CAIE P2 2018 November — Question 3 5 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP2 (Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2018
SessionNovember
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicReciprocal Trig & Identities
TypeSolve equation with reciprocal functions
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This question requires converting reciprocal trig functions to standard form, applying the Pythagorean identity, and solving a quadratic in sin θ. While it involves multiple steps and reciprocal functions, the technique is standard for P2 level with no novel insight required—slightly easier than average due to straightforward algebraic manipulation once the identity is applied.
Spec1.05h 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 Solve the equation \(\sec ^ { 2 } \theta = 3 \operatorname { cosec } \theta\) for \(0 ^ { \circ } < \theta < 180 ^ { \circ }\).

Question 3:
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
State \(\frac{1}{\cos^2\theta} = \frac{3}{\sin\theta}\) or \(1 + \tan^2\theta = \frac{3}{\sin\theta}\)B1
Produce quadratic equation in \(\sin\theta\)M1 Dependent on B1
Solve 3-term quadratic equation to find value between \(-1\) and \(1\) for \(\sin\theta\)M1 Dependent on first M1
Obtain \(\sin\theta = \frac{1}{6}(-1+\sqrt{37})\) and hence 57.9A1
Obtain 122.1 and no others between 0 and 180A1
## Question 3:

| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| State $\frac{1}{\cos^2\theta} = \frac{3}{\sin\theta}$ or $1 + \tan^2\theta = \frac{3}{\sin\theta}$ | B1 | |
| Produce quadratic equation in $\sin\theta$ | M1 | Dependent on B1 |
| Solve 3-term quadratic equation to find value between $-1$ and $1$ for $\sin\theta$ | M1 | Dependent on first M1 |
| Obtain $\sin\theta = \frac{1}{6}(-1+\sqrt{37})$ and hence 57.9 | A1 | |
| Obtain 122.1 and no others between 0 and 180 | A1 | |

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3 Solve the equation $\sec ^ { 2 } \theta = 3 \operatorname { cosec } \theta$ for $0 ^ { \circ } < \theta < 180 ^ { \circ }$.\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P2 2018 Q3 [5]}}