OCR C3 — Question 1 5 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleC3 (Core Mathematics 3)
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicNumerical integration
TypeSimpson's rule application
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This question involves finding where ln(2 + cos x) = 0 (straightforward algebra giving cos x = -1, so x = π) and then applying Simpson's rule with 4 strips, which is a standard procedural application of a formula. Both parts require routine techniques with no novel problem-solving, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec1.05a Sine, cosine, tangent: definitions for all arguments1.06d Natural logarithm: ln(x) function and properties1.09f Trapezium rule: numerical integration

1.
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The diagram shows the curve with equation \(y = \ln ( 2 + \cos x ) , x \geq 0\).
The smallest value of \(x\) for which the curve meets the \(x\)-axis is \(a\) as shown.
  1. Find the value of \(a\).
  2. Use Simpson's rule with four strips of equal width to estimate the area of the region bounded by the curve in the interval \(0 \leq x \leq a\) and the coordinate axes.

1.

\begin{center}
\includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{5e6a37a1-c51f-4637-aaae-48da6ab3eca0-1_305_606_219_539}
\end{center}

The diagram shows the curve with equation $y = \ln ( 2 + \cos x ) , x \geq 0$.\\
The smallest value of $x$ for which the curve meets the $x$-axis is $a$ as shown.\\
(i) Find the value of $a$.\\
(ii) Use Simpson's rule with four strips of equal width to estimate the area of the region bounded by the curve in the interval $0 \leq x \leq a$ and the coordinate axes.\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR C3  Q1 [5]}}