[Turn Over

SERANGOON JUNIOR COLLEGE

2011 JC2 MID YEAR EXAMINATION

MATHEMATICS
Higher 2 9740/1
Wednesday 18 May 2011

Additional materials: Writing paper
List of Formulae (MF15)

TIME : 3 hours

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST

Write your name and class on the cover page and on all the work you hand in.
Write in dark or black pen on both sides of the paper.
You may use a soft pencil for any diagrams or graphs.
Do not use staples, paper clips, highlighters, glue or correction fluid.

Answer all the questions.
Give non-exact numerical answers correct to 3 significant figures, or 1 decimal place in the
case of angles in degrees, unless a different level of accuracy is specified in the question.
You are expected to use a graphic calculator.

Unsupported answers from a graphic calculator are allowed unless a question specifically
states otherwise.

Where unsupported answers from a graphic calculator are not allowed in a question, you are
required to present the mathematical steps using mathematical notations and not calculator
commands.

You are reminded of the need for clear presentation in your answers.

The number of marks is given in brackets [ ] at the end of each question or part question.
At the end of the examination, fasten all your work securely together.

Total marks for this paper is 100 marks.
This question paper consists of 6 printed pages and no blank pages.
Answer all questions [100 marks].
1.
Without the use of the calculator, solve the inequality ,
5
3
x .
[3]

Hence, solve .
[2]
Solution:









M1


+ +

4






M1

or
A1





M1



From earlier part, we have
(rejected 0 x ) or


( 0 x )


A1

2. In a certain culture of bacteria, the rate of increase of the population is

proportional to the number, x of bacteria present at any time t hours.

(i) Write down a differential equation connecting x and t.
[1]
(ii) The initial number of bacteria is
0
x and the number of bacteria doubles

after 4 hours. Find , in terms of
0
x , the number of bacteria at the end of
12 hours.
[5]




Comment [YUN1]:
Misconception
Some students performed cross multiplication
which is incorrect as one will not know whether the
expression 3x5 is always positive or negative.
Comment [YUN2]:
Careless Mistake
Some students forgot to realise that it should not
have the = sign as we cant have division of zero.
Comment [YUN3]:
Misconception
Some students either missed out this word or would
have used the incorrect word AND
(AND cannot be used as we cant have a number
that satisfy both inequalities at the same time.
Comment [YUN4]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students did not state the reason for rejecting
the answer.
Comment [YUN5]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students did not indicate why the above
inequality is reduced to this form.
[Turn Over

Solution:

Let x be the number of bacteria present at t hours.

d
(i)
d
x
kx
t
=
B1
1
(ii) d d x k t
x
=


M1

ln x kt C = +


kt C
x e
+
=


C kt
x e e =



kt
x Ae =
A1
When
0 0
0, t x x A x = = =
B1

0
kt
x x e =


When t =4,
4 4
0 0
2 2
k k
x x e e = =

ln2
4
k =
B1
When t =12,


( )
3
ln2
12
ln 2
12 3ln2 4
0 0 0 0 0
8
k
x x e x e x e x e x
| |
|
\ .
= = = = =
B1


3. The diagram below shows the graph of f ( ) y x = . There is a minimum point

at ( 3,0) and the equations of the asymptotes are 0 x =

and 4 y = .

Sketch, on separate clearly labelled diagrams, the graphs of


(i) f ( ) y x =
[2]

(ii)
( )
1
f
y
x
=
[2]

(iii) ( ) f ' y x =
[2]
(iv) f (1 2 ) y x =
[2]


x
y
o
4
( ) 0 , 3

f ( ) y x =
Comment [YUN6]: Presentation of working:
Many failed to include
c
e after the elimination of
modulus sign
Comment [YUN7]: Accuracy:
Many failed to realised that
3ln2
0 0
8 e x x =


Solution:
(i) f ( ) y x =


Asymptote L1 (x =0 and y =-2)
Correct Graph G1


(ii)
( )
1
f
y
x
=

Asymptote L1
Correct Graph G1


(iii) ( ) f ' y x =

x
y
O
1
4

-3
x
y
O
-2
( ) 0 , 3

Comment [YUN8]:
Presentation:
Many failed to label the fixed point and the
equations of the asymptotes
Comment [YUN9]:
Presentation:
Many failed to label the fixed point and the
equations of the asymptotes

[Turn Over



One part correct P1
Correct Graph G1

(iv) f (1 2 ) y x =

Correct Asymptote L1
Correct Point (2,0) P1
Correct Graph G1


x
y
O
4
( ) 0 , 2
1
2

x
y
O
-3
Comment [YUN10]:
Theory:
Most of the students have no basic concept on
sketching the graph of y=f(x)
Many students never attempt this part
Comment [YUN11]:
Misconception:
Many have forgotten the basic theory on
transformation and they have completely messed
up the order of transformation.
4.
The diagram below shows the graph of 5 2
x
y x = . The two roots of the
equation 5 2 0
x
x = are denoted by and , where < .















(i) Find the values of

and , each correct to 3 decimal places.
[2]
A sequence of real numbers
1 2 3
, , ,... x x x satisfies the recurrence relation
( )
1
1
2
5
n
n
x
x
+
= for 1 n .

(ii) Prove algebraically that, if the sequence converges, then it converges to
either

or .
[2]
(iii) Use a graphic calculator to determine the behaviour of the sequence for
each of the cases
1
4 x = and
1
5 x = .


[2]
(iv) By considering
1 n n
x x
+
,

show that

1 n n
x x
+
< if
n
x < <

1 n n
x x
+
> if or >
n n
x x <
[2]


Solution

(i) From the G.C,

0.235 and 4.488 = =
B2
(ii) Suppose the sequence converges to L.

As n
1
and
n n
x L x L
+

M1

So
( )
1
2
5
L
L =


5 2 0
L
L =

From (i), 0.235 or 4.488 L L = =
A1
Hence the sequence converges to either

or .

(iii) Using a G.C,

When
1
4 x = , the sequence is decreasing and converges to 0.235
B1
x
y

5 2
x
y x =
Comment [YUN12]:
G.C Skills
Some students are not familiar how to use the
graphic calculator to find the axial intercept.
It is incorrect to just move the cursor to some region
near the x-intercept to obtain the answer.
Comment [YUN13]:
Accuracy
Many failed to follow the instructions to leave the
answer in 3 decimal places.
Comment [YUN14]:
Presentation of Answers
Many students did not indicate what is the meaning
of L when they introduce the symbol in the working.
Comment [YUN15]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to point out that both
1
and
n n
x x
+
tends to the same value (NOT EQUALS
TO L) as n tends to infinity.
Comment [YUN16]:
Presentation of Answers
It is important to indicate how the value of L is
obtained using the above results.
Comment [YUN17]:
G.C Skills
Some scripts shows lack of understanding how to
use the sequence mode and the table option to
obtain the answer.
Presentation of Answers
Some words in which students can used to describe
the behaviour of the sequence are
(i) Increasing
(ii) Decreasing
(iii) Constant
(iv) Converging
(v) Diverging
(vi) Alternating
[Turn Over

When
1
5 x = , the sequence is increasing and diverges
B1

(iv)
( )
1
1
2
5
n n n
n
x
x x x
+
=


( )
1
5 2
5
n
n
x
x =


For x < < , from the given sketch of 5 2
x
y x = , y >0
5 2 0 for
n n
n
x
x x > < <
B1

( )
1
5 2 0
5
n
n
x
x <

Hence
1
0
n n
x x
+
<


1 n n
x x
+
<


For or x x < > , from the given sketch of 5 2
x
y x = , y <0
5 2 0 for or
n n n
n
x
x x x < < >
B1

( )
1
5 2 0
5
n
n
x
x >

Hence
1
0
n n
x x
+
>


1 n n
x x
+
>



5.


The diagram shows the region R bounded by the curve
2
6 x y y = , the

x-axis and the line 9 x = .

(a) Find, without the use of Graphic Calculator, the exact area of R.
[3]
(b) Find the volume of the solid formed when R is rotated completely about

(i) the x-axis,
[2]
(ii) the y-axis,
[3]
giving your answer correct to 1 decimal place.



x
y
O
9 x =


2
6 x y y =

R

Comment [YUN18]:
Presentation of Answers
Students should not use the phrase does not
converge to describe the behaviour as does not
converge can mean alternating or mean it diverges.
Comment [YUN19]:
Careless Mistakes
( )
1
2 2 5
5
n n
n n
x x
x x
Comment [YUN20]:
Presentation of Answers
Students needs to be very clear in the working
especially when it is a proving question. So in this
case, students need to show clearly the link
between the given graph and how it is related to the
inequality that was found.
Solution:


(i)
2
6 x y y =


( )
2
3 9 x y =


( )
2
3 9 x y =


3 9 y x = +

When x = 9, y =3.


Since 3 y , 3 9 y x = +
B1

Area of R =
( )
1
0
2
9
3 9 d x x

| |
+
|
\ .

M1

= ( )
0
3
2
9
2
3 9
3
x x

(
+
(



=9
A1

Or Area of R =
( )
3
2
0
9 3 6 d y y y

M1
A1

=
3
3
2
0
9 3 3
3
y
y
(

(



=9
A1

(ii) Required volume =
( )
2 0
9
3 9 d x x

+

M1

=42.4
A1

(iii) Required volume = ( ) ( ) ( )
2
3
2
2
0
9 3 6 d y y y

M1
A1
=356.3
A1


6. (a) The length of each side of a cube is increasing at a constant rate of
1
0.1ms

. Find the rate of increase of the volume of the cube when the length
of each side is 2 m.
[2]


(b)











[3]
y y
z
x
z
z z
24 cm
9 cm
Comment [YUN21]:
Accuracy:
Many failed to indicate the correct equation of the
required graph
Comment [YUN22]:
Accuracy:
Many failed to realised that
( )
3
2
0
6 d 0 y y y <

and hence forgot to add in the modulus sign
Comment [YUN23]:
Accuracy:
Many mixed up the formulae used for rotation
about the x-axis and the y-axis.
Wrong choice for the equation of the curve.
GC skills:
Many students did not realise that they can use GC
to find the answer without performing any
integration.

Comment [YUN24]:
Accuracy:
Many mixed up the formulae used for rotation
about the x-axis and the y-axis.

GC skills:
Many students did not realise that they can use GC
to find the answer without performing any
integration.

[Turn Over

The diagram above shows a 24 cm by 9 cm aluminium sheet that can be
folded into a box with length x cm, width y cm and height z cm.
(i) Show that the volume of the box,
3 2
2 39 180 = + V y y y .
(ii) Hence, find the maximum volume of the box.
[4]

Solution
(a)

Let x =length of a side of the cube
So volume,
3
x V =
t
x
x
t
V
d
d
3
d
d
2
=
When 2 = x & 1 . 0
d
d
=
t
x
,
( ) ( )
1 3 2
s m 2 . 1 1 . 0 2 3
d
d

= =
t
V



M1




A1
(b) (i) 2 2 24 + = y z ,------(1)
2 9 + = x z ------(2)
Solving the above simultaneous equation,
12 = z y and
2 15 = x y
(2 15)( )(12 ) = = V xyz y y y

3 2
2 39 180 = + y y y
M1




M1

A1

(ii)
d
0
d
V
y
=

2
6 78 180 0 + = y y

2
13 30 0 + = y y
( )( ) 3 10 0 = y y
3 or 10 y y = =

2
2
d
12 78
d
V
y
y
= +
When 3 = y ,
2
2
d
42 0
d
V
y
= > , When 10 = y ,
2
2
d
42 0
d
V
y
= <
Hence, when 10 = y , maximum volume, V =(5)(10)(2)=100 cm
3

M1



M1







M1

A1



7.
(a) Prove by mathematical induction, that for all
positive integers, n.


[4]
Hence, or otherwise, find the sum to infinity of the series,
[2]
Comment [YUN25]:
Improper Algebraic Manipulation

(1) Failed to differentiate volume correctly.

(2) Failed to use change rule
dv/dt = dv/dx X dx/dt


Comment [YUN26]:
Improper Algebraic Manipulation

(1) Failed to derive the two equations
from the diagram given.

(2) Failed to multiply correctly to show V
as requested in the question.

Comment [YUN27]:
Improper Algebraic Manipulation

(1) Failed to differentiate V with
respect to y.

(2) Failed to solve values for y.
Comment [YUN28]:
Comprehension of question

(1) Failed to check for max value of V
using second derivative test or first
derivative test.

(2)Failed to find max V.

.

(b) Show that =
( ) ( )
3 5 2
1 ! ! 1 ! r r r
+
+
.
Hence find .
[4]

(a) Solution:
Let P
n
be the statement for all n
+
Z


When , LHS =
( )
2
1
4 1 1
=

and RHS =
( )
1
2 1 1
=
+
.
Thus P
1
is true.


Assume, when , P
k
is true for some k
+
Z , i.e.
M1

Need to show P
k+1
is true , i.e. .


( )
1
2 2 2
1 1
1 1 1
L.H.S
4 1 4 1
4 1 1
k k
r r
r r
k
+
= =
= = +

+



M1








M1
P
k
is true P
k+1
is true
Hence, since P
1
is true, and P
k
is true P
k+1
is true, by Mathematical
Induction, Pn is true for all positive integers n.
M1



Comment [YUN29]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students wrote the R.H.S as
2 1
r
r +
.
Comment [YUN30]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to indicate the condition for n.
It is also incorrect to write the condition as
n
+
R because n cannot take non integer
values.
Comment [YUN31]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students did not explicitly write down how
the value of 1/3 is obtained.
Comment [YUN32]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students did not emphasize the word SOME.
It is incorrect to use the phrase FOR ALL
Comment [YUN33]:
Misconception and Presentation of Answers
Incorrect to write it as
1 1 k k
P P P
+
= +
(because Pk and Pk+1 are symbolic representation of
a statement) or
1 1 k k
S S S
+
= + (because sum
of first k+1 terms is not the same as the first term
add to the sum of the first n terms.
Comment [YUN34]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students simplify the expression in an
incorrect manner. Advise to combine by identifying
the LCM of the denominator.
Make sure working needs to be clear as it is a
PROVING type of question.
Comment [YUN35]:
Presentation of Answers
This statement is often missing in most scripts. It is
important to make a conclusion based on what was
performed above.
Comment [YUN36]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students are not able to write it in the correct
manner. It is incorrect to have since Pk+1 is true =>
Pk is true.
[Turn Over




M1

Thus
A1
(b) L.H.S gives
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( )
( )
( )
2
2
3 1 5 1 2 3 5 2
1 ! ! 1 ! 1 !
3 3 5 5 2
1 !
3 2 3
1 !
R.H.S
r r r
r r r r
r r r
r
r r
r
+ + +
+ =
+ +
+ +
=
+

=
+
=







B1



( ) ( ) ( )
2
1 1
3 2 3 3 5 2
1 ! 1 ! ! 1 !
n n
r r
r r
r r r r
= =
(

= +
(
+ +



M1


+


M1


A1










Comment [YUN37]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to provide reasons why the
final answer is .
Comment [YUN38]:
Presentation of Answers and Misconception
Many students shows a lack of understanding on
factorial and thus are not able to simplify the
expression.
Many students also performed partial fraction
which is incorrect.
Comment [YUN39]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to write down the summation
sign.
Comment [YUN40]:
Presentation of Answers
For MOD on 3 terms, students need to show at least
first 3 to 4 rows and the last 3 rows to identify
clearly the cancellation.



8. The variable complex numbers w and z are such that
3 i 2 w =

and ( ) arg 5 4i z . =

Sketch, on a single Argand diagram, the loci representing the complex
numbers w and z.
[3]



(i) Find the minimum value of w z ;
[1]

(ii) Show that the maximum value of ( ) arg 2 w+ is 0.600.


[3]
(iii) Hence, find the coordinates of the point P, which gives the
maximum ( ) arg 2 w+ in part (ii).
[3]
Solution




( ) arg 5 4 z i . =















G1



G2









(i) minimum value of w z =1
B1

(ii) Dist bet (2,0) and (3,1) = ( ) ( )
2 2
2 3 0 1 26 + =

1 2
sin
26

= (or 0.40306) ,

1 1
tan
5

= (or 0.19740).
Maximum ( ) arg 2 w+ = +

=0.600 (to 3 s.f.)
M1

M1

B1



(iii) Dist bet (2,0) and point P =
( )
( )
2
2
26 2 22 =
y-coordinate of P = 22 sin(0.600) =2.65

M1
M1

26



Im
2
Re
0
5
0

(3,1)
1
3 2 w i =
x
2
P
(5,4)
Ans (i)
Comment [YUN41]: Accuracy
(1) Failed to indicate exclusion of the
point (5,4)
(2) Failed to label clearly the position of the
point (5,4)
(3) Indicating locus with a dotted line
instead of a full line.
Comment [YUN42]: Accuracy
(1) Failed to label clearly the centre and/or
radius of the circle
(2) Failed to adhere accurately to the
scales defined for both axes
Comment [YUN43]: Misconception
Wrongly conclude that
(1) w z w z =

(2) min 13 2 w z =
Comment [YUN44]: Comprehension of
question:
Did not make use of the angle 0.600.
[Turn Over

x-coordinate of P = 22 cos(0.600) 2 =1.87
Coordinates of point P is (1.87, 2.65)
A1


9. The line / whose vector equation is r =5i +2j 3k + (7i 2j 3k) passes
through the point A with position vector 5i +2j 3k.
The plane whose vector equation is
r = 5i +2j +2k + ( 7i 2j 3k) + ( 9i j + k ) contains the point B with
position vector 5i +2j +2k.

(i) Find the position vector of the point P on the line segment AB such that
AP:PB =4:1.
[2]
(ii) The plane
1
contains the line / and the point P.
Write down a vector equation of the line of intersection of and
1
.
[2]
(iii) Find the vector equation of
1
.
[2]
(iv) Calculate the angle between and
1

[4]
(v) Hence find the ratio of the perpendicular distances fromP to the line/ and
fromP to the plane .
[2]


Solution


(i) By ratio theorem,
5 5
1
4 2 2
5
2 3
OP
| | | | | |
| | |
= +
| | |
| | |

\ . \ . \ .
,

M1


3
2
1
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .

A1
(ii)
1
contains AP, hence it contains B.
Both and
1
// to vector
7
2
3
| |
|

|
|

\ .
.
M1
Hence the line of intersection of and
1
is

5 7
2 2 ,
2 3

| | | |
| |
= +
| |
| |

\ . \ .
r R
A1

(iii)
5 5 2
2 2 5 0
2 3 1
AB
| | | | | |
| | |
= =
| | |
| | |

\ . \ . \ .
,

M1

Eq. of
1
is
5 7 2
2 2 0 , ,
3 3 1
s t s t
| | | | | |
| | |
= + +
| | |
| | |

\ . \ . \ .
r R
A1
A P B
4 1
Comment [YUN45]: Accuracy
Answer not given to 3 significant figures
Comment [YUN46]:
Incorrect application of formula

Some students calculated
5 5
1
2 4 2
5
2 3
OP
| | | | | |
| | |
= +
| | |
| | |

\ . \ . \ .
,
instead .

Comment [YUN47]:
Comprehension of question

Some students did not understand the vector
equation and provided the scalar form of the
equation instead.

(iv) normal of is
7
2
3
| |
|
=
|
|

\ .
n x
9 5
1 34
1 11
| | | |
| |
=
| |
| |
\ . \ .

B1

normal of
1
is
7
2
3
| |
|
=
|
|

\ .
m x
2 2
0 1
1 4
| | | |
| |
=
| |
| |

\ . \ .

M1

cos
5 2
34 1
11 4
1302 21

| | | |
| |

| |
| |

\ . \ .
=
-
=
10 34 44
0
1302 21
+
=
M1
X between and
1
is 90
o
.
A1
(v) Let M be the foot of perpendicular of P to the line l and N be the foot of
perpendicular from P to the plane
.
MP : PN =AP:PB
M1
=4:1
A1


10. (a) A convergent geometric progression has first term a and common ratio r,
where a and r are non-zero. The first three terms of this geometric
progression are the fifteenth, seventh and the third term of an arithmetic
progression.


(i) Show that
2
2 3 1 0 r r + = .
[3]
(ii) Find the least value of n for which the sum of the first n terms of the
arithmetic progression exceeds the sum to infinity of the geometric
progression.
[4]
(b) Jack took a housing loan of $250 000 in J anuary 2011 from the bank to
buy a 4-room flat in Punggol. The bank charges an annual interest rate of
5% on the outstanding loan at the end of each year. J ack pays $1500 at
the beginning of each month until he finishes paying his loan. If J ack
started paying back the loan in J anuary 2011, show that the amount owe
by J ack at the end of nth year is ( ) 378000 128000 1.05
n
.
Find the minimum number of years he needs to clear his debts.
[3]
[2]


Solution

(ai) Let b and d be the first term and common difference of the A.P


2
14 (1)
6 (2)
2 (3)
a b d
ar b d
ar b d
= +
= +
= +

M1
(1) (2) gives

Comment [YUN48]:
Comprehension of Question
Some students misinterpreted as a =15,
ar = 7 and ar
2
= 3.
Comment [YUN49]:
Presentation of Answers
Many students failed to define any symbols that
were introduced in the working.
Comment [YUN50]:
Presentation of Answers
Many students has the underlying assumption that
the first terms of both A.P and G.P are the same,
which is commonly written as a.
[Turn Over

8 (4) a ar d =

(2) (3) gives
M1

2
4 (5) ar ar d =

(4) and (5) gives


( )
2
2 ar ar a ar =
A1

2
2 3 1 0 r r + =


(ii)
2
2 3 1 0 r r + =

( 1)(2 1) 0 r r =

1
or 1 (rejected convergent)
2
r =
A1
(2) (1) gives

6 1
14 2
b d
r
b d
+
= =
+


2 b d = and so subst into (1) gives 16 8 a d b = =
M1

For ( ) ( )
. .
n
A P G P
S S

>


( ) 2 1
1
2 2
1
2
n b a
b n
(
+ >
(



M1

( ) 1
16
4
bn n
bn b

+ >


2
3 64 0 n n + >

Using G.C

9.64 (rejected) or 6.64 n n < >

Hence the least number of n is 7.
A1
(b)
No. of years End of the year
1 ($250 000 $18 00)1.05
2 [($250 000 $18 000)1.05 $18 000]1.05
=($250 000) 1.05
2
($18 000)1.05
2
($18 000)1.05
3 [($250 000) 1.05
2
($18 000)1.05
2
($18 000)1.05
($18000)](1.05)
=($250 000) 1.05
3
($18 000)1.05
3
($18 000)1.05
2

($18000)1.05

n ($250 000) 1.05
n
($18 000)1.05
n
($18 000)1.05
n1

($18000)1.05

At the end of n years,

Amount owe =
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 250000 1.05 18000 1.05 18000 1.05 ... 18000 1.05
n n n

M1
Comment [YUN51]:
Careless Mistakes
Some wrote it as ar a = 8d
Comment [YUN52]:
Presentation of Answers
Many failed to reject the answer 1 with the correct
reason.
Comment [YUN53]:
Presentation of Answers
Many students has the underlying assumption that
the first terms of both A.P and G.P are the same,
which is commonly written as a.
Comment [YUN54]:
Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to present their solution
neatly and in a very orderly manner.
Comment [YUN55]:
Careless Mistake and Presentation of Answers
Some students failed to write down the pattern for
the nth year and even if they have done so, the
values indicated is incorrect especially the last value.

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 250000 1.05 18000 1.05 18000 1.05 ... 18000 1.05
n n n
(
= + + +




( )
( ) 1.05 1.05 1
250000 1.05 18000
1.05 1
n
n
(

=
`

)

M1

( ) ( )
250000 1.05 378000 1.05 1
n
n
=
A1

( ) 378000 128000 1.05
n
=

To clear the debt,


( ) 378000 128000 1.05 0
n

M1

( )
189
1.05
64
n



( )
189
ln
64
ln 1.05
n
| |
|
\ .


22.2 n
A1
Hence the least number of years is 23.



11.
The curve C has equation
2
2 1
, .
x ax
y a
a x
+
=

R

(i) Find the equations of the asymptotes of C.
[3]
(ii) Find the range of values of a such that C has no stationary points.
[3]
(iii) For a =2, sketch C. Show clearly on your diagramthe equations of the
asymptotes and the coordinates of the points of intersection of C with the
axes and stationary points.
[3]
(iv) By sketching a suitable graph, deduce the number of roots of the equation

2
2
4 1
1
2
x x
x
x
| |
+
=
|
|

\ .
.
[3]


Solution


(i)
2 2
2 1 1 x ax a
y x a
a x a x
+
= = + +


M1
Oblique asymptote: y x a = + .
A1
Vertical asymptote : x a =
A1
(ii)
( )
( )
2
2
2
2
2
1
d 1
1 0
d
1
a
y x a
a x
y a
x
a x
a x a

= + +

= + =

=

M1
Comment [YUN56]:
Careless Mistake
Some students failed to realize that the first term of
the G.P is 18000(1.05).
Comment [YUN57]:
Careless Mistake
Some students missed out the equal sign.
Also, some students forgot about the fact that the
given expression is on the amount of money that
Jack still owes.
Comment [YUN58]:
Presentation of Answers
The inequality must be shown before the final
conclusion of the answers is given.
Comment [YUN59]:
Accuracy

Many students cannot apply long division or juggling
method correctly to obtain the equation of the
oblique asymptote.
Comment [YUN60]:

Misconception

Many students did not differentiate the expression
and concluded that the discriminant of the original
expression is negative and proceeded to find the
range of values of a.

[Turn Over

If no stationary points,
2
1 0 a <
A1

1 or 1. a a > <

A1
(iii)


G1 shape
G1 correct asymptotes
G1 - correct intercepts

(iv)

G1- shape
G1 correct x-intercept

Fromthe graph, there are two intersection points between C and D.
A1
x
y
- 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- 3
- 2
- 1
0
1
2
3
2 x =
2 y x = +
3.73 0.268
2
4 1
2
x x
y
x
+
=

0.5
2
4 1
2
x x
y
x
+
=

2
1 y x =
Comment [YUN61]:

Misconception

Some students sketched the graph of
1 y x = instead of
2
1 y x =
.

Other students sketched both graphs of
2
2
4 1
2
x x
y
x
| |
+
=
|
|

\ .
and
1 y x =
which
isnot allowed in thequestion.


Therefore there are two real roots for the equation
2
2
4 1
1.
2
x x
x
x
| |
+
=
|
|

\ .