Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Examiners’ commentaries 2019

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2018–19. The format and structure of the examination may change in future years,
and any such changes will be publicised on the virtual learning environment (VLE).

Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

references

Unless otherwise stated, all cross-references will be to the latest version of the subject guide (2011).
You should always attempt to use the most recent edition of any Essential reading textbook, even if
the commentary and/or online reading list and/or subject guide refer to an earlier edition. If
different editions of Essential reading are listed, please check the VLE for reading supplements – if
none are available, please use the contents list and index of the new edition to find the relevant
section.

General remarks

Learning outcomes

At the end of this half course and having completed the Essential reading and activities you should
have:

• used the concepts, terminology, methods and conventions covered in the half course to solve
mathematical problems in this subject
• the ability to solve unseen mathematical problems involving understanding of these concepts
and application of these methods
• seen how mathematical techniques can be used to solve problems in economics and related
subjects.

Showing your working

We start by emphasising that you should always include your working. This means two things.
First, you should not simply write down the answer in the examination script, but you should
explain the method by which it is obtained. Second, you should include rough working (even if it is
messy!). The examiners want you to get the right answers, of course, but it is more important that
you prove you know what you are doing: that is what is really being examined. We also stress that
if you have not completely solved a problem, you may still be awarded marks for a partial,
incomplete, or slightly wrong, solution; but, if you have written down a wrong answer and nothing
else, no marks can be awarded. So it is certainly in your interests to include all your workings.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Covering the syllabus and choosing questions

You should ensure that you have covered the syllabus in order to perform well in the examination: it
is bad practice to concentrate only on a small range of major topics in the expectation that there
will be lots of marks obtainable for questions on these topics. There are no formal options in this
course: you should study the full extent of the topics described in the syllabus and subject guide. In
particular, since the whole syllabus is examinable, any topic could appear in the examination
questions.

Expectations of the examination paper

Every examination paper is different. You should not assume that your examination will be almost
identical to the previous year’s: for instance, just because there was a question, or a part of a
question, on a certain topic last year, you should not assume there will be one on the same topic this
year. Each year, the examiners want to test that candidates know and understand a number of
mathematical methods and, in setting an examination paper, they try to test whether the candidate
does indeed know the methods, understands them, and is able to use them, and not merely whether
they vaguely remember them. Because of this, every year there are some questions which are likely
to seem unfamiliar, or different, from previous years’ questions. You should expect to be surprised
by some of the questions. Of course, you will only be examined on material in the syllabus, so all
questions can be answered using the material of the course. There will be enough, routine, familiar
content in the examination so that a candidate who has achieved competence in the course will pass,
but, of course, for a high mark, more is expected: you will have to demonstrate an ability to solve
new and unfamiliar problems.

Answer the question

Please do read the questions carefully. You might be asked to use specific methods, even when
others could be used. The purpose of the examination is to test that you know certain methods, so
the examiners might occasionally ask you to use a specific technique. In such circumstances, only
limited partial credit can be given if you do not use the specified technique. It is also worth reading
the question carefully so that you do not do more than is required (because it is unlikely that you
would get extra marks for doing so). For instance, if a question asked you only to find the critical
points of a function, but not their natures, then you should not determine their natures. Be careful
to read all questions carefully because, although they may look like previous examination questions
on first glance, there can be subtle differences.

Graph sketching

Some examinations in this subject ask you to sketch the graph of a function. Any sketching of
graphs should be done in the answer book. Graph paper is not needed. Indeed, as we have
mentioned often in the Examiners’ commentaries, the plotting of points in order to graph a function
is not the correct approach. A sketch of the graph of a function should indicate its shape, its
position with respect to the axes, and its intercepts on those axes: it need not be drawn to scale.
Graph paper is not necessary for this.

Calculators

You are reminded that calculators are not permitted in the examination for this course, under any
circumstances. The examiners know this, and so they set questions that do not require a calculator.
It is a good idea to prepare for this by attempting not to use your calculator as you study and revise
this course.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Examination revision strategy

Many candidates are disappointed to find that their examination performance is poorer than they
expected. This may be due to a number of reasons, but one particular failing is ‘question
spotting’, that is, confining your examination preparation to a few questions and/or topics which
have come up in past papers for the course. This can have serious consequences.

We recognise that candidates might not cover all topics in the syllabus in the same depth, but you
need to be aware that examiners are free to set questions on any aspect of the syllabus. This
means that you need to study enough of the syllabus to enable you to answer the required number of
examination questions.

The syllabus can be found in the Course information sheet available on the VLE. You should read
the syllabus carefully and ensure that you cover sufficient material in preparation for the
examination. Examiners will vary the topics and questions from year to year and may well set
questions that have not appeared in past papers. Examination papers may legitimately include
questions on any topic in the syllabus. So, although past papers can be helpful during your revision,
you cannot assume that topics or specific questions that have come up in past examinations will
occur again.

If you rely on a question-spotting strategy, it is likely you will find yourself in difficulties
when you sit the examination. We strongly advise you not to adopt this strategy.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Examiners’ commentaries 2019

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2018–19. The format and structure of the examination may change in future years,
and any such changes will be publicised on the virtual learning environment (VLE).

Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

references

Unless otherwise stated, all cross-references will be to the latest version of the subject guide (2011).
You should always attempt to use the most recent edition of any Essential reading textbook, even if
the commentary and/or online reading list and/or subject guide refer to an earlier edition. If
different editions of Essential reading are listed, please check the VLE for reading supplements – if
none are available, please use the contents list and index of the new edition to find the relevant
section.

Comments on specific questions – Zone A

Candidates should answer all EIGHT questions: all SIX questions of Section A (60 marks in total)
and BOTH questions from Section B (20 marks each). Candidates are strongly advised to divide
their time accordingly.

Section A

Answer all six questions from this section (60 marks in total).

Question 1

The function f is given by:

f (x) = (x2 + 10x − 10)e−x .

Find the critical (or stationary) points of f and, for each, determine whether it is a
local maximum, local minimum or inflexion point.

Reading for this question

The relevant background material is discussed in Chapter 3 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

We have:
f 0 (x) = 2x + 10 − (x2 + 10x − 10) e−x = (20 − 8x − x2 )e−x .

Critical points are given by f 0 = 0. This is x2 + 8x − 20 = 0 (noting that e−x 6= 0), which is
(x + 10)(x − 2) = 0. So the critical points are x = −10 and x = 2.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

We can check their nature by examining the behaviour of the sign of the derivative around each
point, or we can use the second derivative test.

With the second-derivative approach, we have:

f 00 (x) = −e−x (20 − 8x − x2 ) − (2x + 8)e−x .

When x = −10, we have:

f 00 (−10) = e10 (0) + 12e10 > 0
so this is a local minimum.

When x = 2, we have:
f 00 (2) = e−2 (0) − 12e−2 < 0
so this is a local maximum.

If using the sign of the second derivative, we examine how the sign of the derivative changes
around the critical points.

At −10, this changes from − to +. So this point is a local minimum.

At 2, this changes from + to −. So this point is a local maximum.

Question 2

A firm has fixed costs of 10 and its marginal revenue and marginal cost functions
are given (respectively) by:

M R = 11 − 2q and M C = q 2 − 4q + 3,

where q is the level of production. Find an expression, in terms of q, for the firm’s
profit. Also find the value of q which maximises this profit.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 3 (and, for integration, Chapter 4) of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

Integrating, we have: Z
TR = M R dq = 11q − q 2 + c.

This is because marginal revenue is the derivative of total revenue.

Now, because T R(0) = 0 = c, since there can be no revenue if no goods are sold, we have c = 0.

Because marginal cost is the derivative of total cost, we have:

Z
1
T C = M C dq = q 3 − 2q 2 + 3q + c.
3
To find c, note that T C(0) = F C = 10, so c = 10. (You need to explain this for a fully correct
answer.)

The profit, Π, is given by:

1
Π = T R − T C = 8q + q 2 − q 3 − 10.
3
To maximise the profit, we now solve Π0 = 0. This is:

8 + 2q − q 2 = 0.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Factoring:
(2 + q)(4 − q) = 0.
So q = 4, as quantities are non-negative. (Alternatively, we can use the formula for the solutions
of a quadratic equation.)

Now:
Π00 (q) = 2 − 2q
and, since Π00 (4) < 0, q = 4 maximises profit.

It is possible to determine the maximising value q = 4 by simply solving M R = M C, but this is

not answering the question because it does not, in particular, determine the profit function,
which is specifically requested.

Question 3

Determine the integrals:

1
Z Z
dx and x3 ln(x2 − 1) dx.
x2 − 3x + 2

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

Consider the first integral. This is a straightforward partial fractions integral. We have:
1 1
= .
x2 − 3x + 2 (x − 2)(x − 1)
So, there are constants A and B such that:
1 A B
= + .
x2 − 3x + 2 x−2 x−1
We find (by a number of possible methods) that:

A=1 and B = −1.

Hence the integral is:

ln |x − 2| − ln |x − 1| + c.
The second integral can be done using a substitution, followed by integration by parts. (It can
also be done directly by integration by parts, but we will not present that approach here.)

Method A: substitute u = x2 − 1.

Let u = x2 − 1. Hence du = 2x dx. The integral is:

Z
1
(u + 1) ln u du.
2
Now we can use integration by parts:

1 u2
Z   Z  2 
1 1 u 1
(u + 1) ln u du = + u ln u − +u du
2 2 2 2 2 u
u2
 
1 2 1 u
= u + u ln u − − + c.
4 2 8 2

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

So the answer is:

(x2 − 1)2 x2 − 1
 
1 2 1
(x − 1)2 + (x2 − 1) ln(x2 − 1) − − + c.
4 2 8 2

Method B: substitute u = x2 .

Let u = x2 . (Other substitutions work.) Hence du = 2x dx. The integral is:

Z
1
u ln(u − 1) du.
2

Now we can use integration by parts:

u2
Z Z
1 1 2 1
u ln(u − 1) du = u ln(u − 1) − du.
2 4 4 u−1

Now we substitute v = u − 1 to see that:

u2 (v + 1)2
Z Z Z 2 Z
v + 2v + 1 1
du = dv = dv = v + 2 + dv.
u−1 v v v

This is:
v2 (u − 1)2
+ 2v + ln |v| + c = + 2(u − 1) + ln |u − 1|.
2 2
So the answer is:

1 2 (u − 1)2 1 1
u ln(u − 1) − − (u − 1) − ln |u − 1| + c
4 8 2 4
1 4 (x2 − 1)2 1 1
= x ln(x2 − 1) − − (x2 − 1) − ln |x2 − 1| + c.
4 8 2 4

Question 4

A firm is the only producer of two goods, X and Y . The demand equations for X
and Y are given by:

x = 200 − 2pX and y = 100 − pY ,

where x and y are the quantities (in tonnes) of X and Y demanded (respectively)
and the prices of X and Y are pX and pY (respectively). The firm’s joint total cost
function (that is, the total cost of producing x of X and y of Y ) is:

x2 + 2xy + y 2 + 20.

Find an expression in terms of x and y for the profit function. Determine the
quantities x and y that maximise the firm’s profit.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

The question asks us to find the profit as a function of x and y. That means we will need the
revenue, and hence the prices, in terms of x and y.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

The profit function is:

Π = xpX + ypY − T C
 x
= x 100 − + y(100 − y) − (x2 + 2xy + y 2 + 20)
2
3
= 100x + 100y − x2 − 2y 2 − 2xy − 20.
2
We solve:
Πx = 100 − 3x − 2y = 0 and Πy = 100 − 4y − 2x = 0.
The second equation tells us 2y = 50 − x and then the first becomes 50 − 2x = 0, so x = 25.
Therefore, y = 25 − x/2 = 25/2.

The second derivatives are:

Πxx = −3, Πxy = −2 and Πyy = −4.
Since Πxx < 0 and Πxx Πyy − Π2xy > 0, the profit is maximised at these values of x and y.

Question 5

Use the Lagrange multiplier method to find the values of x and y which maximise
the function f (x, y) = x1/2 y 1/2 subject to the constraint x + 2y = 40.

Reading for this question

The Lagrange multiplier method for constrained optimisation is discussed in Chapter 5 of the
subject guide.

Approaching the question

The Lagrangian is:

L = x1/2 y 1/2 − λ(x + 2y − 40).
The resulting equations (first-order conditions) are:
∂L 1
= x−1/2 y 1/2 − λ = 0
∂x 2
∂L 1
= x1/2 y −1/2 − 2λ = 0
∂y 2
and:
x + 2y = 40.
The first two equations show that:
1 −1/2 1/2 1
λ= x y = x1/2 y −1/2
2 4
so that y = x/2.

The third equation implies that x = 20. So, the optimal quantities are x∗ = 20 and y ∗ = 10.

Question 6

A sequence of numbers x0 , x1 , x2 , . . . is such that x0 = 3 and, for each n ≥ 1,

1
xn =
xn−1 + 2.
2
Find an explicit expression for xn in terms of n. Hence describe the behaviour of xn
as n → ∞.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Reading for this question

Chapter 7 of the subject guide gives the required background material.

Approaching the question

Note: In all question papers, due to a printing error, this question was unreadable.
The examiners took this fully into account in marking the papers. We present here
the question as it was intended to be asked.

We have:

x0 = 3
 
1
x1 = 3+2
2
 2  
1 1
x2 = 3+ 2+2
2 2
 3  2  
1 1 1
x3 = 3+ 2+ 2 + 2.
2 2 2

In general:
 n  n−1   !
1 1 1
xn = 3 +2 + ··· + +1 .
2 2 2

This simplifies to:

 n  n  n   n
1 − (1/2)n

1 1 1 1
3 +2 =3 +4 1− =4− .
2 1 − 1/2 2 2 2

As n → ∞, because (1/2)n tends to 0 and decreases, the sequence increases to 4.

Section B

Answer both questions from this section (20 marks each).

Question 7

(a) For some numbers a, b and c, let f be the function of one variable given by:

b
f (x) = ax3 + + c(1 + ln x),
x
for x > 0. Given that:

f (1) = 0, f 0 (1) = 20, f 00 (1) = 40,

show that:

a+b+c=0
3a − b + c = 20
6a + 2b − c = 40.

Use row operations to solve this system (to find a, b and c).

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Reading for this question

The recommended method for solving linear equations using row operations can be found in
Chapter 6 of the subject guide. It is known by several names: the row operation method,
the Gauss–Jordan method, the row-reduction method, and so on.
Approaching the question
We have:
b
f (x) = ax3 + + c(1 + ln x)
x
so:
b c
f 0 (x) = 3ax2 − +
x2 x
and:
2b c
f 00 (x) = 6ax + − 2.
x3 x
The given information means that:

a+b+c=0
3a − b + c = 20
6a + 2b − c = 40.

The standard matrix method approach is to reduce the augmented matrix to reduced form.
Here is one way. (There are others, equally valid.)
The augmented matrix is:  
1 1 1 0
(A | b) = 3 −1 1 20
6 2 −1 40
A valid reduction to row-echelon form is as follows:
   
1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
R2 −3R1 ,R3 −6R1
(A | b) = 3 −1 1 20 −→ 0 −4 −2 20
6 2 −1 40 0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
R3 /(−2)
−→ 0 2 1 −10
0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
(R3 +2R2 )/(−5)
−→ 0 2 1 −10 .
0 0 1 −4

So, from the row-echelon form, we have:

−10 − c
c = −4, b= = −3 and a = −b − c = 7.
2
This is probably a good point at which to make some general comments about how
questions are marked. Clearly, in a question like this, it is easy to get the wrong answer.
(Though it should be noted that in this particular question, you can always substitute the
values which you have found into the original equations, and this will show whether these
are correct or not. So you can tell if you have the wrong answer and, if you have time, you
can then re-work the calculation.) Examiners understand that arithmetical errors can be
made, especially in the stressful circumstances of an examination. Quite probably, the
examiners themselves would make some mistakes if they sat the paper. So, although there
are marks for correct calculation, there are also marks for using the right method (even if
you make a mistake). So, here, for instance, examiners will award marks if you can indicate
that you know how to start to solve the equations (by writing down an augmented matrix);
that you know what row operations are; that you know what it is you want to achieve with
row operations (the reduced matrix, that is); and that you then know how to work from that
reduced matrix to determine the required solutions. There are marks for all these things.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Be sure to understand that only certain types of operations qualify as valid row operations.
In particular, a number of candidates make the mistake of thinking that subtracting a fixed
constant from each entry of a row is valid. It is not. (And, if you do not know what we
mean by that, then you are probably not doing it, which is good!)
It is also important to answer the question. The question explicitly asks you to use row
operations. Given this, other approaches to solving the system of equations are not
acceptable because to take such an approach is not to answer the question.

(b) Show that, if I is the integral:

Z
I= sin2 x dx,

then:
I = − sin x cos x + x − I.
Hence find an expression for I.
Hence or otherwise, evaluate the integral:
Z π
sin2 x dx.
0

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide for integration.
Approaching the question
This question was not well done. The key is to use integration by parts at the outset.
Using integration by parts, we have:
Z Z
I = sin x sin x dx = sin x(− cos x) − cos x(− cos x) dx
Z
= − sin x cos x + cos2 x dx.

Now, to relate this back to the original integral, it is useful to use the fact that
sin2 x + cos2 x = 1, so that cos2 x = 1 − sin2 x. We then have:
Z
I = − sin x cos x + cos2 x dx
Z
= − sin x cos x + (1 − sin2 x) dx
Z
= − sin x cos x + x − sin2 x dx

= − sin x cos x + x − I.

It follows that:
2I = − sin x cos x + x
and so:
1 x
I = − sin x cos x + + c.
2 2
Therefore, the definite integral equals:
 π
1 x π
− sin x cos x + = .
2 2 0 2

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Question 8

(a) Use the Lagrange multiplier method to find the minimum value of:
s
1 1
+ 2
x2 y
√
among all positive x, y satisfying x + y = 2.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
We have: 1/2
√

1 1
L= + 2 − λ(x + y − 2).
x2 y
The first-order conditions are:
 −1/2
−3 1 1
Lx = −x + 2 −λ=0
x2 y
 −1/2
1 1
Ly = −y −3 + 2 −λ=0
x2 y

and: √
x+y = 2.
From the first two equations:
 −1/2  −1/2
−3 1 1 −3 1 1
−x + 2 = −y + 2
x2 y x2 y

and so x−3 = y −3 . Therefore, x = y.

√ √
Next, the constraint equation x + y = 2 tells us 2x = 2. So:
√
2
x=y= .
2
Therefore, the minimum value is:
 1/2
4 4
+ = 41/2 = 2.
2 2

Do not forget this last bit: the question does not simply ask for the values of x and y which
minimise the value of the function, but for this minimum value itself.

(b) The function f is defined for x, y > 0 by:

f (x, y) = ln(x2 + y 2 ).

Find the partial derivatives:

∂f ∂f ∂2f ∂2f ∂2f

, , , , .
∂x ∂y ∂x2 ∂x∂y ∂y 2

Show that:
∂2f ∂2f
+ = 0.
∂x2 ∂y 2

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
We have:
2x
fx =
x2 + y2

2y
fy =
x2 + y 2

2(x2 + y 2 ) − 2x(2x) 2y 2 − 2x2

fxx = =
(x2 + y 2 )2 (x2 + y 2 )2

2x2 − 2y 2
fyy =
(x2 + y 2 )2

and:
−4xy
fxy = .
(x2 + y 2 )2
Hence:
2y 2 − 2x2 2x2 − 2y 2
fxx + fyy = + = 0.
(x2 + y 2 )2 (x2 + y 2 )2

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Examiners’ commentaries 2019

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2018–19. The format and structure of the examination may change in future years,
and any such changes will be publicised on the virtual learning environment (VLE).

Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

references

Unless otherwise stated, all cross-references will be to the latest version of the subject guide (2011).
You should always attempt to use the most recent edition of any Essential reading textbook, even if
the commentary and/or online reading list and/or subject guide refer to an earlier edition. If
different editions of Essential reading are listed, please check the VLE for reading supplements – if
none are available, please use the contents list and index of the new edition to find the relevant
section.

Comments on specific questions – Zone B

Candidates should answer all EIGHT questions: all SIX questions of Section A (60 marks in total)
and BOTH questions from Section B (20 marks each). Candidates are strongly advised to divide
their time accordingly.

Section A

Answer all six questions from this section (60 marks in total).

Question 1

The function f is given by:

f (x) = (x2 + 10x + 1)e−x .

Find the critical (or stationary) points of f and, for each, determine whether it is a
local maximum, local minimum or inflexion point.

Reading for this question

The relevant background material is discussed in Chapter 3 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

We have:
f 0 (x) = 2x + 10 − (x2 + 10x + 1) e−x = (9 − 8x − x2 )e−x .

Critical points are given by f 0 = 0. This is x2 + 8x − 9 = 0 (noting that e−x 6= 0), which is
(x + 9)(x − 1) = 0. So the critical points are x = −9 and x = 1.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

We can check their nature by examining the behaviour of the sign of the derivative around each
point, or we can use the second derivative test.

With the second-derivative approach, we have:

f 00 (x) = −e−x (9 − 8x − x2 ) − (2x + 8)e−x .

When x = −9, we have:

f 00 (−9) = e9 (0) + 10e9 > 0
so this is a local minimum.

When x = 1, we have:
f 00 (1) = e−1 (0) − 10e−1 < 0
so this is a local maximum.

If using the sign of the second derivative, we examine how the sign of the derivative changes
around the critical points.

At −9, this changes from − to +. So this point is a local minimum.

At 1, this changes from + to −. So this point is a local maximum.

Question 2

A firm has fixed costs of 10 and its marginal revenue and marginal cost functions
are given (respectively) by:

M R = 11 − 2q and M C = q 2 − 4q + 3,

where q is the level of production. Find an expression, in terms of q, for the firm’s
profit. Also find the value of q which maximises this profit.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 3 (and, for integration, Chapter 4) of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

Integrating, we have: Z
TR = M R dq = 11q − q 2 + c.

This is because marginal revenue is the derivative of total revenue.

Now, because T R(0) = 0 = c, since there can be no revenue if no goods are sold, we have c = 0.

Because marginal cost is the derivative of total cost, we have:

Z
1
T C = M C dq = q 3 − 2q 2 + 3q + c.
3
To find c, note that T C(0) = F C = 10, so c = 10. (You need to explain this for a fully correct
answer.)

The profit, Π, is given by:

1
Π = T R − T C = 8q + q 2 − q 3 − 10.
3
To maximise the profit, we now solve Π0 = 0. This is:

8 + 2q − q 2 = 0.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Factoring:
(2 + q)(4 − q) = 0.
So q = 4, as quantities are non-negative. (Alternatively, we can use the formula for the solutions
of a quadratic equation.)

Now:
Π00 (q) = 2 − 2q
and, since Π00 (4) < 0, q = 4 maximises profit.

It is possible to determine the maximising value q = 4 by simply solving M R = M C, but this is

not answering the question because it does not, in particular, determine the profit function,
which is specifically requested.

Question 3

Determine the following integrals:

1
Z Z
x3 ln x dx and dx.
1 + e2x

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

Consider the first integral. This can be solved by a straightforward integration by parts. We have:

x4
Z Z 4
x 1
x3 ln x dx = ln x − dx
4 4 x
x4 1
= ln x − x4 + c.
4 16
The second integral can be done using a substitution, followed by partial fractions.

Let u = 1 + e2x . Hence du = 2e2x dx and so du = 2(u − 1) dx and the integral is:
Z
1 du
.
2 (u − 1) u

Partial fractions can now be applied. This means there are constants A and B such that the
integrand takes the form:
A B
+ .
u−1 u
We find (by a number of possible methods) that:
1 1
A= and B = −
2 2
and hence the integral is:
Z
1 1 1 1
− du = ln |u − 1| − ln |u| + c
2(u − 1) 2u 2 2
1 1
= ln(e2x ) − ln(1 + e2x ) + c.
2 2
(Of course, the first term can be simplified to x.)

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

The substitution u = e2x leads to a very similar calculation.

There are other, less obvious, ways, too. A particularly quick and clever way is to note that the
integral can be rewritten (on multiplying numerator and denominator of the integrand by e−2x )
as:
e−2x
Z
dx.
e−2x + 1
Noting that the derivative of the denominator is exactly −2 times the numerator, it follows that
this equals:
1
− ln(e−2x + 1) + c.
2
(This is the same as the previous answer, of course, just written differently.)

Question 4

A firm is the only producer of two goods, X and Y . The demand equations for X
and Y are given by:

x = 200 − 2pX and y = 100 − pY ,

where x and y are the quantities (in tonnes) of X and Y demanded (respectively)
and the prices of X and Y are pX and pY (respectively). The firm’s joint total cost
function (that is, the total cost of producing x of X and y of Y ) is:

x2 + 2xy + y 2 + 20.

Find an expression in terms of x and y for the profit function. Determine the
quantities x and y that maximise the firm’s profit.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

The question asks us to find the profit as a function of x and y. That means we will need the
revenue, and hence the prices, in terms of x and y.

The profit function is:

Π = xpX + ypY − T C
 x
= x 100 − + y(100 − y) − (x2 + 2xy + y 2 + 20)
2
3
= 100x + 100y − x2 − 2y 2 − 2xy − 20.
2
We solve:
Πx = 100 − 3x − 2y = 0 and Πy = 100 − 4y − 2x = 0.
The second equation tells us 2y = 50 − x and then the first becomes 50 − 2x = 0, so x = 25.
Therefore, y = 25 − x/2 = 25/2.

The second derivatives are:

Πxx = −3, Πxy = −2 and Πyy = −4.

Since Πxx < 0 and Πxx Πyy − Π2xy > 0, the profit is maximised at these values of x and y.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Question 5

Use the Lagrange multiplier method to find the values of x and y which maximise
the function f (x, y) = x1/2 y 1/2 subject to the constraint x + 2y = 40.

Reading for this question

The Lagrange multiplier method for constrained optimisation is discussed in Chapter 5 of the
subject guide.

Approaching the question

The Lagrangian is:

L = x1/2 y 1/2 − λ(2x + y − 20).

The resulting equations (first-order conditions) are:

∂L 1
= x−1/2 y 1/2 − 2λ = 0
∂x 2
∂L 1
= x1/2 y −1/2 − λ = 0
∂y 2

and:
2x + y = 20.

The first two equations show that:

1 −1/2 1/2 1
λ= x y = x1/2 y −1/2
4 2

so that y = 2x.

The third equation implies that 4x = 20. So, the optimal quantities are x∗ = 5 and y ∗ = 10.

Question 6

A sequence of numbers x0 , x1 , x2 , . . . is such that x0 = 4 and, for each n ≥ 1,

1
xn = xn−1 + 2.
3

Find an explicit expression for xn in terms of n. Hence describe the behaviour of xn

as n → ∞.

Reading for this question

Chapter 7 of the subject guide gives the required background material.

Approaching the question

Note: In all question papers, due to a printing error, this question was unreadable.
The examiners took this fully into account in marking the papers. We present here
the question as it was intended to be asked.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

We have:

x0 = 4
 
1
x1 = 4+2
3
 2  
1 1
x2 = 4+ 2+2
3 3
 3  2  
1 1 1
x3 = 4+ 2+ 2 + 2.
3 3 3
In general,: !
 n  n−1  
1 1 1
xn = 4 +2 + ··· + +1 .
3 3 3
This simplifies to:
 n  n  n   n
1 − (1/3)n

1 1 1 1
4 +2 =4 +3 1− =3+ .
3 1 − 1/3 3 3 3

As n → ∞, because (1/3)n tends to 0 and decreases, the sequence decreases to 3.

Section B

Answer both questions from this section (20 marks each).

Question 7

(a) For some numbers a, b and c, let f be the function of one variable given by:
b
f (x) = ax3 + + c(1 + ln x),
x
for x > 0. Given that:

f (1) = 0, f 0 (1) = 20, f 00 (1) = 40,

show that:

a+b+c=0
3a − b + c = 20
6a + 2b − c = 40.

Use row operations to solve this system (to find a, b and c).

Reading for this question

The recommended method for solving linear equations using row operations can be found in
Chapter 6 of the subject guide. It is known by several names: the row operation method,
the Gauss–Jordan method, the row-reduction method, and so on.
Approaching the question
We have:
b
f (x) = ax3 + + c(1 + ln x)
x
so:
b c
f 0 (x) = 3ax2 − +
x2 x

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MT105a Mathematics 1

and:
2b c
f 00 (x) = 6ax + − 2.
x3 x
The given information means that:

a+b+c=0
3a − b + c = 20
6a + 2b − c = 40.

The standard matrix method approach is to reduce the augmented matrix to reduced form.
Here is one way. (There are others, equally valid.)
The augmented matrix is:
 
1 1 1 0
(A | b) = 3 −1 1 20
6 2 −1 40
A valid reduction to row-echelon form is as follows:
   
1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
R2 −3R1 ,R3 −6R1
(A | b) = 3 −1 1 20 −→ 0 −4 −2 20
6 2 −1 40 0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
R3 /(−2)
−→ 0 2 1 −10
0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
(R3 +2R2 )/(−5)
−→ 0 2 1 −10 .
0 0 1 −4

So, from the row-echelon form, we have:

−10 − c
c = −4, b= = −3 and a = −b − c = 7.
2
This is probably a good point at which to make some general comments about how
questions are marked. Clearly, in a question like this, it is easy to get the wrong answer.
(Though it should be noted that in this particular question, you can always substitute the
values which you have found into the original equations, and this will show whether these
are correct or not. So you can tell if you have the wrong answer and, if you have time, you
can then re-work the calculation.) Examiners understand that arithmetical errors can be
made, especially in the stressful circumstances of an examination. Quite probably, the
examiners themselves would make some mistakes if they sat the paper. So, although there
are marks for correct calculation, there are also marks for using the right method (even if
you make a mistake). So, here, for instance, examiners will award marks if you can indicate
that you know how to start to solve the equations (by writing down an augmented matrix);
that you know what row operations are; that you know what it is you want to achieve with
row operations (the reduced matrix, that is); and that you then know how to work from that
reduced matrix to determine the required solutions. There are marks for all these things.
Be sure to understand that only certain types of operations qualify as valid row operations.
In particular, a number of candidates make the mistake of thinking that subtracting a fixed
constant from each entry of a row is valid. It is not. (And, if you do not know what we
mean by that, then you are probably not doing it, which is good!)
It is also important to answer the question. The question explicitly asks you to use row
operations. Given this, other approaches to solving the system of equations are not
acceptable because to take such an approach is not to answer the question.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

(b) Show that, if I is the integral:

Z
I= cos2 x dx,

then:
I = sin x cos x + x − I.
Hence find an expression for I.
Hence or otherwise, evaluate the integral:
Z π
cos2 x dx.
0

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide for integration.
Approaching the question
This question was not well done. The key is to use integration by parts at the outset.
Using integration by parts, we have:
Z Z
I = cos x cos x dx = sin x cos x − sin x(− sin x) dx
Z
= sin x cos x + sin2 x dx.

Now, to relate this back to the original integral, it is useful to use the fact that
sin2 x + cos2 x = 1, so that sin2 x = 1 − cos2 x. We then have:
Z Z
I = sin x cos x + sin2 x dx = sin x cos x + (1 − cos2 x) dx
Z
= sin x cos x + x − cos2 x dx

= sin x cos x + x − I.

It follows that:
2I = sin x cos x + x
and so:
1 x
I= sin x cos x + + c.
2 2
Therefore, the definite integral equals:
 π
1 x π
sin x cos x + = .
2 2 0 2

Question 8

(a) Use the Lagrange multiplier method to find the minimum value of:
s
1 1
2
+ 2
x y
√
among all positive x, y satisfying x + y = 2.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

We have:
1/2
√

1 1
L= 2
+ 2 − λ(x + y − 2).
x y
The first-order conditions are:
 −1/2
1 1
Lx = −x−3 2
+ 2 −λ=0
x y
 −1/2
−3 1 1
Ly = −y 2
+ 2 −λ=0
x y

and:
√
x+y = 2.

From the first two equations:

 −1/2  −1/2
1 1 1 1
−x−3 2
+ 2 = −y −3 2
+ 2
x y x y

and so x−3 = y −3 . Therefore, x = y.

√ √
Next, the constraint equation x + y = 2 tells us 2x = 2. So:
√
2
x=y= .
2
Therefore, the minimum value is:
 1/2
4 4
+ = 41/2 = 2.
2 2

Do not forget this last bit: the question does not simply ask for the values of x and y which
minimise the value of the function, but for this minimum value itself.

(b) The function f is defined by:

1
f (x, y) = p .
x2 + y2

Find the partial derivatives:

∂f ∂f ∂2f ∂2f ∂2f

, , , , .
∂x ∂y ∂x2 ∂x∂y ∂y 2

Show that:
∂2f ∂2f 3
+ = (f (x, y)) .
∂x2 ∂y 2

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2019

Approaching the question

We have:
−x
fx =
(x2 + y 2 )3/2

−y
fy =
(x2 + y 2 )3/2

−(x2 + y 2 )3/2 + 3x2 (x2 + y 2 )1/2 −(x2 + y 2 ) + 3x2 2x2 − y 2

fxx = 2 2 3
= 2 2 5/2
= 2
(x + y ) (x + y ) (x + y 2 )5/2

2y 2 − x2
fyy =
(x2 + y 2 )5/2

and:
3xy
fxy = .
(x2 + y 2 )5/2
Hence:
2x2 − y 2 + 2y 2 − x2 x2 + y 2 1
fxx + fyy = 2 2 5/2
= 2 = 2 = (f (x, y))3 .
(x + y ) (x + y 2 )5/2 (x + y 2 )3/2

23