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2010 Paper 1 Q1
D: 1484.0 B: 1516.0

Given that \[ 5x^{2}+2y^{2}-6xy+4x-4y\equiv a\left(x-y+2\right)^{2} +b\left(cx+y\right)^{2}+d\,, \] find the values of the constants \(a\), \(b\), \(c\) and \(d\). Solve the simultaneous equations \begin{align*} 5x^{2}+2y^{2}-6xy+4x-4y&=9\,, \\ 6x^{2}+3y^{2}-8xy+8x-8y&=14\,. \end{align*}


Solution: \(a\left(x-y+2\right)^{2} +b\left(cx+y\right)^{2}+d\, \equiv (a + bc^2)x^2 + (a+b)y^2 + (-2a+2bc)xy + (4a)x+(-4ay) + 4a+d\) so we want to solve \[ \begin{cases} a + bc^2 &= 5 \\ a+b &= 2 \\ 2bc - 2a &= -6 \\ 4a &= 4 \\ -4a &= 4 \\ 4a+d &= -9 \end{cases} \Rightarrow a = 1, b = 1, c = -2, d = -13 \] Therefore we have: \((x-y+2)^2 + (2x+y)^2-13 = 0\) and our simultaneous equations will be: \[ \begin{cases} (x-y+2)^2 + (-2x+y)^2 &= 13 \\ 2(x-y+2)^2 + (-2x+y)^2 &= 22 \end{cases} \] which are simultaneous equations in \((x-y+2)^2\) and \((-2x+y)^2\) which solve to \((x-y+2)^2 = 9, (-2x+y)^2 = 4 \) so we need to solve \(4\) sets of simultaneous equations: \begin{align*} &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= 3 \\ -2x + y &= 2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (-3, -4) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= -3 \\ -2x + y &= 2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (3, 8) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= 3 \\ -2x + y &= -2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (1, 0) \\ &\begin{cases} x - y + 2 &= -3 \\ -2x + y &= -2 \end{cases} &&\Rightarrow (x,y) = (7, 12) \\ \end{align*} So \((x,y) = (-3, -4), (3, 8), (1, 0), (7,12)\)

2010 Paper 1 Q2
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

The curve \(\displaystyle y=\Bigl(\frac{x-a}{x-b}\Bigr)\e^{x}\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, has two stationary points. Show that \[ a-b<0 \ \ \ \text{or} \ \ \ a-b>4 \,. \]

  1. Show that, in the case \(a=0\) and \(b= \frac12\), there is one stationary point on either side of the curve's vertical asymptote, and sketch the curve.
  2. Sketch the curve in the case \( a=\tfrac{9}{2}\) and \(b=0\,\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && y &= \left ( \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right )e^x \\ &&y'& = \left ( \frac{x-a}{x-b} \right )e^x + \left ( \frac{(x-b)-(x-a)}{(x-b)^2}\right )e^x \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{(x-b)(x-a) +a-b}{(x-b)^2} \right)e^x \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{x^2-(a+b)x+a-b+ab}{(x-b)^2} \right)e^x \\ && 0 &< \Delta = (a+b)^2 - 4 \cdot 1 \cdot (a-b+ab) \\ &&&= a^2+2ab+b^2-4a+4b-4ab \\ &&&= a^2-2ab+b^2-4a+4b\\ &&&= (a-b)^2-4(a-b) \\ &&&= (a-b)(a-b-4) \\ \end{align*} Considered as a quadratic in \(a-b\) we can see \(a-b < 0\) or \(a-b > 4\)

  1. If \(a = 0, b = \frac12\), we have \(x^2-\frac12x -\frac12 = 0 \Rightarrow (2x+1)(x-1) = 0 \Rightarrow x = -\frac12, x=1\). The asymptote is at \(x = \frac12\) so they are on either side.
    TikZ diagram
  2. \(\,\)
    TikZ diagram

2010 Paper 1 Q3
D: 1500.0 B: 1473.5

Show that \[ \sin(x+y) -\sin(x-y) = 2 \cos x \, \sin y \] and deduce that \[ \sin A - \sin B = 2 \cos \tfrac12 (A+B) \, \sin\tfrac12 (A-B) \,. \] Show also that \[ \cos A - \cos B = -2 \sin \tfrac12(A+B) \, \sin\tfrac12(A-B)\,. \] The points \(P\), \(Q\), \(R\) and \(S\) have coordinates \(\left(a\cos p,b\sin p\right)\), \(\left(a\cos q,b\sin q\right)\), \(\left(a\cos r,b\sin r\right)\) and \(\left(a\cos s,b\sin s\right)\) respectively, where \(0\le p < q < r < s <2\pi\), and \(a\) and \(b\) are positive. Given that neither of the lines \(PQ\) and \(SR\) is vertical, show that these lines are parallel if and only if \[ r+s-p-q = 2\pi\,. \]


Solution: \begin{align*} && \sin(x+y) - \sin(x-y) &= \sin x \cos y + \cos x \sin y - (\sin x \cos y - \cos x \sin y )\\ &&&= 2 \cos x \sin y \\ \\ && A &= x+y \\ && B &= x - y \\ \Rightarrow && x = \frac12(A+B) &\quad y = \frac12(A-B) \\ \Rightarrow && \sin A - \sin B &= 2 \cos \tfrac12(A+B) \sin \tfrac12(A-B) \\ \\ && \cos (x+y) - \cos (x-y) &= \cos x \cos y - \sin x \sin y -(\cos x \cos y + \sin x \sin y ) \\ &&&= -2 \sin x \sin y \\ \Rightarrow && \cos A - \cos B &= - 2 \sin \tfrac12 (A+B) \sin \tfrac12 (A-B) \end{align*} \begin{align*} && \text{Gradient of }PQ &= \frac{b \sin q - b \sin p}{a \cos q - a \cos p } \\ && \text{Gradient of }SR &= \frac{b \sin s - b \sin r}{a \cos s - a \cos r} \\ PQ \parallel SR \Rightarrow && \frac{b \sin q - b \sin p}{a \cos q - a \cos p } &= \frac{b \sin s - b \sin r}{a \cos s - a \cos r} \\ \Rightarrow && (\sin q - \sin p)(\cos s - \cos r) &= (\sin s - \sin r)(\cos q - \cos r) \\ \Rightarrow && -4 \cos \tfrac12(p+q) \sin\tfrac12(q-p) \sin \tfrac12(s+r) \sin \tfrac12(s-r) &= -4 \cos \tfrac12(s+r) \sin \tfrac12(s-r) \sin \tfrac12 (p+q) \sin\tfrac12 (q-p) \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \sin \tfrac12(s-r)\sin\tfrac12(p-q) \left ( \cos \tfrac12(p+q)\sin \tfrac12(s+r) - \sin \tfrac12 (p+q)\cos \tfrac12(s+r) \right) \\ &&&= \sin \tfrac12(s-r)\sin\tfrac12(p-q) \sin \left ( \frac12 (s+r -(p+q))\right) \end{align*} Since \(s \neq r\) and \(p \neq q\) (neither line vertical) we must have \(\frac12 (s+r -(p+q)) = n \pi \Rightarrow s+r - p - q = 0, 2\pi, 4\pi, \cdots\) but given the range constraints it must be \(2 \pi\)

2010 Paper 1 Q4
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

Use the substitution \(x=\dfrac{1}{t^{2}-1}\; \), where \(t>1\), to show that, for \( x>0\), \[ \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x\left(x+1\right) \; } \ }\; \d x =2 \ln \left(\sqrt x+ \sqrt{x +1} \; \right)+c \,. \] Note: You may use without proof the result \(\displaystyle \int \! \frac{1}{t^2-a^2} \, \d t = \frac{1}{2a} \ln \left| \frac{t-a}{t+a}\right| + \rm {constant}\). The section of the curve \[ y=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}\; }-\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x+1}\; } \] between \(x=\frac{1}{8}\) and \(x=\frac{9}{16}\) is rotated through \(360^{o}\) about the \(x\)-axis. Show that the volume enclosed is \(2\pi \ln \tfrac{5}{4}\,\). \(\phantom{\dfrac AB}\)


Solution: \begin{align*} && x &= \frac{1}{t^2-1} \\ && t &= \sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}\\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\d x}{\d t} &= \frac{-2t}{(t^2-1)^2} \\ \Rightarrow && I &= \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x(x+1)}} \d x \\ &&&= \int \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac1{t^2-1} \frac{t^2}{t^2-1}}} \cdot \frac{-2 t}{(t^2-1)^2} \d t \\ &&&= \int \frac{t^2-1}{t} \frac{-2t}{(t^2-1)^2} \d t \\ &&&= -\int \frac{2}{t^2-1} \d t \\ &&&= - \frac{2}{2 \cdot 1} \ln \left | \frac{t-1}{t+1} \right| +C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{t+1}{t-1} \right| + C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{\sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}+1}{\sqrt{\frac{x+1}{x}}-1} \right| + C \\ &&&= \ln \left | \frac{\sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}}{\sqrt{x+1}-\sqrt{x}} \right| + C \\ &&&= 2\ln \left | \sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}\right| + C \\ &&&= 2\ln \left ( \sqrt{x+1}+\sqrt{x}\right) + C \\ \end{align*} \begin{align*} && V&= \pi \int_{1/8}^{9/16} y^2 \d x \\ &&&= \pi \int_{1/8}^{9/16} \left ( \frac1x + \frac{1}{x+1} - \frac{2}{\sqrt{x(x+1)}}\right) \d x \\ &&&= \pi \left [ \ln x + \ln (x+1) - 4 \ln(\sqrt{x+1} + \sqrt{x}) \right]_{1/8}^{9/16} \\ &&&= \pi \left ( \ln \frac{9}{16} + \ln \frac{25}{16} - 4 \ln \left ( \frac54 + \frac34\right) \right) +\\ &&&\quad -\pi \left ( \ln \frac{1}{8} + \ln \frac{9}{8} - 4 \ln \left ( \frac1{2\sqrt{2}} + \frac3{2\sqrt{2}}\right) \right) \\ &&&= \pi \left ( 2 \ln 3 - 8 \ln 2 + 2 \ln 5 - 4\ln2 \right) - \pi \left ( -6 \ln 2 + 2\ln 3 - 2\ln 2\right) \\ &&&= \pi (2 \ln 5 - 4 \ln 2 ) \\ &&&= 2 \pi \ln \tfrac54 \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q5
D: 1484.0 B: 1484.0

By considering the expansion of \(\left(1+x\right)^{n}\) where \(n\) is a positive integer, or otherwise, show that:

  1. \[\binom{n}{0}+\binom{n}1+\binom{n}2 +\cdots +\binom{n}n=2^{n} \]
  2. \[\binom{n}{1}+2\binom{n}2+3\binom{n}3 +\cdots +n\binom{n}n=n2^{n-1} \]
  3. \[\binom{n}{0}+\frac12\binom{n}1+\frac13\binom{n}2 +\cdots +\frac1{n+1}\binom{n}n=\frac1{n+1}(2^{n+1}-1) \]
  4. \[\binom{n}{1}+2^2\binom{n}2+3^2\binom{n}3 +\cdots +n^2\binom{n}n=n(n+1)2^{n-2} \]


Solution:

  1. Notice that \begin{align*} && (1+x)^n &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} x^i \\ \text{Evaluate at }x = 1: && 2^n &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} \end{align*}
  2. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && (1+x)^n &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} x^i \\ \frac{\d}{\d x}: && n(1+x)^{n-1} &= \sum_{i=1}^n i\binom{n}{i} x^{i-1} \\ \text{Evaluate at }x = 1: && n2^{n-1} &= \sum_{i=1}^n i\binom{n}{i} \end{align*}
  3. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && (1+x)^n &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} x^i \\ \Rightarrow && \int_0^1(1+x)^n \d x &= \int_0^1 \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} x^i \d x \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{1}{n+1}(2^{n+1}-1) &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i}\int_0^1 x^i \d x\\ &&& = \sum_{i=0}^n \frac{1}{i+1}\binom{n}{i} \\ \end{align*}
  4. \(\,\) \begin{align*} && (1+x)^n &= \sum_{i=0}^n \binom{n}{i} x^i \\ \frac{\d}{\d x}: && n(1+x)^{n-1} &= \sum_{i=1}^n i\binom{n}{i} x^{i-1} \\ \times x: && nx(1+x)^{n-1} &= \sum_{i=1}^n i\binom{n}{i} x^{i} \\ \frac{\d}{\d x}: && n(1+x)^{n-1}+n(n-1)x(1+x)^{n-2} &= \sum_{i=1}^n i^2\binom{n}{i} x^{i-1} \\ \text{Evaluate at }x = 1: && \sum_{i=1}^n i^2\binom{n}{i} &= n(1+1)^{n-1}+n(n-1)x(1+1)^{n-2} \\ &&&= 2^{n-2} \left (n(n-1) + 2n \right) \\ &&&= n(n+1)2^{n-2} \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q6
D: 1500.0 B: 1516.0

Show that, if \(y=\e^x\), then \[ (x-1) \frac{\d^2 y}{\d x^2} -x \frac{\d y}{\d x} +y=0\,. \tag{\(*\)} \] In order to find other solutions of this differential equation, now let \(y=u\e^x\), where \(u\) is a function of \(x\). By substituting this into \((*)\), show that \[ (x-1) \frac{\d^2 u}{\d x^2} + (x-2) \frac{\d u}{\d x} =0\,. \tag{\(**\)} \] By setting \( \dfrac {\d u}{\d x}= v\) in \((**)\) and solving the resulting first order differential equation for \(v\), find \(u\) in terms of \(x\). Hence show that \(y=Ax + B\e^x\) satisfies \((*)\), where \(A\) and \(B\) are any constants.


Solution: \begin{align*} && y &= e^x \\ && y' &= e^x \\ && y'' &= e^x \\ \Rightarrow && (x-1)y'' - x y' + y &= (x-1)e^x - xe^x + e^x \\ &&&= 0 \end{align*} Suppose \(y = ue^x\) then \begin{align*} && y' &= u'e^x + ue^x \\ && y'' &= (u''+u')e^x + (u'+u)e^x \\ &&&= (u''+2u' +u)e^x \\ \\ && 0 &= (x-1)y'' - x y' + y \\ &&&= [(x-1)(u''+2u'+u) - x(u'+u)+u]e^x \\ &&&= [(x-1)u'' +(x-2)u']e^x \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= (x-1)u'' + (x-2)u' \\ v = u': && 0 &= (x-1)v' + (x-2) v \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{v'}{v} &= -\frac{x-2}{x-1} \\ &&&= -1-\frac{1}{x-1} \\ \Rightarrow && \ln v &= -x - \ln(x-1) + C \\ \Rightarrow && v &= A(x-1)e^{-x} \\ && u &= \int Axe^{-x} - Ae^{-x} \d x \\ &&&= \left [-Axe^{-x} +Ae^{-x} \right] + \int Ae^{-x} \d x \\ &&&= -Axe^{-x} + D\\ \Rightarrow && y &= ue^x \\ &&&= -Ax + De^x \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q7
D: 1484.0 B: 1500.0

Relative to a fixed origin \(O\), the points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\bf{a}\) and \(\bf{b}\), respectively. (The points \(O\), \(A\) and \(B\) are not collinear.) The point \(C\) has position vector \(\bf c\) given by \[ {\bf c} =\alpha {\bf a}+ \beta {\bf b}\,, \] where \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\) are positive constants with \(\alpha+\beta<1\,\). The lines \(OA\) and \(BC\) meet at the point \(P\) with position vector \(\bf p\) and the lines \(OB\) and \(AC\) meet at the point \(Q\) with position vector \(\bf q\). Show that \[ {\bf p} =\frac{\alpha {\bf a} }{1-\beta}\,, \] and write down \(\bf q\) in terms of \(\alpha,\ \beta\) and \(\bf {b}\). Show further that the point \(R\) with position vector \(\bf r\) given by \[ {\bf r} =\frac{\alpha {\bf a} + \beta {\bf b}}{\alpha + \beta}\,, \] lies on the lines \(OC\) and \(AB\). The lines \(OB\) and \(PR\) intersect at the point \(S\). Prove that $ \dfrac{OQ}{BQ} = \dfrac{OS}{BS}\,$.

2010 Paper 1 Q8
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.0

  1. Suppose that \(a\), \(b\) and \(c\) are integers that satisfy the equation \[ a^{3}+3b^{3}=9c^{3}. \] Explain why \(a\) must be divisible by 3, and show further that both \(b\) and \(c\) must also be divisible by 3. Hence show that the only integer solution is \(a=b=c=0\,\).
  2. Suppose that \(p\), \(q\) and \(r\) are integers that satisfy the equation \[ p^4 +2q^4 = 5r^4 \,.\] By considering the possible final digit of each term, or otherwise, show that \(p\) and \(q\) are divisible by 5. Hence show that the only integer solution is \(p=q=r=0\,\).


Solution:

  1. Since \(a^3 = 9c^3 - 3b^3 = 3(3c^3-b^3)\) we must have \(3 \mid a^3\). But since \(3\) is prime, \(3 \mid a\). Since \(3 \mid a\) we can write \(a = 3a'\) for some \(a' \in \mathbb{Z}\). Therefore our equation is \(27(a')^3 + 3b^3 = 9c^3 \Rightarrow 9(a')^3 + b^3 = 3c^3\) which means that \(3 \mid b\) by the same argument from earlier. So \(b = 3b'\) so the equation is \(9(a')^3 + 27(b')^3 = 3c^3 \Rightarrow 3(a')^3 + 9(b')^3 = c^3\) which means that \(3 \mid c\). Suppose \((a,b,c)\) is the smallest measured by \(a^2+b^2+c^2\) with \(a, b, c\neq 0\). Then \((\frac{a}{3}, \frac{b}{3}, \frac{c}{3})\) is also a solution. But this contradicts that we had found the smallest solution. Therefore the only possible solution is \((0,0,0)\) which clearly works.
  2. Consider \(p, q \pmod{5}\). By \(FLT\) \(p^4, q^4 = 0, 1 \pmod{5}\) so \(p^4+2q^4 \in \{0, 1, 2, 3\}\) and in particular the only way they are divisible by \(5\) is if \(p \equiv q \equiv 0 \pmod{5}\). Therefore \(p = 5p', q = 5q'\) and so \(5^4(p')^4 + 5^4(q')^4 = 5r^4 \Rightarrow r^4 = 5(25(p')^4 + 25(q')^4) \Rightarrow 5\mid r^4 \Rightarrow 5 \mid r\). Therefore we can use the same argument about the smallest solution to show that \(p = q= r = 0\)

2010 Paper 1 Q9
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

TikZ diagram
The diagram shows a uniform rectangular lamina with sides of lengths \(2a\) and \(2b\) leaning against a rough vertical wall, with one corner resting on a rough horizontal plane. The plane of the lamina is vertical and perpendicular to the wall, and one edge makes an angle of \(\alpha\) with the horizontal plane. Show that the centre of mass of the lamina is a distance \(a\cos\alpha + b\sin\alpha\) from the wall. The coefficients of friction at the two points of contact are each \(\mu\) and the friction is limiting at both contacts. Show that \[ a\cos(2\lambda +\alpha) = b\sin\alpha \,, \] where \(\tan\lambda = \mu\). Show also that if the lamina is square, then \(\lambda = \frac{1}{4}\pi -\alpha\).


Solution:

TikZ diagram
The horizontal distance to \(X\) is \(a\cos \alpha\). The horizontal distance to \(G\) from \(X\) is \(b \sin \alpha\), therefore the centre of mass is a distance \(a \cos \alpha + b \sin \alpha\) from the wall.
TikZ diagram
\begin{align*} \text{lim eq}: && F_W &= \mu R_W \\ && F_G &= \mu R_G\\ \text{N2}(\rightarrow): && \mu R _G &= R_W \\ \text{N2}(\uparrow): && \mu R_W + R_G &= W \\ \Rightarrow && (1+\mu^2)R_G &= W \\ \overset{\curvearrowleft}{Y}: && R_G 2a \cos \alpha - F_G 2a \sin \alpha - W (a \cos \alpha + b \sin \alpha) &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 2a R_G \cos \alpha -2a \mu R_G \sin \alpha - (1+\mu^2)R_G(a \cos \alpha + b \sin \alpha) &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && a(1-\mu^2)\cos \alpha - (b(1+\mu^2)+2a\mu) \sin \alpha &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && a(1-\tan^2 \lambda )\cos \alpha - (b(1-\tan^2 \lambda)+2a\tan \lambda) \sin \alpha &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow&& a(2-\sec^2 \lambda) \cos \alpha - (b\sec^2 \lambda+2a\mu) \sin \alpha &= 0 \\ \Leftrightarrow && a (2\cos \lambda - 1)\cos \alpha - 2a \sin \lambda \cos \lambda \sin \alpha &= b \sin \alpha \\ \Leftrightarrow && a\cos 2 \lambda \cos \alpha - a\sin 2 \lambda \sin \alpha &= b \sin \alpha \\ \Leftrightarrow && a\cos (2 \lambda +\alpha) &= b \sin \alpha \end{align*} as required. If the lamina is a square, \(a = b\), so \begin{align*} && \cos(2\lambda + \alpha) &= \sin \alpha \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= \cos(2\lambda + \alpha) -\sin \alpha \\ &&&= \sin \left (\frac{\pi}{2} - 2 \lambda - \alpha \right )-\sin \alpha \\ &&&= 2 \cos\left ( \frac{\frac{\pi}{2} - 2 \lambda - \alpha +\alpha}{2} \right) \sin\left ( \frac{\frac{\pi}{2} - 2 \lambda - \alpha -\alpha}{2} \right) \\ &&&= 2 \cos\left ( \frac{\pi}4 -\lambda\right) \sin\left ( \frac{\pi}4 -\lambda-\alpha \right) \\ \Rightarrow && \lambda -\frac{\pi}{4} = -\frac{\pi}{2} & \text{ or } \frac{\pi}{4} - \lambda - \alpha = 0 \\ \Rightarrow && \alpha &= \frac{\pi}{4}-\lambda \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q10
D: 1500.0 B: 1500.0

A particle \(P\) moves so that, at time \(t\), its displacement \( \bf r \) from a fixed origin is given by \[ {\bf r} =\left( \e^{t}\cos t \right) {\bf i}+ \left(\e^t \sin t\right) {\bf j}\,.\] Show that the velocity of the particle always makes an angle of \(\frac{\pi}{4}\) with the particle's displacement, and that the acceleration of the particle is always perpendicular to its displacement. Sketch the path of the particle for \(0\le t \le \pi\). A second particle \(Q\) moves on the same path, passing through each point on the path a fixed time \(T\) after \(P\) does. Show that the distance between \(P\) and \(Q\) is proportional to \(\e^{t}\).


Solution: \begin{align*} && {\bf r} &=\left( \e^{t}\cos t \right) {\bf i}+ \left(\e^t \sin t\right) {\bf j} \\ \Rightarrow && \dot{\bf r} &= \left( \e^{t}\cos t -\e^t \sin t\right) {\bf i}+ \left(\e^t \sin t+\e^t \cos t\right) {\bf j} \\ \Rightarrow && \mathbf{r}\cdot\dot{ \mathbf{r}} &= e^{2t}(\cos^2 t - \sin t \cos t) + e^{2t}(\sin^2 t+ \sin t \cos t) \\ &&&= e^{2t} (\cos^2 t + \sin ^2 t)\\ &&&= e^{2t} \\ \\ && | {\bf r}| &= e^{t} \\ && |{\bf \dot{r}}| &= e^t \sqrt{(\cos t - \sin t)^2 + (\sin t + \cos t)^2} \\ &&&= e^t \sqrt{2 \cos^2 t + 2 \sin^2 t} \\ &&&= \sqrt{2} e^t \\ \\ \Rightarrow && \frac{\mathbf{r}\cdot\dot{ \mathbf{r}}}{ |{\bf {r}}| |{\bf \dot{r}}|} &= \frac{e^{2t}}{\sqrt{2}e^te^t} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \end{align*} Therefore the angle between the velocity and displacement is \(\frac{\pi}{4}\). \begin{align*} && \ddot{\bf{r}} &= \left( \e^{t}(\cos t - \sin t) - \e^t (\sin t + \cos t)\right) {\bf i}+ \left(\e^t (\sin t + \cos t) + \e^t(\cos t - \sin t)\right) {\bf j} \\ &&&= \left ( -2\e^{t} \sin t \right) {\bf i}+ \left ( 2\e^{t} \cos t \right) {\bf j} \\ \Rightarrow && {\bf r} \cdot \ddot{\bf{r}} &= 2e^{2t} \left ( -\sin t \cos t + \sin t \cos t \right) \\ &&&= 0 \end{align*} Therefore the acceleration is perpendicular.

TikZ diagram
\(Q\) has position $\mathbf{r}' = \left( \e^{t-T}\cos (t-T) \right) {\bf i}+ \left(\e^{t-T} \sin (t-T)\right) {\bf j}\( for \)t > T$. \begin{align*} && {\bf r' \cdot r} &= e^{2t-T} \left (\cos t \cos (t-T) + \sin t \sin(t - T) \right) \\ &&&= e^{2t-T} \cos (t - (t-T)) \\ &&&= e^{2t-T} \cos T \\ \\ && |{\bf r'}- {\bf r} |^2 &= |{\bf r}|^2 + |{\bf r}'|^2 - 2 {\bf r' \cdot r} \\ &&&= e^{2t} + e^{2(t-T)} - 2e^{2t-T} \cos T \\ &&&= e^{2t} \left (1 - 2e^{-T} \cos T + e^{-2T} \right) \\ \Rightarrow && |{\bf r'}- {\bf r} | &= e^{t} \sqrt{1 - 2e^{-T} \cos T + e^{-2T} } \end{align*} as required

2010 Paper 1 Q11
D: 1500.0 B: 1484.1

Two particles of masses \(m\) and \(M\), with \(M>m\), lie in a smooth circular groove on a horizontal plane. The coefficient of restitution between the particles is \(e\). The particles are initially projected round the groove with the same speed \(u\) but in opposite directions. Find the speeds of the particles after they collide for the first time and show that they will both change direction if \(2em> M-m\). After a further \(2n\) collisions, the speed of the particle of mass \(m\) is \(v\) and the speed of the particle of mass \(M\) is \(V\). Given that at each collision both particles change their directions of motion, explain why \[ mv-MV = u(M-m), \] and find \(v\) and \(V\) in terms of \(m\), \(M\), \(e\), \(u\) and \(n\).


Solution: All the forces in the circular groove will be perpendicular to the direction of motion. Therefore the particles will continue moving with constant speed at all times (aside from collisions). We can consider the collisions to occur as if along a tangent, (since they will be travelling perfectly perpendicular at the collisions).

TikZ diagram
The speed of approach at the first collision will be \(2u\). Therefore \(v_m = v_M + 2eu\) \begin{align*} \text{COM}: && Mu + m (-u) &= Mv_M + m(v_M + 2eu) \\ \Rightarrow && u(M-m - 2em) &= (M+m)v_M \\ \Rightarrow && v_M &= \left ( \frac{M-m-2em}{M+m} \right) u \\ && v_m &= \left ( \frac{M-m-2em}{M+m} \right) u + 2eu \\ &&&= \left ( \frac{M-m+2eM}{M+m} \right) u \end{align*} Both particles will reverse direction if \(v_M < 0\) , ie \(M-m-2em < 0 \Rightarrow 2em > M-m\) Since at each collision the velocity of the particles reverses, they must still be travelling in opposite directions, and so by conservation of momentum \(mv - MV = u(M-m)\). After each collision, the speed of approach (ie \(V+v\)) reduces by a factor of \(e\), therefore \(V+v = 2ue^{2n}\) \begin{align*} && mv - M V &= u (M-m) \\ && v + V &= 2u e^{2n} \\ \Rightarrow && (m+M)v &= u(M-m) + M2ue^{2n} \\ \Rightarrow && v &= \frac{u(M-m) + 2ue^{2n}M}{M+m} \\ \Rightarrow && (m+M)V &= 2ume^{2n} - u(M-m) \\ \Rightarrow && V &= \frac{2um e^{2n} - u(M-m)}{M+m} \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q12
D: 1500.0 B: 1508.1

A discrete random variable \(X\) takes only positive integer values. Define \(\E(X)\) for this case, and show that \[\E(X) =\sum^{\infty}_{n=1}\P\left(X\ge n \right).\] I am collecting toy penguins from cereal boxes. Each box contains either one daddy penguin or one mummy penguin. The probability that a given box contains a daddy penguin is \(p\) and the probability that a given box contains a mummy penguin is \(q\), where \(p\ne0\), \(q\ne0\) and \(p+q=1\,\). Let \(X\) be the number of boxes that I need to open to get at least one of each kind of penguin. Show that \(\P(X\ge 4)= p^{3}+q^{3}\), and that \[ \E(X)=\frac{1}{pq}-1.\, \] Hence show that \(\E(X)\ge 3\,\).


Solution: \[ \E[X] := \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} n \mathbb{P}(X=n) \] \begin{align*} && \sum^{\infty}_{n=1}\mathbb{P}\left(X\ge n \right) &= \sum^{\infty}_{n=1}\sum_{k=n}^\infty \mathbb{P}(X=k) \\ &&&= \sum_{k=1}^\infty k \cdot \mathbb{P}(X=k) \\ &&&= \E[X] \end{align*} \begin{align*} &&\mathbb{P}(X \geq 4) &= \mathbb{P}(\text{first 3 are daddies}) +\mathbb{P}(\text{first 3 are mummies}) \\ &&&= p^3 + q^3 \\ \Rightarrow && \E[X] &= \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \mathbb{P}\left(X\ge n \right) \\ &&&= 1+\sum_{n=2}^{\infty} \left ( p^{n-1} + q^{n-1}\right) \\ &&&= 1+\frac{p}{1-p} + \frac{q}{1-q} \\ &&&= 1+\frac{p}q + \frac{q}p \\ &&&= 1+\frac{p^2+q^2}{pq} \\ &&&= 1+\frac{(p+q)^2-2pq}{pq} \\ &&&= \frac{1}{pq} -1 \\ &&& \underbrace{\geq}_{AM-GM} \frac{1}{4}-1 = 3 \end{align*}

2010 Paper 1 Q13
D: 1484.0 B: 1516.0

The number of texts that George receives on his mobile phone can be modelled by a Poisson random variable with mean \(\lambda\) texts per hour. Given that the probability George waits between 1 and 2 hours in the morning before he receives his first text is \(p\), show that \[ p\e^{2\lambda}-\e^{\lambda}+1=0. \] Given that \(4p<1\), show that there are two positive values of \(\lambda\) that satisfy this equation. The number of texts that Mildred receives on each of her two mobile phones can be modelled by independent Poisson random variables with different means \(\lambda_{1}\) and \(\lambda_{2}\) texts per hour. Given that, for each phone, the probability that Mildred waits between 1 and 2 hours in the morning before she receives her first text is also \(p\), find an expression for \(\lambda_{1}+\lambda_{2}\) in terms of \(p\). Find the probability, in terms of \(p\), that she waits between 1 and 2 hours in the morning to receive her first text.


Solution: Let \(X_t\) be the number of texts he recieves before \(t\) hours. So \(X_t \sim P(t\lambda)\) \begin{align*} &&\mathbb{P}(X_1 = 0 \, \cap \, X_2 > 0) &= e^{-\lambda} \cdot \left ( 1-e^{-\lambda}\right) = p \\ \Rightarrow && e^{2\lambda}p &= e^{\lambda} - 1 \\ \Rightarrow && 0 &= pe^{2\lambda}-e^{\lambda} + 1 \\ \Rightarrow && e^{\lambda} &= \frac{1 \pm \sqrt{1-4p}}{2p} \end{align*} Which clearly has two positive roots if \(4p < 1\). We need to show both roots are \(>1\). So considering the smaller one we are looking at: \begin{align*} && \frac{1-\sqrt{1-4p}}{2p} & > 1 \\ \Leftrightarrow && 1-\sqrt{1-4p} &> 2p \\ \Leftrightarrow && 1-2p&> \sqrt{1-4p} \\ \Leftrightarrow && (1-2p)^2&> 1-4p \\ \Leftrightarrow && 1-4p+4p^2&> 1-4p \\ \end{align*} which is clearly true. We must have \(e^{\lambda_1}\cdot e^{\lambda_2} = \frac{1}{p}\), so \(\lambda_1 + \lambda_2 = -\ln p\) by considering the product of the roots in our quadratic. (Vieta). Therefore the probability she waits between 1 and 2 hours in the morning is \(e^{-(\lambda_1 + \lambda_2)} \cdot ( 1- e^{-(\lambda_1+\lambda_2)}) = p \cdot (1-p)\)