SPS SPS SM Pure 2025 February — Question 12

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS SM Pure (SPS SM Pure)
Year2025
SessionFebruary
TopicGeneralised Binomial Theorem
TypeExpansion with algebraic manipulation

12.
  1. Show that the first two terms of the binomial expansion of \(\sqrt { 4 - 2 x ^ { 2 } }\) are $$2 - \frac { x ^ { 2 } } { 2 }$$
  2. State the range of values of \(x\) for which the expansion found in part (a) is valid.
  3. Hence, find an approximation for $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { 0.4 } \sqrt { \cos x } d x$$ giving your answer to five decimal places.
    Fully justify your answer.
  4. A student decides to use this method to find an approximation for $$\int _ { 0 } ^ { 1.4 } \sqrt { \cos x } d x$$ Explain why this may not be a suitable method.