2024 TJC Preliminary Exam H2 Mathematics Paper 1 (Suggested solutions)

1 A ball is rolling in a straight line such that its distance away from the starting point, s cm,
can be modelled using the equation
b
s  at   c,
t4
where t is the time taken in seconds, and a, b and c are real constants.
The ball is at the starting point when t  0 , and moved 10 cm in the first 5 seconds. It
moved another 9 cm in the next 16 seconds. Find the ball’s distance away from the
starting point when t  50. [4]

[Solutions] Remarks
1 - 3 unknowns need 3
When t  0, s  0, 0  b  c  (1)
2 equations to solve.
1 To simplify equations to
When t  5, s  10, 10  5a  b  c  (2)
3 as shown.
1 - To read key word such as
When t  21, s  19, 19  21a  b  c  (3) “another”, “next” and
5
“starting point”.
Solving (1), (2) & (3) using GC, - To watch presentation of
1 labeling “when….” and to
a  0.08333 or number all equations
12
115 - Use GC to solve!
b  57.5 or  - Always read back to see
2
objective in this case find
115
c  28.75 or s when t=50.
4

1 115 115
 s t 
12 2 t  4 4
1 115 115
When t  50, s  (50)    25.092
12 2 50  4 4
Thus the distance away from starting point is 25.1 cm
(3 s.f.)
2 On a single diagram, sketch the graphs of y  2 x  p and y  qx where the following
conditions are satisfied, indicating the axial intercepts.
 p and q are constants, p > 1 and q > 0, and
 the graphs have only one point of intersection. [2]
(a) State the least value of q. [1]

(b) Solve the inequality 2 x  p  qx, leaving your answer in terms of p and q. [2]

[Solutions] Remarks
Useful Tips: When dealing with
y modulus curve, it is advisable to
y = qx label the positive/negative
equations on the diagram.
y = (2x  p) y = 2x  p Note that
 p
p  2 x  p, x
2
2x  p  
(2 x  p ), x  p
 2
x
O
When sketching the graphs,
ensure that
 x and y intercepts are clearly
indicated
 the graph of y  2 x  p is

symmetrical about x  p
2
 the line y  qx should be
steeper than y  2 x  p in
order to have only one
intersection point
 the equation of each graph
must be clearly labelled

(a) For the graphs to have only one point of

intersection, the line y  qx has the same or a
greater gradient than the line y  2 x  p , i.e q ≥ 2.
Least value of q = 2
(b) At the intersection point, Use graph sketched earlier! Note: When solving inequalities
using graphical method, we
  2 x  p   qx should always attempt to first find
2  q x  p intersection points (if any).
From (a), intersection point
p p
x occurs at x  . Hence when
q2 2
p finding the intersection point, we
For 2 x  p  qx, x  should equate
q2 y = (2 x  p ) with y = qx
instead of
y  2 x  p with y = qx.
Alternative method for finding intersection point
For students who used the
2x  p  qx alternative method, do pay
2x  p  qx or 2x  p  qx attention to the correct reasons for
rejecting the other answer.
2x  qx  p 2x  qx  p
2  q x  p 2  q x  p
p p
x x
2q 2q
p
(rejected   0 since q ≥ 2)
2q
3 Find

tan 2  x  1 dx ,
(a)
 [2]

1
(b)
 sin 2 x dx . [3]

[Solutions] Remarks
sin 2  ax  b  dx
(a)
tan 2  x  1 dx
 - Students to note how to handle trigo
  cos 2  ax  b  dx
with power 2 and linear angle!
1) sec 2 , cosec 2 : can integrate
2

 sec  x  1  1 dx
 cosec 2  ax  b  dx directly!
2) tan 2 , cot 2 : use trigo identity to
 tan  x  1  x  c 2
 sec  ax  b  dx convert to (1)!
3) sin 2 , cos 2 : use double angle
cot 2  ax  b  dx
 formula
- Students must remember the trigo
identity formula correctly!

(b) - Students pls note that :

1
 sin 2 x dx “Inverse  Reciprocal”
- Do not mix up
I C   I D d
sin 1 x with  sin 1 x dx where we
2 dx
  x  sin 1 2 x 
  x 
1 2x
2
dx
-
need to use by part for integration!
Must remember chain rule for
1 differentiation and note the angle for
1 
 x sin 1
2x 
4  
8 x  1  4 x 2
 2 dx trigo when applying the formula
d 2
1
“ sin 1  2 x   ”
dx 1   2x 
2
1
 x sin 1 2 x  
1  4 x2 2  c
4 1
2 - Students to remember the following
1 formula for n  1 , identify carefully
 x sin 1 2 x  1  4x2  c
2 what is the f(x) that will affect the f ( x )
and to divide by the new power:
n [f ( x)]n 1
 f ( x)[f ( x)]  n 1
c
4 Do not use a calculator in answering this question.

(a) It is given w   3  i .

(i) Find arg w. [1]

(ii) Express iw8 in the form rei where r > 0 and      . [3]
2
(b) (i) It is given that 1  ai   3  4i . Find the value of the real constant a. [2]

(ii) Hence solve the equation 2 z 2   3  2i  z  1  i   0 . [3]

[Solutions] Remarks
(a)(i) w   3  i (2nd quadrant) As calculators are not allowed,
detailed workings should be
given.
y 1
tan  

x  3  1 
Note that   tan 1   
 1  3
 
6 α  5 5
gives  ,  , ,.......
6 6 6
 5 The principal argument is the
arg w    
6 6 angle such that      .

(ii) 2
w  3  12  2
8
iw8  i w  1 28  256 i 1
 
arg  i  
arg  iw8   arg  i   8 arg w 2

 5 
 8  

2 6 
43 7 43 5
   6      ,   Note that   
6 6 6 6
5
Principal argument   
6
5 r is the modulus and must be a
 i
Thus iw  8
256e 6 positive real number.
5
- What about iw8 ?
i
Alternatively, from (i), w  2e 6

5 8 40 2
 8 6
i  8 6
i
3
i
 w   2e  2 e  256 e
 
 2
i i
i w8  e 2  256e 3

i
  2 
 
2 3 
i
7
i Note that i = 1 e 2
 256e  256e 6

5
 i - What is the geometrical
6
 256e relationship between i and iz?
(b)(i) 1  ai 
2
 3  4i
2
1  a  2ai  3  4i
Comparing imaginary parts,
2a =  4
a = 2
[Check: real parts = 1  a 2  1  22  3 ]

(ii) 2 z 2   3  2i  z  1  i   0 Hence means to use the result

in part (i)
Using the quadratic formula, 2
2
1  2i   3  4i
3  2i   3  2i   4(2) 1  i 
 3  4i   1  2i 
z
2(2)
to obtain the roots of the
3  2i  3  4i equation.

4
3  2i  1  2i  Use earlier
 using resultresult
in (i) in (i)!
4
1
 1  i or
2
5 The points A and B have position vectors a and b respectively. C is the point on line OB
such that AC is perpendicular to OB.
  a  b 
(a) By using a suitable scalar product, or otherwise, show that OC  2
b. [3]
b
ab
(b) Give a geometrical interpretation of . [1]
b
 3  1
(c) It is given that a   3  and b   h  . Given also that the length of the line segment
 
 1  0
   
AB is 5 units and angle AOB is an obtuse angle, find the exact value of h. [4]

[Solutions] Remarks
(a) Since C is a point on line OB, A It is important to not just
 read the question but also
OC  b for some   
 to process the information
provided.
O C B
A good practice is to
AC is perpendicular to OB annotate on the question
 what each key piece of
AC  b  0
 information translates to as
 b  a   b  0 you read the question e.g.
  
b  b  a  b  0
 2   …C is the point on line

 b  ab OB… (jot down OC  b )
   
ab
   2 …AC is perpendicular to
b
 OB… (jot down
 a  b  
Thus OC   2 b (shown) AC  OB  0 )
b 


(b)   a  b  b Need to be careful of the

OC       term used.
 b  b

 ab b ab ab
OC        (1)    Length of projection
b b b b
   
This is the length of projection of a onto b . not line of projection
 
OR this is the length OC.
(c) Step 1: Determining possible h values Cambridge questions are
 1   3   4  very precise in their
     
AB   h    3    h  3  phrasing. When asked for
 0   1   1 
      exact value (singular), it
 literally means one value.
2
Given: AB  16   h  3  1  5
This means further
2
 h  3  25  17 working is required to
reject the non-applicable
h  3 2 2
value.

Step 2: Determining the correct h value

Approach 1A For angle between two
Given: AOB is an obtuse angle a b
  vectors, cos     .
OA  OB  0 | a || b |
 
 3   1 
 3    h   3  3h  0  h  1
    For approach 1A, it is
 1   0 
    sufficient to compare both
Thus h  3  2 2 h values and state the
conclusion

Approach 1B
For h  3  2 2 For approach 1B, as the
substitution of h values
 3   1 
    require further evaluation
 
 3    h   3  3h  3  3 3  2 2  6  6 2  0 , to determine the sign of
 1   0 
    the dot product, it is
while for h  3  2 2 insufficient to just prove

 3   1  either h  3  2 2 leads
 3    h   3  3h  3  3 3  2 2  6  6 2  0 to positive dot product or
     
 1   0  h  3  2 2 leads to
   
negative dot product.
h  3  2 2
Both h values must be
substituted to completely
prove their validity or
invalidity.
Approach 2A You may use the idea of
AOB is an obtuse angle. the four quadrants to
 cos   0 remember the signs of
trigonometric ratios for
For h  3  2 2
different angles.
a b
cos    
| a || b |
  For angle between two
 3   1 
 3 3 2 2  a b
vectors, cos     .
    | a || b |
 1   0   
   
 a b
2
 3 
2
 32   1
2

12  3  2 2   02 It is not cos     .
| a || b |
 
 0.562  0

a b
For h  3  2 2 cos     applies
| a || b |
a b  
cos     only to
| a || b |
   acute angle between 2
 3   1 
    lines,
 3 3 2 2 
 1   0   acute angle between 2
   
 planes
2
 3 
2
 32   1
2

12  3  2 2   02
 acute angle between a
 0.562  0 line and a plane.

h  3  2 2

Approach 2B
Further process the cos  values to obtain the angle for
direct comparison.
6 The curve C is defined by the parametric equations

x  1  cos t , y  sin 2t , where 0  t 
.
2
(a) Sketch C, giving the exact coordinates of the points where C meets the x-axis. [1]

(b) The normal to C at the point where t  cuts the y-axis at D. Show that the
2
1
y-coordinate of D is  . [4]
2
(c) Find the exact area of the region bounded by C, the normal in part (b) and the
y-axis. [5]

[Solutions] Remarks
(a) y Always check (and
double-check) that you
have set the correct
range of the
parameter t.
Remember that the
x default setting after
O (0, 0) (1, 0)
resetting the GC is
0  t  2 .
Note the question
requirement of giving
coordinates.
(b) dx
x  1  cos t   sin t
dt
dy
y  sin 2t   2 cos 2t
dt
dy 2 cos 2t

dx sin t
 dy 2 cos  Evaluate the value of
When t  ,   2 ,
2 dx sin  dy
first, instead of
2 dx
x = 1, y = 0 writing expressions in
1 1 2 cos 2t
Hence gradient of normal =  terms of
2 2 sin t
1
Equation of normal: y   x  1
2
1
When x = 0, y  
2
(c) 11 1 y 1. Notice that one part
Area    1   y dx of the region is a
22 0


triangle. Use the
1 formula for area of
   2 sin 2t sin t dt
4 0 x triangle.
O (1, 0)
1 1  2. You should always
=   2 cos3t  cos t dt start with the
4 2 0 1
 expression  y dx
1 1  sin 3t  2 0
=    sin t  before converting in
4 2 3 0
terms of t.
1 1  1  11
=    1  units 2
4 2 3  12 OR sin 2t sin t dt

   2sin t cos t  sin t dt
2
 2  cos t  sin t  dt
  sin t 3 
 2  C
 3 
7 (a) The diagram shows the curve with equation y  f ( x). The curve crosses the x-axis
at x  1 and x  2.5, crosses the y-axis at y  1 and has a maximum point at
 4, 6 . The equations of the asymptotes are x  2 and y  3. Sketch the graph of
y  f '( x) , giving the equations of asymptotes, coordinates of turning points and
axial intercepts, where possible. [2]
y
(4, 6)

y=3

1
x
1 2.5

x=2

x 2  kx  1
(b) The curve C has equation y  , where k is a non-zero constant.
x 1
(i) Find the range of values of k for which C has no stationary points. [4]

(ii) Given that y = x + 3 is an asymptote of C, show that k = 4. [2]

x 1
(iii) State a sequence of transformations which transform the graph of y  
4 x
x2  4 x  1
onto the graph of y  . [3]
x 1

[Solutions] Remarks
(a) y  f '( x)
Note that y = 0 is an
y asymptote that is not
seen in the original
graph.

Note also that it is not

y=0 x possible to deduce the
(4, 0)
y-intercept of this
graph.

x=2
(b)(i) x 2  kx  1 k To approach this
y  x  k 1 question, instead of
x 1 x 1
dy
dy ( x  1)(2 x  k )  ( x 2  kx  1)(1) x2  2x  k  1 thinking “  0 or
  dx
dx ( x  1) 2 ( x  1)2
dy dy
dy  0 ”, think “ 0
Let  0  x2  2x  k  1  0 dx dx
dx has no real solution”
For no stationary points, the quadratic equation has no real
roots Note: k = 0 is also a
Discriminant = 2 2  4(1)( k  1)  0 solution for this
k 1  1  k  0 question but we do not
mark students down for
not mentioning it.
(ii) Since y = x + 3 is an asymptote of the hyperbola, It is incorrect to state
x 2  kx  1 c x2  4 x  3  c x 2  kx  1
y  x  3  x3
x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1
(LHS is linear, RHS is
Comparing coefficients, k = 4 (and c = 4) (shown) not)

(iii) x2  4 x 1 4
y  x  3
x 1 x 1 Use the idea of
x 1 “replacement” to check
y 
4 x your answers.
 y
replace y by  
4
Ensure that you use the
 x 1 4
y  4    x  correct terms and
4 x x
phrases for linear
replace x by  x  1
transformations.
4
y  ( x  1)  Cambridge has been
( x  1)
particularly strict on
replace y by  y  2 
this.
 4  4
y =  x 1   2 = x 3
 x 1  x 1

The transformations are (in order):

1. A scaling parallel to the y-axis by factor 4.
2. A translation of 1 unit in the negative direction of x-axis.
3. A translation of 2 units in the positive direction of y-axis.
8 The function f and g are defined by
f : x  ( x  4)2  5, x  , x  3 ,
x 3
g: x  e , x  , x  10.
(a) Show that the composite function gf exists. [2]
(b) Find an expression for gf(x) and state the domain of gf. Hence find the value of
1
x such that x   gf  (1) . [5]
(c) The function g has an inverse if its domain is restricted to   x  10. State the
smallest possible value of  and find g 1  x  , stating its domain. [4]

[Solutions] Remarks
(a) R f  ( , 4] - When finding range,
(3,4)
D g  ( ,10] please remember to draw
graph according to
DOMAIN!
Since R f  D g , gf exists. - Please DO NOT
OVERWRITE the
“ ) and ]” when wrote
wrongly as cannot tell
which is the one! You are
to CANCEL and
REWRITE!
- Please also remember the
condition for checking
composite function exit.
- Check use of notation /
keyword “subset” ! Note
“subset,  ” is not the
same as “element of,  ”
(b)   ( x 4) 53
2
 ( x  4) 2  2
gf ( x)  e e , x3 - Please remember domain of
1 composite function is
x   gf  (1) Similar to how you do
inverse trigo in secondary sch domain of 1st function! ie
 gf  ( x)  1 Eg sin 1 a    sin   a Dgf  Df .
( x  4) 2  2
e 1 Note: D gf  R f !
2
( x  4)  2 Note: in this case the
ln e  ln1 - Please do not ignore/
modulus is not
2
( x  4)  2  0 ignored but is because remove modulus without
( x  4) 2  2  0  0 proper justification!
( x  4) 2  2
x4   2 - Please remember the

x  4 2 ‘  ’ when taking square root!

Since x  3 , x  4  2 - Whenever got 2 answers,
1
i.e. x   gf  (1)  4  2 please check to see if reject
 any! In this the restriction
of x is based on the domain
of gf.
- Students to be mindful to
present answer clearly as
there are too many x in the
question, so pls ensure to
write down the final line
1
‘ x   gf  (1)  4  2 ’ to
ensure this is answering the
question

Method 2: finding inverse function - Most students used this

 ( x  4) 2  2 IMPT: The definition of
ye method but please be
function in general: careful of how to remove
ln y   ( x  4) 2  2 every input has only 1
output. modulus as well as the
 ln y   ( x  4) 2  2 power 2! Will have 2 ‘  ’
Hence CANNOT write
( x  4) 2  2  ln y 1 in your working
2  ln y
 gf   x   4 
x  4   2  ln y which will give 2 output - Whenever have 2 answers,
x  4  2  ln y because of the  please check which to
since x  3, x  4  2  ln y reject and state reason
clearly!

When y =1, x  4  2 - Lastly, ensure to read

1 question that they want it at
 x   gf  (1)  4  2
y = 1, hence need to sub in
and write according to
question to ensure you are
answering the question!

(c) Smallest value of  = 3 (for g to be one-one) - To find smallest  ,

students can draw graph
using GC and find the
turning point.
Since 3  x  10 , x  3  x  3 - To find g 1 , do not ignore
 y  e x 3 the modulus!
ln y  x  3 - And to reject with reason!
x  ln y  3 - Students to note that if they
can reject, pls do so at the
g 1 ( x)  ln x  3
(10, e7) right juncture because if
they proceed to reject at
Dg1  R g  1, e7  (3,1)
later part, they will have to
provide more reasoning!
- Most students know that
D g 1  R g but please
remember in finding R g ,
you must draw graph
according to domain.
9
l

The figure above shows a metal rod with length l cm. The cross-section of the rod is a
regular hexagon with sides of length x cm.
(a) A regular hexagon is made up of six identical triangles. Show that the area of
3 3x 2
the cross-section of the rod is cm 2 . [2]
2
(b) Suppose the rod has a fixed volume of C cm3, show that the total surface area,
4C
S cm2, of the rod may be expressed as S  3 3 x 2  . [3]
3x
(c) By using differentiation, find the value of x, in terms of C, which minimises S.
[4]
Lucas heats up one of these metal rods. When heated, the metal rod expands uniformly
such that it always retains its shape. At time t seconds, the length of each side of the
hexagon is x cm, the length of the rod is l cm and the volume of the rod is V cm3.

(d) Given that x and l are both increasing at a constant rate of 0.0025 cms−1, find
the rate of increase of V at the instant when x = 2 and l = 5. [2]

[Solutions] Remarks
(a) x Each of the 6 equilateral
1  triangles subtends
Area =   x 2  sin   6
2 3 x x 360
 60 at the centre.
3 3 2 6
= x Write 60, not 60.
2

Use area of triangle

1
= ab sin C
2
(b) Volume of rod = cross sectional area  length
3 3 2
C x l 
2
2C
l
3 3x2
 3 3 2 As the answer is given,
S  2  x   6 xl detailed steps are
 2  required.
3 3 2  2C 
 2  x   6 x  2 
 2   3 3x 
4C
 3 3x2  (shown)
3x
(c) dS 4C d  4C   4C  d 1
dx
 6 3x 
3x 2

dx  3 x   3  dx
x 
dS  4C  1
At stationary points, let 0    2
dx  3x
4C
6 3x 
3x 2
18 x 3  4C
2C
x3
9
Using 2nd derivative test (preferred) d  4C   4C  d 2
d2 S 8C

dx  3 x 2   3  dx
x 
2
6 3
dx 3x 3  4C   1 
 2   3 
d2S  3  x 
Since x  0 and C  0, 0
dx 2
[or when x  3 2C ,
9
2
d S 8C
6 3  18 3 or 31.2 > 0 ]
dx 2  2C 
3 
 9  Do not write
2C x
2C is a minimum
Hence S is minimum when x  3 . 3
9
9
point/value 
OR Using 1st derivative test
dS 4C 1  4C 
 6 3x  2
 x 18  3 
dx 3x 3  x 
 
 2C   2C 
 3   2C   3 
x  9   3   9 
 9 
eg 0.60C eg 0.61C
dS dS
0.180C <0 0 0.133C >0 Give values of
dx dx
slope

2C
Hence S is minimum when x  3 .
9
(d) 3 3 2
V xl
2
Differentiate wrt t, Since l is not a constant,
we need to use product
dV  3 3    dx  2 dl  dV
  l  2x   x
dt  2    dt  dt  rule to find
dt
dx dl
When x = 2 and l = 5 and   0.0025
dt dt
dV  3 3  2
   5  2(2)(0.0025)   2 (0.0025) 
dt  2 
= 0.159
Thus the rate of increase of V is 0.159 cm3s−1.

Alternatively,
3 3 2
V xl
2
Differentiate wrt x, Since l is not a constant,
dV  3 3 x 2  dl we need to use product
dx
 
 3 3 x l   
dV
 2  dx rule to find
dl  dl   dx  0.0025 dx
 /   1
dx  dt   dt  0.0025
dV dV dx
 
dt dx dt
  3 3(2) 2  

 
  3 3(2) (4)  
2
 (1)   0.0025
  
 0.156
Thus the rate of increase of V is 0.159 cm3s−1.
10 Anand writes a computer programme to simulate a population of organisms in a
controlled environment. It is assumed that none of the organisms die or leave the
environment within the duration of a simulation.
(a) In Simulation A, 200 organisms are introduced to the environment on Day 1. At the
start of each subsequent day, 48 more organisms are introduced to the environment.
Find the first day when the number of organisms in the environment exceeds 2025
at the end of that day. [2]
(b) In Simulation B, 15 organisms are introduced to the environment on Day 1. At the
start of each subsequent day, each organism in the environment spawns two more
organisms of the same type, i.e there are 45 organisms at the end of Day 2. Find the
number of organisms in the environment at the end of Day 20. [2]
(c) In Simulation C, 5 organisms are introduced to the environment on Day 1. At the
start of each subsequent day, the organisms in the environment will spawn in either
one of the following ways.
I: Each organism will spawn three more organisms of the same type.
II: Each organism will spawn five more organisms of the same type.
On Day 2 to Day 9, the organisms undergo process I on m days and process II on
the other days. Given that there are 1,105,920 organisms at the end of Day 9, find
the value of m. [2]

Anand then adjusts the programme such that the simulation would allow for organisms
to die at certain junctures.

(d) In Simulation D, 100 organisms are introduced to the environment at the start of
Day 1. At the end of each day, 10% of the total population in the environment would
die. At the start of Day 2 and each subsequent day, 20 organisms are introduced to
the environment.
(i) Find an expression for the population size, P, in the environment at the start
of Day n, after the organisms have been introduced. Leave your answer in the
form s  t  r n 1  , where s and t are positive integers and r is a real number.[4]
(ii) Describe what happens to the population size in the environment in the long
term. [1]
(iii) Explain why the conclusion in (ii) does not depend on the population size in
the environment on Day 1. [1]
 [Solutions] Remarks
(a) Let An be the existing number of organisms under Stimulation Tabulating the values
A on Day n. to derive a trend for
the information given
Day Existing Number
is helpful in assessing
1 200 whether the nth term or
2 200 + 48 = 200 + 1(48) the sum to nth term is
the logical value
3 (200 + 48) + 48 = 200 + 2(48) required.
4 ((200 + 48) + 48) + 48 = 200 + 3(48)
When tabulating
… … values, the focus is on
n 200 + (n – 1)(48) deriving the trend. Do
not over evaluate.
An = 200 + (n – 1)(48)  2025 (A.P.)
n  39.02 Evaluating the
expression to obtain
Thus there are at least 2025 organisms in the environment on the final value may
Day 40. hinder the derivation
of the correct trend.
(b) Let Bn be the number of organisms under Stimulation B on It is important to read
Day n. the question carefully.
Day Current Spawned Total
The phrase “there are
1 15 0 15 45 organisms at the
2 15 15(2) 15 + 15(2) end of Day 2”
provides important
= 15(1 + 2) information that the
= 15(3)1 original 15 organisms
whereby each
3 15(3)1 15(3) × 2 15(3) + 15(3) × 2 spawned 2 others the
= [15(3)](1 + 2) next day yielded a
total population of
= 15(3)2 15 × 3 = 45
4 15(3)2 15(3)2 15(3)2 + 15(3)2 × 2 organisms.
= [15(3)2](1 + 2)
This indicates the
= 15(3)3 parent organism is part
of the population i.e
… … … …
after the daily
n 15(3)n-2 15(3)n-2 × 2 15(3)n-2 + 15(3) n-2 × 2 spawning process, the
= [15(3) n-2](1 + 2) population is tripled.

= 15(3) n-1

19
B20  15  3  1.74  1010 (G.P.)
(c) 5  4m  68 m = 1105920 Extending from part
(b), the spawning 3
Using GC, m = 5 more organisms will
OR By factorisation, 1105920 = 5  45  63  m = 5 means the population
is multiplied by 4
times.
Note:
Likewise, spawning 4
Commutative Property of Multiplication
more organisms will
You would have probably learned it formally in the lower indicate the population
secondary levels. is multiplied by 5
times.

Essentially, we can say that Looking beyond the

5 4  6 = 5 6  4 . question, the
important learning
i.e. the order of multiplication does not matter, which we all point to take away to
know. scrutinize the
information provided
carefully as it may
The implication here is that the order of spawning via process have a downstream
I or II does not matter and since it does not matter, all we impact towards the
need to know that in the 8 days running from days 2 to 9, m understanding of the
days involve spawning by process I and 8 – m days will different parts of the
involve spawning by process II, leading to the final question.
population being computed by 5  4m  68 m .
Notice that once part
(b) was incorrectly
understood, part (c)
would have likely
used the wrong values
of 3 and 5 instead of
the required 4 and 6.
(d)
(i) n Organisms at start of Day n (units) Organisms at end of Day n (units)
1 100 (0.9)100
2 (0.9)100 + 20 (0.9)2(100) + (0.9) (20)
3 (0.9)2(100) + (0.9) (20) + 20 (0.9)3100 + (0.9)2(20) + (0.9) (20)
= (0.9)2(100) + (0.9)1(20) + (0.9)0 (20)
4 (0.9)3(100) + (0.9)2(20) + (0.9)1(20) + :
(0.9)0(20)

: : :
n (0.9)n – 1(100) + (0.9)n – 2(20)+(0.9)n – 3 (20)+…+ :
20(0.9)0

At start of Day n, after the organisms are introduced, the population size
= (0.9)n – 1 (100) + (0.9)n – 2(20) + (0.9)n – 3(20) + … + 20
 1  (0.9) n 1 
= (0.9) n 1 (100)  20  
 1  0.9 
 (0.9) n 1 (100)  200(1  (0.9) n 1 )
 200  100(0.9)n1
Comments
1. When tabulating a fairly complicated series, it is always important not to over evaluate.
The focus is to identify a trend in the tabulated expression and not a number pattern arising
from evaluated values.

2. Group like terms together to form a series. To this end, some rules of thumb which may be
useful are:
 Terms with the same constant value multiplied to the same ratio that changes
exponentially likely forms a GP e.g. in this question we have:

(0.9)n – 2(20) + (0.9)n – 3(20) + … + 20(0.9)0

where 20 is the same constant value and 0.9 is the multiplier ratio that changes
exponentially.

Note that when the same constant value has no ratio multiplied to it, in this case 20, we
can append the multiplier term (ratio)0, in this case 0.90 to ensure that the number of
terms in the GP can be counted correctly, in this case from 0 to n – 2, there will be
(n – 2) – 0 + 1 = n – 1 terms [the idea of no. of terms = upper limit – lower limit + 1]

 A standalone constant raised to an exponent or a standalone constant multiplied to a

ratio raised to an exponent is likely a power series e.g. in this question 100(0.9)n – 1 or
say 87n for another unrelated instance.

 Terms with the same constant being add progressively will likely form an AP.

3. It is good practice to put your working for identifying the trend in a table for proper
organisation.

4. To determine the nth expression correctly, the trick is to first observe the latest terms of
each group to see what is the relation to n e.g. in this question

Day Organisms at start of Day n (units)

4 (0.9)3(100) + (0.9)2(20) + (0.9)1 (20) + (0.9)0(20)

For the power series (0.9)3 (100), 0.9 is raised to the power 3 = 4 – 1. So it follows that in
the nth term, the expected component will be (0.9)n – 1(100)

Likewise, for the terms comprising of (0.9)2(20) + (0.9)1(20) + (0.9)0(20), the highest
power of 0.9 is 2. Hence for the nth term, the expected expression will be
(0.9)n – 2(20) + … + (0.9)0(20).
(ii) As n  , (0.9) n1  0 and thus P  200.
It is important not to
In the long run, the population size approaches 200. provide the conclusion
directly but instead
provide a term-wise
trend leading to the
final conclusion to
ensure clarity.

Make sure that the

conclusion is logical
with reference to the
context of the question
e.g. in this case, the
population cannot be a
negative value.
(iii) If the starting population was S instead of 100, The 100 in the final
the population at the end of Day n would be expression
(0.9)n – 1 (S) + (0.9)n – 2(20) + (0.9)n – 3(20) + … + 20 200  100(0.9)n1 does
not represented the
 1  (0.9) n 1  initial population. The
= (0.9) n 1 ( S )  20  
 1  0.9  misconception arises
as the value of 100
 (0.9)n1 (S )  200(1  (0.9)n1 ) coincided with the
 (0.9)n 1 (S )  200  200(0.9) n 1 initial population of
the question. If we
 200   S  200  (0.9) n 1 trace the working, we
Since (0.9)n – 1  0 as n   for all values of S, will realise that 100
the population size would still approach 200. herein isn’t the initial
population.
11 A metal ball is released from the surface of the liquid in a tall cylinder. The ball falls
vertically through the liquid and the distance, x cm, that the ball has fallen in time t
seconds is measured. The speed of the ball at time t seconds is v cms 1 . The ball is
released in a manner such that x  0 and v  0 when t  0 .

(a) The motion of the ball is modelled by the differential equation

d 2 x 1 dx
  10  0 .
dt 2 2 dt
dx
It is given that v  .
dt
(i) Show that the differential equation can be written as
dv 1
 10  v. [1]
dt 2
(ii) Using the differential equation in (a)(i), find v in terms of t. Hence find x in
terms of t. [6]

(a)(i) d 2 x 1 dx Students are reminded to show all

  10  0 --- (1) their workings clearly for shown
dt 2 2 dt
dv
dx question, in particular how is
v dt
dt
obtained.
Differentiating w.r.t t:
dv d 2 x

dt dt 2
dv 1
Substituting into (1),  v  10  0
dt 2
dv 1
 10  v (shown)
dt 2
(ii) dv 1 20  v Simplify into a single fraction Students are reminded not to
 10  v  memorise solution but to seek an
dt 2 2 first.
1 1 understanding on how each step
 20  v dv   2 dt is obtained.

1
 ln 20  v  t  c
2
1
 t c
2
20  v  e
1
 t
20  v   e  c e 2

1 Remove modulus first before

 t
2 c finding the value of A.
20  v  Ae , where A  e

Alternatively,
dv 1
 10  v
dt 2
1 Recall:
 1 dv   1 dt
10  v 1 1
2  ax  b dx  a ln ax  b  C
2 ln 20  v  t  c
1 1
ln 20  v   t  c
2 2
1 1
 t c
2 2
20  v  e
1 1 1 1
 t c  t  c
20  v   e 2 2
e 2
e 2

1 1
 t  c
20  v  Ae 2
, A  e 2

Given: When t  0 , v  0 : 20  A Need to sub in given

1
 t
conditions to find value of A
Thus v  20  20e 2 and express v in terms of t
dx as stated in the question
Substituting v  ,
dt
dx 1
 t Note that the relation
 20  20e 2 Distance = speed  time
dt
1
 t
is used only when speed is a
2
x   20  20e dt constant. Here, the speed is
not a constant!
  1t 
e 2 
x  20t  20  d
1
 
 2 
1
 t
x  20t  40e 2  d
When t  0 , x  0 : 0  40  d  d  40 Sub in given conditions to
1
 t
find d!
Thus x  20t  40e 2
 40
 (b) The metal ball is now released in another tall cylinder filled with a different liquid.
However, for this liquid, the motion of the ball is modelled by the differential
equation
dv
 10  k 2 v 2 , where k is a positive constant.
dt

It is given that x  0 and v  0 when t  0 .

(i) Find v in terms of t and k. [5]
(ii) When the ball falls through this liquid, its speed will approach its “terminal
speed” which is the speed it will attain after a long time. Find the ball’s
terminal speed in terms of k. You must show sufficient working to justify your
answer. [2]

(b)(i) dv Recall:
 10  k 2 v 2
dt f  x 1 a  f x
1 a 2
  f  x  
2
dx  ln
2a a  f  x 
C
 2
dv  1 dt
 10    kv 
2

1 k Note: There’s no modulus in the formula

dv   1 dt
k 2 in MF26 as it is stated that x  a which
 10    kv 
2

Put in modulus! ax

makes > 0.
1 10  kv ax
ln t f
2k 10 10  kv

10  kv
ln  2k 10t  2k 10 f
10  kv
However, in this question, we do not
10  kv 10  kv
 e 2 k 10 f
e2 k 10t
 Be 2k 10t
, know whether is positive or
10  kv 10  kv
negative. Hence we need to put modulus
B  e2 k 10 f
for the ln function to be defined!

10
When t  0 , v  0 : 1 B
10
10  kv  e2k 10t
 10  kv 

kv 1  e2 k 10t
 10 e 2k 10t
1 
10  e 2 k 10t
1  Find v in terms of t and k!
v  
k  e 2 k 10t
 1 
(ii) Method 1 
Do not write !
10  e 2 k 10t
1  
v  
k  e 2 k 10t
 1 

As t   , e 2k 10t
 ,
Essential
e 2k 10t
1 workings
1
e2 k 10t
1
10
and thus v 
k
Hence the ball’s terminal speed is
10
cms 1
k
Method 2
10  e2 k 10t
 1  e 2 k 10t
v  
k  e 2 k 10t
 1  e2 k 10t

10  1  e2 k 10t 
  
k  1+e2 k 10t

As t   , e2 10t
0
Essential
10  1  0  10 workings
and thus v   
k  1 0  k
Hence the ball’s terminal speed is
10
cms 1
k
Method 3
10  e 2 10t
1 
v  
k  e 2 10t
 1 
10  2 
  1  2 10t  (by long division)
k  e 1 
As t   , e 2 10t
 ,
Essential
2 workings
0
e2 10t
1
10
and thus v 
k
Method 4
At terminal speed,
dv
 10  k 2 v 2 = 0
dt
 10
v2 
k2
10
v
k
Since speed, v > 0, the ball’s terminal
10
speed is cms 1
k