A Level H2 Maths Solutions › 2026
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A Level H2 Maths 2026 Solutions
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Preparing for Paper 2
Paper 2 has two sections: Section A is Pure Maths (40 marks, 4 to 5 questions) and Section B is Statistics (60 marks). The lists below are for Section A. It can test any Pure Maths topic, including the ones that came up in Paper 1, so use the lists to decide what to revise first , not what to skip.
Not tested in Paper 1
Sequences and series
Arithmetic progressions: n th term and sum
Finding un from Sn , using un = Sn − S n −1
Sigma notation, including sum and difference of two series
Complex numbers
Complex roots of quadratic equations, conjugate roots of polynomial equations with real coefficients, modulus and argument, equating real and imaginary parts, the Argand diagram and the effects of conjugation, negation and multiplication by i (Q5 tested only the four operations)
Calculus
Implicit differentiation
Stationary points and their nature (first and second derivative tests)
Maxima and minima problems
Connected rates of change
Sketching the graph of y = f′(x ) from the graph of y = f(x )
Graphical interpretation of f′(x ) > 0, f′(x ) = 0 and f′(x ) < 0 (increasing, stationary, decreasing), and of f″(x ) > 0 and f″(x ) < 0 (concave upward, concave downward)
Integration techniques: integration by a given substitution, sin2 x , cos2 x and tan2 x , and the standard integrals in MF27 such as 1/(a 2 + x 2 ) and 1/√(a 2 − x 2 )
Area: under a curve, below the x -axis, between two curves or a curve and a line
Volume of revolution about the x - or y -axis
Definite integral as the limit of a sum (Riemann sum)
Tested in Paper 1, but some parts not yet
Functions and graphs
Functions (Q10): graphs of f and f−1 (reflection in y = x ), range of a composite function
Piecewise function, Periodic function (not tested)
Graphs and transformations (Q8, Q11): rational functions such as y = (ax + b )/(cx + d ), and the transformations y = f(x + a ) and y = f(ax )
Conics (not tested): parabola, circle and ellipse, hyperbola
Graphs of y = |f(x )|, y = f(|x |) and y = 1/f(x ) from the graph of y = f(x ) (not tested)
Parametric function (Q11 sketched one): Form cartesian equations
Equations and inequalities (Q1, Q6): modulus inequalities (|x − a | < b and |x − a | > b ), and solving inequalities with a graph
Vectors (Q3 and Q12, 22 marks)
Basic properties (Q3): ratio theorem
Vector product (Q3): |a × n̂ | as a perpendicular distance
Lines (not tested): vector and cartesian equations, foot of the perpendicular from a point, and angle between two lines; parallel, intersecting or skew
Planes (Q12): parametric form and converting between forms, foot of the perpendicular from a point to a plane (Q12(d) asked only for the distance)
A line and a plane (not tested): point of intersection, angle between them, a line parallel to or lying in a plane
Two planes (Q12(b) tested the angle): line of intersection
Calculus
Tangents and normals (Q11): normals, and curves defined implicitly
Maclaurin series (Q9): the standard series for (1 + x )n , e x , sin x , cos x and ln(1 + x ) and combining them, the range of x for which a series converges, repeated implicit differentiation, and small angle approximations
Differential equations (Q4): particular solutions, and forming a differential equation from a real-world situation and interpreting its solution
Paper 1 Solutions
Click to display or to hide.
Question 1 - System of linear equations and Recurrence relations (from Sequence & Series)
\begin{align*}
u_{n + 1} & = A u_n + Bn + C \\
\\
u_2 & = A u_1 + B (1) + C \\
22 & = 8A + B + C \text{ --- (1)} \\
\\
u_3 & = A u_2 + B (2) + C \\
49 & = 22A + 2B + C \text{ --- (2)} \\
\\
u_4 & = A u_3 + B (3) + C \\
102 & = 49A + 3B + C \text{ --- (3)}
\end{align*}
\begin{align*}
\text{From GC, } A & = 2, B = -1, C = 7 \\
\\
u_5 & = 2u_4 - (4) + 7 \\
& = 2(102) - 4 + 7 \\
& = 207
\end{align*}
Question 2 - Sequences & series: Geometric progression
(a)
Time after the start (minutes) Distance covered in the interval (km)
\(0\text{–}15\) \(2.5\)
\(15\text{–}30\) \(2.5(0.95)\)
\(30\text{–}45\) \(2.5(0.95)^2\)
\(45\text{–}60\) \(2.5(0.95)^3\)
\(60\text{–}75\) \(2.5(0.95)^4\)
$$ \text{Distance covered} = 2.5(0.95)^4 = 2.036265625 \approx 2.04 \text{ km (3 s.f.)} $$
(b)
\begin{align*}
\text{Total distance covered by the end of the } n \text{th interval} & = S_n \\
& = \frac{ a(1 - r^n) }{ 1 - r} \\
& = \frac{ 2.5 [1 - (0.95)^n] }{ 1 - 0.95 } \\
& = \frac{ 2.5 [1 - (0.95)^n] }{0.05} \\
& = 50[1 - (0.95)^n] \\
\\
50[1 - (0.95)^n] & \ge \frac{52}{2} \\
50[1 - (0.95)^n] & \ge 26 \\
1 - (0.95)^n & \ge \frac{26}{50} \\
- (0.95)^n & \ge - \frac{12}{25} \\
(0.95)^n & \le \frac{12}{25} \\
\lg (0.95)^n & \le \lg \frac{12}{25} \\
n \lg 0.95 & \le \lg \frac{12}{25} \\
n & \ge \frac{ \lg \frac{12}{25} }{ \lg 0.95 } \qquad [\lg 0.95 < 0] \\
n & \ge 14.309\ldots \\
\\
\text{When } & n = 14, \\
S_{14} & = 50[1 - (0.95)^{14}] \approx 25.616 < 26 \\
\\
\text{When } & n = 15, \\
S_{15} & = 50[1 - (0.95)^{15}] \approx 26.835 > 26 \\
\\
\text{The least integer } n & = 15. \\
\\
15 \text{ minutes} \times 14 & = 210 \text{ minutes} \\
& = 3 \text{ hours } 30 \text{ minutes} \\
\\
15 \text{ minutes} \times 15 & = 225 \text{ minutes} \\
& = 3 \text{ hours } 45 \text{ minutes}
\end{align*}
The athlete will reach the halfway point in the 15th interval, between 3 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes after the start.
(c)
\begin{align*}
S_\infty & = \frac{a}{1 - r} \qquad (|r| = 0.95 < 1) \\
& = \frac{2.5}{1 - 0.95} \\
& = 50 \text{ km} < 52 \text{ km}
\end{align*}
According to the model, she will not complete the ultramarathon, since her total distance approaches 50 km and never reaches the required 52 km.
The model is therefore not suitable for describing a runner completing this ultramarathon: it predicts that the distance covered in each successive interval tends to zero and limits her total distance to 50 km.
In reality, after taking a break or consuming energy gels, she may cover a greater distance in a subsequent 15-minute interval, which the model does not allow.
Question 3 - Vector algebra
(a)
\begin{align*}
( \textbf{a} - \textbf{b}) \times ( \textbf{a} - \textbf{c} ) & = \textbf{0} \\
( \overrightarrow{OA} - \overrightarrow{OB} ) \times (\overrightarrow{OA} - \overrightarrow{OC}) & = \textbf{0} \\
\overrightarrow{BA} \times \overrightarrow{CA} & = \textbf{0}
\end{align*}
Since \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are distinct, \(\overrightarrow{BA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{CA}\) are non-zero vectors. Their cross product is zero, so they are parallel. As the lines \(BA\) and \(CA\) share the point \(A\), the points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are collinear.
(b)
\begin{align*}
| \textbf{b} \cdot (\textbf{c} - \textbf{d})| & = | \hat{\textbf{b}} \cdot ( \overrightarrow{OC} - \overrightarrow{OD} ) | \qquad [ \textbf{b} \text{ is a unit vector}] \\
& = | \hat{\overrightarrow{OB}} \cdot \overrightarrow{DC} | \\
& = | \overrightarrow{DC} \cdot \hat{\overrightarrow{OB}} |
\end{align*}
It is the length of the projection of \(\overrightarrow{DC}\) onto the line \(OB\).
(c)
\begin{align*}
\text{Since } OA & \perp OB, \\
\overrightarrow{OA} \cdot \overrightarrow{OB} & = 0 \\
\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} p \\ q \\ q \end{pmatrix} & = 0 \\
2p - 3q + 4q & = 0 \\
2p + q & = 0 \\
q & = -2p \\
\\
\text{Since } \textbf{b} \text{ is a unit vector, } |\textbf{b}| & = 1. \\
\sqrt{ p^2 + q^2 + q^2 } & = 1 \\
p^2 + 2q^2 & = 1 \\
p^2 + 2(-2p)^2 & = 1 \\
9p^2 & = 1 \\
p & = \pm \frac{1}{3} \\
q = -2p & = \mp \frac{2}{3} \\
\\
\therefore p = \frac{1}{3}, q = -\frac{2}{3} & \text{ or } p = - \frac{1}{3}, q = \frac{2}{3}
\end{align*}
Question 4 - Differential equation: Solve by substitution
(a)
\begin{align*}
\frac{d}{dx} (y) & = \frac{d}{dx}(vx) \qquad \qquad [\text{Since } y = vx] \\
\frac{dy}{dx} & = v(1) + (x)\frac{dv}{dx} \qquad [\text{Product rule}] \\
\frac{dy}{dx} & = v + x \frac{dv}{dx} \\
\\
x^2 \frac{dy}{dx} & = y^2 + xy \\
\implies x^2 \left( v + x \frac{dv}{dx} \right) & = (vx)^2 + x(vx) \\
vx^2 + x^3 \frac{dv}{dx} & = v^2 x^2 + vx^2 \\
x^3 \frac{dv}{dx} & = v^2 x^2 \\
\frac{ x^3 \frac{dv}{dx} }{x^2 } & = v^2 \\
x \frac{dv}{dx} & = v^2 \qquad (x \ne 0) \text{ (Shown)}
\end{align*}
(b)
\begin{align*}
x \frac{dv}{dx} & = v^2 \\
\frac{1}{v^2} \frac{dv}{dx} & = \frac{1}{x} \qquad (v \ne 0) \\
\int \frac{1}{v^2} \frac{dv}{dx} \, dx & = \int \frac{1}{x} \, dx \\
\int v^{-2} \, dv & = \int \frac{1}{x} \, dx \\
\frac{v^{-1}}{-1} & = \ln |x| + c \\
- \frac{1}{v} & = \ln |x| + c \\
- \frac{1}{\frac{y}{x}} & = \ln |x| + c \qquad [\text{Since } y = vx, \text{ then } v = \frac{y}{x}] \\
- \frac{x}{y} & = \ln |x| + c \\
- x & = y(\ln |x| + c) \\
\\
\therefore y & = - \frac{x}{\ln|x| + c}, \text{ where } c \text{ is an arbitrary constant}
\end{align*}
Question 5 - Complex numbers: Solve simultaneous equations
\begin{align*}
2z + 7i & = -iw \text{ --- (1)} \\
\\
z - 4 & = w - 4i \\
z & = w - 4i + 4 \text{ --- (2)} \\
\\
\text{Substitute } & \text{(2) into (1),} \\
2(w - 4i + 4) + 7i & = -iw \\
2w - 8i + 8 + 7i & = -iw \\
2w + iw & = i - 8 \\
w(2 + i) & = i - 8 \\
w & = \frac{i - 8}{2 + i} \times \frac{2 - i}{2 - i} \\
w & = \frac{ 2i - i^2 - 16 + 8i }{ 2^2 - i^2 } \\
w & = \frac{ 10i + 1 - 16 } {4 + 1} \\
w & = \frac{ 10i - 15 } {5} \\
w & = \frac{10i}{5} - \frac{15}{5} \\
w & = -3 + 2i \\
\\
\text{Substitute } & w = -3 + 2i \text{ into (2),} \\
z & = -3 + 2i - 4i + 4 \\
z & = 1 - 2i \\
\\
\therefore z = 1 - 2i, & \, w = -3 + 2i
\end{align*}
Question 6 - Inequality
(a)
\begin{align*}
\frac{2}{x+1} & < 3 - 2x \\
\frac{2}{x + 1} - \frac{3 - 2x}{1} & < 0 \\
\frac{2 - (3 - 2x)(x + 1)}{x + 1} & < 0 \\
\frac{2 - (3x + 3 - 2x^2 - 2x)}{x + 1} & < 0 \\
\frac{2 - (- 2x^2 + x + 3)}{x + 1} & < 0 \\
\frac{2 + 2x^2 - x - 3}{x + 1} & < 0 \\
\frac{2x^2 - x - 1}{x + 1} & < 0 \\
\frac{(2x + 1)(x - 1)}{x + 1} & < 0
\end{align*}
$$ x < -1 \text{ or } -0.5 < x < 1 $$
(b)
\begin{align*}
\frac{2}{x+1} & < 3 - 2x \\
\\
\text{Replace } & x \text{ with } \sin \theta, \\
\frac{2}{\sin \theta + 1} & < 3 - 2 \sin \theta \\
\\
\text{From (a), } & x < - 1 \\
\sin \theta & < - 1 \text{ (No solution, since } -1 \le \sin \theta \le 1) \\
\\
\text{From (a), } & -0.5 < x < 1 \\
-0.5 & < \sin \theta < 1 \\
\\
\text{Consider } \sin \theta & = -0.5 \qquad [\text{3rd or 4th quadrant}] \\
\theta & = \pi + \sin^{-1}(0.5), 2\pi - \sin^{-1} (0.5) \\
\theta & = \pi + \frac{\pi}{6}, 2\pi - \frac{\pi}{6} \\
\theta & = \frac{7\pi}{6}, \frac{11\pi}{6} \\
\\
\text{Consider } \sin \theta & = 1 \qquad [\text{1st or 2nd quadrant}] \\
\theta & = \sin^{-1} (1), \pi - \sin^{-1}(1) \\
\theta & = \frac{\pi}{2} \qquad [\text{Need to exclude this value}]
\end{align*}
$$ 0 < \theta < \frac{\pi}{2} \text{ or } \frac{\pi}{2} < \theta < \frac{7\pi}{6} \text{ or } \frac{11\pi}{6} < \theta < 2 \pi $$
Question 7 - Differentiation and Integration (Antiderivative and Integration by parts)
(a)
\begin{align*}
[ \frac{d}{dx} [ e^{f(x)}] = f'(x) . e^{f(x)}, &\, \frac{d}{dx}[ \cos f(x)] = - f'(x) . \sin f(x) ] \\
\\
\frac{d}{dx} (e^{\cos 2x}) & = -2 \sin 2x . e^{\cos 2x} \\
& = -2 e^{\cos 2x} \sin 2x
\end{align*}
(b)
\begin{align*}
\int e^{\cos 2x} \sin 4x \, dx & = \int e^{\cos 2x} (2 \sin 2x \cos 2x) \, dx
\qquad [\sin 2A = 2\sin A \cos A] \\
& = \int \underbrace{(-2e^{\cos 2x} \sin 2x)}_\text{Part a}(-\cos 2x) \, dx \\
\\
u & = - \cos 2x \\
\frac{du}{dx} & = - (-2 \sin 2x) = 2 \sin 2x \\
\\
\frac{dv}{dx} & = -2e^{\cos 2x} \sin 2x \\
v & = e^{\cos 2x} \qquad \qquad \qquad [\text{Reverse of differentiation from part a}] \\
\\
\int u \frac{dv}{dx} \, dx & = uv - \int v \frac{du}{dx} \, dx \qquad [\text{Integration by parts}] \\
\int (-\cos 2x)(-2e^{\cos 2x} \sin 2x) \, dx
& = (- \cos 2x)(e^{\cos 2x}) - \int (e^{\cos 2x})(2 \sin 2x) \, dx \\
& = - e^{\cos 2x} \cos 2x + \int \underbrace{- 2 e^{\cos 2x} \sin 2x}_\text{Part a} \, dx \\
& = - e^{\cos 2x} \cos 2x + e^{\cos 2x} + c \\
\\
\therefore \int_\frac{\pi}{4}^\frac{\pi}{2} e^{\cos 2x} \sin 4x \, dx
& = \left[ - e^{\cos 2x} \cos 2x + e^{\cos 2x} \right]_\frac{\pi}{4}^\frac{\pi}{2} \\
& = - e^{\cos \pi} \cos \pi + e^{\cos \pi} + e^{\cos \frac{\pi}{2}} \cos \frac{\pi}{2} - e^{\cos \frac{\pi}{2}} \\
& = -e^{-1} (-1) + e^{-1} + e^0 (0) - e^0 \\
& = e^{-1} + e^{-1} - 1 \\
& = 2e^{-1} - 1
\end{align*}
Question 8 - Graphing techniques and Transformations
(a)
\begin{align*}
\frac{y}{1} & = \frac{2x^2}{2x - 1} \\
y(2x - 1) & = 2x^2 \\
2yx - y & = 2x^2 \\
0 & = 2x^2 - 2yx + y \\
\\
b^2 - 4ac & = (-2y)^2 - 4(2)(y) \\
& = 4y^2 - 8y \\
\\
b^2 - 4ac & < 0 \qquad [\text{Values that } y \text{ cannot take} \implies \text{No real roots}] \\
4y^2 - 8y & < 0 \\
y^2 - 2y & < 0 \\
y(y - 2) & < 0 \\
\\
0 & < y < 2 \\
\\
\therefore \{ y \in \mathbb{R} : & \, 0 < y < 2 \}
\end{align*}
(b)(i)
$$
\begin{array}{rr}
& 2x + 1 \phantom{00000.} \\
\phantom{} & 2x - 1 ) \overline{4x^2 + 0x + 1} \phantom{0} \\
& -\underline{(4x^2 - 2x)\phantom{{}+1}} \\
& 2x + 1 \\
& -\underline{(2x - 1)} \\
& 2
\end{array}
$$
\begin{align*}
y & = \frac{4x^2 + 1}{2x - 1} \\
& = 2x + 1 + \frac{2}{2x - 1} \\
\\
\therefore a & = 2,\quad b = 1,\quad c = 2 \\
\\
\text{Oblique } & \text{asymptote: } y = 2x + 1 \\
\\
\text{Vertical } & \text{asymptote: } x = 0.5
\end{align*}
(b)(ii)
\begin{align*}
y & = x + \frac{1}{2x - 1} \\
\\
(1) & \text{ Replace } y \text{ by } \frac{y}{2} \\
\frac{y}{2} & = x + \frac{1}{2x - 1} \\
y & = 2 \left( x + \frac{1}{2x - 1} \right) \\
y & = 2x + \frac{2}{2x - 1} \\
\\
(2) & \text{ Replace } y \text{ by } y - 1 \\
y - 1 & = 2x + \frac{2}{2x - 1} \\
\text{Curve } D: \, y & = 2x + 1 + \frac{2}{2x - 1} \\
\\ \\
\therefore (1) & \text{ Scale parallel to } y \text{-axis by factor of 2} \\
(2) & \text{ Translate by 1 unit in positive } y \text{-direction}
\end{align*}
Question 9 - Maclaurin series
(a)
\begin{align*}
f(x) & = \ln (a + a \sin x) \\
\\
f'(x) & = \frac{a \cos x}{a + a \sin x} \qquad [ \frac{d}{dx}[ \ln f(x)] = \frac{f'(x)}{f(x)} ] \\
& = \frac{a \cos x}{a(1 + \sin x)} \\
& = \frac{\cos x}{1 + \sin x} \\
\\
f''(x) & = \frac{ (1 + \sin x)(-\sin x) - (\cos x)(\cos x) }{ (1 + \sin x)^2 } \qquad [\text{Quotient rule}] \\
& = \frac{ -\sin x - \sin^2 x - \cos^2 x}{ (1 + \sin x)^2 } \\
& = \frac{ - \sin x - 1}{ (1 + \sin x)^2 } \qquad [\sin^2 A + \cos^2 A = 1] \\
& = \frac{ -(1 + \sin x)}{(1 + \sin x)^2} \\
& = \frac{ - 1 }{ 1 + \sin x } \text{ (Shown)} \\
\\
\therefore k & = -1
\end{align*}
(b)
\begin{align*}
y|_{x = 0} = f(0) & = \ln (a + a \sin 0) \\
& = \ln a \\
\\
\frac{dy}{dx}|_{x = 0} = f'(0) & = \frac{\cos 0}{1 + \sin 0} \\
& = 1 \\
\\
\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}|_{x = 0} = f''(0) & = \frac{-1}{1 + \sin 0} \\
& = -1 \\
\\
f''(x) & = -(1 + \sin x)^{-1} \\
\\
f'''(x) & = -(-1)(1 + \sin x)^{-2} . (\cos x) \qquad [\text{Chain rule}] \\
& = \frac{ \cos x}{ (1 + \sin x)^2 } \\
\\
\frac{d^3y}{dx^3}|_{x = 0} = f'''(0) & = \frac{\cos 0}{ (1 + \sin 0)^2 } \\
& = 1 \\
\\
f(x) & = f(0) + f'(0) x + \frac{ f''(0)}{2!} x^2 + \frac{ f'''(0)}{3!}x^3 + ... \\
& = \ln a + (1)(x) + \frac{(-1)}{2} x^2 + \frac{(1)}{6}x^3 + ... \\
& = \ln a + x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{6}x^3 + ...
\end{align*}
(c)(i)
\begin{align*}
\int_0^{1.2} f(x) \, dx & \approx \int_0^{1.2} \left( \ln 2 + x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{6}x^3 \right) \, dx \\
& = [ (\ln 2)x + \frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{6}x^3 + \frac{1}{24}x^4]_0^{1.2} \\
& = [ (\ln 2)(1.2) + \frac{1}{2}(1.2)^2 - \frac{1}{6}(1.2)^3 + \frac{1}{24}(1.2)^4 ] - 0 \\
& = 1.350176\ldots \\
& \approx 1.35 \text{ (2 d.p.)}
\end{align*}
(c)(ii)
\begin{align*}
\int_0^{1.2} f(x) \, dx & = \int_0^{1.2} \ln(2 + 2\sin x) \, dx \\
& = 1.322161\ldots \qquad [\text{From GC in radian mode}] \\
& \approx 1.32 \text{ (2 d.p.)}
\end{align*}
(c)(iii)
$$ f(x) = \ln a + x - \frac{1}{2}x^2 + \frac{1}{6}x^3 + ... $$
In (c)(i), the Maclaurin series is truncated after the term in \(x^3\), so terms in \(x^4\) and higher powers are omitted. This approximation is accurate near \(x = 0\), but the omitted terms are not negligible over the whole interval \(0 \le x \le 1.2\).
Question 10 - Functions
(a)
When \(m = 3\), \(f(x) = e^{3-x}\) for \(x \le 3\), so \(f\) is strictly decreasing. Every horizontal line meets this restricted graph at most once, so \(f\) is one-one and \(f^{-1}\) exists.
Hence the greatest value of \(m\) for which \(f^{-1}\) exists is \(3\).
(b)
\begin{align*}
D_f & = R_{f^{-1}} = (-\infty, 3] \\
\\
R_f & = D_{f^{-1}} = [1, \infty) \\
\\
\text{Let } y & = e^{|3 - x|} \\
\ln y & = \ln e^{|3 - x|} \\
\ln y & = |3 - x| \ln e \\
\ln y & = |3 - x| (1) \\
\ln y & = |3 - x| \\
\pm \ln y & = 3 - x \\
x & = 3 \pm \ln y \\
\\
\text{Since } & x \le 3, \\
x & = 3 - \ln y \\
\\
f^{-1}(x) & = 3 - \ln x, x \in \mathbb{R}, x \ge 1
\end{align*}
(c)
\begin{align*}
\text{From (b), } D_{f^{-1}} & = [1, \infty) \\
\\
\text{For } f[ f^{-1} (|x|) ] & \text{ to be defined,} \\
|x| & \in D_{f^{-1}} \\
|x| & \in [1, \infty) \\
|x| & \ge 1 \\
\\
\text{Since } f[f^{-1} (x)] & = x, \\
f[ f^{-1} (|x|) ] & = |x| \\
\\
\therefore f[ f^{-1} (|x|) ] \ge 1 & \iff |x| \ge 1 \\
\\
x \le -1 & \text{ or } x \ge 1
\end{align*}
(d)
\begin{align*}
\text{For composite function } & f^{-1} g \text{ to exist, } R_g \subseteq D_{f^{-1}} \\
\\
\text{For } & x \ge 4, \\
\sqrt{x - 4} & \ge 0 \\
n + \sqrt{x - 4} & \ge n \\
\\
\implies R_g & = [n, \infty) \\
\\
\text{From (b), } D_{f^{-1}} & = [1, \infty) \\
\\
\text{To satisfy } R_g \subseteq D_{f^{-1}}, & \, n \ge 1 \\
\\
\text{Smallest value of } n & = 1
\end{align*}
Question 11 - Parametric function and Applications of Differentiation
(a)
\begin{align*}
\text{Let } & y = 0, \\
0 & = 2 \sin \theta \\
0 & = \sin \theta \\
\\
\theta & = \sin^{-1} (0), \pi - \sin^{-1} (0), \sin^{-1} (0) + 2\pi \\
& = 0, \pi, 2\pi \\
\\
x & = 2(0) + \sin 0, 2(\pi) + \sin (2\pi), 2(2\pi) + \sin (4\pi) \\
& = 0, 2\pi, 4\pi \\
\\
O &(0,0), P(2\pi, 0), Q(4\pi, 0)
\end{align*}
GC screenshots for reference (radian mode):
(b)(i)
\begin{align*}
\frac{dx}{d\theta} & = 2 + 2 \cos 2 \theta \\
\\
\frac{dy}{d\theta} & = 2 \cos \theta \\
\\
\frac{dy}{dx} & = \frac{dy}{d\theta} \div \frac{dx}{d\theta} \\
& = 2 \cos \theta \div (2 + 2 \cos 2 \theta) \\
& = \frac{2 \cos \theta}{1} \times \frac{1}{2 + 2 \cos 2 \theta} \\
& = \frac{2 \cos \theta}{2 + 2 \cos 2 \theta} \\
& = \frac{2 \cos \theta}{2 + 2(2 \cos^2 \theta - 1)} \qquad [ \cos 2A = 2 \cos^2 A - 1] \\
& = \frac{2 \cos \theta}{4 \cos^2 \theta} \\
& = \frac{1}{2\cos \theta} \\
& = \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{\cos \theta} \right) \\
& = \frac{1}{2} \sec \theta \qquad (\cos \theta \ne 0) \text{ (Shown)}
\end{align*}
(b)(ii)
\begin{align*}
\text{From (i), } \frac{dy}{dx} & = \frac{1}{2\cos \theta} \\
\\
\text{Since the numerator is } 1, & \, \frac{dy}{dx} \ne 0 \text{ for all real values of } \theta \\
\\
\therefore \text{Graph of } C \text{ has no } & \text{stationary points}
\end{align*}
(b)(iii)
\begin{align*}
x|_{\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}} & = 2 \left( \frac{\pi}{3}\right) + \sin \frac{2\pi}{3} \\
& = \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
\\
y|_{\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}} & = 2 \sin \frac{\pi}{3} \\
& = 2 \left( \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) \\
& = \sqrt{3} \\
\\
\frac{dy}{dx}|_{\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}} & = \frac{1}{2\cos \frac{\pi}{3}} \\
& = 1 \\
\\
\text{The tangent at } & \left( \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, \sqrt{3} \right) \text{ has gradient } 1 \\
\\
y - y_1 & = m(x - x_1) \\
y - \sqrt{3} & = (1)\left(x - \frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) \\
y & = x - \frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} + \sqrt{3} \\
\text{Equation of tangent: } y & = x - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
\\
\text{Let } & x = 0, \\
y & = - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
\\
\implies & \, S \left(0, - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \right) \\
\\
\text{Let } & y = 0, \\
0 & = x - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
-x & = - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
x & = \frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \\
\\
\implies & \, R \left( \frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}, 0 \right) \\
\\
RS & = \sqrt{ \left[0 - \left(\frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)\right]^2 + \left( - \frac{2\pi}{3} + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} - 0 \right)^2 } \\
& = \sqrt{2}\left(\frac{2\pi}{3} - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) \\
& \approx 1.74 \text{ units (3 s.f.)}
\end{align*}
Question 12 - Vectors (Real-world context)
(a)
\begin{align*}
\overrightarrow{AB} & = \overrightarrow{OB} - \overrightarrow{OA} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 8 \\ -40 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 15 \\ -60 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ -7 \\ 20 \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
\overrightarrow{AC} & = \overrightarrow{OC} - \overrightarrow{OA} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ 10 \\ -50 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 15 \\ -60 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} -15 \\ -5 \\ 10 \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
\overrightarrow{AB} \times \overrightarrow{AC} & = \begin{pmatrix} -5 \\ -7 \\ 20 \end{pmatrix} \times \begin{pmatrix} -15 \\ -5 \\ 10 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} (-7)(10) - (20)(-5) \\ (20)(-15) - (-5)(10) \\ (-5)(-5) - (-7)(-15) \end{pmatrix} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} 30 \\ -250 \\ -80 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = 10 \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
\text{Normal vector of plane, } \textbf{n} & = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
d & = \overrightarrow{OA} \cdot \textbf{n} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 15 \\ -60 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = (10)(3) + (15)(-25) + (-60)(-8) \\
& = 30 - 375 + 480 \\
& = 135 \\
\\
\text{Scalar-product form: } & \textbf{r} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} = 135 \\
\\
\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} & = 135 \\
3x - 25y - 8z & = 135
\end{align*}
(b)
\begin{align*}
[\text{Angle between two planes} & = \text{Angle between the normal of each plane}] \\
\\
\text{Ground: } z & = 0 \\
\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} & = 0 \\
\textbf{r} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} & = 0 \qquad [xy \text{-plane that contains origin]} \\
\\
\cos \theta & = \frac{ | \textbf{n}_\text{Mineral} \cdot \textbf{n}_\text{Ground} | }{ | \textbf{n}_\text{Mineral} | | \textbf{n}_\text{Ground} | } \\
& = \frac{ \left| \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \right| }{ \sqrt{3^2 + (-25)^2 + (-8)^2} \sqrt{0^2 + 0^2 + 1^2} } \\
& = \frac{ |(3)(0) + (-25)(0) + (-8)(1)| }{ \sqrt{698}(1) } \\
& = \frac{|-8|}{\sqrt{698}} \\
& = \frac{8}{\sqrt{698}} \\
\\
\theta & = \cos^{-1} \left( \frac{8}{\sqrt{698}} \right) \\
& \approx 72.4^\circ \text{ (1 d.p.)} \\
\\
\therefore \text{The acute angle between } & \text{the mineral layer and the ground is } 72.4^\circ.
\end{align*}
(c)
\begin{align*}
\text{Let } V \text{ denote the point } & \text{on the mineral layer that is vertically below } P \\
\\
\implies V(-17, 188, z), &\text{ for a certain value of } z \\
\\
\text{Since } V \text{ lies on} & \text{ the mineral layer,} \\
\overrightarrow{OV} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} & = 135 \\
\begin{pmatrix} -17 \\ 188 \\ z \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix} & = 135 \\
(-17)(3) + (188)(-25) + z(-8) & = 135 \\
-51 - 4700 - 8z & = 135 \\
-8z & = 135 + 51 + 4700 \\
-8z & = 4886 \\
z & = -610.75 \\
\\
\implies V & = (-17, 188, -610.75) \\
\\
\text{Vertical distance } PV & = |0 - (-610.75)| \\
& = 610.75 \text{ m} \\
& \approx 611 \text{ m (3 s.f.)}
\end{align*}
(d)
\begin{align*}
\text{Required distance} = | \overrightarrow{PF} | & = \text{Length of projection of } \overrightarrow{PV} \text{ onto line } PF \\
& = | \overrightarrow{PV} \cdot \hat{ \overrightarrow{PF} } | \\
\\
\overrightarrow{PV} & = \overrightarrow{OV} - \overrightarrow{OP} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} -17 \\ 188 \\ -610.75 \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} -17 \\ 188 \\0 \end{pmatrix} \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ -610.75 \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
\overrightarrow{PF} & \, // \, \text{Normal vector of mineral layer} \\
\overrightarrow{PF} & = k \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -25 \\ -8 \end{pmatrix}, \text{ for a certain non-zero value of } k \\
& = \begin{pmatrix} 3k \\ -25k \\ -8k \end{pmatrix} \\
\\
| \overrightarrow{PF} | & = \sqrt{ (3k)^2 + (-25k)^2 + (-8k)^2 } \\
& = \sqrt{698k^2} \\
& = |k| \sqrt{ 698} \\
\\
| \overrightarrow{PV} \cdot \hat{ \overrightarrow{PF} } | & = \frac{ | \overrightarrow{PV} \cdot \overrightarrow{PF} | }{ | \overrightarrow{PF} | } \\
& = \frac{ \left| \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ -610.75 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix} 3k \\ -25k \\ -8k \end{pmatrix} \right| }{ |k| \sqrt{ 698} } \\
& = \frac{ | 0 + 0 + 4886k | }{|k| \sqrt{698}} \\
& = \frac{ | 4886k | }{|k| \sqrt{698}} \\
& = \frac{|k||4886|}{|k| \sqrt{698} } \\
& = \frac{ 4886}{\sqrt{698}} \\
& = 184.937827\ldots \\
& \approx 185 \text{ m (3 s.f.)}
\end{align*}
Paper 2 Solutions
Paper 2 is on 6 November 2026. Solutions will be added here after the paper.