2012 JC1 Promo Revision

Binomial Expansion
1) TJC/10/P1/8i
Expand (1 2 x )
5
2
as a series of ascending powers of x up to and including the
term in x 2 . State the range of x for which the expansion is valid.

[3]
35
1
1
Ans: 1 + 5 x + x 2 , < x <
2
2
2
2) DHS/10/P1/1
1 x
Expand
in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x2 and state
2+ x
the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
[4]
1 3
3 2
Ans: x + x + ... , 2 < x < 2
2 4
8
3) RI/10/P1/13
4
1
,x .
Given that f ( x) =
2
3
(1 3x) x + 4
i)
Express f ( x) as a series expansion in ascending powers of x, up to and

including the term in x3 .
[4]
ii) Find the range of values of x for which the expansion in (i) is valid.
[2]
71
213 3
1
1
Ans: i) 2 + 6 x + x 2 +
x + ... , ii) < x <
4
4
3
3
4) AJC/10/P1/1
9 + ax
in ascending powers of x up
Find the values of a and b if the expansion of
1 + bx 2
35
to and including the term in x 2 is 3 + x + x 2 . With these values of a and b, state
6
the range of values of x for which expansion is valid.
[6]
1
Ans: a = 6, b = 2, x <
2
5) MJC/10/P1/4
4
1
,x .
Given that f ( x) =
3
(1 3x) x 2 + 4
x4
in partial fractions.
( x + 1)( 3x + 2 )
ii) State the range of values of x for which this expansion is valid.
iii) Find the coefficient of x n in this expansion.
n
5
14
n
2
2
3
Ans: i) f ( x ) =
, ii) < x < , iii) ( 1) 5 7

x + 1 3x + 2
3
3
2
i)
Express f ( x ) =
[4]
[1]
[2]
Binomial Expansion
1) TJC/10/P1/8i
Expand (1 2 x )
5
2
as a series of ascending powers of x up to and including the
term in x 2 . State the range of x for which the expansion is valid.

35
1
1
Ans: 1 + 5 x + x 2 , < x <
2
2
2
5 7

35
2
5
(1 2 x ) = 1 + ( 2 x ) + 2 2 ( 2 x ) + ... 1 + 5 x + x 2
2!
2
2
1
1
Expansion is valid if < x <
2
2
5
[3]
2) DHS/10/P1/1
1 x
Expand
in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x2 and state
2+ x
the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
[4]
1 3
3
Ans: x + x 2 + ... , 2 < x < 2
2 4
8
1 x
1 x
= (1 x) 1 +
2+ x
2 2
1 x x x
= 1 + + ...
2 2 2 2
1 1
1
1
1
x x + x 2 + x 2 + ...
2 2
4
4
8
1 3
3 2
= x + x + ...
2 4
8
Valid values of x:
x
< 1 2 < x < 2
2
3) RI/10/P1/13
1
,x .
3
(1 3x) x + 4
i) Express f ( x) as a series expansion in ascending powers of x, up to and
including the term in x3 .
[4]
ii) Find the range of values of x for which the expansion in (i) is valid.
[2]
71 2 213 3
1
1
Ans: i) 2 + 6 x + x +
x + ... , ii) < x <
4
4
3
3
Given that f ( x) =
(i)
f ( x) =
4
(1 3 x) x 2 + 4
x2
= 4(1 3x)1 4 1 +
4

x2
4
(1 3 x)1 1 +
=
4
4
1
2
1
2
1 x2
= 2 1 + 3x + (3x) 2 + (3x)3 + ... 1 + ...

2 4
= 2 1 + 3x + + 9 x 2 + + 27 x3 + ...
8
71
213 3
= 2 + 6x + x2 +
x + ...
4
4
(ii) For expansion in (i) to be valid,
x2
3 x < 1 and
<1
4
1
and x 2 < 4
3
1
x<
and x < 2
3
1 1
Range of values of x = ,
3 3
x<
4) AJC/10/P1/1
Find the values of a and b if the expansion of
9 + ax
in ascending powers of x up
1 + bx 2
35 2
x . With these values of a and b, state
6
the range of values of x for which expansion is valid.
to and including the term in x 2 is 3 + x +
[6]
Ans: a = 6, b = 2, x <
1
2
1 1
9 + ax
a
2 2a
2 1
(1 bx 2 + ...)
=
9
+
ax
1
+
bx
x
x
=
3
1
+
+
+
...
(
)
(
)
2
2! 9
1 + bx
18
a2
a
a 2
a
x + ... (1 bx 2 + ...)
3+ x +
3b x 2
= 3 1 + x
648
6
18
216
By comparing coefficients, a = 6 and b = -2

9 + ax
1
The valid range for expansion of
is x <
.
2
1 + bx
2
1
2
5) MJC/10/P1/4
1
,x .
3
(1 3x) x + 4
i)
x4
Express f ( x ) =
in partial fractions.
( x + 1)( 3x + 2 )
ii) State the range of values of x for which this expansion is valid.
iii) Find the coefficient of x n in this expansion.
n
5
14
n
2
2
3
Ans: i) f ( x ) =
, ii) < x < , iii) ( 1) 5 7

x + 1 3x + 2
3
3
2
Given that f ( x) =
[MJC/P1/Q4/Prelims 2010]
x4
A
B
=
+
(i) Let f ( x ) =
( x + 1)( 3x + 2 ) x + 1 3x + 2
x 4 = A ( 3 x + 2 ) + B ( x + 1)
Using cover up rule,

2
2
1
For x = , 4 = B B = 14
3
3
3
For x = 1 , 1 4 = A ( 1) A = 5
f ( x) =
5
14
x + 1 3x + 2
5
14
x + 1 3x + 2
1
1
= 5 (1 + x ) 14 ( 3 x + 2 )
f ( x) =
= 5 (1 + x )
3x
14 2 1 +
2

= 5 (1 + x )
1
14 3 x
1 +
2
2
= 5 (1 x + x 2 x 3 + )
2
3
3x ( 1)( 2 ) 3x ( 1)( 2 )( 3) 3x
7 1 + ( 1) +
+
+
2!
3!
2
2
2
3 x 9 x 2 27 x 3
= 5 (1 x + x 2 x 3 + ) 7 1 +
+
2
4
8
11
43
149 3
x +
= 2 + x x 2 +
2
4
8
1
(ii) Expansion of (1 + x ) is valid for 1 < x < 1
3x
Expansion of 1 +
2
is valid for
2
2
<x<
3
3
[4]
[1]
[2]
Therefore, the range of values of x for the expansion of f(x) to be valid is

n
3
3
7 = ( 1) 5 7
2
2
(iii) Coefficient of x n = ( 1) 5 + ( 1)
n
n +1
2
2
<x< .
3
3
APGP
1) SAJC/08/CT/1
It is given that x, y, z are the first three terms of a geometric progression. It is also
given that z, x, y are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression.
2
i)
z z
Show that + 2 = 0 .
y y
ii) Hence determine if the sum to infinity of the geometric progression exists.
Ans: Does not exist
2) ACJC/08/1/2
Find
1
1
1
+ ( m 1) d + + md + + ( m + 1) d + + + ( m + n ) d ,
2
2
2
where m, n and d are constants, leaving your answer in terms of m, n and d.
[4]
[3]
[3]
n+2
1 + ( 2m + n 1) d
2
3) MI/08/2/4
a) The sum of the first n terms of a series is given by Sn = n2 2n. Find the nth
term in terms of n, and hence show that the series is an arithmetic progression.
b) Watermelons are harvested from a farm on a monthly basis. As the fertility of
the land decreases over time, the quantity of watermelons harvested decreases
with each harvest. Each subsequent months harvest contains 1% less
watermelons than the previous month. In the first month, the crop contains
2,000 watermelons. Calculate the maximum number of watermelons which can
be harvested from this farm in the long run.
The owner of the farm decides to stop his harvesting operations when the crop
yields less than 500 watermelons a month. The month where he harvests less
than 500 watermelons will be his last month of harvesting. Find the total
number of months of harvesting.
Given that the first harvest was in January 2008, when will the last harvest be?
Ans: b) 200,000, July 2019
4) MJC/08/2/2
An infinite geometric series has first term a 1 and second term a 2 3a + 2 . Given
that all the terms of the series are positive, find the set of values of a for which the
series converges.
11
Given that a = , find the least value of n for which the sum of the first n terms of
4
the series exceeds 6.999.
Ans: {a : 2 < a < 3} , 31
Ans:
[3]
[2]
[5]
[3]
[3]
5) RJC/08/1/4
A gardener needs to spread 1500 kg of sand over his garden. He spreads 5 kg
during the first day, and increases the amount he spreads each subsequent day by 2
kg.
i) Find an expression for the mass of sand the gardener has spread by the end of
the nth day.
ii) Deduce the minimum number of days required for him to spread the 1500 kg
of sand.
The gardeners neighbour also needs to spread 1500 kg of sand over his garden. He
decides to spread 75 kg each day, but discovers that during each subsequent day,
the amount of sand he can spread is 5% less than that of the previous day.
iii) Find an expression for the mass of sand the neighbour has spread by the end of
the nth day.
iv) Comment on the practicality of the approach taken by the neighbour.
Ans: ii) 37, iii) 1500(1 0.95n )
6) TPJC/08/2/2
a) The first term of an arithmetic series is 7, its last term is 70 and its sum is 385.
Find the number of terms in the series and the common difference.
b) A geometric series is given as follows:
[2]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[3]
r 1
( x + 1)
2 ( x + 1) +
+
...
+
+.
2
22
2r 2
Find the set of values of x such that the sum to infinity of the series exists and
4
the value of x for which the sum to infinity of the series is .
[4]
3
Ans: a) 10, d = 7 , b) 3 < x 1 , x = 0
7) TPJC/08/2/2
Given that
( x + 1)
( x + 1)
u1 + u 2 + u3 + + u n 1 + u n = 4 2n +1 4 ,
prove that un =
15
4
(4 2 n ) .
[2]
Find u1 + u3 + u5 + + u2n 3 + u2n 1 , giving your answers in terms of n.

[3]
Show that ln(u1) + ln(u2) + ln(u3) + + ln(un) = an2 + bn, where the
ii) (i)
exact values of a and b are to be determined.
[4]
4 4n
Ans: i)
( 4 1) , ii) a = ln 4, b = ln15
17
i)
APGP
1) SAJC/08/CT/1
It is given that x, y, z are the first three terms of a geometric progression. It is also
given that z, x, y are three consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression.
2
i)
z z
Show that + 2 = 0 .
y y
ii) Hence determine if the sum to infinity of the geometric progression exists.
Ans: Does not exist
Common ratio of geometric progression:
y z
=
x y
y 2 = xz
y2
.........................(1)
z
x=
Common difference of arithmetic progression:
xz = yx
2 x = y + z...................(2)
Eliminating x from (1) & (2) yields:
y2 y + z
=
z
2
2
2 y = yz + z 2
Dividing throughout by y 2 :
z z2
2 = + 2
y y
2
z z
+ 2 = 0 (shown) ..........(3)
y y
Geometric progression has common ratio r =
Solving (3) for r =
z
.
y
z
gives r = 1 or 2 .
y
Since r < 1, so sum to infinity of geometric progression does not exist.
[4]
[3]
2) ACJC/08/1/2
Find
1
1
1
+ ( m 1) d + + md + + ( m + 1) d + + + ( m + n ) d ,
2
2
2
where m, n and d are constants, leaving your answer in terms of m, n and d.

[3]
Ans:
n+2
1 + ( 2m + n 1) d
2
no. of terms in the sum: n + 2

n + 2 1
1
sum =
+ ( m 1) d + + ( m + n ) d
2 2
2
n+2
=
1 + ( 2m + n 1) d
2
3) MI/08/2/4
a) The sum of the first n terms of a series is given by Sn = n2 2n. Find the nth
term in terms of n, and hence show that the series is an arithmetic progression. [3]
b) Watermelons are harvested from a farm on a monthly basis. As the fertility of
the land decreases over time, the quantity of watermelons harvested decreases
with each harvest. Each subsequent months harvest contains 1% less
watermelons than the previous month. In the first month, the crop contains
2,000 watermelons. Calculate the maximum number of watermelons which can
be harvested from this farm in the long run.
[2]
The owner of the farm decides to stop his harvesting operations when the crop
yields less than 500 watermelons a month. The month where he harvests less
than 500 watermelons will be his last month of harvesting. Find the total
number of months of harvesting.
Given that the first harvest was in January 2008, when will the last harvest be? [5]
Ans: b) 200,000, July 2019
(a)
Tn = Sn Sn-1 = ( = 2n -3
Tn Tn-1 = 2. Hence an AP.
(b)
r = 0.99
Max. No. =
2,000
= 200,000
1 0.99
Tn 500
n 1
2,000 (0.99 ) 500
(n 1)ln 0.99 ln
500
2,000
500
ln
2,000
n 1
ln 0.99
n > 138.9
Hence, total number of months of harvesting = 139
Final month = July 2019
4) MJC/08/2/2
An infinite geometric series has first term a 1 and second term a 2 3a + 2 . Given
that all the terms of the series are positive, find the set of values of a for which the
series converges.
[3]
11
Given that a = , find the least value of n for which the sum of the first n terms of
4
the series exceeds 6.999.
[3]
Ans: {a : 2 < a < 3} , 31
For series to converge,
a 2 3a + 2
<1
a 1
( a 1)(a 2)
<1
a 1
1 < a 2 < 1
1< a < 3
Also,
(a 1)( a 2) > 0
a < 1 or a > 2
( all terms in GP positive)
set of values of a = {a : 2 < a < 3}
Alternative Solution:
For sum to infinity to exist and all terms positive,
0 < r <1
0 < a 2 <1
2<a<3
11
11
3
. r = 2=
4
4
4
n
7 3
1
4 4
> 6.999
3
1
4
Given a =
6.999
3
1 >
7
4
n
6.999
3
< 1
7
4
ln(1.4286 10 4 )
n>
3
ln
4
n > 30.776
least n = 31
5) RJC/08/1/4
A gardener needs to spread 1500 kg of sand over his garden. He spreads 5 kg
during the first day, and increases the amount he spreads each subsequent day by 2
kg.
i) Find an expression for the mass of sand the gardener has spread by the end of
the nth day.
ii) Deduce the minimum number of days required for him to spread the 1500 kg
of sand.
The gardeners neighbour also needs to spread 1500 kg of sand over his garden. He
decides to spread 75 kg each day, but discovers that during each subsequent day,
the amount of sand he can spread is 5% less than that of the previous day.
iii) Find an expression for the mass of sand the neighbour has spread by the end of
the nth day.
iv) Comment on the practicality of the approach taken by the neighbour.
Ans: ii) 37, iii) 1500(1 0.95n )
[2]
[3]
[2]
[1]
The mass of sand spread by the gardener follows an AP with first term 5 and common
difference 2.
(i) Mass of sand he has spread by the end of the n th day,
n
n
Sn = [2(5) + (n 1)(2)] = (8 + 2n) = n(4 + n) .
2
2
(ii) We are finding the least integer n such that
Sn = n(4 + n) 1500
n 2 + 4n 1500 0
n 40.8 (rejected since n Z + ) or n 36.8
Alt :
From the GC, when
n = 36, n 2 + 4n 1500 = 60
n = 37, n 2 + 4n 1500 = 17
Hence minimum number of days required for him to spread the 1500 kg of sand is 37.
The mass of sand spread by the gardeners neighbour follows a GP with first term 75 and
common ratio 0.95.
(iii) Mass of sand he has spread by the end of the n th day,
Sn =
(iv)
75(1 0.95n )
= 1500(1 0.95n ) .
1 0.95
Since S =
75
= 1500 , which is the mass of sand to be spread, the neighbour
1 0.95
will never complete his task with the approach taken.
6) TPJC/08/2/2
a) The first term of an arithmetic series is 7, its last term is 70 and its sum is 385.
Find the number of terms in the series and the common difference.
[3]
b) A geometric series is given as follows:
r 1
( x + 1)
2 ( x + 1)
+
...
+
+.
2
22
2r 2
Find the set of values of x such that the sum to infinity of the series exists and
4
the value of x for which the sum to infinity of the series is .
[4]
3
Ans: a) 10, d = 7 , b) 3 < x 1 , x = 0
( x + 1)
+
(a)
a=7
a + (n 1)d = 70
7 + (n 1)d = 70
(n 1)d = 63.......(1)
n
[2a + (n 1)d ] = 385
2
n
[2(7) + (n 1)d ] = 385.......(2)
2
Subt (1) into (2)
n(14 + 63) = 770
n = 10
number of terms = 10
Subt into (1)
9d = 63
d =7
common difference = 7
(b)
Given GP. Common ratio =
If the sum exists,
4
3
2
4
=
x +1 3
1
2
4
4
=
3+ x 3
x=0
S =
x +1
.
2
x +1
<1
2
3 < x 1
( x + 1)
7) TPJC/08/2/2
Given that
u1 + u 2 + u3 + + u n 1 + u n = 4 2n +1 4 ,
prove that un =
15
4
(4 2 n ) .
[2]
Find u1 + u3 + u5 + + u2n 3 + u2n 1 , giving your answers in terms of n.

[3]
ii) (i)
Show that ln(u1) + ln(u2) + ln(u3) + + ln(un) = an2 + bn, where the
exact values of a and b are to be determined.
[4]
4 4n
Ans: i)
( 4 1) , ii) a = ln 4, b = ln15
17
i)
Recurrence relation
1) MJC/08/P1/Q8b
A sequence u1 , u2 , u3 , ... is defined by u1 = 1 and un +1 = 0.3un + 7, n 1 . Another
100
+ a , n 1 , where a is
vn
a constant. Given that both sequences converge to the same value as n tends to
infinity, find the value of a .
[3]
Ans: a = 90
2) SAJC/07/P1/Q10
2
Consider the sequence defined by un +1 =
+ 3 , for all positive integers of n,
un 2
and u0 = 3 .
i) Find the values of u1 , u2 and u3 .
[2]
ii) Suppose un converges to l as n . By forming and solving a suitable
quadratic equation, find the value of l.
[4]
iii) Under what condition will un converge to the other limit you rejected in (ii)?
You should use calculations obtained from your G.C. to substantiate your
answer.
[1]
11
21
Ans: i) u1 = 5, u2 = , u3 =
, ii) l = 4 , iii) u0 = 1
3
5
3) TPJC/08/P1/Q8 part of
A sequence of real numbers x1 , x2 , x3 , satisfies the recurrence relation
4 xn
for n 1.
xn +1 =
3 + xn 2
i) Prove algebraically that, if the sequence converges, then it converges to either
1, 0 or 1.
[2]
ii) Use a calculator to determine the behaviour of the sequence for the case
x1 = 0.5 .
[2]
iii)
P ( xn )
Express xn +1 xn in the form
, where P ( x ) is a polynomial. Show that
3 + xn 2
sequence v1 , v2 , v3 , ... is defined by v1 = 1 and vn +1 =
P ( x ) < 0 if 1 < x < 0 or x > 1 . Hence or otherwise deduce that
xn +1 < xn if 1 < xn < 0 or xn > 1

xn +1 > xn if 0 < xn < 1 or xn < 1
[3]
4) VJC/08/P1/Q8
The sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfies the recurrence relation
un+1 =
un (10 un )( un + 6 )
40
for n 1 .
i) If u1 = 1 and un as n , find the exact value of .
ii) Determine the behaviour of the sequence when u1 = 11 .
[1]
iii) If un < , show that un +1 > un .
[3]
[3]
Ans: i) = 2 2 6 , ii) un
5) SRJC/08/P1/Q5
The diagram shows the graph of y = 3 x 2 x + 3 . The 2 roots of the equation
3x 2 x + 3 = 0 are denoted by a and b where a < 0 and b > 0 .

y
i) Find the values of a and b , each correct to 3 decimal places

[2]
The real numbers xn satisfies the recurrence relation,
1
xn+1 = (2 xn ) 1
for n 1 .
3
ii) Using the result in (i), show that if the sequence converges, it will converge to
either a or b.
[2]
iii) By considering xn xn+1 , prove that
xn > xn+1 if a < xn < b, xn < xn+1 if xn < a or xn > b

Ans: i) a = 0.810, b = 3.868
[2]
6) The diagram below show the graph of y = e x x 2 x 1 .
i)
The two roots of the equation e x x 2 x 1 = 0 are denoted by and . Find

the values of and .
[2]
A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfy the recurrence relation

2
un +1 = eun ( un ) 1
for n 1 .
ii) Prove algebraically that, if the sequence converges, then it converges to either
or .
iii) By considering un +1 un , or otherwise, prove that
[2]
un +1 < un if < u n < .

[2]
iv) Without performing any calculation, briefing explain whether the sequence will
converge if u1 = 2 .
[1]
7) AJC/09/P2/Q4
A sequence of positive real numbers x1 , x2 , x3 ,... satisfies the recurrence relation
xn +1 =
k + 2 xn
, n + , where k is a positive constant.
2 + xn
i) Given that the sequence converges to , find in terms of k

ii) By considering xn +1 xn , show that if x < k , then xn +1 > xn
n
iii)
( x k )(2 k )
Prove that xn +1 k = n
.
2 + xn
[2]
[2]
Hence find the range of values of k for which xn +1 < k whenever xn < k for
all n + .
iv) If k = 1 and x1 = 0.9 , find x2 and x3 correct to 3 decimal places.
v) Describe the behaviour of the sequence obtained in part (iv).
Ans: i) = k , iii) 0 < k < 4 , iv) x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988
[3]
[1]
[1]
8) H2 Specimen Paper
The positive numbers xn satisfy the relation
1
xn +1 = ( xn + 5) 2 for x = 1, 2,3,
As n , xn l .
i) Find (in either order) the value of l to 3 decimal places and the exact value of
[3]
l
2
2
ii) Prove that ( x ) l = x l .
n +1
n
[2]
iii) Hence show that if xn > l , then xn > xn +1 > l
[3]
Ans: i) = k , iii) 0 < k < 4 , iv) x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988
9) SAJC/11/BT1/Q14
The recurrence relation
xn +1 = 2 xn (1 xn ) , n +
is known as a logistic map and can be used to model the fractional population of a
system xn where 0 < xn < 1 .
i)
1
Show that if the sequence converges, it converges to 0 or .
[2]
2
ii) By considering xn +1 xn , or otherwise, prove that
1
xn +1 < xn if xn > , and
2
1
xn +1 > xn if 0 < xn < .
[3]
2
iii)
1
1
2
Prove that xn +1 = ( 2 xn 1) .
[1]
2
2
1
1
Hence show that xn +1 < if 0 < xn < 1, xn .
[1]
2
2
iv)
1
Given that x1 = , find the limit of the sequence, justifying your answer
4
without any calculation
[1]
1
Ans: iv)
2
Recurrence relation
1) MJC/08/P1/Q8b
A sequence u1 , u2 , u3 , ... is defined by u1 = 1 and un +1 = 0.3un + 7, n 1 . Another
100
+ a , n 1 , where a is
vn
a constant. Given that both sequences converge to the same value as n tends to
infinity, find the value of a .
Ans: a = 90
sequence v1 , v2 , v3 , ... is defined by v1 = 1 and vn +1 =
Let both sequences tends to

As n , un and un +1 ,
= 0.3 + 7
0.7 = 7
= 10
As n , vn and vn+1 ,
100
10 =
100
+a
10
+a
10 = 10 + a
100 = 10 + a
a = 90
[3]
2) SAJC/07/P1/Q10
Consider the sequence defined by un+1 =
2
+ 3 , for all positive integers of n,
un 2
and u0 = 3 .
i) Find the values of u1 , u2 and u3 .
[2]
ii) Suppose un converges to l as n . By forming and solving a suitable
quadratic equation, find the value of l.
[4]
iii) Under what condition will un converge to the other limit you rejected in (ii)?
You should use calculations obtained from your G.C. to substantiate your
answer.
[1]
11
21
, ii) l = 4 , iii) u0 = 1
Ans: i) u1 = 5, u2 = , u3 =
3
5
i)
2
+3= 5
3 2
2
2
u2 =
+3= 3
52
3
2
1
u3 = 2
+3= 4
3 3 5
5
Alternative, using the GC
u1 =
ii)
As n , un l and u n +1 l ,
2
l=
+3
l2
2 + 3(l 2)
l=
l 2
2
l 2l = 3l 4
l 2 5l + 4 = 0
( l 1)( l 4 ) = 0
l = 1 or 4
Using the GC, we can see that given the initial condition u0 = 3 , the sequence converges to 4.
Hence l = 4 .
iii) Set initial condition u0 = 1 .
3) TPJC/08/P1/Q8 part of
A sequence of real numbers x1 , x2 , x3 , satisfies the recurrence relation
4 xn
for n 1.
xn +1 =
3 + xn 2
i) Prove algebraically that, if the sequence converges, then it converges to either
1, 0 or 1.
[2]
ii) Use a calculator to determine the behaviour of the sequence for the case
x1 = 0.5 .
[2]
iii)
P ( xn )
Express xn+1 xn in the form
, where P ( x ) is a polynomial. Show that
3 + xn 2
P ( x ) < 0 if 1 < x < 0 or x > 1 . Hence or otherwise deduce that

xn+1 < xn if 1 < xn < 0 or xn > 1
xn+1 > xn if 0 < xn < 1 or xn < 1
i)
As n , xn and xn +1 ,
4
=
3 + 2
3 + 3 = 4
3 = 0
( 2 1) = 0
= 1, 0,1 ( shown )
ii)
Using the GC, xn 1 .
xn +1 xn =
=
4 xn
xn
3 + xn 2
4 xn ( 3 + xn2 ) xn
3 + xn 2
xn xn3
3 + xn 2
xn (1 + xn )(1 xn )
3 + xn 2
P ( x ) = x (1 + x )(1 x )
[3]
y = x (1 + x )(1 x )
x
1
From the graph of y = P ( x ) , it can be seen that P ( x ) < 0 if 1 < x < 0 or x > 1 .
If 1 < xn < 0 or xn > 1 , x (1 + x )(1 x ) < 0 and 3 + xn2 > 0
xn+1 xn =
xn (1 + xn )(1 xn )
<0
3 + xn 2
xn+1 < xn ( shown )

If if 0 < xn < 1 or xn < 1 , x (1 + x )(1 x ) > 0 and 3 + xn2 > 0
xn+1 xn =
xn (1 + xn )(1 xn )
>0
3 + xn 2
xn +1 > xn ( shown )
4) VJC/08/P1/Q8
The sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfies the recurrence relation
un +1 =
un (10 un )( un + 6 )
40
for n 1.
i) If u1 = 1 and un as n , find the exact value of .
ii) Determine the behaviour of the sequence when u1 = 11 .
[1]
iii) If un < , show that un+1 > un .
[3]
Ans: i) = 2 2 6 , ii) un
As n , un and u n+1 ,
(10 )( + 6 )
40
40 = (10 )( + 6 )
40 (10 )( + 6 ) = 0
40 (10 )( + 6 ) = 0
( 2 4 20 ) = 0
= 0, 2 2 6
From the GC,
= 22 6
ii) From GC
un
[3]
iii)
un +1 =
un (10 un )( un + 6 )
40
Sketch the graph of y = x and y =
x (10 x )( x + 6 )
40
y = x (1 + x )(1 x )
y=x
From the graphs, it can be seen that for x <
x (10 x )( x + 6 )
>x
40
un (10 un )( un + 6 )
> un
40
un +1 > un ( shown )
10
5) SRJC/08/P1/Q5
The diagram shows the graph of y = 3x 2 x + 3 . The 2 roots of the equation
3x 2 x + 3 = 0 are denoted by a and b where a < 0 and b > 0 .

y
i) Find the values of a and b , each correct to 3 decimal places

[2]
The real numbers xn satisfies the recurrence relation,
1
for n 1.
xn +1 = (2 xn ) 1
3
ii) Using the result in (i), show that if the sequence converges, it will converge to
either a or b.
[2]
iii) By considering xn xn+1 , prove that
xn > xn+1 if a < xn < b, xn < xn+1 if xn < a or xn > b

Ans: i) a = 0.810, b = 3.868
i)
Using the GC, a = 0.810, b = 3.868
[2]
ii)
As n , xn and xn +1 ,
1
= (2 ) 1
3
3 = 2 3
3 2 + 3 = 0
= a or b ( shown )
iii)
xn xn +1 = xn (2 xn ) 1
3
3 xn 2 xn + 3
=
3
From the graph, if a < xn < b , 3 xn 2 xn + 3 > 0 ,
xn xn+1 > 0
xn > xn+1
From the graph, if xn < a or xn > b , 3 xn 2 xn + 3 < 0 ,

xn xn+1 < 0
xn < xn +1
6) The diagram below show the graph of y = e x x 2 x 1 .
i)
The two roots of the equation e x x 2 x 1 = 0 are denoted by and . Find

the values of and .
[2]
A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfy the recurrence relation

un +1 = e un ( un ) 1
2
for n 1.
ii) Prove algebraically that, if the sequence converges, then it converges to either
or .
[2]
iii) By considering un+1 un , or otherwise, prove that
un+1 < un if < u n < .
[2]
iv) Without performing any calculation, briefing explain whether the sequence will
converge if u1 = 2 .
[1]
i)
= 0, = 1.79 (to 3 s.f)

As n , un l and un+1 l
l = el l 2 1
el l 2 l 1 = 0
l = or ( shown )
2
un +1 un = eun ( un ) 1 un
If < u n < , eun ( un ) un 1 < 0.(from the graph)

2
un +1 un < 0
un +1 < un (Shown)
If un > then un+1 > un . Similar explanation from (iii)
If u1 = 2
u1 = 2 > u2 > u1 >

u2 > u3 > u2 >
Hence 1.79 = < u1 < u2 < u3 < u4 < .
Furthermore, the only two possible convergent values are and . The sequence will
increase infinitely and will not converge to or . Hence it does not converge.
7) AJC/09/P2/Q4
A sequence of positive real numbers x1 , x2 , x3 ,... satisfies the recurrence relation
xn +1 =
k + 2 xn
, n + , where k is a positive constant.
2 + xn
i) Given that the sequence converges to , find in terms of k

ii) By considering x x , show that if x < k , then x > x
n
n +1
n
n +1
n
iii)
( x k )(2 k )
Prove that xn +1 k = n
.
2 + xn
[2]
[2]
Hence find the range of values of k for which xn +1 < k whenever xn < k for
all n + .
iv) If k = 1 and x1 = 0.9 , find x2 and x3 correct to 3 decimal places.
v) Describe the behaviour of the sequence obtained in part (iv).
Ans: i) = k , iii) 0 < k < 4 , iv) x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988
i)
As n , un and un +1 ,
k + 2
=
2 +
2
2 + = k + 2
2 = k
= k
= k since xn > 0
ii)
xn +1 xn =
k + 2 xn
xn
2 + xn
k + 2 xn xn ( 2 + xn )
2 + xn
k xn 2
2 + xn
since 0 < xn < k

0 < xn 2 < k
k xn 2 > 0
2 + xn > 0
k xn 2
>0
2 + xn
xn +1 xn > 0
xn +1 > xn
[3]
[1]
[1]
iii)
k + 2 xn
k
2 + xn
xn +1 k =
=
k + 2 xn k ( 2 + xn )
2 + xn
k + 2 xn 2 k k xn
2 + xn
xn 2 k k 2 k
(x
2 + xn
)( 2 k )
2 + xn
( shown )
When xn < k xn+1 < k
xn < k
xn k < 0
xn+1 < k
xn+1 k < 0
( xn k ) (2 k )
xn +1 k =
>0
>0
2 + xn
>0
2 k > 0
2> k
0<k <4
( k cannot be negative since we are taking k )
iv)
From the GC, x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988

v) Since x1 = 0.9 < 1 ,from (ii), xn+1 > xn , i.e an increasing sequence. From (iii),
xn < k xn+1 < k , i.e all numbers in the sequence is less than 1. From (i), the sequence
converges to 1. Hence when x1 = 0.9 and k = 1 . The sequence will increase and converges to
1.
8) H2 Specimen Paper
The positive numbers x n satisfy the relation
1
xn +1 = ( xn + 5) 2 for x = 1, 2, 3,
As n , xn l .
i) Find (in either order) the value of l to 3 decimal places and the exact value of l
ii) Prove that ( x )2 l 2 = x l .
n +1
n
iii) Hence show that if xn > l , then xn > xn +1 > l
Ans: i) = k , iii) 0 < k < 4 , iv) x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988
i) As n , xn l , xn +1 l .
l = l +5
l2 = l + 5
l2 l 5 = 0
l=
1 1 4 (1)( 5)
2 (1)
1 21
2
1 + 21
Since l > 0 , l =
2.791
2
l=
RHS = ( xn+1 ) l 2
2
= xn + 5 l 2
= xn + 5 ( l + 5 ) , from (i) l 2 = l + 5
= xn l ( shown )
iii)
For this part of the question, we need to show xn > xn+1 > l . There are two inequalities we
need to show: xn +1 > l and xn > xn+1 .
Lets start with showing xn +1 > l
Given xn > l ,
xn > l
xn l > 0
( xn+1 )
( xn +1 + l )
( xn+1 l )
l 2 > 0 (from (ii))

>0
since xn+1 > 0 and l > 0 , xn+1 + l > 0
xn +1 l > 0
xn +1 > l
[3]
[2]
[3]
Next lets show xn > xn+1
+5
= =
From the graphs, if xn > l , xn > xn +1 .

Since xn +1 > l and xn > xn+1 , therefore xn > xn+1 > l
1 + 21
2
9) SAJC/11/BT1/Q14
The recurrence relation
xn +1 = 2 xn (1 xn ) , n +
is known as a logistic map and can be used to model the fractional population of a
system xn where 0 < xn < 1 .
i)
1
Show that if the sequence converges, it converges to 0 or .
2
ii) By considering xn+1 xn , or otherwise, prove that
1
xn +1 < xn if xn > , and
2
1
xn +1 > xn if 0 < xn < .
2
iii)
1
1
2
Prove that xn +1 = ( 2 xn 1) .
2
2
1
1
Hence show that xn +1 < if 0 < xn < 1, xn .
2
2
iv)
1
Given that x1 = , find the limit of the sequence, justifying your answer
4
without any calculation
1
Ans: iv)
2
i)
As n , xn l , xn +1 l ,
l = 2l (1 l )
l 2l (1 l ) = 0
l (1 2l ) = 0
l = 0 or
1
(shown)
2
ii)
xn +1 xn = 2 xn (1 xn ) xn
= xn 2 xn 2
= xn (1 2 xn )
1
1 2 xn < 0
2
xn (1 2 xn ) < 0
For xn >
xn +1 xn < 0
xn +1 < xn
For 0 < xn <
1
1 2 xn > 0
2
[2]
[3]
[1]
[1]
[1]
xn (1 2 xn ) > 0
xn +1 xn > 0
xn +1 > xn
iii)
1
1
2
= ( 2 xn 1)
2
2
1
LHS = xn +1
2
1
= 2 xn (1 xn )
2
4 x (1 xn ) 1
= n
2
2
4 xn + 4 xn 1
=
2
xn +1
( 2 xn 1)
=
= RHS
2
1
2
For 0 < xn < 1, xn , ( 2 xn 1) > 0
2
1
2
( 2 xn 1) < 0
2
1
xn +1 < 0
2
1
xn+1 <
2
1
0 < x1 <
2
2
From (ii), x2 > x1 and from (iii), x2 <
1
2
1
and x2 = 2 x1 (1 x1 ) , x2 > 0
2
1
1
Therefore 0 < x2 < , the same explanation applied to show 0 < x3 < .
2
2
1
1
Hence 0 < x1 < x2 < x3 < x4 < < . Therefore the sequence converges to .
2
2
Since 0 < x1 <
Series
1)
Given that
r3 =
r =1
n (n + 1)
n2 (n + 1) 2
, show that 2r 3 + 3 =
+ 3n . Hence, find
4
2
r =1
2
10
( 2r 3 + 3 ) .
[4]
r =5
Ans: 5868
2) ACJC/03/Prelims/P1/Q5
The n th of a series is 52 n+1 1 . Find the sum of the first N terms
125 ( 52 N 1)
Ans:
N
24
3) PJC/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
n
1
Evaluate lim
n
r =1 r (r + 1)
1
Ans: 1
,1
n +1
4) HCI/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
N
n 1
n
Given that un =
, find u n in terms of N.
n(n + 1) (n + 1)(n + 2)
n =3
Hence, find the limiting sum of the series
1
2
3
+
+
+ ...
3 4 5 4 5 6 5 6 7
1
N
1
Ans:
,
6 ( N + 1)( N + 2 ) 6
5) i)
1
1
4r + 4
Show that 2
= 2
2
2
r ( r + 2)
r ( r + 2)
[1]
ii) Hence, by using method of differences, show that

N
r +1
5
1
1
=
2
2
2
16 4 ( N + 1) 4 ( N + 2 )2
r =1 r ( r + 2 )
[3]
iii)
Hence find
r =2
Ans: iii)
( r 1) ( r + 1)
2
5
1
1
2
2
16 4 N
4 ( N + 1)
[5]
[4]
[6]
in terms of N .
[2]
6) NYJC/05/P1/Q4 (FM)
3t
Let f (t ) =
.
(t 4)4t 1
i)
Show that f (t ) f (t + 1) =
3
.
(t 3)(t 4) 4
ii) Hence, find in terms of n, the sum of the series
t
x +1
3
Sn =

x =1 ( x 2 )( x 3) 4
n
Deduce that as n , S n
[2]
x
[3]
3
.
2
[1]
n +1
3
3
Ans: S n =
2 ( n 2 ) 4n
7) VJC/07/P1/Q9 Modified
i)
2
1
Given that f ( r ) =
, show that f ( r 1) f ( r ) =
2r + 1
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
ii) Hence find the sum to n terms of the series
1
1
1
1
+
+
+ +
1 3 3 5 5 7
( 2n 1) ( 2n + 1)
iii) Determine the sum to infinity of the series
iv)
1 1 1
Show that 1 + + + + is less than 2
4 9 16
Ans: ii)
[2]
[4]
[1]
[3]
1
1
1
1
, iii)
2 2n + 1
2
8) MJC/05/P1 Q3 (FM)
Let
n
S n = ( 1)
r =1
(r + 2)
(r + 1)!
1
1
+
, find Sn in terms of n.
r! (r + 1)!
Hence deduce that S 2 n1 < 1 < S 2 n for all n 1.
By considering
Ans: 1 ( 1)
[3]
[2]
n +1
( n + 1)!
9) TJC/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
The sequence of real numbers u1, u2, u3, is such that ur +1 =
method of differences, or otherwise, show that
n
You are given that
r
r =1
1
= n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) .
6
ur
. By using the
1 r 2u r
1 1 1
= ( N 1) N (2 N 1).
u1 u N 6
[4]
Series
1)
r3 =
Given that
r =1
n (n + 1)
n 2 (n + 1)2
+ 3n . Hence, find
, show that 2r 3 + 3 =
4
2
r =1
2
10
( 2r 3 + 3) .
[4]
r =5
Ans: 5868
n
r =1
r =1
( 2r 3 + 3 ) = 2 r 3 + 3
n
= 2
=
10
r =5
r =1
( n + 1)2
+ 3 ( n 1 + 1)
n2 (n + 1) 2
+ 3n ( shown )
2
10
2r 3 + 3 = 2r 3 + 3 2 r 3 + 3
r =1
r =1
4 2 52
102112
+ 3 (10 )
+ 3 ( 4 )
2
2
= 6080 262
= 5868
2) ACJC/03/Prelims/P1/Q5
The n th of a series is 52 n+1 1 . Find the sum of the first N terms
125 ( 52 N 1)
Ans:
N
24
N
(5
n =1
2 n +1
1 = 52 n +1 1
n =1
n =1
= 5 + 5 + 57 + + 52 N +1 1( N 1 + 1)
3
GP:a =125, r = 52 , N terms
)N
125 52 N 1
24
[5]
PJC/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
3)
n
1
Evaluate lim
n
r =1 r (r + 1)
1
,1
Ans: 1
n +1
1
1
1
=
By partial fraction
r (r + 1) r (r + 1)
n
n
1
1
1
=
r + 1
r =1 r (r + 1)
r =1 r
1
1
+
1
2
1
1
+
+
2
3
=
1
1
+
n 1
n
1
1
+
n
n +1
1
=1
n +1
n
1
lim
= 1
n
r =1 r (r + 1)
[4]
4)
HCI/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
N
n 1
n
, find un in terms of N.
Given that un =
n(n + 1) (n + 1)(n + 2)
n =3
Hence, find the limiting sum of the series
1
2
3
+
+
+ ...
3 4 5 4 5 6 5 6 7
1
N
1
Ans:
,
6 ( N + 1)( N + 2 ) 6
Let f ( n ) =
N
n =3
n =3
n 1
n
, then f ( n + 1) =
and un = f ( n ) f ( n + 1)
n ( n + 1)
( n + 1)( n + 2 )
un = ( f ( n ) f ( n + 1) )
+ f ( 3)
f ( 4)
f ( 4)
f (5)
+ f ( N 1)
f (N)
+f (N)
f ( N + 1)
= f ( 3 ) f ( N + 1)
un =
N
3 1
3 ( 3 + 1) ( N + 1)( N + 2 )
1
N
6 ( N + 1)( N + 2 )
( n 1)( n + 2 ) n ( n ) =
n 1
n
n2
=
n( n + 1) ( n + 1)( n + 2)
n( n + 1) ( n + 2 )
n ( n + 1)( n + 2 )
1
2
3
n2
+
+
+ ... =
3 4 5 4 5 6 5 6 7
r =3 n(n + 1)(n + 2 )
= ur
r =3
1
2
1
= lim +
n 6
n +1 n + 2
1
=
6
[6]
5) i)
Show that
1
1
4r + 4
= 2
2
2
2
r
( r + 2) r ( r + 2)
ii) Hence, by using method of differences, show that

N
r +1
5
1
1
=
2
2
2
16 4 ( N + 1) 4 ( N + 2 )2
r =1 r ( r + 2 )
iii)
Hence find
r =2
Ans: iii)
( r 1) ( r + 1)
2
i)
( r + 2) r 2
1
1
=
2
r 2 ( r + 2 )2
r 2 ( r + 2)
2
r 2 + 4r + 4 r 2
r 2 ( r + 2)
4r + 4
=
r
( r + 2)
[3]
in terms of N .
5
1
1
2
2
16 4 N
4 ( N + 1)
[1]
(shown)
1
1
ii) Let f ( r ) = 2 then f ( r + 2 ) =
2
r
( r + 2)
[2]
r +1
r
r =1
( r + 2)
1 N 4r + 4
= 2
4 r =1 r ( r + 2 )2
=
1 N
f ( r ) f ( r + 2 )
4 r =1
+ f (1)
f ( 3)
+ f ( 2)
f ( 4)
+ f ( 3)
f ( 5)
4
+ f ( N 2) f ( N )
+ f ( N 1) f ( N + 1)
+f (N)
f ( N + 2)
1
= f (1) + f ( 2 ) f ( N + 1) f ( N + 2 )
4
11 1
1
1
= 2+ 2
2
2
4 1 2 ( N + 1) ( N + 2 )
5
1
1
=
2
16 4 ( N + 1) 4 ( N + 2 )2
iii)
r=N
r =2
( r 1) ( r + 1)
2
Substitute r with r + 1
r=N
r =2
( r 1) ( r + 1)
2
r +1= N
r +1= 2
r +1
( r + 1 1) ( r + 1 + 1)
2
N 1
=
r =1
r +1
r
( r + 2)
5
1
1
2
2
16 4 N
4 ( N + 1)
6)
NYJC/05/P1/Q4 (FM)
3t
Let f (t ) =
.
(t 4)4t 1
i)
Show that f (t ) f (t + 1) =
ii)
3
.
(t 3)(t 4) 4
Hence, find in terms of n, the sum of the series
t
x +1
3
Sn =

x =1 ( x 2 )( x 3) 4
n
Deduce that as n , S n
3
.
2
n +1
3
3
Ans: S n =
2 ( n 2 ) 4n
f (t ) f (t + 1) =
3t
3t +1
(t 4 )4t 1 (t 3)4t
4 3t
3 3t
(t 4 )4t (t 3)4t
4 3t (t 3) 3 3t (t 4 )
(t 4 )(t 3)4t
4 3t t 12 3t 3 3t t + 12 3t
(t 4)(t 3)4t
3t t
(t 4 )(t 3)4t
3

(t 4 )(t 3) 4
t
[2]
x
[3]
[1]
x=n
x +1
x +1
3
3
=

x =1 ( x 2 )( x 3 ) 4
x =1 ( x 2 )( x 3 ) 4
Replace x with t 1
n
Sn =
t 1 +1
3
Sn =

t 1=1 ( t 1 2 )( t 1 3 ) 4
t 1= n
t = n +1
t =2
t 1
3 4
( t 3)( t 4 ) 4 3
4 n +1
f ( t ) f ( t + 1)
3 x =2
+ f ( 2)
f ( 3)
+ f ( 3)
f ( 4)
f ( n + 1)
+ f ( n)
+ f ( n + 1) f ( n + 2 )
4
= f ( 2 ) f ( n + 2 )
3
4 9
3n + 2
=
3 ( 2 )( 4 ) ( n 2 ) 4n +1
3
3n +1
=
2 ( n 2 ) 4n
As n ,
3n+1
3
0, S n
n+2
(n 2)4
2
7)
VJC/07/P1/Q9 Modified
i)
2
1
Given that f ( r ) =
, show that f ( r 1) f ( r ) =
2r + 1
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
ii)
Hence find the sum to n terms of the series

1
1
1
1
+
+
+ +
1 3 3 5 5 7
( 2n 1) ( 2n + 1)
iii) Determine the sum to infinity of the series

iv)
1 1 1
Show that 1 + + + + is less than 2
4 9 16
1
1
1
Ans: ii) 1
,
iii)
2 2n + 1
2
i)
f ( r 1) f ( r ) =
1
1
2 ( r 1) + 1 2r + 1
1
1
2r 1 2 r + 1
( 2r + 1) ( 2r + 1)
=
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
=
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
( shown )
1
1
1
1
+
+
+ +
1 3 3 5 5 7
( 2n 1) ( 2n + 1)
n
=
r =1
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
n
1
2
2 r =1 ( 2r 1)( 2r + 1)
1 n
f ( r 1) f ( r )
2 r =1
+ f ( 0)
f (1)
+ f (1)
f ( 2)
+ f ( n 2 ) f ( n 1)
f (n)
+ f ( n 1)
1
= f ( 0 ) f ( n )
2
1
1
= 1
2 2n + 1
[2]
[4]
[1]
[3]
As n ,
1
1
1 1
1
0, 1
. Sum to infinity is .
2n + 1
2 2n + 1 2
2
1 1 1
1 1 1 1
1
1+ + + + = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + = 2
4 9 16
1 2 3 4
r =1 r
From (ii), we have

n
( 2r 1)( 2r + 1) = 2 1 2n + 1
r =1
4r
r =1
1
2
1
1
1
2 2n + 1
1
1
< 2
2
4r
4r 1
1
1
1
=
4
<
4
2
2
2
r =1 r
r =1 4 r
r =1 4 r 1
Since
1
1
< 4 1
2 2n + 1
1
< 2 1
2n + 1
< 2 since n +
8)
MJC/05/P1 Q3 (FM)
Let
n
S n = ( 1)
r =1
(r + 2)
(r + 1)!
1
1
+
, find Sn in terms of n.
r! (r + 1)!
Hence deduce that S 2 n1 < 1 < S 2 n for all n 1.
By considering
( 1)
( n + 1)!
n +1
Ans: 1
(r + 1) + 1 = r + 2
1
1
+
=
r! (r + 1)!
(r + 1)! (r + 1)!
n
r ( r + 2)
Sn = ( 1)
( r + 1)!
r =1
n
1
r 1
= ( 1) +
r =1
r ! ( r + 1) !
r
r
n
1)
1)
(
(
=
+
( r + 1)!
r =1 r !
( 1)r 1 ( 1) r +1
=
+
1 ( r + 1) !
r =1 r !
( 1)r ( 1)r +1
=
( r + 1)!
r =1 r !
Let f ( r )
( 1)
=
r!
( 1) .
f (r) =
( r + 1)!
r +1
then
[3]
[2]
( 1)r ( 1)r +1 n
= f ( r ) f ( r + 1)
( r + 1)!
r =1 r !
r =1
+ f (1)
f ( 2)
f ( 2)
f ( 3)
+ f ( n 1)
f (n)
+ f (n)
f ( n + 1)
= f (1) f ( n + 1)
( 1)
=
( 1)
1!
( n + 1)!
n +1
1)
(
= 1
( n + 1)!
1
n +1
(
)
( )
1)
1)
(
(
S 2 n 1 = 1
= 1
( 2n ) !
( ( 2n 1) + 1)!
2 n 1 1
Since
2 n 1
= 1
1
even power
since ( 1)
=1
( 2n ) !
1
> 0 , S 2 n1 < 1
(2n )!
( 1) = 1 1 = 1 + 1 ,
S 2 n = 1 +
( 2n + 1)!
( 2n + 1) !
( 2n + 1)!
2 n +1
Since
1
> 0 , S 2 n > 1
(2n + 1)!
Therefore S 2 n1 < 1 < S 2 n
since ( 1)
odd power
= 1
9)
TJC/05/P1/Q1 (FM)
The sequence of real numbers u1, u2, u3, is such that ur +1 =
ur
. By
1 r 2u r
using the method of differences, or otherwise, show that

1 1 1
= ( N 1) N (2 N 1).
u1 u N 6
n
You are given that
r =1
1
= n ( n + 1)( 2n + 1) .
6
ur
ur +1 =
1 r 2u r
1
1 r 2u r
=
ur +1
ur
1
1
= r2
ur +1 ur
r2 =
1
1
ur ur +1
N 1
1
1
2
=
r
ur +1
r =1
r =1 ur
N 1
1
u1
1
u2
1
u2
1
u3
1
( N 1)( N )( 2 N 1) =
6
+
+
1
uN 2
1
uN 1
1
1 1
( N 1)( N )( 2 N 1) =
6
u1 u N
uN 1
1
uN
( shown )
[4]
Mathematical Induction
1) SAJC/07/P1/4
i)
Prove by induction that for every integer n 2,
r =2
ii)
2n
Hence find
1
n +1
= ln
.
2
2n
ln 1 r
[4]
1
giving your answer in the form of ln f(n).
2
ln 1 r
r = n +1
[2]
2n + 1
Ans: ii) ln
2 ( n + 1)
2) YJC/07/P1/8
Prove by induction that
2 2.2 2 3.2 3
n.2 n
2 n+1
+
+
+ ... +
= 1
for all n + .
3!
4!
5!
(n + 2)!
(n + 2)!
2n
r .2
.
r =n (r + 2) !
Use your result to find an expression in terms of n for

n
[6]
[3]
2 n +1
2
2
( n + 1) ! ( 2n + 2 )!
3) PJC/07/P2/2
A sequence u0 , u1 , u2 , . . . is defined by u0 = 2 and un+1 = 1 2un where n 0 . Prove
Ans:
1
n
by induction that, for all n > 0, un = 1 + 5 ( 2 ) .
3
State, with a reason, whether the sequence is convergent.
4) HCI/08/P1/9a
A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 ,.... is defined by u1 = 5 and un + 1 = u n + 8n + 8
for all n 1. Prove by induction that for every positive integer n, un = ( 2n + 1) 4 .
[4]
[1]
Show that un is a product of two odd numbers.

5) MJC/07/P1/7b
The r th term of a sequence is given by u r =
i)
[4]
[1]
( 2r )
for r = 1, 2, 3, ... .
Write down the first four terms of the sequence, and hence state the values of
n
for n = 1, 2, 3 and 4.
[2]
r =1
ii)
Make a conjecture for the formula for
in terms of n, and prove the
r =1
formula by induction.
1 2 3 4
Ans: i) , , ,
3 5 7 9
[5]
6) TJC/11/P1/4
n
1
.
r = 2 r ( r 1)
i) Write down the values of S2, S3 and S4.
ii) Make a conjecture for Sn in terms of n, for n Z + , n 2.
iii) Prove your conjecture by the method of induction.
iv)
1
Determine if the series
converges.
r = 2 r ( r 1)
1
2
3
Ans: i) S 2 = , S3 = , S 4 =
2
3
4
7) ACJC/08/P2/3 (*)
The rth term of a sequence is given by u r = r 2 r where r = 1, 2, 3, .
Write down the first 4 terms of the sequence.
It is given that
It is given that S n =
[1]
[1]
[4]
[1]
= 2 f ( n) ,
r =1
where f ( n ) is an expression in n.
n
By evaluating
for n = 1, 2,3 and 4 , deduce the formula for f ( n ) .
r =1
With this formula of f ( n ) , prove, by mathematical induction,

n
r2
= 2 f ( n) .
r =1
[7]
1
1
3
1
, u 2 = , u3 = , u 4 =
2
2
8
4
8) JJC/08/P2/9
The sequence u1 , u 2 , u3 is defined by
Ans: u1 =
ur =
1
, where r is a positive integer.
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + r
Another sequence v1 , v 2 , v3 is defined by

1 n
vn = ur , where n is a positive integer.
2 r =1
i) Find the terms v1 , v 2 and v3 .
ii) Hence, make a conjecture for a formula for vn in terms of n.
( )
iii) Prove your conjecture using mathematical induction.

1
2
3
Ans: i) v1 = , v2 = , v3 =
2
3
4
[2]
[1]
[5]
9) TJC/07/P1/10 (modified)
A sequence is defined by
u n+1 = u n 3, u0 = 102
i)
Find u1 , u2 , u3 and u4 .
[1]
ii) Obtain a conjecture for un in the form 102 f ( n ) for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,4,
expressing f ( n ) in terms of n.
[2]
iii) Prove the result of un by Mathematical Induction.
[4]
Ans: i) u1 = 99, u2 = 96, u3 = 93, u4 = 90
10) SAJC/11/BT1/Q8
The number of intersections, un +1 , between n + 1 lines where no two lines are parallel
and no three lines passes through the same point, is given by the recurrence relation
un+1 = un + n, u1 = 0
The diagrams below showed the cases for u1 , u2 and u3 .
u1 = 0
i)
u2 = 1
u3 = 3
Find the values of u4 , u5 , u6 and u7 .
ii) By expressing un in the form ( n 1) f ( n ) for n = 1, 2, 3, , 7, conjecture the

form of f ( n ) .
[2]
[1]
iii) Then, by induction, prove the result for un in terms of n.
[3]
11) NJC/11/P1/3
2un
A sequence u1 , u2 , u3 ,.... is such that u1 = 1 and un +1 =
, for all n 1 .
2
( n + 2)
i) By considering the terms u2 , u3 and u4 , obtain a conjecture for un in the form
f ( n)
, for n 1, where f ( n) is expressed in terms of n.
2
( n + 1) !
[2]
ii) Prove your conjecture using mathematical induction.
[4]
Mathematical Induction
1) SAJC/07/P1/4
i)
Prove by induction that for every integer n 2,
r =2
ii)
2n
Hence find
1
giving your answer in the form of ln f(n).
2
ln 1 r
r = n +1
2n + 1
Ans: ii) ln
2 ( n + 1)
i)
1
n +1
= ln
, n , n 2
2
2n
r =2
2
1
1
3
When n = 2 , LHS = ln 1 2 = ln 1 2 = ln
4
r
2
r =2
3
2 +1
RHS = ln
= ln = LHS
4
2 2
Therefore P ( 2 ) is true.
Let P ( n ) be the statement
1
n +1
= ln
.
2
2n
ln 1 r
ln 1 r
Assume P ( k ) is true for some k

k
1
k +1
= ln
, k , k 2
2
2k
k +1
ln 1 r
r =2
Prove P ( k + 1) is true
k +2
1
= ln
2 ( k + 1)
ln 1 r
r =2
[4]
[2]
k +1
LHS = ln 1 2
r
r =2
k
1
th
= ln 1 2 + ( r = k + 1) term
r
r =2
1
k +1
= ln
+ ln 1
2
2k
k
+
1
(
)
k + 1
1
= ln
1
2
2k ( k + 1)
( k + 1) ( k + 1)2 1
= ln
2
2k ( k + 1)
( k + 1) ( k 2 + 2k + 1 1)
= ln
2
2k ( k + 1)
( k + 1) ( k ( k + 2 ) )
= ln
2
2k ( k + 1)
k+2
= ln
= RHS
2 ( k + 1)
If P ( 2 ) is true and P ( k ) is true implies P ( k + 1) is true. Hence by mathematical induction
P ( n ) is true for n , n 2 .
ii)
2n
1 2n
1 n
1
ln 1 2 = ln 1 2 ln 1 2
r r = 2 r r =2 r
r = n +1
2n + 1
n +1
= ln
ln
4n
2n
2 n + 1 n + 1
= ln

4 n 2 n
2n + 1
= ln
2 ( n + 1)
2) YJC/07/P1/8
Prove by induction that
2 2.2 2 3.2 3
n.2 n
2 n+1
+
+
+ ... +
= 1
for all n + .
3!
4!
5!
(n + 2)!
(n + 2)!
2n
r .2
.
(
r
+
2
)
!
r =n
Use your result to find an expression in terms of n for

2 n +1
Ans:
2
2
( n + 1) ! ( 2n + 2 )!
2 2.22 3.23
n.2n
2n+1
+
+
+ ... +
= 1
3! 4!
5!
( n + 2) !
( n + 2) !
2n+1
r 2r
1
=
( n + 2 )!
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
n

When n = 1 ,
r 2r
2 n +1
=
1
, n +
( n + 2 )!
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
n
r 2r
1 21
1
=
=
(1 + 2 )! 3
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
1
LHS =
RHS = 1
21+1
2 1
= 1 = = LHS
3 3
(1 + 2 ) !
Therefore P (1) is true.

r 2r
2 k +1
=
1
, k +
r
+
2
!
k
+
2
!
(
)
(
)
r =1
k
r 2r
2k + 2
=
1
( k + 3)!
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
k +1
[6]
[3]
r 2r
LHS =
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
k +1
r 2r
th
+ ( r = k + 1) term
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
k
( k + 1) 2
2 k +1
= 1
+
( k + 2 ) ! ( k + 3) !
k +1
1
k +1
= 1 2 k +1
( k + 2 ) ! ( k + 3) !
k +3
k +1
= 1 2 k +1
( k + 3) ! ( k + 3 ) !
2
= 1 2 k +1
( k + 3 ) !
2k + 2
= 1
= RHS
( k + 3)!
If P (1) is true and P ( k ) is true implies P ( k + 1) is true. Hence by mathematical induction
P ( n ) is true for n + .
2n
n 1
r 2r
r 2r
r 2r
=
r =n ( r + 2 )!
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
r =1 ( r + 2 ) !
2n
22 n +1
2n 1+1
= 1
( 2n + 2 ) ! ( n 1 + 2 ) !
2n
22 n +1
=
( n + 1)! ( 2n + 2 )!
3) PJC/07/P2/2
A sequence u0 , u1 , u2 , . . . is defined by u0 = 2 and un+1 = 1 2un where n 0 . Prove
1
n
by induction that, for all n > 0, un = 1 + 5 ( 2 ) .
[4]
3
State, with a reason, whether the sequence is convergent.
[1]
1
n
Let P ( n ) be the statement un = 1 + 5 ( 2 ) , n , n 0
3
When n = 0 , LHS = u0 = 2
1
0
RHS = 1 + 5 ( 2 ) = 2 = LHS
3
Therefore P ( 0 ) is true.
1
k
uk = 1 + 5 ( 2 ) , k , k 0
3
1
k +1
uk +1 = 1 + 5 ( 2 )
LHS = uk +1
= 1 2uk
1
k
= 1 2 1 + 5 ( 2 )
3
2 2
k
= 1 5 ( 2 )
3 3
1 1
k
= + ( 5 )( 2 )( 2 )
3 3
1
k +1
= 1 + 5 ( 2 ) = RHS
3
If P ( 0 ) is true and P ( k ) is true implies P ( k + 1) is true. Hence by mathematical induction
P ( n ) is true for n , n 0 .
Since ( 2 ) or + as n , un diverges.
n
4) HCI/08/P1/9a
A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 ,.... is defined by u1 = 5 and un + 1 = u n + 8n + 8
for all n 1. Prove by induction that for every positive integer n, un = ( 2n + 1) 4 .
[4]
Show that un is a product of two odd numbers.
[1]
Let P ( n ) be the statement un = ( 2n + 1) 4, n +

2
When n = 1 ,
LHS = u1 = 5
RHS = ( 2 + 1) 4 = 5 = LHS
2

uk = ( 2k + 1) 4, k +
2
uk +1 = ( 2k + 3) 4
2
LHS = uk +1
= u k + 8k + 8
= ( 2k + 1) 4 + 8k + 8
2
= 4 k 2 + 4 k + 1 + 8k + 8 4
= 4k 2 + 12k + 9 4
= ( 2k + 3) 4 = RHS
2
un = ( 2n + 1) 4
2
= [ 2n + 1 2][ 2n + 1 + 3]
= ( 2n 1)( 2n + 5 )
Therefore un is a product of two odd numbers.
5) MJC/07/P1/7b
The r th term of a sequence is given by u r =
i)
( 2r )
for r = 1, 2, 3, ... .
Write down the first four terms of the sequence, and hence state the values of
n
for n = 1, 2, 3 and 4.
[2]
r =1
ii)
Make a conjecture for the formula for
in terms of n, and prove the
r =1
formula by induction.
1 2 3 4
Ans: i) , , ,
3 5 7 9
[5]
i)
1
r =1
2
r =1
3
r =1
r =1
( 2r )
( 2r )
( 2r )
( 2r )
1
1
=
2 1 3
1
1
2
+ 2
=
2 1 4 1 5
1
1
1
3
+ 2
+ 2
=
2 1 4 1 6 1 7
1
1
1
1
4
+ 2
+ 2
+ 2
=
2 1 4 1 6 1 8 1 9
Conjecture:
r =1
( 2r )
n
2n + 1
n
r =1
When n = 1 ,
LHS =
r =1
( 2r )
( 2r )
n
, n +
2n + 1
1
3
1
1
= = LHS
2 1 + 1 3
RHS =

k
r =1
( 2r )
k
, k +
2k + 1
k +1
r =1
( 2r )
k +1
2k + 3
k +1
LHS =
r =1
k
=
r =1
( 2r )
( 2r )
+ ( r = k + 1) term
th
k
1
+
2k + 1 ( 2 ( k + 1) )2 1
k
1
+
2k + 1 ( 2 ( k + 1) 1) ( 2 ( k + 1) + 1)
1
k
+
2k + 1 ( 2k + 1)( 2k + 3)
k ( 2k + 3 ) + 1
( 2k + 1)( 2k + 3)
2k 2 + 3k + 1
( 2k + 1)( 2k + 3)
( 2k + 1)( k + 1)
( 2k + 1)( 2k + 3)
k +1
= RHS
2k + 3
6) TJC/11/P1/4
n
1
.
r = 2 r ( r 1)
i) Write down the values of S2, S3 and S4.
ii) Make a conjecture for Sn in terms of n, for n Z + , n 2.
iii) Prove your conjecture by the method of induction.
iv)
1
Determine if the series
converges.
r = 2 r ( r 1)
1
2
3
Ans: i) S 2 = , S3 = , S 4 =
2
3
4
It is given that S n =
[1]
[1]
[4]
[1]
i)
1
1
=
2(1) 2
1
1
2
S3 = +
=
2 3(2) 3
2
1
3
S4 = +
=
3 4(3) 4
S2 =
ii)
Sn =
n 1
, n2
n
iii)
Let Pn be the statement S n =
n 1
where n Z + , n 2.
n
1
from (i)
2
2 1 1
RHS =
=
2
2
When n = 2, LHS = S 2 =
P2 is true.
[B1]
k 1
Assume Pk be true for some k Z + , k 2, i.e. S k =
.
k
k +1
k
1
1
1
=
+
When n = k + 1, Sk +1 =
(k + 1)k
r = 2 r ( r 1)
r = 2 r (r 1)
k 1
1
+
k
(k + 1)k
(k 1)(k + 1) 1
=
(k + 1)k
=
k2
k
(k + 1) 1
=
=
k +1
(k + 1)k k + 1
Thus Pk +1 is true.
Since P2 is true, and Pk +1 is true if Pk is true, by the method of mathematical induction, Pn is
true for all n Z + , n 2.
iv) As n , S n =
n 1
1
= 1 1 . Thus
n
n
r ( r 1)
r =2
converges to 1.
7) ACJC/08/P2/3 (*)
The rth term of a sequence is given by u r = r 2 r where r = 1, 2, 3, .
Write down the first 4 terms of the sequence.
It is given that
n
= 2 f ( n) ,
r =1
where f ( n ) is an expression in n.
n
By evaluating
for n = 1, 2,3 and 4 , deduce the formula for f ( n ) .
r =1
With this formula of f ( n ) , prove, by mathematical induction,

n
r2
= 2 f ( n) .
[7]
r =1
1
1
3
1
Ans: u1 = , u2 = , u3 = , u4 =
2
2
8
4
ur = r 2 r
1
2
1
u 2 = 2 2 2 =
2
3
u3 = 3 23 =
8
1
u 4 = 4 2 4 =
4
u1 = 1 21 =
= u1 =
r =1
2
1
2
1 1
+ =1
2 2
r =1
3
1 1 3 11
ur = u1 + u2 + u3 = + + =
2 2 8 8
r =1
4
1 1 3 1 13
ur = u1 + u2 + u3 + u4 = + + + =
2 2 8 4 8
r =1
= u1 + u2 =
Conjecture:
u
r =1
= 2
u
r =1
When n = 1 ,
2 1 = 2
LHS = u1 =
r =1
1
2
= 2
4
4
2+2
22
5
8
3+ 2
23
6
16
4+2
24
n+2
2n
1+ 2
21
3
2
n+2
, n +
2n
RHS = 2
1+ 2 1
= = LHS
21
2

k
= 2
r =1
k +2
, k +
k
2
k +1
u
r =1
= 2
k +3
2k +1
k +1
LHS = ur
r =1
k
= ur + ( r = k + 1) term
th
r =1
k +2
+ ( k + 1) 2 k 1
2k
k + 2 k +1
= 2 k + k +1
2
2
k + 2 k + 1
= 2 k k +1
2
2
2 ( k + 2 ) ( k + 1)
= 2
2 k +1
= 2
= 2
k +3
= RHS
2k +1
If P ( k ) is true implies P ( k + 1) is true and P (1) is true. Hence by mathematical induction
8) JJC/08/P2/9
The sequence u1 , u 2 , u3 is defined by
1
ur =
, where r is a positive integer.
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + r
Another sequence v1 , v 2 , v3 is defined by
1 n
vn = ur , where n is a positive integer.
2 r =1
i) Find the terms v1 , v 2 and v3 .
ii) Hence, make a conjecture for a formula for vn in terms of n.
( )
iii) Prove your conjecture using mathematical induction.

1
2
3
Ans: i) v1 = , v2 = , v3 =
2
3
4
ur =
vn =
1
1
2
2
2
=
=
=
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + r r 1 + r
( ) r ( r + 1) r r + 1
AP:a =1,d =1,r terms
2
1 n
1 n 2
2 n 1
1
u
=
2 r =1
2 r =1 r r + 1 r =1 r r + 1
1
1 1 1
1
1
v1 =
=
=
r +1 1 1+1 2
r =1 r
2
1 1 1 1
1 2
1
v2 =
=
+
=
r +1 1 1+1 2 2 +1 3
r =1 r
3
1 1 1 1
1 1
1 3
1
v3 =
=
+
+
=
r +1 1 1+1 2 2 +1 3 3 +1 4
r =1 r
ii)
n
1
n
1
Conjecture vn =
=
r +1 n +1
r =1 r
iii)
n
1
n
1
, n +
=
r +1 n +1
r =1 r
1
1 1
1
When n = 1 , LHS =
=
r +1 2
r =1 r
1
1
= = LHS
RHS =
1+1 2
[2]
[1]
[5]

k
r r + 1 = k + 1 , k
r =1
k +1
k +1
r r + 1 = k + 2
r =1
k +1
1
1
LHS =
r +1
r =1 r
k
1
th
1
=
+ ( r = k + 1) term
r +1
r =1 r
1
1
k
=
+
k +1 k +1 k + 2
1
1
1
= 1
+
k +1 k +1 k + 2
1
= 1
k+2
k +1
=
= RHS
k +2
9) TJC/07/P1/10 (modified)
A sequence is defined by
u n+1 = u n 3, u0 = 102
i)
Find u1 , u2 , u3 and u4 .
[1]
ii) Obtain a conjecture for un in the form 102 f ( n ) for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,4,
expressing f ( n ) in terms of n.
[2]
iii) Prove the result of un by Mathematical Induction.
[4]
Ans: i) u1 = 99, u2 = 96, u3 = 93, u4 = 90
i)
= 102
=
3 = 99
=
3 = 96
=
3 = 93
=
3 = 90
ii)
= 102 3 ,
ii)
Let ( ) be the statement
= 102 3 , ,
= 102
= 1, LHS =
RHS = 102 3 0 = 102 = LHS
Since LHS=RHS, (1) is true.
When
Assume ( ) is true for some ,

0,
= 102 3
= 99 3
LHS =
=
3
= 102 3 3
= 99 3
= RHS
Since (0) is true, and ( ) is true ( + 1) is true. Therefore by mathematical induction,
( ) is true for , 0.
10) SAJC/11/BT1/Q8
The number of intersections, un +1 , between n + 1 lines where no two lines are parallel
and no three lines passes through the same point, is given by the recurrence relation
un+1 = un + n, u1 = 0
The diagrams below showed the cases for u1 , u2 and u3 .
u1 = 0
i)
u2 = 1
u3 = 3
Find the values of u4 , u5 , u6 and u7 .
ii) By expressing un in the form ( n 1) f ( n ) for n = 1, 2, 3, , 7, conjecture the

form of f ( n ) .
iii) Then, by induction, prove the result for un in terms of n.
i)
u4 = u3 + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6
u5 = u4 + 4 = 6 + 4 = 10
u6 = u5 + 5 = 10 + 5 = 15
u7 = u6 + 6 = 15 + 6 = 21
Alternative mtd using the GC
un +1 = un + n, u1 = 0
un = un 1 + ( n 1) , u1 = 0
[2]
[1]
[3]
ii)
un
10
15
21
( n 1) f ( n )
(1 1) ?
( 2 1) 1
3
2
( 4 1) 2
( 3 1)
5
2
( 6 1) 3
( 5 1)
( 7 1)
7
2
f (n)
2
2
3
2
4
2
5
2
6
2
7
2
n
2
Alternative mtd:
u1 = 0
f ( n) =
u2 = u1 + 1 = 0 + 1
u3 = u2 + 2 = 0 + 1 + 2
u4 = u3 + 3 = 0 + 1 + 2 + 3
un = 0 +1+ 2 + 3++ n 1 =
n
n
0 + n 1 = n 1
2
2
AP:a=0,l=n1,n terms
n
f ( n) =
2
iii)
Let P ( n ) be the statement un =
n
( n 1) , n +
2
When n = 1 ,
LHS = u1 = 0
1
RHS= (1 1) = 0 = LHS
2
Hence P (1) is true.
Assume P ( k ) is true for some k +
uk =
Prove that P ( k + 1) is true
k
( k 1) , k +
2
uk +1 =
k +1
(k )
2
LHS = uk +1
= uk + k
k
( k 1) + k
2
1
= k ( k 1) + 1
2
1
1
=k k+
2
2
k +1
=
( k ) = LHS
2
Since P (1) is true and P ( k ) is true implies P ( k + 1) is true, therefore by mathematical
induction P ( n ) is true for n +
11) NJC/11/P1/3
A sequence u1 , u2 , u3 ,.... is such that u1 = 1 and un +1 =
2un
( n + 2)
, for all n 1 .
i)
By considering the terms u2 , u3 and u4 , obtain a conjecture for un in the form

f ( n)
, for n 1, where f ( n) is expressed in terms of n.
2
( n + 1) !
[2]
ii) Prove your conjecture using mathematical induction.
[4]
i)
u1 = 1
u2 =
2
32
u3 =
22
32 4 2
u4 =
222
3 4 2 52
2
2n 1
32 4 2 .... ( n + 1)2
2 2 2 n 1
2n +1
= 2 2 2
=
2 3 4 .... (n + 1) 2 [ ( n + 1)!]2
un =
Let Pn be the statement un =
2n +1
[(n + 1)!]
, for all n + .
When n = 1:
LHS: u1 = 1
22
=1
(2!) 2
Since LHS = RHS, P1 is true.
RHS:
Assume that Pk is true for some k + i.e. uk =
uk +1 =
=
2k +1
[(k + 1)!]2
2uk
( k + 2) 2
2 2k +1
(k + 2)2 [(k + 1)!]
2( k +1)+1
[(k + 2)!]2
Thus, Pk is true Pk+1 is true.

Since P1 is true, and Pk is true Pk+1 is true, Pn is true for all n + .
System of linear equation

1) CJC/10/1/1
Three sisters Audrey, Catherine and Gladys went on a shopping spree while on holiday.
They bought items for their sister Eliza, who could not go due to her A level
examinations. After returning home, they could not recall the prices of the items they had
bought, but they had their credit card statements with the total amounts they each had
spent. The list of items that each sister had bought and the amount on their statements are
summarised in the table below:
Type of Item (Price)
High heels ($x per pair)
Facial Mask ($y per box)
Handbags ($z per piece)
Credit Card Statement ($)
Catherine
5
10
3
1298.20
Audrey
2
7
8
1158.30
Gladys
3
15
5
1837.70
i) Find the values of x, y and z.

[3]
ii) Hence evaluate the total cost of their gift to Eliza, which consists of 1 pair of
high heels, 5 boxes of facial mask and 2 handbags.
[1]
Ans: i) x = 29.9, y = 99.9, z = 49.9; ii) $629.20
2) NJC/10/1/1
The sum of the digits in a three-digit-number is 15. Reversing the digits in that
number decreases its value by 594. Also, the sum of the tenth digit and four times
the unit digit is five more than the hundredth digit. Find the number.
[4]
Ans: 852
3) RI/10/1/3
Four friends returned from a trip to Europe and converted their foreign currencies back to
Singapore Dollars. The amounts of foreign currencies converted and the total amounts
received in Singapore Dollars are shown in the following table.
Donald Leonard Michael Raphael
Sterling Pound
36
55
40
k
Euro Dollar
77
18
31
59
Swiss Franc
42
63
26
24
Total amount in
269.90
233.45
175.50
313.00
Singapore Dollars
Assuming that, for each foreign currency, the exchange rate quoted for each of the
friends is the same, calculate the value of k.
Ans: 82
[4]
4) RVHS/10/1/1
A shampoo manufacturing company produces shampoo that comes in three different
sizes of bottles (small, medium and large). The amount of plastic required to manufacture
the bottles, and the profit made from the sale of each bottle of shampoo are shown in the
table below:
3
Volume of shampoo (cm )

Amount of plastic (cm2)
Profit ($) per unit sold
Small
200
150
2.50
Medium
450
335
3.80
Large
600
475
4.20
On a particular round of production, the volume of shampoo and the amount of plastic
used were 370700cm3 and 280400cm2 respectively. When all the bottles of shampoo
from this round of production were sold, the profit made from the sale of the medium
bottles was twice the total profit made from the sale of the small and large bottles.
Determine the number of each size of shampoo produced and state an assumption made
about the bottles manufactured
Ans: s = 166, m = 550 and l = 150
[6]
5) SRJC/10/2/1
The computer company call Orange manufactures the latest electronic gadget in town
called the iBoard with 3 different storage capacities namely 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. The
profit earned from each unit sold is as shown in the table below.
Storage Capacity
16GB
32GB
64GB
Profit
$x
$y
$z
Within the first week after it was officially launched, the sales from 3 of its outlets for
the three different storage capacities is as shown below.
Storage Capacity
Outlet A
Outlet B
Outlet C
16GB
75
180
45
32GB
120
230
50
64GB
20
70
10
The total profit collected from outlets B and C are $38 750 and $8750 respectively.
If the total profit earned due to both the sales of 16GB and 32GB iBoard is equal to
12 times the total profit earned from the sales of the 64GB iBoard, find the value of
x, y and z.
[4]
Find the total profit collected from outlet A.
[1]
Ans: x = 100, y = 75 and z = 50; $17500]
6) ACJC/10/1/2
The 3 flavours of puddings produced by a dessert shop are mango, durian and
strawberry. A mango pudding requires 5g of sugar and 36ml of water. A durian pudding
requires 6g of sugar and 38ml of water. A strawberry pudding requires 4g of sugar and
40ml of water. The puddings are sold in pairs of the same type at $1.60, $2.20 and $1.80
for mango, durian and strawberry respectively.
On a particular day, 754g of sugar and 5972ml of water were used to make the puddings
and all the puddings made were sold except for a pair of strawberry puddings. The
collection from the sale of puddings was $142.40. Formulate the equations required to
determine the number of each type of pudding made on that day.
Ans: x = 46, y = 42 and z = 68
[4]
7) PJC/10/1/1
It is known that the number of diagonals that can be drawn in a polygon of n sides can be
expressed as a quadratic polynomial in n. By considering the number of diagonals in a
triangle, a quadrilateral and a pentagon, find the number of diagonals that can be drawn
in a polygon of 200 sides.
Ans: 19700
[4]
System of linear equation

1) CJC/10/1/1
Three sisters Audrey, Catherine and Gladys went on a shopping spree while on holiday.
They bought items for their sister Eliza, who could not go due to her A level
examinations. After returning home, they could not recall the prices of the items they had
bought, but they had their credit card statements with the total amounts they each had
spent. The list of items that each sister had bought and the amount on their statements are
summarised in the table below:
Type of Item (Price)
High heels ($x per pair)
Facial Mask ($y per box)
Handbags ($z per piece)
Credit Card Statement ($)
Catherine
5
10
3
1298.20
Audrey
2
7
8
1158.30
Gladys
3
15
5
1837.70
i) Find the values of x, y and z.

[3]
ii) Hence evaluate the total cost of their gift to Eliza, which consists of 1 pair of
high heels, 5 boxes of facial mask and 2 handbags.
[1]
Ans: i) x = 29.9, y = 99.9, z = 49.9; ii) $629.20
Let x be the price of high heels, y be the price of facial mask and z be the price of handbag in
dollars.
We have,
5 x + 10 y + 3z = 1298.20
2 x + 7 y + 8 z = 1158.30
3x + 15 y + 5 z = 1837.70
Solving, x = 29.9, y = 99.9, z = 49.9
Total cost of gift = 29.90 + 5 99.90 + 2 49.90 = $629.20
2) NJC/10/1/1
The sum of the digits in a three-digit-number is 15. Reversing the digits in that
number decreases its value by 594. Also, the sum of the tenth digit and four times
the unit digit is five more than the hundredth digit. Find the number.
[4]
Ans: 852
Let the unit digit be z.
Let the tenth digit be y.
Let the hundredth digit be x.
x + y + z = 15 (1)
(100 x + 10 y + z ) (100 z + 10 y + x) = 594
99 x 99 z = 594 (2)
y + 4z = x + 5
x + y + 4 z = 5 (3)
Using GC to solve the equations simultaneously,
x = 8, y = 5, z = 2 .
Thus the number is 852.
3) RI/10/1/3
Four friends returned from a trip to Europe and converted their foreign currencies back to
Singapore Dollars. The amounts of foreign currencies converted and the total amounts
received in Singapore Dollars are shown in the following table.
Donald Leonard Michael Raphael
Sterling Pound
36
55
40
k
Euro Dollar
77
18
31
59
Swiss Franc
42
63
26
24
Total amount in
269.90
233.45
175.50
313.00
Singapore Dollars
Assuming that, for each foreign currency, the exchange rate quoted for each of the
friends is the same, calculate the value of k.
Ans: 82
[4]
Let x, y, z be the exchange rate quoted for Sterling Pound, Euro Dollar and Swiss Franc,
respectively (i.e. 1 Sterling Pound = x Singapore Dollars, 1 Euro Dollar = y Singapore
Dollars and 1 Swiss Franc = z Singapore Dollars).
36 x + 77 y + 42 z = 269.9
55 x + 18 y + 63 z = 233.45
40 x + 31 y + 26 z = 175.5
Using the GC, x = 2.15, y = 1.78, z = 1.32
kx + 59 y + 24 z = 313
313 59(1.78) 24(1.32)
k =
= 82
2.15
4) RVHS/10/1/1
A shampoo manufacturing company produces shampoo that comes in three different
sizes of bottles (small, medium and large). The amount of plastic required to manufacture
the bottles, and the profit made from the sale of each bottle of shampoo are shown in the
table below:
3
Volume of shampoo (cm )

Amount of plastic (cm2)
Profit ($) per unit sold
Small
200
150
2.50
Medium
450
335
3.80
Large
600
475
4.20
On a particular round of production, the volume of shampoo and the amount of plastic
used were 370700cm3 and 280400cm2 respectively. When all the bottles of shampoo
from this round of production were sold, the profit made from the sale of the medium
bottles was twice the total profit made from the sale of the small and large bottles.
Determine the number of each size of shampoo produced and state an assumption made
about the bottles manufactured
Ans: s = 166, m = 550 and l = 150
[6]
Let the no. of small, medium and large bottles manufactured be denoted by s, m and l
respectively.
So, 150 s + 335m + 475l = 280400 ,
200 s + 450m + 600l = 370700 and
3.8m = 2(2.5s + 4.2l )
Using GC, : s = 166, m = 550 and l = 150
Assumption:
The plastic bottles are of negligible thickness. OR
The plastic bottles are of the same thickness.
5) SRJC/10/2/1
The computer company call Orange manufactures the latest electronic gadget in town
called the iBoard with 3 different storage capacities namely 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. The
profit earned from each unit sold is as shown in the table below.
Storage Capacity
16GB
32GB
64GB
Profit
$x
$y
$z
Within the first week after it was officially launched, the sales from 3 of its outlets for
the three different storage capacities is as shown below.
Storage Capacity
Outlet A
Outlet B
Outlet C
16GB
75
180
45
32GB
120
230
50
64GB
20
70
10
The total profit collected from outlets B and C are $38 750 and $8750 respectively.
If the total profit earned due to both the sales of 16GB and 32GB iBoard is equal to
12 times the total profit earned from the sales of the 64GB iBoard, find the value of
x, y and z.
[4]
Find the total profit collected from outlet A.
[1]
Ans: x = 100, y = 75 and z = 50; $17500]
180 x + 230 y + 70 z = 38750

45 x + 50 y + 10 z = 8750
300 x + 400 y = 12 (100 z ) 3x + 4 y 12 z = 0
From GC,
x = 100, y = 75 and z = 50
Profit collected by outlet A = $100 ( 75) + $75 (120 ) + $50 ( 20 ) = $17500
6) ACJC/10/1/2
The 3 flavours of puddings produced by a dessert shop are mango, durian and
strawberry. A mango pudding requires 5g of sugar and 36ml of water. A durian pudding
requires 6g of sugar and 38ml of water. A strawberry pudding requires 4g of sugar and
40ml of water. The puddings are sold in pairs of the same type at $1.60, $2.20 and $1.80
for mango, durian and strawberry respectively.
On a particular day, 754g of sugar and 5972ml of water were used to make the puddings
and all the puddings made were sold except for a pair of strawberry puddings. The
collection from the sale of puddings was $142.40. Formulate the equations required to
determine the number of each type of pudding made on that day.
Ans: x = 46, y = 42 and z = 68
[4]
Let x be the no of mango puddings produce.
Let y be the no of durian puddings produce.
Let z be the no of strawberry puddings produce.
5 x + 6 y + 4 z = 754 (1)
36 x + 38 y + 40 z = 5972 (2)
0.8 x + 1.1 y + 0.9( z 2) = 142.4 .(3)
Solving (1), (2) & (3) using GC,
x = 46, y = 42 and z = 68.
7) PJC/10/1/1
It is known that the number of diagonals that can be drawn in a polygon of n sides can be
expressed as a quadratic polynomial in n. By considering the number of diagonals in a
triangle, a quadrilateral and a pentagon, find the number of diagonals that can be drawn
in a polygon of 200 sides.
Ans: 19700
[4]
[PJC/Prelim 2010/P1/1]
Let the number of diagonals be d = An 2 + Bn + C
Quadrilateral
Triangle
(4 sides)
(3 sides)
No of diagonals in a triangle = 0
No of diagonals in a quadrilateral = 2
No of diagonals in a pentagon = 5
Pentagon
(5 sides)
Therefore,
9 A + 3B + C = 0
16 A + 4 B + C = 2
25 A + 5B + C = 5
1
3
Solving using GC, A = , B = , C = 0
2
2
1
3
Thus, d = n 2 n
2
2
For a polygon of 200 sides,
The number of diagonals =
1
3
(200) 2 (200) = 19700
2
2
Vectors (Formulas/Properties)
Level 1
1. Relative to an origin O , points A and B have position vectors 2i + j + 2k and
3i 2 j + pk respectively, where p is a constant.
a) Find the value of p for which OA and OB are perpendicular.
b) In the case where p = 6 , find the angle AOB corrected to the nearest degree.
c) In the case where p = 5 , find the position vector of the point M on the line
segment AB such that AM : MB = 1: 2 .
d) Find the values of p for which the length of AB is 11 units.
7 / 3
Ans: a) 2 , b) 40 , c) 0 , d) 1 or 3
3
The position vectors of the points A , B and C are given by a = i + 4 j 2k ,

b = 2i + 4k and c = 8i 8 j + k respectively. Find
a) the unit vector parallel to AB .
b) the value of is A , B and C form a straight line.
c) the position vector of point D such that ABCD is a parallelogram.
d) the position vector of point on AB E such AE : EB = 2 :1 .
1
3
5

1
Ans: a)
4 , b) 16, c) OD = 4 , d) OE = 4
3
61
6

6

2
[RVH/10/2/2] modified
Points O , A and B are such that OA = i + 2 j 3k and OB = 4i j .
i) Use vector product to find the exact area of triangle OAB .
[2]
ii) A point P on the line AB such that AP : AB = 2 : 3 . Given that point Q lies
0
2.
3.
on OP produced, show that OQ = c ( 3i k ) , for some constant c .

iii) Given also that triangle AQB has a right angle at Q , find the value of c .
3 26
, iii) 1.68
2
[A Level/04/1/3]
Referred to an origin O , the position vectors of four non-collinear points A , B , C
and D are a , b , c and d respectively. Given that a b = d c , show that ABCD
is a parallelogram.
Given also that a c = b d , identify the shape of the parallelogram ABCD ,
justify your answer.
Ans: Rectangle
[2]
[3]
Ans: i)
4.
[2]
[2]
5.
[RI/10/1/12]
Relative to the origin O, the points A , B and P have position given by
a = 14i + 8j + 6k , b = 11i + tj + 12k and p = 12i 4 j + 10k respectively, where t is a
constant.
a) If P divides the line segment AB on the ratio : 2 , find the values of and
t
[3]
b) It is given that t = 2
i)
Find the exact length of projection of PB onto AB .
Deduce the exact shortest distance of P from the line AB .
[4]
ii)
BAPQ forms a parallelogram. Find the position vector of the point Q
and the area of the parallelogram correct to 2 decimal places.
[4]
9
7 8 5
Ans: a) = 4, t = 10 , bi) ,
, bii) 10 , 53.67
3
3
16
Level 2
6. [DHS/10/1/5]
With respect to the origin O, the position vectors of three points A, B and C are given by
2
b
3

OA = 3 , OB = 7 and OC = 5 .
a
2
1

i) Find the values of a and b if A , B and C are collinear.
[2]
ii) If given instead that OA is perpendicular to OB find a relationship between
a and b . Furthermore, if angle AOC is 60 , find possible values for a and
b , giving your answers correct to the nearest integer.
7.
A student claimed that since angle AOC is 60 , angle BOC must be 30 .

Without performing any calculation, state, with a reason, whether his claim is
necessarily true.
[6]
Ans: i) a = 0 , b = 4 , ii) 2b + 21 + 2a = 0 , a = 10, b = 20 or a = 4, b = 6
[NYJC/10/1/5]
With respect to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors a , b and c
respectively, and are such that OACB is a parallelogram in an anti-clockwise sense.
i) Express c in terms of a and b .
[1]
ii) Show that the area of the parallelogram OACB is given by a b .
[2]
iii) Show that the maximum area of parallelogram OACB is a b .
[2]
iv)
a1
b1

By considering ab where a = a2 and b = b2 , show that
a
b
3
3
(a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 ) 2 ( a12 + a22 + a32 )( b12 + b22 + b32 ) .
[3]
Ans: i) c = a + b
8.
[HCI/08/1/12a] modified
The points A , B , C has position vectors a , b , c respectively.
i) Given that the non-zero number , such that a + b = c and + = 1 .
Show that A , B , C are collinear.
ii) Show that the point P with position vector p given by p = 4a 3b lies on
BA produced, and find the ratio PA : PB .
[2]
[3]
Ans: ii) PA = 3
PB
9.
[HCI/10/2/4]
The points A , B , C have position vectors i , 2 j tk , tk relative to an origin O
respectively, where t is a fixed constant. The points X and Y lie on AB and BC
AX BY
respectively such that

=
=
, where is a parameter such that 0 < < 1 .
XB YC 1
i) Find the vector XY in terms of t and .
[2]
ii) Prove that O , X , Y are non-collinear.
iii) Determine if XOY can be 90 , justify your answer.
iv) Find the projection vector of XY on 4i + j .
[2]
[3]
[2]
1
4
2
Ans: i) XY = 2 4 , iv) 1
17
t + 3t
0
10. [NJC/10/1/3]
The points A and B have position vectors a and b respectively, relative to the origin
O such that a = b . The point P with position vector p lies on AB such that
b p = a p .
i) Show that AP is perpendicular to OP .
ii) Determine the position vector of the point D in terms of a and b , where D
is the reflection of O about the line AB .
iii) Give the geometrical meaning of a b .
Ans: ii) OD = a + b , iii) Area of rhombus
[2]
[2]
[1]
Level 3
11. [MJC/10/2/2]
Three non-zero and non-parallel vectors p, q and r are such that p q = 3p r .
Show that q 3r = p , where is a scalar.
[2]
It is also given that p is a unit vector, q = 5 , r = 2 and the angle between q and r
5
is cos1 . By considering ( q 3r ) ( q 3r ) , find the exact values of .
6
Ans: = 11
12. [AJC/10/2/4]
[4]
cos t
Relative to the origin O , the points A and B have position vectors a = sin t and
1
cos 2t
b = sin 2t respectively, where t is a real parameter such that 0 t < .

0.5
i) Show that a b = m + cos ( nt ) where m and n are constants to be determined.

[2]
ii) Hence, find the exact value of t for which AOB is a maximum.
[3]
iii)
r

Another point C has position vector c = s where r and s are real
0

constants. Given that A , B and C are collinear when t =
r and s .
, find the value of
[3]
1
1
Ans: i) m = 0.5, n = 3 , ii) t = , iii) r = and s =
3
3
3
13. The points A and B have position vectors i + j + k and 2i + 3j + 4k respectively,
relative to the origin O . The point C lies on OA produced and is such that AC = 2OA .
i) Show that OC is perpendicular to BC .
ii) Find the length of projection of OA on OB .
iii) P is a point on the line BC such that the area of ACP is 24 units 2 . Find the
two possible position vectors of P .
5
1
9

2
Ans: ii)
units , iii) 3 or 3
29
1
5

Vectors (Formulas/Properties)
Level 1
1. Relative to an origin O , points A and B have position vectors 2i + j + 2k and
3i 2 j + pk respectively, where p is a constant.
a) Find the value of p for which OA and OB are perpendicular.
b) In the case where p = 6 , find the angle AOB corrected to the nearest degree.
c) In the case where p = 5 , find the position vector of the point M on the line
segment AB such that AM : MB = 1: 2 .
d) Find the values of p for which the length of AB is 11 units.
7 / 3
Ans: a) 2 , b) 40 , c) 0 , d) 1 or 3
3
a)
OA OB = 0
2 3

1 2 = 0
2 p

62+2p = 0
p = 2
b)
cos AOB =
OA OB
OA OB
2 3
1 1
cos AOB = 1 2
3 7
2 6
16
cos AOB =
21
AOB = 400 ( nearest degree )
c)By ration theorem
2 3 7 / 3
2OA + OB 1
OM =
= 2 1 + 2 = 0
3
3
2 5 3
d)
3 2 1

AB = OB OA = 2 1 = 3
p 2 p 2

AB = 11
12 + ( 3) + ( p 2 ) = 11
2
10 + p 2 4 p + 4 = 11
p2 4 p + 3 = 0
p = 1 or 3
The position vectors of the points A , B and C are given by a = i + 4 j 2k ,

b = 2i + 4k and c = 8i 8 j + k respectively. Find
a) the unit vector parallel to AB .
b) the value of is A , B and C form a straight line.
c) the position vector of point D such that ABCD is a parallelogram.
d) the position vector of point on AB E such AE : EB = 2 :1 .
1
3
5

1
Ans: a)
4 , b) 16, c) OD = 4 , d) OE = 4
3
61
6

6

2
3
2 1 3

1
a) AB = OB OA = 0 4 = 4 . A unit vector parallel is
4
61
4 2 6
6

2.
b) If A , B and C form a straight line, AB = k AC , where k is a constant.

8 1 9

AC = OC OA = 8 4 = 12
2 + 2

3
9

4 = k 12
6
+ 2

3 = 9k k =
6=
1
3
1
( + 2 ) = 16
3
c)
C ( 8, 8, )
AD = BC
OD OA = OC OB
OD = OC OB + OA
A( 1,4,2 )
B (2,0,4 )
d) Using ratio theorem

2 1
3 1
2OB + OA 1 1 4
OE =
= 2 0 + 4 = 4 =
3
3
3 3
4 2
6 2
8 2 1 5

OD = 8 0 + 4 = 4
4 2 6

3.
[RVH/10/2/2] modified
Points O , A and B are such that OA = i + 2 j 3k and OB = 4i j .
i) Use vector product to find the exact area of triangle OAB .
ii) A point P on the line AB such that AP : AB = 2 : 3 . Given that point Q lies
on OP produced, show that OQ = c ( 3i k ) , for some constant c .
iii) Given also that triangle AQB has a right angle at Q , find the value of c .
Ans: i)
3 26
, iii) 1.68
2
1 4
3
1
1 1
3 26
units 2
i) Area of triangle OAB = OA OB = 2 1 = 12 =
2
2 2
2
3 0
9
ii) By ratio theorem
1 4 3
OA + 2OB 1
OP =
= 2 + 2 1 = 0
3
3
3 0 1
3
Since OQ // OP , OQ = c 0 for some constant c .
1

iii)
AQ BQ = 0
3c 1 3c 4
2 1 = 0
3 c c
9c 2 12c 3c + 4 2 3c + c 2 = 0
5c 2 9c + 1 = 0
c = 1.68 or 0.119 rejected since OQ > OP
[2]
[2]
[3]
4.
[A Level/04/1/3]
Referred to an origin O , the position vectors of four non-collinear points A , B , C
and D are a , b , c and d respectively. Given that a b = d c , show that ABCD
is a parallelogram.
Given also that a c = b d , identify the shape of the parallelogram ABCD ,
justify your answer.
Ans: Rectangle
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
These results implies that the points , ,

order.
| |=| |
and
lies in a parallelogram in anticlockwise
This implies that the diagonals of the parallelogram are the same. This implies that the
parallelogram is a rectangle.
[2]
[2]
5.
[RI/10/1/12]
Relative to the origin O, the points A , B and P have position given by
a = 14i + 8j + 6k , b = 11i + tj + 12k and p = 12i 4 j + 10k respectively, where t is a
constant.
a) If P divides the line segment AB on the ratio : 2 , find the values of and
t
[3]
b) It is given that t = 2
i)
Find the exact length of projection of PB onto AB .
Deduce the exact shortest distance of P from the line AB .
[4]
ii)
BAPQ forms a parallelogram. Find the position vector of the point Q
and the area of the parallelogram correct to 2 decimal places.
[4]
9
7 8 5
Ans: a) = 4, t = 10 , bi) ,
, bii) 10 , 53.67
3
3
16
a)
By ratio theorem
2OA + OB
+2
12
14
11

2

4 =
8 +
t
10 + 2 6 + 2 12

28
11
So 12 =
+
12 + 24 = 28 + 11 = 4
+2 + 2
t
16
16 4t
+
4 = + t = 10
Also, 4 =
+2 + 2
6 6
bi)
11 12 1

PB = OB OP = 2 4 = 6
12 10 2

OP =
11 14 3

AB = OB OA = 2 8 = 6
12 6 6

1
1
Length of projection of PB onto AB = 6 2 2 2
2 3 +6 +6

2
3
3 36 + 12 21 7
= =
6 =
9 3
81
6

49
320 8 5
7
Shortest distance of P from AB = BP 2 = 41
=
=
9
3
3
3
BAPQ forms a parallelogram.
Hence AB = PQ
3 12 9

OQ = AB + OP = 6 + 4 = 10
6 10 16

Area of parallelogram BAPQ

3 2

= AB AP = 6 12 =
6 4

48

2
2
2
2
0 = 48 + 0 + 24 53.67 units

24
Level 2
6. [DHS/10/1/5]
With respect to the origin O, the position vectors of three points A, B and C are given by
2
b
3

OA = 3 , OB = 7 and OC = 5 .
a
2
1

i) Find the values of a and b if A , B and C are collinear.
[2]
ii) If given instead that OA is perpendicular to OB find a relationship between
a and b . Furthermore, if angle AOC is 60 , find possible values for a and
b , giving your answers correct to the nearest integer.
A student claimed that since angle AOC is 60 , angle BOC must be 30 .
Without performing any calculation, state, with a reason, whether his claim is
necessarily true.
Ans: i) a = 0 , b = 4 , ii) 2b + 21 + 2a = 0 , a = 10, b = 20 or a = 4, b = 6
i)
If A, B and C are collinear, then
AB = BC
b 2
3 b
7 3 = 5 7
2a
1 2
i.e. = 2, a = 0, b = 4
ii)
If OA is perpendicular to OB , then
OA i OB = 0
2 b

3 i 7 = 0
a 2

i.e. 2b + 21 + 2a = 0
2 3

3 i 5
a 1
= cos 60
13 + a 2 35
2(6 + 15 + a ) = 13 + a 2 35
31a 2 168a 1309 = 0
a = 10 (nearest int.)
or
b = 20 (nearest int.)
a = 4 (nearest int.)
b = 6 (nearest int.)
His claim is not necessarily true since points O, A, B and C may not be coplanar.
[6]
7.
[NYJC/10/1/5]
With respect to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors a , b and c
respectively, and are such that OACB is a parallelogram in an anti-clockwise sense.
i) Express c in terms of a and b .
[1]
ii) Show that the area of the parallelogram OACB is given by a b .
[2]
iii) Show that the maximum area of parallelogram OACB is a b .
[2]
iv)
a1
b1

By considering ab where a = a2 and b = b2 , show that
a
b
3
3
(a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 ) 2 ( a12 + a22 + a32 )( b12 + b22 + b32 ) .
[3]
Ans: i) c = a + b
i)
OB = AC
b = ca
c =a+b
ii)
Area = ( OA)( OB ) sin ( BOA )
= OA OB sin ( BOA)
= ab
iii)
Area = a b
= a b sin ( BOA )
The maximum value of sin ( BOA ) hence maximum are is a b .
iv)
a b = a b cos
a b = a b cos
a b = a b cos
a b < a b since 0 cos 1
2
a b < a b since both sides are positive
( a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 )
)(
< a12 + a2 2 + a32 b12 + b2 2 + b32
) ( shown )
8.
[HCI/08/1/12a] modified
The points A , B , C has position vectors a , b , c respectively.
i) Given that the non-zero number , such that a + b = c and + = 1 .
Show that A , B , C are collinear.
ii) Show that the point P with position vector p given by p = 4a 3b lies on
BA produced, and find the ratio PA : PB .
Ans: ii) PA = 3
PB
i)
Assume that A , B , C are collinear, then
AB = k AC
b a = k [c a ]
b a = k [ a + b a ]
b a = k b (1 ) a
b a = k [ b a ] , since + = 1
b a = k (b a)
k = 1
Therefore A , B , C are collinear.
p = 4a 3b
4a = p + 3b
p + 3b
a=
4
A divides PB in the ratio 3 : 1 P lies on BA produced with ratio PA = 3

PB
Alternative
PA = a p = a 4a + 3b = 3a + 3b
PB = b p = b 4a + 3b = 4a + 4b
P lies on BA produced with ratio PA = 3

PB
[2]
[3]
9.
[HCI/10/2/4]
The points A , B , C have position vectors i , 2 j tk , tk relative to an origin O
respectively, where t is a fixed constant. The points X and Y lie on AB and BC
AX BY
respectively such that

=
=
, where is a parameter such that 0 < < 1 .
XB YC 1
i) Find the vector XY in terms of t and .
[2]
ii) Prove that O , X , Y are non-collinear.
iii) Determine if XOY can be 90 , justify your answer.
iv) Find the projection vector of XY on 4i + j .
1
4
2
Ans: i) XY = 2 4 , iv) 1
17
t + 3t
By ration theorem
0
1 1

OX = 2 + (1 ) 0 = 2
t

0 t
0
0
0

OY = 0 + (1 ) 2 = 2 2
t
t t + 2t

0 1 1
XY = 2 2 2 = 2 4
t + 2t t t + 3t
ii)
Suppose O, X, Y are collinear.
OX = kOY
0
1
Then 2 = k 2 2
t
t + 2t
1 = 0 = 1 (Out of range)
Thus O, X, Y are not collinear.
iii)
Assume XOY = 900
[2]
[3]
[2]
OX iOY = 0
0
1
2 i 2 2 = 0
t t + 2t
2
2
2 2
4 4 + t 2t = 0
4 ( 4 + 2t 2 ) + t 2 = 0
= 0 ( reject since 0 < < 1) or =
4 + t2
4 + 2t 2
4 + t2 1
1
= + 2
2
4 + 2t
2 t +2
Hence there will be some values of t that will result in 0 < < 1 . It is possible for
XOY = 900
iv)
4
4
1 1
projection vector = XY
1
1
17 17
0
0
1 4 4
1
= 2 4 . 1 1
17
t + 3t 0 0
4
4 4 + 2 4
=
1
17
0

4
2
= 1
17
0
10. [NJC/10/1/3]
The points A and B have position vectors a and b respectively, relative to the origin
O such that a = b . The point P with position vector p lies on AB such that
b p = a p .
i) Show that AP is perpendicular to OP .
ii) Determine the position vector of the point D in terms of a and b , where D
is the reflection of O about the line AB .
iii) Give the geometrical meaning of a b .
Ans: ii) OD = a + b , iii) Area of rhombus
i)
AB OP = ( b a ) p
= b p a p
= 0 since b p = a p
Therefore AP is perpendicular to OP .
Alternative
b p = a p
b p a p = 0
(b a ) p = 0
AB OP = 0
Therefore AP is perpendicular to OP .
ii)
0
Since AP is perpendicular to OP ., P is the foot of the perpendicular from O to the line

AB .
Since a = b , then P must the mid-point of AB .
Therefore OP =
1
(a + b ) .
2
[2]
[2]
[1]
And OD = 2OP = 2
1
(a + b ) = a + b .
2
iii)
a b represents the
(1) area of rhombus OADB or OBDA. (or)
(2) magnitude of a vector which is perpendicular to a and b.
Level 3
11. [MJC/10/2/2]
Three non-zero and non-parallel vectors p, q and r are such that p q = 3p r .
Show that q 3r = p , where is a scalar.
[2]
It is also given that p is a unit vector, q = 5 , r = 2 and the angle between q and r
5
is cos1 . By considering ( q 3r ) ( q 3r ) , find the exact values of .
6
Ans: = 11
p q = 3p r
( p q ) ( 3p r ) = 0
( p q ) ( p 3r ) = 0
p ( q 3r ) = 0
Therefore p / / ( q 3r ) q 3r = p where R .
( q 3r ) ( q 3r ) = q 3r
= q q 3r q 3q r + 9r r
2
q 3r = q q 3r q 3q r + 9r r
2
p = q 6q r + 9 r
2 p = 52 6 q r cos + 9 ( 2 )
2
2 (1) = 61 6 ( 5 )( 2 )
6
2 = 11
= 11
[4]
12. [AJC/10/2/4]
cos t
Relative to the origin O , the points A and B have position vectors a = sin t and
1
cos 2t
b = sin 2t respectively, where t is a real parameter such that 0 t < .

0.5
i) Show that a b = m + cos ( nt ) where m and n are constants to be determined.

[2]
ii) Hence, find the exact value of t for which AOB is a maximum.
[3]
iii)
r

Another point C has position vector c = s where r and s are real
0

constants. Given that A , B and C are collinear when t =
, find the value of
r and s .
[3]
Ans: i) m = 0.5, n = 3 , ii) t =
, iii) r =
1
1
and s =
3
3
i)
cos t cos 2t
a b = sin t sin 2t
1 0.5
= cos t cos 2t sin t sin 2t 0.5

= cos ( t + 2t ) 0.5,identity cos ( A B ) = cos A cos B sin A sin B
= 0.5 + cos ( 3t )
ii)
a b = a b cos AOB
cos AOB =
=
ab
a b
cos 3t 0.5
( cos t ) + ( sin t )
2
+1
( cos 2t ) + ( sin 2t )
2
+ 0.25
cos 3t 0.5
1 + 1 1 + 0.25
cos 3t 0.5
=
2.5
The function cos is a decreasing function for 0 AOB . Therefore to find the
cos 3t 0.5
maximum value of AOB , we will want to find the minimum value of
2.5
=
The minimum value of
cos 3t 0.5
occurs at cos 3t = 1 which gives
2.5
1 0.5 2.5
=
= 2.5 .
2.5
2.5
Hence cos 3t = 1 t =
Alternative
cos 3t 0.5
2.5
cos 3t 0.5
cos =
, Let AOB =
2.5
d 3sin 3t
sin
=
dt
2.5
d
= 0.
At maximum value,
dt
3sin 3t
0=
2.5
sin 3t = 0
cos AOB =
3t = 0 or
t = 0 or
Using the first derivative test, t =
gives maximum value.
iii)
When t =
cos 2
cos
2
2 0
a = sin
= 1 and b = sin 2 = 0
2
2
0.5

0.5
1
Since A , B and C are collinear,
AB = k AC
r 0
1 0

0 1 = k s 1
0.5 1
0 1

1
r

1 = k s 1
1.5
1

1 = kr
1 = k ( s 1)
1.5 = k
Solving
k = 1.5, r =
1
1
and s =
3
3
13. The points A and B have position vectors i + j + k and 2i + 3j + 4k respectively,

relative to the origin O . The point C lies on OA produced and is such that AC = 2OA .
i) Show that OC is perpendicular to BC .
ii) Find the length of projection of OA on OB .
iii) P is a point on the line BC such that the area of ACP is 24 units 2 . Find the
two possible position vectors of P .
5
1
9

2
Ans: ii)
units , iii) 3 or 3
29
1
5

i)
AC = 2OA
OC OA = 2OA
OC = 3OA
3

OC = 3
3

3 2 1

BC = OC OB = 3 3 = 0
3 4 1

3 1

OC BC = 3 0 = 3 3 = 0
3 1

Therefore OC is perpendicular to BC .
ii)
length of projection of OA on OB
1
2
OB
1
9

2+3+ 4
= OA
= 1
=
3 =
units 2
29
29
OB
1 4 + 9 + 16 4

iii)
3 1 2

AC = AC = OC OA = 3 1 = 2 = 2 3 units 2
3 1 2

Area ACP =
1
( AC )( CP ) =
2
1
2 2 ( CP ) =
2
CP =
24
24
24
12
CP = 2 2
1

BC = BC = 0 = 2 units 2
1

CB
2
=
CP1 2 2
CP1 = 2CB
CP1 = 2CB
3
1

OP1 3 = 2 0
3
1

1

OP1 = 3
5

CB
2
=
P2C 2 2
P2C = 2CB
P2C = 2CB
3
1

3 OP2 = 2 0
3
1

5

OP2 = 3
1

<
which is a wrong assumption, however,
Note: in the diagram above, I had assumed
it does not affect the answers. The diagram is for visualisation purposes and accuracy is not
important. .
Vectors (Lines)
Level 1
1. [ACJC/06/1/5]
A line l passes through a fixed point A with coordinates (5,6,4) and is parallel to
2
2

the vector 3 . Another point, C, has position vector 3 . Find the position
1
4

vector of the foot of the perpendicular from C to line l. Hence or otherwise, find the
length of projection of vector AC on the line l , giving your answer in exact form. [5]
38 / 7
3 14
Ans: OP = 75 / 14 ;
units
14
53 /14
2. The line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates (1, 2, 1) and ( 2, a,1)
3.
respectively.
i) Show that the line cuts the x -axis when a = 2 .
ii) Find the length of projections of OA onto the line l and hence, the shortest
distance of the origin from l .
9
15
,
Ans:
21 7
TJC/05
The equations of lines l1 and l2 are given as follows
x 2 2z 3
l1 :
=
;y=2
3
4
1
1

r = 1 + 2 , where is a parameter.
3
1

i)
1
Show that the cosine of the acute angle between the two lines is
.
78
ii) Find the position vector of the point of intersection between l1 and l2 .
0.5

Ans: ii) 2
2.5

4.
5.
6.
[AJC/07/1/4]
The points A and B have coordinates (2, 1,3) and (4,13, 3) respectively. The line l1
passes through the point A and is parallel to the line l2 with cartesian equations
7 y z+3
=
, x = 4 .
2
5
i) Find the vector equation of the line l1 .
ii) N is the point on l1 such that BN is perpendicular to l1 . Find the vector
equation of the line BN.
2
0
4
1

Ans: i) l1 : r = 1 + 2 , , ii) r = 13 + 5 ,
3
5
3
2

[CJC/10/1/7]
1
Relative to the origin O, the points A , B and C have position vectors 2 ,
1

[1]
[4]
2

1 and
3

1

2 respectively. The point P lies on the line AB produced such that AP : PB = 3 :1 .
3

i) Find the vector OP .
[2]
ii)
0
2

The line l has equation r = 1 + 1 , where .
2

1
[3]
Determine whether l and the line through A and B are intersecting.
iii) Find the shortest distance from C to AB . Hence, or otherwise, find the area
of triangle ABC .
[3]
5
1
22
Ans: i) 1 , ii) do not intersect, iii)
, 11
2
3
8
The lines l1 and l2 have equations l1 : r = 3 x + 6 = 3 y + 3 = z 12 and
4
1

l2 : r = 2 + 2 , respectively.
5

2
i) Find a vector equation of l1 .
ii) Determine whether the lines are parallel, skew or intersecting. If the lines are
intersecting, find the position vector of the point of intersection.
2
1 / 3
5

Ans: i) r = 1 + 1 / 3 , R , ii) 4
3
12
1

[2]
[4]
7.
[JJC/06/1/12]
The position vectors of the points A and B are i + 2j + 3k and 2i + 3j + pk respectively,
where p is a constant. The point C is such that OABC is a rectangle where O is the
origin.
i) Show that p = 2.
[2]
ii) Write down the position vector of C.
[1]
iii) Find a vector equation of the line BC.]
[2]
iv)
x 1 y 1
=
, z = 1 . Show that the lines BC
The equation of line l is given by
3
2
and l are skew.
[4]
2
1
1

Ans: ii) OC = 1 , iii) r = 3 + 2 ,
2
3
1

8.
Line l1 passes through P (1,1, 0 ) and is parallel to vector ai + j , where a is unknown

constant. l2 has the Cartesian equation x 2 = y 1 = z
a) Find the equation of l1 and l2 in vector form.
b) Find, in terms of a , the cosine of the acute angle between the lines l1 and l2 .
Deduce the value of a such that l1 is perpendicular to l2 .
c) For the case where a = 2 ,
i) Show that the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point
7
6
Q ( 3, 2, 0 ) to the line l1 is i + j .
5 5
ii) Hence, find, in any order the distance from Q to the line l1 and the length of
projection of QP on the line l1 .
iii) Find the position vector of the image Q ' , the reflection of Q in the line l1 .
1
a
2
1

Ans: a) l1 : r = 1 + 1 , , l2 : r = 1 + 1 , , b)
0
0
0
1

1/ 5
5
8
cii)
units , ciii) 22 / 5
5,
5
5
0
a +1
3 a2 + 1
, a = 1
9.
[CJC/06/1/14]
8
2

The points A and B have position vectors 3 and 3 respectively.
2
4

i) Show that AB = 2 26 .
ii) Find the Cartesian equation for the line AB.
iii)
2 2

The line l has equation r = 3 + t 6 .
4 5

Find the length of the projection of AB onto l.
iv) Calculate the acute angle between AB and l, giving your answer correct to the
nearest degree.
v) Find the position vector of the foot N of the perpendicular from A to l.
Hence find the position vector of the image of A in the line l.
8 x z 2
10
Ans: ii)
=
, y = 3 , iii)
units 2 , iv) 830
10
2
65
10. [ACJC/10/1/9]
Relative to the origin O, two points A and B have position vectors given
a = 3i + j + 3k and b = 5i 4 j + 3k respectively.
i) Find the length of the projection of OA on OB .
ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the position vector of the point C on OB such that
AC is perpendicular to OB.
iii) Find a vector equation of the reflection of the line AB in the line AC.
3
20
5
2

Ans: i) 2 2 , ii) 4 , iii) r = 1 + 1 , R
5
3

3

8
[1]
[2]
[2]
[3]
[4]
by
[2]
[2]
[3]
Level 2
11. [NJC/06/2/1]
Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B, C and D are
2i + 3 j + 2k , i + 4 j , 5i + 2 j and ai + j + bk respectively where a, b R .
Given that the lines AB and CD intersect and are perpendicular to each other, show
that a = 8 and find the value of b.
[6]
Hence, determine the exact length of projection of BC onto the line AB.
[2]
2
Ans: 6 units
12. [RJC/06/1/10]
The points A and B have position vectors ai + j k and ai + bj + k respectively,
where a and b are constants. The line l1 has vector equation
r = i 2 j + 5k + t (2i + 3 j 6k ) .
The line l2 ,which passes through the points A and B, intersects l1 at right angles.
Find b and show that a = 3.
[4]
A point P on l1 is such that the length of PB is 69 units. Find the two possible
position vectors of P.
[4]
1
5

Ans: b = 5 , OP = 2 or 4
5
7

13. [SRJC/06/1/10]
The lines l1 and l2 have vector equations
1

r = 2 +
3

0
1
1

2 and r = 0 + 2
4
1
1

respectively, where and are real parameters.
i) Find the acute angle between the two lines l1 and l2 , giving your answer to
the nearest 0.1 .

ii)
[2]
1

Show that l1 passes through point P with position vector 4 .
2

Hence, show that the distance between point P and any point on the line l2 is
given by
6 2 12 + 20 . Deduce the shortest distance between point P and
the line l2 .
[5]
Ans: i) 56.8 , ii) 14

14. [RI/2008/P1/Q6]
With respect to the origin O , the position vectors of two points A and B are given by
a and b respectively where a = 1 , b = 2 and a b = 1 . C is the point on AB such that
AC = 2 BC .
i) Find the position vector of the point C in terms of a and b ,
ii)
3
Show that the length of projection of OC onto OB is and deduce the
2
position vector of the foot, N , of the perpendicular from C to the line OB .
iii) Find the value of such that C , D and N are collinear where OD = a + b .
1
3
1
Ans: i) ( a + 2b ) , ii) b , iii)
3
4
2
[1]
[4]
[3]
15. [MJC/06/2/5]
3
1
Relative to an origin O, points A and B have position vectors 4 and 2

1
0

6 1
respectively. The line l has vector equation r = a + t 3 , where t is a real parameter
0 a

and a is a constant. The line m passes through the point A and is parallel to the line OB.
i) Find the position vector of the point P on m such that OP is perpendicular to
m.
[4]
ii) Show that the two lines l and m have no common point.
[3]
iii) If the acute angle between the line l and the z-axis is 60o , find the exact
values of the constant a.

4
10
Ans: i) 2 , iii)
3
1

[3]
Vectors (Lines)
Level 1
1. [ACJC/06/1/5]
A line l passes through a fixed point A with coordinates (5,6,4) and is parallel to
2
2
the vector 3 . Another point, C, has position vector 3 . Find the position
1
4

vector of the foot of the perpendicular from C to line l. Hence or otherwise, find the
length of projection of vector AC on the line l , giving your answer in exact form. [5]
38 / 7
3 14
Ans: OP = 75 /14 ;
units
14
53 / 14
5 2

l :r = 6 + s 3 , s R
4 1

Let the foot of the perpendicular from C to the above line be P .
2

CP. 3 = 0
1

2

OP OC . 3 = 0
1

5 2 s 2 2

6 + 3s 3 . 3 = 0
4 + s 4 1
3
14
38 / 7
OP = 75 /14
53 / 14
Hence method: Length of vector AC on the line l is AP

38 / 7 5 6 /14

3 14
AP = OP OA = 75 /14 6 = 9 /14 =
units
14
53 /14 4 3 /14
Otherwise method:
2
1
3

3=
units
Length of projection = AP = AC.
4 + 9 +1
14
1
s=
2.
The line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates (1, 2, 1) and ( 2, a,1)
respectively.
i) Show that the line cuts the x -axis when a = 2 .
ii) Find the length of projections of OA onto the line l and hence, the shortest
distance of the origin from l .
9
15
Ans:
,
21 7
i)
2 1 1

AB = OB OA = a 2 = a 2
1 1 2

1
1

Equation of line l : r = 2 + a 2
1
2

When l cust the x-axis, 2 + ( a 2 ) = 0 and 1 + 2 = 0 . Solving =
1
and a = 2 .
2
ii)
1
1
1
9

4
=
Length of projection of OA onto l , d = 2

21
1 1 + 16 + 4 2

Using Pythagorass theorem,
Perpendicular distance of O to the line l , h =
81
15
9
OA
= 6 21 = 7 units
21
2
3.
TJC/05
The equations of lines l1 and l2 are given as follows
x 2 2z 3
l1 :
=
;y=2
3
4
1
1

r = 1 + 2 , where is a parameter.
3

1
i)
Show that the cosine of the acute angle between the two lines is
.
78
ii) Find the position vector of the point of intersection between l1 and l2 .
0.5
Ans: ii) 2
2.5

i) Equation of line l1
Equation of line l2
2
3

r = 2 + 0 , R
~

2
3

2
Let the angle between the 2 lines be
1
1

r = 1 + 2 , R
~
3
1

3
1

1
1
cos =
2
0
9 + 0 + 4 1+ 4 +1
2
1
1
1
cos =
3 2 =
78
78
ii) If the two line intersect

2
3 1
1

2 + 0 = 1 + 2
3
2 3
1

2
2 3 = 1
(1)
(2)
2 = 1 + 2
3
+ 2 = 3
(3)
2
1
From (2) =
2
1
Substitute = into (1)
2
1
1
2 3 = 1 =
2
2
Substitute into =
1
1
and = into (3)
2
2
3
5
+1 =
2
2
1 5
RHS = 3 = = LHS
2 2
Therefore the two lines intersect.
The point of intersection
1
2
1 3 2
= 2 + 0 = 2
3 2 5
2 2
2
LHS =
4.
[AJC/07/1/4]
The points A and B have coordinates (2, 1,3) and (4,13, 3) respectively. The line l1
passes through the point A and is parallel to the line l2 with cartesian equations
7 y z +3
=
, x = 4 .
2
5
i) Find the vector equation of the line l1 .
ii) N is the point on l1 such that BN is perpendicular to l1 . Find the vector
equation of the line BN.
2
0
4
1

Ans: i) l1 : r = 1 + 2 , , ii) r = 13 + 5 ,
3

3

5

2
i)
7 y z+3
=
. Then, y = 7 2 and z = 3 + 5
2
5
4
0

l2 : r = 7 + 2 ,
3
5

Let =
2
0

l1 : r = 1 + 2 , ,
3
5

ii)
2
Since N lies on l1 , ON = 1 2
3 + 5
24
0
BN is perpendicular to l1 , thus BN 2 = 0 1 2 13 2 = 0
5
3 + 5 + 3 5

4
1
2
1

. Hence,
= 2 BN = 10 = 2 5
lBN : r = 13 + 5 ,
3

4

2
[1]
[4]
5.
[CJC/10/1/7]
1 2
Relative to the origin O, the points A , B and C have position vectors 2 , 1 and
1 3

1

2 respectively. The point P lies on the line AB produced such that AP : PB = 3 :1 .
3

i) Find the vector OP .
[2]
ii)
0
2

The line l has equation r = 1 + 1 , where .
2
1

[3]
Determine whether l and the line through A and B are intersecting.
iii) Find the shortest distance from C to AB . Hence, or otherwise, find the area
[3]
of triangle ABC .
5
22
1
Ans: i) 1 , ii) do not intersect, iii)
, 11
3
2
8
i)
By ration theorem
2OP + 1OA
OB =
3
1
OP = 3OB OA
2
2 1
1
OP = 3 1 2 =
2
3 1
5
1
1
2
8
1
1

Equation of line AB : r = 2 + 1 ,
1
2

When both lines intersects,
1 + 2
2 = 1
1 + 2 2 +
1 + = 2 (1)
2 = 1 (2)
1 + 2 = 2 + (3)
Solving (1) and (2) = 2, = 3
Substituting into equation (3)
LHS = 1 + 2 ( 3) = 7
RHS = 2 + 2 = 4 LH S
Hence the two lines do not intersect.
iii)
2 1
1
22
0
1
=
=
Shortest distance from C to AB = AC
3
6
AB
2 2
AB
1
1 22
= 11
Area of triangle ABC = 1
2 3
2
6.
The lines l1 and l2 have equations l1 : r = 3 x + 6 = 3 y + 3 = z 12 and

4
1

l2 : r = 2 + 2 , respectively.
5
2

i) Find a vector equation of l1 .
ii) Determine whether the lines are parallel, skew or intersecting. If the lines are
intersecting, find the position vector of the point of intersection.
2
1 / 3
5

Ans: i) r = 1 + 1 / 3 , R , ii) 4
12
3

1

3 + 6 3 + 3
=
=
1
1
1
=2+
3
1
=1+
3
= 12 + 1
Therefore,
Let
When the two lines intersects,
Using the GC,
12
=
1
2
: = 1 +
12
2
1 +
12
1
3#
1 ,
"
3
1 !
1
4
1
3#
1" = 2 + ) 2
5
2
3
1 !
) = 2 1
3
1
2) = 1 2
3
+ 2) = 7 3
[2]
[4]
= 9, ) = 1
4
1
5
The position vector of intersection = 2 + 1 2 = 4
5
2
3
7.
[JJC/06/1/12]
The position vectors of the points A and B are i + 2j + 3k and 2i + 3j + pk respectively,
where p is a constant. The point C is such that OABC is a rectangle where O is the
origin.
i) Show that p = 2.
[2]
ii) Write down the position vector of C.
[1]
iii) Find a vector equation of the line BC.]
[2]
iv)
x 1 y 1
=
, z = 1 . Show that the lines BC
The equation of line l is given by
3
2
and l are skew.
[4]
2
1
1

Ans: ii) OC = 1 , iii) r = 3 + 2 ,
2

1

3

i)
OA AB OA AB = 0
1 2 1

2 3 2 = 0
3 p 3

1 + 2 + 3( p 3) = 0
p = 2 (Shown)
ii)
1

OC = AB = 1
1

iii)
1 2 1

BC = 1 3 = 2 or
1 2 3

Vector equation of line BC is
2
1

r = 3 + 2,
2
3

x 1 y 1
l:
=
, z =1
3
2
1

BC = AO = 2
3

1
3

r = 1 + 2 ,
1
0

1 + = 3......(1)
2 + 1 + 3
Equating BC and l : 3 + 2 = 1 + 2 2 + 2 = 2......(2)

2 + 3 1
1 + 3 = 0......(3)
Solving (1) and (2) gives = 0 and = 1 .

But equation (3) gives = 1 / 3
So the two lines do not intersect.
Furthermore, they are not parallel since i + 2j + 3k is not parallel to 3i + 2j.

Hence, the two lines are skew.
8.
Line l1 passes through P (1,1, 0 ) and is parallel to vector ai + j , where a is unknown

constant. l2 has the Cartesian equation x 2 = y 1 = z
a) Find the equation of l1 and l2 in vector form.
b) Find, in terms of a , the cosine of the acute angle between the lines l1 and l2 .
Deduce the value of a such that l1 is perpendicular to l2 .
c) For the case where a = 2 ,
i) Show that the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point
7
6
Q ( 3, 2, 0 ) to the line l1 is i + j .
5 5
ii) Hence, find, in any order the distance from Q to the line l1 and the length of
projection of QP on the line l1 .
iii) Find the position vector of the image Q ' , the reflection of Q in the line l1 .
1
a
2
1

Ans: a) l1 : r = 1 + 1 , , l2 : r = 1 + 1 , , b)
0
0
0
1

1/ 5
5
8
cii)
units , ciii) 22 / 5
5,
5
5
0
a)
1
a

l1 : r = 1 + 1 ,
0
0

Let x 2 = y 1 = z =
x2 = x = 2+
y 1 = y = 1 +
z = z = 0
2
1

Hence l2 : r = 1 + 1 ,
0
1

b) Let the angle between the lines l1 and l2 be ,
cos =
cos =
a
1
1
1
1
a2 + 1 3
0
1
a +1
3 a2 + 1
If the lines are perpendicular, =
a +1
3 a2 + 1
, a = 1
cos
a +1
3 a2 +1
a = 1
ci) a = 2
1
2

l1 : r = 1 + 1 ,
0

0
i) Let F be the foot of the perpendicular from Q to l1
1 + 2
Since F lies on l1 , OF = 1 + for a value

0
1 + 2 3 2 + 2
QF = OF OQ = 1 + 2 = 3 +
0 0 0
Since QF l1 ,
2 + 2 2

3 + 1 = 0
0 0

4 + 4 + 3 + = 0
1
=
5
1
1 + 2 5

1 7 6
Therefore OF = 1 + = i + j ( shown )
5 5 5
ii)
2
7 6
8
7 6
Perpendicular distance from Q to l1 = QF = i + j = + =
5
5 5
5
5 5
Length of projection of QP on l1
2 1 7 / 5
2
0.4 2
1
1
1
5

= QP
1 = 1 6 / 5 2
1 = 5 0.2 1 = 5 = 5 units
2
2 + 1
2 +1
0 0
0 0 0
0
iii) By midpoint theorem

1
OF = OQ + OQ '
2
OQ ' = 2OF OQ
7 / 5 3 1/ 5
OQ ' = 2 6 / 5 2 = 22 / 5
0 0 0
9.
[CJC/06/1/14]
8
2

The points A and B have position vectors 3 and 3 respectively.
2
4

i) Show that AB = 2 26 .
ii) Find the Cartesian equation for the line AB.
iii)
2 2

The line l has equation r = 3 + t 6 .
4 5

Find the length of the projection of AB onto l.
iv) Calculate the acute angle between AB and l, giving your answer correct to the
nearest degree.
v) Find the position vector of the foot N of the perpendicular from A to l.
Hence find the position vector of the image of A in the line l.
8 x z 2
10
Ans: ii)
=
, y = 3 , iii)
units 2 , iv) 830
10
2
65
10
i) AB = OB OA = 0 . AB = AB = 100 + 4 = 2 26 ( shown )
2
ii)
8
10

Vector Equation of AB: r = 3 + 0 ,

2
2

x

Let r = y , so
z

x = 8 10
x 8
10

y = 3 + 0
z 2
2

8 x
10
z2
2
y=3
z = 2 + 2
Therefore Cartesian Equation of AB is

iii)
8 x z 2
=
,y=3
10
2
[1]
[2]
[2]
[3]
[4]
Point B passes through l.

10
1
Length of Projection = 0
2
2
2
2 2 +6 +5
2
20 + 0 + 10
10

=
=
6
units 2

2
2
2
65
2 +6 +5
5

iv)
cos =
10
2
1
1
0
6
104
65
2
5
= 830
v)
B
N
2 2

ON = 3 + t 6 for some t value
4 5

10 + 2t
AN = ON OA = 6t
2 + 5t
10 + 2t 2

6t 6 = 0 20 + 4t + 36t + 10 + 25t = 0
2 + 5t 5

10 2
65t = 10 t =
=
65 13
2
2
22
2 1
ON = 3 + 6 = 51
4 13 5 13 62

O
By Ratio Theorem,
ON =
OA + OA'
2
OA ' = 2ON OA
148
44
13
13
8
= 102 3 = 63
13
13
124 2 98
13
13
10. [ACJC/10/1/9]
Relative to the origin O, two points A and B have position vectors given
a = 3i + j + 3k and b = 5i 4 j + 3k respectively.
i) Find the length of the projection of OA on OB .
ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the position vector of the point C on OB such that
AC is perpendicular to OB.
iii) Find a vector equation of the reflection of the line AB in the line AC.
3
20
5
2

Ans: i) 2 2 , ii) 4 , iii) r = 1 + 1 , R
5
3
8
3

i)
Length of the projection of OA on OB
3
5
20
1
4 =
=2 2
= 1
50
50
3

3
ii)
A
Method 1:
From (i), OC = 2 2
5
5
1 2
OC = 2 2
4 = 4
50 5
3
3
Method 2:
0
5
Line OB: r = 0 + 4
0
3

Method 2:
0
5
Line OB: r = 0 + 4
0
3

5 3 5 3

AC = OC OA = 4 1 = 4 1
3 3 3 3

Since AC OB ,
by
[2]
[2]
[3]
5 3 5

4 1 . 4 = 0
3 3 3

2
=
5
5
2
OC = 4
5
3
iii)
Using midpoint theorem,
1
OC = OB ' + OB
2
5 5
5
1
2
OB ' = 2OC OB = 2 4 4 = 4
5
5 3 3
3

5 3
20
1
1
AB ' = OB ' OA = 4 1 = 1
5
5
3 3
18
3
20

Vector equation of line AB ' is r = 1 + 1 , R
2
8

Level 2
11. [NJC/06/2/1]
Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B, C and D are
2i + 3 j + 2k , i + 4 j , 5i + 2 j and ai + j + bk respectively where a, b R .
Given that the lines AB and CD intersect and are perpendicular to each other, show
that a = 8 and find the value of b.
[6]
Hence, determine the exact length of projection of BC onto the line AB.
[2]
2
Ans: 6 units
1
a 5
,
AB = 1 CD = 1
2
b

Since AB and CD are perpendicular, then AB CD = 0 ,

i.e. a + 5 1 2b = 0 a + 2b = 4 --- (1)
1 2 2
2
1

Equation of line AB : r = 3 + 4 3 = 3 + 1 ,

2
2
0 2 2
a 5 5
5
a 5

Equation of line CD : r = 2 + 1 2 = 2 + 1 ,
0
b 0 0

b
Since the lines AB and CD intersect, then we have
2
1 5
a 5

3 + 1 = 2 + 1
2
2 0

b
2 5 + a 5
3+ = 2

2 2
2 = 5 + a 5 --- (2)
+ = 1
b + 2 = 2
--- (3)
--- (4)
From (1) and (3), we get a = 4 2b and = 1 .
2 = 5 + a 5
2 = 5 + ( 1 )( 4 2b ) 5 ( 1 )
2 = 5 4 + 2b 4 + 2b + 5 + 5
4 = 2 + 2b + 2b
b=
2
1+
--- (5)
b + 2 = 2
( 1 ) b + 2 = 2
2 + 2
= b --- (6)
1+
Equating (5) and (6), we get
2 2 + 2
=
1+
1+
2 = 2 + 2
=0
Thus we have b = 2 (Ans) and a = 4 2 ( 2 ) = 8 (shown)
Since = 0 , A is the point of intersection between line AB and CD .
-
,
.
Length of projection is of BC on AB is AB = 12 + 12 + 22 = 6 units 2
12. [RJC/06/1/10]
The points A and B have position vectors ai + j k and ai + bj + k respectively,
where a and b are constants. The line l1 has vector equation
r = i 2 j + 5k + t (2i + 3j 6k ) .
The line l2 ,which passes through the points A and B, intersects l1 at right angles.
Find b and show that a = 3.
[4]
A point P on l1 is such that the length of PB is 69 units. Find the two possible
position vectors of P.
[4]
1
5
Ans: b = 5 , OP = 2 or 4
5

7
0
AB = OB OA = b 1
2
2
Since l1 and l2 intersect at right angles, AB 3 = 0
6

0 2

b 1 3 = 3(b 1) 12 = 0 b = 5
2 6

1 2

l1 : r = 2 + t 3 , t

5 6
a
0

l2 : r = 1 + 4 ,

2
1

1 + 2t a
Since l1 and l2 intersect, 2 + 3t = 1 + 4
5 6t 1 + 2
1 + 2t = a
2 + 3t = 1 + 4
5 6t = 1 + 2
Solving, t = 1, a = 3
1 + 2t
P lies on l1 OP = 2 + 3t
5 6t
2 + 2t
BP = OP OB = 7 + 3t
4 6t
BP = ( 2 + 2t ) 2 + ( 7 + 3t ) 2 + (4 6t ) 2
69 = 49t 2 98t + 69
49t (t 2) = 0
t = 0 or 2
1
5
or .
OP = 2
4
5
7

13. [SRJC/06/1/10]
The lines l1 and l 2 have vector equations
1
0
1
1

r = 2 + 2 and r = 0 + 2
4
1
3
1

respectively, where and are real parameters.
i) Find the acute angle between the two lines l1 and l 2 , giving your answer to
the nearest 0.1 .
ii)
[2]
1

Show that l1 passes through point P with position vector 4 .
2

Hence, show that the distance between point P and any point on the line l 2 is
given by
6 2 12 + 20 . Deduce the shortest distance between point P and
the line l 2 .
[5]
Ans: i) 56.8 , ii) 14

i)
0
1
1 1
cos =
2
2
5 6
1
1
cos =
4 + 1
30
= 56.80
ii)
1 0 1

When = 1 , r = 2 + 2 = 4
3 1 2

Therefore, l1 passes through the point P.
(Hence)
Let M be any point on l 2 .
1+
1+ 1
OM = 2 PM = 2 4 = 4 2
4 +
4 + 2 2 +
PM = 2 + ( 4 2 ) 2 + ( 2 + ) 2 = 6 2 12 + 20
(Deduce)
Since 6 2 12 + 20 = 6( 1) 2 + 14 .
Therefore, the shortest distance is 14 when = 1 .
(shown)
14.
[RI/2008/P1/Q6]
With respect to the origin O , the position vectors of two points A and B are given by
a and b respectively where a = 1 , b = 2 and a b = 1 . C is the point on AB such
that AC = 2 BC .
i) Find the position vector of the point C in terms of a and b ,
ii)
3
Show that the length of projection of OC onto OB is
and deduce the
2
position vector of the foot, N , of the perpendicular from C to the line OB .
iii) Find the value of such that C , D and N are collinear where OD = a + b .
1
3
1
Ans: i) ( a + 2b ) , ii) b , iii)
3
4
2
i) Using ratio theorem,
A 2 C
1
B
/////0
-=
O
/////0 + 2/////0
,
1
1 + 22
3
3
ii)
- on /////0
,
Length of projection of /////0
/////0
,
= 3/////0
-
3
5/////0
,5
1
2
= 6 1 + 22 6
2
3
1
= |1 2 + 82 2|
6
1
= |1 2 + 8|2|9 |
6
1
= |1 + 8|
6
3
= units
2
//////0
?=
3 /////0
,
3 2
3
=
= 2
2 5/////0
4
,5 2 2
iii)
For -, ., ? to be collinear
/-?
/////0 , @
////0 = @-.
[1]
[4]
[3]
3
1
1
1
2 1 + 22 = 1 +
2
4
3
3
12
1
2
2
/////0 + //////0
/////0 = . = //////0
. /////0
- = 1 + 2 1 + 22 = 1 + 2
-.
3
3
3
1
1
2
2
1 + 2 = @ B 1 + 2C
3
12
3
3
1
2
2
1
=@

@
=
3
3
3
12
1
2
1
1

=
@=
2
3
12
2
1
=
2
/-?
/////0 + //////0
////0 = ? = //////0
? /////0
-=
15. [MJC/06/2/5]
3
1
Relative to an origin O, points A and B have position vectors 4 and 2

1
0

6 1
respectively. The line l has vector equation r = a + t 3 , where t is a real parameter
0 a

and a is a constant. The line m passes through the point A and is parallel to the line OB.
i) Find the position vector of the point P on m such that OP is perpendicular to
m.
[4]
ii) Show that the two lines l and m have no common point.
[3]
iii) If the acute angle between the line l and the z-axis is 60o , find the exact
values of the constant a.
4
10

Ans: i) 2 , iii)
3
1

[3]
i)
3 1
OP = 4 + s 2 , for some s .
1

Since OP is perpendicular to l, OP 2 = 0
0

3 s 1

4 + 2 s 2 = 0 3 + s + 8 + 4 s = 0
1 0
s = 1
3 1 4
So, OP = 4 + 2 = 2
1 0 1

ii)
3 1 6 1
Let 4 + s 2 = a + t 3
1 0 0 a

(1)
3 s = 6 + t
4 + 2 s = a + 3t (2)
1 = at
(3)
From (1) : s = 3 t ------------------- (4)
Sub (4) into (2) : 4 + 2(3 t ) = a + 3t

5t = 2 a ----------- (5)
Sub (5) into (3) : 5 = a(2 a)
a 2 + 2a + 5 = 0
(a + 1)2 + 4 = 0
Since, there are no real solutions for the equation (a + 1)2 + 4 = 0 , therefore there does not
exist real values of a such that the two lines l and m intersect. Hence, the 2 lines do not have a
common point.
iii)
1 0
3 0

a 1
o
cos 60 =
10 + a 2 .1
a
1
=
2
10 + a 2
4a 2 = 10 + a 2 a =
10
3
Vectors (Planes)
Level 1
1. The position vectors of points A and B are given by OA = i + j + k , OB = 2i + 3 j + 4k .
i) Find a vector equation of the line passing through A and B .
ii)
2

Find the position vector of the point where this line meets the plane r 1 = 8 .
1

1
1
3

Ans: i) r = 1 + 2 , , ii) 5
7
1
3

2. [ACJC/07/1/13]
1
1
2
3

The planes 1 and 2 have equations r = 0 + 0 + 3 and r 2 = 6
1
3
0
1

respectively, where , R .
a) Show that 1 and 2 are parallel.
[2]
b) The line l1 which passes through the point A, with position vector, i k , and is
parallel to 3i 2 j + 7k meets 2 at B. Find
i) the position vector of B;
ii) the length of projection of AB in the plane 2 .
3.
[4]
[3]
2
12 21
Ans: bi) 2 , bii)
8
7

The position vectors of points A and B are given by OA = 2i + 3j k and OB = 5 j + 3k
respectively. Given that C is a point on the line AB such that OC is perpendicular to
the line AB .
i) Find the position vector C .
ii) Find a vector perpendicular to the plane containing O , A and B .
11/ 6
14

Ans: i) 19 / 6 , ii) 6
2 / 3
10
4.
[VJC/10/2/3]
5.
1
1
1

The plane and the line l have equations r. 1 = 4 and r = 2 + 0 respectively,
a
2
1

where is a real parameter and a is a constant.
a) It is given that a = 1 . Find
i) the acute angle between and the plane z = 0,
[2]
ii) the exact perpendicular distance of the point (1, 3, 2) from .
[3]
b) It is given that a = 3. Find the acute angle between l and .
[3]
2
3 , b) 25.20
Ans: ai) 54.7 0 , aii)
3
Find the vector equation of the plane determined by the points ( 0,1,1) , ( 2,1 3) ,
(1, 3, 2 )
and also find the coordinates of the point in which this plane intersects the line
r = (1 + 2 ) i + ( 2 3 ) j + ( 3 5 ) k
4

Ans: r 3 = 1 , ( 3 1, 8 )
2

6.
0
2

The planes 1 and 2 have equations r 1 = 2 and r 1 = 12 respectively. The
2
4

point A has coordinates ( 7, 2, 0 ) and O is the origin.
i) Verify that A lies in both 1 and 2 .
ii)
The planes 1 and 2 meet in the line L .
7
3

Show that a vector equation of the line L is r = 2 + 2 ,
0

1
iii) The point B has coordinates ( 7, 4,9 ) and the foot of the perpendicular from B to
2 is N . Find the coordinates of the point N .

iv) Find the Cartesian equation of the plane 3 containing the line L and is
perpendicular to the plane 2 .
Ans: iii) ( 3, 2,1) , iv) x + 2 y + z = 3
7.
[PJC/05/FM/1/9] (part of)

The planes 1 and 2 have equations given by
1 : x + az = 10
2 : 2 x + y z = 3
The line l1 is the line of intersection of 1 and 2 . The line l2 passes through the point
P , whose position vector is 3i j + pk , and is parallel to the vector 3i 4 j + k .
i) Given that the line l1 is parallel to the vector 2i + 3j k , show that a = 2 . Hence
find a vector equation of l1 .

ii) Find, in terms of p , of the point of intersection between the line l2 and the plane
2 .
8.
Ans: ii) ( 3 p 3, 7 4 p, 2 p 2 )
[IJC/07/1/5]
The position vectors of the points A, B, and C are given by i + j + k , 4i + 3 j + 2k and
7i 2 j k respectively
i) Prove that the points A, B and C are not collinear.
[2]
ii) Find a vector which is perpendicular to the plane ABC.
[2]
iii) Deduce the exact length of projection of PQ on the plane ABC, given that
OP = 2i + 4 j + 7k and OQ = 4i + 4 j + 6k .
1
14

Ans: ii) 2 , iii)
2
7

9.
The plane 1 has equation 3 x + y + 2 z = 0 and points A, B, C , D have position vectors

given by OA = i + k , OB = 2i + 2k , OC = 2i j , OD = 7i + 2 j k . Find
i) The equation of 2 , which contains the points A, B and C in the form r n = d ,
ii) the acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 ,
iii) The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from D to 1 ,

iv) The perpendicular distance of D from 1 in exact form.
1
3
5 1

Ans: r 2 = 4 , ii) , iii) , , 4 , iv)
14
3
2
2
2
[3]
10. [IJC/07/1/10]
1

The plane has equation r 2 = 5 . The line l passes through the point P with
3

7
7

position vector 4 and is parallel to 3 .
6
5

[1]
i) State the perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane .
ii) Find the acute angle between the line l and the plane .
[4]
iii) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular from the point P to the
plane . Hence find the position vector of the reflection of the point P in
[6]
.
5 3
5 14

Ans: i)
, ii) 55.2 , iii) 0 , 4
14
0 6

11. [CJC/07/2/3]
The equation of the plane 1 is given by x + 2y 2z = 18. The position vectors of the
points A and D are given by 2i + j and 2i + 5 j 3k respectively. The foot of the
perpendicular from A to the plane 1 is B. C is the point on BA produced such that BA :
AC = 2:1. Find
[3]
ii) the perpendicular distance from A to the plane 1 ;
[1]
iii) the position vector of the point C;
[2]
iv) the equation of the plane DBC in the form r n = p ;
[3]
v) the length of projection of the line BD on 1 .
[3]
0

Ans: i) 5 , ii) 6, iii)
4

2
3

1 , iv) r 5 = 9 , v)
4
2

12. The vector equation of line l which passes through the point A with position vector
5i + 2 j 3k is r = 5i + 2 j 3k + ( 7i 2 j 3k ) , .
The vector equation plane which contains point B with position vector 5i + 2 j + 2k
is r = 5i + 2 j + 2k + ( 7i 2 j 3k ) + ( 9i j + k ) , , .
i)
Find the vector equation of plane in scalar product form.
ii) Find the position vector of point P on the line segment AB such that
AP : PB = 4 :1 .
iii) The plane 1 contains the line l and the point P .
Find the vector equation of the plane 1 in scalar product form.
iv)
Find the acute angle between plane and 1 .
Find the line of intersection between and 1 .

vi) Find the foot of the perpendicular from A to plane .
vii) Hence, find
a)
the perpendicular distance from A to plane .
b)
the length of projection of AB on the plane .
5
2
3

Ans: i) r 34 = 21 , ii) 2 , iii) r 1 = 0 , iv) , v)
2
11
4
1

1/ 3
7 / 3
285 / 62
5
7225
r = 2 / 3 + 2 / 3 , , v) 23 / 31 , via)
1302 , vib)
62
62
0
1
131/ 62
13. [ACJC/10/2/5]
x +1
z 1
The plane p1 has equation x + 2 y z = 3 . The line l1 has equation
.
=y=
2
4
i) Show that the line l1 is parallel to, but not contained in the plane p1.
[2]
ii) Find the cartesian equation of the plane p2 which contains the line l1 and is
perpendicular to the plane p1.
[3]
iii) Find, in scalar product form, the vector equation of the plane p3 which
contains the point ( 4,1, 1) and is perpendicular to both p1 and p2.
[2]
2

Another line l2 which is parallel to the vector 0 intersects the line l1 at the point
3

v)
A ( 1, 0,1) .
iv) Given that the line l2 meets the plane p1 at the point B, find the coordinates of
B.
[4]
v) Find the sine of the acute angle between the line l2 and the plane p1, and
hence, find the length of the projection of the line segment AB on the plane p1,
giving your answer in surd form.
[4]
2
5
1

,
Ans: ii) 3 x + 2 y + z = 4 , iii) r 1 = 5 , iv) (1, 0, 2 ) , v)
318
78 6
4

14. [DHS/10/2/4]
The planes 1 and 2 are defined by
1
2

1 : r i 4 = 10,
2 : r i 3 = 8.
1
1

i) Find the acute angle between the two planes.
[3]
ii) Obtain a vector equation of l1, the line of intersection of the two planes.
[4]
x2 7z
The Cartesian equation of another line, l2 , is given by
, y = m , where m is
=
6
3
a real constant.
iii) If the plane 1 and line l2 intersect at the point (6, m, 5), find the value of m.
[2]
iv) Show that the lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular for all values of m.
[2]
0.5
1
7

0
Ans: i) 9.3 , ii) r = 3 + 0.5 , , iii) m = , iv)
4
0
1

15. [RI/10/1/11]
The equations of two planes p1 , p2 are
2x 5y + 3z = 3,
3 x + y + 6z = ,
respectively, where and are constants.
i) Given that the two planes intersect in a line l, with a vector equation given by
4 2

r = 2 + s 1 , s R ,
5 3

show that the value of is 12 and find the value of .

[3]
A third plane p3 has equation given by 5x + 8y + tz = 12, where t is a constant.
ii) With the values of and found in (i), find the exact value of t if the three
planes have no point in common.
[2]
iii) The plane p4 contains the line l and the point (1, 1, 2). Find the Cartesian
equation of p4 and the acute angle between p1 and p4.
[3]
2
Ans: i) = 12, = 6 , ii) t = , iii) 4 x + 5 y + z = 1 , 69.50
3
16. [NYJC/08/1/11]
Two planes 1 and 2 have equations r = ( 3 + 2 ) i + ( 2 3 + ) j + (1 ) k and
a

ri 1 = 5 respectively.
b

i)
Show that the Cartesian equation of the plane 1 is 3 x + y 5 z = 6 .
[2]
Given that the point A(3, 2, 1) lies on 2 and that the two planes are
[3]
perpendicular to each other, find the values of a and of b.
iii) Find a vector equation of l, the line of intersection between the planes 1 and
ii)
2 .
[2]
iv) B is a point with position vector 6i + 3j + 11k. Find the coordinates of the
point C on 2 such that ACB = 90.
[3]
v) The line L is the reflection of the line AB in the plane 2 . Find an equation
for the line L and determine the acute angle between the lines l and L.
3
4
3 25

Ans: ii) a = 2, b = 1 (iii) r = 2 + 13 , , iv) 3, , ,
2 2
1

5
3
3

v) r = 2 + 2 , ; 82.10.
1

13
[4]
17. [JJC/08/2/4]
1 3

The position vectors of the points A, B and C are given as 2 , 0 ,
3 1

respectively. The point D lies on AB produced is such that AB:AD = 2:3.
The equation of the plane 1 is 5 x 2 y + z = 14.
i) Find the position vector of the point D.
ii) Find the vector equation of the plane 2 , in the form r n = p , that contains
the points A, B and C.
iii) The equation of the line of intersection, L, of the two planes 1 and 2 , is
given as
2
r

L :r = p + s , .
q
7

Find the values of p, q, r and s.
iv) Find the equation of the plane which is perpendicular to both the planes 1
and 2 and passing through the point B.
5
4
1

Ans: i) 1 , ii) r 1 = 5 , iii) p = 1, q = 2, r = 5, s = 9 , iv) r 9 = 8 .
7
0
2

Level 2
18. [JJC/10/1/7]
The line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates
( 1,
0

1

2
2, 3) and
( 5, 14, 11)
respectively. The plane p has equation 2 x + 3 y 6 z = 7.

[3]
i) Show that the line l is parallel but not contained on the plane p.
ii) Find the distance of the line l from the plane p.
[3]
iii) Find a cartesian equation of the plane which contains l and is perpendicular to
p.
[2]
Ans: ii) 1, iii) 48 x + 26 y 3 z = 91
19. The plane passes through the point A ( 2, 0, 0 ) and is parallel to the vectors
2i + j + k and i 3j + 2k .
i) Find the equation of in scalar product in scalar product form and verify that
point B ( 6, 5,1) also lies on .
ii) Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point C ( 2,1 3 )
to the plane . Hence, find the equation of 1 , the plane parallel to such that
C is equidistant from planes and 1 .

1

Ans: i) r 1 = 2 , ii)
1

1
0

3 , r 1 = 10
1
1

20. [CJC/10/2/2]
The equations of the line l1 and the plane p1 are respectively,
1
1
1 2

r = 0 + 1 and r = s1 + t 1 , where , s, t .
0
1
1 1

i) Find the acute angle between l1 and p1.
ii)

A second plane p2 has equation r 1 = 1 . Given that the two planes p1 and

4 x 15
5
p2 intersect at the line l2:
= y; z = , find the values of and .
2
2
The plane p3 with equation 2 x + by + z = 1 is parallel to l2. Find the value of b.
Hence find the distance between l2 and p3.
3 6
Ans: i) 38.10 , ii) = 2, = 2.6 , iii) b = 1 ,
2
21. [TJC/10/1/10]
The plane p1 has equation x + y 3 z = 6 and the point A has position vector i + 2k .
Given that the point B is the foot of perpendicular from A to p1, find the position
vector of B.
1
0

Another plane p2 has equation r = 0 + 1 , , . Given that p2
1

1
intersects p1 at the line l, find the vector equation of l and show that the shortest
77
.
distance from A to l is
6
A plane p3 passes through the points A and B. Given that p1, p2 and p3 do not have
a common point, find the equation of p3.
3
2
1
1
2
2

Ans: 1 , r = 3 + 1 , , r = 0 + 1 + 1 , ,
0

2

1

1

3
1

[3]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[3]
22. Given that the position vectors of the points A , B and C are
2i + k , i j + 2k , 3i 3 j respectively. Find the equation of the plane ABC in the
form r.n = p .
[3]
If l1 is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment BC on the plane ABC ,
explain why the equation of l1 can be expressed as
r = 2i 2 j + k + ( i + 2 j k ) ,
[3]
The common line of intersection between plane ABC and 2 is l1 . Given that 2
is perpendicular to plane ABC , find the vector equation of plane 2 .
[2]
Another plane 3 is perpendicular to both ABC and 2 and the three planes
intersect at the point with position vector 2i 2 j + k . Find the vector equation of
3 .
[2]
1
1
1

Ans: r 0 = 3 , r 1 = 3 , r 2 = 3
1
1
1

23. [AJC/05/FM/1/11] (modified)
The planes 1 and 2 , which meet in a line l , have vector equations
r = i + 2 j + 3k + 1 ( 4i k ) + 1 ( 3i + j 5k )
r = i + 2 j + 3k + 2 ( i + j) + 2 ( 3i + 4 j 2k )
Respectively. The point B with position vector i + 2 j + 3k lies on both planes.

i) Show that l is parallel to vector i j + 4k .
ii) Write down a vector equation for l .
iii) The point A on 1 has position vector 5i + 2 j + 2k . Show that AB is
perpendicular to the line l . Hence find the distance of point A from the line l .
iv) Explain why the angle between the vectors 4i k and i + j would give the angle
between the planes 1 and 2 . Hence find the exact value of the cosine of the
angle between 1 and 2
v)
.
Hence, or otherwise, find the distance of point A from the plane 2
1
1
2 34

Ans: ii) l : r = 2 + 1 , , iii) 17 units2 , iv)
, v) 3 units 2
17
3

4
24. [MJC/07/2/3]
4
3

A line l has equation r = 0 + 2 . .
5
1

i) Find the position vector of P , the foot of the perpendicular from the origin O
to l.
ii) Find a cartesian equation of the plane 1 containing O and l .
iii)
2

It is given that l also lies in a plane 2 with equation r k = 3 , k .
1

7
Show that k = .
2
iv) Find the angle between the planes 1 and 2 , giving your answer in
degrees.
v) A third plane 3 has cartesian equation x + 2 y + z = 7 . Determine the nature
of the intersection of the three planes 1 , 2 and 3 .
[3]
[3]
[2]
[3]
[3]
5
1
Ans: i) 2 , ii) 10 x + 19 y + 8 z = 0 , iv) 6.80 , v) no common intersections.
2
11
25. [VJC/10/1/8]
The planes 1 and 2 have equations r. ( i + j k ) = 6 and r. ( 2i 4 j + k ) = 12
respectively. The point A has position vector 9i 7 j + 5k .
i) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular from A to 2 .
ii) Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of 1 and 2 .
[3]
[2]
The plane 3 has equation

r = ( i + j + k ) + ( i + 3 j + 3k ) + ( i + 9 j + bk ) , where , are real parameters
and b is a constant.
Given that 1 , 2 and 3 have no point in common, find the value of b.
[3]
3 meets 1 and 2 in lines l1 and l2 respectively. Without finding the equations
of l1 and l2 , describe the relationship between l1 and l2 , giving a reason.
2
1
3

Ans: i) 5 , ii) r = 4 + 1 , , b = 3
0
2
2

[2]
26. [HCI/07/2/4]
The points A and B have position vectors 3i + j and 3i + 3 j respectively. The line l1
and the planes 1 and 2 have equations as follows:
2
1
0

l1 : r = OA + 1 , 1 : x + 2 z = 3 , 2 : r = 1 + 1 ,
1
0
1

where , and .
It is given that the planes 1 and 2 intersect in the line l2
i) Find a vector equation of the line l2 and show that the line l2 is parallel to the
line l1 . Hence, find the shortest distance between the lines l1 and l2 .
[5]
ii)
The points C and D are on the lines l1 and l2 respectively such that
ABC = 90 and ABDC is a parallelogram. Find the position vectors of the
points C and D .=
iii) The plane 3 is parallel to the plane 2 and is equidistant to both point A
[4]
and the plane 2 . Show that the equation of the plane 3 is given by
r (i j + k ) = 1 .
Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point A to
the plane 3 .
[5]
3
2
7
7
8
30
1

Ans: i) l2 : r = 3 + 1 , ,
, ii) OC = 3 , OD = 5 , iii) 4
3
3

2
2
0
1

1
27. [NJC/07/1/12]
1

The plane 1 has equation r 2 = 4 . The line l passes through two points A and B
1

2
7

whose position vectors are 0 and 18 respectively.
2
1

a) Show that the position vector of the point N on 1 such that BN is
b)
1

perpendicular to 1 is 2 . Hence find the perpendicular distance from B to
7

1.
[5]
Verify that point A lies on 1 . Hence show that the reflection of l in 1 is
c)
parallel to 14 .
13
[3]
The plane 2 is perpendicular to 1 and contains l. Find the equation of
d)
2 in the form r n = p .
[3]
3 is perpendicular to both 1 and 2 and contains the line BN. By
considering the triangle ABN, or otherwise, determine the distance of A from

3 and the acute angle between l and 3 .
[4]
4

Ans: a) 8 6 , c) r 2 = 8 , d) 30 , 15.60
0

28. [MJC/10/1/9]
A line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates ( 0, 1, 2 ) and (1, 0,1)
respectively.
i) Find the angle between OA and the line l.
[2]
ii) Hence, find the shortest distance from the origin to the line l.
[1]
A plane 1 has equation r i ( i + 2 j + 3k ) = 4.
iii) Show that the line l lies on the plane 1.
[2]
A second plane 2 contains the line l and is perpendicular to the plane 1.
iv) Find a vector equation of 2 .
[2]
A third plane 3 is perpendicular to both the planes 1 and 2 , and is at a perpendicular
distance of 3 units from the origin.
v) Find possible vector equations of 3 .
[3]
5
1
1

Ans: i) 39.2 , ii) 1.41, iv) r 4 = 6 , v) r 1 = 3 or r 1 = 3
1
1

1
29. [NYJC/10/2/4]
a) The line l passes through the point A with coordinates (1,-1,1) and is parallel to
1

the vector 2i + j 2k . The plane p has equation r 1 = 3 . Find, in exact form,
1

i)
the position vector of B, the point of intersection between l and p ,
[3]
ii) the sine of the acute angle between l and p ,
[2]
iii) the shortest distance from A to p ,
[1]
iv) the length of the projection of AB onto p .
[2]
b) Given that the system of linear equations
x + y + 3 z = where ,
3x + y + 4 z = 9
x+ y =3
has infinite solutions, obtain the numerical values of and .
[4]
5
1
1
3
26
2

Ans: ai) 1 , ii)
, iii)
, v) r 1 = 3 or r 1 = 3 ,
3 iv) 2
9
3
3
1

3

1

1
b) = , = 3
2
0
30. [AJC/10/1/13]
The equations of a plane 1 and a line l are shown below:
2
1 :r 1 = 6
2

x 1 y + 4
l:
=
= z 5
3
2
The point A has position vector 3i j + 4k .
i) Find the distance between point A and the plane 1 .
[2]
ii) B is another point such that AB = 5j 2k . Find the length of projection of
AB onto the plane 1 .
[2]
iii) Using your answers in (i) and (ii), find the area of triangle ABC, where C is
the reflection of A in the plane 1
[2]
iv) Find the equation of the plane 2 which contains the line l and the origin.
Hence, find the line of intersection between the planes, 1 and 2 .
[4]
1
2
1
3
2

Ans: i) 3, ii)
, iv) r 1 = 0 , r = 2 + 0 ,
65 , iii) 2 65 ,
6
3
0

1

1

31. [AJC/07/2/5]
6

Relative to an origin O, the point A has position vector 2 , the line l1 has equation
6

5
1

r = 2 + 2 , and the plane 1 has cartesian equation 5 x 4 y + 3 z = 15 .

8

10
i) Find the shortest distance from A to the plane 1 and determine whether A
and the origin O are on the same side or on opposite sides of 1 .
[3]
2 is the plane that passes through point A and contains the line l1 . Find the
acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 .
[4]
iii) The plane 3 has cartesian equation x + 8 y + az = b . Find the values of a and
b if the planes 1 , 2 and 3 intersect along a common line.
[5]
ii)
Ans: i)
11 50
, same side, ii) 46.8 , iii) a = 5, b = 3
50
32. [NJC/08/1/10]
l is given by the equation r = 2i + k + (i + 2j 3k), and the point P has
position vector 2i j 3k relative to the origin. N is a point on l such that the line PN is
perpendicular to l.
i)
1
Show that PN = ( 5i + 17 j + 13k ) .
[2]
7
ii) The plane 1 has equation r ( 3i + k ) = 7 . Verify that l lies in 1 and find the
perpendicular distance from point P to 1 .
[4]
iii) A second plane 2 contains l and P. Using your answers above, or otherwise,
determine the acute angle between 1 and 2 .
iv) A third plane 3 has equation r ( j + 5k ) = 22 . Determine the position
vector of the point of intersection between planes 1 , 2 and 3 .
Ans: ii)
4
, iii) 23.8 , iv)
10
[2]
[2]
1

2
4

33. [NJC/10/1/9]
0

Relative to the origin O, the point A has position vector given by OA = 1 and A lies on
0

1

the plane 1 with equation defined by r 3 = 3 . Another plane 2 has equation
2

y = x . The planes 1 and 2 intersect at line l.
i) Find the vector equation of the line l.
ii)
Show that the cosine of the acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 is
[1]
7
.
[2]
7
iii) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular, OF , from point A to the
line l. Hence, find the exact length of projection of AF onto the plane 2 .
[5]
iv) Another plane 3 has equation px + qy = 1 , where p and q are real constants.
Find the condition in which p and q must satisfy such that the planes 1 , 2
and 3 intersect at exactly one point.
[2]
0.75
0.5
2 / 3
3
Ans: i) r = 0.75 + 0.5 , R , iii) OF = 2 / 3 ,
, iv) p q
0
1
1/ 6 6
34. [HCI/08/1/12]
Referring to the origin O, two planes 1 and 2 are given by
i)
1
1

1 : r 2 = 13 and 2 : r 3 = 8 .
4
3

Given that a point A (1, 7, 10) lies on 2 , show that the perpendicular
distance from A to 1 is 2 21 .
[2]
ii)
Hence or otherwise find OB where B is the image of A when reflected in the

plane 1 .
[2]
iii) Write down the Cartesian equations of both 1 and 2 .
[1]
Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of 1 and 2 .
[1]
iv) Find a vector equation of the plane which is the image of 2 when 2 is
reflected in 1 .
[3]
55
18
3

Ans: ii) 1 , iii) x + 2 y 4 z = 13 , x + 3 y + 3 z = 8 , r = 21 + 7 , , iv)
0
1
6
3 18 29

r = 1 + s 7 + t 10 , s, t
6 1 3

Level 3
35. The line l and the plane P have equations
l : r = (u + v ) ,
P :r ( u v ) = 0
i)
ii)
Show that l is contained in P .

1
3

For the case u = 2 and v = 3 , find an equation of the line contained in P
1
2

that is perpendicular to l and passes through the origin
12
Ans: ii) r = 27 ,
17
36. [AJC/08/1/5]
The planes 1 and 2 , which meet in the line l, have equations
2

1 : r 1 = 3
5

2 : 2x + y + 2z = 4
respectively.
i) Find a vector equation of the line l in the form r = a + t b, t ,.
[2]
ii) (i) Plane 3 intersects 1 and 2 at a unique point. State the z coordinate
of this point of intersection. Give a reason for your answer.
[2]
iii) Another plane 4 is parallel to the normals of 2 and 3 . Explain whether

the 3 planes 2 , 3 and 4 intersect at a unique point.
[2]
iv)
1 12

Ans: i) r = 0 + t 1 , t R. , ii) z = 1 , iii), Yes, the 3 planes will intersect at a unique
1 0

point.
37. [CJC/FM/1/19b]
2 + 2
The variable point M which is in the plane 1 has position vector 2 3 + and the
1 + 3
2 +
variable point N which is in the plane 2 has position vector 2 + , where

3 + 4 + 3
, R . The point V is the mid-point of the line segment MN .

i) Find, to the nearest 0.10 , the acute angle between 1 and 2 .
ii) Determine the locus of V as M and N vary.
2
3

0
Ans: i) 62.6 , ii) A straight line r = 2 + 2
2

5
38. [FM/99/1/11]
Show that for any vectors u and v ,
u (u v ) = v (u v ) = 0
With respect to the origin O , the points A , B , C have position vectors a, b, c
respectively, and are such that O, A, B, C are non-coplanar. The mid-point of AC
is M and the plane AOB is denoted by . The line l passes through M is
perpendicular to . Show that the equation of l is
1
1
r = a + c + t (a b ) ,
2
2
where t is a parameter.
It is given that
1
5
a a = , a c = , b b = 2, b c = 12 ,
2
2
and that a and b are perpendicular vectors. The line l meets at the point D .
By expressing the equation of in a form involving two parameters, find the
position vector of D in terms of a and b .
The line segment MD meets the plane OBC at the point H . Find the ratio
MH : HD .
Ans: d = 2a + 3b , MH : HD = 1: 4
[1]
[3]
[6]
[4]
Vectors (Planes)
Level 1
1. The position vectors of points A and B are given by OA = i + j + k , OB = 2i + 3 j + 4k .
i) Find a vector equation of the line passing through A and B .
ii)
2

Find the position vector of the point where this line meets the plane r 1 = 8 .
1

1
1
3

Ans: i) r = 1 + 2 , , ii) 5
7
1
3

Equation of line AB
2 1 1
1
1

r = 1 + 3 1 = 1 + 2 ,
1
3
4 1 1

When line AB and plane intersect,
1
1 2

1 + 2 1 = 8
3 1
1

2 + 2 1 2 + 1 + 3 = 8
=2
1 1 3

Therefore the intersection is 1 + 2 2 = 5 .
1 3 7

2.
[ACJC/07/1/13]
1
1
2
3

The planes 1 and 2 have equations r = 0 + 0 + 3 and r 2 = 6
1
3
0
1

respectively, where , R .
a) Show that 1 and 2 are parallel.
[2]
b) The line l1 which passes through the point A, with position vector, i k , and is
parallel to 3i 2 j + 7k meets 2 at B. Find
ii) the length of projection of AB in the plane 2 .
2
12 21
Ans: bi) 2 , bii)
8
7

a)
1 2
3
3
Normal vector to 1 = 0 3 = 3 2 , Normal vector to 2 = 2
3 0

1

1

Since the normals of the two planes are parallel, the planes are parallel too.
bi)
1
3
l1 : r = 0 + 2
1
7

1 + 3 3
2 . 2 = 6 = 1
1 + 7 1

1 + 3 2
Position vector of B = 2 = 2
1 + 7 8

2 1 3
2 0 2
8 1 1 12 21
bii) Length of projection of AB onto 2 =
=
7
3
2
1

[4]
[3]
3.
The position vectors of points A and B are given by OA = 2i + 3 j k and OB = 5 j + 3k
respectively. Given that C is a point on the line AB such that OC is perpendicular to

the line AB .
i) Find the position vector C .
ii) Find a vector perpendicular to the plane containing O , A and B .
11/ 6
14

Ans: i) 19 / 6 , ii) 6
2 / 3
10

0 2 2
2
2

Equation of line AB r = 3 + 5 3 = 3 + 2 ,
1
4
3 1 1

2
2

Since C lies on AB , OC = 3 + 2 for a value.
1

4
OC AB = 0
2
2 2

3 + 2 2 = 0

1
4 4
4 + 4 + 6 + 4 4 + 16 = 0
24 = 2
1
12
2
2 11/ 6
1
Hence OC = 3 + 2 = 19 / 6
1 12 4 2 / 3

2 0 14

ii) OA OB = 3 5 = 6 .
1 3 10

4.
[VJC/10/2/3]
1
1
1

The plane and the line l have equations r. 1 = 4 and r = 2 + 0 respectively,
a
2
1

where is a real parameter and a is a constant.
a) It is given that a = 1 . Find
i) the acute angle between and the plane z = 0,
[2]
ii) the exact perpendicular distance of the point (1, 3, 2) from .
[3]
b) It is given that a = 3. Find the acute angle between l and .
[3]
2
3 , b) 25.20
Ans: ai) 54.7 0 , aii)
3
0

ai) z = 0 plane is r 0 = 0 .
1

1
0
1 1
Angle between the two planes cos =
1 0 = 54.7 0
3 1
1
1
aii)
1
1
1 4
1
2
Distance between B and = 3

1
=
1+ 2 + 3 4 =
3
3
3
3
3
2

1
b)
1
1
1
1

Angle between l and sin =
0
1 = 25.20
2 1+1+ 9
1
3
5.
Find the vector equation of the plane determined by the points ( 0,1,1) , ( 2,1 3) ,
(1, 3, 2 )
and also find the coordinates of the point in which this plane intersects the line
r = (1 + 2 ) i + ( 2 3 ) j + ( 3 5 ) k
4

Ans: r 3 = 1 , ( 3 1, 8 )
2

Equation of plane in parametric form
2 0
1 0 0
0
1
1

r = 1 + 1 1 + 3 1 = 1 + 0 + 2
1
2

3 1
2 1 1

1
1 1 0 1 ( 2 ) 2 4

The normal to the plane = 0 2 = (1 1 ( 2 ) 1) = 3
2 1 1 2 0 1 2

Equation of plane in scalar product form
4 0 4
4

r 3 = 1 3 r 3 = 1
2 1 2

2
1
2

r = 2 + 3 , R
Equation of line l
~
3

5
Let the point of intersection be P .
1
2

Since OP lies on the line, let OP = 2 + 3 for some .
3
5

1
2 3
OP also lies on the plane

Hence OP = 2 + (1) 3 = 1
4

3
5 8
OP 3 = 1

2
The point of intersection is ( 3 1, 8 )

1 + 2 4

2 3 3 = 1
3 5 2

4 + 8 6 + 9 6 10 = 1
7 = 7
=1
6.
0
2

The planes 1 and 2 have equations r 1 = 2 and r 1 = 12 respectively. The
2
4

point A has coordinates ( 7, 2, 0 ) and O is the origin.
i) Verify that A lies in both 1 and 2 .
ii)
The planes 1 and 2 meet in the line L .
7
3

Show that a vector equation of the line L is r = 2 + 2 ,
0

1
iii) The point B has coordinates ( 7, 4,9 ) and the foot of the perpendicular from B to
2 is N . Find the coordinates of the point N .

iv) Find the Cartesian equation of the plane 3 containing the line L and is
perpendicular to the plane 2 .
Ans: iii) ( 3, 2,1) , iv) x + 2 y + z = 3
7 0
7 2

i) 2 1 = 0 + 2 + 0 = 2 and 2 1 = 14 2 + 0 = 12 therefore A lies in 1 and 2 .
0 2
0 4

ii)
0 2 6
3

Direction vector of L = 1 1 = 4 = 2 2 .
2 4 2

1
Since A lies in 1 and 2 , it also lies on L .
7
3

Therefore the line of intersection L is r = 2 + 2 , .
0

1
iii)
7
2

Equation of line BN : r = 4 + 1 , .
9
4

N is the intersection between BN and 2 ,

7
2 2

4 + 1 1 = 12

9
4 4
14 + 4 + 4 + + 36 + 16 = 0
= 2
7 2 3

Therefore ON = 4 2 1 = 2 . N ( 3, 2,1)
9 4 1

iv)
3 2 7
1

Normal of 3 2 1 = 14 = 7 2
1 4 7

1
Equation of plane 3
1 7 1

r 2 = 2 2 = 3
1 0 1

x + 2 y + z = 3
7.
[PJC/05/FM/1/9] (part of)

The planes 1 and 2 have equations given by
1 : x + az = 10
2 : 2 x + y z = 3
The line l1 is the line of intersection of 1 and 2 . The line l2 passes through the point
P , whose position vector is 3i j + pk , and is parallel to the vector 3i 4 j + k .
i) Given that the line l1 is parallel to the vector 2i + 3j k , show that a = 2 . Hence
find a vector equation of l1 .

ii) Find, in terms of p , of the point of intersection between the line l2 and the plane
2 .
Ans: ii) ( 3 p 3, 7 4 p, 2 p 2 )
i)
2 1

3 i 0 = 0
1 a

2a = 0
a = 2 (shown)
1 : x + 2 z = 10
2 : 2 x + y z = 3
10
2

Using the GC, l1 : r = 23 + 3
0
1

3
3

Equation of line l2 : r = 1 + 4
p

1
When line l2 and 2 intersect,
3
3 2

1 + 4 i 1 = 3
1 1
p

6 + 6 1 4 p = 3
= p2
3
3 3p 3

The p.v of intersection is = 1 + ( p 2 ) 4 = 7 4 p

p

1 2 p 2
Point of intersection is ( 3 p 3, 7 4 p, 2 p 2 )
8.
[IJC/07/1/5]
The position vectors of the points A, B, and C are given by i + j + k , 4i + 3 j + 2k and
7i 2 j k respectively
[2]
i) Prove that the points A, B and C are not collinear.
ii) Find a vector which is perpendicular to the plane ABC.
[2]
iii) Deduce the exact length of projection of PQ on the plane ABC, given that
OP = 2i + 4 j + 7k and OQ = 4i + 4 j + 6k .
1
14

Ans: ii) 2 , iii)
2
7

[3]
1
4
7

i) OA = 1 , OB = 3 , OC = 2
1
2
1

3
11
8

Find any 2 of the 3 vectors: AB = 2 , BC = 5 , AC = 3
1
3
2

Since AB is not parallel to BC (or equivalent), A, B & C not collinear.
3 11 1

ii) Vector to plane ABC = 2 5 = 2 (or
1 3 7

2
4
2

iii) OP = 4 and OQ = 4 PQ = 0
7
6
1

2 1
2
0 2
13
1 7
4
PQ n
n
length of proj =
=
= =
n
1 + 4 + 49
54
3 8
1

2 3 = 2 )
1 2
7

4 + 169 + 16
14
=
units2
2
54
9.
The plane 1 has equation 3 x + y + 2 z = 0 and points A, B, C , D have position vectors

given by OA = i + k , OB = 2i + 2k , OC = 2i j , OD = 7i + 2 j k . Find
i) The equation of 2 , which contains the points A, B and C in the form r n = d ,
ii) the acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 ,
iii) The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from D to 1 ,

iv) The perpendicular distance of D from 1 in exact form.
1
3
5 1

Ans: r 2 = 4 , ii) , iii) , , 4 , iv)
14
3
2
2 2
3

i)
2 1 2 1 3 1 1

Normal of plane 2 AB AC = 0 0 1 0 = 0 1 = 2
2 1 0 1 1 1 3
1 1 1

Equation of 2 : r 2 = 0 2 = 4
3 1 3

ii) Let the angle between 1 and 2 be
cos =
3
1
1 1
1
2 =
3
14 14
2
3
iii) Let the foot of the perpendicular of D to 1 be F
7
3

Equation of line DF : r = 2 + 1 , .
1

2
F is the intersection between line DF and 1
7
3 3

2 + 1 1 = 0

2 2
1
21 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 4 = 0
3
2
7
3 5 / 2
5 1
Therefore OF = 2 1 = 1/ 2 , F is , , 4
2 2
1 2 2 4

iv)
3
3 3
Shortest distance of D to 1 = DF = 1 =
14
2 2
2
10. [IJC/07/1/10]
1

The plane has equation r 2 = 5 . The line l passes through the point P with
3

7
7

position vector 4 and is parallel to 3 .
6
5

[1]
i) State the perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane .
ii) Find the acute angle between the line l and the plane .
[4]
iii) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular from the point P to the
plane . Hence find the position vector of the reflection of the point P in
[6]
.
5 3
5 14

Ans: i)
, ii) 55.2 , iii) 0 , 4
14
0 6

5
5
5
5 14
=
=
=
n
14
1+ 4 + 9
14
ii) ) Let be the acute angle between l and n .
1 7

2 3
3 5
28
28
cos = =
= cos 1
14 83
14 83
1162
i) The distance from the origin to is
28
Angle between l and = 90 cos 1
= 55.2 (to 3 s.f.)
1162
iii) Let N and P' be the foot of perpendicular of P on and the reflection of P in
respectively.
Let lPN be the line through N and P .
7
1
7
1

lPN : r = 4 + 2 , ON = 4 + 2 for some
6
3
6
3

7
1 1

Since N is a pt on , 4 + 2 2 = 5 33 + 14 = 5 = 2

6
3 3
7
1 5

ON = 4 2 2 = 0
6
3 0

1
By midpoint theorem, ON = OP + OP '
2
3

OP = 4
6

'
11. [CJC/07/2/3]
The equation of the plane 1 is given by x + 2y 2z = 18. The position vectors of the
points A and D are given by 2i + j and 2i + 5 j 3k respectively. The foot of the
perpendicular from A to the plane 1 is B. C is the point on BA produced such that BA :
AC = 2:1. Find
[3]
ii) the perpendicular distance from A to the plane 1 ;
[1]
iii) the position vector of the point C;
[2]
iv) the equation of the plane DBC in the form r n = p ;
[3]
v) the length of projection of the line BD on 1 .
[3]
0

Ans: i) 5 , ii) 6, iii)
4

2
3

1 , iv) r 5 = 9 , v)
4
2

1
1

i) Since AB 1 , AB // 2 i.e. AB = k 2 .
2
2

k 2 k 2
OB = AB + OA = 2k + 1 = 2k + 1
2k 0 2k
1
k 2 1

B lies on 1 , so OB 2 = 18 2k + 1 2 = 18 9k = 18 k = 2
2
2 k 2

0

OB = 5
4

ii) Perpendicular distance from A to 1 = AB = 22 + 4 2 + ( 4 ) = 6
2
iii)
2OC + OB
1
OC = 3OA OB
2 +1
2
2 0 3
1
OC = 3 1 5 = 1
2
0 4 2
2 3 5
0 3 3

iv) CD = 5 1 = 6 , CB = 5 1 = 6
3 2 5
4 2 6

OA =
5 3 6
2

CD CB = 6 6 = 15 = 3 5
5 6 12
4

2 2 2

Therefore equation of plane DBC is r 5 = 5 5 = 9
4 3 4

2

v) BD = OD OB = 0
1

2 1
2
0 2
5

1 2

4
Length of projection of line BD on 1 =
=
=
1+ 4 + 4
1

2
2

4 + 25 + 16
9
= 5
12. The vector equation of line l which passes through the point A with position vector
5i + 2 j 3k is r = 5i + 2 j 3k + ( 7i 2 j 3k ) , .
The vector equation plane which contains point B with position vector 5i + 2 j + 2k
is r = 5i + 2 j + 2k + ( 7i 2 j 3k ) + ( 9i j + k ) , , .
i)
Find the vector equation of plane in scalar product form.
ii) Find the position vector of point P on the line segment AB such that
AP : PB = 4 :1 .
iii) The plane 1 contains the line l and the point P .
Find the vector equation of the plane 1 in scalar product form.
iv)
Find the acute angle between plane and 1 .
Find the line of intersection between and 1 .

vi) Find the foot of the perpendicular from A to plane .
vii) Hence, find
a)
the perpendicular distance from A to plane .
b)
the length of projection of AB on the plane .
5
2
3

Ans: i) r 34 = 21 , ii) 2 , iii) r 1 = 0 , iv) , v)
2
11
4
1

1/ 3
7 / 3
285 / 62
5
r = 2 / 3 + 2 / 3 , , v) 23 / 31 , via)
1302 , vib)
62
0
1
131/ 62
7 9 5

i) Normal of = 2 1 = 34
3 1 11

5 5 5
Equation of plane : r 34 = 2 34 = 21
11 2 11
ii) By ratio theorem

5 5 3
4OB + OA 1
OP =
= 4 2 + 2 = 2
5
5
2 3 1
iii) A vector equation of 1 in parametric form
v)
7225
62
5 7 5 3 5 7 8

r = 2 + s 2 + t 2 2 = 2 + s 2 + t 0 , s , t
3 3 3 1 3 3 4

7 8 8
2

Normal of = 2 0 = 4 = 4 1
3 4 16

4
2 5 2

Equation of plane : r 1 = 2 1 = 0
4 3 4

iv) Let the angle between and 1 be
5
2
1

cos =
1 =
34
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
5 + 34 + 11
2 +1 + 4 4
11

v) Using the GC, equation of line of intersection between and 1
1
1/ 3
7 / 3
r = 2 / 3 + 2 / 3 ,
0
1
vi) Let the foot of the perpendicular from A to be F .

5
5

Equation of line AF : r = 2 + 34 ,
3

11
F is the intersection between line AF and plane .
5
5 5

2 + 34 34 = 21
3
11 11
25 + 25 68 + 1156 33 + 121 = 21
5
=
62
5
5 285 / 62
5

OF = 2 + 34 = 23 / 31
3 62 11 131/ 62

285 / 62 5
5
via) Shortest distance = AF = 23 / 31 2 =
1302
62
131 / 62 3

vib) Length of projection of AB on plane =
AB AF =
7225
62
13. [ACJC/10/2/5]
x +1
=y=
2
i) Show that the line l1 is parallel to, but not contained in the plane p1.
ii) Find the cartesian equation of the plane p2 which contains the line l1
perpendicular to the plane p1.
iii) Find, in scalar product form, the vector equation of the plane p3
contains the point ( 4,1, 1) and is perpendicular to both p1 and p2.
The plane p1 has equation x + 2 y z = 3 . The line l1 has equation
z 1
.
4
[2]
and is
[3]
which
[2]
2

Another line l2 which is parallel to the vector 0 intersects the line l1 at the point
3

A ( 1, 0,1) .
iv) Given that the line l2 meets the plane p1 at the point B, find the coordinates of
B.
[4]
v) Find the sine of the acute angle between the line l2 and the plane p1, and
hence, find the length of the projection of the line segment AB on the plane p1,
giving your answer in surd form.
[4]
2
5
1

Ans: ii) 3 x + 2 y + z = 4 , iii) r 1 = 5 , iv) (1, 0, 2 ) , v)
,
318
78 6
4

i)
1

p1 : r 2 = 3

1
2 1

1 . 2 = 2 + 2 4 = 0
4 1

l1
is parallel to p1.
1
2

l1 : r = 0 + 1 ,

4
1

1 1

0 . 2 = 1 + 0 1 3
1 1

l1
is not contained in p1.
Alternative method:
1 + 2 1

i 2 = 2 3
1 + 4 1
Since no solution for , l1 is parallel and not contained to p1

ii)
1 2
3

2 1 = 3 2
1 4

1
3 1 3

p2 : r 2 = 0 i 2 = 3 + 0 + 1 = 4
p2 : 3x + 2 y + z = 4

1 11
iii)
2

1 is parallel to p1 and contains in p2 and p2 p1 , therefore
4

which is perpendicular to both p1 and p2 .
2

1 is the normal of p3
4

Alternative
1 3 4
2

n 3 = n1 n 2 = 2 2 = 2 = 2 1
1 1 8

4
2 4 2
2

p3 : r 1 = 1 1 = 8 + 1 4 = 5
p3 : r 1 = 5

4 1 4
4
iv)
1
1
2

p1 : r 2 = 3
l2 : r = 0 + 0 ,

1
3
1
1 + 2 1

0 . 2 = 3 2 + 5 = 3 = 1 point B is (1, 0, 2 )
1 3 1

v)
2
1
1 1
5
sin =
0
2
=
13 6
78
3
1
Length of the projection of AB on p1 = AB cos
2
53
25
53 1
= 0 1
= 13
=
318
=
78
6 6
78
3

14. [DHS/10/2/4]
The planes 1 and 2 are defined by
1
2

1 : r i 4 = 10,
2 : r i 3 = 8.
1
1

i) Find the acute angle between the two planes.
[3]
ii) Obtain a vector equation of l1, the line of intersection of the two planes.
[4]
x2 7z
The Cartesian equation of another line, l2 , is given by
, y = m , where m is
=
6
3
a real constant.
iii) If the plane 1 and line l2 intersect at the point (6, m, 5), find the value of m.
[2]
iv) Show that the lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular for all values of m.
[2]
0.5
1
7

0
Ans: i) 9.3 , ii) r = 3 + 0.5 , , iii) m = , iv)
4
0
1

i)
2 1

4 i 3
1 1
n1 in1
15

cos =
=
=
| n1 || n 2 |
21 11
21 11
= 9.3 .
ii)
Using the GC
0.5
1

r = 3 + 0.5 ,
0
1

iii)
Since the point with co-ordinates ( 6, m, 5 ) lies on the first plane,
6 2

m 4 = 10
5 1

12 + 4m + 5 = 10
m=
7
4
iv)
x2 7z
=
= , then
6
3
x2
x = 2 + 6
=
6
y=m
Let
7z
=
3
z = 7 3
2
6

Equation of l2 is r = m + 0 ,
7
3

6 0.5

Since 0 0.5 = 3 3 = 0
3 1

Therefore lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular for all real values of m.
15. [RI/10/1/11]
The equations of two planes p1 , p2 are
2x 5y + 3z = 3,
3x + y + 6z = ,
respectively, where and are constants.
i) Given that the two planes intersect in a line l, with a vector equation given by
4 2

r = 2 + s 1 , s R ,
5 3

[3]
show that the value of is 12 and find the value of .
A third plane p3 has equation given by 5x + 8y + tz = 12, where t is a constant.
ii) With the values of and found in (i), find the exact value of t if the three
planes have no point in common.
[2]
iii) The plane p4 contains the line l and the point (1, 1, 2). Find the Cartesian
equation of p4 and the acute angle between p1 and p4.
[3]
2
Ans: i) = 12, = 6 , ii) t = , iii) 4 x + 5 y + z = 1 , 69.50
3
i)
Since the two planes intersect in a line l, with a vector equation given by
4 2
r = 2 + s 1 , s R,
5 3

The line l lies in p2.

2 3

So 1 = 0 6 + + 18 = 0 = 12
3 6

4

2 satisfies equation of p2.
5

4 3

So 2 = = 12 2 30 = 12 + 24 30 = 6
5 6

ii)
Since p1 and p2 intersect in line l, and the 3 planes have no common point of intersection, l
does not intersect p3. Hence l is parallel to p3, but l does not lie in p3.
2 5
2

1 8 = 0 10 + 8 + 3t = 0 t = 3
3 t

4 5
2
Also 2 . 8 = 12 which means (4, 2, 5) is not in p3 and so l does not lie in p3.
5 2 3

3
iii)
2
Since p4 contains l, 1 is parallel to p4.
3

Since p4 contains the points (1, 1, 2) and (4, 2, 5).

4 1 3
Hence 2 1 = 1 is parallel to p4.
5 2 7

3 2 4

A vector normal to p4 is 1 1 = 5 .
7 3 1

4 1 4

Equation of p4 is given by : r 5 = 1 5 = 1 4 x + 5 y + z = 1
1 2 1

Let be the angle between p1 and p4.
cos =
2 4

5 5
3 1
14

=
2
2
2
2
2
2
38 42
2 + 5 + 3 4 + 5 +1
= 110.514
Acute angle between p1 and p4 = 180 = 69.5 (1 d.p.)
16. [NYJC/08/1/11]
Two planes 1 and 2 have equations r = ( 3 + 2 ) i + ( 2 3 + ) j + (1 ) k and
a

ri 1 = 5 respectively.
b

i)
Show that the Cartesian equation of the plane 1 is 3 x + y 5 z = 6 .
[2]
Given that the point A(3, 2, 1) lies on 2 and that the two planes are
[3]
perpendicular to each other, find the values of a and of b.
iii) Find a vector equation of l, the line of intersection between the planes 1 and
ii)
2 .
[2]
iv) B is a point with position vector 6i + 3j + 11k. Find the coordinates of the
point C on 2 such that ACB = 90.
[3]
v) The line L is the reflection of the line AB in the plane 2 . Find an equation
for the line L and determine the acute angle between the lines l and L.
3
4
3 25

Ans: ii) a = 2, b = 1 (iii) r = 2 + 13 , , iv) 3, , ,
2 2
1

5
3
3

v) r = 2 + 2 , ; 82.10.
1

13
i)
3 + 2 3
1
2

r = 2 3 + = 2 + 3 + 1
1 1

0
1
1 2 3

A normal vector of plane 1 = 3 1 = 1
0 1 5

3 3 3

Hence equation of 1 is ri 1 = 2 i 1 = 6
5 1 5

i.e. Cartesian equation of 1 is 3x + y 5z = 6
ii)
3 a

A(3, 2, 1) lies on 2 2 i 1 = 5 3a + b = 7
1 b

...(1)
[4]
3a

1 and 2 are perpendicular 1 i 1 = 0 3a 5b = 1 ...(2)
5 b

Solving (1) & (2), a = 2, b = 1
iii)
3 2 4
4

1 1 = 13 = 13
5 1 5
5

3
4

Hence a vector equation for l is r = 2 + 13 , where
1

5
iv)
6
2

Equation of line BC is r = 3 + 1 , where
11
1

6 + 2 2
3

3 i 1 = 5 12 + 4 3 + + 11 + = 5 = 2
11 + 1

6 + 3 3

3 3
Hence OC = 3
=
2 2
3 25
11 +
2 2
3 25
Coordinates of C are 3, ,
2 2
v)
Let B be the reflection of B in the plane 2.

3
6 0
OB + OB '
3

OC =
OB ' = 2OC OB = 2 3 = 0
2
2

25 11 14

2
0 3 3
3

AB ' = 0 2 = 2 = 2
14 1 13
13

3
3

Hence an equation for the line L is r = 2 + 2 ,

1

13
Acute angle between l and L = cos 1
4 3

13 i 2
5 13
27

= cos 1
= 82.1 (1 d.p.)
210 182
4 3

13 2
5 13

17. [JJC/08/2/4]
1 3

The position vectors of the points A, B and C are given as 2 , 0 ,
3 1

respectively. The point D lies on AB produced is such that AB:AD = 2:3.
The equation of the plane 1 is 5 x 2 y + z = 14.
i) Find the position vector of the point D.
ii) Find the vector equation of the plane 2 , in the form r n = p , that contains
the points A, B and C.
iii) The equation of the line of intersection, L, of the two planes 1 and 2 , is
given as
2
r

L :r = p + s , .
q
7

Find the values of p, q, r and s.
iv) Find the equation of the plane which is perpendicular to both the planes 1
and 2 and passing through the point B.
5
4
1

Ans: i) 1 , ii) r 1 = 5 , iii) p = 1, q = 2, r = 5, s = 9 , iv) r 9 = 8 .
7
0
2

i)
AB:AD = 2:3
AB:BD = 2:1
By the Ratio Theorem,
1
OB = 2OD + OA
3
3 1 4
3OB OA 1
OD =
= 3 0 2 = 1
2
2
1 3 0
ii)
3 1
1

AB = 0 2 = 2 1
1 3
1

0 1 1

AC = 1 2 = 3
2 3 1

1 1
1

AB AC = 2 1 3 = 4 1
1 1

2
0

1

2
1 1 1

2 : r 1 = 2 1 = 5
2 3 2

iii)
5

1 : r 2 = 14
1

1
2 : r 1 = 5
2

1 5 5

Direction vector of L = 1 2 = 9
2 1 7

r = 5, s = 9
2

p lies on both 1 and 2
q

2 5

10 2 p + q = 14
p 2 = 14
q 1

2 1

2 + p + 2q = 5
p 1 = 5
q 2

Solving p = 1 and q = 2
5

(iv) normal vector of the plane = 9
7

Equation of the required plane is
5 3 5
r 9 = 0 9 = 8 \
7 1 7

Level 2
18. [JJC/10/1/7]
The line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates
( 5, 14, 11)
( 1,
2, 3) and
respectively. The plane p has equation 2 x + 3 y 6 z = 7.

i) Show that the line l is parallel but not contained on the plane p.
[3]
ii) Find the distance of the line l from the plane p.
[3]
iii) Find a cartesian equation of the plane which contains l and is perpendicular to
p.
[2]
Ans: ii) 1, iii) 48 x + 26 y 3 z = 91
i)
5 1

AB = 14 2
11 3

6
3

= 12 = 2 6
8

4
3 2

6 3 = 6 + 18 24
4 6

=0
l is parallel to p.
1 2

2 3 = 2 + 6 18
3 6

= 14 7
l is parallel but not contained on the plane p.
ii)
Method 1
A
d
C
Let C(c,0,0) be a point on .

c 2

0 3 = 7
0 6

7
c=
2
2

3
7 / 2 1
6
d = 0 2
49
0 3

5 / 2 2
1

= 2 3 = 1
7

3 6
Method 2
Let m be the line perpendicular to p and passing through A.
1
2

Vector equation of line m : r = 2 + 3 ,
3
6

Let F be the foot of perpendicular of A to p.
1 + 2 2

2 + 3 3 = 7
3 6 6

2 ( 1 + 2 ) + 3(2 + 3 ) 6(3 6 ) = 7
1
7
1
2
1
OF = 2 + 3
3 7 6

1
2 1
1
AF = 2 + 3 2
3 7 6 3

2
1
= 3
7
6
1 2 2
2 + 3 + (6)2
AF =
7
=1
Distance of the line l from the plane p=1 unit
iii)
Let the plane required be p1 .
3 2 48

Normal of p1 = 6 3 = 26
4 6 3

1 48

2 26 = 48 + 52 9 = 91
3 3

48
Equation of p1 : r 26 = 91 48 x + 26 y 3z = 91
3
19. The plane passes through the point A ( 2, 0, 0 ) and is parallel to the vectors
2i + j + k and i 3j + 2k .
i) Find the equation of in scalar product in scalar product form and verify that
point B ( 6, 5,1) also lies on .
ii) Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point C ( 2,1 3 )
to the plane . Hence, find the equation of 1 , the plane parallel to such that
C is equidistant from planes and 1 .

1

Ans: i) r 1 = 2 , ii)
1

1
0

3 , r 1 = 10
1
1

i)
2 2 1

Equation of : r = 0 + s 1 + t 3 , s, t
0 1 2

2 1 5
1

Normal of = 1 3 = 5 = 5 1
1 2 5

1
1 2 1

Equation of : r 1 = 0 1 = 2
1 0 1

6 1

5 1 = 6 5 + 1 = 2 , therefore B lies on .
1 1

ii)Let F be the foot of the perpendicular from C to .
2
1

Equation of line CF : r = 1 + 1 ,
3
1

F is the intersection between line CF and plane
2
1 1

1 + 1 1 = 2

1 1
3
2 + + 1 + 3 + = 2
=2
2 1 0

Therefore OF = 1 + 2 1 = 3
3 1 1

By midpoint theorem
1
OC = OP + OF
2
OP = 2OC OF
2 0 4

OP = 2 1 3 = 1
3 1 5

1 4

Hence equation of 1 : r 1 = 1 = 10
1 5

20. [CJC/10/2/2]
The equations of the line l1 and the plane p1 are respectively,
1
1
1 2

r = 0 + 1 and r = s1 + t 1 , where , s, t .
0
1
1 1

[3]
i) Find the acute angle between l1 and p1.
ii)

A second plane p2 has equation r 1 = 1 . Given that the two planes p1 and

4 x 15
5
p2 intersect at the line l2:
= y; z = , find the values of and .
[3]
2
2
The plane p3 with equation 2 x + by + z = 1 is parallel to l2. Find the value of b.
Hence find the distance between l2 and p3.
[4]
3 6
Ans: i) 38.10 , ii) = 2, = 2.6 , iii) b = 1 ,
2
1 2 2

i) Normal of p1 = 1 1 = 1
1 1 3

1

Direction of l1 = 1
1

2 1
1 . 1
3 1

o
Angle between l1 and normal of p1 = sin 1
= 38.1
(4 + 1 + 9)(1 + 1 + 1)
ii)
4 x 15
Let
= y=
2
Then
4 x 15
15 1
x=
=
2
4 2
y=
y = 0+
5
z=
2
15

1
4
2

Therefore l2 : r = 0 + 1 ,
5
0

3.75
4
= 0, 0 and = 0.5, 0.5 are two points on the line
2.5
2.5
Substituting each point into equation of plane,
3.75 + 2.5 = 1 . (1)
3.25 + 2.5 = 0 . (2)
= 2, = 2.6
iii)
2

Normal of p3 = b
1

0.5
Direction vector of l 2 = 1
0
2 0.5

b . 1 = 0; b = 1
1 0

Consider plane p4 containing line l2 , for which equation is

2 3.75 2

r 1 = 0 . 1 = 10
1 2.5 1

2
1 10
r
1 =
6
6
1
Equation of p3
2x + y + z = 1
2

r 1 = 1
1

2
1 1
r
1 =
6
6
1
Distance between l2 and p3 = distance between p3 and p4 =
10
1
3 6
=
2
6
6
21. [TJC/10/1/10]
The plane p1 has equation x + y 3 z = 6 and the point A has position vector i + 2k .
Given that the point B is the foot of perpendicular from A to p1, find the position
vector of B.
[5]
1
0

Another plane p2 has equation r = 0 + 1 , , . Given that p2
1

1
intersects p1 at the line l, find the vector equation of l and show that the shortest
77
.
distance from A to l is
6
[6]
A plane p3 passes through the points A and B. Given that p1, p2 and p3 do not have
a common point, find the equation of p3.
[3]
3
2
1
1
2
2

Ans: 1 , r = 3 + 1 , , r = 0 + 1 + 1 , ,
0

2

1

1

3
1

1

The vector equation of p1 is ri 1 = 6 ---(1)
3

The vector equation of the line passing thru A and perpendicular to p1 is
1
1

r = 0 + 1 ,
----(2)
2

3
Sub (2) into (1):
1+ 1

1 = 6
2 3 3
1 + + 6 + 9 = 6 = 1
1 1 2

Therefore OB = 0 + 1 = 1
2 3 1

1 0 1

0 1 = 1 and origin is in p2,
1 1 1

Therefore p2 has Cartesian equation x y z = 0 ---(3)

And p1 has Cartesion equation x + y 3 z = 6 ---(4)
Using GC to solve (3) and (4):
We have x = 3+2, y = 3+, z = .
3
2

Therefore the equation of l is r = 3 + 1 ,
0

1
Shortest distance =
2 2

3 1
2 1

=
=
6
3 1 2

3 0 1
0 2 1

5

6
4

6
22 + 12 + 12
52 + ( 6 ) + ( 4 )
2
77
6
1

Since p3 passes through the points A and B, therefore p3 // 1 .
3

2

Since p1, p2 and p3 do not have a common point, therefore p3 // 1 .
1

1
1
2

An equation of p3 is r = 0 + 1 + 1 , , .
2
3
1

22. Given that the position vectors of the points A , B and C are
2i + k , i j + 2k , 3i 3 j respectively. Find the equation of the plane ABC in the
form r.n = p .
[3]
If l1 is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment BC on the plane ABC ,
explain why the equation of l1 can be expressed as
r = 2i 2 j + k + ( i + 2 j k ) ,
[3]
The common line of intersection between plane ABC and 2 is l1 . Given that 2
is perpendicular to plane ABC , find the vector equation of plane 2 .
[2]
Another plane 3 is perpendicular to both ABC and 2 and the three planes
intersect at the point with position vector 2i 2 j + k . Find the vector equation of
3 .
[2]
1
1
1

Ans: r 0 = 3 , r 1 = 3 , r 2 = 3
1
1
1

1 2 1
,
AB = 1 0 = 1
2 1 1

3 2 1

AC = 3 0 = 3
0 1 1

1 1 4
1

n1 = AB AC = 1 3 = 0 = 4 0 [M1A1]
1 1 4

1
1 2 1
Equation of plane ABC : ri 0 = 0 i 0 = 3 [A1]

1 1 1

1 3 2
Midpoint of BC = 1 1 + 3 = 2 [M1]
2
2 0 1
Therefore 2i 2 j + k is a point of l1 .
1 1

[M1]
2 i 0 = 1 1 = 0
1 1

3 1 2

BC = 3 1 = 2 ,
0 2 2

Therefore i + 2 j k is on the plane ABC .

21

[M1]
2 i 2 = 2 4 + 2 = 0
2 1

Therefore i + 2 j k is perpendicular to BC .
2
1

Since BC is perpendicular to l1 and lies on ABC , n 2 = BC = 2 = 2 1 [B1]
2
1

Alternative method to find n 2 :
1

Since 2 is perpendicular to ABC , n1 = 0 is on 2 .
1

1 1 2
1

n 2 = AB AC = 2 0 = 2 = 2 1 [B1]
1 1 2

1
Equation of plane 2 :
1 2 1

r i 1 = 2 i 1 = 2 2 + 1 = 3 [A1]
1 11

1

Since 3 is perpendicular to both ABC and 2 , n3 = 2 . [B1]
1

1 21

r i 2 = 2 i 2 = 2 4 1 = 3 [A1]
Equation of plane 3 :
1 1 1

23. [AJC/05/FM/1/11] (modified)

The planes 1 and 2 , which meet in a line l , have vector equations
r = i + 2 j + 3k + 1 ( 4i k ) + 1 ( 3i + j 5k )
r = i + 2 j + 3k + 2 ( i + j) + 2 ( 3i + 4 j 2k )
Respectively. The point B with position vector i + 2 j + 3k lies on both planes.

i) Show that l is parallel to vector i j + 4k .
ii) Write down a vector equation for l .
iii) The point A on 1 has position vector 5i + 2 j + 2k . Show that AB is
perpendicular to the line l . Hence find the distance of point A from the line l .
iv) Explain why the angle between the vectors 4i k and i + j would give the angle
between the planes 1 and 2 . Hence find the exact value of the cosine of the
angle between 1 and 2
v)
.
Hence, or otherwise, find the distance of point A from the plane 2
1
1
2 34

Ans: ii) l : r = 2 + 1 , , iii) 17 units2 , iv)
, v) 3 units 2
17
3

4
4 3 0 +1 1

i) Normal of 1 = 0 1 = ( 20 + 3) = 17

1 5 4 0 4
1 3 2 0 2

Normal of 2 = 1 4 = ( 2 0 ) = 2
0 2 4 3 1

1 2 17 8 9
1

Direction vector of line of intersection = 17 2 = (1 + 8) = 9 = 9 1 (shown)
4 1 2 + 34 36

4
1
1

ii) Equation of line l : r = 2 + 1 ,
3

4
5 1 4

iii) AB = 2 2 = 0
2 3 1

1 41

AB i 1 = 0 i 1 = 4 4 = 0
Therefore AB is perpendicular to the line l .
4 1 4

4
Shortest distance between A and l = AB = 0 = 17 units 2
1

iv)
41

0 i 1 = 4 4 = 0
1 4

The direction vector 4i k on 1 is perpendicular to l .
1 1

1 i 1 = 1 1 = 0
0 4

The direction vector i + j on 2 is perpendicular to l .
Therefore the angle between the two direction vectors 4i k and i + j is the angle between
the plane.
Let the angle between the 2 planes be
4
1
1 1
cos =
0 i
1 =
17 2
1
0
v) Hence method
4
2 34
=
17
34
Line of intersection
17 A
A line on 1
sin =
H
(17)
1 cos 2 =
H
(17)
H = (17) 1
H = 3 units 2
8
17
24. [MJC/07/2/3]
4
3

A line l has equation r = 0 + 2 . .
5
1

i) Find the position vector of P , the foot of the perpendicular from the origin O
to l.
ii) Find a cartesian equation of the plane 1 containing O and l .
iii)
2

It is given that l also lies in a plane 2 with equation r k = 3 , k .
1

7
Show that k = .
2
iv) Find the angle between the planes 1 and 2 , giving your answer in
degrees.
v) A third plane 3 has cartesian equation x + 2 y + z = 7 . Determine the nature
of the intersection of the three planes 1 , 2 and 3 .
5
1
Ans: i) 2 , ii) 10 x + 19 y + 8 z = 0 , iv) 6.80 , v) no common intersections.
2
11
i)
4 + 3
Since P lies on l , OP = 2 for some R .

5+
4 + 3 3
3
1

OP l , OP 2 = 0 2 2 = 0 =
2
1
5+ 1

1
4 + 3
2
5

1 1
OP = 2 = 2
2 2
11
1
5+
2
ii)
3 1 5 3 1 20 10

OP 2 = 2 2 = 38 = 19
1 2 11 1 2 16 8

10

r 19 = 0
8

[3]
[3]
[2]
[3]
[3]
The cartesian equation is 10 x + 19 y + 8 z = 0 .

iii)
2 3
2
7

Since l lies in 2, l k k 2 = 0 k =
2
1 1
1

iv)
Let be the angle between planes 1 and 2 .
10 2
7
19 2
8 1
cos =
525 17.25
= 6.8
v)
The system of equations is
10 x + 19 y + 8 z = 0
7
y + z = 3
2
x + 2y + z = 7
2x +
10 19 8 0
Hence the augmented matrix is 2 72 1 3

1 2 1 7
1 0 3 0
Using GC, the RREF is 0 1 2 0

0 0 0 1
The last row 0 = 1 impossible!

Therefore, there is no solution. The system is inconsistent.
Hence the three planes 1 , 2 and 3 do not intersect.
25. [VJC/10/1/8]
The planes 1 and 2 have equations r. ( i + j k ) = 6 and r. ( 2i 4 j + k ) = 12
respectively. The point A has position vector 9i 7 j + 5k .
i) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular from A to 2 .
ii) Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of 1 and 2 .
[3]
[2]
The plane 3 has equation

r = ( i + j + k ) + ( i + 3 j + 3k ) + ( i + 9 j + bk ) , where , are real parameters
and b is a constant.
Given that 1 , 2 and 3 have no point in common, find the value of b.
[3]
3 meets 1 and 2 in lines l1 and l2 respectively. Without finding the equations
of l1 and l2 , describe the relationship between l1 and l2 , giving a reason.
2
1
3

Ans: i) 5 , ii) r = 4 + 1 , , b = 3
0

2

2

i) Let the foot from A to 2 be F .
9
2

Equation of line AF : r = 7 + 4 ,
5
1

F is the intersection between line AF and 2
9
2 2

7 + 4 4 = 12
1 1
5

18 + 4 + 28 + 16 + 5 + = 12
= 3
9 2 3

Hence OF = 7 3 4 = 5
5 1 2

ii)
Using GC
2
1

r = 4 + 1,
0
2

[2]
1 1 3b 27

Normal of 3 = 3 9 = 3 b
3 b 12

Since all three planes have no common points. 3 must be parallel and not intersecting the
line of intersection between 1 and 2 .
3b 27 1

3 b 1 = 0
12 2

3b 27 3 b + 24 = 0
b=3
l1 and l2 must be parallel to each other. As the three planes are not parallel and have no
common points..
26. [HCI/07/2/4]
The points A and B have position vectors 3i + j and 3i + 3 j respectively. The line l1
and the planes 1 and 2 have equations as follows:
2
1
0

l1 : r = OA + 1 , 1 : x + 2 z = 3 , 2 : r = 1 + 1 ,
1
0
1

where , and .
It is given that the planes 1 and 2 intersect in the line l2
i) Find a vector equation of the line l2 and show that the line l2 is parallel to the
line l1 . Hence, find the shortest distance between the lines l1 and l2 .
[5]
ii)
The points C and D are on the lines l1 and l2 respectively such that
ABC = 90 and ABDC is a parallelogram. Find the position vectors of the
points C and D .=
iii) The plane 3 is parallel to the plane 2 and is equidistant to both point A
[4]
and the plane 2 . Show that the equation of the plane 3 is given by
r (i j + k ) = 1 .
Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point A to
the plane 3 .
[5]
3
2
7
7
8
30
1

Ans: i) l2 : r = 3 + 1 , ,
, ii) OC = 3 , OD = 5 , iii) 4
3
3

2
2
0
1

1
i)
1 0 1 1 0 1 1

Normal of plane 2 = 1 1 = (11 0 0 ) = 1
0 1 1 1 1 0 1

1

Equation of 2 : r 1 = 0
x y+z =0
1

1

Equation of 1 : r 0 = 3
2

Using the GC
3
2

l2 : r = 3 + 1 ,
0

1
2
2

Since 1 = 1
1
1

x + 2z = 3
l1 and l2 are parallel to each other.

Note that B lies on l2 , thus
2
1
1
2 0
2
2
1 1
1
30
Shortest distance = AB
1 = 2
1=
0=
units
3
6
6
6
1 0
1
4
ii)
2
1
1
3
2

Let OC = 1 + 1 for some
0
1

7
0 0
2

BA BC = 0 2 2 + 1 = 0 = 2 . OC = 3
2
0 0

1
7 0
7

Since CD = BA, OD 3 = 2 . OD = 5
2 0
2

iii) Observe that O lies on 2 . Midpoint of OA which is
( 32 , 12 , 0 )
then lies on 3 .
Since 3 / / 2
1 32 1
1
1

r 1 = 2 1 r 1 = 1 (shown)
1 0 1

1
Let F be foot of perpendicular from A to 3 and pick a point E (1, 0, 0) on 3 .
3
1

Equation of line AF : r = 1 + 1
0

1
3
1

Since F lies on line AF , OF = 1 + 1 for a value.
0

1
F also lies on 3 ,
1

OF 1 = 1
1

3+ 1

1 1 = 1
1

3 + 1 + + = 1
1
3
1
3 3
8
1 1
Hence OF = 1 +
=
4
3 3
1
1

27. [NJC/07/1/12]
1

The plane 1 has equation r 2 = 4 . The line l passes through two points A and B
1

2
7

whose position vectors are 0 and 18 respectively.
2
1

a) Show that the position vector of the point N on 1 such that BN is
b)
1

perpendicular to 1 is 2 . Hence find the perpendicular distance from B to
7

1.
[5]
Verify that point A lies on 1 . Hence show that the reflection of l in 1 is
c)
parallel to 14 .
13
[3]
The plane 2 is perpendicular to 1 and contains l. Find the equation of
d)
2 in the form r n = p .
[3]
3 is perpendicular to both 1 and 2 and contains the line BN. By
considering the triangle ABN, or otherwise, determine the distance of A from

3 and the acute angle between l and 3 .
[4]
4

Ans: a) 8 6 , c) r 2 = 8 , d) 30 , 15.60
0

a)
7
1

Equation of line NB : r = 18 + 2 ,
1
1

7
1

Since N lies on line NB , ON = 18 + 2 for a value.
1
1

N also lie on 1 , hence
1

ON 2 = 4
1

7 + 1

18 2 2 = 4
1 + 1

7 + 36 + 4 1 + = 4
=8
7 + 8 1

Hence ON = 18 16 = 2 ( shown )
1 + 8 7

b) To verify that point A lies on 1 :
2 1

LHS = 0 2 = 2 + 2 = 4 = RHS (Verified)
2 1

Let B be the reflection of B in 1 .
By midpoint theorem,
1
AN =
AB + AB AB = 2 AN AB
2
1 2 7 2 7
AB = 2 2 0 18 0 = 14 , which is parallel to
7 2 1 2 13
14 .
13
1

c) 2 1 2 // 2
1

7 2 9
3

Direction vector of line l = AB = 18 0 = 18 = 3 6
1 2 3

1
1 3 4

Normal vector of 2 = 2 6 = 2
1 1 0

4 2 4
4
Equation of 2 : r 2 = 0 2 r 2 = 8
0 2 0
0

d)
Since 2 contains A and N and it is perpendicular to 3 , triangle ABN is a right-angle
triangle with ANB = 90 .
3

AB = 3 6 = 3 32 + 6 2 + 12 = 3 46
1

By Pythagoras Theorem,
Distance of A from 3 = AN =
AB 2 BN 2 =
( 9 ( 46 ) 64 ( 6 ) ) =
Acute angle between l and 3
BN
1 8 6
= ABN = cos 1
= 15.6 (to 3 s.f.)
= cos
3
46
AB
30
28. [MJC/10/1/9]
A line l passes through the points A and B with coordinates ( 0, 1, 2 ) and (1, 0,1)
respectively.
i) Find the angle between OA and the line l.
[2]
ii) Hence, find the shortest distance from the origin to the line l.
[1]
A plane 1 has equation r i ( i + 2 j + 3k ) = 4.
iii) Show that the line l lies on the plane 1.
[2]
A second plane 2 contains the line l and is perpendicular to the plane 1.
iv) Find a vector equation of 2 .
[2]
A third plane 3 is perpendicular to both the planes 1 and 2 , and is at a perpendicular
distance of 3 units from the origin.
v) Find possible vector equations of 3 .
5
1
1

Ans: i) 39.2 , ii) 1.41, iv) r 4 = 6 , v) r 1 = 3 or r 1 = 3
1
1

1
0
i)
Vector equation of the line l

1
1

r = 0 + 1 ,
1

1
Angle between OA and the line l
01

1 i 1
2 1
3
3

cos =
=
=
5 3
15
15
o
o
= 39.232 39.2 (1 d.p.)
ii)
Let the shortest distance from the origin to the line l be x.
x
sin =
5
x = 1.41 ( 3 s.f.)
[3]
iii)
Since
1
1

0 + 1 i
1
1

1

2
3

1 + 1

= i 2
1 3

= 1 + + 2 + 3 3
=4
line l lies on 1
iv)
1 1 5

normal of 2 = 1 2 = 4
1 3 1

5 1 5
2 : r i 4 = 0 i 4
1 1 1

5
2 : r i 4 = 6
1

v)
1 5 14
1

normal of 3 = 2 4 = 14 = 14 1
3 1 14

1
1

normal of 3 = director vector of l = 1
1

1
3 : r i 1 = d
1

perpendicular distance from origin to 3 =|
OR
d
d
|=|
|
3
1
1

1

d
= 3
d = 3
3
1
3 : r i 1 = 3
or
1

1
3 : r i 1 = 3
1

29. [NYJC/10/2/4]
a) The line l passes through the point A with coordinates (1,-1,1) and is parallel to
1

the vector 2i + j 2k . The plane p has equation r 1 = 3 . Find, in exact form,
1

i)
the position vector of B, the point of intersection between l and p ,
[3]
ii) the sine of the acute angle between l and p ,
[2]
iii) the shortest distance from A to p ,
[1]
iv) the length of the projection of AB onto p .
[2]
b) Given that the system of linear equations
x + y + 3 z = where ,
3x + y + 4 z = 9
x+ y =3
has infinite solutions, obtain the numerical values of and .
[4]
5
1
1
3
26
2

Ans: ai) 1 , ii)
, iii)
, v) r 1 = 3 or r 1 = 3 ,
3 iv) 2
9
3
3
1

3

1

1
b) = , = 3
2
a)
1
2

Equation of line l : r = 1 + 1 ,
1

2
When l and p intersect,
1
2 1

1 + 1 1 = 3

2 1
1
1 + 2 1 + + 1 2 = 3
=2
1 2 5

Therefore OB = 1 + 2 1 = 1
1 2 3

ii)
side view
Let the angle between the line and plane be
sin =
sin =
sin =
2
1

1
2
2
2
2
2 + 1 + 2 1 + 12 + 12
2
1

1
1

2 + 1 + 2
3 3
3
9
iii)
4
2
AB = 2 = 42 + 22 + ( 4 ) = 6
4

4
1
6
2
2
shortest distance from A to p = AB sin = 2
=
=
3.
=
3 3
4 3 3 3 3

iv)
2
length of the projection of AB onto p=
26
2
6
= 2 3 using Pythagoras Theorem
3
2
b)
By GC, the equation of the line of intersection of the planes given by the last 2 equations is
3
2

r = 0 + 2 , .
0

1

For the system to have infinite solutions, the above line must lie on the plane given by the
first equation. So the line is perpendicular to the normal vector of the plane. That is,
1 2
1

2 = 0 -2 + 2 + 3 = 0 = 2
3 1

Furthermore, any point of the line is also a point of the plane. Take (3,0,0) and substitute into
the first equation gives 3 + (0) + 3(0) = = 3
30. [AJC/10/1/13]
The equations of a plane 1 and a line l are shown below:
2
1 :r 1 = 6
2

x 1 y + 4
l:
=
= z 5
3
2
The point A has position vector 3i j + 4k .
i) Find the distance between point A and the plane 1 .
[2]
ii) B is another point such that AB = 5j 2k . Find the length of projection of
AB onto the plane 1 .
[2]
iii) Using your answers in (i) and (ii), find the area of triangle ABC, where C is
the reflection of A in the plane 1
[2]
iv) Find the equation of the plane 2 which contains the line l and the origin.
Hence, find the line of intersection between the planes, 1 and 2 .
[4]
1
2
1
3
2

Ans: i) 3, ii)
, iv) r 1 = 0 , r = 2 + 0 ,
65 , iii) 2 65 ,
6
3
0

1

1

i)
3 2
1 6
distance between point A and the plane 1 = 1 1 = 3 units
4 3 2 3

ii)
2
0 2
12
1 1 1 2
AB 1 = 5 1 = 4 =
65 units
3 3 3 3
2
2 2
10
iii)
3
2
65
3
Area =
3
6
1
2
( 3 + 3) 65 = 2 65 units2
2
3
iv)
x 1 y + 4
=
= z 5 = , then
3
2
x 1
x = 1 + 3
=
3
y+4
y = 4 + 2
=
2
z 5 =
z = 5+
1
3

Therefore l : r = 4 + 2 ,
5
1

Let
1
3

Two vectors that are parallel to 2 are 4 and 2 .
5
1

1 3 14
1

Normal of 2 4 2 = 14 = 14 1
5 1 14

1

1

Equation of 2 is r 1 = 0
1

Using the GC, ;line of intersection is
2
1

r = 2 + 0,
0

1
31. [AJC/07/2/5]
6

Relative to an origin O, the point A has position vector 2 , the line l1 has equation
6

5
1

r = 2 + 2 , and the plane 1 has cartesian equation 5 x 4 y + 3 z = 15 .

8
10

i) Find the shortest distance from A to the plane 1 and determine whether A
and the origin O are on the same side or on opposite sides of 1 .
[3]
2 is the plane that passes through point A and contains the line l1 . Find the
acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 .
[4]
iii) The plane 3 has cartesian equation x + 8 y + az = b . Find the values of a and
b if the planes 1 , 2 and 3 intersect along a common line.
[5]
ii)
Ans: i)
11 50
, same side, ii) 46.8 , iii) a = 5, b = 3
50
i)
5
5
1 15

1 : r 4 = 15 r
4 =
50
50
3

3
6 5
2 4

6 3 15
=
Distance from A to 1 =
50
50
50
15
50
11
50
11 50
50
5
1
4
15
4 =
Since OA
has the same sign as
. A and O are on the same side of
50
50
50
3
1 .
ii)
6 5 1

Vector parallel to 2 = 2 2 = 0
6 8 2

1 1 4
2

Normal vector of 2 = 0 2 = 12 = 2 6
2 10 2
1

Acute angle between 1 & 2 =
5 2

4 6
3 1
cos 1
5 2

4 6
31

= cos 1
31
50 41
= 46.8 (to 3 s.f.)

iii)
Using the GC, equation of line of intersection between 1 and 2 is
3 1

r = 0 + t 0.5 , t
0 1

This line must lie on 3
1 1

0.5 8 = 0 a = 5
1 a

3 1

0 8 = b b = 3
0 a

32. [NJC/08/1/10]
l is given by the equation r = 2i + k + (i + 2j 3k), and the point P has
position vector 2i j 3k relative to the origin. N is a point on l such that the line PN is
perpendicular to l.
i)
1
Show that PN = ( 5i + 17 j + 13k ) .
[2]
7
ii) The plane 1 has equation r ( 3i + k ) = 7 . Verify that l lies in 1 and find the
perpendicular distance from point P to 1 .
[4]
iii) A second plane 2 contains l and P. Using your answers above, or otherwise,
determine the acute angle between 1 and 2 .
iv) A third plane 3 has equation r ( j + 5k ) = 22 . Determine the position
vector of the point of intersection between planes 1 , 2 and 3 .
Ans: ii)
4
, iii) 23.8 , iv)
10
1

2
4

i)
P
1

2
3

2+
ON = 2 for some .
1 3
2+ 2
PN = ON OP = 2 1 = 1 + 2
1 3 3 4 3

1 + 2 i 2 = 0
4 3 3

5
+ 2 + 4 12 + 9 = 0 =
7
5
7
5
10 1
PN = 1 + 7 = 17 .
4 15 7 13

7
[2]
[2]
ii)
2 + 3

2 i 0 = 6 + 3 + 1 3 = 7
1 3 1

Thus, l lies in 1 . (Verified)
Let the perpendicular distance be d.
2
P
l
3
0

1

5
3
1
1
1
28
4

d = PN n 1 = 17
0 =
15 + 13 =
=
7 10 7 10
7 10
10
13
1
Alternative
2

Let OA = 0 ;
1

2 2 0

AP = 1 0 = 1
3 1 4

0
3
1
4
1
d = AP n1 = 1
0 =
4 =
10
10
4 10 1

iii)
Let the acute angle be .
5
1
483
PN = 17 =
7
7
13
sin =
4
10
483
7
Alternative
28
= 23.8 (to 1 dec. pl.)
10 483
5 3

17 0
13 1
15 + 13

sin =
=
= 23.8 (1 d.p.)
2
2
2
2
2
483 10
5 + 17 + 13 3 + 1
iv)
Notice that 1 and 2 intersect at l. Hence, we just need to find the intersection between
3 and l.
2+
l : r = 2
1 3
0

3 : r 1 = 22
5

2+ 0

2 i 1 = 22 2 + 5 15 = 22 17 = 17 = 1
1 3 5

1

Therefore, position vector of point of intersection is 2 .
4

Alternative
1 5 77

A normal of 2 = 2 17 = 28
3 13 7

11 2 11

Thus, equation of 2 is r 4 = 0 4 = 23
1 1 1

Considering the Cartesian equation of all three planes,
3x + z = 7
11x 4 y + z = 23
y + 5 z = 22
x 1

Solving by GC, y = 2 .
z 4

33. [NJC/10/1/9]
0

Relative to the origin O, the point A has position vector given by OA = 1 and A lies on
0

1

the plane 1 with equation defined by r 3 = 3 . Another plane 2 has equation
2

y = x . The planes 1 and 2 intersect at line l.
i) Find the vector equation of the line l.
ii)
Show that the cosine of the acute angle between the planes 1 and 2 is
[1]
7
.
[2]
7
iii) Find the position vector of the foot of perpendicular, OF , from point A to the
line l. Hence, find the exact length of projection of AF onto the plane 2 .
[5]
iv) Another plane 3 has equation px + qy = 1 , where p and q are real constants.
Find the condition in which p and q must satisfy such that the planes 1 , 2
and 3 intersect at exactly one point.
[2]
0.75
0.5
2 / 3
3
Ans: i) r = 0.75 + 0.5 , R , iii) OF = 2 / 3 ,
, iv) p q
0
1
1/ 6 6
i)
1

r 3 = 3 x + 3 y + 2z = 3
2

2 : x + y + 0 z = 0
3
1
4
2

3
1
+ , R
Using GC: l: r =
4
2

0
1

ii)
1

Equation of 2 : y = x x + y = 0 r 1 = 0
0

1
1
1 1
2
1
7
os =
3
1
=
=
=
(shown)
7
14 2
28
7
2
0
iii)
Since point F lies on line l,
3
3
4
4 +
1

3
3
+ 1 =
+ for some .
Let OF =
4
4

0
2

4 +
4 +
3
1
+ 1 = +
Then AF =
4
2
2
1

Now, AF l AF 1 = 0
2

3
4 +
1
1
+ 1 = 0
4

1
=
12
3 1 2
4 12 3

3 1 2
OF =
=
4 12 3

1 1
6 6
3 1 2
4 12 3

1 1 1
AF =
=
4 12 3
1
6
7
2 1 1
AF = + + =
12
3 3 6
Hence, exact length of projection from AF to the plane 2
= AF cos
7 7
12 7
1
1
=
=
or
12 2 3
OR
exact length of projection from AF to the plane 2
= AF
n2
n2
iv)
3 has equation px + qy = 1 .
p

3 : r q = 1
0

For the three planes to intersect exactly a point, l is not parallel to 3 , then:
1 p

1 q 0
2 0

p + q 0 , p q (ans)
34. [HCI/08/1/12]
Referring to the origin O, two planes 1 and 2 are given by
i)
1
1

1 : r 2 = 13 and 2 : r 3 = 8 .
4
3

Given that a point A (1, 7, 10) lies on 2 , show that the perpendicular
distance from A to 1 is 2 21 .
[2]
ii)
Hence or otherwise find OB where B is the image of A when reflected in the

plane 1 .
[2]
iii) Write down the Cartesian equations of both 1 and 2 .
[1]
Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of 1 and 2 .
[1]
iv) Find a vector equation of the plane which is the image of 2 when 2 is
reflected in 1 .
[3]
55
18
3

Ans: ii) 1 , iii) x + 2 y 4 z = 13 , x + 3 y + 3 z = 8 , r = 21 + 7 , , iv)
0
1
6
3 18 29

r = 1 + s 7 + t 10 , s, t
6 1 3

i)
1
1
1 + 14 + 40 13
1 13
d = 7
2
=
= 2 21 ( shown )
21
21
10 21 4

ii)
Let C be the foot of the perpendicular from A to 1
1
1
1
Vector equation of a line through A and parallel to 2 : r = 7 + 2 ,

10
4
4

1+
Then OC = 7 + 2
10 4
1
+

C lies on 1 :
= 2
7 + 2 i 2 = 13
10 4 4

1 + 1
OC = 7 + 2 = 3

10 4 2
By ratio theorem :
1
OC = OA + OB
2
iii)
1 : x + 2y 4z = 13
3
OB = 2OC OA OB = 1

6

. (1)
. (2)
2 : x + 3y + 3z = 8
By G.C. solve equations (1) & (2)
The vector equation of the line of intersection is
55
18
l : r = 21 + 7 where .

iv)
Since B and l lie on the image plane of 2 so the equation of image plane is
3 18 55 3

r = 1 + s 7 + t 21 1
6 1 0 6

3 18 29
r = 1 + s 7 + t 10 where s, t
6 1 3
Level 3
35. The line l and the plane P have equations
l : r = (u + v ) ,
P :r ( u v ) = 0
i)
ii)
Show that l is contained in P .

1
3

For the case u = 2 and v = 3 , find an equation of the line contained in P
1
2

that is perpendicular to l and passes through the origin
12
Ans: ii) r = 27 ,
17
i)
The origin O lies on both l and P .
(u + v ) (u v ) = u (u v ) + v (u v ) = 0 + 0 = 0
Therefore l is contained in P .
ii)
1 3
3

Equation of l : r = 2 + 3 = 1
2
1 2

1 3
7

Equation of P : r 2 3 = 0 r 5 = 0

1 2
3
2 7 12

Direction vector of line 1 5 = 27

3 3 17
12
Therefore equation of line is r = 27 ,

17
36. [AJC/08/1/5]
The planes 1 and 2 , which meet in the line l, have equations
2

1 : r 1 = 3
5

2 : 2x + y + 2z = 4
respectively.
i) Find a vector equation of the line l in the form r = a + t b, t ,.
[2]
ii) (i) Plane 3 intersects 1 and 2 at a unique point. State the z coordinate
of this point of intersection. Give a reason for your answer.
[2]
iii) Another plane 4 is parallel to the normals of 2 and 3 . Explain whether

the 3 planes 2 , 3 and 4 intersect at a unique point.
[2]
iv)
1 12

Ans: i) r = 0 + t 1 , t R. , ii) z = 1 , iii), Yes, the 3 planes will intersect at a unique
1 0

point.
i) 1 : 2 x y + 5 = 3 -----(1)
x 1
Using GC, y = t
z 1

1
2
1 : 2 x y + 5 = 3 ----(2)
t
1 12
r = 0 + t 1 , t R.
1 0
ii)
z = 1.
Since 1 and 2 intersect at a common line where z = 1 for all values of x and y, the
common line will also intersect 3 at z = 1 if the 3 planes intersect at a unique point.
iii)
Yes, the 3 planes will intersect at a unique point.
From (ii), 2 cannot be // to 3 so they intersect along a line. Since 4 is perpendicular to
2 and 3 , it must be to the common line and so will intersect this common line at a
unique point.
37. [CJC/FM/1/19b]
2 + 2
The variable point M which is in the plane 1 has position vector 2 3 + and the
1 + 3
2 +
variable point N which is in the plane 2 has position vector 2 + , where

3 + 4 + 3
, R . The point V is the mid-point of the line segment MN .

i) Find, to the nearest 0.10 , the acute angle between 1 and 2 .
ii) Determine the locus of V as M and N vary.
2
3

Ans: i) 62.60 , ii) A straight line r = 2 + 2
2

5
2
2
0

Equation of plane 1 : r = 2 + 3 + 1 .
1

1
3
2 0 9 1 8
4

Normal on 1 , n1 = 3 1 = ( 6 0 ) = 6 = 2 3
1 3 2 0 2

1
2
1
0

Equation of plane 2 : r = 2 + 1 + 1 .
3

4
3
1 0 3+ 4 7

Normal on 2 , n 2 = 1 1 = ( 3 0 ) = 3
4 3 1 0 1

Let the angle between the planes be .
cos =
4
7
1 1
3 i
3
26 59
1
1
28 9 1
15 34
18
cos =
1534
= 6 2 .6 0
Using mid point theorem,
cos =
1
OM + ON
2
2
2
0 2
1
0
1
= 2 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1
2
1
3 3
4
3
1

OV =
4
3
0
1

= 4 + 2 + 0
2

0
5

4
3
2

= 2 + 2
5
2

2
3

The loci of V is a straight line r = 2 + 2 .
2

5
38. [FM/99/1/11]
Show that for any vectors u and v ,
u (u v ) = v (u v ) = 0
With respect to the origin O , the points A , B , C have position vectors a, b, c
respectively, and are such that O, A, B, C are non-coplanar. The mid-point of AC
is M and the plane AOB is denoted by . The line l passes through M is
perpendicular to . Show that the equation of l is
1
1
r = a + c + t (a b ) ,
2
2
where t is a parameter.
It is given that
1
5
a a = , a c = , b b = 2, b c = 12 ,
2
2
and that a and b are perpendicular vectors. The line l meets at the point D .
By expressing the equation of in a form involving two parameters, find the
position vector of D in terms of a and b .
The line segment MD meets the plane OBC at the point H . Find the ratio
MH : HD .
Ans: d = 2a + 3b , MH : HD = 1: 4
Since u v u and v , u ( u v ) = v ( u v ) = 0
m=
1
(a + c) ,
2
Normal n = a b .
Since l is perpendicular to , the normal of is parallel to the line l .
1
1
1
Equation of line l :
r = (a + c ) + t (a b ) = a + c + t (a b )
2
2
2
Equation of plane : r = a + b
Since d lies on l , r =
1
( a + c ) + t ( a b ) for a t values
2
Since d lies on ,
1
( a + c ) + t ( a b ) = a + b
2
t ( a b ) = a + b
Dot a on both sides
1
(a + c)
2
[1]
[3]
[6]
[4]
t ( a b ) a = a + b ( a + c ) a
2
1
0 = a a + b a ( a + c ) a
2
1
1
0 = + (0) (a a + c a )
2
2
1

11
=
2
2 2 2
= 2
Dot b on both sides

1
t ( a b ) b = a + b ( a + c ) b
2
1
0 = a b + b b ( a + c ) b
2
1
0 = ( 0) + ( 2) (a b + c b )
2
1
2 = ( 0 + 12 )
2
=3
Hence d = 2a + 3b .
Since H is on the line segment MD
By ratio theorem
M 1 s
Hs
h = sm + (1 s ) d
Equation of plane OBC :
Since H lies on plane OBC ,
r (b c) = 0
sm + (1 s ) d ( b c ) = 0
1
2 s ( a + c ) + (1 s )( 2a + 3b ) ( b c ) = 0
5 s
s
2 2 a + 3 (1 s ) b + 2 c ( b c ) = 0
s
5s
2 2 a ( b c ) + 3 (1 s ) b ( b c ) + 2 c ( b c ) = 0
5s
2 2 a (b c) = 0
Since a c =
5
, a c , a ( b c ) . Therefore a ( b c ) 0 .
2
5s
2 a (b c ) = 0
2
5s
2 = 0
2
4
s=
5
Hence MH : HD = 1: 4
Vectors (Mixed)
1.
[MI/07]
a) The lines l1 and l2 have equations
1
2
x +1

r = 0 + 1 and
= z+3, y = 2
3
1
1

respectively, where is a parameter. Determine whether the lines intersect.
b)
2.
Given that | a | = 3 and | b | = 2 , and that the angle between a and b is
,
5
find the value of (a b ) a . Give your answer correct to three significant
figures
Ans: a) Do not intersect
[JJC/10/2/3]
Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of A , B and C are i + 3j + 4k , 2i 2k
and 4i + j k respectively.
i) Point M lies on the line segment AB such that AM : MB = 1: 2 . Given that
the position vector of M is 2 j + 2k , find .
[2]
ii)
3
Given that he length of projection of BC onto the line OM is
units, find
2
, where is a positive constant.
[3]
iii)
2
a

The line has vector equation r = 0 + 0 , , a . Using the values
2
1

of and found above, determine the value of a if l makes an angle of
radians with the plane ABC .
Ans: i) = 1 , ii) = 2 , iii) a = 7 or
6
[4]
1
7
3.
[AJC/08/2/3]
Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors given
respectively by
a = i + j + 2k , b = 2 j + 5k , c = 5 i + j + 3k.
i) Find the vector equation of the line l that passes through point A and is parallel
to the vector a .
[1]
ii) Find the point D, the foot of perpendicular from the point B to l.
[3]
iii) Find the area of the triangle ABC.
[3]
iv) Hence find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD.
(Area of tetrahedron is base area height)
[4]
1
1
1 2
Ans: i) l : r = 1 + 1 , R , ii) OD = 2 1 = 2 . , iii)

2
2
2 4

4.
186
, iv) 1 unit3.
2
[AJC/06/1/13]
Relative to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors i + 2j + 5k, i k
and 2i + j respectively.
The line l1 passes through A and is parallel to the vector 3i + 2j. The line l2 passes
through the points B and C.
[1]
i) Find a vector equation of the line l1.
ii) Show that the lines l1 and l2 intersect and that the position vector OX of the
point of intersection is 7i + 6j +5k.
[3]
The vector ai + bj + k is perpendicular to both l1 and l2. Find the values of a and b.
Hence give an equation of the line l3 that is concurrent with l1 and l2 and
perpendicular to both l1 and l2.
If V is a point on l3 such that VABX is a tetrahedron with base ABX and height
5 14 units, find the coordinates of V.
[7]
1
3
7 2

Ans: i) r = 2 + 2 , r = 6 + s 3 , V = (17, 9, 10) or ( 3, 21, 0)]
5
0
5 1

Vectors (Mixed)
1.
[MI/07]
a) The lines l1 and l2 have equations
1
2
x +1

r = 0 + 1 and
= z+3, y = 2
3
1
1

respectively, where is a parameter. Determine whether the lines intersect.
b)
Given that | a | = 3 and | b | = 2 , and that the angle between a and b is
,
5
find the value of (a b ) a . Give your answer correct to three significant
figures
Ans: a) Do not intersect
a)
x +1
= z + 3, y = 2 . Then x = 3 1, z = 3, y = 2 .
3
1
3

l2 : r = 3 + 1 ,
2
0

To check if lines intersect:
2 3 = 2 -----(1)
1 + 2 1 + 3
-----(2)
= 3 + = 3
= 1
1 2
-----(3)
Solving equations (2) & (3): = 1 and = 1 + 3 = 2
Let =
Substitute into equation (1): LHS = 2 ( 1) 3 ( 2 ) = 8 RHS

Therefore the lines do not intersect.
b)
Let the angle between a and b be .
(a b ) a = a a b a
2
= a b a cos

= 32 ( 2 )( 3) cos
5
= 4.15 (to 3 s.f.)
2.
[JJC/10/2/3]
Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of A , B and C are i + 3j + 4k , 2i 2k
and 4i + j k respectively.
i) Point M lies on the line segment AB such that AM : MB = 1: 2 . Given that
the position vector of M is 2 j + 2k , find .
[2]
ii)
3
Given that he length of projection of BC onto the line OM is
units, find
2
, where is a positive constant.
[3]
iii)
2
a

The line has vector equation r = 0 + 0 , , a . Using the values
2
1

of and found above, determine the value of a if l makes an angle of
radians with the plane ABC .
2
M
6
[4]
1
Ans: i) = 1 , ii) = 2 , iii) a = 7 or
7
1
Using ratio theorem,

2OA + OB
OM =
3
3OM OB
OA =
2
0 2

3 = 1 3 2 0
2
4
2 2

1

3= 3
4 4

= 1
ii)
4 2 2

BC = 0 =
1 2 1

Length of projection of BC onto the line OM =
3
2
BC
OM
OM
3
2
2
0
3
1
2 1 = 2
1
1

+1 = 3
+ 1 = 3
= 2 or 4 (rejected)
iii)
2 1
1

AB = 0 3 = 3 1
2 4
2

4 1 5

AC = 2 3 = 1
1 4 5

1 5 3

Normal of plane ABC = 1 1 = 5
2 5 4

iii)
a
3
1
1

0
5
=
sin

6
a 2 + 1 1 32 + 52 + 42 4

1
1
( 3a + 4 ) =
2
a 2 + 1 50
1
3a + 4 = a 2 + 1 50
2
( 6a + 8 )2 = 50 ( a 2 + 1)
7 a 2 48a 7 = 0
a = 7 or
1
7
3.
[AJC/08/2/3]
Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors given
respectively by
a = i + j + 2k , b = 2 j + 5k , c = 5 i + j + 3k.
i) Find the vector equation of the line l that passes through point A and is parallel
to the vector a .
[1]
ii) Find the point D, the foot of perpendicular from the point B to l.
[3]
iii) Find the area of the triangle ABC.
[3]
iv) Hence find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD.
(Area of tetrahedron is base area height)
[4]
1
1
1 2
Ans: i) l : r = 1 + 1 , R , ii) OD = 2 1 = 2 . , iii)

2
2
2 4

i)
1
1
1

l : r = 1 + 1 , R . Or l : r = 1 , R

2
2
2

ii)
1
Let OD = k 1 where k is a constant.
2

1
OD OB 1 = 0
1 0 1

k 1 2 1 = 0
2 5 2
k + k 2 + 4k 10 = 0
k =2
1 2

OD = 2 1 = 2 .
2 4

iii)
0 1 1

AB = 2 1 = 1
5 2 3

5 0 5

BC = 1 2 = 1
3 5 2

186
, iv) 1 unit3.
2
1 5
1
1
1 1
1
186
Area of triangle ABC = AB BC = 1 1 = 13 = 1 + 169 + 16 =

2 2
2
2
2
3 2
4
units2.
iv)
Perpendicular distance of D from ABC
2 1
1
1 1
1
1
6
= AD n = 2 1
13
=
=
1 13
186
186
186
4 2
4
2 4
1 186 6
=1 unit3.
Volume of tetrahedron =

3 2 186
4.
[AJC/06/1/13]
Relative to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors i + 2j + 5k, i k
and 2i + j respectively.
The line l1 passes through A and is parallel to the vector 3i + 2j. The line l2 passes
through the points B and C.
i) Find a vector equation of the line l1.
[1]
ii) Show that the lines l1 and l2 intersect and that the position vector OX of the
point of intersection is 7i + 6j +5k.
[3]
The vector ai + bj + k is perpendicular to both l1 and l2. Find the values of a and b.
Hence give an equation of the line l3 that is concurrent with l1 and l2 and
perpendicular to both l1 and l2.
If V is a point on l3 such that VABX is a tetrahedron with base ABX and height
5 14 units, find the coordinates of V.
[7]
1
3
7 2

Ans: i) r = 2 + 2 , r = 6 + s 3 , V = (17, 9, 10) or ( 3, 21, 0)]
5
0
5 1

(i) Equation of line l1 :
1
3

r = 2 + 2,
~
5
0

(ii) Equation of line l2 :
1 1

r = 0 + 1 , .
~
1 1

When the lines intersect,

1
3 1
1

2 + 2 = 0 + 1
5
0 1
1

From (3),
Substitute into (2),
Check (1) :
1 + 3 = 1 +
2 + 2 =
5 = 1 +
=6
------ (1)
------ (2)
------ (3)
=2
LHS = 1 + 3(2) = 7
RHS = 1 + 6 = 7 = LHS
Therefore the lines intersect.
1 1 7

OX = 0 + 61 = 6
1 1 5

a 3

b 2 = 0 3a + 2b = 0
1 0

------ (1)
a 1

b 1 = 0 a + b + 1 = 0
1 1

------ (2)
Solving, a = 2, b = 3 .
Equation of line l3 :
7 2

r = 6 + s 3 ,
~
5 1

7 2

OV = 6 + s 3 , for some s .
5 1

Since V lies on l3,
VX = 5 14
s.
7 7 2

6 6 s 3 = 5 14
5 5 1

s 14 = 5 14
2

s 3 = 5 14
1

s = 5 s = 5
Alternative Solution:
2
2
1
1
OV = OX + 5 14
3 or OV = OX 5 14
3
14
14
1
1
7 2
7 2

OV = 6 + 5 3
or OV = 6 5 3
5 1
5 1

17

OV = 9
or
10

Therefore V = (17, 9, 10) or
3

OV = 21
0

( 3, 21, 0).
Vectors (3D problems)

1.
[PJC/10/2/3]
D
C
5m
6m
6m
10 m
H
3m
4m
3m
O
10 m
The diagram above shows a partial design of the roof of the gallery of an amphitheatre.
ABCD is an inclined rectangular roof, where AB = 10 m, and BC = 5 m . EFGH is a
rectangle on a horizontal ground, where EF = 10 m and EH = 4 m . The points A and B
are 3 m directly above E and F respectively. The points C and D are 6 m directly above
G and H respectively.
Point O is the centre of EFGH and is taken as the origin. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j,
k are in the direction of EF , EH and EA respectively.
i)
10
Show that AC = 4 and find a vector equation of the line passing through A
3

and C.
[3]
ii) A spot light is fixed at the top of a vertical pillar erected at point Q with
coordinates (15, 6, 0 ) . Find the height of the pillar if the top of the pillar is
collinear with A and C.
[3]
iii) The main electrical supply to the gallery runs along the diagonal AC. Find the
position vector of point X on AC such that the length of the electric cable that
is required to provide electricity from the main electrical supply to an
amplifier mounted at D, will be the least.
[3]
5
10
3
Ans: i) r = 2 + 4 , , ii) 9 m, iii) 6 / 5

3

18 / 5

3
2.
[TPJC/10/2/4]
The figure below shows a cuboid positioned on level ground so that it rests on one of its
vertices, O. The vectors i and j are on the ground.
Given that OA = 3i 12 j + 3k , OB = 2i + j + 2k and OC = 2 i + 2k

Show that the position vector of X is i 12 j + 5k .
State the height of X above the ground. Hence find the angle between OX and
the ground, giving your answer to nearest 0.1o.
iii) Find the equation of plane BDX in the form of r n = d .
iv) Find the acute angle between planes BDX and OBDC, giving your answer to
nearest 0.1o.
13
0
Ans: ii) 22.5 , iii) r 2 = 54 , iv) 76.70
13

i)
ii)
[1]
[3]
[3]
[3]
3.
[YJC/10/1/12]
The diagram shows a prism with the horizontal rectangular base PQRS. The triangular
planes APS and BQR are vertical and AB is horizontal.
A
B
S
k
2
P
Given that PQ = SR = AB = 3 units, PS = QR = 2 units and each of the planes ABQP and
3
ABRS is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where tan = .
4
The point P is taken as the origin for position vectors, with unit vectors i and j parallel to
PQ and PS respectively and unit vector k perpendicular to the plane PQRS.
i) Find PA .
[1]
ii) Find the exact value of the cosine of the angle PAR.
[3]
iii) Find a vector equation of the line AR.
[1]
iv) Show that the foot of perpendicular from P to the line AR has coordinates
21 162 132
,
,
.
169 169 169
[3]
3
3
0
7

Ans: i) PA = 1 , ii) , iii) r = 2 + 1 ,

65
0
0.75
3
4.
[HCI/10/1/11]
D
C
j
k
B
The diagram above shows part of the structure of a modern art museum designed by
Marcus, with a horizontal base OAB and vertical wall OADC. Perpendicular unit vectors
i, j, k are such that i and k are parallel to OA and OC respectively.
The walls of the museum BCD and ABD can be described respectively by the equations
1
14
5
1

r 5 = 36 and r = 0 + 4 + 0 , where , .
6
0

4

0

[1]
Write down the distance of A from O.
Find the vector equation of the intersection line of the two walls BCD and
ABD.
[3]
iii) Marcus wishes to repaint the inner wall ABD. Find the area of this wall.
[3]
Suppose Marcus wishes to divide the structure into two by adding a partition such that it
intersects with the walls BCD and ABD at a line. This partition can be described by the
equation 2 x 7 y + z = , where , .
iv) Find the values of and .
[2]
v) Another designer, Jenny, wishes to construct another partition which is
described by the equation 2 x 7 y + z = , where . State the
relationship between Jennys and Marcus partitions.
[1]
Deduce the number of intersection point(s) between the walls BCD, ABD, and
Jennys partition.
[1]
4
1
Ans: i)14, ii) r = 8 + 1 , , iii) 51.8, iv) = 5, = 64 , v) parallel, no

0

1
intersection
i)
ii)
5.
[HCI/06/1/14]
6 cm
D
6 cm
12 cm
In the diagram, O is centre of the rectangular base ABCD of a right pyramid with vertex
V. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j, k are parallel to AB, BC and OV respectively. The
length of AB, BC and OV are 12 cm, 6 cm and 6 cm respectively.
tz
x4
= y+2=
.
A line l has cartesian equation
2
10
i) Find the vector equation of AV.
[2]
ii) If the line l intersects AV at M, find the position vector of M and the value of t. [5]
iii) Find the acute angle between AV and the line l. Hence find the perpendicular
distance from A to the line l.
[5]
0
2
4

Ans: i) r = 0 + 1 , , ii) 2 , t = 2 , iii) 60.80 , 6.62
6
2
2

6.
Referring to an origin O, the position vectors of points A, B and C are given by OA = 7 i ,

OB = i + 4k and OC = i + 4 j respectively. A parallelepiped has OA, OB, OC as three
edges, and the remaining vertices are X, Y, Z and D as shown in the diagram.
X
D
B
Z
C
i)
ii)
O
A
Write down the position vector of Z in terms of i, j and k.
CP
The point P divides CZ such that
= . Given that OP is perpendicular to CZ ,
PZ 1
find the value of and evaluate OP .
iii) Find a cartesian equation of the line BP.

1
x 1 y
z4
Ans: i) r = 8i + 4k , ii) = , OP = 4 , iii)
=
=
8
7
32 32
7.
[ACJC/08/2/5]
F
M
E
k
O
j
G
B
The diagram above shows a simple shelter designed by an engineer. It consists of three
vertical columns, OE, AF and BG with their bases on the horizontal ground. The point O
is taken as the origin and the points E, F and G have position vectors given respectively
by e = 6k, f = 8i + 10k and g = 2i + 4j + 4k.
i) Given that the plane EFG forms the roof of the shelter, show that the cartesian
equation of the pane EFG is 2 x + 3 y + 4 z = 24 .
[2]
ii) Find the angle between the plane EFG and the horizontal ground.
[2]
iii) The engineer has to drill a hole on the roof of the shelter in order to install a
lamp. Given that the lamp is vertically above a point on the ground with
position vector 3i + 2j, find the vertical distance from the drilled hole to the
horizontal ground.
[2]
iv) M is a point that lies on the line segment EF. The engineer decided to
construct a vertical partition that intersects plane EFG along the line segment
GM. Given that the partition has a cartesian equation of 2 x + y = 8 , find the
vector equation for line GM.
[2]
v) Find the shortest distance from A to the vertical wall partition.
[3]
0
0.5
0
Ans : ii) 42.0 , iii) 6 units, iv) r = 8 + 1 , , v) 3.58 units
0
1

Vectors (3D problems)

1.
[PJC/10/2/3]
D
C
5m
6m
6m
10 m
H
3m
4m
3m
O
10 m
The diagram above shows a partial design of the roof of the gallery of an amphitheatre.
ABCD is an inclined rectangular roof, where AB = 10 m, and BC = 5 m . EFGH is a
rectangle on a horizontal ground, where EF = 10 m and EH = 4 m . The points A and B
are 3 m directly above E and F respectively. The points C and D are 6 m directly above
G and H respectively.
Point O is the centre of EFGH and is taken as the origin. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j,
k are in the direction of EF , EH and EA respectively.
i)
10
Show that AC = 4 and find a vector equation of the line passing through A
3

and C.
[3]
A spot light is fixed at the top of a vertical pillar erected at point Q with
coordinates (15, 6, 0 ) . Find the height of the pillar if the top of the pillar is
collinear with A and C.
[3]
iii) The main electrical supply to the gallery runs along the diagonal AC. Find the
position vector of point X on AC such that the length of the electric cable that
is required to provide electricity from the main electrical supply to an
amplifier mounted at D, will be the least.
[3]
5
10
3

Ans: i) r = 2 + 4 , , ii) 9 m, iii) 6 / 5

3
3
18 / 5

ii)
(i)
5 5 10

AC = 2 2 = 4
6 3 3

5
10
5
10

line AC : r = 2 + 4 or r = 2 + 4 , R
6
3
3
3

(ii)
Let point R be the top of the pillar
15

OR = 6 lies on line AC
h

15 5
10

6 = 2 + 4
h 6

3
15 = 5 + 10 = 1
6 = 2 + 4 = 1
h = 6 + 3 = 9
Height of pillar is 9m.
5
10

(iii) OX = 2 + 4 for some
6

3
5
10 5 10 + 10

DX = 2 + 4 2 = 4
6

3 6 3
10 + 10 10

4 4 = 0
3 3

100 + 100 + 16 + 9 = 0
4
=
5
5
10
5
4 3
OX = 2 4 = 2
6 5 3 5 6

D ( 5, 2, 6 )
A
X
10

4
3

2.
[TPJC/10/2/4]
The figure below shows a cuboid positioned on level ground so that it rests on one of its
vertices, O. The vectors i and j are on the ground.
Given that OA = 3i 12 j + 3k , OB = 2i + j + 2k and OC = 2i + 2k

Show that the position vector of X is i 12 j + 5k .
State the height of X above the ground. Hence find the angle between OX and
the ground, giving your answer to nearest 0.1o.
iii) Find the equation of plane BDX in the form of r n = d .
iv) Find the acute angle between planes BDX and OBDC, giving your answer to
nearest 0.1o.
13

0
Ans: ii) 22.5 , iii) r 2 = 54 , iv) 76.7 0
13

i)
ii)
i)
3
1
2
2
1

OA = 12 = 3 4 ; OB = 1 ; OC = 0 = 2 0
3

1
2
2
1
OX = OA + AX = OA + OC
3 2

= 12 + 0
3 2
= 12
5
ii)
Height of X above the ground = 5 units
Let be the required angle.
5
5
sin =
=
1 + 144 + 25
OX
Hence,
= 22.5o
[1]
[3]
[3]
[3]
iii)
1
BD = OC = 2 0
1

1 2 1

BX = 12 1 = 13
5 2 3

1 1 13

0 13 = 2
1 3 13

13 2 13

Therefore, equation of plane BDX : r 2 = 1 2 = 54
13 2 13

1

(iv) Normal vector to plane OBDC is OA = 2 4
1

Let be the required angle.
13 1
2 4

13 1
cos =
342 18
= 76.7 o
3.
[YJC/10/1/12]
The diagram shows a prism with the horizontal rectangular base PQRS. The triangular
planes APS and BQR are vertical and AB is horizontal.
A
B
S
k
2
P
Given that PQ = SR = AB = 3 units, PS = QR = 2 units and each of the planes ABQP and
3
ABRS is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, where tan = .
4
The point P is taken as the origin for position vectors, with unit vectors i and j parallel to
PQ and PS respectively and unit vector k perpendicular to the plane PQRS.
i) Find PA .
[1]
ii) Find the exact value of the cosine of the angle PAR.
[3]
iii) Find a vector equation of the line AR.
[1]
iv) Show that the foot of perpendicular from P to the line AR has coordinates
21 162 132
,
,
.
169 169 169
[3]
3
3
0
7

Ans: i) PA = 1 , ii) , iii) r = 2 + 1 ,

65
0
0.75
3

4
i)
3
3
AN = , where N is a point vertically below A.
4
4
0
0
1
3
PA = j + k = 1 = 4
4 ~ 3 4
~
3
4
ii)
3
RA = 1
3
4
0 3

1 1
3 3
PA RA
4 4
cos PAR = =
0 + 1 + 169 9 + 1 + 169
PA RA
Since tan =
=
=
1 + 169
25
16
169
16
7
65
iii)
A vector equation of the line AR is
3
3
3
12

r = 2 + 1 , or r = 2 + 4 ,
~
~
0
0
3
3

4
Let F be the foot of perpendicular from P to AR
3
3

F on AR PF = 2 + 1 for some
3
0

4
3
PF AR PF 1 = 0
3
4
3
3 3

2
+
1 1 = 0
3 3
0
4 4
9
176
=0 =
9 + 9 2 + +
16
169
3
3
21
176
1
1 =
162
PF = 2 +
0 169 3 169 132

4
21 162 132
F =
,
,
169 169 169
4.
[HCI/10/1/11]
D
C
j
k
B
The diagram above shows part of the structure of a modern art museum designed by
Marcus, with a horizontal base OAB and vertical wall OADC. Perpendicular unit vectors
i, j, k are such that i and k are parallel to OA and OC respectively.
The walls of the museum BCD and ABD can be described respectively by the equations
1
14
5
1

r 5 = 36 and r = 0 + 4 + 0 , where , .
6
0
0
4

i)
ii)
Write down the distance of A from O.

[1]
Find the vector equation of the intersection line of the two walls BCD and
ABD.
[3]
iii) Marcus wishes to repaint the inner wall ABD. Find the area of this wall.
[3]
Suppose Marcus wishes to divide the structure into two by adding a partition such that it
intersects with the walls BCD and ABD at a line. This partition can be described by the
equation 2 x 7 y + z = , where , .
iv) Find the values of and .
[2]
v) Another designer, Jenny, wishes to construct another partition which is
described by the equation 2 x 7 y + z = , where . State the
relationship between Jennys and Marcus partitions.
[1]
Deduce the number of intersection point(s) between the walls BCD, ABD, and
Jennys partition.
[1]
4
1

Ans: i)14, ii) r = 8 + 1 , , iii) 51.8, iv) = 5, = 64 , v) parallel, no
0

1
intersection
i)
OA = 14
ii)
Plane ABD
5 1 16
4 0 = 20

0 4 4

4 14 4

r. 5 = 0 . 5 = 56

1 01
4 x 5 y + z = 56
x 5 y + 6 z = 36
Using GC to solve:
4
1

r = 8 + 1 ,

1
0

iii)
4+
12
OD = 8 + = 8 OD = 0

8

(Reason: j is zero.)
Similarly,
4
OB = 8 sin ce k=0
0

12 14 2
AD = 0 0 = 0
8 0 8

12 4 8

BD = 0 8 = 8
8 0 8

1
BD AD
2
8 2
1 1
4
1
= 8 0 = 8 1 0 = 8 5
2

8 8
1 4
1
Area ABD =
= 8 42 = 51.8 (3 s.f.)
iv)
2(4) 7(8) + (0) =
2(12) 7(0) + 8 =
= 64, = 5
OR
The 3 planes intersect at the line
4
1

r = 8 + 1 ,

0
1
2 1

7 . 1 = 0
1

2 7 + = 0
=5
4 2

8 . 7 = 8 + 56 = 64
0 5

= 64
v)
Their partitions are parallel to each other.
There is no intersection point.
5.
[HCI/06/1/14]
6 cm
D
6 cm
12 cm
In the diagram, O is centre of the rectangular base ABCD of a right pyramid with vertex
V. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j, k are parallel to AB, BC and OV respectively. The
length of AB, BC and OV are 12 cm, 6 cm and 6 cm respectively.
tz
x4
= y+2=
.
A line l has cartesian equation
2
10
i) Find the vector equation of AV.
[2]
ii) If the line l intersects AV at M, find the position vector of M and the value of t. [5]
iii) Find the acute angle between AV and the line l. Hence find the perpendicular
distance from A to the line l.
[5]
0
2
4

Ans: i) r = 0 + 1 , , ii) 2 , t = 2 , iii) 60.80 , 6.62
6
2
2

i)
2
6
0

OA = 3 and OV = 0 AV = 3 1
0
6
2

Equation of AV is
0
2
6
2

r = 0 + 1 ,
or r = 3 + 1 ,
6
2
0
2

ii)
4
10

Equation of l is r = 2 + 1
t
2

2 4 10
If AV and l intersect, let = 2 +

6 + 2 t + 2
= 2...............(1) and
+ 5 = 2 .(2)
Solving eq (1) & (2) we have = 0 and = 2 .

4

OM = 2 . Also, t + 2 = 6 + 2 t = 2
2

iii)
2 10
1
Acute angle between AV and line l = cos 1 . 1 / 9 105 = 60.8
2 2

2

AM = 1
2

Perpendicular distance required = AM sin 60.79 0 = 2.62 units
6.
Referring to an origin O, the position vectors of points A, B and C are given by OA = 7i ,

OB = i + 4k and OC = i + 4 j respectively. A parallelepiped has OA, OB, OC as three
edges, and the remaining vertices are X, Y, Z and D as shown in the diagram.
X
D
B
Z
C
O
A
Write down the position vector of Z in terms of i, j and k.
CP
The point P divides CZ such that
= . Given that OP is perpendicular to CZ ,
PZ 1
i)
ii)
find the value of and evaluate OP .

iii) Find a cartesian equation of the line BP.
x 1 y
z4
1
Ans: i) r = 8i + 4k , ii) = , OP = 4 , iii)
=
=
8
7
32 32
i)
OZ = OA + AZ or OA + OB
= 8i + 4k
ii)
By ratio Theorem
8
1
8 + 1

1
1
1
OP =
OZ +
OC =
0 +
4 =
4
1+
1+
1+ 1+ 1+
4
0
4

Since OP CZ,
OPiCZ = 0
7
CZ = OZ OC = 4
4

8 + 1 7
1

4
i 4 = 0 56 + 7 16 + 16 = 0 = 8
4 4

1 + 1
4
1
4
OP =
4 = 8
1 + 1 / 8
9 1
1 / 2

OP =
4 2
4 + 82 + 12 = 4
9
iii)
7 / 9
BP = OP OB = 32 / 9 =
-32 / 9
7
1
32
-32
7
The direction vector of line BP is 32 .

32
Cartesian Equation of line BP:

x 1 y
z4
or equivalent
=
=
7
32 32
7.
[ACJC/08/2/5]
F
M
E
k
O
j
G
B
The diagram above shows a simple shelter designed by an engineer. It consists of three
vertical columns, OE, AF and BG with their bases on the horizontal ground. The point O
is taken as the origin and the points E, F and G have position vectors given respectively
by e = 6k, f = 8i + 10k and g = 2i + 4j + 4k.
i) Given that the plane EFG forms the roof of the shelter, show that the cartesian
equation of the pane EFG is 2 x + 3 y + 4 z = 24 .
[2]
ii) Find the angle between the plane EFG and the horizontal ground.
[2]
iii) The engineer has to drill a hole on the roof of the shelter in order to install a
lamp. Given that the lamp is vertically above a point on the ground with
position vector 3i + 2j, find the vertical distance from the drilled hole to the
horizontal ground.
[2]
iv) M is a point that lies on the line segment EF. The engineer decided to
construct a vertical partition that intersects plane EFG along the line segment
GM. Given that the partition has a cartesian equation of 2 x + y = 8 , find the
vector equation for line GM.
[2]
v) Find the shortest distance from A to the vertical wall partition.
[3]
0
0.5

0
Ans : ii) 42.0 , iii) 6 units, iv) r = 8 + 1 , , v) 3.58 units
0
1

i)
8 0 8
2 0 2

EF = 0 0 = 0
EG = 4 0 = 4
,
10 6 4
4 6 2

Let n be the normal of Plane EFG.
8 2
2

n = 0 4 = 8 3
4 2
4

Plane EFG:
2 0 2

r. 3 = 0 . 3 = 24
4 6 4

2 x + 3 y + 4 z = 24 (Shown).
ii)
Let be the angle between Plane EFG and the horizontal ground.
0

Horizontal plane: r. 0 = 0.
1

0 2
0 . 3

1 4
cos =
1 4 + 9 + 16
4
= 42.0 . (1 d.p)
29
= cos 1
iii)
Let h be the vertical distance from the drilled hole to the ground.
3 2

2 . 3 = 24
h 4

h = 6 units.
iv)
2
3
0

Point of intersection of line: r = 2 + 0 and plane EFG: r. 3 = 24.
4
0
1

Vertical wall partition: 2 x + y = 8
Plane EFG: 2 x + 3 y + 4 z = 24
Using GC,
2 1 0 8 1 0 0.5 0
Rref
=
1
8
2 3 4 24 0 1
0
0.5

Line GM: r = 8 + 1 .
0

1
v)
2

Vertical wall partition: r. 1 = 8.
0

2 8 6

AG = 4 0 = 4
or
4 0 4

Let the shortest distance be d.
2 6 2

AG 1 4 1
0 4 0

d =
=
=
4 +1
4 +1
6

AB = 4
0

8
5
= 3.58 units.
Graphing Techniques
1)
HCJC 1999
x
. Sketch the graph of C , indicating clearly the
x +1
asymptote(s), axial intercept(s) and stationary points. On a separate diagram, sketch the
1
x
x
curve with the equation y 2 = 2
. By considering the graph y = e x and y = 2 ,
x +1
2
x +1
x
2
show that the equation 2 x e x + 1 = 0 has a root lying between 0 and 1.
The curve C has equation y =
2)
3)
NJC 1999
Sketch on separate diagrams, the graphs of
1 4x
1 4x
(i) y =
,
and
(ii) y 2 =
1+ x
1+ x
On the same axes as for part (i), sketch and label clearly the graph of y = 4 x 2 , and
hence state the number of negative real roots and the number of positive real roots of
the equation x3 + x 8 x 3 = 0 .
Ans: 2 negative roots and 1 positive root.
TPJC 1999
It is given that the line y = x + 3 and x = 10 are asymptotes to the curve C whose
x 2 + ax + 6
. Find the value of a and b . Find the coordinates of the
x+b
stationary points and draw a sketch of C .
Ans: a = 7, b = 10 , max at ( 4,1) , min at 16, 25
ACJC 1999
x 2 + ax + b
The curve C has the equation y =
, x c . It is given that the line y = x + 5
x+c
is an asymptote of C , and that C has a stationary point at ( 2, 0 ) .
equation is y =
4)
(i) Show that a = b = 4 and c = 1

(ii) Find the coordinates of the other stationary point of C
(iii) Sketch C .
(iv) By considering a suitable curve, show that the equation
one real root for all values of k such that k < 0 .
( x + 2) 2
(v) Find the set of values of x for which
< 2x + 4 .
x 1
Ans: ii) ( 4,12 ) , iv) { x : x R , 2 < x < 1 or x > 4}
x ( x + 2) 2
= k has exactly
x 1
5)
HCJC 1999
x 2 + ax
, where a is a non-zero constant.
x 1
(i) Find the equations of the asymptotes of C
(ii) Show that, if a < 1 , C has no stationary points.
(iii) Draw a sketch of C for a < 2 , indicating clearly its asymptotes and the points of
intersection with the coordinate axes.
The equation of a curve C is given by y =
, 0 , find the number

x2
of real roots of the equation x 4 3 x 3 ( x 1) = 0 in each of the two cases (a) > 0
(iv) By considering C when a = 3 , and the graph of y =
6)
and (b) < 0 .

Ans: > 0 : 2intersections, < 0 : 2 intersections
NYJC 1999
2 x 2 + px q
, x p , where p and q are non-zero
x+ p
constants, q > 0 . Show that C has no stationary points if and only if p < q . For the
7)
8)
case when p = 1 and q = 2 , sketch the graph of C .

NJC 1999
It is given that y = 2 x 5 is an asymptote to the curve C whose equation is
ax 2 + bx + c
, where a, b, c and d are constants such that ad 2 bd + c 0 . Show
y=
x+d
that a = 2 and b = 2d 5 . Show also that C has two stationary points if and only if
c > 5d .
(i) Draw a sketch of C to illustrate the case for d = 1 and c < 6 .
(ii) In a separate diagram, sketch the curve C for d = 1 and c = 7 . By drawing a
sketch of suitable curves in the same diagram, determine the number of real roots
of the equation
2 x 4 7 x3 + 7 x 2 + kx k = 0 if (a) k = 1 , and (b) k = 1 . [Your sketches should
show clearly the number of intersections with the axes and the coordinates of
stationary points where applicable.
Ans: iia) 2 real roots, iib) 0 root
VJC/11/BT2/Q2
x 1
. The curve C2 has equation
The curve C1 has equation y =
2
( x + 1)
y 2 + ( x 1) = 1. Sketch C1 and C2 on the same diagram, indicating clearly the
2
coordinates of any turning points, any points of intersection with the axes and
the equations of any asymptotes.
Show algebraically that the x-coordinates of the points of intersection of C1 and
C2 satisfy the equation
2
4
4
( x 1) 1 + ( x + 1) = ( x + 1) .
Ans:
[3]
[2]
9)
MJC/11/BT2/P1/Q4
The curve C is given by the equation
y = ax +
b
x 11 ,
where a and b are non-zero constants.

In separate diagrams, sketch C for the cases where
a) a = 1 and b = 10 ,
[4]
ii) a < 0 and b > 0 .
[3]
[For part (b), you are not required to label any points of intersection with the x-axis.]
10) NJC/11/BT2/P1/Q7
4ax
, where a is a positive constant.
( x a)2
State the equations of the asymptotes of C.
[2]
It is known that C has a turning point. Find the coordinates of this point in terms
of a and hence sketch the curve C, indicating the coordinates of any axial
intercept(s), turning point(s) and equations of any asymptotes.
[5]
By sketching a suitable graph on the same axes as C, determine the number of
real roots of the equation ( x a) 4 ( x 2 a 2 ) = 16a 2 x 2 .
[3]
Ans: y = 0, x = a , 2
11) SRJC/11/BT2/P1/Q11
x 2 2ax + 1
, a .
ax
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 diagram the 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 equatin
2
x2 4x + 1
= x 1 .
2 x
[3]
Ans: iv) 2
12) IJC/11/BT2/P1/Q8
The equation of a curve C is
x2 + 4x
x 1 .
Find the equations of the asymptotes.
Prove, using an algebraic method, that y cannot lie between 6 2 5 and
y=
i)
ii)
6+2 5 .
iii) Draw a sketch of C, which should include the asymptotes and state the
coordinates of the points of intersection of C with the axes.
iv)
Find the range of values of m for which the line y 6 = m ( x 1) cuts C
twice.
Ans: iv) > 1
[3]
[4]
[2]
[1]
13) TPJC/11/BT2/P1/Q4
ax 2 + bx + c
, where a, b and c are constants. It is given
x +1
that y = x + 2 is an asymptote of C.
i)
Find the values of a and b.
[2]
ii)
Given also that C has a turning point at x = 1, find the value of c.
[3]
iii) Find, algebraically, the set of values of y for which there are no points on
C.
[4]
Ans: i) a = 1, b = 3 , ii) c = 6 , iii) {y : 3 < y < 5}
14) AJC/11/BT2/Q7
x2 + a 1
, a 0, a .
2( x 1)
i)
Find the range of values of a for C to have two stationary points.
[3]
ii)
The curve C has no stationary points. Sketch the graph of C, giving the
equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of any points of
intersection with the x- and y-axes.
[3]
iii) Using your graph in (ii), deduce the range of values of k for the equation
x2 + a 1
= k x 1 + 1 to have exactly two real roots.
2( x 1)
[2]
1
1
Ans: i) a > 0 , iii) < k <
2
2
Graphing Techniques
1)
HCJC 1999
x
. Sketch the graph of C , indicating clearly the
x +1
asymptote(s), axial intercept(s) and stationary points. On a separate diagram, sketch the
1
x
x
curve with the equation y 2 = 2
. By considering the graph y = e x and y = 2 ,
x +1
2
x +1
x
2
show that the equation 2 x e x + 1 = 0 has a root lying between 0 and 1.
y=
x
x +1
2
Axes intercept: When x = 0, y = 0.

Asymptotes: y = 0.
Stationary points:
dy ( x 2 + 1)(1) ( x)(2 x) x 2 + 1
=
= 2
dx
( x 2 + 1) 2
( x + 1) 2
When
dy
dx
= 0, x 2 1 = 0 ( x + 1)( x 1) = 0 x = 1, x = 1.
1+
1+
dy
dx
>0
=0
<0
dy
dx
<0
=0
>0
1, is a minimum point
2
1
1, is a maximum point
2
Sketch of
y=
x
:
x +1
Sketch of
-1
-0.5
By sketching y =
1,
x
& y = 2e x on the same diagram:
x +1
2
x
:
x +1
1
1,
0.5
-2
y2 =
1.5
0.5
-1
- 0.5
There is only 1 point of intersection (root) between the two graphs (shown).
2)
NJC 1999
1 4x
1 4x
(i) y =
,
and
(ii) y 2 =
1+ x
1+ x
On the same axes as for part (i), sketch and label clearly the graph of y = 4 x 2 , and
hence state the number of negative real roots and the number of positive real roots of
the equation x 3 + x 8 x 3 = 0 .
Ans: 2 negative roots and 1 positive root.
(i)
y=
1 4 x 4(1 + x) + 5
5
= 4 +
=
1+ x
1+ x
1+ x
x = 1
y = 4
Asymptotes:
Sketch of y = 1 4 x & y = 4 x 2 :
1+ x
x = 1
y = 4 x2
y=
y = 4
1 4x
1+ x
From the graph, there are 2 negative roots ( & ) and 1 positive root ( ) .
(ii) y 2 = 1 4 x = 4 + 5
1+ x
1+ x
Asymptotes: x
= 1.
Sketch of y 2 = 1 4 x :
1+ x
= 1
8
-2
-4
-6
-8
3)
TPJC 1999
It is given that the line y = x + 3 and x = 10 are asymptotes to the curve C whose
x 2 + ax + 6
. Find the value of a and b . Find the coordinates of the
x+b
stationary points and draw a sketch of C .
Ans: a = 7, b = 10 , max at ( 4,1) , min at 16, 25
equation is y =
By long division: y = x + ( a b ) +
6 (a b)b
x+b
Given: x = 10 is an asymptote to the curve C b = 10
y = x + 3 is an asymptote to the curve C 3 = a b = a ( 10) a = 7
For stationary points,

36
1
=0
( x 10) 2
dy
dx
= 0.
( x 10)2 = 36
x = 16 x = 4
( x 16)( x 4) = 0
,
y = 25 y = 1
x
( 4)
(4)
(4) +
dy
dx
<0
=0
>0
( 4,1) is a maximum point.
(16)
(16)
(16) +
dy
dx
>0
=0
<0
(16, 25 )
Axes intercept: (0, 53 ), (1,0), (6,0)
x = 10
y=
(16, 25)
x2 7 x + 6
x 10
y = x+3
( 4,1)
is a minimum point.
4)
ACJC 1999
x 2 + ax + b
, x c . It is given that the line y = x + 5
x+c
is an asymptote of C , and that C has a stationary point at ( 2, 0 ) .
(i) Show that a = b = 4 and c = 1

(ii) Find the coordinates of the other stationary point of C
(iii) Sketch C .
(iv) By considering a suitable curve, show that the equation
one real root for all values of k such that k < 0 .
( x + 2) 2
(v) Find the set of values of x for which
< 2x + 4 .
x 1
Ans: ii) ( 4,12 ) , iv) { x : x R, 2 < x < 1 or x > 4}
(2)2 + a(2) + b
0 = 4 2a + b b = 2a 4..
(i) At (2,0),0 =
2+c
By long division:
x + (a c)
x + c x + ax + b
2
x 2 + cx
(a c) x + b
(a c) x + c(a c)
b (c a )c
Comparing x + 5 & x + ( a c ) a c = 5 c = a 5...( 2)
dy ( x + c)(2 x + a) ( x 2 + ax + b)
=
dx
( x + c) 2
At (-2,0),
dy
dx
= 0.
(2) 2 + a(2) + b = (c 2)(a 4)...(3)

Sub (1) & (2) into (3):
4 2a + 2a 4 = [(a 5) 2](a 4)
0 = (a 7)(a 4)
a = 4
a = 7
b = 4 ( shown)b = 10( N . A.)

c = 1
c = 2
Note: c 2( ( 2,0) is a point on C).

(ii) For other stationary points,
x ( x + 2) 2
= k has exactly
x 1
0 = ( x 1)(2 x + 4) ( x 2 + 4 x + 4)
0 = 2x 2 + 2x 4 x 2 4x 4
0 = x 2 2x 8
( x 1) 2 = 9
x 1 = 3
x = 1 3
x = 4
y = 12
(iii)
(2)
( 2)
(2) +
(4)
( 4)
(4) +
dy
dx
<0
=0
>0
dy
dx
>0
=0
<0
x=-2 is maximum point.
x=4 is minimum point.
x2 + 4x + 4 ( x + 2 )
y=
=
x 1
x 1
x( x + 2) 2
=k
x 1
( x + 2) 2 k
=
x 1
x
From the graphs of
( x + 2)
y=
x 1
and y =
( 4,12 )
y = x+5
y=
k
x
x =1
( 2, 0 )
y = 2x + 4
k
, there is only one intersection point.
x
( x + 2)
y=
x 1
( x + 2) 2
= 2x + 4
x 1
x2 + 4x + 4 = 2 x2 + 2 x 4
x2 2x 8 = 0
( x 4 )( x + 2 ) = 0
( x + 2) 2
< 2x + 4
x 1
From the graphs, { x : x R, 2 < x < 1 or x > 4}
HCJC 1999
5)
x 2 + ax
, where a is a non-zero constant.
x 1
(i) Find the equations of the asymptotes of C
(ii) Show that, if a < 1 , C has no stationary points.
(iii) Draw a sketch of C for a < 2 , indicating clearly its asymptotes and the points of
intersection with the coordinate axes.
The equation of a curve C is given by y =
, 0 , find the number

x2
of real roots of the equation x 4 3 x 3 ( x 1) = 0 in each of the two cases (a) > 0
(iv) By considering C when a = 3 , and the graph of y =
and (b) < 0 .

Ans: > 0 : 2intersections, < 0 : 2 intersections
x 2 + ax
a +1
(i) y =
= [ x + ( a + 1)] +
x 1
x 1
y=
x 2 + ax
a +1
= [ x + ( a + 1)] +
x 1
x 1
Horizontal asymptotes:
y = x + a +1
Vertical asymptotes:
x =1
Axes intercept are ( 0, 0 ) and ( a, 0 ) .
(ii)
dy
a +1
= 1
dx
( x + 1) 2
At turning point,
dy
= 0,
dx
a +1
=0
( x + 1) 2
( x + 1) 2 = a + 1
x = 1 a + 1
For a < 1, a + 1 < 0 ,
x has no solutions. Hence no turning point.
iii) No stationary points since a < 2 < 1
x =1
y = x + a +1
y=
x 2 + ax
x 1
( a,0 )
x 2 + ax
a +1
y=
= [ x + ( a + 1)] +
x 1
x 1
y = x + a +1
x =1
Horizontal asymptotes:
Vertical asymptotes:
(iv) From the graphs,
x 4 3 x3 ( x 1) = 0
x 2 x 2 3 x = ( x 1)
x 2 3x
= 2
x 1
x
(a) > 0 : 2 intersections (roots).
(b) < 0 : 2 intersections (roots).
x =1
y = x2
y=
x 2 3x
x 1
, >0
( 3, 0 )
y=
x2
, <0
6)
NYJC 1999
2 x 2 + px q
, x p , where p and q are non-zero
x+ p
constants, q > 0 . Show that C has no stationary points if and only if p < q . For the
case when p = 1 and q = 2 , sketch the graph of C .
dy ( x + p )(4 x + p) (2 x 2 + px q)
=
dx
( x + p) 2
dy
dx
= 0.
( x + p )(4 x + p ) (2 x 2 + px q ) = 0
4 x 2 + 5 px + p 2 2 x 2 px + q = 0
2 x 2 + 4 px + ( p 2 + q ) = 0
x 2 + 2 px + 12 ( p 2 + q ) = 0
Discriminant, D
= b 2 4ac
= (2 p ) 2 4(1)( 12 )( p 2 + q )
= 4 p 2 2( p 2 + q )
= 2 p 2 2q
Proof () :
For no real roots, D<0.
2 p 2 2q < 0
p2 q < 0
p2 < q
| p |< q ( q > 0)( shown ).
Proof () :
Since |
p |< q
p 2 < q p 2 q < 0 2( p 2 q ) = D < 0
dy
dx
No stationary points (shown).

When p = 1 and q = 2, y =
2x 2 + x 2
1
= ( 2 x 1)
x +1
x +1
0.
(0,2)
14 17 ,0
Axes intercept:
Since |p|=1<q=2, no stationary points.
x = 1
y = 2x 1
Asymptotes:
y=2x-1
-5
-2
-4
-6
-8
x=-1
7)
NJC 1999
It is given that y = 2 x 5 is an asymptote to the curve C whose equation is
ax 2 + bx + c
, where a, b, c and d are constants such that ad 2 bd + c 0 . Show
x+d
that a = 2 and b = 2d 5 . Show also that C has two stationary points if and only if
c > 5d .
(i) Draw a sketch of C to illustrate the case for d = 1 and c < 6 .
(ii) In a separate diagram, sketch the curve C for d = 1 and c = 7 . By drawing a
sketch of suitable curves in the same diagram, determine the number of real roots
of the equation
2 x 4 7 x 3 + 7 x 2 + kx k = 0 if (a) k = 1 , and (b) k = 1 . [Your sketches should
show clearly the number of intersections with the axes and the coordinates of
stationary points where applicable.
Ans: iia) 2 real roots, iib) 0 root
By long division:
c ( b ad ) d
ax 2 + bx + c
y=
= ax + ( b ad ) +
x+d
(x + d)
y=
Oblique asymptotes: y = ax + ( b ad )
Comparing coefficients of
x : a = 2( shown)
x 0 : 5 = b 2d b = 2d 5( shown)
2 x 2 + bx + c
y=
(x + d )
dy ( x + d )(4 x + b) (2 x 2 + bx + c)
=
dx
(x + d )2
dy
dx
= 0.
( x + d )(4 x + b) (2 x 2 + bx + c) = 0
2 x 2 + 4dx + (bd c) = 0
D = b 2 4ac
= (4d ) 2 4(2)(bd c )
= 2d 2 bd + c
= 2d 2 (2d 5)( d ) + c
= 5d + c
For 2 real roots, D>0.

5d + c > 0
c > 5d ( shown )
(i) c < 6, d = 1 D = 5d + c = 5(1) 6 = 1 < 0 No stationary points.
b = 2 (1) 5 = 3
2 x 2 3x + c
y=
x +1
Vertical asymptotes: x = 1
Oblique asymptotes: y = 2 x 5
Axes intercept: (0, c) and
y = 2x 5
x = 1
3 9 8 c
4
,0
3 9 8 c
4
,0
y = 2x 5
3+ 9 8 c
4
2 x 2 3x + c
y=
x +1
,0
(ii) c = 7, d = 1 D = 5d + c = 5(1) + (7 ) = 2 > 0 2 stationary points.
b = 2d 5 = 2(1) 5 = 7
y=
2x 2 7 x + 7
2
= (2 x 5) +
x 1
x 1
Axes intercept: (0,7 )
x = 1
y = 2x 5
Asymptotes:
2
=0
( x 1) 2
2( x 1) 2 = 2
x 2 2x = 0
x ( x 2) = 0
x = 0, x = 2
dy
dx
= 0.
(0)
( 0)
(0) +
(2)
( 2)
(2) +
dy
dx
<0
=0
>0
dy
dx
>0
=0
<0
( 0, 7 )
( 2,1) is a minimum point.
is a maximum point.
x =1
y=
y=
1
x2
y = 2x 5
( 2,1)
1
x2
( 2, 7 )
y=
2x2 7 x + 7
x 1
Rewrite 2 x 7 x + 7 x + kx k = 0 as
4
(a)
k =1, y =
1
, 2 real roots.
x2
(b)
k = 1 , y =
1
, 0 real root.
x2
2x 2 7x + 7
k
= 2
x 1
x
8)
VJC/11/BT2/Q2
The curve C1 has equation y =
x 1
( x + 1)
. The curve C2 has equation
y 2 + ( x 1) = 1. Sketch C1 and C2 on the same diagram, indicating clearly the

2
coordinates of any turning points, any points of intersection with the axes and
the equations of any asymptotes.
Show algebraically that the x-coordinates of the points of intersection of C1 and
C2 satisfy the equation
2
4
4
( x 1) 1 + ( x + 1) = ( x + 1) .
Ans:
8.
y 2 + ( x 1) = 1.
2
This is a circle with centre at (1,0) and radius 1.
(3,0.125)
(0,1)
y=
( x 1)
=
4
( x + 1)
2
x 1
( x + 1)
2
y 2 + ( x 1) = 1
2
Equating them,
( x 1) + x 1 2 = 1
( )
4
( x + 1)
2
4
2
4
( x 1) + ( x + 1) ( x 1) = ( x + 1)
2
( x 1)
1 + ( x + 1)4 = ( x + 1)4 ( shown )
[3]
[2]
9)
MJC/11/BT2/P1/Q4
The curve C is given by the equation
y = ax +
b
x 11 ,
where a and b are non-zero constants.

In separate diagrams, sketch C for the cases where
a) a = 1 and b = 10 ,
[4]
ii) a < 0 and b > 0 .
[3]
[For part (b), you are not required to label any points of intersection with the x-axis.]
9.
a)
10
x 11
y = x is the oblique asymptotes and x = 11 is the vertical asymptotes.
10
When x = 0 , x = .
11
When y = 0 ,
10
0= x+
x 11
2
x 11x + 10 = 0
x = 1 or 10
y = x+
dy
10
= 1
2
dx
( x 11)
At stationary points,
0 = 1
( x 11)
dy
= 0.
dx
10
( x 11)
= 10
x = 11 10
x 7.84,14.2
When x = 11 10, y 4.68
When x = 11 + 10, y 17.3
x
1
10
b)
b
x 11
y = ax is the oblique asymptotes and x = 11 is the vertical asymptotes.
y = ax +
dy
b
=a
2
dx
( x 11)
At stationary points,
0=a
dy
= 0.
dx
( x 11)
b
a
Since a < 0 and b > 0 , there is no real solutions for x . Hence no stationary points
x = 11
O
x
10) NJC/11/BT2/P1/Q7
4ax
, where a is a positive constant.
( x a) 2
State the equations of the asymptotes of C.
It is known that C has a turning point. Find the coordinates of this point in terms
of a and hence sketch the curve C, indicating the coordinates of any axial
intercept(s), turning point(s) and equations of any asymptotes.
By sketching a suitable graph on the same axes as C, determine the number of
real roots of the equation ( x a) 4 ( x 2 a 2 ) = 16a 2 x 2 .
Ans: y = 0, x = a , 2
10. Equations of asymptotes: y = 0, x = a
dy ( x a) 2 (4a) 4ax(2( x a)) 4a( x a) 8ax 4ax 4a 2

=
=
=
dx
( x a )4
( x a )3
( x a )3
4ax 4a 2
4a ( a )
4a 2
=
0
x
=
a
y
=
=
= 1
,
( x a )3
( a a ) 2
4a 2
Coords of turning point = ( a, 1)
Axial intercepts: (0,0)
( x a ) 4 ( x 2 a 2 ) = 16a 2 x 2
x2 a2 =
16 a 2 x 2
4ax 2
=(
)
4
( x a)
( x a)2
Thus we draw the graph y 2 = x 2 a 2 x 2 y 2 = a 2
x2 y 2
= 1 (a hyperbola)
a2 a2
[2]
[5]
[3]
( a,
1)
x=a
No of real roots=2
11) SRJC/11/BT2/P1/Q11
x 2 2ax + 1
, a .
ax
Find the equations of the asymptotes of C.
Find the range of values of a such that C has no stationary points.
For a = 2, sketch C. Show clearly on your diagram the equations of the
asymptotes and the coordinates of the points of intersection of C with the
axes and stationary points.
By sketching a suitable graph, deduce the number of roots of the equatin

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
[3]
[3]
[3]
x2 4 x + 1
= x 1 .
2 x
[3]
Ans: iv) 2
11.
1 a2
x 2 2ax + 1
= x + a +
ax
ax
Oblique asymptote: y = x + a
Vertical asymptote : x = a
ii)
1 a2
y = x + a +
ax
dy
1 a2
= 1 +
=0
2
dx
a
x
(
)
i) y =
( a x )2 = 1 a 2
x = 1 1 a2
If no stationary points,
1 a2 < 0
iii)
= +2
0.5
3.73
0.268
=2
iv)
2
x2 4 x + 1
= x 1
2 x
y2 = x 1
We need to sketch y 2 = x 1
Two intersections
12) IJC/11/BT2/P1/Q8
The equation of a curve C is
x2 + 4 x
x 1 .
Find the equations of the asymptotes.
Prove, using an algebraic method, that y cannot lie between 6 2 5 and
y=
i)
ii)
6+2 5 .
Draw a sketch of C, which should include the asymptotes and state the
coordinates of the points of intersection of C with the axes.
iv)
Find the range of values of m for which the line y 6 = m ( x 1) cuts C
twice.
Ans: iv) > 1
[3]
[4]
iii)
12.i)
x2 + 4x
5
= x+5+
x 1
x 1
Oblique asymptote: y = x + 5
Vertical asymptote: x = 1
y=
ii)
x2 + 4 x
=y
x 1
x2 + 4x = xy y
x 2 + (4 y ) x + y = 0
If there is no solution for x, then there will be no solution for corresponding y value.
D<0
( 4 y )2 4 y < 0
y 2 12 y + 16 < 0
2
Consider y 12 y + 16 = 0 ,
12 144 4 16
y=
= 62 5
2
y 62 5 y 6+ 2 5 < 0
Then 6 2 5 < y < 6 + 2 5

Therefore, y cannot lie between ( 6 2 5 , 6 + 2 5 ).
Alt:
Use differentiation to find max value = 6 2 5 and min value = 6 + 2 5 .
Valid algebraic method to show that there are no values lying between 6 2 5 and
6+2 5 .
iii)
[2]
[1]
+5
=1
Axes intercepts are (0,0) and (4,0)

iv)
y 6 = m ( x 1)
y6
x 1
The gradient of the straight line is m and it passes through the point (1, 6) .
From the graph of C, the asymptotes passes through (1,6)
Hence > 1
m=
13) TPJC/11/BT2/P1/Q4
ax 2 + bx + c
, where a, b and c are constants. It is given
x +1
that y = x + 2 is an asymptote of C.
i)
Find the values of a and b.
[2]
ii)
Given also that C has a turning point at x = 1, find the value of c.
[3]
iii) Find, algebraically, the set of values of y for which there are no points on
C.
[4]
Ans: i) a = 1, b = 3 , ii) c = 6 , iii) {y : 3 < y < 5}
13. i)
ax 2 + bx + c
cb+a
= ax + (b a) +
x +1
x +1
Given asymptote is y = x + 2
y = x + 2 = ax + (b a )
a = 1, 2 = b a b = 3
ii)
dy
(c b + a )
=a+
dx
( x + 1) 2
c2
= 1
( x + 1)2
dy
When x = 1,
= 0,
dx
c2
1=
c=6
4
iii)
x 2 + 3x + 6
y=
x +1
yx + y = x 2 + 3x + 6
y=
x 2 + (3 y ) x + 6 y = 0
For no real x, D < 0
(3 y ) 2 4(6 y ) < 0
9 6 y + y 2 24 + 4 y < 0
y 2 2 y 15 < 0
( y 5)( y + 3) < 0
3< y < 5
Solution set is {y : 3 < y < 5}
14) AJC/11/BT2/Q7
x2 + a 1
, a 0, a .
2( x 1)
i)
Find the range of values of a for C to have two stationary points.
ii)
The curve C has no stationary points. Sketch the graph of C, giving the
equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of any points of
intersection with the x- and y-axes.
iii) Using your graph in (ii), deduce the range of values of k for the equation
x2 + a 1
= k x 1 + 1 to have exactly two real roots.
2( x 1)
1
1
Ans: i) a > 0 , iii) < k <
2
2
14. i)
x2 + a 1 x 1
a
y=
, a 0, a
= + +
2( x 1) 2 2 2( x 1)
dy x 2 2 x + 1 a
1
a
=
or
2
dx
2( x 1)
2 2( x 1)2
dy
= 0 ( x 1)2 = a x 1 = a x = 1 a
dx
dy
C has two stationary points
= 0 has two distinct real roots a > 0
dx
Alternative
dy
= 0 has 2 distinct roots
dx
x 2 2 x + 1 a = 0 has two distinct roots
( 2)2 4(1 a ) > 0 a > 0
[3]
[3]
[2]
ii)
C has no stationary points i.e. a < 0
x 1
a
y= + +
2 2 2( x 1)
x 1
The asymptotes are y = + and x = 1
2 2
1 a
When x = 0 , y =
2
When y = 0 , x = 1 a
=
=1
1
2
1
1
kx + 1 k , x 1
y = k x 1 +1 =
kx + 1 + k , x < 1
For k 0
1
2
=
=
1
2
=1
+1+
1
2
+1
1
1
For graphs to intersect at two points, 0 k <
1
2
For k < 0
1
2
=1
1
2
1
=
+1+
For graphs to intersect at two points,
Hence
1
1
<k<
2
2
1
<k <0.
2
+1
Transformation of curves
1.
SRJC 2000
Sketch for real values of x, the graph of y =
x+2
.
3 x
2x + 2
. Show clearly the
3 2x
intercepts with the axes and the asymptotes for both sketches.
VJC 2000
1
The diagram shows the graph of y = f x .
2
Hence, on a separate diagram, sketch the graph of y =
2.
(h,0) O
(2h,k)
3.
1
On separate diagrams, deduce the graphs of (i) y = f ( x ) , (ii) y k = f x .
2
ACJC 2000
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . On separate diagrams, sketch the graphs of
1
(i) y = f x and (ii) y = f ( 2 x ) . Your sketches should show clearly the
2
asymptotes, and the coordinates of the points corresponding to A, B and C .
y
B (1,3)
C ( 0, 2 )
y =1
O
A ( 3, 0 )
x=2
4.
AJC 1999
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( 3 x ) + 2 . On separate diagrams, sketch the
graphs of: (i) y = f ( x ) ; and (ii) y = f (| x |) , stating clearly the coordinates of the points
corresponding to A, B, C and D .
y
A ( 0, 2 )
B (1,1)
C ( 0, 0 )
x
D (1, 1)
5.
HCJC 1999
x+c
. Write down the
( x + b)2
values of a, b and c . Sketch on separate diagrams, the graphs of (i) y = f ( 2 x ) 1 ; and
The curve shown in the diagram has equation f( x ) = a +
(ii) y = 2 f ( x + 1) , labelling each graph clearly and showing the coordinates of the
points corresponding to A, B and C .
y
x=2
y =1
A ( 0, 0 )
9
C 6,
8
B ( 3, 0 )
y
y = f (x )
6.
x=3
y=2
2
2
(1, 3 )
The diagram above shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . Sketch the graph of
i) y = f (x )
ii) y = f ( x )
iii) y = f ( x )
iv) y 2 = f (x )
1
v) y =
f (x )
7.
ACJC 2011 JC1 Midyear Q8

a)
x2 + 8x
The diagram below shows a sketch of the graph of y =
, where k is a
x+k
constant. The graph has stationary points at ( 2,4) and (4,16) . It also passes
through the point ( 8, 0 ) and has a vertical asymptote of x = 1 .
State the value of k and the equation of the oblique asymptote.

x+k
Sketch the graph of y = 2
, labelling all asymptotes, axial
x + 8x
intercepts and turning points, if any.
b) The curve C is given by the equation ( x 1)2 + ( y 10)2 = r 2 , where r is a
positive integer. Write down the smallest value of r such that C intersects
x2 + 8x
at four points.
the graph of y =
x+k
Ans: ai) k = 1 , aii) y = x + 9 , b) r = 7
i)
ii)
[2]
[4]
[1]
8.
IJC/11/BT2/P1/Q5
The diagram shows the graph of y = f (x). The curve has a maximum point at ( 4,10 ) ,
passes through the points ( 3, 0 ) and ( 0, 6 ) , and has asymptotes x = 2 and y = 4 .
y
(4, 10)
6
4
2 3
Sketch, on separate clearly labeled diagrams, the graphs of

i)
y = f ( x) ,
[2]
ii)
1
y=
f ( x) ,
[3]
y = f ( x) .
[2]
iii)
9.
NJC/11/BT2/Q8
The diagram below shows the graph of y = f ( x) . It has a minimum point at (1, 3) and
cuts the x-axis at the points ( 2, 0) and (4, 0) . The lines x = 0 , x = 2 and y = 1 are
asymptotes of the curve.
y = f ( x)
(1, 3)
1
2

i)
y + 1 = f ( x + 2)
ii)
y = f ( x) ,
iii)
y=
[3]
[3]
1
.
f ( x)
[4]
Show on your diagrams, if any, the equations of the asymptotes and the coordinates of
the stationary points and points of intersection with the axes.
10. AJC/11/BT2/Q10
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x) , where A(0,2) is a point of intersection with
the y-axis and B(-2,0) is a minimum point as well as a point of intersection
with the
x-axis. The equations of the asymptotes are y = 0 , y = 2 and x = 1 .

y
x=1
y=2
A(0,2)
B(2,0)
y =f(x)
Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of
1
(i) y = f (1 x)
2
(ii) y =
1
f ( x)
(iii) y 2 = f ( x) + 1
Your sketches should show clearly the equations of the asymptotes and the
coordinates of any points corresponding to A and B.
The curve y = g( x) is such that g '( x ) = f ( x ) + a , where a is an unknown
constant. If the curve y = g( x) has two stationary points (C and D), find the
range of values of a.
Given that the x-coordinate of C is less than x-coordinate of D, state the nature
of these stationary points.
[7]
[3]
11. PJC/11/BT2/P1/Q8
The graph of y = f(x) has asymptotes x = 1, y = 2 and a minimum point at (1, 1) as
shown in the diagram. It cuts the x-axis at the origin and at (2, 0).
y
y=2
x
2
0
(1, 1)
x=1
Sketch the following graphs on separate diagrams, labelling clearly the asymptotes,
turning points and intercepts on the axes where applicable.
i)
y = f ( 2x ) +1
[3]
1
ii)
y=
f ( x) ,
[3]
2
iii)
y = f ( x) .
[2]
12. SRJC/11/BT2/P1/Q3
The diagram below shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . There is a minimum point at ( 3,0)
and the equations of the asymptotes are x = 0 and y = 4 .
y
o
Sketch, on separate clearly labelled diagrams, the graphs of
i)
y = f ( x)
ii)
1
y=
f ( x)
iii)
y = f '( x )
iv)
y = f (1 2 x)
[2]
[2]
[2]
[2]
13. TJC/11/BT2/Q6b
The diagram below shows the graph of y = g(x) which has a maximum point at (1, 4),
a horizontal asymptote y = 0, a y-intercept at (0, 3) and an x-intercept at (2, 0).
i)
y = 3g ( 2 x )
ii)
y = 1 g ( x)
[2]
[2]
showing clearly the turning points, asymptotes and axial-intercepts, if any.

14. MJC/11/BT2/P1/Q2
a) A graph with equation y = f ( x ) undergoes, in succession, the following
transformations:
P: A reflection about the y-axis,
Q: A translation of 2 units in the direction of the negative x-axis,
R: A scaling parallel to y-axis by a factor of
1
.
2
1
The resulting equation is y = e 3 x 6 .
2
b)
Determine the equation of the graph y = f ( x ) , showing your working

clearly.
The graphs of y 2 = f ( x ) and y = f ( x ) are shown below.
[3]
y
8
x
O
Sketch the graph of y = f ( x ) , giving the equations of any asymptotes and

coordinates of any turning points.
Ans: a) y = e3x
[3]
15. RI/11/BT2/Q4
i) The graph of y = f (2 x + 3) can be obtained from the graph of y = f ( x) by
the following two methods.
Method 1 :
1) Scale the graph of y = f ( x) parallel to the x-axis by a factor of p.
2) Translate the resulting graph by q units in the negative x-direction.
Method 2 :
1) Translate the graph of y = f ( x) by r units in the negative x-direction.
2) Scale the resulting graph parallel to the x-axis by a factor of s.
ii)
State the values of p, q, r and s.

The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x ) which cuts the x-axis at ( 2, 0 )
[3]
and ( 5, 0 ) and the y-axis at ( 0, 3) . The curve has stationary points at ( 0, 3)

and ( 3, 5 ) and a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 .
The functions g and h are defined by
g ( x ) = x , x ,
h ( x ) = x + 3, x .
Sketch the graph of y = hfg ( x ) . Your sketch should show clearly the
equations of asymptotes and coordinates of stationary points and
intersection with the axes, where applicable.
[3]
16. IJC/11/BT2/P2/Q1i
The curve with equation y = x ( x a ) , where a > 0 is transformed by a translation of
a units in the positive x-direction, followed by a stretch with scale factor parallel to
the y-axis, where b > 1 , followed by a reflection about the x-axis.
i)
Find the equation of the new curve in the form y = f ( x ) . Sketch the new
curve, indicating the coordinates of the points of intersection with the
axes.
[5]
2
Transformation of curves
1.
SRJC 2000
Sketch for real values of x, the graph of y =
x+2
.
3 x
2x + 2
. Show clearly the
3 2x
intercepts with the axes and the asymptotes for both sketches.
Hence, on a separate diagram, sketch the graph of y =
y=
x+2
3 x
Axes intercept: When
x = 0, y =
2
3
y = 0, x = 2
x = 3
y = 1
Asymptotes:
Sketch of
y=
x+2
:
3 x
y
f( x) =
x+2
x=3
3-x
6
-10
-5
2,0
-2
-4
-6
-8
2
0,
3
10
x
y=-1
x+2
3 x
2x + 2
= f ( 2x)
Then y =
3 2x
Let f ( x ) =
We will sketch y = f ( 2 x ) then followed by y = f ( 2 x ) .

Step 1: Scale parallel to the x-axis with a factor of 0.5
Step 2: Reflect portion of the curve that is below the x-axis up.
x=
y =1
2
3
3
2
2.
VJC 2000
1
The diagram shows the graph of y = f x .
2
y
(h,0) O
(2h,k)
1
On separate diagrams, deduce the graphs of (i) y = f ( x ) , (ii) y k = f x .
2
1
1i) y = f ( x ) = f 2 x
2
1 1
It is obtained by scaling the curve y = f x
along the axis.
2 2
y
h
,0
2
( h, k )
ii)
1
y k = f x
2
1
y = f x + k
2
1
It is obtained by translating the curve y = f x k units along the axis. k is negative since
2
the minimum point ( h, k ) is below the x-axis.
x
y=k
( h, k )
( 2h, 2k )
3.
ACJC 2000
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . On separate diagrams, sketch the graphs of
1
(i) y = f x and (ii) y = f ( 2 x ) . Your sketches should show clearly the
2
asymptotes, and the coordinates of the points corresponding to A, B and C .
y
B (1,3)
C ( 0, 2 )
y =1
O
A ( 3, 0 )
x=2
1
2i) y = f x
2
Scaling of y = f ( x ) 2 units along the x-axis.
y
B ' ( 2,3)
C ' ( 0, 2 )
y =1
O
A ' ( 6, 0 ) x
x=4
ii) y = f ( 2 x ) = f ( x + 2 )
Step 1: translating 2 units along the x-axis.
B ' ( 1,3)
C ' ( 2, 2 )
y =1
O A ' (1, 0 ) x
Step 2: reflection about the x-axis

y
B '' (1,3)
C '' ( 2, 2 )
y =1
A '' ( 1,0 ) O
4.
AJC 1999
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( 3 x ) + 2 . On separate diagrams, sketch the
graphs of: (i) y = f ( x ) ; and (ii) y = f (| x |) , stating clearly the coordinates of the points
corresponding to A, B, C and D .
y
A ( 0, 2 )
B (1,1)
C ( 0, 0 )
x
D (1, 1)
3i) y = f ( x )
Step 1: Translating 2 units along the y-axis
y
A ' ( 0, 0 )
x
B ' (1, 1)
C ' ( 0, 2 )
D ' (1, 3 )
Step 2: Scaling 3 units along the x-axis

y
A '' ( 0, 0 )
x
B '' ( 3, 1)
C '' ( 0, 2 )
D '' ( 3, 3)
ii) y = f (| x |)
y
A ' ( 0, 0 )
B '' ( , 1)
D '' ( 3, 3)
x
B ' ( 3, 1)
C ' ( 0, 2 )
D ' ( 3, 3)
5.
HCJC 1999
x+c
. Write down the
( x + b)2
values of a, b and c . Sketch on separate diagrams, the graphs of (i) y = f ( 2 x ) 1 ; and
The curve shown in the diagram has equation f( x ) = a +
(ii) y = 2 f ( x + 1) , labelling each graph clearly and showing the coordinates of the
points corresponding to A, B and C .
y
x=2
y =1
A ( 0, 0 )
B ( 3, 0 )
9
C 6,
8
4)
x+c
( x + b)2
The vertical asymptote is x = b . From diagram vertical asymptote is x = 2 . Therefore
b = 2 .
f( x ) = a +
The horizontal asymptote is y = a . From diagram horizontal asymptote is y = 1. Therefore

a = 1.
f( x ) = 1 +
x+c
( x 2) 2
At A ( 0, 0 ) , 0 = 1 +
f( x ) = 1 +
0+c
c = 4 .
(0 2) 2
x4
( x 2) 2
i) y = f ( 2 x ) 1
1
along x-axis
2
Step 2: Translating 1 units along y-axis
y
1
x =1
C ' 3,
8
Step 1: Scaling
x
A ' ( 0, 1)
ii) y = 2 f ( x + 1)
B ' , 1
2
Step 1: Translating 1 units along x-axis

Step 2: Scaling 2 units along y-axis
y
x =1
A ' ( 1, 0 )
B ' ( 2, 0 )
x
y = 2
C ' 5,
4
y
y = f (x )
6.
x=3
y=2
2
2
(1, 3 )
The diagram above shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . Sketch the graph of
i) y = f (x )
ii) y = f ( x )
iii) y = f ( x )
iv) y 2 = f (x )
1
v) y =
f (x )
5)i)
y = f ( x)
x=3
(1,3)
y=2
3
3
ii)
x =3
x=3
y=2
y=f( x)
2
2
2
( 1, 3 )
iii)
(1, 3 )
y = f ( x )
y=2
iv)
y2 = f ( x)
x=3
y= 2
y= 2
v)
y
1
y=
f (x )
x = 3
x=2
y=
1,
3
1
2
7.
ACJC 2011 JC1 Midyear Q8

a)
x2 + 8x
The diagram below shows a sketch of the graph of y =
, where k is a
x+k
constant. The graph has stationary points at ( 2,4) and (4,16) . It also passes
through the point ( 8, 0 ) and has a vertical asymptote of x = 1 .
State the value of k and the equation of the oblique asymptote.

x+k
Sketch the graph of y = 2
, labelling all asymptotes, axial
x + 8x
intercepts and turning points, if any.
b) The curve C is given by the equation ( x 1)2 + ( y 10)2 = r 2 , where r is a
positive integer. Write down the smallest value of r such that C intersects
x2 + 8x
at four points.
the graph of y =
x+k
Ans: ai) k = 1 , aii) y = x + 9 , b) r = 7
i)
ii)
ai)
k=1
By long division, y =
x2 + 8x
9
= x+9+
x 1
x 1
Oblique Asymptote is y = x + 9
[2]
[4]
[1]
aii)
x 1
1
x2 + 8x
=
Let y =
= f ( x ) . Then y = 2
x + 8x f ( x )
x 1
y
x
O
b)
(x 1)2 + ( y 10)2 = r 2 is a circle with centre at 1,10 .
Distance between point 1,10 and 2,4 is 45 6.7
Distance between point 1,10 and 4,16 is 45 6.7
Hence min r = 7
8.
IJC/11/BT2/P1/Q5
The diagram shows the graph of y = f (x). The curve has a maximum point at ( 4,10 ) ,
passes through the points ( 3, 0 ) and ( 0, 6 ) , and has asymptotes x = 2 and y = 4 .
y
(4, 10)
6
4
2 3
Sketch, on separate clearly labeled diagrams, the graphs of

i)
y = f ( x) ,
[2]
ii)
y=
1
f ( x) ,
[3]
y = f ( x) .
[2]
iii)
8.
i)
ii)
iii)
9.
NJC/11/BT2/Q8
The diagram below shows the graph of y = f ( x) . It has a minimum point at (1, 3) and
cuts the x-axis at the points ( 2, 0) and (4, 0) . The lines x = 0 , x = 2 and y = 1 are
asymptotes of the curve.
y = f ( x)
(1, 3)
1
2

i)
y + 1 = f ( x + 2)
ii)
y = f ( x) ,
iii)
y=
[3]
[3]
1
.
f ( x)
[4]
Show on your diagrams, if any, the equations of the asymptotes and the coordinates of
the stationary points and points of intersection with the axes.
9.
i)
y
, 2)
ii)
iii)
y
( , )
10. AJC/11/BT2/Q10
The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x) , where A(0,2) is a point of intersection with
the y-axis and B(-2,0) is a minimum point as well as a point of intersection
with the
x-axis. The equations of the asymptotes are y = 0 , y = 2 and x = 1 .

y
x=1
y=2
A(0,2)
B(2,0)
y =f(x)
Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of
1
(i) y = f (1 x)
2
(ii) y =
1
f ( x)
(iii) y 2 = f ( x) + 1
Your sketches should show clearly the equations of the asymptotes and the
coordinates of any points corresponding to A and B.
The curve y = g( x) is such that g '( x ) = f ( x ) + a , where a is an unknown
constant. If the curve y = g( x) has two stationary points (C and D), find the
range of values of a.
Given that the x-coordinate of C is less than x-coordinate of D, state the nature
of these stationary points.
10.
(i)
y = f (1-x)
y=2
A(2,2)
0
x=0
B(6,0)
[7]
[3]
(ii)
y
y = 1/f(x)
A(0,) y = 0.5
0
-2
1
x
x =-2
(iii)
y = f(x)+1
A(0,
B(-2,1)
0
f ( x ) + a means that the curve of f ( x ) had been translated a units along the y-axis.
For the curve y = g( x) to have 2 stationary pts, f ( x ) + a must cuts the x-axis at 2 points.
Hence 2 < a < 0 .
Since C has the lesser x value, g' ( x ) before C is positive and g' ( x ) after C is negative,
hence
point C is a maximum point.
g' ( x ) before D is negative and g' ( x ) after C is positive, hence the nature of stationary
point D is a minimum point.
11. PJC/11/BT2/P1/Q8
The graph of y = f(x) has asymptotes x = 1, y = 2 and a minimum point at (1, 1) as
shown in the diagram. It cuts the x-axis at the origin and at (2, 0).
y
y=2
x
2
0
(1, 1)
x=1
Sketch the following graphs on separate diagrams, labelling clearly the asymptotes,
turning points and intercepts on the axes where applicable.
i)
y = f ( 2x ) +1
[3]
1
ii)
y=
f ( x) ,
[3]
2
iii)
y = f ( x) .
[2]
11.
i)
y=3
(0, 1)
(1, 1)
(
, 0) 0
x=
ii)
y
y = 0.5
2
(1,
1)
0 1
x = 2
iii)
y
= 2
= 2
x=1
12. SRJC/11/BT2/P1/Q3
The diagram below shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . There is a minimum point at ( 3,0)
and the equations of the asymptotes are x = 0 and y = 4 .
y
4
x
Sketch, on separate clearly labelled diagrams, the graphs of

i)
y = f ( x)
ii)
1
y=
f ( x)
iii)
y = f '( x )
iv)
12.
y = f (1 2 x)
i)
y
O
-2
[2]
[2]
[2]
[2]
ii)
y
-3
iii)
y
-3
iv)
y
13. TJC/11/BT2/Q6b
The diagram below shows the graph of y = g(x) which has a maximum point at (1, 4),
a horizontal asymptote y = 0, a y-intercept at (0, 3) and an x-intercept at (2, 0).
i)
y = 3g ( 2 x )
ii)
y = 1 g ( x)
showing clearly the turning points, asymptotes and axial-intercepts, if any.

13.
i)
ii)
[2]
[2]
14. MJC/11/BT2/P1/Q2
a) A graph with equation y = f ( x ) undergoes, in succession, the following
transformations:
P: A reflection about the y-axis,
Q: A translation of 2 units in the direction of the negative x-axis,
R: A scaling parallel to y-axis by a factor of
1
.
2
1
The resulting equation is y = e 3 x 6 .
2
b)
Determine the equation of the graph y = f ( x ) , showing your working

clearly.
The graphs of y 2 = f ( x ) and y = f ( x ) are shown below.
[3]
y
8
x
O
Sketch the graph of y = f ( x ) , giving the equations of any asymptotes and

coordinates of any turning points.
Ans: a) y = e3x
[3]
14.
a)
1 3 x 6
e
= R ( x)
2
Undo operation R: A scaling parallel to y-axis by a factor of 2.
Q ( x ) = 2 R ( x ) = e3 x 6
Undo operation Q: A translation of 2 units in the direction of the positive x-axis.
P ( x ) = P ( x 2 ) = e 3( x 2)6 = e 3 x +66 = e3 x
Undo operation P: A reflection about the y-axis.
g ( x ) = P ( x ) = e3 x
b)
y=
15. RI/11/BT2/Q4
i) The graph of y = f (2 x + 3) can be obtained from the graph of y = f ( x) by
the following two methods.
Method 1 :
1) Scale the graph of y = f ( x) parallel to the x-axis by a factor of p.
2) Translate the resulting graph by q units in the negative x-direction.
Method 2 :
1) Translate the graph of y = f ( x) by r units in the negative x-direction.
2) Scale the resulting graph parallel to the x-axis by a factor of s.
ii)
State the values of p, q, r and s.

The diagram shows the graph of y = f ( x ) which cuts the x-axis at ( 2, 0 )
[3]
and ( 5, 0 ) and the y-axis at ( 0, 3) . The curve has stationary points at ( 0, 3)

and ( 3, 5 ) and a horizontal asymptote at y = 0 .
The functions g and h are defined by
g ( x ) = x , x ,
h ( x ) = x + 3, x .
Sketch the graph of y = hfg ( x ) . Your sketch should show clearly the
equations of asymptotes and coordinates of stationary points and
intersection with the axes, where applicable.
15.
i)
Since we are doing scaling first
y = f (2 x + 3)
= f ( 2 ( x + 1.5 ) )
= f ( u ) , where u = x + 1.5
p = 0.5, q = 1.5
[3]
y = f (2 x + 3)
r = 3, s = 0.5
ii)
hfg ( x ) = hf ( x ) = f ( x ) + 3
16. IJC/11/BT2/P2/Q1i
The curve with equation y = x ( x a ) , where a > 0 is transformed by a translation of
a units in the positive x-direction, followed by a stretch with scale factor parallel to
the y-axis, where b > 1 , followed by a reflection about the x-axis.
i)
Find the equation of the new curve in the form y = f ( x ) . Sketch the new
curve, indicating the coordinates of the points of intersection with the
axes.
[5]
Ans:
2
16.
(i)
To sketch =
Step 1: Draw a number line and indicate the roots

0
Step2: Since the maximum power of the curve

is positive, we will start sketching
from the top right. It will cut the roots as shown below.
Step 3: Since there are two roots a. We need to collapse the two roots.
This will be the shape

a translation of a units in the positive x-direction =
followed by a stretch with scale factor

=
parallel to the y-axis, where b > 1
followed by a reflection about the x-axis.

=
4
2
Functions
1)
ACJC/06/1/9
The functions f and fg are defined as follow:
f : x 4 x 2 + 8 x + 4 , x 1
fg : x x 2 4 x + 4 , x 2 .
By first finding f 1 , or otherwise, define the function g in similar form.
State precisely a sequence of geometrical transformations which would transform
the graph of y = 4 x 2 + 8 x + 4 onto the graph of y = x 2 4 x + 4 .
[4]
[2]
x
x
, x 0 , g ( x ) = 2, x 2
4
2
The transformations are translation 2 units along the x -axis followed by scaling of
factor 2 along the x -axis
HCI/06/1/3
The functions f and g are defined by
Ans: f -1 ( x ) = 1 +
2)
3)

f ( x ) = sin x, x 0, ,
3
1
g ( x ) = 2 , x [1, 0) ,
x
1
i) Show that the function f exists and define it in a similar form.
ii) Determine whether or not the composite function fg exists. If it exists, find the
rule, domain and range.
[5]
3
Ans: i) f 1 ( x ) = sin 1 x, x
, 0 , ii) fg doesnt exists
2
TJC/06/1/9
The function f and g are defined by
f : x x 2 2 x 1, x , x > 1
i)
ii)
g : x 2 ex , x
Show that the inverse function of f can be defined.
Show that the composite function fg exists and define fg
Ans: ii) fg ( x ) = (1 e x ) 2, x < 0

2
[2]
[5]
4)
JJC/06/1/14 Either
f : x x , x ,
3x + 8
, x , x 2 .
x+2
Sketch the graph of y = g ( x ) , stating the equations of any asymptotes and the
coordinates of any intersection with the axes.
Give definitions, in a similar form of each of the functions g -1 and gf .
g:x
i)
ii)
5)
[3]
[4]
iii) State a relationship between the graphs of g and g -1 and show this
relationship in a graph.
[2]
iv) On a separate diagram, sketch the graph of gf . State, giving a reason, whether
gf has an inverse.
3 x +8
2x 8
, x
Ans: ii) g -1 ( x ) =
, x , x 3 , gf ( x ) =
x +2
3 x
iii) reflection about the line y = x
iv) gf doesnt have an inverse.
NJC/06/1/12
The functions f and h are defined by
1
f :x
, x > 4,
2
( x 4)
h : x ( x + 1) 2, x 0 .
2
i)
6)
Show that f has an inverse on ( 4, ) .
[2]
[2]
[3]
ii) Define f -1 .
iii) Sketch ff 1 , f 1 and f on a single diagram.
iv) Determine whether (fh) 1 exist.
1
Ans: ii) f -1 ( x ) = 4 +
, x > 0 , iv) doesnt exist
x
PJC/06/1/10
i)
ii)
[2]
f : x 3 + e x ,
g : x x 2 2 x + 4,
x , x 1 .
Find the inverse function of g .
[2]
1
Give a reason why the composite function g f exists and hence find the
function g 1f , stating the range of this function.
iii) Find the exact value of x given that g 1f x = 4e x 2 .

( )
x
Ans: i) g -1 ( x ) = 1 x 3 , x 3 , ii) g -1 f ( x ) = 1 e , x , Rg 1 f = ( ,1) ,
iii) x = 2ln
3
4
[3]
[2]
7)
SAJC/06/1/6
Find the largest subset S of R such that f ( x ) = 1 + x + 1 defines a function
f :S .
i) Find f -1 , the inverse of f , stating its domain and range.
ii) Sketch the graphs of f and f -1 on the same set of axes and find the
coordinates of their point of intersection.
2
Ans: i) f 1 ( x ) = ( x 1) 1, x 1 , R f 1 = [1, ) , ii) x = 3 .
8)
[3]
CJC/06/1/9
The functions f , g and h are defined as follow:
f : x 4 x 2 , x , 2 x 0 ,
g : x e1 2 x , x , x > 0 ,
h : x ln x, x , x > 0
-1
i) Define f in similar form.
ii) Sketch the graph of y = hg ( x ) and the range of this function.
iii) Show that hf does not exist. Find the maximum domain of f such that hf
exists.
9)
[1]
[3]
[2]
[3]
[3]
Ans: i) f 1 ( x ) = 4 y 2 , x , 0 x 2 , ii) Rhg = ( ,1) , iii) D f = ( 2, 0]

NYJC/06/1/12
f : x 16 x 2 , x , 4 x 0 ,
g : x ln ( 2 + x ) , x , x > 2 .
h : x 2 + e x , x +
i) Sketch on separate diagrams, the graph of f , g and h .
ii) Show that f -1 exists and define it in similar form.
iii) Explain why the composite function hg cannot be formed. Give the maximal
domain of g for which this composite function exists.
[3]
[3]
[3]
Ans: ii) f ( x ) = 16 x , 0 x 4 , iii) Dg = ( 1, )

10) SRJC/06/2/3
-1
f : x x ( x 2 ) , x , x > 0
where
a) For
b) For
i)
ii)
g : x x 2 + 2, x , x < k
is a positive constant and k .
k = 1 , stating your reason clearly, determine whether g -1 exists.
k =0
Define in similar form, the inverse function g -1 in terms of
Give a reason why the composite function fg exists, and find the range
of fg .
Ans: bi) g -1 ( x ) =
x2
, x > 2 . bii) R fg = ( 0, )
[2]
[2]
[3]
11) TPJC/06/1/9
i)
ii)
f : x e x , x , x > 0
g : x x 1, x , x > 0
State why the composite function fg cannot be formed and find the maximal
domain of g so that fg exists.
With the domain of g found in (i), find ( fg )
( x) .
[3]
[3]
Ans: i) Dg = (1, ) , ii) ( fg ) ( x ) = 1 + ln x, x > 1

12) ACJC/06/1/5
The functions f and g are defined as follow:
f : x ln ( x + k + 1) , x k , k > 0 ,
1
g : x x 2 + 2 x 1, x .
i) Find the values of k such that the composite function fg exists
ii) Find the value of k such that the range of fg is given by [ln 3, ) .
Ans: i) k 2 , ii) k = 4
13) VJC/06/1/13
2
f : x x3 3 x 2 , x , x > 0
3
g : x x 2 + 2, x , x < 0
where is a positive constant.
i) Find g -1 ( x ) .
Sketch the graph of f and find its range.
ii) The function f has an inverse if its domain is restricted to x k . Find the
least value of k in terms of .
iii) The function gf exists if the domain of f is restricted to 0 < x < m . Find the
greatest value of m in terms of .
Ans: i) g -1 ( x ) = x 2, x > 2 , R f = [9 3 , ) , ii) Least k = 3 , iii) Greatest m =
[3]
[3]
[2]
[4]
[1]
[2]
14) IJC/06/1/10
The functions f is given by
f : x ln ( x ) + 1, x > 0 ,
where is a constant and 0 < < e .
i) Write down the range of f .
ii) Show that f e1 = 2 ln .
[1]
( )
The function f has an inverse if its domain is restricted to x

expression for f -1 ( x ) corresponding to this domain of f .
Ans: i) R f = [1, ) , iii) f -1 ( x ) =
e x 1 , x 1
[2]
. Find an
[3]
15) RJC/06/1/10
The functions f id defined by
f : x x 2 kx + 3, x
where k is a non-zero constant.
Give a reason why the inverse function of f does not exist.
Given that the range of f is [ 1, ) and that f 1 exists if the domain of f is
restricted to the set of negative real numbers, find the value of k and define f 1 in
a similar form.
Ans: f -1 ( x ) = 2 x + 1, x > 3
16) YJC/06/1/12
The function f , g and h are defined by
[1]
[7]
f : x ln ( x + 1) , x > 1
1
, x < 1
x +1
h : x x 2 + 3x + 14, x < b
i) Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of f and g .
[2]
ii) Show that the composite function fg does not exist for the given domain.
Find the largest possible domain for the composite function fg to exist. Hence
find the corresponding range of the composite function fg .
[5]
iii) Find the greatest value of b for which the inverse function h -1 exist and
[4]
define h -1 , stating its domain.
4
1
4
Ans: ii) Dg = , , fg ( x ) = ln 3 +
, x < , R fg = ( , ln 3)
x +1
3
3
g: x 2+
3
65
65
y, x <
4
2
4
17) MJC/06/1/12
2x + 1
f :x
, x > 0,
x+2
g : x 1 + ln ( x + 2 ) , x > 0 .
i) Sketch on separate diagrams, the graphs of y = f ( x ) and y = g ( x ) .
ii) Define the inverse function f -1 .
iii) The function h is such that hg ( x ) = e 1 ( x + 2 ) . Find an expression for h ( x ) .
iv) Explain why the composite function fg does not exist. Find the largest
possible domain of g such that fg is a function.
x 1
Ans: ii) f -1 ( x ) =
, 1 < x < 2 , iii) h ( x ) = e x , iv) D g = ( e 2, )
2 x
iii) h -1 ( x ) =
[2]
[2]
[2]
[3]
Functions
ACJC Prelims 06/P1/Q9
1) The functions f and fg are defined as follow:
f : x 4 x 2 + 8 x + 4 , x 1
fg : x x 2 4 x + 4 , x 2 .
By first finding f 1 , or otherwise, define the function g in similar form.
State precisely a sequence of geometrical transformations which would transform
the graph of y = 4 x 2 + 8 x + 4 onto the graph of y = x 2 4 x + 4 .
x
x
, x 0 , g ( x ) = 2, x 2
4
2
The transformations are translation 2 units along the x -axis followed by scaling of
factor 2 along the x -axis
Ans: f -1 ( x ) = 1 +
f ( x ) =4x 2 + 8 x + 4
= 4 ( x2 + 2x ) + 4
2
= 4 ( x + 1) 1 + 4
= 4 ( x + 1)
The minimum point is at ( 1, 0 ) . Range of f is [0, ) .
y = f ( x)
Let f ( x ) = 4 x 2 + 8 x + 4 = y
4 x2 + 8x + 4 = y
4 ( x + 1) = y
2
( x + 1)
y
4
x +1 =
y
4
x = 1
y
4
[4]
[2]
Since x 1 , x = 1 +
f -1 ( x ) = 1 +
y
. Therefore
4
x
, x0
4
fg ( x ) = x 2 4 x + 4
f 1fg ( x ) = f 1 ( x 2 4 x + 4 )
g ( x ) = 1 +
g ( x ) = 1 +
x2 4 x + 4
4
( x 2)
1
x2 , x 2
2
1
g ( x ) = 1 + ( x 2 ) , x 2
2
x
g ( x ) = 2, x 2
2
g ( x ) = 1 +
y = x2 4x + 4
= fg ( x )
x
= f 2
2
The transformations are translation 2 units along the x -axis followed by scaling of factor 2
along the x -axis
HCI Prelims 06/P1/Q3

2) The functions f and g are defined by

f ( x ) = sin x, x 0, ,
3
1
g ( x ) = 2 , x [1, 0) ,
x
1
i) Show that the function f exists and define it in a similar form.
ii) Determine whether or not the composite function fg exists. If it exists, find the
rule, domain and range.
[5]
3
Ans: i) f 1 ( x ) = sin 1 x, x
, 0 , ii) fg doesnt exists
2
i)
y
y = g ( x)
3
2
y = f ( x)
3
k < 0 cuts the
2
curve at only one point. Hence f is one-one. f is assumed to be onto therefore f 1 exists.
From the graph of f , it can be seen that for every straight line y = k ,
3
R f =
, 0
2
Let f ( x ) = sin x = y
sin x = y
sin x = y
x = sin 1 y
x = sin 1 y
3
f 1 ( x ) = sin 1 x, x
, 0
2

ii) Rg = [1, ) D f = 0, . Therefore fg doesnt exists.
3
TJC Prelims 06/P1/Q9

3) The function f and g are defined by
f : x x 2 2 x 1, x , x > 1
g : x 2 ex , x
Show that the inverse function of f can be defined.
Show that the composite function fg exists and define fg
i)
ii)
Ans: ii) fg ( x ) = (1 e x ) 2, x < 0

2
f ( x ) = x 2 2 x 1 = ( x 1) 2
2
y
y = f ( x)
(1, 2 )
From the graph of f , it can be seen that for every straight line y = k , 2 < k < cuts the
curve at only one point. Hence f is one-one. f is assumed to be onto therefore f 1 exists.
ii)
y
y=2
y = g ( x)
Rg = (1, 2 ) D f = (1, ) therefore fg .
fg ( x ) = ( 2 e x ) 1 2
2
fg ( x ) = (1 e x ) 2, x < 0
2
[2]
[5]
JJC Prelims 06/P1/Q14 EITHER

f : x x , x ,
3x + 8
, x , x 2 .
x+2
Sketch the graph of y = g ( x ) , stating the equations of any asymptotes and the
coordinates of any intersection with the axes.
Give definitions, in a similar form of each of the functions g -1 and gf .
g:x
i)
ii)
iii) State a relationship between the graphs of g and g -1 and show this
relationship in a graph.
iv) On a separate diagram, sketch the graph of gf . State, giving a reason, whether
gf has an inverse.
3 x +8
2x 8
, x
Ans: ii) g -1 ( x ) =
, x , x 3 , gf ( x ) =
x +2
3 x
iv) gf doesnt have an inverse.
[3]
[4]
[2]
i)
y=x
y
y = f ( x)
y = g ( x)
y = g -1 ( x )
g ( x) =
3x + 8
2
= 3+
x+2
x+2
The vertical asymptotes is x = 2 and the horizontal asymptotes is y = 3 .
g (0) =
8
=4
2
When g ( x ) = 0 , x =
8
3
ii)
Rg = ( , ) \ {3}
Let g ( x ) =
3x + 8
=y
x+2
3x + 8
=y
x+2
3x + 8 = y ( x + 2 )
3x xy = 2 y 8
2y 8
x=
3 y
2x 8
g -1 ( x ) =
, x , x 3
3 x
R f = [0, ) Dg = ( , ) \ {2} therefore gf exists.
gf ( x ) =
3 x +8
, x
x +2

iv)
y
4
y = gf ( x )
y =3
From the graph it can be seen that it is not one-one. Therefore gf doesnt have an inverse.
NJC Prelims 06/P1/Q12

5) The functions f and h are defined by
f :x
i)
Show that f
, x > 4,
( x 4)
2
h : x ( x + 1) 2, x 0 .
has an inverse on ( 4, ) .
2
[2]
[2]
[3]
-1
ii) Define f .
iii) Sketch ff 1 , f 1 and f on a single diagram.
iv) Determine whether (fh) 1 exist.
1
Ans: ii) f -1 ( x ) = 4 +
, x > 0 , iv) doesnt exist
x
f ( x) =
( x 4)
[2]
, x>4
The vertical asymptote is x = 4 and the horizontal asymptote is y = 0 .

From the graph of f , it can be seen that for every straight line y = k , k > 0 cuts the curve at
only one point. Hence f is one-one. f is assumed to be onto therefore f 1 exists for
D f = ( 4, ) .
Let f ( x ) =
( x 4)
( x 4)
( x 4)
=y
y = ff 1 ( x )
=y
=
1
y
y = f -1 ( x )
1
y
x4=
x = 4
1
y
x = 4+
1
since x > 4
y
f -1 ( x ) = 4 +
1
, x>0
x
ff 1 ( x ) = x, x > 0
y = f ( x)
h ( x ) = ( x + 1) 2, x 0
2
The minimum point is ( 1, 2 )

h ( 0 ) = ( 0 + 1) 2 = 1
2
When h ( x ) = 0 , x = 2 1
y
y = h ( x)
x
2 1
1
Rh = [ 1, ) D f = ( 4, ) therefore fh doesnt exist and hence ( fh ) doesnt exist.
PJC Prelims 06/P1/Q10

f : x 3 + e x ,
g : x x 2 x + 4,
x , x 1 .
i)
ii)
Find the inverse function of g .
[2]
1
Give a reason why the composite function g f exists and hence find the
function g 1f , stating the range of this function.
[3]
iii) Find the exact value of x given that g 1f x = 4e x 2 .

( )
[2]
Ans: i) g -1 ( x ) = 1 x 3 , x 3 , ii) g -1 f ( x ) = 1 e , x , Rg 1 f = ( ,1) ,
iii) x = 2ln
3
4
i)
g ( x ) = x 2 2 x + 4 = ( x 1) + 3
2
The minimum point is at (1,3)
y = f ( x)
y = g ( x)
y =3
3
x
1
Rg = [3, )
R f = (3, )
Let g ( x ) = x 2 2 x + 4 = y
x2 2x + 4 = y
( x 1) + 3 = y
2
( x 1) = y 3
( x 1) = y 3
2
x = 1 y 3
x = 1 y 3, since x 1
g -1 ( x ) = 1 x 3 , x 3
ii) R f = (3, ) Dg 1 = [3, ) therefore g -1f exists.
g -1 f ( x ) = 1 3 + e x 3
g -1 f ( x ) = 1 e 2 , x
y
-1
4 y = g f ( x)
y =1
Rg 1 f = ( ,1)
iii)
g 1f ( x ) = 4e x 2
1 e
4e
+e
x
2 = 4e x 2
x
2 3 = 0
Let p = e 2 , p 2 = e x
4 p2 + p 3 = 0
( 4 p 3)( p + 1) = 0
3
p = , 1
4
e
x
2
= 1 rejected no solutions ,
3
4
x
3
= ln
2
4
x = 2 ln
3
4
SAJC Prelims 06/P1/Q6

7) Find the largest subset S of R such that f ( x ) = 1 + x + 1 defines a function
f :S .
i) Find f -1 , the inverse of f , stating its domain and range.
ii) Sketch the graphs of f and f -1 on the same set of axes and find the
coordinates of their point of intersection.
2
Ans: i) f 1 ( x ) = ( x 1) 1, x 1 , R f 1 = [1, ) , ii) x = 3 .
[1]
[3]
[3]
x + 1 is real for x + 1 0 x 1 . Therefore S = [1, ) .
f ( x ) = 1 + x + 1, x 1
y = f ( x)
R f = [1, )
Let f ( x ) = 1 + x + 1 = y
y = f -1 ( x )
1+ x +1 = y
x +1 = y 1
x + 1 = ( y 1)
x = ( y 1) 1
2
f 1 ( x ) = ( x 1) 1, x 1
2
R f 1 = [1, )
When f and f -1 intersect.
f ( x) = x
1+ x +1 = x
x +1 = x 1
x + 1 = ( x 1)
x +1 = x2 2x +1
x 2 3x = 0
x = 0 (rejected since x > 1),3
y=x
CJC Prelims 06/P1/Q9

8) The functions f , g and h are defined as follow:
f : x 4 x 2 , x , 2 x 0 ,
g : x e1 2 x , x , x > 0 ,
h : x ln x, x , x > 0
-1
i) Define f in similar form.
ii) Sketch the graph of y = hg ( x ) and the range of this function.
iii) Show that hf does not exist. Find the maximum domain of f such that hf
exists.
Ans: i) f
( x) =
[2]
[3]
[3]
4 y , x , 0 x 2 , ii) Rhg = ( ,1) , iii) D f = ( 2, 0]

2
i)
y
y = f ( x)
Let f ( x ) 4 x 2 = y
4 x2 = y
2
4 x2 = y2
x2 = 4 y2
x = 4 y2
x = 4 y 2 since 2 x 0
f 1 ( x ) = 4 y 2 , x , 0 x 2
R f = [0, 2]
ii)
hg ( x ) = ln e1 2 x
= 1 2 x, x , x > 0
Rhg = ( ,1)
y = hg ( x )
1
2
iii)
R f = [ 0, 2] Dh = ( 0, ) , therefore hf does not exist. Maximum domain of f for hf to exist
is D f = ( 2, 0]
NYJC Prelims 06/P1/Q12

f : x 16 x 2 , x , 4 x 0 ,
g : x ln ( 2 + x ) , x , x > 2 .
h : x 2 + e x , x +
i) Sketch on separate diagrams, the graph of f , g and h .
ii) Show that f -1 exists and define it in similar form.
iii) Explain why the composite function hg cannot be formed. Give the maximal
domain of g for which this composite function exists.
[3]
[3]
[3]
Ans: ii) f -1 ( x ) = 16 x 2 , 0 x 4 , iii) Dg = ( 1, )

i)
y
x = 2
y = f ( x)
y = g ( x)
ln 2
y = h ( x)
3
y=2
From the graph of f , it can be seen that for every straight line y = k , 0 k 4 cuts the curve
at only one point. Hence f is one-one. f is assumed to be onto therefore f 1 exists
ii)
Let f ( x ) = 16 x 2 = y
16 x 2 = y
16 x 2 = y 2
x 2 = 16 y 2
x = 16 y 2
x = 16 y 2 since 4 x 0
f -1 ( x ) = 16 x 2 , 0 x 4
iii) Rg = ( , ) Dh = ( 0, ) therefore hg doesnt exist.
For hg to exist, restrict Dg = ( 1, )
SRJC Prelims 06/P2/Q3

f : x x ( x 2 ) , x , x > 0
where
a) For
b) For
i)
ii)
g : x x 2 + 2, x , x < k
is a positive constant and k .
k = 1 , stating your reason clearly, determine whether g -1 exists.
k =0
Define in similar form, the inverse function g -1 in terms of
Give a reason why the composite function fg exists, and find the range
of fg .
Ans: bi) g -1 ( x ) =
x2
, x > 2 . bii) R fg = ( 0, )
a) g (1) = g ( 1) = + 2 therefore g is not one-one and g -1 doesnt exist.

b)
y
y = g ( x)
Rg = ( 2, )
Let g ( x ) = x 2 + 2 = y
x2 + 2 = y
x2 =
y2
x=
x=
g -1 ( x ) =
y2
y2
x2
since x < 0
, x>2
Rg = ( 2, ) D f = ( 0, ) therefore fg exists.
[2]
[2]
[3]
f ( x ) = x ( x 2 ) = ( x 1) 1
2
y
y = g ( x)
R fg
Rg
2
(1, 1)
R fg = ( 0, )
TPJC Prelims 06/P1/Q9

i)
ii)
f : x e x , x , x > 0
g : x x 1, x , x > 0
State why the composite function fg cannot be formed and find the maximal
domain of g so that fg exists.
With the domain of g found in (i), find ( fg )
Ans: i) Dg = (1, ) , ii) ( fg )
( x ) = 1 + ln x,
( x) .
[3]
x >1
i)
y
y = f ( x)
y = g ( x)
x
x
Rg = ( 1, ) D f = ( 0, )
For fg , restrict Dg = (1, ) .
ii)
fg ( x ) = e( x 1) , x , x > 1
y
Let fg ( x ) = e( x 1) = y
e( x 1) = y
y = fg ( x)
1
R fg = (1, )
x 1 = ln y
x = 1 + ln y
( fg ) ( x ) = 1 + ln x,
x
[3]
x >1
AJC Prelims 06/P1/Q5

12) The functions f and g are defined as follow:
f : x ln ( x + k + 1) , x k , k > 0 ,
g : x x 2 + 2 x 1, x .
i) Find the values of k such that the composite function fg exists
ii) Find the value of k such that the range of fg is given by [ln 3, ) .
Ans: i) k 2 , ii) k = 4
For fg to exist Rg D f
g ( x ) = x 2 + 2 x 1 = ( x + 1) 2
2
The minimum point of g ( x ) is ( 1, 2 ) .
y = g ( x)
( 1, 2 )
Rg = [ 2, ) D f = ( k , ) . The minimum value of k is 2. k 2 .
R fg = [ln 3, )
y = f ( x)
ln ( k + 1)
ln 3
k 2
Rg = [2, )
For the R fg = [ln 3, ) ,

f ( 2 ) = ln 3
ln ( 2 + k + 1) = ln 3
k 1 = 3
k =4
[3]
[3]
VJC Prelims 06/P1/Q13

2
f : x x3 3 x 2 , x , x > 0
3
g : x x 2 + 2, x , x < 0
where is a positive constant.
i) Find g -1 ( x ) .
Sketch the graph of f and find its range.
ii) The function f has an inverse if its domain is restricted to x k . Find the
least value of k in terms of .
iii) The function gf exists if the domain of f is restricted to 0 < x < m . Find the
greatest value of m in terms of .
Ans: i) g -1 ( x ) = x 2, x > 2 , R f = [9 3 , ) , ii) Least k = 3 , iii) Greatest m =
i)
y = g ( x)
2
Let g ( x ) = x 2 + 2 = y
x2 + 2 = y
x2 = y 2
x = y2
x = y 2 since x < 0
g -1 ( x ) = x 2, x > 2
2 3
x 3 x 2
3
f (0) = 0
f ( x) =
When f ( x ) = 0
[2]
[4]
[1]
[2]
2 3
x 3 x 2 = 0
3
x 2 ( 2 x 9 ) = 0
9
x = 0,
2
2
f ( x ) = 2 x 6 x
f '' ( x ) = 4 x 6
At stationary point, f ( x ) = 0
2 x 2 6 x = 0
x ( x 3 ) = 0
x = 0,3
f '' ( 0 ) = 6 < 0
2
3
2
( 3 ) 3 ( 3 ) = 18 3 27 3 = 9 3
3
''
f ( 3 ) = 12 6 = 6 > 0
f ( 3 ) =
y
y = f ( x)
( 3 , 9 )
3
R f = [9 3 , )
ii) Least k = 3
iii) R f = [9 3 , ) Dg = (, 0)
9
9
Restrict D f = 0, . Greatest m =
2
2
IJC Prelims 06/P1/Q10

14) The functions f is given by
f : x ln ( x ) + 1, x > 0 ,
where is a constant and 0 < < e .
i) Write down the range of f .
ii) Show that f e1 = 2 ln .
[1]
( )
The function f has an inverse if its domain is restricted to x
[2]
. Find an
expression for f -1 ( x ) corresponding to this domain of f .

Ans: i) R f = [1, ) , iii) f -1 ( x ) =
e x 1 , x 1
i)
y = f ( x)
x
1
R f = [1, )
ii)
f ( x ) = ln ( x ) + 1
f ( e 1 ) = ln ( e1 ) + 1
= ln + ln e1 + 1
= ln 1 + 1
Since 0 < < e < 1 and ln 1 < 0 . Hence ln 1 = ( ln 1) .
f ( e1 ) = ln 1 + 1
= ( ln 1) + 1
= 2 ln
iii) f : x ln ( x ) + 1, x
Let f ( x ) = ln ( x ) + 1 = y
. R f = [1, )
[3]
ln ( x ) + 1 = y
ln ( x ) = y 1
ln ( x ) = ( y 1)
x = e ( y 1)
x=
x=
f -1 ( x ) =
e ( y 1)
e(
y 1)
e x 1 , x 1
since x
and y 1
RJC Prelims 06/P1/Q10

15) The functions f id defined by
f : x x 2 kx + 3, x
where k is a non-zero constant.
Give a reason why the inverse function of f does not exist.
Given that the range of f is [ 1, ) and that f 1 exists if the domain of f is
restricted to the set of negative real numbers, find the value of k and define f 1 in
a similar form.
Ans: f -1 ( x ) = 2 x + 1, x > 3
[1]
[7]
f ( x ) = x 2 kx + 3
2
k k k
= x2 2 ( x ) + + 3
2 2 2
2
k
k2
= x + 3
2
4
k
k2
The minimum point is at , 3
4
2
y
y = f ( x)
x
k
k2
,3
4
2
k2
R f = 3 ,
4
From the graph of f , it is not one-one and hence f 1 doesnt exist. For example
f (0) = f ( k ) = 3 .
R f = [1, )
3
k2
= 1
4
k2
=4
4
k = 4
When domain of f is restricted to the set of negative real numbers, f 1 exist. The minimum
point at x 0 k 0 . Therefore k = 4 .
f : x x 2 4 x + 3, x
y
y = f ( x)
3
R f = ( 3, )
Let f ( x ) = x 2 4 x + 3 = y
x2 4x + 3 = y
( x 2) 1 = y
2
( x 2) = y + 1
2
x 2 = y +1
x = 2 y +1
x = 2 y + 1 since x < 0
f -1 ( x ) = 2 x + 1, x > 3
YJC Prelims 06/P1/Q12

16) The function f , g and h are defined by
f : x ln ( x + 1) , x > 1
1
, x < 1
x +1
h : x x 2 + 3x + 14, x < b
i) Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of f and g .
[2]
ii) Show that the composite function fg does not exist for the given domain.
Find the largest possible domain for the composite function fg to exist. Hence
find the corresponding range of the composite function fg .
[5]
iii) Find the greatest value of b for which the inverse function h -1 exist and
define h -1 , stating its domain.
[4]
4
1
4
Ans: ii) Dg = , , fg ( x ) = ln 3 +
, x < , R fg = ( , ln 3)
x +1
3
3
g: x 2+
iii) h -1 ( x ) =
3
65
65
y, x <
2
4
4
g ( x) = 2 +
y = f ( x)
1
x +1
The vertical asymptote is x = 1 .

The horizontal asymptote is y = 2 .
When g ( x ) = 0 ,
2+
1
=0
x +1
1
2
3
x=
2
x +1 =
y
y=2
y = g ( x)
Rg = ( , 2 ) D f = ( 1, ) therefore fg does not exist.
3
2
When g ( x ) = 1
1
x +1
1 = 2 +
1
3
4
x=
3
x +1 =
Largest possible domain Dg = , . Rg = ( 1, 2 ) D f = ( 1, )

3
y
y = f ( x)
ln 3
Rg = ( 1, 2 )
1
x
R fg
R fg = ( , ln 3)
1
fg ( x ) = ln 2 +
+1
x + 1
1
4
fg ( x ) = ln 3 +
, x <
x +1
3
iii)
h ( x ) = x 2 + 3 x + 14
h ( x ) = ( x 2 3 x ) + 14
2
3 9
h ( x ) = x + 14
2 4
65
3
h ( x) =
x
4
2
3 65
Maximum point is , .
2 4
3
.
2
Greatest b =
3 65
,
2 4
y = h ( x)
65
Rh = ,
4
Let h ( x ) = y
2
65
3
x = y
4
2
2
3 65
y
x =
4
2
h -1 ( x ) =
3
65
=
y
2
4
x=
3
65
y
2
4
x=
3
65
3
y , since x <
2
4
2
3
65
65
y, x <
2
4
4
MJC Prelims 06/P1/Q12

2x + 1
f :x
, x > 0,
x+2
g : x 1 + ln ( x + 2 ) , x > 0 .
i) Sketch on separate diagrams, the graphs of y = f ( x ) and y = g ( x ) .
ii) Define the inverse function f -1 .
iii) The function h is such that hg ( x ) = e 1 ( x + 2 ) . Find an expression for h ( x ) .
iv) Explain why the composite function fg does not exist. Find the largest
possible domain of g such that fg is a function.
x 1
Ans: ii) f -1 ( x ) =
, 1 < x < 2 , iii) h ( x ) = e x , iv) D g = ( e 2, )
2 x
i)
2x + 1
1
= 2
x +1
x +1
The horizontal asymptote is y = 2 .
f (0) = 1
y
f ( x) =
y = f ( x)
y=2
1
g ( x ) = 1 + ln ( x + 2 )
g ( 0 ) = 1 + ln 2
When g ( x ) = 0 ,
1 + ln ( x + 2 ) = 0
ln ( x + 2 ) = 1
x+2=e
x =e2
y
y = f ( x)
y=2
e2
1 + ln 2
ii) R f = (1, 2 )
Let f ( x ) =
2x + 1
=y
x +1
[2]
[2]
[2]
[3]
2x +1
=y
x +1
2 x + 1 = y ( x + 1)
2 x xy = y 1
y 1
x=
2 y
x 1
f -1 ( x ) =
, 1< x < 2
2 x
iii)
hg ( x ) = e 1 ( x + 2 )
h ( 1 + ln ( x + 2 ) ) = e 1eln ( x + 2)
h ( 1 + ln ( x + 2 ) ) = e 1+ ln ( x + 2)
h ( x) = ex
Alternative
Let g ( x ) = 1 + ln ( x + 2 ) = y
1 + ln ( x + 2 ) = y
ln ( x + 2 ) = y + 1
x + 2 = e y +1
x = e y +1 2
g -1 ( x ) = e x +1 2, x > 1 + ln 2
hg g 1 ( x ) = h ( x )
h ( x ) = e 1 e x +1 2 + 2
h ( x ) = e 1 e x +1
h ( x ) = ex
iv) Rg = ( 1 + ln 2, ) D f = ( 0, ) therefore fg doesnt exist.
Largest possible domain D g = ( e 2, ) for fg to exist.
Inequalities
1) CJC/07/1/5
Find the exact solution of the following inequalities:
i)
2x 3 x
>
x 1
2
ii)
2
x 3
>0
x 1
Ans: i) : 3 < < 2 or 1 < < 1 or 2 <
ii) : 2 3 < < 1 or > 2 + 3
2) RJC/07/1/1
Find the set of values of x for which
[3]
[4]
<3
ex
8x > 0
x 1
2
ex
Hence solve
8x > 0 .
x 1
Ans: : 1.96 < < 0.114 and > 1 , : < 1 or > 1
3)
NYJC/07/1/2
By using an algebraic method, find the solution set of the inequality
2x 7 x 3
.
x+4
2
x
2 x 9
Hence, solve the inequality
2.
2
x +3
Ans: : 4 or 1 2 , : 4 9
4)
SRJC/07/1/1
x9
2
Solve the inequality
.
> 2
x + 2 x 2x 8
1
2 x2 9
>
Hence solve the inequality 2
.
x + 1 4 x4 x2 2
Ans: : 2 < < 1 or > 4 , : < 2 or > 2

5) TPJC/07/1/5
a) Solve the inequality 1 2 x > x + 3 graphically.
2
b) Using analytical method, solve the inequality 1
.
2x 1
Hence solve
1
2e x 1
>
2
e x 2
[4]
[3]
[3]
[4]
[3]
x2
: < 0.667 or > 4 , b)

: ln 2 < < ln 2
Ans: a)
>
[4]
[5]
< 0 or <
<2 ,
6)
VJC/07/1/3
12 x
x+4
.
x 3 ( x 3)2
Deduce the solution set of
[3]
4 x
12 x
.
x + 3 ( x + 3)2
Ans: : < 1 or > 12 , : 12 1, 3

7) YJC/07/1/2
i) Without using a graphic calculator, show that x 2 + 2 x + 4 is always positive.
ii)
x
1
Find the range of values of x that satisfy
.
2x + 4
x
Deduce the range of values of
Ans: i) : 2 <
8) MI/10/1/1
that satisfy
2e + 4
< 0 , ii)
Without using a calculator, solve the inequality
1
ex
[3]
[1]
[3]
x+7
1.
4 + 3x x 2
Ans: { x : x < 1 or x > 4}

9) SRJC/10/1/1
Without using the calculator solve the inequality
2 x2 + x < 3 .
[2]
[4]
[3]
Hence solve the inequality

1x
2e + e 2 < 3 .
[2]
Ans: x : < x < 1 , { x : x < 0}

2
10) RI/10/1/2
Sketch the graph of y = e x x . By adding a suitable graph to the sketch, find the
set of values of x that satisfies 2 x + 5 2e x
2
.
x2
[4]
Ans: (, 2.18] [ 0.920, 0) (0, )

11) PJC/10/1/3
ln( x + 1) < 9 x 2 .
ln( x + 1) < 9 x 2 .
Ans: { x : 1 < x < 2.70} , { x : 2.70 < x < 2.70}
[5]
12)
CJC/10/2/1
Solve algebraically the inequality
2 x 2 + 4 x 70
1 0 .
x 2 + 4 x 77
[3]
2e 2 x + 4e x 70
1 0 .
e 2 x + 4e x 77
Ans: { x : x > 7 or x < 11} , { x : x > ln 7}
[2]
13) AJC/10/1/1
Without using a graphic calculator, find the exact solution of the inequality
12 x + 29
4, x 5 .
5 x2
x(12 + 29 x)
4 .
5x2 1
[7]
2
1
1
3
<x<
Ans: x : x > 5 or x < 5 or x = ; x : x = or
3
2
5
5
14) VJC/10/1/4
i)
1
Given that x , using the substitution y = 2 x + 1, show algebraically that
2
22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x is always positive,
ii) Hence, solve the inequality
[2]
22 x 8 x 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2
( x k )( x m )
0,
where k and m are real and 0 < k < m.

1
Ans: x : x 0 or x > k , x m
2
15) ACJC/10/2/3
Find in terms of a, the range of values of x that satisfy the inequality
a
ln 2 x 0 , where a > 1 .
x
1 1 + 8a
1 + 1 + 8a
< x < 0 or x >

Ans: x :
4
4
[4]
[4]
Inequalities
1) CJC/07/1/5
i)
2x 3 x
>
x 1
2
ii)
2
>0
x 3
x 1
Ans: i) : 3 < < 2 or 1 < < 1 or 2 <
ii) : 2 3 < < 1 or > 2 + 3
Let
=| |
[3]
2
> 0
1
3
1 2
> 0
1
4 +3 2
> 0
1
4 +1
> 0
1
4 +1
1 >0
|2 | 3 | |
>
| |1
2
2| | 3 | |
>
| |1
2
2 3
>
2
1
2 2 3
1 >
1
2 2 3
1
1 > 0
1 2 2 3
1 > 0
1 4 6
+ > 0
1 + 5 6 > 0
1
2 3 >0
4 + 1 = 0
4 4 4 1 1
=

2
4 12
=

2
4 23

=
2
= 2 3
< 1 or 2 < < 3

| | < 1 or 2 < | | < 3
: 3 < < 2 or 1 <
<3
[4]
<3
< 1 or 2 <
2 3
2+ 3
: 2 3 < < 1 or
> 2 + 3
2) RJC/07/1/1
Find the set of values of x for which
2
ex
8x > 0
x 1
2
ex
Hence solve
8x > 0 .
x 1
Ans: : 1.96 < < 0.114 and > 1 ,
< 1 or > 1
Using the GC
: 1.96 <
#$
< 0.114 and > 1
"
|8 | > 0
| |1
$
" |#|
8| | > 0
| |1
Hence 1.96 < | | < 0.114 (rejected) and | | > 1
: < 1 or > 1
[4]
3)
NYJC/07/1/2
By using an algebraic method, find the solution set of the inequality
2x 7 x 3
.
x+4
2
2 x 9
x
2.
2
x +3
Ans: : 4 or 1 2 , : 4 9
2 7
3

+4
2
2 2 7
+4
3
+4
2 2 7
+4 3
+ 4 0
+4 2 2 7 3
+ 4 0
+ 12 0
+ 4 4 14
+ 4 4 14 + 12 0
+ 4 + 3 2 0
+4 1
2 0
4
4 or 1
[4]
[3]
2 9
2
2
+3
2 9 4

2
+3
2) 1* 7 ) 1* 3
2
) 1* + 4
Hence
1 4 (rejected) or 1
1 2
2 3
4 9
: 4 9
4)
SRJC/07/1/1
x9
2
.
> 2
x + 2 x 2x 8
1
2 x2 9
>
Hence solve the inequality 2
.
x + 1 4 x4 x2 2
Ans:
: 2 <
< 1 or > 4 ,
+2
2 +2
4
+2
4 9
+2
4 2 4
+2
4 2 8
+2
4
2
>
+2
2
>
+2
+2
4
+2
9
+9
+1
>
>
> 0
> 0
> 0
>0
< 2 or > 2
9

2 8
9

4
+2
9
4
4
+2
9
4
+2
: 2 <
Hence
[3]
< 1 or > 4
2 9
1
>

+1 4 , 2
2
2 9
> ,

2 +2 4 4 8
2
2
9
>
2
+2
2
2
8
2 < 2
< 1 (rejected) or 2
< 2 or > 2
:
< 2 or > 2
> 4
[4]
+2
5) TPJC/07/1/5
a) Solve the inequality 1 2 x > x + 3 graphically.
b) Using analytical method, solve the inequality 1
[3]
2
>
2x 1 x 2
Hence solve
Ans: a)
1
2e
: ln 2 <
>
2
e
< 0.667 or > 4 , b) - :

< ln 2
a) Using the GC
b)
< 0 or <
1
>
2 1
2 1
2 1
2 1
2 1
2 1
2 1
< 0.667 or > 4
2

2
2 >2 2 2 1
2 2 2 2 1 > 0
2
2 2 2 1 > 0
2
2 4 + 2 > 0
2 2 > 0
2
<0
1
2
1
< < 21
2
2
1
> 2#
2#
2" 1 " 2
0 :
Hence
< 2/,
[5]
< 0 or
1
" 2# < 0 (rejected) or < " 2# < 2
2
1
ln < < ln 2
2
ln 2 < < ln 2
ln 2 < < ln 2
: ln 2 < < ln 2
6)
VJC/07/1/3
12 x
x+4
.
x 3 ( x 3) 2
Deduce the solution set of

Ans:
[3]
4 x
12 x
.
x + 3 ( x + 3) 2
: < 1 or > 12 ,
: 12
+4
12

3
3
+4
3 12
+ 12 12
11 12 0
12
+1 0
12
: 1 or 12
4
12

+3
+3
4+
12

3
5) 3*6
4+
12
3
3
For
1,
Hence for
+4
12
3
3
1 12, 3
4+
12
3
3
12
4
3
3
4+
12
+3
+3
1 12, 3
12 1, 3
: 12 1, 3
[3]
7) YJC/07/1/2
i) Without using a graphic calculator, show that x 2 + 2 x + 4 is always positive.
ii)
x
1
.
Find the range of values of x that satisfy
2x + 4
x
Deduce the range of values of
Ans: i)
2e x + 4
( 0 for all
2
1
3
1
1
3
0 for all
[2]
4
.
i)
2
2
2
2
1
Since
0 for all
2
,
&
&
1
1
& 2
2 & 0
2 & 0
4 &0
2 &0
2&
But
&0
2,0
ex
1
x
x
2e + 4
e
Hence,
Since "
0 for all
2 "#
, so no solution.
[3]
ex
0 , ii)
2
Since
that satisfy
[1]
8) MI/10/1/1
Without using a calculator, solve the inequality
Ans: { x : x < 1 or x > 4}
x+7
1
4 + 3x x2
x+7
1 0
4 + 3x x 2
x + 7 ( 4 + 3x x2 )
0
4 + 3x x 2
x + 7 4 3x + x 2
0
( x 2 3x 4 )
x2 2 x + 3
0
x 2 3x 4
Since x 2 2 x + 3 = ( x 1) 2 + 2 > 0 for x ,
x2 3x 4 > 0
( x 4 )( x + 1) > 0
x < 1 or x > 4
x+7
1.
4 + 3x x 2
[4]
9) SRJC/10/1/1
Without using the calculator solve the inequality
2x2 + x < 3 .
[3]

1x
2e x + e 2 < 3 .
3
Ans: x : < x < 1 , { x : x < 0}

2
2 x2 + x < 3
3 < 2 x 2 + x < 3
3 < 2 x 2 + x and
2x2 + x + 3 > 0
2x2 + x < 3
and
2x2 + x 3 < 0
1 23
x + + > 0 and
4 16
( 2 x + 3)( x 1) < 0
and
3
< x <1
2
x : < x < 1
2
Taking the intersection, the solution set is
2e
1
x
+ e2
1
1x
x
< 3 2 e2 + e2 < 3
replace x with e 2
1
1
x
x
3
2
< e < 1 0 < e 2 < 1 (since e x is always positive)
2
1
x < ln1
2
Hence the solution set is { x : x < 0}
[2]
10) RI/10/1/2
Sketch the graph of y = e x x . By adding a suitable graph to the sketch, find the
set of values of x that satisfies 2 x + 5 2e x
2
.
x2
Ans: (, 2.18] [0.920, 0) (0, )

y
2 x + 5 2e x
2
x2
2
2e x 2 x
2
x
5 1
ex x
2 x2
From the diagram,

x or x < 0 or x > 0
Using G.C.,
x 2.18 or 0.920 x < 0 or x > 0 (3s.f.)

Therefore solution set is (, 2.18] [ 0.920, 0) (0, ) .
[4]
11) PJC/10/1/3
ln( x + 1) < 9 x 2 .
ln( x + 1) < 9 x 2 .
[5]
Ans: { x : 1 < x < 2.70} , { x : 2.70 < x < 2.70}

y
2.70
From graph, 1 < x < 2.70

The solution set is { x : 1 < x < 2.70}
Replace x by x ,
1 < x < 2.70
x < 2.70 (as x 0)
2.70 < x < 2.70

The solution set is { x : 2.70 < x < 2.70}
12) CJC/10/2/1
Solve algebraically the inequality
2 x 2 + 4 x 70
1 0 .
x 2 + 4 x 77
[3]
2e 2 x + 4e x 70
1 0 .
e 2 x + 4e x 77
Ans: { x : x > 7 or x < 11} , { x : x > ln 7}
2 x 2 + 4 x 70
1 0
x 2 + 4 x 77
2 x 2 + 4 x 70 x 2 4 x + 77
0
x 2 + 4 x 77
x2 + 7
0
x 2 + 4 x 77
x2 + 7
0
( x + 11)( x 7)
Since numerator is always positive, we can consider
( x + 11)( x 7) > 0
x > 7 or x < 11
Hence the solution set is { x : x > 7 or x < 11}
Substitute x with e x ,
e x > 7 or e x < 11 (no solution)
x > ln 7
Hence solution set is { x : x > ln 7}
[2]
13) AJC/10/1/1
Without using a graphic calculator, find the exact solution of the inequality
12 x + 29
4, x 5 .
5 x2
x(12 + 29 x)
4 .
5x2 1
3
2
1
1
Ans: x : x > 5 or x < 5 or x = ; x : x = or <x<
3
2
5
5
(12 x + 29) 4(5 x 2 )

12 x + 29
0
4
5 x2
5 x2
( 5 x ) (2 x + 3)
2
5x
)(
5 + x ( 2 x + 3) 0
2
(Comment: Take note not to divide throughout by ( 2 x + 3) as it is not strictly positive.)

2
The solution set is x : x > 5 or x < 5 or x =

2
x(12 + 29 x)
4
5x2 1
1
1
< 5 or > 5
x
x
1
1
x= -2/3 or
< x < 0 or 0 < x <
5
5
1
1
<x<
as x = 0 is a solution to the inequality
x= -2/3 or
5
5
Replace x by 1/x,
x= -2/3 or
2
1
1
The solution set is x : x = or <x<
3
5
5
[7]
14) VJC/10/1/4
i)
Given that x
1
, using the substitution y = 2 x + 1, show algebraically that
2
22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x is always positive,
ii) Hence, solve the inequality
[2]
22 x 8 x 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2
( x k )( x m )
0,
where k and m are real and 0 < k < m.

1
Ans: x : x 0 or x > k , x m
2
1
Given x , 2 x + 1 0
2
[4]
Let y = 2 x + 1 , then y 2 = 2 x + 1 .
Then we have
22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x
= 21 + 2 x + 1 8 2 x + 1
= 21 + y 2 8 y
= ( y 4) + 5 5 > 0
2
Thus we have shown that 21 + 2 x + 1 8 2 x + 1 is always positive.

22 x 8 x 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2
( x k )( x m )
x 22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2
( x k ) ( x m)
) 0
Since we have
22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2 > 0
( x m)
>0
we can divide both sides by
22 8 2 x + 1 + 2 x 2
( x m)
to get
x
0
xk
x(x k) 0
We get x 0 or x k .
However, we need to remember to exclude x = k , x = m and also the initial condition that x
Thus, Solution set is x : x 0 or x > k , x m

2
1
2
15) ACJC/10/2/3
Find in terms of a, the range of values of x that satisfy the inequality
a
ln 2 x 0 , where a > 1 .
x
1 1 + 8a
1 + 1 + 8a
Ans: x :
< x < 0 or x >
4
4
ln 2 x 0
x
This implies that 2 x
a
1
x
a
1
x
2x2 a x
0
x
( 2x2 x a ) x 0
2x
Consider 2 x 2 x a = 0
x=
( 1)
4(2)(a)
2(2)
1 1 + 8a
4
Thus
( 2x
x a ) x 0 can be written as
1 + 1 + 8a 1 1 + 8a
x x
0
x
4
4
1 1 + 8a
1 + 1 + 8a
< x < 0 or x >
The solution set is x :
4
4
[4]
Tangents and Normal

1)
A Levels/J83/2/6b
The equation of a curve is
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
1
x
1
y
1
a
, x > 0, y > 0, where a is a positive constant.
Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point 9a, a
4
11 1
Ans: 8 y + x = 27 a ,
2 2
54
64
Find the equation of the normal at the point P (125
, 125
) whose parametric equations are
x = 2 cos3 t , y = sin 3 t.
Ans: 250 y = 375 x + 74 y + x = 3
IJC/07/1/6
Find the equation of the normal to the curve 3 y 2 + xy = 2 at the point (5,1) . The
normal meets the curve again at the point Q . Find the coordinates of the point Q .
[6]
11 1
Ans: ,
2 2
MJC/07/1/7
A curve is defined parametrically by the equations
1
1
x = t 3 2, y = t.
8
2
Sketch the curve.
[2]
The tangent to the curve at the point T with parameter t cuts the x-axis at (4, 0).
Find t .
[3]
Hence show that the normal to the curve at T passes through the point (2, 8).
[2]
Ans: t = 2
dy
The equation of a curve is given by x 3 + y 3 = 3 xy. Find
. The curve meets the line
dx
y = x at the origin and the point P. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at point
P.
Ans: y + x = 3
A Levels/J85/2/6
1 x2
The equation of a curve is y =
.
1 + x2
i)
d2y
dy
4x
Show that
=
, and obtain 2 in terms of x .
dx
(1 + x 2 ) 2
dx
ii) The curve crosses the x -axis at A and B , and the y -axis at C . Show that the
tangent to the curve at A and B passes through C .
d 2 y 4(3 x 2 1)
Ans: i)
=
dx 2
(1 + x 2 )3
7)
HCI/07/1/4
dy
in terms of x and y .
dx
Hence, find the equations of the tangents to the curve which are parallel to the x axis.
dy 2 y x
Ans:
, y = 1 , y = 1
=
dx 3 y 2 x
PJC/06/2/3
4t
1
A curve is defined parametrically by the equations x =
, y=
2
1 t
1 t 2
.
2 1
Show that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point P 2 , 1 is
3
3
3 y = 15 x + 44 .
The normal at P meets the curve again at the point Q . Find the value of t at Q .
41
Ans:
22
SAJC/06/1/11
A curve has parametric equation
1
x = 2t 1 , y = 2
.
t +1
i) Prove that the equation of the tangent at the point with parameter t is
Given the curve x 2 4 xy + 3 y 2 + 1 = 0 , find
8)
9)
(t
[5]
[4]
[3]
+ 1 y + tx = 3t 2 t + 1
[3]
ii) The tangent at point where t = 3 meets the curve again at the point where
t = q . Find the value of q and hence find the coordinates of the point of
intersection.
[5]
8
9
Ans: ii) ,
3 25
10) YJC/06/1/10a
The parametric equations of a curve are x = at 2 , y = at 3 , where a is a constant.
3
Find the coordinates of the point where the tangent at the point where t = cuts
2
the curve again.
[6]
27
9
Ans: a, a
64
16
11) RJC/06/1/8
The equation of a curve C is given by x 3 + 2 xy 2 6 xy = 0 . The line y = x meets C at
the origin O and at the point M .
i) Find the equation of the normal to the curve C at the point M .
[4]
ii) This normal cuts the y -axis at the point N . Find MNO , giving your answer
in degrees.
[2]
1
Ans: i) y = x + 1 , ii) 117 0
2
12) JJC/07/1/8
[2]
A curve has parametric equations x = t 2 , y = 2t . Sketch the curve.

Find the equation of the normal to the curve at the point P ( p 2 , 2 p ) .
The normal at P meets the x -axis at Q . The mid-point of PQ is denoted by R .
Show that R lies on the curve x = 1 + y 2 .
Ans: y = px + p 3 + 2 p
13) AJC/07/1/12b
A curve is defined by the parametric equations
x = at 2 , y = 2at .
Show that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point (at 2 , 2at ) is
y + tx = at 3 + 2at .
If the normal to the curve at the point (at 2 , 2at ) meets the curve again at the point
(aq 2 , 2aq ), show that t 2 + qt + 2 = 0 .
Deduce that q 2 cannot be less than 8.
14) CJC/06/1/11
A curve C id defined by the parametric equations x = 5a sec , y = 3a tan where
< <
[2]
[2]
[6]
and a is a positive constant.

2
i)
dy
Find
in terms of .
[2]
dx
ii) Find the coordinates of the point(s) on the curve at which the normal is parallel
to the line y = x . Next, find also the coordinates of the point(s) on the curve
at which the tangent is parallel to the y -axis.
[5]
dy
3
25
a
9
a
Ans: i)
=
, ii)
, , (5a, 0 )
dx 5sin
4 4
15) CJC/07/CT
Given a curve defined by parametric equations x = , y = sec .

2
i)
dy
Find
in terms of .
dx
ii)
n
Show that
, where n is an odd integer.
2
iii)
Determine the equation of normal of the curve at the point = .

3
3
3
Ans: i) sec tan , iii) y =
x
+2
6
36
2
16) TPJC/06/1/12
The equation of a curve is x 2 3 xy + 2 y 2 = 6 .
i) Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point (2, 3 ) .
[3]
ii) Show that there is no point on the curve at which the tangent is parallel to the
x -axis.
[3]
iii) Show that every line parallel to the x -axis cuts the curve at two distinct points. [2]
5
4
Ans: i) y = x +
6
3
17) NJC/06/1/10
A curve is given parametrically by the equations x = at 2 , y = 2at , where a is a
constant and t is a parameter. Show that the normal to the curve at any point with
parameter t may be expressed as y + tx = 2at + at 3 .
[2]
i) Given that the normal at t = 1 cuts the curve again at point R . Find the
coordinates of R , in terms of a .
[3]
ii) Find the range of values of p such that the line x py + a = 0 intersects the
curve at two distinct points.
[5]
Ans: i) (9a , 6 a ) , ii) p 1 or p 1
18) NYJC/07/CT
Show that, for all values of t , the point P given by x = at (t + 2 ), y = 2a(t + 1) lies on
the curve y 2 = 4ax + 4a 2 , where a is a positive constant. Sketch the graph of y against
x and find the equation of the normal to the curve at P .
If this normal meets the x -axis at G and N is the foot of the perpendicular from P to
the x -axis, find NG .
Ans: y = (t + 1) x + a(t + 1)(t 2 + 2t + 2) , 2a
19) VJC/06/1/14
A curve is defined by the parametric equations
x = au (u + 2), y = 2a (u + 1)
where a is a positive constant.
dy
Find
in terms of u .
[2]
dx
a) Sow that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point with parameter u
is
y = (u + 1) x + a (u + 1) u 2 + 2u + 2
[2]
b)
Given that the normal at u = 1 cuts the curve again at u = k , find the value of
k.
Given that x increases at the rate of 2 units per second, find in terms of a , the
rate of change of ln ( xy ) when y = 4a .
Ans: a) k = 4 , b)
11
12a
[3]
[3]
Tangents and Normal

A Levels J83/II/6(b))
1)
1
1
1
+
=
, x > 0, y > 0, where a is a positive constant.
The equation of a curve is
x
y
a
Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point 9a, a
4
11 1
Ans: 8 y + x = 27 a ,
2 2
1
1
1
+
=
x
y
a
x 2 +y 2 =a 2
Differentiate with respect to x
1 3 1 3
x 2 y 2
2
2
1 32
y
2
dy
=0
dx
dy 1 32
= x
dx 2
x
dy
=
dx
y
3
2
At point 9a, a
4
2
9a
dy
1
=
=
9
dx
8
a
4
9
Equation of tangent at 9a, a

4
9
1
y a = ( x 9a )
4
8
8 y 18a = x + 9a
8 y + x = 27 a
2)
54
64
Find the equation of the normal at the point P (125
, 125
)whose parametric equations are
x = 2 cos3 t , y = sin 3 t.
Ans: 250 y = 375 x + 74 y + x = 3
dy
=
dx
dy
dt
dx
dt
3sin 2 t cos t
1
= tan t
2
2
6 cos t ( sin t )
54
3
3
x = 2 cos t = 125 cos t = 5
At P ,
y = sin 3 t sin t = 4
5
dy
1 4
2
3
= = gradient of normal =
dx
2 3
3
2
64 3
54
Equation of normal at P: y
= x
250 y = 375 x + 74
125 2
125
IJC 2007 Prelims P1Q6

3) Find the equation of the normal to the curve 3 y 2 + xy = 2 at the point (5,1). The
normal meets the curve again at the point Q . Find the coordinates of the point Q .
11 1
Ans: ,
2 2
3 y 2 + xy = 2
dy
dy
6y + x + y = 0
dx
dx
y
dy
=
dx 6 y + x
At point (5,1),
dy
1
=
= 1
dx 6 5
Equation of normal
y 1 = 1( x + 5 )
y = x+6
When the normal meets the curve,
3 ( x + 6 ) + x ( x + 6 ) = 2
2
3 x 2 + 36 x + 108 + x 2 + 6 x + 2 = 0
4 x 2 + 42 x + 110 = 0
2 x + 21x + 55 = 0
( 2 x + 11)( x + 5 ) = 0
x = 5,
11
2
11
1
+6= .
2
2
11 1
The coordinates of the other point is , .
2 2
The y -coordinate of the other point is y =
[6]
MJC 2007 Prelims P1Q7

4) A curve is defined parametrically by the equations
1
1
x = t 3 2, y = t.
8
2
Sketch the curve.
The tangent to the curve at the point T with parameter t cuts the x-axis at ( 4, 0).
Find t .
Hence show that the normal to the curve at T passes through the point (2, 8).
Ans: t = 2
Using the GC
When x = 0 , t = 4 , y = 2
When y = 0 , t = 0 , x = 2
1
x = t3 2
8
dx 3 2
= t
dt 8
1
y= t
2
dy 1
=
dt 2
dy dy dt 1 3 2
4
=
= t = 2
dx dt dx 2 8
3t
1
1
Equation of tangent at T t 3 2, t
2
8
1
4 1
y t = 2 x t3 2
2
3t 8
The tangent passes through the point ( 4, 0 )
[2]
[3]
[2]
1
4
1
0 t = 2 4 t 3 2
2
3t
8
3
1
t 3 = 4 t 3 + 2
8
8
1 3
t =2
4
t3 = 8
t=2
1
1 3
The tangent passes through ( 2 ) 2, ( 2 ) = ( 1,1) on the curve.

2
8
Gradient of tangent =
3 ( 2)
1
3
Equation of normal
y + 1 = 3 ( x 1)
y = 3 x 2
When x = 2, y = 3 ( 2 ) 2 = 8 (shown)
5)
dy
. The curve meets the line
dx
y = x at the origin and the point P. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at point
P.
Ans: y + x = 3
The equation of a curve is given by x 3 + y 3 = 3 xy. Find
x 3 + y 3 = 3 xy
Differentiate wrt x,
dy
dy
3x 2 + 3 y 2
= 3 x + y (3)
dx
dx
dy
3 y 2 3x = 3 y 3x 2
dx
dy y x 2
=
dx y 2 x
y = x...(1)
simultaneously
Solving 3
3
x + y = 3 xy...(2)
Sub (1) into (2):
2 x3 = 3x 2
x 2 (2 x 3) = 0
3
x = 0, x = .
2
Coordinates of P is ( 32 , 32 ) .
Gradient at P =
3
2
( 32 )
( )
3 2
2
32
= 1
3
3
= 1 x
2
2
3 3
Equation of tangent at P: y = x
2 2
y+x=3
A Levels J85/II/6)
6)
1 x2
The equation of a curve is y =
.
1 + x2
i)
dy
4x
d2y
=
,
Show that
and
obtain
in terms of x .
dx
(1 + x 2 )2
dx 2
ii) The curve crosses the x -axis at A and B , and the y -axis at C . Show that the
tangent to the curve at A and B passes through C .
d 2 y 4(3 x 2 1)
Ans: i)
=
dx 2
(1 + x 2 )3
i)
4 x
dy (1 + x 2 )(2 x) (1 x 2 )(2 x)
=
=
(shown)
2 2
dx
(1 + x )
(1 + x 2 ) 2
d 2 y (1 + x 2 )(4) (4 x)[2(1 + x 2 )(2 x)] 4(1 + x 2 )[ (1 + x 2 ) + 4 x 2 ] 4(3 x 2 1)

=
=
=
dx 2
(1 + x 2 ) 4
(1 + x 2 )4
(1 + x 2 )3
(ii)When y = 0 ,
1 x2
=0
1 + x2
x2 = 1
x = 1
The curve cuts the x -axis at point A (1, 0 ) and B ( 1, 0 ) .
When x = 0 , y = 1 .
The curve cuts the x -axis at point C ( 0,1) .
At A (1, 0 ) ,
dy
4(1)
=
= 1
dx (1 + 12 )2
Equation of tangent at A (1, 0 )

y 0 = ( x 1)
y = x +1
(1)
At B ( 1, 0 ) ,
4(1)
dy
=
=1
dx
[1 + (12 )]2
Equation of tangent at B ( 1, 0 ) :
y 0 = ( x + 1)
y = x +1
Sub (1) into (2),

x +1 = x +1
2x = 0
x=0
y =1
Hence the tangents at A and B intersect at C ( 0,1) (shown).
(2)
HCI 2007 Prelims P1Q4

7)
dy
Given the curve x 2 4 xy + 3 y 2 + 1 = 0 , find
in terms of x and y .
dx
Hence, find the equations of the tangents to the curve which are parallel to the x axis.
dy 2 y x
Ans:
, y = 1 , y = 1
=
dx 3 y 2 x
x 2 4 xy + 3 y 2 + 1 = 0
dy
dy
2x 4 x + y + 6 y
=0
dx
dx
dy
dy
2x 4x 4 y + 6 y
=0
dx
dx
dy
(6 y 4x) = 4 y 2x
dx
dy 2 y x
=
dx 3 y 2 x
When the tangents are parallel to the x -axis,
dy
=0
dx
2y x = 0
x = 2y
(2 y)
4 (2 y) y + 3y2 +1 = 0
4 y2 8 y2 + 3y2 +1
y2 = 1
y = 1
The equations of the tangents are y = 1 and y = 1
[5]
PJC 2006 Prelims/P2/Q3

8)
4t
1
A curve is defined parametrically by the equations x =
, y=
2
1 t
1 t2
.
2 1
Show that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point P 2 , 1 is
3 3
3 y = 15 x + 44 .
The normal at P meets the curve again at the point Q . Find the value of t at Q .
41
Ans:
22
x=
dx
=
dt
=
4t
1 t2
1 t 2 ( 4 ) 4t ( 2t )
y=
)
(1 t )
1
1 t2
dy
= 1 1 t 2
dt
2t
=
2
1 t2
2 2
4 + 4t 2
(1 t )
2 2
dy dy dt
2t
=
=
dx dt dx 1 t 2
(1 t )
4t + 4t
t
2 1+ t2
1
2 1
At P 2 , 1 , t = .
2
3 3
1 2
2 1 +
2
= 5
Gradient of normal =
1

2
Equation of normal,
4
8
= 5 x
3
3
3 y 4 = 5 ( 3 x 8 )
3 y 4 = 15 x + 40
3 y = 15 x + 44 (shown)
4q
1
,
Let the point of intersection Q be
2
2
1 q 1 q
) ( 2t )
2
[4]
[3]
1
4q
= 15
+ 44
3
2
2
1 q
1 q
3 = 60q + 44 1 q 2
3 = 60q + 44 44q 2
44q 2 + 60q 41 = 0
from GC, q =
41 1
, ( rejected )
22 2
SAJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q11

9) A curve has parametric equation
1
.
t +1
Prove that the equation of the tangent at the point with parameter t is
x = 2t 1 , y =
i)
(t
+ 1 y + tx = 3t 2 t + 1
ii) The tangent at point where t = 3 meets the curve again at the point where
t = q . Find the value of q and hence find the coordinates of the point of
intersection.
8 9
Ans: ii) ,
3 25
y=
x = 2t 1
dx
=2
dt
1
t +1
2
) ( 2t ) =
dy
= 1 t 2 + 1
dt
dy dy dt
2t
1
t
= =
=
2
dx dt dx
2
t2 +1
t2 +1
2t
(t
Equation of tangent at 2t 1, 2
t +1
1
t
x ( 2t 1)
=
2
2
t +1
t +1
(t
(t
+ 1 y t 2 + 1 = xt + 2t 2 t
)
+ 1)
y + xt = 3t 2 t +1 ( shown )
When t = 3 , equation of tangent
(3
+ 1 y + 3 x = 3 ( 3) 3 + 1
2
+1
100 y + 3x = 25
1
When the tangent meets the curve at 2q 1, 2
q +1
[3]
[5]
100 y + 3x = 25
1
100 2 + 3 ( 2q 1) = 25
q +1
) (
1) = 25q
100 + 3 ( 2q 1) q 2 + 1 = 25 q 2 + 1
100 + 3 2q3 + 2q q 2
+ 25
100 + 6q3 3q 2 + 6q 3 = 25q 2 + 25
6q3 28q 2 + 6q + 72 = 0
(From GC) x = 3,
4
3
Therefore the point of intersection Q is
1
2 4 1,
= 8, 9
2
3
3 25
4
+1
3
YJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q10a

10) The parametric equations of a curve are x = at 2 , y = at 3 , where a is a constant.
3
Find the coordinates of the point where the tangent at the point where t = cuts
2
the curve again.
27
9
Ans: a, a
64
16
x = at 2
dx
= 2at
dt
y = at 3
dy
= 3at 2
dt
dy dy dt
1
3
=
= 3at 2
= t
dx dt dx
2 at 2
At t =
3
9a 27a dy 9
, point is ,
=
,
2
4 8 dx 4
9a 27a
Equation of tangent at ,
,
4 8
27a 9
9a
= x
8
4
4
9
27 a
y = x
4
16
Let the point of intersection between the tangent and curve be t = p, ap 2 , ap 3
( )
9
27 a
ap 2
4
16
3
2
16 p = 36 p 27
ap 3 =
16 p 3 36 p 2 + 27 = 0
From GC p =
3
3
(rejected) or p =
2
4
27
9
The other point of intersection is a, a
64
16
[6]
RJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q8

11) The equation of a curve C is given by x 3 + 2 xy 2 6 xy = 0 . The line y = x meets C at
the origin O and at the point M .
i) Find the equation of the normal to the curve C at the point M .
[4]
ii) This normal cuts the y -axis at the point N . Find MNO , giving your answer
in degrees.
[2]
1
Ans: i) y = x + 1 , ii) 117 0
2
x 3 + 2 xy 2 6 xy = 0
dy
dy
3x 2 + 2 x 2 y + y 2 6 x + y = 0
dx
dx
dy
dy
+ 2 y2 6x 6 y = 0
dx
dx
dy
( 4 xy 6 x ) = 6 y 2 y 2 3x 2
dx
dy 6 y 2 y 2 3x 2
=
4 xy 6 x
dx
When y = x and the curve intersect,
3x 2 + 4 xy
x3 + 2 x ( x ) 6 x ( x ) = 0
2
x 2 ( 3x 6 ) = 0
x = 0 or 2
The point M is ( 2, 2 )
dy 6 ( 2 ) 2 ( 2 ) 3 ( 2 )
At point M ,
=
= 2 ,
dx
4 ( 2 )( 2 ) 6 ( 2 )
2
Equation of normal
1
y 2 = ( x 2)
2
1
y = x +1
2
y=x
N ( 0,1)
M ( 2, 2 )
tan = 2
= tan 1 2
MNO = tan 1 2 = 117 0
y=
1
x +1
2
JJC 2007 Prelims P1Q8

12) A curve has parametric equations x = t 2 , y = 2t . Sketch the curve.
Find the equation of the normal to the curve at the point P ( p 2 , 2 p ) .
The normal at P meets the x -axis at Q . The mid-point of PQ is denoted by R .
Show that R lies on the curve x = 1 + y 2 .
Ans: y = px + p 3 + 2 p
Using the GC
y = 2t
dy
=2
dt
x = t2
dx
= 2t
dt
dy dy dt 1
=
=
dx dt dx t
At point P , gradient of normal 1
1
= p
p
Equation of normal at P ( p 2 , 2 p )
y 2 p = p x p2
y = px + p 3 + 2 p
When the normal meets the x -axis at Q ,
0 = px + p 3 + 2 p
x = p2 + 2
Coordinates of R
p2 + p2 + 2 2 p + 0
2
,
= p + 1, p
2
2
Therefore the parametric equation of R is

x = p2 + 1,
y= p
The Cartesian equation of R is x = y 2 + 1
[2]
[2]
[2]
AJC 2007 Prelims P1Q12b

13) A curve is defined by the parametric equations
x = at 2 , y = 2at .
Show that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point (at 2 , 2at ) is
y + tx = at 3 + 2at .
If the normal to the curve at the point (at 2 , 2at ) meets the curve again at the point
(aq 2 , 2aq ), show that t 2 + qt + 2 = 0 .
Deduce that q 2 cannot be less than 8.
y = 2at
dy
= 2a
dt
x = at 2
dx
= 2at
dt
dy dy dt 2a 1
=
=
=
dx dt dx 2at t
Equation of normal at (at 2 , 2at )
y 2at = t x at 2
y + tx = at 3 + 2at (shown)
When the tangent meets the curve again at aq 2 , 2aq
( )
2aq + t aq 2 = at 3 + 2at
2aq + atq 2 = at 3 + 2at
t 3 + 2t q 2t 2q = 0
Let f ( t ) = t 3 + 2t q 2t 2q
f ( q ) = a 3 + 2q q 3 2q = 0
Since f ( q ) = 0 , ( t q ) is a factor of f ( t ) .
Let t 3 + 2t q 2t 2q = ( t q ) t 2 + bt 2
Comparing coefficient of t 2 :
q + b = 0
b=q
Therefore, t 3 + 2t q 2t 2q = ( t q ) t 2 + qt 2
[6]
t 3 + 2t q 2t 2q = 0
( t q ) ( t 2 + qt 2 ) = 0
t = q (rejected pt Q) or t 2 + qt 2 = 0 (shown)
For t 2 + qt + 2 = 0 to have a solution, discrimant D 0
q 2 4 (1)( 2 ) 0
q2 8
Therefore q 2 cannot be less than 8.
CJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q11

14) A curve C id defined by the parametric equations x = 5a sec , y = 3a tan where
< < and a is a positive constant.

2
2
i)
dy
Find
in terms of .
[2]
dx
ii) Find the coordinates of the point(s) on the curve at which the normal is parallel
to the line y = x . Next, find also the coordinates of the point(s) on the curve
at which the tangent is parallel to the y -axis.
[5]
dy
3
25a 9a
Ans: i)
, , (5a, 0 )
, ii)
=
dx 5sin
4 4
i)
x = 5a sec
y = 3a tan
dx
dy
= 5a sec tan
= 3a sec 2
d
d
dy dy d
3a sec 2
3
3
=
=
=
=
sin
dx d dx 5a sec tan 5cos
5sin
cos
ii) When the normals gradient = 1
dy 1
=
dx 1
3
=1
5sin
3
sin =
5
5
3 25a 9a
The point is 5a ,3a =

,
4
4 4 4
When the tangent is parallel to the y -axis,

5 sin = 0
=0
The point is ( 5a sec 0,3a tan 0 ) = ( 5a, 0 )
52 32 = 4
4
cos =
5
5
sec =
4
3
tan =
4
CJC 2007 Common Test

15)
Given a curve defined by parametric equations x = , y = sec .

2
i)
dy
Find
in terms of .
dx
ii)
n
Show that
2
iii)
Determine the equation of normal of the curve at the point = .

3
3
3
Ans: i) sec tan , iii) y =
x
+2
6
36
dx
dy
i)
= 1 ,
= sec tan
d
d
dy dy d
1
=
= sec tan
= sec tan
1
dx d dx
1
cos
The value of y is undefined for cos = 0 .
cos = 0
ii) y = sec =
3

3
+ 2 , + 4 ,
+ 4 , ,
, + 2 ,
2 2 2
2
2
2
= + 2 k ,
+ 2k , k + {0}
2
2
3
,
= ( 4k + 1)
= ( 2k + 1)
, ( 4k + 3)
2
n
Therefore
2
iii)
When = , x = = ,
y = sec = 2 ,
2 3 6
3
3
Equation of normal at = ,
3
1
y2=
x
6
2 3
1
y=
x+2
2 3
12 3
y=
3
3
x+2
6
36
dy
= sec tan = 2 3 .
dx
3
3
TPJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q12

16) The equation of a curve is x 2 3 xy + 2 y 2 = 6 .
i) Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point (2,3).
[3]
ii) Show that there is no point on the curve at which the tangent is parallel to the
[3]
x -axis.
iii) Show that every line parallel to the x -axis cuts the curve at two distinct points. [2]
5
4
Ans: i) y = x +
6
3
i)
x 2 3 xy + 2 y 2 = 6
dy
dy
2 x 3x 3 y + 4 y
=0
dx
dx
dy
( 4 y 3x ) = 3 y 2 x
dx
dy 3 y 2 x
=
dx 4 y 3x
At point ( 2,3) ,
dy 3 ( 3) 2 ( 2 ) 5
=
=
dx 4 ( 3) 3 ( 2 ) 6
Equation of tangent at ( 2,3)
5
( x 2)
6
5
4
y = x+
6
3
y 3 =
When tangent is parallel to x -axis,
dy
=0
dx
3y 2x
=0
4 y 3x
3
x= y
2
3
3
y 3 y y + 2 y2 = 6
2
9 2 9 2
y y + 2y = 6
4
2
y 2 = 24 no real solutions
Therefore there are no points on the curve whose tangent to parallel to x -axis.
A line that is parallel to the x -axis is y = k , k ,
When line intersect curve,
x 2 3x ( k ) + 2 ( k ) = 6
2
x 2 3kx + 2k 2 6 = 0
x=
x=
3k 9k 2 4 (1) 2k 2 6
2
3k k 2 + 24
2
Since k 2 + 24 > 0 for all k , there are two solutions for x . Hence any straight line that is
parallel to the x -axis will cuts the curve at 2 points.
NJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q10

17) A curve is given parametrically by the equations x = at 2 , y = 2at , where a is a
constant and t is a parameter. Show that the normal to the curve at any point with
parameter t may be expressed as y + tx = 2at + at 3 .
i) Given that the normal at t = 1 cuts the curve again at point R . Find the
coordinates of R , in terms of a .
ii) Find the range of values of p such that the line x py + a = 0 intersects the
curve at two distinct points.
Ans: i) (9a, 6a ) , ii) p 1 or p 1
y = 2at
dy
= 2a
dt
x = at 2
dx
= 2at
dt
dy dy dt 1
=
=
dx dt dx t
Equation of normal at at 2 , 2at
y 2at = t x at 2
y + xt = at 3 + 2at (shown)
When t = 1 , equation of normal is
y x = a 2a
y x = 3a
The point of intersection between the normal and the curve is R ar 2 , 2ar ,
2ar ar 2 = 3a
r 2 2r 3 = 0
( r + 1)( r 3) = 0
r = 1 (rejected), r = 3
Hence R is (9a, 6a )
Let the point of intersection between the curve and line x py + a = 0 be Q aq 2 , 2aq
aq 2 p ( 2aq ) + a = 0
q 2 2 pq + 1 = 0
q=
2 p 4 p 2 4 (1)(1)
2
When there are two intersection points,
4 p2 4 0
( p + 1)( p 1) 0
p 1 or p 1
[2]
[3]
[5]
NYJC 2007 Common Test

18) Show that, for all values of t , the point P given by x = at (t + 2), y = 2a(t + 1) lies on
the curve y 2 = 4ax + 4a 2 , where a is a positive constant. Sketch the graph of y against
x and find the equation of the normal to the curve at P .
If this normal meets the x -axis at G and N is the foot of the perpendicular from P to
the x -axis, find NG .
Ans: y = (t + 1) x + a (t + 1)(t 2 + 2t + 2) , 2a
The curve define by P is defined parametrically by
x = at (t + 2)
y = 2a(t + 1)
x = at (t + 2 )
y = 2a(t + 1)
y = 2a (t + 1)
y
dx
dy
t=
1
= 2at + 2a
= 2a
2a
dt
dt
y
Subst. t =
1 into x = at (t + 2)
dy dy dt
2a
1
2a
=
=
=
dx dt dx 2at + 2a t + 1
y
y
1
1 + 2
x = a
Equation of normal at P ,
2a 2a
[ y 2a(t + 1)] = (t + 1)[x at (t + 2)]

y = (t + 1)x + at (t + 1)(t + 2 ) + 2a (t + 1)
y = (t + 1)x + a (t + 1)[t (t + 2 ) + 2]
y = (t + 1)x + a (t + 1)(t 2 + 2t + 2 )
1 + 2 a
x = a
1
2a
2a
1
x=
( y 2a )2 + ( y 2a )
4a
2
4ax = ( y 2a ) + 4a( y 2a )
4ax = ( y 2a )[( y 2a ) + 4a ]
When y = 0 ,
(t + 1)x + a(t + 1) t 2 + 2t + 2 = 0
4ax = ( y 2a )( y + 2a )
4ax = y 2 4a 2
x = a t 2 + 2t + 2
y 2 = 4ax + 4a 2 (shown)
The coordinates of N is (at (t + 2),0)

The coordinates of G is (a (t 2 + 2t + 2 ),0)
y
y 2 = 4ax 4a 2
x
N G
2a
= at 2 + 2at + 2a at 2 2at
2a
a
NG = a t 2 + 2t + 2 at (t + 2)
= 2a
VJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q14

19) A curve is defined by the parametric equations
x = au (u + 2), y = 2a (u + 1)
where a is a positive constant.
dy
Find
in terms of u .
dx
a) Sow that the equation of the normal to the curve at the point with parameter u
is
y = (u + 1) x + a (u + 1) u 2 + 2u + 2
Given that the normal at u = 1 cuts the curve again at u = k , find the value of
k.
Given that x increases at the rate of 2 units per second, find in terms of a , the
rate of change of ln (xy ) when y = 4 a .
b)
Ans: a) k = 4 , b)
a)
x = au (u + 2)
x = au + 2au
dx
= 2au + 2a
du
2
11
12a
y = 2a (u + 1)
dy
= 2a
du
dy dy du
1
1
=
= 2a
=
dx du dx
2au + 2a u + 1
Equation of normal at ( au ( u + 2 ) , 2a ( u + 1) )
y 2a ( u + 1) = ( u + 1) ( x au ( u + 2 ) )
y = ( u + 1) x + au ( u + 1)( u + 2 ) + 2a ( u + 1)
y = ( u + 1) x + a ( u + 1) u ( u + 2 ) + 2
y = ( u + 1) x + a ( u + 1) u 2 + 2u + 2 (shown)
When u = 1 ,
y = (1 + 1) x + a (1 + 1)(1 + 2 + 2 )
y = 2 x + 10a
When the normal intersect the curve at ( ak ( k + 2 ) , 2a ( k + 1) )
[2]
[2]
[3]
[3]
2a ( k + 1) = 2 ( ak ( k + 2 ) ) + 10a
2ak + 2a = 2ak 2 4ak + 10a

k 2 + 3k 4 = 0
( k 1)( k + 4 ) = 0
k = 1 (rejected) or k = 4
b) when y = 4a , u = 1 , x = 3a ,
Let P = ln ( xy )
P = ln x + ln y
dP 1 dx 1 dy
=
+
dt x dt y dt
dy dy du
1
2
=
= 2a
=
dt du dt
a ( u + 1) u + 1
dP 1 dx 1 2
=
+
dt x dt y u + 1
When y = 4a ,
dP 1
1 2 11
= ( 2) +
=
dt 3a
4a 1 + 1 12a
Maximum/Minimum problem
1)
AJC/CT
A playing field is to be built in the shape of a rectangle with a semi-circular region at
each end as shown in the figure below. Given that a 400 m race-track is to form the
perimeter of the whole field, find the radius of the semi-circular region that will give the
rectangular part the maximum area.
Ans:
2)
100
A curve has equation y = ekx ( x + 1) , where k is a positive constant. Find in terms of k ,

the x -coordinate of the stationary point. Determine the nature of the stationary point.
k +1
min
k
CJC/05/1/6
A factory manufactures a closed cylindrical tin with a total surface of 300 cm 2 .
Show that to achieve maximum volume, the height of the cylinder should be
exactly twice the base radius and find this volume in exact form.
2
Ans: 500
cm 3
Ans: a)
3)
[5]
4)
AJC/07/1/13a
Show that the distance L between any point ( x, y ) on the curve y = x 2 and the
fixed point A (18, 0 ) satisfies the equation L = x 4 + (18 x ) .
2
Hence, or otherwise, find the point of the curve that is closest to the point A .
Ans: a) ( 2, 4 ) ,
[1]
[4]
5)
JJC/07/1/10
24cm
z
x
z
9cm
6)
The above 24 cm by 9 cm cardboard sheet is used to make a net that can be folded
into a box with length x , width y and height z .
i) Show that the volume of the box can be expressed as 2 x3 + 39 x 2 180 x .
ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the maximum volume of the box.
iii) Explain, with a reason, whether the maximum volume found in (ii) is
achievable in real life.
20
Ans: 100 cm 3
cms 1
9
TJC/07/1/8
A length of wire 16 cm long is cut into two parts to form a square of side y cm and
a rectangle of length x cm such that the areas of the square and the rectangle are
equal. Show that x and y satisfy the equation
[3]
[4]
[1]
y2
=8
x
and find, as x and y vary, the total area of the square and rectangle when the value
of y is maximum.
[You are not required to show that it is a maximum point.]
[7]
2
Ans: 8 cm
2y + x +
7)
8)
9)
A Level/89/1/12
The equation of a curve is y = ax 2 2bx + c , where a, b and c are constants, with a > 0 .
i) Find, in terms of a, b and c , the coordinates of the turning point on the curve, and
state whether it is a maximum point or a minimum point.
ii) Given that the turning point of the curve lies on the line y = x, find an expression
for c in terms of a and b . Show that, in this case, whatever the value of b ,
1
c .
4a
iii) Find the numerical values of a, b and c when the curve passes through the point
( 0, 6 ) and has a turning point at ( 2, 2 ) .
b
b2
Ans: i) , c min, iii) a = 1, b = 2, = 6
a
a
A designer recently bought a crystal sphere of a constant volume V . To display this item
among his collection, he wishes to design a glass container in the shape of a right
circular cone such that the cone is circumscribed about the sphere. The semi vertical
V (1 + x)2
where
angle of the cone is . Show that the volume of the cone is given by
4 x(1 x)
x = sin . Determine the minimum volume the cone may have in terms of V .
Ans: 2V
YJC/07/1/10b
lg x
The equation of a curve is given by y =
, x > 0.
x
Given that the only stationary point of the curve is a maximum, deduce, without
calculating any numerical values, that e > e .
[4]
Maximum/Minimum problem
AJC 2007 Common Test
1) A playing field is to be built in the shape of a rectangle with a semi-circular region at
each end as shown in the figure below. Given that a 400 m race-track is to form the
perimeter of the whole field, find the radius of the semi-circular region that will give the
rectangular part the maximum area.
Ans:
100
Let the radius of the semicircle be r and the length of the field be l and the area of the
rectangle field be A .
2r + 2l = 400
l = 200 r
A = 2lr
= 2(200 r )r
= 400r 2r 2
dA
= 400 4r
dr
d2A
= 4
dr 2
At maximum value,
400 4r = 0
r=
Since
dA
= 0.
dr
100
dA
d2A
100
= 4 < 0 when r =
. The area is maximum at this value.
= 0 and
2
dr
dr
Unknown source, the one stated in the previous document is wrong. a)

2) A curve has equation y = e kx ( x + 1) , where k is a positive constant. Find in terms of k ,
the x -coordinate of the stationary point. Determine the nature of the stationary point.
k +1
Ans: a)
min
k
y = e kx ( x + 1)
dy
= e kx (1) + ( x + 1)kekx
dx
= e kx (kx + k + 1)
d2y
= e kx (k ) + (kx + k + 1)kekx
dx 2
= e kx k 2 x + k 2 + 2k
At stationary point,
dy
= 0.
dx
e kx (kx + k + 1) = 0
kx + k + 1 = 0 , since e kx > 0 for all real values of x
x=
k +1
k
d2y
= ekx k 2 x + k 2 + 2k
2
dx
= ke kx (kx + k + 2 )
= ke kx [(kx + k + 1) + 1]
k +1
d2y
, kx + k + 1 = 0 e kx > 0 and k > 0 . Therefore
> 0.
dx 2
k
Hence it is a minimum turning point.
When x =
CJC 2005 Prelims P1Q6

3) A factory manufactures a closed cylindrical tin with a total surface of 300 cm 2 .
Show that to achieve maximum volume, the height of the cylinder should be
exactly twice the base radius and find this volume in exact form.
2
Ans: 500
cm 3
Let the radius of the tin be r and the height be h .
2 r 2 + 2 rh = 300
150
h=
r
r
V = r 2h
150
V = r2
r
r
3
V = 150r r
dV
= 150 3 r 2
dr
d 2V
= 6 r < 0 since r > 0
dr 2
At maximum value,
dV
=0,
dr
150 3 r 2 = 0
r 2 = 50
r=
50
150
r
50
r
h = 3r r
h=
h = 2r
Hence volume is maximum.
V = 150r r 3 = r 150 r 2 =
50
(150 50 ) = 500
cm3
[5]
AJC 2007 Prelims P1Q13a

4) Show that the distance L between any point ( x, y ) on the curve y = x 2 and the
fixed point A (18, 0 ) satisfies the equation L = x 4 + (18 x ) .
2
Hence, or otherwise, find the point of the curve that is closest to the point A .
Ans: a) ( 2, 4 ) ,
Distance between point ( x, y ) and A (18, 0 )
(18 x ) + ( 0 y )
2
L=
=
(18 x )
+ y2
(18 x )
+ x2
( )
= x 4 + (18 x )
( shown )
The shortest distance L means L2 is minimum. Let P = L2 .

2
P = x 4 + (18 x )
dP
= 4 x3 + 2 (18 x )( 1)
dx
dP
= 4 x3 + 2 x 36
dx
d 2P
= 12 x 2 + 2
2
dx
At minimum value of P ,
dP
=0
dx
4 x 3 + 2 x 36 = 0
Using the GC, x = 2 .
d 2P
dx 2
= 12 ( 2 ) + 2 = 50 < 0
2
x=2
dP
d 2P
= 0 and
> 0 when x = 2 , the value of P is minimum. Hence the L is
dx
dx 2
minimum when x = 2 . The point closest to A is ( 2, 4 ) .
Since
[1]
[4]
JJC 2007 Prelims P1Q10

5)
24cm
x
z
9cm
The above 24 cm by 9 cm cardboard sheet is used to make a net that can be folded
into a box with length x , width y and height z .
i) Show that the volume of the box can be expressed as 2 x 3 + 39 x 2 180 x .
ii) Hence, or otherwise, find the maximum volume of the box.
iii) Explain, with a reason, whether the maximum volume found in (ii) is
achievable in real life.
20
Ans: 100 cm 3
cms 1
9
i)
Volume of box V = xyz
z + x + z + x = 24
x + z = 12
z = 12 x
z+ y+z =9
2z + y = 9
y = 9 2z
y = 9 2 (12 x )
y = 2 x 15
V = x ( 2 x 15 )(12 x )
= x 24 x 2 x 2 180 + 15 x
= 2 x3 + 39 x 2 180 x (shown)
[3]
[4]
[1]
dV
= 6 x 2 + 78 x 180
dx
d 2V
= 12 x + 78
dx 2
At maximum volume,
dV
=0
dx
6 x 2 + 78 x 180 = 0
x 2 + 13 x 30 = 0
x 2 13x + 30 = 0
( x 10 )( x 3) = 0
x = 3, 10
d 2V
dx 2
d 2V
dx 2
= 12 ( 3 ) + 78 = 42 > 0
x =3
= 12 (10 ) + 78 = 42 < 0
x =10
Since
dV
dx
= 0 and
x =10
d 2V
dx 2
< 0 , the volume is maximum at x = 10 .

x =10
The maximum volume V = 2 (10 ) + 39 (10 ) 180 (10 ) = 100 cm3 .

3
No, the thickness of the cardboard is not taken in account.
TJC 2007 Prelims P1Q8

6) A length of wire 16 cm long is cut into two parts to form a square of side y cm and
a rectangle of length x cm such that the areas of the square and the rectangle are
equal. Show that x and y satisfy the equation
y2
=8
x
and find, as x and y vary, the total area of the square and rectangle when the value
of y is maximum.
[You are not required to show that it is a maximum point.]
[7]
2
Ans: 8 cm
2y + x +
4 y + 2 ( x + l ) = 16
2y + x + l = 8
l = 8 x 2y
Since the area of rectangle and square are the same
y 2 = xl
y 2 = x (8 x 2 y )
y 2 = 8 x x 2 2 xy
y 2 + 2 xy + x 2 = 8a
y2
= 8 (shown)
x
dy
x 2 y y2
dy
dx
2 +1+
=0
dx
x2
dy
dy
2 x2
+ x 2 + 2 xy y 2 = 0
dx
dx
2y + x +
dy
= 0,
dx
2 x 2 ( 0 ) + x 2 + 2 xy ( 0 ) y 2 = 0
At maximum point,
x2 = y2
x = y since x, y > 0
y2
2y + y +
=8
y
4y = 8
y=2
x=2
2
Total area = 2 y 2 = 2 ( 2 ) = 8 cm 2
A Levels J89/I/12)
7) The equation of a curve is y = ax 2 2bx + c , where a, b and c are constants, with a > 0 .
i) Find, in terms of a, b and c , the coordinates of the turning point on the curve, and
state whether it is a maximum point or a minimum point.
ii) Given that the turning point of the curve lies on the line y = x, find an expression
for c in terms of a and b . Show that, in this case, whatever the value of b ,
1
c .
4a
iii) Find the numerical values of a, b and c when the curve passes through the point
( 0, 6 ) and has a turning point at ( 2, 2 ) .
b
b2
Ans: i) , c min, iii) a = 1, b = 2, = 6
a
a
i)
y = ax 2 2bx + c
dy
= 2ax 2b
dx
For turning points,
dy
=0
dx
b
x=
a
b2
y =c
a
d2 y
= 2a > 0
dx 2
Since
dy
d2y
b b
b2
at
,
>
0
x
,
c
= 0 and
=
is a minimum turning point.

dx
dx 2
a a
a
b
b2
The turning point , c is a min point.
a
a
ii) Given that the turning point of the curve lies on the line
b
b2
=c
a
a
b = ac b 2
b 2 + b ac = 0
b=
1 1 4 (1)( ac )
2
1 1 + 4ac
b=
2
For b , discriminant 0
1 + 4ac 0
1
c
since a > 0 (shown)
4a
iii) The curve passes through the point ( 0, 6 )
y = ax 2 2bx + c
6 = a ( 0 ) 2b ( 0 ) + c
2
c=6
The curve has a turning point at ( 2, 2 )
2 = a ( 2 ) 2b ( 2 ) + 6
2
a b = 1
(1)
dy
= 2ax 2b
dx
0 = 2a ( 2 ) 2b
2a b = 0 (2)
Solving (1) and (2), a = 1, b = 2
8)
A designer recently bought a crystal sphere of a constant volume V . To display this item
among his collection, he wishes to design a glass container in the shape of a right
circular cone such that the cone is circumscribed about the sphere. The semi vertical
V (1 + x)2
angle of the cone is . Show that the volume of the cone is given by
where
4 x(1 x)
x = sin . Determine the minimum volume the cone may have in terms of V .
Ans: 2V
r
H r
H sin r sin = r
sin =
H r
H
+ 1
H = r
sin
1
H = r + 1
x
R
H
R = H tan
tan =
R=H
R=H
R=
R
4
3V
Volume of sphere V = r 3 r 3 =
3
4
Volume of cone
sin
cos
sin
1 sin 2
Hx
1 x2
2
dS V x (1 x ) 2 (1 + x ) (1 + x ) (1 2 x )
=
2
2
dx 4
1
x
x
(
)
1
S = R2 H
3
2
1 Hx
=
H
3 1 x2
1
x2
H3
=
2
3 1 x
1
x 1
r + 1
=
3 1 x 2 x
2
V (1 + x ) 2 x (1 x ) (1 + x )(1 2 x )
2
4
x 2 (1 x )
2
2
V (1 + x ) 2 x 2 x 1 x 2 x
=
2
4
x 2 (1 x )
1
x2
1+ x
= r3
3
(1 x )(1 + x ) x
V (1 + x ) 3 x 1
2
2
4
x (1 x )
(1 + x )
1
= r3
x (1 x )
3
2
1 3V (1 + x )
=
3 4 x (1 x )
2
V (1 + x )
4 x (1 x )
(shown)
dS
=0,
dx
V (1 + x ) 3 x 1
2
=0
2
4
x (1 x )
3x 1 = 0
At stationary point,
1
3
Using first derivative test,
x=
( 13 )
( 13 )
( 13 )
dS
dx
S is minimum.
Therefore minimum S =
V (1 + 13 )
4 ( 13 )(1 13 )
=V
16 9
= 2V
9 8
YJC 2007 Prelims P1Q10b

9)
lg x
The equation of a curve is given by y =
, x > 0.
x
Given that the only stationary point of the curve is a maximum, deduce, without
calculating any numerical values, that e > e .
[4]
y=
lg x
,x>0
x
x = 0 is the horizontal asymptote.

Since x increases much faster than lg x , as x , y . y = 0 is the horizontal asymptotes.
When y = , x = 1 .
y=
dy
dx
dy
dx
lg x
,x>0
x
1
x
lg x
x ln10
=
x2
1
lg x
= ln10 2
x
At maximum point,
dy
= 0.
dx
1
lg x = 0
ln10
lg e
e,
lg e
e
From the curve, it can be seen that it is a decreasing

function for x e ,
e<
1
lg x =
ln10
ln x
1
=
ln10 ln10
x=e
When x = e , y =
lg e lg
>
e
lg e > e lg (since e, > 0)
lg e > lg e
e > e (shown)
Rate of change
1) CJC/07/2/2i
A cylindrical oil slick from a sinking tanker is uniformly 3 mm thick. Its radius is
currently 200 metres and is increasing at a rate of 10 metres/hour.
How fast is oil spilling out of the tanker at this moment?
Ans: 12 m 3 hour -1
2) CJC/05/2/7
Two concentric circles have radii R and r ( R > r ) . If R increases steadily at
3)
4)
5)
6)
[2]
2 cm/s and the area between the circles remain constant at 20 cm 2 , find the rate at
which r is increasing correct to 2 decimal places, when R = 5 cm .
[3]
1
Ans: 2.32 cm s
A fully filled funnel takes the shape of an inverted cone of base radius 3 cm and height
9 cm. Water flows out of the funnel, at a constant rate of 3 cm3s -1 . Find the rate of
decrease of the water level after 6 13 s .
3
Ans: ms 1
4
IJC/07/1/13 part of
A circular cylinder of radius r cm is inscribed in a fixed sphere of radius 15 cm
such that the circumference of both cylindrical ends are in contact with the inner
surface of the sphere.
Given that the height of the cylinder is h cm, show that h 2 + 4r 2 = 900 .
[1]
i) The height of the cylinder is decreasing at a rate of 0.3 cm s -1 when
h = 24 cm . Find the rate of increase, at this instant, of the radius of the
cylinder.
[3]
-1
Ans: 0.2 cm s
AJC/07/1/12a
The length of each side of a cube is increasing at a constant rate of 0.1 ms -1 . Find
the rate of increase of the volume of the cube when the length of each side is 2 m .
The surface area of another cube is increasing at a constant rate of 0.1 m 2s -1 . Find
[5]
3
Ans: 1.2 m 3s-1 ,
m3s -1
40
SRJC/06/1/6
A metal tank with square base is expanding due to heating. After t seconds, the tank
has dimensions x cm by x cm by 10 x cm . Given that the area of the horizontal crosssection is increasing at 0.032 cm 2s-1 when x = 8 , find, at this instant,
i) the rate of increase of the side of the cross-section, and
[3]
ii) the rate of increase of the volume.
[3]
3 1
3
1
Ans: i) 2 10 cm s , ii) 3.84 cm s
7)
8)
ACJC/06/1/14i
A point P ( x, y ) moves on the curve with the equation x = 4 p 3 , y = 6 p 2 , where p is a
real parameter, such that x increases at a constant rate of 2 units per second.
1
At the instant when x = , find the rate of increase of r , where r = OP , O being
2
the origin.
7
Ans:
10 unit s 1
5
NYJC/06/1/10 part of
In a right-angled triangle ABC , angle B =
If decreases at a rate of
9)
radians, angle A = radians,
[2]
radians per second, find the rate at which x
decreases at the instant where =

Ans: decreasing at
d
5
=
dx x x 2 25
AB = 5 cm and AC = x cm . Show that

i)
[4]
radians.
[3]
5 3
cm s 1
10
HCI/07/1/2
At the instant when the depth of water in a large water storage container is x m ,
3
the volume V , in m , of the water is given by V =
x3
. If the volume of water in

12
the container is increasing at the constant rate of 3 m3s -1 , calculate, in terms of ,
i) the rate in m s -1 at which the depth is increasing at the instant when the depth is
3m,
[3]
ii) the time taken in seconds for the depth to increase from 5 m to 10 m .
[2]
4
875
Ans: i)
m s-1 , ii)
s
3
36
10) AJC/07/1/13b
Water is poured at a constant rate of 20 cm3s-1 into a cup which is shaped like a
truncated cone as shown in the figure. The upper and lower radii of the cup are
4 cm and 2 cm respectively. The height of the cup is 6 cm .
i) Show that the volume of water inside the cup, V is related to the height of the
water level, h through the equation
( h + 6)
8 .
27
ii) How fast will the water level be rising when h is 3 cm ? Express your answer
in exact form.
V=
Ans:
20
cms 1
9
[3]
[3]
Rate of change
CJC 2007 Prelims P2Q2i
1) A cylindrical oil slick from a sinking tanker is uniformly 3 mm thick. Its radius is
currently 200 metres and is increasing at a rate of 10 metres/hour.
How fast is oil spilling out of the tanker at this moment?
Ans: 12 m 3 hour -1
[2]
V = r 2 ( 0.003 ) = 0.003 r 2
dV
= 0.006 r
dr
dV dV dr
=
dt
dr dt
= 0.006 r 10
= 0.06 r
When r = 200 ,
dV
= 0.06 ( 200 ) = 12 m 3 hour -1
dt
CJC 2005 Prelims P2Q7

2) Two concentric circles have radii R and r ( R > r ) . If R increases steadily at
2 cm/s and the area between the circles remain constant at 20 cm 2 , find the rate at
which r is increasing correct to 2 decimal places, when R = 5 cm .
Ans: 2.32 cm s 1
R 2 r 2 = 20
r 2 = R2
20
r = R2
dr 1 2 20
= R
dR 2

20
1
2
20
( 2 R ) = R R 2

dr dr dR
20
= 2R R2
dt dR dt

1
2
1
2
When R = 5 ,
dr
2 20
= 2 ( 5 ) ( 5)
dt

R2 r2 = 20
1
2
= 2.32 cm s 1 (2 d.p)
[3]
Unknown source, the one stated in the previous document is wrong.

3) A fully filled funnel takes the shape of an inverted cone of base radius 3 cm and height
9 cm. Water flows out of the funnel, at a constant rate of 3 cm 3s -1 . Find the rate of
decrease of the water level after 6 13 s .
3
Ans: ms 1
4
3
9
h
Let the height of the water at time t be h , the radius of the water be r and the volume of
water be V .
Using similar triangles,
r 3
=
h 9
1
r= h
3
1
V = r 2 h
3
Initial volume of water,

1
2
V0 = (3) (9 ) = 27 cm 3
3
When t = 6 13 s ,
Volume of water = 27
1 3
h
27
h = 6 cm
dh
27
3
= 2 = cms 1
dt
6
4
8 =
2
1 1
= h h
3 3
1
= h3
27
dV 1 2
= h
dh 9
dh dh dV
=
dt dV dt
9
= 2 ( 3 )
h
27
= 2
h
19
(3 ) = 8 cm 3
3
IJC 2007 Prelims P1Q13 part of

4) A circular cylinder of radius r cm is inscribed in a fixed sphere of radius 15 cm
such that the circumference of both cylindrical ends are in contact with the inner
surface of the sphere.
Given that the height of the cylinder is h cm, show that h 2 + 4 r 2 = 900 .
i) The height of the cylinder is decreasing at a rate of 0.3 cm s -1 when
h = 24 cm . Find the rate of increase, at this instant, of the radius of the
cylinder.
Ans: 0.2 cm s -1
r
h
2
15
h
2
2
+ r = 15
2

h2
+ r 2 = 225
4
h 2 + 4r 2 = 900 (shown)
h 2 + 4 r 2 = 900
Differentiate with respect to t
dh
dr
2h
+ 8r
=0
dt
dt
When h = 24 ,
242 + 4r 2 = 900
r =9
2 ( 24 )
dh
dr
+ 8 (9)
dt h = 24
dt
h = 24
dr
dt
h = 24
48 ( 0.3 ) + 72
dr
dt
=0
=0
= 0.2 cm s-1
h = 24
[1]
[3]
AJC 2007 Prelims P1Q12a

5) The length of each side of a cube is increasing at a constant rate of 0.1 ms -1 . Find
The surface area of another cube is increasing at a constant rate of 0.1 m 2s -1 . Find
3 3 -1
Ans: 1.2 m 3s -1 ,
ms
40
V = l3
dV
= 3l 2
dl
dV dV dl
=
dt
dl dt
= 3l 2 0.1
= 0.3l 2
When l = 2 ,
dV
2
= 0.3 ( 2 ) = 1.2 m 3s -1
dt
A = 6l 2
dA
= 12l
dl
dV dV dl
=
dt
dl dt
dV dl dA
=
dl dA dt
1
0.1
= 3l 2
12l
l
=
40
When l = 3 ,
dV
3 3 -1
=
ms
dt 40
[5]
SRJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q6

6) A metal tank with square base is expanding due to heating. After t seconds, the tank
has dimensions x cm by x cm by 10 x cm . Given that the area of the horizontal crosssection is increasing at 0.032 cm 2s -1 when x = 8 , find, at this instant,
i) the rate of increase of the side of the cross-section, and
[3]
ii) the rate of increase of the volume.
[3]
Ans: i) 2 10 3 cm s 1 , ii) 3.84 cm 3s 1
i)
Let the horizontal cross sectional area be Ah and the volume be V
Ah = x 2
dAh
= 2x
dx
dx dx dAh
1 dAh
=
=
dt dAh dt
2 x dt
When x = 8 ,
1 dAh
dx
=
dt x =8 2 ( 8 ) dt
ii)
V = 10 x 3
dV
= 30 x 2
dt
=
x =8
1
0.032 = 2 103 cm s 1
16
dV dV dx
dx
=
= 30 x 2
dt
dx dt
dt
dV
dt
= 30 ( 8 )
x =8
dx
dt
= 1920 2 103 = 3.84 cm3s 1

x =8
ACJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q14i

7) A point P ( x, y ) moves on the curve with the equation x = 4 p 3 , y = 6 p 2 , where p is a
real parameter, such that x increases at a constant rate of 2 units per second.
1
At the instant when x = , find the rate of increase of r , where r = OP , O being
2
the origin.
7
Ans:
10 unit s 1
5
x = 4 p3
dx
= 12 p 2
dp
y = 6 p2
dx
= 12 p
dp
r = x2 + y 2
r=
( 4 p ) + (6 p )
3
r = 16 p 6 + 36 p 4
dr
48 p 5 + 72 p 3
=
dp
16 p 6 + 36 p 4
dr dr dp
=
dt dp dt
dr dp dx
=

dp dx dt
=
48 p5 + 72 p 3
16 p 6 + 36 p 4
1
2
12 p 2
8 p 3 + 12 p
16 p 6 + 36 p 4
3
When x =
1
1 dr
, p= ,
=
2
2 dt
1
1
8 + 12
2
2
6
1
1
16 + 36
2
2
1+ 6
14 7
=
=
10 unit s 1
1 9
10 5
+
4 4
[4]
NYJC 2006 Prelims/P1/Q10 part of

8)
In a right-angled triangle ABC , angle B = radians, angle A = radians,

2
d
5
AB = 5 cm and AC = x cm . Show that
=
dx x x 2 25
i)
If decreases at a rate of
radians per second, find the rate at which x
decreases at the instant where =
5 3
cm s 1
10
C
Ans: decreasing at
x cm
5 cm
cos =
5
x
5
x
1
= cos1
d
=
dx
5
2
2
x
5
1
x
d
5
=
(shown)
2
dx x x 25
i)
dx dx d x x 2 25
=
=

dt d dt
5
4
When =
5
3 x
x = 10
dx 10 102 25
5 3
=
cm s 1
=
dt
5
4
10
cos
x is decreasing at a rate of
[2]
5 3
cm s 1
10
radians.
[3]
HCI 2007 Prelims P1Q2

9) At the instant when the depth of water in a large water storage container is x m , the
volume V , in m3 , of the water is given by V =
x3
. If the volume of water in the

12
container is increasing at the constant rate of 3 m3s -1 , calculate, in terms of ,
i) the rate in m s-1 at which the depth is increasing at the instant when the depth is
3m,
[3]
ii) the time taken in seconds for the depth to increase from 5 m to 10 m .
[2]
4
875
Ans: i)
m s -1 , ii)
s
3
36
i)
V=
x3
12
dV x 2
=
dx
4
dx dx dV
4
12
=
=
3 =
2
dt dV dx x
x2
When x = 3 ,
dx
12
4
=
=
m s-1
2
dt ( 3)
3
ii)
dx 12
=
dt x 2
x
x3
3
dx = 12 dt
+ C = 12t
t=
x3
36
+C
125
+C
36
1000
When x = 10 , t =
+C
36
When x = 5 , t =
1000
125
875
+C
+C =
s
Time taken =
36
36
36
AJC 2007 Prelims P1Q13b

10) Water is poured at a constant rate of 20 cm3s-1 into a cup which is shaped like a
truncated cone as shown in the figure. The upper and lower radii of the cup are
4 cm and 2 cm respectively. The height of the cup is 6 cm .
i) Show that the volume of water inside the cup, V is related to the height of the
water level, h through the equation
( h + 6)
8 .
27
ii) How fast will the water level be rising when h is 3 cm ? Express your answer
in exact form.
V=
Ans:
20
cms 1
9
2 cm
r cm 2 cm
6 cm
h cm
2 cm
d cm
By similar triangles
2 r 2
= =
6 h d
h
r = and d = 6
3
1
1
2
2
V = ( r + 2 ) h (1) ( d )
3
3
2
1 h
1
2
= + 2 ( h + 6) ( 2) (6)
3 3
3
27
( h + 6)
8 (shown)
[3]
[3]
V=
27
( h + 6)
dV
2
= ( h + 6)
dh 9
dh dh dV
9
180
=
=
20 =
2
2
dt dV dt ( h + 6 )
( h + 6)
When h = 3 ,
dh
180
20
=
=
cms 1
2
dt h =3 ( 3 + 6 )
9
Topic: Macluarins Series

1) SRJC/BT2/10/2/4b
1
d2 y
dy
Given y = e tan 3x . Prove that (1 + 9x 2 ) 2 = 3(1 6x) .
dx
dx
Obtain the Maclaurins series of y = etan 3x up to and including the first three
terms.
9
Ans: 1 + 3 x + x 2 +
2
2) IJC/BT2/10/1/1
Find the constants a and b such that, when x is small,
cos 2 x
1 + ax + bx 2 .
1 3x
3
11
Ans: a = , b =
2
8
3) PJC/BT2/10/1/1
Given that is sufficiently small such that
2 + cos
3
19 2
b+
,
a tan
25
250
find the values of a and b.
3
Ans: a = 5;b =
5
4) ACJC/07/2/4
i)
d2 y
dy
= 2 y . Hence find Maclaurins series
Given that y = tan x , show that
2
dx
dx
3
for y, up to and including the term in x .
ii) Using the standard series expansion for ln (1 + x ) and Maclaurins series for
y, find the series expansion of ln (1 + tan x ) , in ascending powers of x up to
and including the term in x3.
iii)
sec2 2 x
Hence show that the first three non-zero terms in the expansion of
1 + tan 2 x
2
are 1 2 x + 8 x .
1
1
2
Ans: i) x + x 3 + ... , ii) x x 2 + x3 ...
3
2
3
[4]
[4]
[5]
[5]
[2]
[3]
5) NJC/07/2/2
1
Given that y =
i)
ii)
1 x2
, show that
(1 x ) dd xy = xy ;
2
[1]
d y
= 0 when x = 0
d x3
Obtain the Maclaurins expansion of y up to and including the term in x 2 .
Hence find the Maclaurins expansion of y = sin 1 x up to and including the term
in x3 . (Integration is required)
1
x3
Ans: 1 + x 2 + , x + +
2
6
6) NYJC/07/1/4
d3 y
d 2 y dy
If y = ln(cos x ) , prove that 3 + 2 2
=0.
dx
dx dx
Hence or otherwise, obtain the Maclaurins expansion of y in terms of x up to and
including the term in x 4 .
2 2
Using x = , show that ln 2

1 +
.
16 96
4
2
[3]
[1]
[2]
[2]
[3]
[3]
x
x
+ ...
2 12
7) MJC/BT2/10/2/1
Ans:
Given that y = 3 2e2 x 4 .

i)
Show that
dy
2 y4 + 6 = 0 .
dx
By further differentiation of this result, or otherwise, find Maclaurins series
for y up to and including the term in x 2 .
4 y3
ii)
iii)
Deduce the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3 2e2 x
where x = 0 .
5
Ans: 1 x x 2 + ... , y = 1 x
2
1
4
[2]
[3]
at the point
[1]
8) AJC/10/1/3
The variables x and y are related by
1
dy
= e tan 2 x
dx
and the gradient of the curve of y = f(x) at the y-intercept is 2. Prove that
d 2 y dy 2
2
1
+
4
x
(
) y dx 2 + dx = 2 y ddyx .
By further differentiation, find the series expansion of y in terms of x up to and

including the term in x3. Hence write down the equation of tangent to the curve at
the y-intercept.
1
28
1
Ans: + 2 x 2 x 2 + x 3 + , y = + 2x
2
3
2
9) SAJC/BT2/10/1/8
It is given that y = ln ( cos x ) , where < x < .

4
4
3
2
i)
d y
d y dy
= 0.
Prove that 3 + 2 2
dx
dx dx
ii) Find the Maclaurins series for ln ( cos x ) , up to and including the term in x 4 .
iii) Deduce that the Maclaurins series for ln (1 + cos 2x ) up to and including the
1
term in x 4 is ln 2 x 2 x 4 .
6
1 2 1 4
Ans: y = x x +
2
12
10) NYJC/BT2/10/2/3
It is given that y = tan(1 e x ) .
i)
d 2 y dy
= (1 2e x y )
Show that
dx 2 dx
ii) Find the Maclaurins series for y in ascending powers of x, up to and including
the term in x 2 .
iii)
tan(1 e x )
Expand
as a series in ascending powers of x, up to and including
1+ 2x
the term in x2 and state the range of x for which this expansion is valid.
Hence, by using the expansion in (iii), find the range of x such that
tan(1 e x ) 1
> x.
1+ 2x
3
1
3
1
Ans: ii) x x 2 + ... , iii) x + x 2 , x < , 0.5 < x < 0.471or 0.471 < x < 0.5
2
2
2
[6]
[2]
[3]
[2]
[3]
[2]
[3]
[2]
11) IJC/BT2/10/1/7
The points Q and R are fixed in a plane, and S is a variable point which moves in the
plane so that QS = kRS , where k is a constant such that 0 < k < 1 . The angles SQR and
SRQ, measured in radians, are x and y respectively (see diagram).
S
i)
ii)
Show that sin y = k sin x . Deduce that y sin 1 k for all positions of S.
By differentiation of the equation in part (i), or otherwise, show that
[2]
d2 y
dy
cos y 2 sin y = k sin x .
dx
dx
iii) By using Maclaurins series, or otherwise, show that if x is sufficiently small
for powers of x above x 3 to be neglected, then
k k 2 1 3
y kx +
x .
6
[2]
[4]
Topic: Macluarins Series

1) SRJC/BT2/10/2/4b
1
d2 y
dy
Given y = e tan 3x . Prove that (1 + 9x 2 ) 2 = 3(1 6x) .
dx
dx
Obtain the Maclaurins series of y = etan 3x up to and including the first three
terms.
9
Ans: 1 + 3 x + x 2 +
2
1
y = e tan 3x dy = etan1 3x 3
dx
1+ 9x 2
dy
(1 + 9 x 2 )
= 3y
dx
2
dy
dy
2 d y
18x + (1 + 9x ) 2 = 3
dx
dx
dx
2
d y
dy
(1 + 9x 2 ) 2 = 3(1 6x)
dx
dx
When x = 0,
f (0) = 1
f '(0) = 3
f ''(0) = 9 .
Hence, by Maclaurins expansion,
f ''(0) 2
x + ....
f ( x ) = f (0) + f '(0) x +
2!
etan
3x
9
= 1 + 3x + x 2 + ....
2
[4]
2) IJC/BT2/10/1/1
Find the constants a and b such that, when x is small,
cos 2 x
1 + ax + bx 2 .
1 3x
3
11
Ans: a = , b =
2
8
1
cos2x
= cos 2x 1 3x 2
1 3x
1 3
2
2x
1
2
2 2
= 1
+ 1+ 3x +
3x +
2
2
2
27
= 1+ 2x 2 + 1+ x + x 2 +
8
2
)(
( )
( )
3
27
= 1+ x + x 2 2x 2 +
2
8
3
11
= 1+ x + x 2 +
2
8
3
11
Thus a = and b = .
2
8
( )
[4]
3) PJC/BT2/10/1/1
Given that is sufficiently small such that
2 + cos
3
19 2
b+
,
a tan
25
250
find the values of a and b.
3
Ans: a = 5;b =
5
2 + cos
3
19 2
b+
a tan
25
250
2
2 + 1
2!
3
19 2
b +

a
25
250
3
19 2
= b +
(a )
2!
25
250
3a
3
19a 2 19 3
= ab b + 2
+
25
25
250
250
3a
3 19a 2
ab + b +
25
25 250
Comparing,
3 19a 1
+
= a=5
25 250 2
3
ab = 3 b =
5
[5]
4) ACJC/07/2/4
i)
d2 y
dy
= 2 y . Hence find Maclaurins series
Given that y = tan x , show that
2
dx
dx
for y, up to and including the term in x3.
ii) Using the standard series expansion for ln (1 + x ) and Maclaurins series for
y, find the series expansion of ln (1 + tan x ) , in ascending powers of x up to
and including the term in x3.
iii)
sec2 2 x
Hence show that the first three non-zero terms in the expansion of
1 + tan 2 x
2
are 1 2 x + 8 x .
1
1
2
Ans: i) x + x 3 + ... , ii) x x 2 + x3 ...
3
2
3
dy
d2y
dy
y = tan x
= sec 2 x = 1 + y 2 2 = 2 y
(shown)
dx
dx
dx
d 2 y dy dy
d3y
= 2 y 2 +
dx dx
dx3
dx
dy
d2y
d3y
= 1,
= 0,
=2
When x = 0, y = 0,
dx
dx 2
dx3
x2
x3
1
y = tan x = 0 + (1) x + (0 ) + (2 ) + ... = x + x3 + ...
2!
3!
3
2
x3 1
x3 1
x3
1
2
ln (1 + tan x ) = x + x + + x + ... = x x 2 + x3 ...
3 2
3 3
3
2
3
sec2 x
Differentiating w.r.t. x,
= 1 x + 2 x 2 ...
1 + tan x
sec2 2 x
= 1 2 x + 8 x 2 ... (shown)
1 + tan 2 x
[5]
[2]
[3]
5) NJC/07/2/2
Given that y =
i)
1
1 x2
, show that
(1 x ) dd xy = xy ;
2
ii)
[1]
d y
= 0 when x = 0
d x3
Obtain the Maclaurins expansion of y up to and including the term in x 2 .
Hence find the Maclaurins expansion of y = sin 1 x up to and including the term in
x3 . (Integration is required)
1
x3
Ans: 1 + x 2 + , x + +
2
6
y=
1
1 x
[2]
y 1 x 2 = 1 y 2 (1 x 2 )= 1
Differentiating y with respect to x, we get
dy
y 2 (2 x ) + (1 x 2 ) 2 y = 0
dx
dy
dy
xy + (1 x 2 ) = 0 (1 x 2 ) = xy --- (I)
(shown)
dx
dx
Differentiating (I) with respect to x, we get
2
2
(1 x 2 )ddxy2 + (2 x ) ddyx = x ddyx + y (1 x 2 )ddxy2 3x ddyx = y --- (II)
Differentiating (II) with respect to x, we get
3
3
d2 y
d2 y
dy dy
d2 y
2 d y
2 d y
(1 x )dx3 + (2 x ) dx 2 3x dx 2 3 dx = dx (1 x )dx3 = 5 x dx 2 + 4 ddyx
dy
d2 y
1
= 0,
When x = 0, y =
= 1,
= 1.
dx
dx 2
1 0
d3 y
= 0 when x = 0 . (shown)
dx 3
0
1
0
1
Thus y = 1 + x + x 2 + x3 + ... 1 + x 2 + . (ans)
1!
2!
3!
2
x3
Integrating w.r.t. x, we get sin 1 x x + + c .
6
x3
1
But when x = 0, c = 0. Then sin x x + + . (ans)
6
Therefore
[3]
[1]
6) NYJC/07/1/4
d3 y
d 2 y dy
+
2
=0.
dx 3
dx 2 dx
Hence or otherwise, obtain the Maclaurins expansion of y in terms of x up to and
including the term in x 4 .
2 2
Using x = , show that ln 2

1 +
.
16 96
4
If y = ln(cos x ) , prove that
x
x
+ ...
2 12
y = ln(cos x)
dy
1
( sin x) = tan x
=
dx cos x
d2y
= sec 2 x
2
dx
d3y
= 2sec x sec x tan x = 2 sec 2 x tan x
3
dx
d3y
d 2 y dy
+
2
= 2sec 2 x tan x + 2sec 2 x tan x = 0 (shown) .
3
2
dx
dx dx
d 3 y dy d 2 y 2
d4y
Differentiating with respect to x,

+ 2 3
+ 2 = 0
4
dx
dx dx dx
Ans:
d2y
d3y
When x = 0 , y = 0,
= 1,
= 0,
dx 2
dx3
x2 x4
The Maclaurins expansion is y = + ...
2 12
dy
= 0,
dx
When x =
,
2
1
1

ln cos = +
2 4 12 4
4
2
1 2
1
ln
2 4 1 + 96

2
1
1
ln 2
2
2 4
ln 2
2
1 +
96
2
1
+
(Shown)
16 96
d4y
= 2
dx 4
[2]
[3]
[3]
7) MJC/BT2/10/2/1
Given that y = 3 2e2 x 4 .

i)
Show that
dy
2 y4 + 6 = 0 .
dx
By further differentiation of this result, or otherwise, find Maclaurins series
for y up to and including the term in x 2 .
4 y3
ii)
iii)
Deduce the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3 2e2 x
where x = 0 .
5
Ans: 1 x x 2 + ... , y = 1 x
2
(i)
y = 3 2e2 x 4
y 4 = 3 2e2 x
Differentiate w.r.t x
dy
4 y3
= 4e2 x
dx
= 2 y4 3
4 y3
dy
2 y 4 + 6 = 0 (shown)
dx
(ii)
4 y3
4 y3
dy
2 y4 + 6 = 0
dx
d2 y
dx
d2 y
dy
2 dy
3 dy
=0
12 y
8y
dx
dx
dx
2 dy
dy
+ 12 y 8 y 3
=0
dx
dx
dx
When x = 0 ,
y = 1,
dy
dy
4 2+6 = 0
= 1
dx
dx
d2 y
d2 y
2
4 2 + 12 ( 1) 8 ( 1) = 0 2 = 5
dx
dx
5
y = 1 x x 2 + ...
2
(iii)
The equation of tangent at x = 0 is y = 1 x
4y
1
4
[2]
[3]
at the point
[1]
8) AJC/10/1/3
The variables x and y are related by
1
dy
= e tan 2 x
dx
and the gradient of the curve of y = f(x) at the y-intercept is 2. Prove that
d 2 y dy 2
2
1
+
4
x
(
) y dx 2 + dx = 2 y ddyx .
By further differentiation, find the series expansion of y in terms of x up to and

including the term in x3. Hence write down the equation of tangent to the curve at
the y-intercept.
1
28
1
Ans: + 2 x 2 x 2 + x 3 + , y = + 2x
2
3
2
1
dy
2
= e tan 2 x
y
1
d 2 y dy
1
dx
y 2 + = etan 2 x
2
dx dx
(1 + 4 x2 )
d 2 y dy 2
1
(1 + 4 x ) y 2 + = 2e tan 2 x
dx dx
d 2 y dy 2
dy
2
(1 + 4 x ) y 2 + = 2 y
dx
dx dx
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
2
(1 + 4 x 2 ) y d y3 + dy d y2 + 2 dy d y2 + 8 x y d y2 + dy = 2 y d y2 + 2 dy
dx
dx dx
dx dx
dx
dx
dx
2
2 2
d 3 y dy d 2 y
dy
d y dy
d2 y
1+ 4x 2 y 3 + 3 2 + 8x y 2 + = 2 y 2 + 2
dx dx
dx
dx dx
dx
dx
dy
d2y
d3y
2
3
When x = 0, dx =2 (given). y = , dx = - 4, dx = 56
By Maclaurins expansion,
1
4
56
1
28
y = + 2x + x 2 + x 3 + ..... y = + 2x 2x 2 + x 3 + ......
2
2!
3!
2
3
1
y = + 2x
2
Equation of tangent at x = 0 is
dx
[6]
9) SAJC/BT2/10/1/8
It is given that y = ln ( cos x ) , where
i)
<x< .
4
4
d3 y
d 2 y dy
+
2
= 0.
dx 3
dx 2 dx
Find the Maclaurins series for ln ( cos x ) , up to and including the term in x 4 .
Prove that
ii)
iii) Deduce that the Maclaurins series for ln (1 + cos 2x ) up to and including the
1
term in x 4 is ln 2 x 2 x 4 .
6
1
1
Ans: y = x 2 x 4 +
2
12
(i)
y = ln ( cos x )
dy sin x
=
= tan x
dx cos x
d2 y
= sec2 x
dx 2
d3 y
= 2 sec x ( sec x tan x )
dx 3
= 2 ( sec x sec x ) tan x = 2
d 2 y dy
dx 2 dx
(ii)
d4 y
dx 4
d2 y
d 3 y dy
= 2 2 2 3
dx
dx dx
At x = 0 , y =
dy
d2 y
d3 y
d4 y
,
0
and
=0 ,
= 1
=
= 2
dx
dx 2
dx3
dx 4
Thus, the Maclaurin Series for ln ( cos x ) is
0 + 0x +
1 2
2
x + 0x 3 + x 4 +
2
4!
1
1
, i.e. x 2 x 4 +
2
12
(iii)
ln(1 + cos 2 x) = ln(1 + 2 cos 2 x 1)
= ln 2 cos 2 x
= ln 2 + 2 ln cos x
1
1
ln 2 + 2 x 2 x 4
12
2
1
= ln 2 x 2 x 4
6
[2]
[3]
[2]
10) NYJC/BT2/10/2/3
It is given that y = tan(1 e x ) .
i)
d 2 y dy
= (1 2e x y )
Show that
2
dx
dx
ii) Find the Maclaurins series for y in ascending powers of x, up to and including
the term in x 2 .
iii)
tan(1 e x )
Expand
as a series in ascending powers of x, up to and including
1+ 2x
the term in x2 and state the range of x for which this expansion is valid.
Hence, by using the expansion in (iii), find the range of x such that
tan(1 e x ) 1
> x.
1+ 2x
3
1
3
1
Ans: ii) x x 2 + ... , iii) x + x 2 , x < , 0.5 < x < 0.471or 0.471 < x < 0.5
2
2
2
x
y = tan(1 e )
dy
= e x sec 2 (1 e x )
dx
= e x (1 + y 2 )
d2 y
dy
= e x (1 + y 2 ) e x 2 y
2
dx
dx
dy
dy
=
ex 2 y
dx
dx
dy
= (1 2e x y )
dx
x
Let f ( x) = tan(1 e )
f (0) = 0
f '(0) = 1
f ''(0) = 1
1
tan(1 e x ) = x x 2 + ...
2
x
tan(1 e )
1
( x x 2 )(1 + 2 x) 1
1 + 2x
2
1
( x x 2 )(1 2 x + 4 x 2 )
2
1
( x + 2 x 2 x 2 )
2
3
= x + x2
2
Range of x for which expansion is valid :
1
2x < 1 x <
2
[3]
[2]
[3]
[2]
tan(1 e x ) 1
> x
1 + 2x
3
3
1
x + x2 > x
2
3
1
2
0.5 < x < 0.471 or 0.471 < x < 0.5
since x <
11) IJC/BT2/10/1/7
The points Q and R are fixed in a plane, and S is a variable point which moves in the
plane so that QS = kRS , where k is a constant such that 0 < k < 1 . The angles SQR and
SRQ, measured in radians, are x and y respectively (see diagram).
S
i)
ii)
Show that sin y = k sin x . Deduce that y sin 1 k for all positions of S.
By differentiation of the equation in part (i), or otherwise, show that
[2]
d2 y
dy
cos y 2 sin y = k sin x .
dx
dx
iii) By using Maclaurins series, or otherwise, show that if x is sufficiently small
for powers of x above x 3 to be neglected, then
k k 2 1 3
y kx +
x .
6
SR
SQ
=
(i) sin x sin y
Since SQ = kSR ,
SR
kSQ
=
sin x sin y
sin y = k sin x ( shown )
sin x 1 0 < x
2
Since
k sin x k
sin y k
(ii)
y sin 1 ( k ) ( shown )
sin y = k sin x
Differentiating wrt x,
dy
= k cos x
cos y
dx
d 2 y dy
dy
cos y 2 + ( sin y ) = k sin x
dx dx
dx
2
d2 y
dy
cos y 2 sin y = k sin x
dx
dx
(iii)
( shown )
[2]
[4]
d2 y
dy
sin y = k sin x
2
dx
dx
d3 y d 2 y
dy
cos y 3 + 2 ( sin y )
dx
dx dx
cos y
3
2
dy d y
dy
sin y 2 2 + cos y = k cos x
dx dx
dx
f ( 0 ) = 0, f ( 0 ) = k , f ( 0 ) = 0, f ( 0 ) = k + k 3
k3 k 3
x
3!
k k 2 1 3
x (shown)
i.e., y kx +
6
y kx +

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Binomial Expansion

as a series of ascending powers of x up to and including the

term in x 2 . State the range of x for which the expansion is valid.

Express f ( x) as a series expansion in ascending powers of x, up to and

, ii) < x < , iii) ( 1) 5 7

as a series of ascending powers of x up to and including the

term in x 2 . State the range of x for which the expansion is valid.

= 2 1 + 3x + (3x) 2 + (3x)3 + ... 1 + ...

to and including the term in x 2 is 3 + x +

By comparing coefficients, a = 6 and b = -2

, ii) < x < , iii) ( 1) 5 7

Using cover up rule,

Therefore, the range of values of x for the expansion of f(x) to be valid is

where m, n and d are constants, leaving your answer in terms of m, n and d.

Find u1 + u3 + u5 + + u2n 3 + u2n 1 , giving your answers in terms of n.

Common difference of arithmetic progression:

Since r < 1, so sum to infinity of geometric progression does not exist.

where m, n and d are constants, leaving your answer in terms of m, n and d.

no. of terms in the sum: n + 2

For series to converge,

( all terms in GP positive)

set of values of a = {a : 2 < a < 3}

will never complete his task with the approach taken.

Find u1 + u3 + u5 + + u2n 3 + u2n 1 , giving your answers in terms of n.

P ( x ) < 0 if 1 < x < 0 or x > 1 . Hence or otherwise deduce that

xn +1 < xn if 1 < xn < 0 or xn > 1

iii) If un < , show that un +1 > un .

3x 2 x + 3 = 0 are denoted by a and b where a < 0 and b > 0 .

i) Find the values of a and b , each correct to 3 decimal places

xn > xn+1 if a < xn < b, xn < xn+1 if xn < a or xn > b

6) The diagram below show the graph of y = e x x 2 x 1 .

The two roots of the equation e x x 2 x 1 = 0 are denoted by and . Find

A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfy the recurrence relation

un +1 < un if < u n < .

i) Given that the sequence converges to , find in terms of k

Let both sequences tends to

iii) Set initial condition u0 = 1 .

P ( x ) < 0 if 1 < x < 0 or x > 1 . Hence or otherwise deduce that

Using the GC, xn 1 .

xn+1 < xn ( shown )

iii) If un < , show that un+1 > un .

From the GC,

Sketch the graph of y = x and y =

From the graphs, it can be seen that for x <

3x 2 x + 3 = 0 are denoted by a and b where a < 0 and b > 0 .

i) Find the values of a and b , each correct to 3 decimal places

xn > xn+1 if a < xn < b, xn < xn+1 if xn < a or xn > b

Using the GC, a = 0.810, b = 3.868

From the graph, if xn < a or xn > b , 3 xn 2 xn + 3 < 0 ,

6) The diagram below show the graph of y = e x x 2 x 1 .

The two roots of the equation e x x 2 x 1 = 0 are denoted by and . Find

A sequence of real numbers u1 , u2 , u3 , satisfy the recurrence relation

iii) By considering un+1 un , or otherwise, prove that

un+1 < un if < u n < .

= 0, = 1.79 (to 3 s.f)

If < u n < , eun ( un ) un 1 < 0.(from the graph)

u1 = 2 > u2 > u1 >

i) Given that the sequence converges to , find in terms of k

since 0 < xn < k

When xn < k xn+1 < k

( k cannot be negative since we are taking k )

From the GC, x2 = 0.966, x3 = 0.988

l 2 > 0 (from (ii))