CAIE P3 2011 June — Question 3 5 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2011
SessionJune
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicStandard trigonometric equations
TypeDouble angle equations requiring identity expansion and factorisation
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a straightforward double angle equation requiring substitution of cos 2θ = 2cos²θ - 1, leading to a quadratic in cos θ. The algebra is routine and the interval restriction makes finding solutions simpler than a full 360° range. Slightly easier than average due to limited steps and standard technique.
Spec1.05l Double angle formulae: and compound angle formulae1.05o Trigonometric equations: solve in given intervals

3 Solve the equation $$\cos \theta + 4 \cos 2 \theta = 3$$ giving all solutions in the interval \(0 ^ { \circ } \leqslant \theta \leqslant 180 ^ { \circ }\).

AnswerMarks Guidance
Use correct trig formula (or formulae) and obtain an equation in \(\cos\theta\)M1
Obtain \(8\cos^2\theta + \cos\theta - 7 = 0\), or equivalentA1
Solve a 3-term quadratic in \(\cos\theta\) and reach \(\theta = \cos^{-1}(a)\)M1
Obtain answer \(29.0°\)A1
Obtain answer \(180°\) and no othersA1 [5]
[Ignore answers outside the given interval. Treat answers in radians (0.505 and 3.14 or \(\pi\)) as a misread.]
[SR: The answer \(180°\) found by inspection can earn B1.]
Use correct trig formula (or formulae) and obtain an equation in $\cos\theta$ | M1 |

Obtain $8\cos^2\theta + \cos\theta - 7 = 0$, or equivalent | A1 |

Solve a 3-term quadratic in $\cos\theta$ and reach $\theta = \cos^{-1}(a)$ | M1 |

Obtain answer $29.0°$ | A1 |

Obtain answer $180°$ and no others | A1 | [5]

[Ignore answers outside the given interval. Treat answers in radians (0.505 and 3.14 or $\pi$) as a misread.]

[SR: The answer $180°$ found by inspection can earn B1.]
3 Solve the equation

$$\cos \theta + 4 \cos 2 \theta = 3$$

giving all solutions in the interval $0 ^ { \circ } \leqslant \theta \leqslant 180 ^ { \circ }$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P3 2011 Q3 [5]}}