Question 1 · Structured Question
12 marksConsider the system of linear equations in real variables $x, y, z$:
\( \begin{cases} x + 2y - z = 1 \\ 2x + (a+3)y + 3z = a + 3 \\ 3x + 6y + (a^2-4)z = a^2 + 2a \end{cases} \) where \(a\) is a real constant.
(a) Find the range of values of \(a\) for which the system has a unique solution. (3 marks)
(b) Suppose \(a = 1\).
(i) Solve the system.
(ii) If \((x, y, z)\) is a real solution of the system, find the minimum value of \(x^2 + y^2\). (5 marks)
(c) Suppose \(a = -1\).
(i) Show that the system is inconsistent.
(ii) If the third equation is replaced by \(3x + 6y - 3z = k\), find the value of \(k\) such that the system is consistent. (4 marks)
Question 2 · Structured Question
13 marks(a) Prove that \(\int_a^b f(x) \, dx = \int_a^b f(a+b-x) \, dx\). (2 marks)
(b) (i) Using (a), show that \(\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sin^3 x}{\sin x + \cos x} \, dx = \int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\cos^3 x}{\sin x + \cos x} \, dx\).
(ii) Hence, evaluate \(\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{\sin^3 x}{\sin x + \cos x} \, dx\). (5 marks)
(c) Using the substitution \(t = \tan \frac{x}{2}\), evaluate \(\int_0^{\pi/2} \frac{1}{\sin x + \cos x + 1} \, dx\). (6 marks)
Question 3 · Structured Question
12 marksLet \(O\) be the origin. The coordinates of points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are \((2, 1, 0)\), \((0, 3, 2)\) and \((1, 0, 4)\) respectively.
(a) Find \(\vec{AB} \times \vec{AC}\). Hence, find the area of triangle \(ABC\). (4 marks)
(b) Let \(D(k, 2, -1)\) be a point, where \(k\) is a constant.
(i) Find the volume of the tetrahedron \(ABCD\) in terms of \(k\).
(ii) If the volume of the tetrahedron \(ABCD\) is \(5\), find the possible values of \(k\). (4 marks)
(c) Let \(k = -\frac{6}{5}\).
(i) Find the unit normal vector of the plane \(ABC\) which makes an obtuse angle with the positive z-axis.
(ii) Hence, find the shortest distance from \(D\) to the plane \(ABC\). (4 marks)
Question 4 · Structured Question
13 marksLet \(f(x) = \frac{x^2 - 3x}{x - 4}\) for all real numbers \(x \neq 4\). Let \(C\) be the curve \(y = f(x)\).
(a) Find the vertical asymptote(s) and oblique asymptote(s) of \(C\). (3 marks)
(b) Find the coordinate(s) of all local maximum and local minimum point(s) of \(C\). (4 marks)
(c) Find the range of values of \(x\) for which the curve \(C\) is concave upward. (2 marks)
(d) Sketch \(C\), showing the asymptotes and the stationary points with their coordinates. (4 marks)