Practice

Exam-style questions with full worked answers. Try each question on paper first, then open the answer to check every step.

Complex numbers

Complex arithmetic
EasyYear 12 · 5 marks
zz =3+4i= 3 + 4\mathrm{i} and ww =1−2i= 1 - 2\mathrm{i}.
  1. (a)
    Find zwzw in the form a+bia + b\mathrm{i}.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    Find ∣z∣|z|.
    (1)
  3. (c)
    Find zw\dfrac{z}{w} in the form a+bia + b\mathrm{i}.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. zwzw =3= 3 −6i- 6\mathrm{i} +4i+ 4\mathrm{i} −8i2- 8\mathrm{i}^2Expand the brackets exactly as you would with xx: every term times every term.
    M1
  2. =11−2i= 11 - 2\mathrm{i}Use i2=−1\mathrm{i}^2 = -1, so −8i2=+8-8\mathrm{i}^2 = +8, then collect real and imaginary parts.
    A1
(b)
  1. ∣z∣|z| =32+42= \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} =5= 5The modulus is the distance from the origin on an Argand diagram, so use Pythagoras.
    B1
(c)
  1. (3+4i)(1+2i)(1−2i)(1+2i)\dfrac{(3 + 4\mathrm{i})(1 + 2\mathrm{i})}{(1 - 2\mathrm{i})(1 + 2\mathrm{i})} =3+10i+8i25= \dfrac{3 + 10\mathrm{i} + 8\mathrm{i}^2}{5}Multiply top and bottom by the conjugate of the denominator, which makes the denominator real.
    M1
  2. =−1+2i= -1 + 2\mathrm{i}Replace i2\mathrm{i}^2 with −1-1 and divide each part by 5.
    A1

Total5

Complex numbers

Roots of a cubic
MediumYear 12 · 5 marks
f(z)\mathrm{f}(z) =z3−3z2+z+5= z^3 - 3z^2 + z + 5
  1. Given that 2−i2 - \mathrm{i} is a root of the equation f(z)\mathrm{f}(z) =0= 0, solve f(z)\mathrm{f}(z) =0= 0 completely.
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. 2+i2 + \mathrm{i} is also a root.A polynomial with real coefficients has complex roots in conjugate pairs.
    B1
  2. (z−(2−i))(z−(2+i))\bigl(z - (2 - \mathrm{i})\bigr)\bigl(z - (2 + \mathrm{i})\bigr) =(z−2)2−i2= (z - 2)^2 - \mathrm{i}^2Two roots give two factors; multiplying them gives a real quadratic factor.
    M1
  3. =z2−4z+5= z^2 - 4z + 5Expand (z−2)2(z-2)^2 and use i2=−1\mathrm{i}^2 = -1.
    A1
  4. z3−3z2+z+5z^3 - 3z^2 + z + 5 =(z2−4z+5)(z+1)= (z^2 - 4z + 5)(z + 1)Divide, or compare coefficients: the constant term 5 = 5 × 1 gives the last factor.
    M1
  5. zz =−1, 2= -1,\ 2 +i, 2+ \mathrm{i},\ 2 −i- \mathrm{i}Set each factor to zero to list all three roots.
    A1

Total5

Matrices

Inverse of a 2 × 2 matrix
EasyYear 12 · 4 marks
A\mathbf{A} =(2153)= \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 5 & 3 \end{pmatrix}
  1. (a)
    Find det⁡A\det \mathbf{A}.
    (1)
  2. (b)
    Find A−1\mathbf{A}^{-1}.
    (2)
  3. (c)
    A triangle of area 4 square units is transformed by A\mathbf{A}. State the area of its image.
    (1)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. det⁡A\det\mathbf{A} =2×3−1×5= 2 \times 3 - 1 \times 5 =1= 1For (abcd)\begin{pmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{pmatrix} the determinant is ad−bcad - bc.
    B1
(b)
  1. A−1\mathbf{A}^{-1} =11(3−1−52)= \dfrac{1}{1}\begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ -5 & 2 \end{pmatrix}Swap the numbers on the leading diagonal, change the signs of the other two, then divide by the determinant.
    M1
  2. A−1\mathbf{A}^{-1} =(3−1−52)= \begin{pmatrix} 3 & -1 \\ -5 & 2 \end{pmatrix}Dividing by 1 changes nothing.
    A1
(c)
  1. Area =4×∣det⁡A∣= 4 \times |\det\mathbf{A}| =4= 4 square unitsThe determinant is the area scale factor of the transformation.
    B1

Total4

Proof

Induction with a sum
MediumYear 12 · 5 marks
  1. Prove by induction that, for all positive integers nn, ∑r=1nr(r+1)=13n(n+1)(n+2).\sum_{r=1}^{n} r(r + 1) = \tfrac{1}{3}n(n + 1)(n + 2).
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. nn =1= 1: left side =1×2= 1 \times 2 =2= 2, right side =13(1)(2)(3)= \tfrac{1}{3}(1)(2)(3) =2= 2Basis: check the statement is true for the first value.
    B1
  2. Assume ∑r=1kr(r+1)\sum_{r=1}^{k} r(r+1) =13k(k+1)(k+2)= \tfrac{1}{3}k(k+1)(k+2)Assumption: suppose it is true for some n=kn = k.
  3. ∑r=1k+1r(r+1)\sum_{r=1}^{k+1} r(r+1) =13k(k+1)(k+2)= \tfrac{1}{3}k(k+1)(k+2) +(k+1)(k+2)+ (k+1)(k+2)The sum to k+1k + 1 is the sum to kk plus the next term, where r=k+1r = k + 1.
    M1
  4. =13(k+1)(k+2)(k+3)= \tfrac{1}{3}(k+1)(k+2)(k + 3)Take out the common factor 13(k+1)(k+2)\tfrac{1}{3}(k+1)(k+2) instead of expanding.
    A1
  5. This is 13n(n+1)(n+2)\tfrac{1}{3}n(n+1)(n+2) with nn =k+1= k + 1.Show it is the original formula with nn replaced by k+1k + 1.
    A1
  6. So it is true for all positive integers nn.Conclusion: true for n=1n = 1, and true for kk means true for k+1k + 1.
    A1

Total5

Proof

Induction with divisibility
HardYear 12 · 6 marks
  1. Prove by induction that 4n+6n−14^n + 6n - 1 is divisible by 9 for all positive integers nn.
    (6)
Show the worked answer
  1. f(1)\mathrm{f}(1) =4+6−1= 4 + 6 - 1 =9= 9Basis: 9 is divisible by 9.
    B1
  2. Assume f(k)\mathrm{f}(k) =4k+6k−1= 4^k + 6k - 1 is divisible by 9.Assumption step.
  3. f(k+1)\mathrm{f}(k+1) −4f(k)- 4\mathrm{f}(k) =4k+1= 4^{k+1} +6k+ 6k +5+ 5 −4k+1- 4^{k+1} −24k- 24k +4+ 4Subtracting 4f(k)4\mathrm{f}(k) cancels the 4k+14^{k+1} terms.
    M1
  4. =9−18k= 9 - 18k =9(1−2k)= 9(1 - 2k)What is left is a multiple of 9.
    A1
  5. f(k+1)\mathrm{f}(k+1) =4f(k)= 4\mathrm{f}(k) +9(1−2k)+ 9(1 - 2k)Rearrange to write f(k+1)\mathrm{f}(k+1) in terms of f(k)\mathrm{f}(k).
    M1
  6. Both terms are multiples of 9, so f(k+1)\mathrm{f}(k+1) is too.f(k)\mathrm{f}(k) is a multiple of 9 by the assumption.
    A1
  7. So it is true for all positive integers nn.Conclusion: true for n=1n = 1, and true for kk means true for k+1k + 1.
    A1

Total6

Further algebra and functions

Roots of a cubic and their squares
MediumYear 12 · 5 marks
The roots of 2x3−3x2+4x−52x^3 - 3x^2 + 4x - 5 =0= 0 are α\alpha, β\beta and γ\gamma.
  1. (a)
    Write down α+β+γ\alpha + \beta + \gamma, αβ\alpha\beta +βγ+ \beta\gamma +γα+ \gamma\alpha and αβγ\alpha\beta\gamma.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    Find α2\alpha^2 +β2+ \beta^2 +γ2+ \gamma^2 and explain what your answer tells you about the roots.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. ∑α\sum\alpha =32,= \tfrac{3}{2}, ∑αβ\sum\alpha\beta =2,= 2, αβγ\alpha\beta\gamma =52= \tfrac{5}{2}For ax3+bx2+cx+dax^3 + bx^2 + cx + d: ∑α=−ba\sum\alpha = -\tfrac{b}{a}, ∑αβ=ca\sum\alpha\beta = \tfrac{c}{a}, αβγ=−da\alpha\beta\gamma = -\tfrac{d}{a}.
    B1 B1
(b)
  1. α2\alpha^2 +β2+ \beta^2 +γ2+ \gamma^2 =(∑α)2= (\sum\alpha)^2 −2∑αβ- 2\sum\alpha\betaSquaring the sum of the roots gives the squares plus twice every pair.
    M1
  2. =94−4= \tfrac{9}{4} - 4 =−74= -\tfrac{7}{4}Substitute the values from part (a).
    A1
  3. The squares of real numbers cannot add to a negative, so not all the roots are real.Two of the roots must be a complex conjugate pair.
    B1

Total5

Further algebra and functions

Roots of a quartic
HardYear 12 · 6 marks
The roots of x4+2x3−x+3x^4 + 2x^3 - x + 3 =0= 0 are α\alpha, β\beta, γ\gamma and δ\delta.
  1. (a)
    Find 1α\dfrac{1}{\alpha} +1β+ \dfrac{1}{\beta} +1γ+ \dfrac{1}{\gamma} +1δ+ \dfrac{1}{\delta}.
    (3)
  2. (b)
    Find α2\alpha^2 +β2+ \beta^2 +γ2+ \gamma^2 +δ2+ \delta^2.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. ∑αβγ\sum\alpha\beta\gamma =1,= 1, αβγδ\alpha\beta\gamma\delta =3= 3For ax4+bx3+cx2+dx+eax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e: ∑αβγ=−da\sum\alpha\beta\gamma = -\tfrac{d}{a} and αβγδ=ea\alpha\beta\gamma\delta = \tfrac{e}{a}.
    B1
  2. ∑1α\sum\dfrac{1}{\alpha} =∑αβγαβγδ= \dfrac{\sum\alpha\beta\gamma}{\alpha\beta\gamma\delta}Put the four fractions over the common denominator αβγδ\alpha\beta\gamma\delta.
    M1
  3. =13= \tfrac{1}{3}Substitute the values.
    A1
(b)
  1. ∑α\sum\alpha =−2,= -2, ∑αβ\sum\alpha\beta =0= 0∑α=−ba\sum\alpha = -\tfrac{b}{a} and ∑αβ=ca\sum\alpha\beta = \tfrac{c}{a}; there is no x2x^2 term, so c=0c = 0.
    B1
  2. ∑α2\sum\alpha^2 =(∑α)2= (\sum\alpha)^2 −2∑αβ- 2\sum\alpha\betaThe same identity as for a cubic: it works for any number of roots.
    M1
  3. =4−0= 4 - 0 =4= 4Substitute the values.
    A1

Total6

Further algebra and functions

Method of differences
MediumYear 12 · 4 marks
  1. (a)
    Show that 1r(r+1)\dfrac{1}{r(r + 1)} =1r= \dfrac{1}{r} −1r+1- \dfrac{1}{r + 1}.
    (1)
  2. (b)
    Hence find ∑r=1n1r(r+1)\displaystyle\sum_{r=1}^{n} \dfrac{1}{r(r + 1)}, giving your answer as a single fraction.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 1r\dfrac{1}{r} −1r+1- \dfrac{1}{r+1} =(r+1)−rr(r+1)= \dfrac{(r + 1) - r}{r(r + 1)} =1r(r+1)= \dfrac{1}{r(r+1)}Combine the right-hand side over a common denominator.
    B1
(b)
  1. (1−12)\left(1 - \tfrac{1}{2}\right) +(12−13)+ \left(\tfrac{1}{2} - \tfrac{1}{3}\right) +…+ \dots +(1n−1n+1)+ \left(\tfrac{1}{n} - \tfrac{1}{n+1}\right)Write out the first few and last terms to see which parts cancel.
    M1
  2. =1−1n+1= 1 - \dfrac{1}{n + 1}Every term cancels except the first and the last.
    A1
  3. =nn+1= \dfrac{n}{n + 1}Write it as a single fraction, as asked.
    A1

Total4

Further vectors

Angle between two lines
EasyYear 12 · 3 marks
Line l1l_1 has direction (122)\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} and line l2l_2 has direction (2−12)\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.
  1. Find the acute angle between the lines, to one decimal place.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
  1. a⋅b\mathbf{a}\cdot\mathbf{b} =2−2+4= 2 - 2 + 4 =4= 4The angle between lines is the angle between their direction vectors, found with the scalar product.
    M1
  2. cos⁡θ\cos\theta =43×3= \dfrac{4}{3 \times 3} =49= \dfrac{4}{9}Both vectors have magnitude 1+4+4=3\sqrt{1 + 4 + 4} = 3.
    M1
  3. θ\theta =63.6∘= 63.6^\circcos⁡θ\cos\theta is positive, so this angle is already acute.
    A1

Total3

Polar coordinates

Area inside a polar curve
MediumYear 13 · 5 marks
A curve has polar equation rr =2(1+cos⁡θ)= 2(1 + \cos\theta), 0≤θ<2π0 \le \theta < 2\pi.
  1. Find the exact area enclosed by the curve.
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. AA =12∫02π4(1+cos⁡θ)2 dθ= \tfrac{1}{2}\int_0^{2\pi} 4(1 + \cos\theta)^2\,\mathrm{d}\thetaArea in polar coordinates is 12∫r2 dθ\tfrac{1}{2}\int r^2\,\mathrm{d}\theta over one full turn.
    M1
  2. =2∫02π(1+2cos⁡θ+cos⁡2θ)dθ= 2\int_0^{2\pi} \left(1 + 2\cos\theta + \cos^2\theta\right)\mathrm{d}\thetaExpand the bracket before integrating.
    M1
  3. cos⁡2θ\cos^2\theta =12(1+cos⁡2θ)= \tfrac{1}{2}(1 + \cos 2\theta)cos⁡2θ\cos^2\theta cannot be integrated directly, so use the double angle formula.
    M1
  4. =2[32θ+2sin⁡θ+14sin⁡2θ]02π= 2\left[\tfrac{3}{2}\theta + 2\sin\theta + \tfrac{1}{4}\sin 2\theta\right]_0^{2\pi}Integrate each term.
    A1
  5. =6π= 6\piThe sine terms are zero at both limits.
    A1

Total5

Hyperbolic functions

Solving a hyperbolic equation
EasyYear 13 · 4 marks
  1. Solve cosh⁡x\cosh x =2= 2, giving your answers as natural logarithms.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
  1. ex+e−x2\dfrac{\mathrm{e}^x + \mathrm{e}^{-x}}{2} =2= 2Replace cosh⁡x\cosh x with its definition in exponentials.
    M1
  2. e2x\mathrm{e}^{2x} −4ex- 4\mathrm{e}^x +1+ 1 =0= 0Multiply through by 2ex2\mathrm{e}^x to get a quadratic in ex\mathrm{e}^x.
    M1
  3. ex\mathrm{e}^x =2±3= 2 \pm \sqrt{3}Solve the quadratic with the formula.
    A1
  4. xx =ln⁡(2+3)= \ln(2 + \sqrt{3}) or xx =ln⁡(2−3)= \ln(2 - \sqrt{3}) =−ln⁡(2+3)= -\ln(2 + \sqrt{3})Both values of ex\mathrm{e}^x are positive, so both give solutions.
    A1

Total4

Differential equations

Integrating factor
MediumYear 13 · 5 marks
  1. Solve dydx\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} +yx+ \dfrac{y}{x} =x2= x^2, x>0x > 0, given that yy =1= 1 when xx =1= 1.
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. Integrating factor =e∫1x dx= \mathrm{e}^{\int \frac{1}{x}\,\mathrm{d}x} =x= xThe equation is in the form y′+P(x)y=Q(x)y' + P(x)y = Q(x), so the integrating factor is e∫P dx\mathrm{e}^{\int P\,\mathrm{d}x}.
    M1
  2. ddx(xy)\dfrac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}x}(xy) =x3= x^3Multiplying by xx makes the left side the derivative of a product.
    A1
  3. xyxy =14x4+c= \tfrac{1}{4}x^4 + cIntegrate both sides; remember the constant.
    M1
  4. 11 =14+c= \tfrac{1}{4} + c ⇒c\Rightarrow c =34= \tfrac{3}{4}Use the given point to find cc.
    M1
  5. yy =x34= \dfrac{x^3}{4} +34x+ \dfrac{3}{4x}Divide by xx to make yy the subject.
    A1

Total5

Differential equations

Modelling damped motion
HardYear 13 · 8 marks
A particle on a spring moves in a straight line. Its displacement xx metres from equilibrium at time tt seconds satisfies d2xdt2+4dxdt+4x=0.\frac{\mathrm{d}^2x}{\mathrm{d}t^2} + 4\frac{\mathrm{d}x}{\mathrm{d}t} + 4x = 0. At tt =0= 0 the particle is at equilibrium, moving with speed 2 m s−12\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}.
  1. (a)
    Find xx in terms of tt.
    (4)
  2. (b)
    Find the greatest displacement of the particle, and state the type of damping.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. m2+4m+4m^2 + 4m + 4 =0= 0 ⇒m\Rightarrow m =−2= -2 (repeated)Write the auxiliary equation by replacing each derivative with a power of mm.
    M1
  2. xx =(A+Bt)e−2t= (A + Bt)\mathrm{e}^{-2t}A repeated root gives this form of general solution.
    A1
  3. AA =0= 0; x˙\dot{x} =Be−2t= B\mathrm{e}^{-2t} −2Bte−2t- 2Bt\mathrm{e}^{-2t}, so BB =2= 2Use x=0x = 0 at t=0t = 0, then differentiate and use x˙=2\dot{x} = 2 at t=0t = 0.
    M1
  4. xx =2te−2t= 2t\mathrm{e}^{-2t}Substitute the constants.
    A1
(b)
  1. x˙\dot{x} =2e−2t(1−2t)= 2\mathrm{e}^{-2t}(1 - 2t) =0= 0 ⇒t\Rightarrow t =12= \tfrac{1}{2}The greatest displacement is where the particle stops, so x˙=0\dot{x} = 0.
    M1
  2. xx =2×12×e−1= 2 \times \tfrac{1}{2} \times \mathrm{e}^{-1} =e−1= \mathrm{e}^{-1}Substitute this time into xx.
    M1
  3. Greatest displacement =0.368= 0.368 mGive a sensible number of significant figures.
    A1
  4. Critical dampingThe auxiliary equation has a repeated root, so the particle returns to equilibrium without oscillating.
    B1

Total8

Proof

Proof by deduction
EasyYear 12 · 3 marks
  1. Prove that n2−nn^2 - n is even for every integer nn.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
  1. n2−nn^2 - n =n(n−1)= n(n - 1)Factorise to see the structure of the expression.
    M1
  2. nn and n−1n - 1 are consecutive integers, so one of them is even.Of any two numbers next to each other, one is a multiple of 2.
    A1
  3. An even number times any integer is even, so n2−nn^2 - n is even.Finish with a clear statement of what has been proved.
    A1

Total3

Algebra and functions

Equal roots
EasyYear 12 · 3 marks
  1. The equation x2+kx+9x^2 + kx + 9 =0= 0 has equal roots. Find the possible values of kk.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
  1. b2−4acb^2 - 4ac =0= 0Equal (repeated) roots happen when the discriminant is zero.
    M1
  2. k2−4×1×9k^2 - 4 \times 1 \times 9 =0= 0 ⇒k2\Rightarrow k^2 =36= 36Here a=1a = 1, b=kb = k and c=9c = 9.
    A1
  3. kk =6= 6 or kk =−6= -6Square-rooting gives two answers: positive and negative.
    A1

Total3

Sequences and series

Geometric series
MediumYear 13 · 4 marks
A geometric series has first term 12 and sum to infinity 48.
  1. (a)
    Find the common ratio.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    Find the sum of the first 10 terms, to 3 significant figures.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 121−r\dfrac{12}{1 - r} =48= 48Use S∞=a1−rS_\infty = \dfrac{a}{1 - r}.
    M1
  2. 1−r1 - r =14= \tfrac{1}{4} ⇒r\Rightarrow r =34= \tfrac{3}{4}Rearrange for rr. It is between −1 and 1, as it must be.
    A1
(b)
  1. S10S_{10} =12(1−0.7510)1−0.75= \dfrac{12\left(1 - 0.75^{10}\right)}{1 - 0.75}Use Sn=a(1−rn)1−rS_n = \dfrac{a(1 - r^n)}{1 - r}.
    M1
  2. =45.3= 45.3Round to 3 significant figures as asked.
    A1

Total4

Trigonometry

A quadratic in cosine
MediumYear 13 · 5 marks
  1. Solve 2sin⁡2x2\sin^2 x =3cos⁡x= 3\cos x for 0∘≤x<360∘0^\circ \le x < 360^\circ.
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. 2(1−cos⁡2x)2(1 - \cos^2 x) =3cos⁡x= 3\cos xUse sin⁡2x=1−cos⁡2x\sin^2 x = 1 - \cos^2 x so there is only one trig function.
    M1
  2. 2cos⁡2x+3cos⁡x−22\cos^2 x + 3\cos x - 2 =0= 0Rearrange into a quadratic in cos⁡x\cos x.
    A1
  3. (2cos⁡x−1)(cos⁡x+2)(2\cos x - 1)(\cos x + 2) =0= 0Factorise as you would 2c2+3c−22c^2 + 3c - 2.
    M1
  4. cos⁡x\cos x =12= \tfrac{1}{2} (cos⁡x\cos x =−2= -2 has no solutions)Cosine is always between −1 and 1.
    A1
  5. xx =60∘, 300∘= 60^\circ,\ 300^\circCosine is positive in the first and fourth quadrants.
    A1

Total5

Exponentials and logarithms

Modelling cooling
HardYear 12 · 7 marks
A cup of tea is left in a room. Its temperature TT °C, tt minutes later, is modelled by T=20+70e−kt,T = 20 + 70\mathrm{e}^{-kt}, where kk is a positive constant. After 10 minutes the temperature is 50 °C.
  1. (a)
    Find the value of kk, to 3 significant figures.
    (3)
  2. (b)
    Find how long it takes for the tea to cool to 30 °C.
    (3)
  3. (c)
    Give one limitation of the model.
    (1)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 5050 =20+70e−10k= 20 + 70\mathrm{e}^{-10k} ⇒e−10k\Rightarrow \mathrm{e}^{-10k} =37= \tfrac{3}{7}Substitute t=10t = 10 and T=50T = 50, then isolate the exponential.
    M1
  2. −10k-10k =ln⁡37= \ln\tfrac{3}{7} ⇒k\Rightarrow k =110ln⁡73= \tfrac{1}{10}\ln\tfrac{7}{3}Take natural logs of both sides to bring down the power.
    M1
  3. kk =0.0847= 0.0847Evaluate and round.
    A1
(b)
  1. e−kt\mathrm{e}^{-kt} =17= \tfrac{1}{7}Substitute T=30T = 30 and isolate the exponential.
    M1
  2. tt =ln⁡7k= \dfrac{\ln 7}{k}Take logs; ln⁡17=−ln⁡7\ln\tfrac{1}{7} = -\ln 7.
    M1
  3. tt =23.0= 23.0 minutesUse the unrounded value of kk to avoid rounding errors.
    A1
(c)
  1. It assumes the room stays at exactly 20 °C.As tt grows, TT approaches 20, so 20 °C must be the room temperature.
    B1

Total7

Differentiation

Gradient of a curve
EasyYear 12 · 3 marks
A curve has equation yy =2x3−5x2+4= 2x^3 - 5x^2 + 4.
  1. Find the gradient of the curve at the point where xx =2= 2.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
  1. dydx\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} =6x2−10x= 6x^2 - 10xDifferentiate each term: multiply by the power, then reduce the power by 1. The constant disappears.
    M1 A1
  2. At xx =2= 2: 24−2024 - 20 =4= 4The gradient at a point is the derivative evaluated there.
    A1

Total3

Differentiation

Stationary points
MediumYear 12 · 6 marks
A curve has equation yy =x3−6x2+9x+1= x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x + 1.
  1. Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the curve and determine their nature.
    (6)
Show the worked answer
  1. dydx\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} =3x2−12x+9= 3x^2 - 12x + 9Stationary points are where the gradient is zero, so differentiate first.
    M1
  2. 3(x−1)(x−3)3(x - 1)(x - 3) =0= 0 ⇒x\Rightarrow x =1, x= 1,\ x =3= 3Set the derivative to zero and solve.
    A1
  3. (1,5)(1, 5) and (3,1)(3, 1)Substitute each xx into the original equation to get yy.
    A1
  4. d2ydx2\dfrac{\mathrm{d}^2y}{\mathrm{d}x^2} =6x−12= 6x - 12The second derivative tells you the shape at each point.
    M1
  5. At xx =1= 1: −6<0-6 < 0, so (1,5)(1, 5) is a maximum.Negative second derivative means the curve is bending down.
    A1
  6. At xx =3= 3: 6>06 > 0, so (3,1)(3, 1) is a minimum.Positive second derivative means the curve is bending up.
    A1

Total6

Integration

A definite integral
EasyYear 12 · 4 marks
  1. Evaluate ∫12(3x2+2x2)dx\displaystyle\int_1^2 \left(3x^2 + \frac{2}{x^2}\right)\mathrm{d}x.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
  1. ∫(3x2+2x−2)dx\int \left(3x^2 + 2x^{-2}\right)\mathrm{d}xWrite 2x2\frac{2}{x^2} as a power of xx so you can integrate it.
    M1
  2. =[x3−2x−1]12= \left[x^3 - 2x^{-1}\right]_1^2Add 1 to each power and divide by the new power.
    A1
  3. =(8−1)−(1−2)= (8 - 1) - (1 - 2)Substitute the top limit, then subtract the value at the bottom limit.
    M1
  4. =8= 8Take care with the double negative.
    A1

Total4

Statistical distributions

Binomial probabilities
MediumYear 12 · 3 marks
X∼B(20,0.3)X \sim \mathrm{B}(20, 0.3)
  1. (a)
    Find P(X≤4)\mathrm{P}(X \le 4).
    (1)
  2. (b)
    Find P(X≥8)\mathrm{P}(X \ge 8).
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. P(X≤4)\mathrm{P}(X \le 4) =0.2375= 0.2375Use the cumulative binomial function on your calculator with n=20n = 20, p=0.3p = 0.3.
    B1
(b)
  1. P(X≥8)\mathrm{P}(X \ge 8) =1−P(X≤7)= 1 - \mathrm{P}(X \le 7)The calculator gives 'less than or equal to', so use the complement.
    M1
  2. =1−0.7723= 1 - 0.7723 =0.2277= 0.2277Subtract from 1.
    A1

Total3

Statistical hypothesis testing

Is the coin biased?
HardYear 12 · 5 marks
Sam thinks a coin is biased towards heads. He tosses it 20 times and gets 15 heads.
  1. Test Sam's claim at the 5% significance level. State your hypotheses clearly.
    (5)
Show the worked answer
  1. H0:p\mathrm{H_0}: p =0.5,= 0.5, H1:p>0.5\mathrm{H_1}: p > 0.5pp is the probability of heads. The claim is 'towards heads', so the test is one-tailed.
    B1
  2. Under H0\mathrm{H_0}, X∼B(20,0.5)X \sim \mathrm{B}(20, 0.5)Assume the null hypothesis is true to find how likely the result is.
    M1
  3. P(X≥15)\mathrm{P}(X \ge 15) =1−P(X≤14)= 1 - \mathrm{P}(X \le 14) =0.0207= 0.0207Find the probability of a result at least as extreme as the one seen.
    A1
  4. 0.0207<0.050.0207 < 0.05, so reject H0\mathrm{H_0}Compare the probability with the significance level.
    M1
  5. There is evidence that the coin is biased towards heads.Always give the conclusion in the context of the question, without certainty.
    A1

Total5

Kinematics

Constant acceleration
EasyYear 12 · 4 marks
A car accelerates uniformly from 4 m s−14\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}} to 20 m s−120\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}} in 8 seconds.
  1. (a)
    Find the acceleration of the car.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    Find the distance travelled in this time.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 2020 =4+8a= 4 + 8aUse v=u+atv = u + at with u=4u = 4, v=20v = 20, t=8t = 8.
    M1
  2. aa =2 m s−2= 2\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}Solve for aa.
    A1
(b)
  1. ss =12(4+20)×8= \tfrac{1}{2}(4 + 20) \times 8Use s=12(u+v)ts = \tfrac{1}{2}(u + v)t, which needs no acceleration.
    M1
  2. ss =96= 96 mInclude units.
    A1

Total4

Forces and Newton's laws

Particle on an inclined plane
MediumYear 12 · 4 marks
A particle of mass 2 kg is pulled up a smooth plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal by a force of 15 N acting parallel to the plane. Take gg =9.8 m s−2= 9.8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}.
  1. Find the acceleration of the particle.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
  1. 15−2gsin⁡30∘15 - 2g\sin 30^\circ =2a= 2aResolve along the plane and use F=maF = ma. The weight's component down the slope is mgsin⁡30∘mg\sin 30^\circ.
    M1 A1
  2. 15−9.815 - 9.8 =2a= 2a2×9.8×0.5=9.82 \times 9.8 \times 0.5 = 9.8.
    M1
  3. aa =2.6 m s−2= 2.6\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}} up the planeThe plane is smooth, so there is no friction to include.
    A1

Total4

Electric Circuits

Resistance of a wire
EasyYear 12 · 2 marks
A wire is 0.80 m long with cross-sectional area 2.0×10−7 m22.0 \times 10^{-7}\ \mathrm{m^2}. Its material has resistivity 4.9×10−7 Ω m4.9 \times 10^{-7}\ \Omega\,\mathrm{m}.
  1. Calculate the resistance of the wire.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
  1. RR =ρLA= \dfrac{\rho L}{A} =4.9×10−7×0.802.0×10−7= \dfrac{4.9 \times 10^{-7} \times 0.80}{2.0 \times 10^{-7}}Resistivity links resistance to the length and area of a wire.
    M1
  2. RR =2.0 Ω= 2.0\ \OmegaGive the unit, ohms.
    A1

Total2

Electric Circuits

Series and parallel resistors
EasyYear 12 · 4 marks
A 6.0 Ω resistor and a 3.0 Ω resistor are connected in parallel. This combination is in series with a 4.0 Ω resistor and a 12 V supply of negligible internal resistance.
  1. (a)
    Calculate the current from the supply.
    (3)
  2. (b)
    Calculate the potential difference across the 3.0 Ω resistor.
    (1)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 1R\dfrac{1}{R} =16.0= \dfrac{1}{6.0} +13.0+ \dfrac{1}{3.0} ⇒R\Rightarrow R =2.0 Ω= 2.0\ \OmegaResistors in parallel combine with the reciprocal rule.
    M1
  2. Total =2.0+4.0= 2.0 + 4.0 =6.0 Ω= 6.0\ \OmegaResistances in series add.
    M1
  3. II =126.0= \dfrac{12}{6.0} =2.0 A= 2.0\ \mathrm{A}Use I=V/RI = V/R for the whole circuit.
    A1
(b)
  1. VV =2.0×2.0= 2.0 \times 2.0 =4.0 V= 4.0\ \mathrm{V}The full current passes through the 2.0 Ω parallel pair, and both parallel resistors share its p.d.
    B1

Total4

Mechanics

Horizontal projection
MediumYear 12 · 3 marks
A ball is thrown horizontally at 5.0 m s−15.0\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}} from a height of 1.8 m above level ground. Ignore air resistance.
  1. Calculate the horizontal distance the ball travels before it hits the ground.
    (3)
Show the worked answer
  1. 1.81.8 =12×9.81×t2= \tfrac{1}{2} \times 9.81 \times t^2Treat vertical motion on its own: it starts with zero vertical velocity and accelerates at gg.
    M1
  2. tt =0.606 s= 0.606\ \mathrm{s}Solve for the time of flight.
    A1
  3. Distance =5.0×0.606= 5.0 \times 0.606 =3.0 m= 3.0\ \mathrm{m}Horizontal velocity is constant, so distance = speed × time.
    A1

Total3

Mechanics

A collision
MediumYear 12 · 4 marks
A 2.0 kg trolley moving at 3.0 m s−13.0\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}} collides with a stationary 1.0 kg trolley. They stick together.
  1. (a)
    Calculate their speed after the collision.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    Show that the collision is inelastic.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. 2.0×3.02.0 \times 3.0 =3.0×v= 3.0 \times vMomentum is conserved: total before = total after.
    M1
  2. vv =2.0 m s−1= 2.0\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}The trolleys move together, so they share one velocity.
    A1
(b)
  1. Kinetic energy before =12×2.0×3.02= \tfrac{1}{2} \times 2.0 \times 3.0^2 =9.0 J= 9.0\ \mathrm{J}Use Ek=12mv2E_k = \tfrac{1}{2}mv^2 before and after.
    M1
  2. After =12×3.0×2.02= \tfrac{1}{2} \times 3.0 \times 2.0^2 =6.0 J= 6.0\ \mathrm{J}, so kinetic energy is lost.A collision that loses kinetic energy is inelastic.
    A1

Total4

Waves and Particle Nature of Light

The wave equation
EasyYear 12 · 2 marks
A tuning fork produces a sound of frequency 440 Hz. The wavelength of the sound in air is 0.78 m.
  1. Calculate the speed of sound in air.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
  1. vv =fλ= f\lambda =440×0.78= 440 \times 0.78Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
    M1
  2. vv =343 m s−1= 343\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}Round to match the data.
    A1

Total2

Waves and Particle Nature of Light

The photoelectric effect
MediumYear 12 · 4 marks
Light of wavelength 400 nm falls on a metal surface with work function 2.3 eV.
  1. Calculate the maximum kinetic energy of the emitted electrons, in eV.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
  1. EE =hcλ= \dfrac{hc}{\lambda} =6.63×10−34×3.00×1084.00×10−7= \dfrac{6.63 \times 10^{-34} \times 3.00 \times 10^{8}}{4.00 \times 10^{-7}} =4.97×10−19 J= 4.97 \times 10^{-19}\ \mathrm{J}Find the energy of one photon. Convert nm to m first.
    M1
  2. ϕ\phi =2.3×1.60×10−19= 2.3 \times 1.60 \times 10^{-19} =3.68×10−19 J= 3.68 \times 10^{-19}\ \mathrm{J}Convert the work function to joules so the units match.
    M1
  3. Ek(max⁡)E_{k(\max)} =4.97×10−19= 4.97 \times 10^{-19} −3.68×10−19- 3.68 \times 10^{-19} =1.29×10−19 J= 1.29 \times 10^{-19}\ \mathrm{J}hf=ϕ+Ek(max⁡)hf = \phi + E_{k(\max)}: the photon's energy pays the work function and the rest becomes kinetic energy.
    M1
  4. =0.81 eV= 0.81\ \mathrm{eV}Divide by 1.60×10−191.60 \times 10^{-19} to convert back to electronvolts.
    A1

Total4

Oscillations

A simple pendulum
MediumYear 13 · 3 marks
A simple pendulum has length 0.90 m. Take gg =9.81 m s−2= 9.81\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}.
  1. (a)
    Calculate its period.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    State why the swings must be small.
    (1)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. TT =2πlg= 2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{l}{g}} =2π0.909.81= 2\pi\sqrt{\dfrac{0.90}{9.81}}For small swings a pendulum moves with simple harmonic motion.
    M1
  2. TT =1.90 s= 1.90\ \mathrm{s}Give 3 significant figures.
    A1
(b)
  1. The formula uses sin⁡θ\sin\theta ≈θ\approx \theta, which is only true for small angles.For large angles the motion is no longer simple harmonic.
    B1

Total3

Gravitational Fields

Geostationary orbit
HardYear 13 · 4 marks
A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth once every 24 hours. Mass of the Earth =5.97×1024= 5.97 \times 10^{24} kg, radius of the Earth =6.37×106= 6.37 \times 10^{6} m, GG =6.67×10−11 N m2 kg−2= 6.67 \times 10^{-11}\ \mathrm{N\,m^2\,kg^{-2}}.
  1. Show that the height of the satellite above the Earth's surface is about 3.6×1073.6 \times 10^{7} m.
    (4)
Show the worked answer
  1. GMmr2\dfrac{GMm}{r^2} =mr(2πT)2= mr\left(\dfrac{2\pi}{T}\right)^2Gravity provides the centripetal force that keeps the satellite in its circle.
    M1
  2. r3r^3 =GMT24π2= \dfrac{GMT^2}{4\pi^2}, with TT =86 400= 86\,400 sCancel mm, rearrange for r3r^3, and convert 24 hours to seconds.
    M1
  3. rr =4.22×107 m= 4.22 \times 10^{7}\ \mathrm{m}Take the cube root. This is measured from the centre of the Earth.
    A1
  4. Height =4.22×107= 4.22 \times 10^{7} −6.37×106- 6.37 \times 10^{6} =3.59×107 m= 3.59 \times 10^{7}\ \mathrm{m}Subtract the Earth's radius to get the height above the surface.
    A1

Total4

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Capacitor discharge
HardYear 13 · 5 marks
A 470 μF470\ \mu\mathrm{F} capacitor is charged to 12 V and then discharged through a 10 kΩ10\ \mathrm{k}\Omega resistor.
  1. (a)
    Calculate the time constant.
    (1)
  2. (b)
    Calculate the p.d. across the capacitor after 5.0 s.
    (2)
  3. (c)
    Calculate the time taken for the p.d. to fall to 3.0 V.
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. RCRC =10×103×470×10−6= 10 \times 10^{3} \times 470 \times 10^{-6} =4.7 s= 4.7\ \mathrm{s}Convert kΩ and μF to base units before multiplying.
    B1
(b)
  1. VV =12e−5.0/4.7= 12\mathrm{e}^{-5.0/4.7}During discharge, V=V0e−t/RCV = V_0\mathrm{e}^{-t/RC}.
    M1
  2. VV =4.1 V= 4.1\ \mathrm{V}Evaluate and round sensibly.
    A1
(c)
  1. 3.03.0 =12e−t/4.7= 12\mathrm{e}^{-t/4.7} ⇒t\Rightarrow t =4.7ln⁡4= 4.7\ln 4Divide by 12, take natural logs, and rearrange for tt.
    M1
  2. tt =6.5 s= 6.5\ \mathrm{s}Falling to a quarter takes two half-lives' worth of time: 2×0.69RC2 \times 0.69RC.
    A1

Total5

Nuclear Radiation

Half-life
MediumYear 13 · 4 marks
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 6.0 hours.
  1. (a)
    Calculate its decay constant in s−1\mathrm{s^{-1}}.
    (2)
  2. (b)
    What fraction of the original nuclei remains after 24 hours?
    (2)
Show the worked answer
(a)
  1. λ\lambda =ln⁡2t1/2= \dfrac{\ln 2}{t_{1/2}} =0.6936.0×3600= \dfrac{0.693}{6.0 \times 3600}The decay constant and half-life are linked by λt1/2=ln⁡2\lambda t_{1/2} = \ln 2. Convert hours to seconds.
    M1
  2. λ\lambda =3.2×10−5 s−1= 3.2 \times 10^{-5}\ \mathrm{s^{-1}}Give the unit.
    A1
(b)
  1. 24 hours = 4 half-livesCount how many half-lives fit into the time.
    M1
  2. Fraction =(12)4= \left(\tfrac{1}{2}\right)^4 =116= \tfrac{1}{16}Each half-life halves the number left.
    A1

Total4

How marks work
M1
Method mark: for a correct method, even if there is a slip.
A1
Accuracy mark: for a correct answer that follows a correct method.
B1
A mark on its own, for a correct fact or result.
Easy
Core knowledge: using a method you have learnt.
Medium
Applying a method to a less familiar problem.
Hard
Modelling and multi-step problems, at A* level.

These questions are written by FMPR. For real past papers, see AQA or Pearson Edexcel.