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Thinka Jan 2023 Cambridge International A Level-Style Mock — Further Mathematics (XFM01)

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An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jan 2023 Cambridge International A Level Further Mathematics (XFM01) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.

Main Paper

Answer all questions. Show your working clearly. Give non-exact numerical answers to 3 significant figures unless specified otherwise.
9 PastPaper.question · 76.02000000000001 PastPaper.marks
PastPaper.question 1 · Short Structured Question
5.67 PastPaper.marks
The roots of the quadratic equation \(2x^2 - 3x + 4 = 0\) are \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\). Without solving the equation, find a quadratic equation with integer coefficients which has roots \(\frac{\alpha}{\beta^2}\) and \(\frac{\beta}{\alpha^2}\).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

From the quadratic equation \(2x^2 - 3x + 4 = 0\), we can identify the sum and product of the roots: \(\alpha + \beta = \frac{3}{2}\) and \(\alpha\beta = \frac{4}{2} = 2\). We wish to find a new quadratic equation with roots \(\gamma = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2}\) and \(\delta = \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2}\). The sum of these new roots is: \(S = \gamma + \delta = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2} + \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2} = \frac{\alpha^3 + \beta^3}{\alpha^2\beta^2}\). Using the identity \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = (\alpha+\beta)^3 - 3\alpha\beta(\alpha+\beta)\), we get: \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^3 - 3(2)\left(\frac{3}{2}\right) = \frac{27}{8} - 9 = -\frac{45}{8}\). Since \(\alpha^2\beta^2 = (\alpha\beta)^2 = 2^2 = 4\), the sum is: \(S = \frac{-45/8}{4} = -\frac{45}{32}\). The product of the new roots is: \(P = \gamma\delta = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2} \times \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2} = \frac{\alpha\beta}{\alpha^2\beta^2} = \frac{1}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{1}{2}\). The new quadratic equation is given by \(x^2 - Sx + P = 0\), which is \(x^2 - \left(-\frac{45}{32}\right)x + \frac{1}{2} = 0 \implies x^2 + \frac{45}{32}x + \frac{1}{2} = 0\). Multiplying by 32 to obtain integer coefficients yields: \(32x^2 + 45x + 16 = 0\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

B1: Identifies both correct sum \(\alpha + \beta = 1.5\) and product \(\alpha\beta = 2\). M1: Applies a correct algebraic identity to express \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3\) in terms of \(\alpha + \beta\) and \(\alpha\beta\). A1: Evaluates \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = -45/8\) or the new sum \(S = -45/32\) correctly. M1: Sets up the new product \(P = 1/(\alpha\beta)\) and evaluates it to \(1/2\). A1: Writes down the final quadratic equation with integer coefficients: \(32x^2 + 45x + 16 = 0\) (or any integer multiple thereof).
PastPaper.question 2 · Short Structured Question
5.67 PastPaper.marks
(a) Show that \(\sum_{r=1}^{n} r(3r-1) = n^2(n+1)\). (b) Using this result, find the value of \(\sum_{r=10}^{25} r(3r-1)\).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

(a) We can expand the terms inside the summation and split it: \(\sum_{r=1}^{n} r(3r-1) = \sum_{r=1}^{n} (3r^2 - r) = 3\sum_{r=1}^{n} r^2 - \sum_{r=1}^{n} r\). Substituting the standard formulae \[\sum_{r=1}^{n} r^2 = \frac{1}{6}n(n+1)(2n+1)\] and \[\sum_{r=1}^{n} r = \frac{1}{2}n(n+1)\] we get: \(3 \left( \frac{1}{6}n(n+1)(2n+1) \right) - \frac{1}{2}n(n+1) = \frac{1}{2}n(n+1)(2n+1) - \frac{1}{2}n(n+1)\). Factoring out the common terms: \(\frac{1}{2}n(n+1) [ (2n+1) - 1 ] = \frac{1}{2}n(n+1)(2n) = n^2(n+1)\) as required. (b) To find the sum from \(r=10\) to \(r=25\), we use: \(\sum_{r=10}^{25} r(3r-1) = \sum_{r=1}^{25} r(3r-1) - \sum_{r=1}^{9} r(3r-1)\). Substituting \(n=25\) and \(n=9\) into our result from part (a): \(25^2(25+1) - 9^2(9+1) = 625(26) - 81(10) = 16250 - 810 = 15440\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

M1 (part a): Expands and splits the summation using standard formulae for \(\sum r^2\) and \(\sum r\). A1 (part a): Simplifies the expression correctly to a common denominator, such as \(\frac{1}{2}n(n+1)[(2n+1) - 1]\). A1 (part a): Completes the algebra to show the required result \(n^2(n+1)\) with no errors. M1 (part b): Applies the subtraction method \(\sum_{r=10}^{25} = \sum_{r=1}^{25} - \sum_{r=1}^{9}\) using the formula. A1 (part b): Calculates the correct final value of 15440.
PastPaper.question 3 · Short Structured Question
5.67 PastPaper.marks
Let \(f(x) = x^3 - 5x + 3\). (a) Show that the equation \(f(x) = 0\) has a root \(\alpha\) in the interval \([0.6, 0.7]\). (b) Using the interval \([0.6, 0.7]\), use linear interpolation once on \(f(x)\) to find an approximation to \(\alpha\), giving your answer to 3 decimal places.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

(a) We evaluate the function at the endpoints of the interval: \(f(0.6) = (0.6)^3 - 5(0.6) + 3 = 0.216 - 3 + 3 = 0.216\) and \(f(0.7) = (0.7)^3 - 5(0.7) + 3 = 0.343 - 3.5 + 3 = -0.157\). Since \(f(x)\) is a continuous polynomial function, and there is a change of sign between \(f(0.6) > 0\) and \(f(0.7) < 0\), a root \(\alpha\) must exist in the interval \([0.6, 0.7]\). (b) Using linear interpolation over the interval \([0.6, 0.7]\), we set up the ratio: \(\frac{\alpha - 0.6}{0.7 - \alpha} = \frac{f(0.6)}{-f(0.7)} = \frac{0.216}{0.157}\). This gives: \(0.157(\alpha - 0.6) = 0.216(0.7 - \alpha) \implies 0.157\alpha - 0.0942 = 0.1512 - 0.216\alpha\). Solving for \(\alpha\): \(0.373\alpha = 0.2454 \implies \alpha = \frac{0.2454}{0.373} \approx 0.6579088...\). To 3 decimal places, \(\alpha \approx 0.658\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

M1 (part a): Calculates at least one of \(f(0.6)\) or \(f(0.7)\) correctly. A1 (part a): Finds both \(f(0.6) = 0.216\) and \(f(0.7) = -0.157\) correctly, and concludes that a root exists because of continuity and the change of sign. M1 (part b): Uses a correct linear interpolation formula or ratio method with their values. A1 (part b): Obtains a correct unrounded value such as \(0.6579...\) or equivalent fraction. A1 (part b): Correctly rounds the final approximation to 0.658.
PastPaper.question 4 · Medium Structured Question
8.67 PastPaper.marks
The roots of the quadratic equation \(2x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0\) are \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\). Without solving the equation:
(a) Find the value of \(\alpha^2 + \beta^2\).
(b) Find the value of \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3\).
(c) Form a quadratic equation, with integer coefficients, which has roots \(\frac{\alpha}{\beta^2}\) and \(\frac{\beta}{\alpha^2}\).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Given the equation \(2x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0\), the sum and product of the roots are:
\(\alpha + \beta = \frac{5}{2}\)
\(\alpha \beta = 3\)

(a) Using the identity for the sum of squares:
\(\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = (\alpha + \beta)^2 - 2\alpha\beta = \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^2 - 2(3) = \frac{25}{4} - 6 = \frac{1}{4}\)

(b) Using the identity for the sum of cubes:
\(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = (\alpha + \beta)^3 - 3\alpha\beta(\alpha + \beta)\)
\(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^3 - 3(3)\left(\frac{5}{2}\right) = \frac{125}{8} - \frac{45}{2} = \frac{125 - 180}{8} = -\frac{55}{8}\)

(c) For the new quadratic equation, let the roots be \(u = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2}\) and \(v = \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2}\).
The sum of the new roots \(S\) is:
\(S = u + v = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2} + \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2} = \frac{\alpha^3 + \beta^3}{\alpha^2 \beta^2} = \frac{-\frac{55}{8}}{(\alpha\beta)^2} = \frac{-\frac{55}{8}}{3^2} = -\frac{55}{72}\)

The product of the new roots \(P\) is:
\(P = uv = \frac{\alpha}{\beta^2} \times \frac{\beta}{\alpha^2} = \frac{\alpha\beta}{\alpha^2\beta^2} = \frac{1}{\alpha\beta} = \frac{1}{3}\)

The new quadratic equation is given by:
\(x^2 - Sx + P = 0\)
\(x^2 - \left(-\frac{55}{72}\right)x + \frac{1}{3} = 0\)
\(x^2 + \frac{55}{72}x + \frac{1}{3} = 0\)

Multiplying by 72 to obtain integer coefficients:
\(72x^2 + 55x + 24 = 0\)

PastPaper.markingScheme

(a)
M1: Applies the identity \(\alpha^2+\beta^2 = (\alpha+\beta)^2 - 2\alpha\beta\) with their sum and product.
A1: Correct value of \(\frac{1}{4}\) (or \(0.25\)).

(b)
M1: Attempts to express \(\alpha^3+\beta^3\) in terms of sum and product, e.g., \((\alpha+\beta)^3 - 3\alpha\beta(\alpha+\beta)\).
A1: Substitutes values and simplifies correctly to get \(-\frac{55}{8}\) (or \(-6.875\)).

(c)
M1: Attempts to express the sum of the new roots in terms of \(\alpha^3+\beta^3\) and \(\alpha\beta\).
A1: Correct sum of roots of \(-\frac{55}{72}\).
B1: Correct product of roots of \(\frac{1}{3}\).
M1: Uses \(x^2 - Sx + P = 0\) with their sum and product, multiplying by a constant to obtain integer coefficients.
A1: Correct equation \(72x^2 + 55x + 24 = 0\) (or any integer multiple thereof).
PastPaper.question 5 · Medium Structured Question
8.67 PastPaper.marks
The complex number \(z\) satisfies the equation \(\frac{z}{z^* + 3\mathrm{i}} = 2 - \mathrm{i}\), where \(z^*\) denotes the complex conjugate of \(z\). Find \(z\), giving your answer in the form \(a + \mathrm{i}b\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are rational numbers.
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

Let \(z = a + \mathrm{i}b\), where \(a, b \in \mathbb{R}\). Then \(z^* = a - \mathrm{i}b\).

The given equation can be written as:
\(z = (2 - \mathrm{i})(z^* + 3\mathrm{i})\)

Substitute \(z\) and \(z^*\) into the equation:
\(a + \mathrm{i}b = (2 - \mathrm{i})(a - \mathrm{i}b + 3\mathrm{i})\)
\(a + \mathrm{i}b = (2 - \mathrm{i})(a + \mathrm{i}(3 - b))\)

Expand the right-hand side:
\((2 - \mathrm{i})(a + \mathrm{i}(3 - b)) = 2a + 2\mathrm{i}(3 - b) - \mathrm{i}a - \mathrm{i}^2(3 - b)\)
\(= 2a + \mathrm{i}(6 - 2b) - \mathrm{i}a + (3 - b)\)
\(= (2a - b + 3) + \mathrm{i}(6 - a - 2b)\)

Equating real and imaginary parts from both sides:
Real parts:
\(a = 2a - b + 3 \implies a - b + 3 = 0 \implies a = b - 3\)

Imaginary parts:
\(b = 6 - a - 2b \implies a + 3b - 6 = 0\)

Substitute \(a = b - 3\) into the imaginary parts equation:
\((b - 3) + 3b - 6 = 0\)
\(4b - 9 = 0 \implies b = \frac{9}{4}\)

Now, find \(a\):
\(a = \frac{9}{4} - 3 = -\frac{3}{4}\)

Thus, \(z = -\frac{3}{4} + \frac{9}{4}\mathrm{i}\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

M1: Substitutes \(z = a + \mathrm{i}b\) and \(z^* = a - \mathrm{i}b\) and clears the fraction.
M1: Expands the RHS, collecting real and imaginary parts (allow one sign error).
A1: Correct expanded RHS: \((2a - b + 3) + \mathrm{i}(6 - a - 2b)\).
M1: Equates real and imaginary parts to form two linear simultaneous equations.
A1: Correct equations, e.g., \(a - b + 3 = 0\) and \(a + 3b - 6 = 0\).
M1: Solves the simultaneous equations to find values for \(a\) and \(b\).
A1: Correct values of \(a = -\frac{3}{4}\) and \(b = \frac{9}{4}\).
A1: Correct final complex number in the form \(a + \mathrm{i}b\).
PastPaper.question 6 · Medium Structured Question
8.67 PastPaper.marks
(a) Using the standard formulae for \(\sum_{r=1}^n r^2\) and \(\sum_{r=1}^n r\), show that \(\sum_{r=1}^n (3r-1)(r+2) = n(n^2 + 4n + 1)\) for all positive integers \(n\).

(b) Hence, find the value of \(\sum_{r=10}^{20} (3r-1)(r+2)\).
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

(a) Expanding the summand:
\((3r-1)(r+2) = 3r^2 + 5r - 2\)

Applying sum properties:
\(\sum_{r=1}^n (3r-1)(r+2) = 3\sum_{r=1}^n r^2 + 5\sum_{r=1}^n r - \sum_{r=1}^n 2\)

Substitute standard formulae:
\(= 3 \left[ \frac{1}{6}n(n+1)(2n+1) \right] + 5 \left[ \frac{1}{2}n(n+1) \right] - 2n\)
\(= \frac{1}{2}n(n+1)(2n+1) + \frac{5}{2}n(n+1) - 2n\)

Factor out \(\frac{1}{2}n\):
\(= \frac{1}{2}n \left[ (n+1)(2n+1) + 5(n+1) - 4 \right]\)
\(= \frac{1}{2}n \left[ 2n^2 + 3n + 1 + 5n + 5 - 4 \right]\)
\(= \frac{1}{2}n \left[ 2n^2 + 8n + 2 \right]\)
\(= n(n^2 + 4n + 1)\) (as required).

(b) To evaluate \(\sum_{r=10}^{20} (3r-1)(r+2)\):
\(\sum_{r=10}^{20} (3r-1)(r+2) = \sum_{r=1}^{20} (3r-1)(r+2) - \sum_{r=1}^{9} (3r-1)(r+2)\)

Using the formula from part (a):
For \(n = 20\):
\(20(20^2 + 4(20) + 1) = 20(400 + 80 + 1) = 20(481) = 9620\)

For \(n = 9\):
\(9(9^2 + 4(9) + 1) = 9(81 + 36 + 1) = 9(118) = 1062\)

Subtracting these values:
\(\sum_{r=10}^{20} (3r-1)(r+2) = 9620 - 1062 = 8558\).

PastPaper.markingScheme

(a)
B1: Expands summand to \(3r^2 + 5r - 2\).
M1: Correctly substitutes the standard sum formulae for \(\sum r^2\) and \(\sum r\).
M1: Attempts to factorise \(n\) or \(\frac{1}{2}n\) out of their algebraic sum expression.
A1: Obtains a correct simplified quadratic inside the brackets, such as \(\frac{1}{2}n(2n^2 + 8n + 2)\).
A1*: Fully correct algebraic proof leading to the given expression without errors.

(b)
M1: Uses the identity \(\sum_{r=10}^{20} u_r = \sum_{r=1}^{20} u_r - \sum_{r=1}^{9} u_r\) with their formula.
A1: Calculates both intermediate sum values correctly (9620 and 1062).
A1: Correct final answer of 8558.
PastPaper.question 7 · Long Structured Question
11 PastPaper.marks
The rectangular hyperbola \(H\) has equation \(xy = c^2\), where \(c\) is a positive constant.

The point \(P\left(cp, \frac{c}{p}\right)\), where \(p > 0\) and \(p \neq 1\), lies on \(H\).

(a) Show, by differentiation, that the equation of the tangent to \(H\) at \(P\) is
\[x + p^2 y = 2cp\]
(4 marks)

The tangent to \(H\) at \(P\) meets the x-axis at the point \(A\) and the y-axis at the point \(B\).

(b) Find, in terms of \(c\) and \(p\), the coordinates of \(A\) and \(B\).
(2 marks)

The normal to \(H\) at \(P\) meets the line with equation \(y = -x\) at the point \(N\).

(c) Show that the coordinates of \(N\) are
\[\left(\frac{c(p^2-1)}{p}, -\frac{c(p^2-1)}{p}\right)\]
(5 marks)
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

(a) The equation of the hyperbola is \(y = c^2 x^{-1}\).

Differentiating with respect to \(x\):
\[\frac{dy}{dx} = -c^2 x^{-2} = -\frac{c^2}{x^2}\]

At the point \(P\left(cp, \frac{c}{p}\right)\), the gradient of the tangent is:
\[m_t = -\frac{c^2}{(cp)^2} = -\frac{1}{p^2}\]

The equation of the tangent is:
\[y - \frac{c}{p} = -\frac{1}{p^2}(x - cp)\]

Multiplying through by \(p^2\):
\[p^2 y - cp = -x + cp\]
\[x + p^2 y = 2cp\]

(b) To find \(A\), substitute \(y = 0\):
\[x + p^2(0) = 2cp \implies x = 2cp \implies A(2cp, 0)\]

To find \(B\), substitute \(x = 0\):
\[0 + p^2 y = 2cp \implies y = \frac{2c}{p} \implies B\left(0, \frac{2c}{p}\right)\]

(c) The gradient of the normal to \(H\) at \(P\) is:
\[m_n = -\frac{1}{m_t} = p^2\]

The equation of the normal is:
\[y - \frac{c}{p} = p^2(x - cp)\]

Multiplying through by \(p\):
\[py - c = p^3 x - cp^4\]
\[p^3 x - py = c(p^4 - 1)\]

The normal meets the line \(y = -x\) at \(N\). Substituting \(y = -x\) into the normal equation:
\[p^3 x - p(-x) = c(p^4 - 1)\]
\[x(p^3 + p) = c(p^2 - 1)(p^2 + 1)\]
\[xp(p^2 + 1) = c(p^2 - 1)(p^2 + 1)\]

Since \(p > 0\), \(p^2 + 1 \neq 0\). Dividing both sides by \(p^2 + 1\):
\[xp = c(p^2 - 1) \implies x = \frac{c(p^2 - 1)}{p}\]

Since \(y = -x\), the y-coordinate of \(N\) is:
\[y = -\frac{c(p^2 - 1)}{p}\]

Thus, the coordinates of \(N\) are:
\[\left(\frac{c(p^2-1)}{p}, -\frac{c(p^2-1)}{p}\right)\]

PastPaper.markingScheme

(a)
- M1: Differentiates to find \(\frac{dy}{dx} = k x^{-2}\).
- A1: Correct expression for gradient at \(P\), \(m_t = -\frac{1}{p^2}\).
- M1: Uses their gradient and coordinates of \(P\) to form the equation of the tangent.
- A1*: Completes the proof to arrive at the given equation \(x + p^2 y = 2cp\) with no errors seen.

(b)
- B1: Correct coordinates for \(A(2cp, 0)\).
- B1: Correct coordinates for \(B\left(0, \frac{2c}{p}\right)\).

(c)
- B1: States or uses the gradient of the normal is \(p^2\).
- M1: Forms the equation of the normal at \(P\).
- A1: Obtains a correct simplified equation of the normal, e.g., \(p^3 x - py = c(p^4 - 1)\).
- M1: Eliminates \(y\) using \(y = -x\) and attempts to factorise/simplify to solve for \(x\).
- A1*: Correctly shows that \(x = \frac{c(p^2-1)}{p}\) and concludes with the correct coordinates of \(N\).
PastPaper.question 8 · Long Structured Question
11 PastPaper.marks
The complex number \(z_1\) is given by \(z_1 = a + 3\text{i}\), where \(a\) is a positive real constant.

The complex number \(w\) is defined by
\[w = \frac{z_1 + 3\text{i}}{z_1 - 2\text{i}}\]

(a) Show that
\[w = \frac{a^2 + 6}{a^2 + 1} + \frac{5a}{a^2 + 1}\text{i}\]
(4 marks)

Given that \(\arg(w) = \frac{\pi}{4}\),

(b) find the possible values of \(a\).
(4 marks)

(c) For the larger value of \(a\) found in part (b), find the modulus of \(w\), giving your answer as an exact simplified surd.
(3 marks)
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

(a) Substitute \(z_1 = a + 3\text{i}\) into the expression for \(w\):
\[w = \frac{a + 3\text{i} + 3\text{i}}{a + 3\text{i} - 2\text{i}} = \frac{a + 6\text{i}}{a + \text{i}}\]

Multiply the numerator and denominator by the complex conjugate of the denominator, \(a - \text{i}\):
\[w = \frac{(a + 6\text{i})(a - \text{i})}{(a + \text{i})(a - \text{i})}\]
\[w = \frac{a^2 - a\text{i} + 6a\text{i} - 6\text{i}^2}{a^2 + 1}\]

Since \(\text{i}^2 = -1\):
\[w = \frac{a^2 + 6 + 5a\text{i}}{a^2 + 1}\]
\[w = \frac{a^2 + 6}{a^2 + 1} + \frac{5a}{a^2 + 1}\text{i}\]

(b) Since \(\arg(w) = \frac{\pi}{4}\), both the real part and the imaginary part of \(w\) must be positive, and:
\[\tan\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\operatorname{Im}(w)}{\operatorname{Re}(w)} = 1 \implies \operatorname{Im}(w) = \operatorname{Re}(w)\]

Therefore:
\[\frac{5a}{a^2 + 1} = \frac{a^2 + 6}{a^2 + 1}\]

Since \(a^2 + 1 > 0\) for all real \(a\), we can multiply both sides by \(a^2 + 1\):
\[5a = a^2 + 6\]
\[a^2 - 5a + 6 = 0\]
\[(a - 2)(a - 3) = 0\]

Thus, the possible values of \(a\) are \(a = 2\) or \(a = 3\).
Both values are positive, so the real and imaginary parts remain positive, confirming both solutions are valid.

(c) The larger value of \(a\) is \(a = 3\).

Substituting \(a = 3\) into \(w\):
\[w = \frac{3^2 + 6}{3^2 + 1} + \frac{5(3)}{3^2 + 1}\text{i} = \frac{15}{10} + \frac{15}{10}\text{i} = \frac{3}{2} + \frac{3}{2}\text{i}\]

Then the modulus of \(w\) is:
\[|w| = \sqrt{\left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{9}{4} + \frac{9}{4}} = \sqrt{\frac{18}{4}} = \frac{3\sqrt{2}}{2}\]

PastPaper.markingScheme

(a)
- M1: Substitutes \(z_1 = a + 3\text{i}\) into \(w\) and simplifies numerator and denominator to linear complex terms.
- M1: Multiplies numerator and denominator by \(a - \text{i}\).
- A1: Correct expansion of the numerator, showing \(a^2 + 6 + 5a\text{i}\).
- A1*: Obtains the given expression with no errors seen.

(b)
- B1: Explains that \(\arg(w) = \frac{\pi}{4} \implies \operatorname{Re}(w) = \operatorname{Im}(w) > 0\).
- M1: Equates the real and imaginary parts to form a quadratic equation in \(a\).
- A1: Obtains the correct quadratic \(a^2 - 5a + 6 = 0\).
- A1: Finds both correct solutions \(a = 2\) and \(a = 3\).

(c)
- B1: Identifies \(a = 3\) as the larger value.
- M1: Substitutes \(a = 3\) to find \(w = \frac{3}{2} + \frac{3}{2}\text{i}\) and attempts to find the modulus using Pythagoras' theorem.
- A1: Correctly simplifies to \(\frac{3\sqrt{2}}{2}\) or equivalent exact surd (e.g., \(\frac{3}{\sqrt{2}}\)).
PastPaper.question 9 · Long Structured Question
11 PastPaper.marks
The roots of the quadratic equation
\[2x^2 - 5x + 4 = 0\]
are \(\alpha\) and \(\beta\).

Without solving the equation:

(a) find the value of \(\alpha^2 + \beta^2\),
(3 marks)

(b) find the value of \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3\).
(3 marks)

(c) Find a quadratic equation, with integer coefficients, which has roots
\[\alpha^2 + \frac{1}{\beta} \quad \text{and} \quad \beta^2 + \frac{1}{\alpha}\]
(5 marks)
PastPaper.showAnswers

PastPaper.workedSolution

For the equation \(2x^2 - 5x + 4 = 0\), we have:
\[\alpha + \beta = \frac{5}{2}\]
\[\alpha\beta = \frac{4}{2} = 2\]

(a) We use the identity:
\[\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = (\alpha + \beta)^2 - 2\alpha\beta\]
Substituting the values:
\[\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^2 - 2(2) = \frac{25}{4} - 4 = \frac{9}{4}\]

(b) We use the identity:
\[\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = (\alpha + \beta)^3 - 3\alpha\beta(\alpha + \beta)\]
Substituting the values:
\[\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = \left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^3 - 3(2)\left(\frac{5}{2}\right) = \frac{125}{8} - 15 = \frac{125 - 120}{8} = \frac{5}{8}\]

(c) Let the new roots be \(\gamma = \alpha^2 + \frac{1}{\beta}\) and \(\delta = \beta^2 + \frac{1}{\alpha}\).

First, find the sum of the new roots, \(S\):
\[S = \gamma + \delta = \left(\alpha^2 + \beta^2\right) + \left(\frac{1}{\alpha} + \frac{1}{\beta}\right)\]
\[S = \left(\alpha^2 + \beta^2\right) + \frac{\alpha + \beta}{\alpha\beta}\]

Using the values from earlier:
\[S = \frac{9}{4} + \frac{5/2}{2} = \frac{9}{4} + \frac{5}{4} = \frac{14}{4} = \frac{7}{2}\]

Next, find the product of the new roots, \(P\):
\[P = \gamma\delta = \left(\alpha^2 + \frac{1}{\beta}\right)\left(\beta^2 + \frac{1}{\alpha}\right)\]
\[P = \alpha^2\beta^2 + \alpha + \beta + \frac{1}{\alpha\beta}\]
\[P = (\alpha\beta)^2 + (\alpha + \beta) + \frac{1}{\alpha\beta}\]

Using the values:
\[P = 2^2 + \frac{5}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = 4 + 3 = 7\]

The new quadratic equation is given by:
\[x^2 - Sx + P = 0\]
\[x^2 - \frac{7}{2}x + 7 = 0\]

Multiplying by 2 to obtain integer coefficients:
\[2x^2 - 7x + 14 = 0\]

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(a)
- B1: Identifies \(\alpha + \beta = \frac{5}{2}\) and \(\alpha\beta = 2\).
- M1: Uses the identity \(\alpha^2 + \beta^2 = (\alpha + \beta)^2 - 2\alpha\beta\).
- A1: Obtains \(\frac{9}{4}\).

(b)
- M1: Uses a correct identity for \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3\), e.g., \(\alpha^3 + \beta^3 = (\alpha + \beta)^3 - 3\alpha\beta(\alpha + \beta)\).
- M1: Substitutes their values for sum and product into the identity.
- A1: Obtains \(\frac{5}{8}\).

(c)
- M1: Expresses the sum of the new roots, \(S\), in terms of \(\alpha^2+\beta^2\), \(\alpha+\beta\), and \(\alpha\beta\).
- A1: Correctly calculates \(S = \frac{7}{2}\).
- M1: Expands the product of the new roots, \(P\), and expresses it in terms of known quantities.
- A1: Correctly calculates \(P = 7\).
- A1: Obtains the equation \(2x^2 - 7x + 14 = 0\) (or any integer multiple thereof, equal to 0).

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