Find all the solutions of the equation \[|x+1|-|x|+3|x-1|-2|x-2|=x+2.\]
Solution: Case 1: \(x \leq -1\) \begin{align*} && -1-x+x-3(x-1)+2(x-2) &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && -x-2 &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x = -2 \end{align*} Case \(-1 < x \leq 0\): \begin{align*} && x+1+x-3(x-1)+2(x-2) &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x&= x + 2 \\ \end{align*} No solutions Case \(0 < x \leq 1\): \begin{align*} && x+1-x-3(x-1)+2(x-2) &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && -x&= x + 2 \\ \end{align*} No solutions Case \(1 < x \leq 2\): \begin{align*} && x+1-x+3(x-1)+2(x-2) &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 5x-6&= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x = 2 \end{align*} Case \(2 < x\): \begin{align*} && x+1-x+3(x-1)-2(x-2) &= x + 2 \\ \Leftrightarrow && x+2&= x + 2 \\ \end{align*} Therefore the solutions are \(x \in \{-2\} \cup [2, \infty)\)
Four rigid rods \(AB\), \(BC\), \(CD\) and \(DA\) are freely jointed together to form a quadrilateral in the plane. Show that if \(P\), \(Q\), \(R\), \(S\) are the mid-points of the sides \(AB\), \(BC\), \(CD\), \(DA\), respectively, then \[|AB|^{2}+|CD|^{2}+2|PR|^{2}=|AD|^{2}+|BC|^{2}+2|QS|^{2}.\] Deduce that \(|PR|^{2}-|QS|^{2}\) remains constant however the vertices move. (Here \(|PR|\) denotes the length of \(PR\).)
Find constants \(a_{0}\), \(a_{1}\), \(a_{2}\), \(a_{3}\), \(a_{4}\), \(a_{5}\), \(a_{6}\) and \(b\) such that \[x^{4}(1-x)^{4}=(a_{6}x^{6}+a_{5}x^{5}+a_{4}x^{4}+a_{3}x^{3}+ a_{2}x^{2}+a_{1}x+a_{0})(x^{2}+1)+b.\] Hence, or otherwise, prove that \[\int_{0}^{1}\frac{x^{4}(1-x)^{4}}{1+x^{2}}{\rm d}x =\frac{22}{7}-\pi.\] Evaluate \(\displaystyle{\int_{0}^{1}x^{4}(1-x)^{4}{\rm d}x}\) and deduce that \[\frac{22}{7}>\pi>\frac{22}{7}-\frac{1}{630}.\]
Solution: Plugging in \(x = i\) we obtain \((1-i)^4 = (-2i)^2 = -4 \Rightarrow b = -4\). \begin{align*} x^4(1-x)^4 &= x^4(1-4x+6x^2-4x^3+x^4) \\ &= x^8-4x^7+6x^6-4x^5+x^4 \\ &= x^6(x^2+1) - x^6 -4x^7+6x^6-4x^5+x^4 \\ &= x^6(x^2+1) -4x^5(x^2+1)+4x^5 +5x^6-4x^5+x^4 \\ &= (x^6-4x^5)(x^2+1) +5x^4(x^2+1)-5x^4+x^4 \\ &= (x^6-4x^5+5x^4)(x^2+1) -4x^2(x^2+1)+4x^2 \\ &= (x^6-4x^5+5x^4-4x^2)(x^2+1) +4(x^2+1)-4 \\ &= (x^6-4x^5+5x^4-4x^2+4)(x^2+1) -4 \\ \end{align*} So \begin{align*} \int_0^1 \frac{x^4(1-x)^4}{1+x^2} \d x &= \int_0^1 (x^6-4x^5+5x^4-4x^2+4) - \frac{4}{1+x^2} \d x \\ &= \frac17 - \frac46+1-\frac43+4 - \pi \\ &= \frac{22}7 - \pi \end{align*} \begin{align*} \int_0^1 x^4(1-x)^4 \d x &= B(5,5) \\ &= \frac{4!4!}{9!} \\ &= \frac1{630} \end{align*} Therefore since \(0 < \frac{x^4(1-x)^4}{1+x^2} < x^4(1-x)^4\) we must have that \begin{align*} && 0 &< \frac{22}7 - \pi \\ \Rightarrow && \pi & < \frac{22}{7} \\ && \frac{22}{7} - \pi &< \frac1{630} \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{22}{7} - \frac1{630} &< \pi \end{align*} which is what we wanted.
Find constants \(a_{1}\), \(a_{2}\), \(u_{1}\) and \(u_{2}\) such that, whenever \({\mathrm P}\) is a cubic polynomial, \[\int_{-1}^{1}{\mathrm P}(t)\,{\mathrm d}t =a_{1}{\mathrm P}(u_{1})+a_{2}{\mathrm P}(u_{2}).\]
Solution: Since this is true for all cubic polynomials, it must be true in particular for \(1, x, x^2, x^3\), therefore: \begin{align*} \int_{-1}^{1} 1 {\mathrm d}t &=a_{1}+a_{2} &=2\\ \int_{-1}^{1} x {\mathrm d}t &=a_{1}u_1+a_{2}u_2 &= 0 \\ \int_{-1}^{1} x^2 {\mathrm d}t &=a_{1}u_1^2+a_{2}u_2^2 &= \frac23\\ \int_{-1}^{1} x^3 {\mathrm d}t &=a_{1}u_1^3+a_{2}u_2^3 &= 0\\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} && \begin{cases} a_{1}+a_{2} &=2 \\ a_{1}u_1+a_{2}u_2 &= 0 \\ a_{1}u_1^2+a_{2}u_2^2 &= \frac23\\ a_{1}u_1^3+a_{2}u_2^3 &= 0\\ \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} a_{1}(u_1^2 - \frac13) + a_{2}(u_2^2 - \frac13) &= 0 \\ a_{1}u_1(u_1^2 - \frac13) + a_{2}u_2(u_2^2 - \frac13) &= 0 \end{cases} \\ \Rightarrow && \begin{cases} u_i = \pm \frac1{\sqrt{3}} \\ a_i = 1\end{cases} \end{align*} Therefore we have: \[\int_{-1}^{1}{\mathrm P}(t)\,{\mathrm d}t ={\mathrm P} \l \frac1{\sqrt{3}} \r+{\mathrm P}\l -\frac1{\sqrt{3}} \r \] [Note: this question is actually asking about Gauss-Legendre polynomials, and could be done directly by appealing to standard results]
By considering the maximum of \(\ln x-x\ln a\), or otherwise, show that the equation \(x=a^{x}\) has no real roots if \(a > e^{1/e}\). How many real roots does the equation have if \(0 < a < 1\)? Justify your answer.
A single stream of cars, each of width \(a\) and exactly in line, is passing along a straight road of breadth \(b\) with speed \(V\). The distance between the successive cars is \(c\).
The point \(A\) is vertically above the point \(B\). A light inextensible string, with a smooth ring \(P\) of mass \(m\) threaded onto it, has its ends attached at \(A\) and \(B\). The plane \(APB\) rotates about \(AB\) with constant angular velocity \(\omega\) so that \(P\) describes a horizontal circle of radius \(r\) and the string is taut. The angle \(BAP\) has value \(\theta\) and the angle \(ABP\) has value \(\phi\). Show that \[\tan\frac{\phi-\theta}{2}=\frac{g}{r\omega^{2}}.\] Find the tension in the string in terms of \(m\), \(g\), \(r\), \(\omega\) and \(\sin\frac{1}{2}(\theta+\phi)\). Deduce from your results that if \(r\omega^2\) is small compared with \(g\), then the tension is approximately \(\frac{mg}{2}\)
Solution: None \begin{multicols}{2}
A particle of unit mass is projected vertically upwards in a medium whose resistance is \(k\) times the square of the velocity of the particle. If the initial velocity is \(u\), prove that the velocity \(v\) after rising through a distance \(s\) satisfies \begin{equation*} v^{2}=u^{2}\e^{-2ks}+\frac{g}{k}(\e^{-2ks}-1). \tag{*} \end{equation*} Find an expression for the maximum height of the particle above he point of projection. Does equation \((*)\) still hold on the downward path? Justify your answer.
Solution: \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && 1 \cdot v\frac{\d v}{\d s} &= -g - kv^2 \\ \Rightarrow && \int \frac{v}{g+kv^2} \d v &= \int -1 \d s \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{2k}\ln(g+kv^2) &= -s + C \\ s =0, v = u: && \frac{1}{2k} \ln(g+ku^2) &= C \\ \Rightarrow && s &= \frac{1}{2k} \ln \frac{g+ku^2}{g+kv^2} \\ \Rightarrow && e^{-2ks} &= \frac{g+kv^2}{g+ku^2} \\ \Rightarrow && v^2 &= u^2e^{-2ks} + \frac{g}{k}(e^{-2ks}-1) \end{align*} The maximum height will be when \(v = 0\), ie \(\displaystyle s = \frac{1}{2k}\ln\left(1 + \frac{k}{g}u^2 \right)\). On the downward path the resistance will be going upwards, ie \begin{align*} \text{N2}(\uparrow): && 1 \cdot v\frac{\d v}{\d s} &= -g + kv^2 \end{align*} but our solution is solving a different differential equation, therefore unless \(k=0\) the equation will be different.
An experiment produces a random number \(T\) uniformly distributed on \([0,1]\). Let \(X\) be the larger root of the equation \[x^{2}+2x+T=0.\] What is the probability that \(X>-1/3\)? Find \(\mathbb{E}(X)\) and show that \(\mathrm{Var}(X)=1/18\). The experiment is repeated independently 800 times generating the larger roots \(X_{1}, X_{2}, \dots, X_{800}\). If \[Y=X_{1}+X_{2}+\dots+X_{800}.\] find an approximate value for \(K\) such that \[\mathrm{P}(Y\leqslant K)=0.08.\]
Solution: \((x+1)^2+T-1 = 0\) so the larger root is \(-1 + \sqrt{1-T}\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(X > -1/3) &= \mathbb{P}(-1 + \sqrt{1-T} > -1/3) \\ &&&= \mathbb{P}(\sqrt{1-T} > 2/3)\\ &&&= \mathbb{P}(1-T > 4/9)\\ &&&= \mathbb{P}\left (T < \frac59 \right) = \frac59 \end{align*} Similarly, for \(t \in [-1,0]\) \begin{align*} && \mathbb{P}(X \leq t) &= \mathbb{P}(-1 + \sqrt{1-T} \leq t) \\ &&&= \mathbb{P}(\sqrt{1-T} \leq t+1)\\ &&&= \mathbb{P}(1-T \leq (t+1)^2)\\ &&&= \mathbb{P}\left (T \geq 1-(t+1)^2\right) = (t+1)^2 \\ \Rightarrow && f_X(t) &= 2(t+1) \\ \Rightarrow && \E[X] &= \int_{-1}^0 x \cdot f_X(x) \d x \\ &&&= \int_{-1}^0 x2(x+1) \d x \\ &&&= \left [\frac23x^3+x^2 \right]_{-1}^0 \\ &&&= -\frac13 \\ && \E[X^2] &= \int_{-1}^0 x^2 \cdot f_X(x) \d x \\ &&&= \int_{-1}^0 2x^2(x+1) \d x \\ &&&= \left [ \frac12 x^4 + \frac23x^3\right]_{-1}^0 \\ &&&= \frac16 \\ \Rightarrow && \var[X] &= \E[X^2] - \left (\E[X] \right)^2 \\ &&&= \frac16 - \frac19 = \frac1{18} \end{align*} Notice that by the central limit theorem \(\frac{Y}{800} \approx N( -\tfrac13, \frac{1}{18 \cdot 800})\). Also notice that \(\Phi^{-1}(0.08) \approx -1.4 \approx -\sqrt{2}\) Therefore we are looking for roughly \(800 \cdot (-\frac13 -\frac{1}{\sqrt{18 \cdot 800}} \sqrt{2})) = -267-9 = -276\)
Mr Blond returns to his flat to find it in complete darkness. He knows that this means that one of four assassins Mr 1, Mr 2, Mr 3 or Mr 4 has set a trap for him. His trained instinct tells him that the probability that Mr \(i\) has set the trap is \(i/10\). His knowledge of their habits tells him that Mr \(i\) uses a deadly trained silent anaconda with probability \((i+1)/10\), a bomb with probability \(i/10\) and a vicious attack canary with probability \((9-2i)/10\) \([i=1,2,3,4]\). He now listens carefully and, hearing no singing, concludes correctly that no canary is involved. If he switches on the light and the trap is a bomb he has probability \(1/2\) of being killed but if the trap is an anaconda he has probability \(2/3\) of survival. If he does not switch on the light and the trap is a bomb he is certain to survive but, if the trap is an anaconda, he has a probability \(1/2\) of being killed. His professional pride means that he must enter the flat. Advise Mr Blond, giving reasons for your advice.
Solution: \begin{array}{c|c|c|c} & A & B & C \\ \hline 1 & \frac{1}{10} \cdot \frac{2}{10} & \frac{1}{10} \cdot \frac{1}{10} & \frac{1}{10} \cdot \frac{7}{10} \\ 2 & \frac{2}{10} \cdot \frac{3}{10} &\frac{2}{10} \cdot \frac{2}{10} &\frac{2}{10} \cdot \frac{5}{10} \\ 3 & \frac{3}{10} \cdot \frac{4}{10} &\frac{3}{10} \cdot \frac{3}{10} &\frac{3}{10} \cdot \frac{3}{10} \\ 4 & \frac{4}{10} \cdot \frac{5}{10} &\frac{4}{10} \cdot \frac{4}{10} &\frac{4}{10} \cdot \frac{1}{10} \\ \hline & \frac{2+6+12+20}{100} & \frac{1 + 4 + 9 + 16}{100} & \frac{7 + 10 + 9 + 4}{100} \end{array} Therefore \(\mathbb{P}(A) = \frac{4}{10}, \mathbb{P}(B) = \frac{3}{10}, \mathbb{P}(C) = \frac{3}{10}\), in particular, \begin{align*} \mathbb{P}(A | \text{not }C) &= \frac{4}{7} \\ \mathbb{P}(B | \text{not }C) &= \frac{3}{7} \\ \end{align*} If he switches the light on, his probability of survival is \(\frac47 \cdot \frac23 + \frac37 \cdot \frac12 = \frac{25}{42}\), if he doesn't his probability is \(\frac12 \cdot \frac47 +\frac37= \frac{5}{7} = \frac{30}{42}\) therefore he shouldn't switch the light on.