OCR MEI C4 — Question 2 4 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleC4 (Core Mathematics 4)
Marks4
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicReciprocal Trig & Identities
TypeMultiple angle equations
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a straightforward application of reciprocal trig functions and double angle equations. Students need to recognize cot 2θ = 3 means tan 2θ = 1/3, find the principal value using inverse tan, then apply the periodicity of tangent to find all solutions in the range 0° ≤ 2θ ≤ 360°. While it involves multiple angles and reciprocal trig, it's a standard procedural question with no conceptual challenges, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec1.05h Reciprocal trig functions: sec, cosec, cot definitions and graphs1.05l Double angle formulae: and compound angle formulae1.05o Trigonometric equations: solve in given intervals

2 Solve, correct to 2 decimal places, the equation \(\cot 2 \theta = 3\) for \(0 ^ { \circ } \leqslant \theta \leqslant 180 ^ { \circ }\).

Question 2:
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMark Guidance
\(\cot 2\theta = 3 \Rightarrow \tan 2\theta = \frac{1}{3}\)M1 \(\tan = \frac{1}{\cot}\) used, soi
\(2\theta = 18.43°, \quad \theta = 9.22°\)A1 For first correct solution (9.22 or better, e.g. 9.217)
\(2\theta = 198.43°\)M1 For method for second solution for \(\theta\)
\(\theta = 99.22°\)A1 Second correct solution and no others in range (99.22 or better); or SC ft A1 for \(90°\) + their first solution
OR: \((2\tan\theta)/(1-\tan^2\theta) = \frac{1}{3}\)M1 Use of correct double angle formula
\(\Rightarrow 6\tan\theta = 1 - \tan^2\theta \Rightarrow \tan^2\theta + 6\tan\theta - 1 = 0\)M1 Rearranged to a quadratic \(= 0\) and attempt to solve by formula oe
\(\tan\theta = -6 \pm \sqrt{36+4}/2 = 0.\) or \(-6.1623\)
\(\theta = 9.22°, 99.22°\)A1 First correct solution
A1Second correct solution and no others in range (9.22, 99.22 or better); or SC ft A1 for \(90°\) + their first solution; \(-1\) MR if radians used (0.16, 1.73 or better)
[4]
## Question 2:

| Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|--------|------|----------|
| $\cot 2\theta = 3 \Rightarrow \tan 2\theta = \frac{1}{3}$ | M1 | $\tan = \frac{1}{\cot}$ used, soi |
| $2\theta = 18.43°, \quad \theta = 9.22°$ | A1 | For first correct solution (9.22 or better, e.g. 9.217) |
| $2\theta = 198.43°$ | M1 | For method for second solution for $\theta$ |
| $\theta = 99.22°$ | A1 | Second correct solution and no others in range (99.22 or better); or SC ft A1 for $90°$ + their first solution |
| **OR:** $(2\tan\theta)/(1-\tan^2\theta) = \frac{1}{3}$ | M1 | Use of correct double angle formula |
| $\Rightarrow 6\tan\theta = 1 - \tan^2\theta \Rightarrow \tan^2\theta + 6\tan\theta - 1 = 0$ | M1 | Rearranged to a quadratic $= 0$ and attempt to solve by formula oe |
| $\tan\theta = -6 \pm \sqrt{36+4}/2 = 0.$ or $-6.1623$ | | |
| $\theta = 9.22°, 99.22°$ | A1 | First correct solution |
| | A1 | Second correct solution and no others in range (9.22, 99.22 or better); or SC ft A1 for $90°$ + their first solution; $-1$ MR if radians used (0.16, 1.73 or better) |
| **[4]** | | |

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2 Solve, correct to 2 decimal places, the equation $\cot 2 \theta = 3$ for $0 ^ { \circ } \leqslant \theta \leqslant 180 ^ { \circ }$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI C4  Q2 [4]}}