OCR MEI FP2 — Question 5 18 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleFP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2)
Marks18
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Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicIntegration with Partial Fractions
TypeRational function curve sketching
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This is a comprehensive curve sketching question requiring multiple techniques (asymptotes, calculus for stationary points, algebraic analysis of asymptote crossing), but each individual part follows standard Further Maths procedures. The multi-part structure and need to synthesize results across cases elevates it above routine, though no particularly novel insights are required—it's methodical application of FP2 techniques.
Spec1.02k Simplify rational expressions: factorising, cancelling, algebraic division1.02n Sketch curves: simple equations including polynomials1.02p Interpret algebraic solutions: graphically1.02q Use intersection points: of graphs to solve equations1.07n Stationary points: find maxima, minima using derivatives

5 A curve has equation \(y = \frac { x ^ { 3 } - k ^ { 3 } } { x ^ { 2 } - 4 }\), where \(k\) is a positive constant and \(k \neq 2\).
  1. Find the equations of the three asymptotes.
  2. Use your graphical calculator to obtain rough sketches of the curve in the two separate cases \(k < 2\) and \(k > 2\).
  3. In the case \(k < 2\), your sketch may not show clearly the shape of the curve near \(x = 0\). Use calculus to show that the curve has a minimum point when \(x = 0\).
  4. In the case \(k > 2\), your sketch may not show clearly how the curve approaches its asymptote as \(x \rightarrow + \infty\). Show algebraically that the curve crosses this asymptote.
  5. Use the results of parts (iii) and (iv) to produce more accurate sketches of the curve in the two separate cases \(k < 2\) and \(k > 2\). These sketches should indicate where the curve crosses the axes, and should show clearly how the curve approaches its asymptotes. The presence of stationary points should be clearly shown, but there is no need to find their coordinates. RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT \section*{OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS} \section*{MEI STRUCTURED MATHEMATICS} Further Methods for Advanced Mathematics (FP2)
    Tuesday

5 A curve has equation $y = \frac { x ^ { 3 } - k ^ { 3 } } { x ^ { 2 } - 4 }$, where $k$ is a positive constant and $k \neq 2$.\\
(i) Find the equations of the three asymptotes.\\
(ii) Use your graphical calculator to obtain rough sketches of the curve in the two separate cases $k < 2$ and $k > 2$.\\
(iii) In the case $k < 2$, your sketch may not show clearly the shape of the curve near $x = 0$. Use calculus to show that the curve has a minimum point when $x = 0$.\\
(iv) In the case $k > 2$, your sketch may not show clearly how the curve approaches its asymptote as $x \rightarrow + \infty$. Show algebraically that the curve crosses this asymptote.\\
(v) Use the results of parts (iii) and (iv) to produce more accurate sketches of the curve in the two separate cases $k < 2$ and $k > 2$. These sketches should indicate where the curve crosses the axes, and should show clearly how the curve approaches its asymptotes. The presence of stationary points should be clearly shown, but there is no need to find their coordinates.

RECOGNISING ACHIEVEMENT

\section*{OXFORD CAMBRIDGE AND RSA EXAMINATIONS}
\section*{MEI STRUCTURED MATHEMATICS}
Further Methods for Advanced Mathematics (FP2)\\
Tuesday\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI FP2  Q5 [18]}}
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