Examiners’ commentaries 2021

Examiners’ commentary 2021

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2020–21. 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 2021

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’ commentary 2021

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2020–21. 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 defined, for x > 0, by

f (x) = x − x(ln x)2 .
Show that its critical (or stationary) points satisfy the equation
(ln x)2 + 2 ln x − 1 = 0.
Find the critical points of f and determine their nature.

Reading for this question

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

Approaching the question

We solve f 0 = 0. Now,
2 ln x
f 0 (x) = 1 − (ln x)2 − x = −(ln x)2 − 2 ln x + 1
x

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

so we solve
(ln x)2 + 2 ln x − 1 = 0.
The solutions to w2 + 2w − 1 = 0 are
√
w = −1 ± 2

so the critical points are given by √

ln x = −1 ± 2
and hence √ √
x = e−1+ 2
, e−1− 2
.
Call these r, s, respectively. We have
2 ln x 2 2
f 00 (x) = − − = − (ln x + 1).
x x x
Then,
2 √
f 00 (r) = − ( 2) < 0.
r
Similarly,
f 00 (s) > 0.
So r is a local maximum and s a local minimum.

The natures of r and s can also be found by considering the behaviour of the sign of f 0 around
the points (remembering that f 0 (x) =√−(ln x)2 − 2 ln x + 1, not (ln x)2 + 2 ln x − 1).
√
f 0 changes
from negative to positive at s = e−1− 2 and from positive to negative at r = e−1+ 2 . We can see
this because
√ √
f 0 (x) = −(ln x)2 − 2 ln x + 1 = −(ln x − (−1 + 2))(ln x − (−1 − 2)).

Question 2

Determine the integrals

√
x
Z
√ dx,
1+ x

√
Z
x2 x − 1 dx.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

√
We can approach
√ the first integral
√ by making the substitution u = 1 + x. We then have
du = 1/(2 x) dx, so that dx = 2 x du = 2(u − 1) du and the integral becomes

2(u − 1)2
Z
du.
u
This is
Z  
1
2 u−2+ du = u2 − 4u + 2 ln |u| + c
u
√ √ √
= (1 + x)2 − 4(1 + x) + 2 ln(1 + x) + c.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

√ √
The substitution u = x also works. With this choice, we have du = 1/(2 x) dx, so that
dx = 2u du and the integral becomes

2u2
Z
du.
1+u

This is
Z Z Z Z Z
2u(1 + u) 2u 2(1 + u) 1
du − du = 2u du − du + 2 du.
1+u 1+u 1+u 1+u

This is
√ √
u2 − 2u + 2 ln(1 + u) + c = x − 2 x + 2 ln(1 + x) + c.
We can use substitution for
√ the second integral. There is more than one substitution that will
work. We could use u = x − 1 or u = x − 1. Here is how it works with u = x − 1. Call the
integral I. We then have du = dx and
√
Z
I = (u + 1)2 u du
Z
= (u2 + 2u + 1)u1/2 du
Z  
= u5/2 + 2u3/2 + u1/2 du

2 7/2 4 5/2 2 3/2

= u + u + u +c
7 5 3
2 4 2
= (x − 1)7/2 + (x − 1)5/2 + (x − 1)3/2 + c.
7 5 3
Here is how integration by parts can be used: we have
Z
2 4
I = x2 (x − 1)3/2 − x(x − 1)3/2 dx
3 3
Z
2 2 8 8
= x (x − 1)3/2 − x(x − 1)5/2 + (x − 1)5/2 dx
3 15 15
2 2 8 16
= x (x − 1)3/2 − x(x − 1)5/2 + (x − 1)7/2 + c.
3 15 105

Question 3

The function f is given by

f (x, y) = 10 − 2x2 + y 2 − y 4 + 2xy 2 .

Find the critical (or stationary) points of f and determine the nature of each.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

The partial derivatives are

fx = −4x + 2y 2 and fy = 2y − 4y 3 + 4xy.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

We solve fx = fy = 0. We have (from fx = 0) x = y 2 /2. Substituting into fy = 0 gives

2y − 4y 3 + 2y 3 = 0, which is 2y(1 − y 2 ) = 0. So y = 0, 1, −1. Then x = 0, 1/2, 1/2, respectively.
So there are three critical points: (0, 0), (1/2, 1) and (1/2, −1).

The second derivatives are

fxx = −4, fxy = 4y and fyy = 2 − 12y 2 + 4x.
2
At (0, 0): fxx fyy − fxy = −8 < 0, so this is a saddle point.
2
At (1/2, 1), fxx fyy − fxy = (−4)(−8) − (4)2 > 0 and fxx = −4 < 0, so it’s a local maximum.
2
At (1/2, −1), fxx fyy − fxy = (−4)(−8) − (−4)2 > 0 and fxx = −4 < 0, so it’s a local maximum.

Question 4

Suppose that x, y, z satisfy the equations

x+y+z=4+a

2x + y = 3 + a
x − y − 2z = −4,
where a is some number.

Use row operations to determine the values of x, y and z, in terms of a.

For what values of a will x, y, z all be positive?

Reading for this question

See Chapter 6 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

The augmented matrix is:

 
1 1 1 4+a
(A | b) = 2 1 0 3 + a .
1 −1 −2 −4
A valid reduction to row-echelon form is:
     
1 1 1 4+a 1 1 1 4+a 1 1 1 4+a
2 1 0 3 + a → 0 −1 −2 −5 − a → 0 1 2 5 + a .
1 −1 −2 −4 0 −2 −3 −8 − a 0 0 1 2+a
So, from the row-echelon form, we have
z =2+a

y = 5 + a − 2(2 + a) = 1 − a

x = 4 + a − (1 − a) − (2 + a) − 1 = 1 + a.
For x, y, z to all be positive, we must have 2 + a, 1 − a, 1 + a > 0, which means a > −2, a < 1
and a > −1. So we need −1 < a < 1.

Question 5

Use the Lagrange

p multiplier method to find the values of x and y that minimise the
function x2 + 2y 2 subject to the constraint x + y = 1.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

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
p
L= x2 + 2y 2 − λ(x + y − 1).

We solve the following equations:

x 2y
Lx = p −λ=0 and Ly = p −λ=0
x + 2y 2
2 x + 2y 2
2

so x = 2y.

Then, the constraint equation x + y = 1 tells us 3y = 1, so y = 1/3 and x = 2/3.

You are not expected to check second-order conditions for constrained optimisation problems.
This is not part of the syllabus and there is no credit for doing it.

Question 6

A firm is the only supplier of two goods, X and Y , and the demand equations for
these goods are
1 1
x = 76 − pX and y = 50 − pY ,
2 4
where pX and pY are the prices of X and Y , and where x and y are (respectively)
the quantities of X and Y . The firm has a joint total cost function

T C = 4x2 + 4xy + 6y 2 + 10.

Find an expression, in terms of x and y, for the firm’s profit. Determine also the
values of x and y that will maximise this profit.

Reading for this question

Chapter 5 of the subject guide gives the required background material.

Approaching the question

We have pX = 152 − 2x and pY = 200 − 4y, so that

Π = xpX + ypY − T C = x(152 − 2x) + y(200 − 4y) − (4x2 + 4xy + 6y 2 + 10)

= 152x − 6x2 − 10y 2 + 200y − 4xy − 10.

We solve Πx = Πy = 0, which is 152 − 12x − 4y = 0 and −20y + 200 − 4x = 0.

This is equivalent to 3x + y = 38 and x + 5y = 50, which has solution x = 10 and y = 8.

We note that Πxx = −12 < 0 and Πxx Πyy − Π2xy = (−12)(−20) − (−4)2 > 0, so it is a local
maximum.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

Section B

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

Question 7

(a) For some numbers a, b, c, the function f is given by

f (x) = ax2 + bx3 + cx4 .

Given that Z 1
f (1) = 15, f 0 (1) = 44, and f (x) dx = 4,
0

find a system of linear equations for a, b and c and solve this using row
operations.

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, first,
a + b + c = 15.
Since
f 0 (x) = 2ax + 3bx2 + 4cx3
we also have
2a + 3b + 4c = 44.
Now,
1 1
ax3 bx4 cx5
Z 
a b c
f (x) dx = + + = + + .
0 3 4 5 0 3 4 5
So,
a b c
+ + = 4.
3 4 5
So we have the following system of linear equations:

a + b + c = 15

2a + 3b + 4c = 44

a b c
+ + =4
3 4 5
or, equivalently,

a + b + c = 15

2a + 3b + 4c = 44

20a + 15b + 12c = 240.

Using row operations, we have

     
1 1 1 15 1 1 1 15 1 1 1 15
2 3 4 44  → 0 1 2 14  → 0 1 2 14 .
20 15 12 240 0 −5 −8 −60 0 0 2 10

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MT105a Mathematics 1

So,

c=5

b = 14 − 10 = 4

a = 15 − 4 − 5 = 6.

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 that 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 don’t know what we mean
by that, then you’re 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) On 1 January 2021, a saver has an amount $P in a deposit account that pays
interest annually (at the end of each year), at a fixed rate of 4% per annum.
She decides to make N deposits of $A at the start of each year (including a
deposit on 1 January 2021).
Find an expression for the balance of the account immediately after the N th
additional deposit has been made.
Show that, if the saver’s aim is to end up with a balance of at least $Q at that
time, then  
1 Q + 25A
N ≥ ln + 1.
ln(1.04) P + 26A

Reading for this question

See Chapter 7 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

We determine the balance after some number, N , of deposits. The first few balances are

P +A

(P + A)(1.04) + A

1.04((P + A)(1.04) + A) + A = (P + A)(1.04)2 + A(1.04) + A.

In general, the balance after N deposits will be

(P + A)(1.04)N −1 + A(1.04)N −2 + · · · + A(1.04) + A.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

Using the formula for the sum of a geometric series, this simplifies as follows:

1 − (1.04)N −1
(P + A)(1.04)N −1 + A = (P + A)(1.04)N −1 + 25A((1.04)N −1 − 1)
1 − (1.04)
= (P + 26A)(1.04)N −1 − 25A.

For the next part of the problem, we need to have a balance that is at least Q. This gives

(P + 26A)(1.04)N −1 − 25A ≥ Q

which gives  
1 Q + 25A
N≥ ln + 1.
ln(1.04) P + 26A

Question 8

(a) A firm has production function q(k, l) = k1/4 l3/4 , where k denotes the capital
used and l denotes the labour employed. Suppose that each unit of capital costs
v dollars and each unit of labour costs w dollars, so that the capital and labour
costs are vk + wl.
Use the Lagrange multiplier method to determine the values of k and l that
minimise the cost of producing Q units of the firm’s good.
Find the corresponding minimised value, C, of this cost and the value, λ∗ , of
the Lagrange multiplier corresponding to the optimising values of k and l. Show
that
∂C
λ∗ = .
∂Q

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
The problem is to minimise vk + wl subject to k 1/4 l3/4 = Q and the Lagrangian is

L = vk + wl − λ(k 1/4 l3/4 − Q).

The first-order conditions are

1 −3/4 3/4
v− λk l =0
4
3 1/4 −1/4
w− λk l =0
4

k 1/4 l3/4 = Q.

The first two give

4w −1/4 1/4
4vk 3/4 l−3/4 = k l
3
from which we have l = 3vk/w. Then the third equation becomes
 3/4
1/4 3v
k k 3/4 = Q
w

and hence k = (w/(3v))3/4 Q and l = (w/(3v))−1/4 Q.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

The minimised cost is

 w 3/4  w 3/4  w 3/4
C = vk + wl = v Q + 3v Q = 4v Q.
3v 3v 3v
The corresponding value of the multiplier is
 3/4  w 3/4
k
λ∗ = 4vk 3/4 l−3/4 = 4v = 4v
l 3v

and  w 3/4
∂C
= 4v = λ∗ .
∂Q 3v

(b) The function f is given by

f (x, y) = cos(nx) sin(y 2 ),

where n is a positive integer. Find

∂f ∂f ∂2f ∂2f
, , , .
∂x ∂y ∂x2 ∂y 2
Find the value of n if f satisfies

∂2f ∂2f ∂f
y3 −y + = 0.
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂y

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
We have

fx = −n sin(nx) sin(y 2 )

fy = 2y cos(nx) cos(y 2 )

fxx = −n2 cos(nx) sin(y 2 )

fyy = 2 cos(nx) cos(y 2 ) − 4y 2 cos(nx) sin(y 2 ).

So,

y 3 fxx − yfyy + fy = −n2 y 3 cos(nx) sin(y 2 ) − 2y cos(nx) cos(y 2 ) + 4y 3 cos(nx) sin(y 2 )

+ 2y cos(nx) cos(y 2 )

= (4 − n2 )y 3 cos(nx) sin(y 2 ).

So we need 4 − n2 = 0. Since n > 0 this means n = 2.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

Examiners’ commentary 2021

MT105a Mathematics 1

Important note

This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2020–21. 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 defined for x > 1 by

     
1 1 1 1
f (x) = ln + 1− ln 1 − .
x x x x

Show that the derivative of f is

ln(x − 1)
f 0 (x) = .
x2

Find any critical (or stationary) points of f and determine their nature.

Reading for this question

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

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Approaching the question

Let      
1 1 1 1
g = ln , h= 1− ln 1 − .
x x x x
We have      
1 1 1 −1 1 1 1
g0 = − ln + x = − ln − 2
x2 x x x2 x2 x x
and
1/x2
   
01 1 1
h = 2 ln 1 − + 1−
x x x 1 − 1/x
 
1 1 1
= 2 ln 1 − + .
x x x2

So     
0 0 1 0 1 1
f =g +h = 2 ln 1 − − ln .
x x x
This simplifies to the required expression because
       
1 1 x−1 1
ln 1 − − ln = ln − ln
x x x x
= ln(x − 1) − ln x − ln 1 + ln x
= ln(x − 1).

This will be zero if and only if ln(x − 1) = 0, which means x = 2 is the only critical point.

The expression for f 0 is easily seen to be negative if x < 2 and positive if x > 2, so the critical
point is a local minimum.

Alternatively: we have
ln(x − 1)
f 0 (x) =
x2
so
1
x2 − 2x ln(x − 1)
00
f (x) = x−1 .
x4
We have
4
f 00 (2) = >0
16
so it is a local minimum.

Question 2

Determine the integrals

ex
Z
dx,
e2x − 1
√
Z
x2 x − 2 dx.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

Approaching the question

For the first integral, we can use substitution. Substituting u = ex , we find the integral is
Z Z
du du
I= = .
u2 − 1 (u − 1)(u + 1)

Using partial fractions, there are A, B such that

1 A B
= + .
(u − 1)(u + 1) u−1 u+1

We find
Z  
1 1 1 1 1
I= − du = ln |u − 1| − ln |u + 1| + c
2 u−1 u+1 2 2
1 1
= ln |ex − 1| − ln |ex + 1| + c.
2 2
We can use substitution for
√ the second integral. There is more than one substitution that will
work. We could use u = x − 2 or u = x − 2. Here is how it works with u = x − 2. Call the
integral I. We then have du = dx and

√
Z
I = (u + 2)2 u du
Z
= (u2 + 4u + 4)u1/2 du
Z  
= u5/2 + 4u3/2 + 4u1/2 du

2 7/2 8 5/2 8 3/2

= u + u + u +c
7 5 3
2 8 8
= (x − 2)7/2 + (x − 2)5/2 + (x − 2)3/2 + c.
7 5 3
Here is how integration by parts can be used: we have
Z
2 2 3/2 4
I = x (x − 2) − x(x − 2)3/2 dx
3 3
Z
2 2 8 8
= x (x − 2)3/2 − x(x − 2)5/2 + (x − 2)5/2 dx
3 15 15
2 2 8 16
= x (x − 2)3/2 − x(x − 2)5/2 + (x − 2)7/2 + c.
3 15 105

Question 3

The function f is given by

f (x, y) = 10 − x2 + 2y 2 − 2y 4 + 2xy 2 .

Find the critical (or stationary) points of f and determine the nature of each.

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

Approaching the question

The partial derivatives are

fx = −2x + 2y 2 and fy = 4y − 8y 3 + 4xy.
We solve fx = fy = 0. We have (from fx = 0) x = y 2 . Substituting into fy = 0 gives
4y − 8y 3 + 4y 3 = 0, which is 4y(1 − y 2 ) = 0. So y = 0, 1, −1. Then x = 0, 1, 1, respectively. So
there are three critical points: (0, 0), (1, 1) and (1, −1).

The second derivatives are

fxx = −2, fxy = 4y and fyy = 4 − 24y 2 + 4x.
2
At (0, 0): fxx fyy − fxy = −8 < 0, so this is a saddle point.
2
At (1, 1), fxx fyy − fxy = (−2)(−16) − (4)2 > 0 and fxx = −2 < 0, so it’s a local maximum.
2
At (1, −1), fxx fyy − fxy = (−2)(−16) − (−4)2 > 0 and fxx = −2 < 0, so it’s a local maximum.

Question 4

Suppose that x, y, z satisfy the equations

x+y+z=5−a

2x + y = 7 − a
x − y − 2z = 0,
where a is some number.

Use row operations to determine the values of x, y and z, in terms of a.

For what values of a will x, y, z all be positive?

Reading for this question

See Chapter 6 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

The augmented matrix is:

 
1 1 1 5−a
(A | b) = 2 1 0 7 − a .
1 −1 −2 0
A valid reduction to row-echelon form is:
     
1 1 1 5−a 1 1 1 5−a 1 1 1 5−a
2 1 0 7 − a → 0 −1 −2 −3 + a → 0 1 2 3 − a .
1 −1 −2 0 0 −2 −3 a−5 0 0 1 1−a
(You can stop here, or continue reducing further, as some do, until the first three columns form
the identity matrix.)

So, from the row-echelon form, we have

z =1−a

y = 3 − a − 2(1 − a) = 1 + a

x = 5 − a − (1 + a) − (1 − a) − 1 = 3 − a.

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

For x, y, z to all be positive, we must have 1 − a, 1 + a, 3 − a > 0, which means a < 1, a > −1
and a < 3. So we need −1 < a < 1.

Question 5

Use the Lagrange

p multiplier method to find the values of x and y that minimise the
function 2x2 + y 2 subject to the constraint x + y = 1.

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 p
L= 2x2 + y 2 − λ(x + y − 1).
We solve the following equations:
2x y
Lx = p −λ=0 and Ly = p −λ=0
2x2 + y 2 2x2 + y 2
so y = 2x.

Then, the constraint equation x + y = 1 tells us 3x = 1, so x = 1/3 and y = 2/3.

You are not expected to check second-order conditions for constrained optimisation problems.
This is not part of the syllabus and there is no credit for doing it.

Question 6

A firm is the only supplier of two goods, X and Y , and the demand equations for
these goods are
1 1
x = 50 − pX and y = 76 − pY ,
4 2
where pX and pY are the prices of X and Y , and where x and y are (respectively)
the quantities of X and Y . The firm has a joint total cost function

T C = 6x2 + 4xy + 4y 2 + 10.

Find an expression, in terms of x and y, for the firm’s profit. Determine also the
values of x and y that will maximise this profit.

Reading for this question

Chapter 5 of the subject guide gives the required background material.

Approaching the question

We have pX = 200 − 4x and pY = 152 − 2y, so that

Π = xpX + ypY − T C = x(200 − 4x) + y(152 − 2y) − (6x2 + 4xy + 4y 2 + 10)

= 200x − 10x2 − 6y 2 + 152y − 4xy − 10.

We solve Πx = Πy = 0, which is 200 − 20x − 4y = 0 and −12y + 152 − 4x = 0.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

This is equivalent to 5x + y = 50 and x + 3y = 38, which has solution x = 8 and y = 10.

We note that Πxx = −20 < 0 and Πxx Πyy − Π2xy = (−20)(−12) − (−4)2 > 0, so it is a local
maximum.

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,
find a system of linear equations for a, b and c.
Find a, b and c by solving the system using row operations.

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 − 2
+
x 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 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:
   
1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
R →R −3R1
(A | b) = 3 −1 1 20 −−2−−−2−−−→ 0 −4 −2 20
R3 →R3 −6R1
6 2 −1 40 0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
R2 →R2 /(−2)
−−−−−−−−−→ 0 2 1 −10
0 −4 −7 40
 
1 1 1 0
R3 →(R3 +2R2 )/(−5)
−−−−−−−−−−−−−→ 0 2 1 −10 .
0 0 1 −4

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

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 that 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 don’t know what we mean
by that, then you’re 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) On 1 January 2021, a saver has an amount $P in a deposit account that pays
interest annually (at the end of each year), at a fixed rate of 5% per annum.
She decides to make N deposits of $A at the start of each year (including a
deposit on 1 January 2021).
Find an expression for the balance of the account immediately after the N th
additional deposit has been made.
Show that, if the saver’s aim is to end up with a balance of at least $Q at that
time, then  
1 Q + 20A
N ≥ ln + 1.
ln(1.05) P + 21A

Reading for this question

See Chapter 7 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
We determine the balance after some number, N , of deposits. The first few balances are

P +A

(P + A)(1.05) + A
1.05((P + A)(1.05) + A) + A = (P + A)(1.05)2 + A(1.05) + A.
In general, the balance after N deposits will be

(P + A)(1.05)N −1 + A(1.05)N −2 + · · · + A(1.05) + A.

Using the formula for the sum of a geometric series, this simplifies as follows:

1 − (1.05)N −1
(P + A)(1.05)N −1 + A = (P + A)(1.05)N −1 + 20A((1.05)N −1 − 1)
1 − (1.05)
= (P + 21A)(1.05)N −1 − 20A.

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MT105a Mathematics 1

For the next part of the problem, we need to have a balance that is at least Q. This gives
(P + 21A)(1.05)N −1 − 20A ≥ Q
which gives  
1 Q + 20A
N≥ ln + 1.
ln(1.05) P + 21A

Question 8

(a) A firm has production function q(k, l) = k1/3 l2/3 , where k denotes the capital
used and l denotes the labour employed. Suppose that each unit of capital costs
v dollars and each unit of labour costs w dollars, so that the capital and labour
costs are vk + wl.
Use the Lagrange multiplier method to determine the values of k and l that
minimise the cost of producing Q units of the firm’s good.
Find the corresponding minimised value, C, of this cost and the value, λ∗ , of
the Lagrange multiplier corresponding to the optimising values of k and l. Show
that
∂C
λ∗ = .
∂Q

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
The problem is to minimise vk + wl subject to k 1/3 l2/3 = Q and the Lagrangian is
L = vk + wl − λ(k 1/3 l2/3 − Q).
The first-order conditions are
1 −2/3 2/3
v− λk l =0
3
2 1/3 −1/3
w− λk l =0
3

k 1/3 l2/3 = Q.
The first two give
3w −1/3 1/3
3vk 2/3 l−2/3 =
k l
2
from which we have l = 2vk/w. Then the third equation becomes
 2/3
1/3 2v
k k 2/3 = Q
w
and hence k = (w/(2v))2/3 Q and l = (w/(2v))−1/3 Q.
The minimised cost is
 w 2/3  w 2/3  w 2/3
C = vk + wl = v Q + 2v Q = 3v Q.
2v 2v 2v
The corresponding value of the multiplier is
 2/3  w 2/3
∗ 2/3 −2/3 k
λ = 3vk l = 3v = 3v
l 2v
and  w 2/3
∂C
= 3v = λ∗ .
∂Q 2v

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 Examiners’ commentaries 2021

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

ye2y
f (x, y) = ,
xa
where a is a fixed real number. Find expressions for the partial derivatives

∂f ∂f ∂2f ∂2f
, , , .
∂x ∂y ∂x2 ∂y 2
Determine the values of a for which the function will satisfy the equation

∂2f ∂2f
yx2 − 3y + 12f = 0.
∂x2 ∂y 2

Reading for this question

See Chapter 5 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
We have
aye2y a(a + 1)ye2y
fx = − , fxx =
xa+1 xa+2
and
e2y + 2ye2y 4e2y + 4ye2y
fy = , fyy = .
xa xa
Then, yx2 fxx − 3yfyy + 12f simplifies to

y 2 e2y
(a(a + 1) − 12)).
xa
This will equal 0 if and only if
a(a + 1) − 12 = 0.
Now,

a(a + 1) − 12 = 0 ⇔ a2 + a − 12 = 0 ⇔ (a + 4)(a − 3) = 0 ⇔ a = −4 or 3.

So we must have a = −4 or a = 3.

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