The curve \(C_1\) has parametric equations \(x=t^2\), \(y= t^3\), where \(-\infty < t < \infty\,\). Let \(O\) denote the point \((0,0)\). The points \(P\) and \(Q\) on \(C_1\) are such that \(\angle POQ\) is a right angle. Show that the tangents to \(C_1\) at \(P\) and \(Q\) intersect on the curve \(C_2\) with equation \(4y^2=3x-1\). Determine whether \(C_1\) and \(C_2\) meet, and sketch the two curves on the same axes.
Use the factor theorem to show that \(a+b-c\) is a factor of \[ (a+b+c)^3 -6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2) +8(a^3+b^3+c^3) \,. \tag{\(*\)} \] Hence factorise (\(*\)) completely.
Solution: Suppose \(c = a+b\) then \begin{align*} (a+b+c)^3 &-6(a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2) +8(a^3+b^3+c^3) \\ &= (2(a+b))^3-6(2(a+b))(a^2+b^2+(a+b)^2) + 8(a^3+b^3+(a+b)^3) \\ &=16(a+b)^3 - 24(a+b)(a^2+b^2+ab)+8(a^3+b^3) \\ &= 8(a+b)(2(a+b)^2-3(a^2+b^2+ab)+(a^2-ab+b^2)) \\ &= 0 \end{align*} Therefore \(a+b-c\) is a factor. By symmetry \(a-b+c\) and \(-a+b+c\) are also factors. Since our polynomial is degree \(3\) it must be \(K(a+b-c)(b+c-a)(c+a-b)\) for some \(K\). Since the coefficient of \(a^3\) is \(3\), \(K = 3\). so we have: \(3(a+b-c)(b+c-a)(c+a-b)\)
For each non-negative integer \(n\), the polynomial \(\f_n\) is defined by \[ \f_n(x) = 1 + x + \frac{x^2}{2!} + \frac {x^3}{3!} + \cdots + \frac{x^n}{n!} \]
Solution:
Let \[ y=\dfrac{x^2+x\sin\theta+1}{x^2+x\cos\theta+1} \,.\]
In this question, the definition of \(\displaystyle\binom pq\) is taken to be \[ \binom pq = \begin{cases} \dfrac{p!}{q!(p-q)!} & \text{ if } p\ge q\ge0 \,,\\[4mm] 0 & \text{ otherwise } . \end{cases} \]
Solution:
This question concerns solutions of the differential equation \[ (1-x^2) \left(\frac{\d y}{\d x}\right)^2 + k^2 y^2 = k^2\, \tag{\(*\)} \] where \(k\) is a positive integer. For each value of \(k\), let \(y_k(x)\) be the solution of \((*)\) that satisfies \(y_k(1)=1\); you may assume that there is only one such solution for each value of \(k\).
Show that \[ \int_0^a \f(x) \d x= \int _0^a \f(a-x) \d x\,, \tag{\(*\)} \] where f is any function for which the integrals exist.
Solution: \begin{align*} u = a-x, \d u = - \d x: && \int_0^a f(x) \d x &= \int_{u=a}^{u=0} f(a-u) (-1) \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^a f(a-u) \d u \\ &&&= \int_0^a f(a-x) \d x \end{align*}
Evaluate the integral
\[
\hphantom{ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
(m> \tfrac12)\,.}
\int_{m-\frac12} ^\infty \frac 1{x^2}\, \d x
{ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \
(m> \tfrac12)\,.}
\]
Show by means
of a sketch that
\[
\sum_{r=m}^n \frac 1 {r^2}
\approx \int_{m-\frac12}^{n+\frac12} \frac1 {x^2} \, \d x
\,,
\tag{\(*\)}
\]
where \(m\) and \(n\) are positive integers with \(m
A small bullet of mass \(m\) is fired into a block of wood of mass \(M\) which is at rest. The speed of the bullet on entering the block is \(u\). Its trajectory within the block is a horizontal straight line and the resistance to the bullet's motion is \(R\), which is constant.
A thin uniform wire is bent into the shape of an isosceles triangle \(ABC\), where \(AB\) and \(AC\) are of equal length and the angle at \(A\) is \(2\theta\). The triangle \(ABC\) hangs on a small rough horizontal peg with the side \(BC\) resting on the peg. The coefficient of friction between the wire and the peg is \(\mu\). The plane containing \(ABC\) is vertical. Show that the triangle can rest in equilibrium with the peg in contact with any point on \(BC\) provided \[ \mu \ge 2\tan\theta(1+\sin\theta) \,. \]
Solution: