CAIE P3 2016 November — Question 3 5 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2016
SessionNovember
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicReciprocal Trig & Identities
TypeConvert equation to quadratic form
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This question requires converting reciprocal trig functions to basic trig functions and manipulating to form a quadratic, followed by routine solving within a given range. While it involves multiple steps (converting sec and tan, clearing fractions, forming quadratic in sin θ), these are standard techniques for P3 level with no novel insight required. Slightly above average difficulty due to the algebraic manipulation needed, but well within typical A-level expectations.
Spec1.02f Solve quadratic equations: including in a function of unknown1.05h Reciprocal trig functions: sec, cosec, cot definitions and graphs1.05j Trigonometric identities: tan=sin/cos and sin^2+cos^2=11.05o Trigonometric equations: solve in given intervals

3 Express the equation \(\sec \theta = 3 \cos \theta + \tan \theta\) as a quadratic equation in \(\sin \theta\). Hence solve this equation for \(- 90 ^ { \circ } < \theta < 90 ^ { \circ }\).

Question 3:
EITHER:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Correctly restate the equation in terms of \(\sin\theta\) and \(\cos\theta\)B1
Correct method to obtain a horizontal equation in \(\sin\theta\)M1
Reduce to correct quadratic, e.g. \(3\sin^2\theta - \sin\theta - 2 = 0\)A1
Solve a three-term quadratic for \(\sin\theta\)M1
Obtain final answer \(\theta = -41.8°\) onlyA1 Ignore answers outside the given interval
OR 1:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Square both sides and use \(1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta\)B1
Correct method to obtain a horizontal equation in \(\sin\theta\)M1
Reduce to correct quadratic, e.g. \(9\sin^2\theta - 6\sin\theta - 8 = 0\)A1
Solve a three-term quadratic for \(\sin\theta\)M1
Obtain final answer \(\theta = -41.8°\) onlyA1
OR 2:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Multiply through by \((\sec\theta + \tan\theta)\)M1
Use \(\sec^2\theta - \tan^2\theta = 1\)B1
Obtain \(1 = 3 + 3\sin\theta\)A1
Solve for \(\sin\theta\)M1
Obtain final answer \(\theta = -41.8°\) onlyA1
## Question 3:

### EITHER:

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Correctly restate the equation in terms of $\sin\theta$ and $\cos\theta$ | B1 | |
| Correct method to obtain a horizontal equation in $\sin\theta$ | M1 | |
| Reduce to correct quadratic, e.g. $3\sin^2\theta - \sin\theta - 2 = 0$ | A1 | |
| Solve a three-term quadratic for $\sin\theta$ | M1 | |
| Obtain final answer $\theta = -41.8°$ only | A1 | Ignore answers outside the given interval |

### OR 1:

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Square both sides and use $1 + \tan^2\theta = \sec^2\theta$ | B1 | |
| Correct method to obtain a horizontal equation in $\sin\theta$ | M1 | |
| Reduce to correct quadratic, e.g. $9\sin^2\theta - 6\sin\theta - 8 = 0$ | A1 | |
| Solve a three-term quadratic for $\sin\theta$ | M1 | |
| Obtain final answer $\theta = -41.8°$ only | A1 | |

### OR 2:

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Multiply through by $(\sec\theta + \tan\theta)$ | M1 | |
| Use $\sec^2\theta - \tan^2\theta = 1$ | B1 | |
| Obtain $1 = 3 + 3\sin\theta$ | A1 | |
| Solve for $\sin\theta$ | M1 | |
| Obtain final answer $\theta = -41.8°$ only | A1 | |

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3 Express the equation $\sec \theta = 3 \cos \theta + \tan \theta$ as a quadratic equation in $\sin \theta$. Hence solve this equation for $- 90 ^ { \circ } < \theta < 90 ^ { \circ }$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P3 2016 Q3 [5]}}