respectively, where \(b>1\). The tangents at \(A\) and \(B\) to the curve \(y=1/x\) intersect at \(C\). Find the coordinates of \(C\). Let \(A',B'\) and \(C'\) denote the projections of \(A,B\) and \(C\), respectively, to the \(x\)-axis. Obtain an expression for the sum of the areas of the quadrilaterals \(ACC'A'\) and \(CBB'C'\). Hence or otherwise prove that, for \(z>0\), \[ \frac{2z}{2+z}\leqslant\ln\left(1+z\right)\leqslant z. \]


Solution:

TikZ diagram
\begin{align*} && y &= 1/x \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d y}{\d x} &= -1/x^2 \end{align*} Therefore the tangent at \((1,1)\) will be \(\frac{y - 1}{x-1} = -1 \Rightarrow y = -x + 2\) and at \((b, 1/b)\) will be \(\frac{y-1/b}{x-b} = -\frac{1}{b^2} \Rightarrow y = -\frac{x}{b^2} + \frac{2}{b}\) The intersection will be at \begin{align*} && x + y & = 2 \\ && x + b^2 y &= 2b \\ \Rightarrow && (b^2-1)y &= 2(b-1) \\ \Rightarrow && y &= \frac{2}{b+1} \\ && x &= \frac{2b}{b+1} \end{align*} Therefore \(\displaystyle C = \left (\frac{2b}{b+1}, \frac{2}{b+1} \right)\). The areas of the two trapeziums will be: \begin{align*} [ACC'A'] &= \frac12 \left (1 + \frac{2}{b+1} \right) \left (\frac{2b}{b+1} - 1 \right) \\ &= \frac12 \cdot \frac{b+3}{b+1} \cdot \frac{2b - b - 1}{b+1} \\ &= \frac 12 \frac{(b+3)(b-1)}{(b+1)^2} \end{align*} \begin{align*} [CBB'C'] &= \frac12 \left (\frac{2}{b+1} + \frac{1}{b} \right) \left (b- \frac{2b}{b+1} \right) \\ &= \frac12 \cdot \frac{3b+1}{b(b+1)} \cdot \frac{b^2+b-2b}{b+1} \\ &= \frac 12 \frac{(3b+1)b(b-1)}{b(b+1)^2} \\ &= \frac12 \frac{(3b+1)(b-1)}{(b+1)^2} \end{align*} The area under the curve between \(A\) and \(B\) will be: \begin{align*} \int_1^b \frac{1}{x} \d x &= \left [\ln x \right]_1^b \\ &= \ln b \end{align*} The area of a rectangle of height \(1\) from \(A\) will clearly be above the curve and will have area \(b-1\). The area of \(ACBB'C'A'\) will be: \begin{align*} [ACBB'C'A'] &= [ACC'A']+[CBB'C'] \\ &=\frac 12 \frac{(b+3)(b-1)}{(b+1)^2}+ \frac12 \frac{(3b+1)(b-1)}{(b+1)^2} \\ &= \frac12 \frac{(b-1)(4b+4)}{(b+1)^2} \\ &= \frac{2(b-1)}{b+1} \end{align*} By comparing areas, we must have: \(\frac{2(b-1)}{b+1} \leq \ln b \leq b-1\) and since \(b > 1\) we can write it as \(1 + z\) for \(z >0\), ie: \(\displaystyle \frac{2z}{2+z} \leq \ln (1 + z) \leq z\). [By considering the area of \(ABB'A'\) which is \begin{align*} [ABB'A'] &= \frac12 \left (1 + \frac{1}{b} \right) \left ( b- 1 \right) \\ &= \frac12 \frac{(b+1)(b-1)}{b} \end{align*} we can tighten the right hand bound to \(\displaystyle \frac{(2+z)z}{2(z+1)} = \left (1 - \frac{z}{2z+2} \right)z\)

1990 Paper 1 Q10
D: 1516.0 B: 1500.0

In a certain race, runners run 5\(\,\)km in a straight line to a fixed point and then turn and run back to the starting point. A steady wind of 3\(\,\text{ms}^{-1}\) is blowing from the start to the turning point. At steady racing pace, a certain runner expends energy at a constant rate of 300\(\,\)W. Two resistive forces act. One is of constant magnitude \(50\,\text{N}\). The other, arising from air resistance, is of magnitude \(2w\,\mathrm{N}\), where \(w\,\text{ms}^{-1}\) is the runner's speed relative to the air. Give a careful argument to derive formulae from which the runner's steady speed in each half of the race may be found. Calculate, to the nearest second, the time the runner will take for the whole race. \textit{Effects due to acceleration and deceleration at the start and turn may be ignored.} The runner may use alternative tactics, expending the same total energy during the race as a whole, but applying different constant powers, \(x_{1}\,\)W in the outward trip, and \(x_{2}\,\)W on the return trip. Prove that, with the wind as above, if the outward and return speeds are \(v_{1}\,\)ms\(^{-1}\) and \(v_{2}\,\)ms\(^{-1}\) respectively, then \(v_{1}+v_{2}\) is independent of the choices for \(x_{1}\) and \(x_{2}\). Hence show that these alternative tactics allow the runner to run the whole race approximately 15 seconds faster.


Solution: Note that \(P = Fv\). Since he is running at a steady pace, we can say that \(F\) must be equal to the resistive forces (as net force is \(0\)). Therefore \(F = 50 + 2(v+3)\) on the way out. ie, \(300 = (2v + 56)v \Rightarrow 150 = v^2 + 28v \Rightarrow v = \sqrt{346}-14\) On the way back, \(F = 50 + 2(v-3)\), ie \(300 = (2v+44)v \Rightarrow 150 = v^2 +22v \Rightarrow v = \sqrt{271}-11\) Therefore the total time will be \(\frac{5000}{\sqrt{346}-150} + \frac{5000}{\sqrt{271}-11} \approx 2002\), or 33 minutes, 22 seconds. Very respectable! The total energy in this first run is \(E = Pt = 2002 \cdot 300\). Now suppose we apply two different powers as in the question, then we must have: \begin{align*} && x_1 &= 2v_1^2 + 56v_1 \\ && x_2 &= 2v_2^2 + 44v_2 \\ && E &= x_1 \frac{5000}{v_1} + x_2 \frac{5000}{v_2} \\ &&&= 5000 \left ( \frac{x_1}{v_1} + \frac{x_2}{v_2} \right) \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{x_1}{v_1} &= 2v_1 + 56 \\ && \frac{x_2}{v_2} &= 2v_2 + 44 \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{E}{5000} &= 2(v_1+v_2) + 100 \\ \Rightarrow && v_1+v_2 &\text{ is independent of the choices for }x_i \end{align*} We wish to minimize \begin{align*} && \frac{5000}{v_1} + \frac{5000}{v_2} &\underbrace{\geq}_{AM-HM} 10\,000 \cdot \frac{2}{v_1+v_2} \\ &&&= 10\,000 \cdot \frac{2}{\sqrt{346}-14+\sqrt{271}-11} \\ &&&\approx 1987 \end{align*} ie they can go 15 seconds quicker with better strategy.

1990 Paper 1 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

A shell of mass \(m\) is fired at elevation \(\pi/3\) and speed \(v\). Superman, of mass \(2m\), catches the shell at the top of its flight, by gliding up behind it in the same horizontal direction with speed \(3v\). As soon as Superman catches the shell, he instantaneously clasps it in his cloak, and immediately pushes it vertically downwards, without further changing its horizontal component of velocity, but giving it a downward vertical component of velocity of magnitude \(3v/2\). Calculate the total time of flight of the shell in terms of \(v\) and \(g\). Calculate also, to the nearest degree, the angle Superman's flight trajectory initially makes with the horizontal after releasing the shell, as he soars upwards like a bird. {[}Superman and the shell may be regarded as particles.{]}


Solution: The particle has initial velocity \(\displaystyle \binom{v \cos \frac{\pi}{3}}{v \sin \frac{\pi}{3}}\) and acceleration \(\displaystyle \binom{0}{-g}\). It will have zero vertical speed (ie be at the top of its trajectory) when \(t = \frac{\sqrt{3}v}{2g}\). Since \(0 = v^2-u^2 + 2as\) the height achieved will be \(\frac{3v^2}{8g}\) At this point it will need to travel the same distance again, but this time the initial speed is \(\frac{3v}{2}\) so: \begin{align*} && \frac{3v^2}{8g} &= \frac{3v}{2} t + \frac12 g t^2 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= 4g^2t^2+12vgt - 3v^2 \\ \Rightarrow && t &= \l \frac{-3+2\sqrt{3}}{2} \r \frac{v}{g} \end{align*} Therefore the total time is: \begin{align*} \l \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - \frac32 + \sqrt{3} \r \frac{v}{g} &= \frac{3\sqrt{3}-3}{2}\frac{v}{g} \end{align*} \begin{align*} COM(\uparrow): && 0 &= 2m v_y - m \frac{3}{2}v \\ \Rightarrow &&v_y &= \frac34 v \\ COM(\rightarrow): && 3mV &= 2m (3v) +m \frac{v}{2} \\ \Rightarrow && V &= \frac{13}6\\ \end{align*} Therefore superman is now travelling at a vector of \(\displaystyle \binom{\frac{13}6}{\frac34}v\) ie an angle of \(\tan^{-1} \frac 9{26}\) to the horizontal, approximately \(19^\circ\)