CAIE P2 2023 March — Question 2 5 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP2 (Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2023
SessionMarch
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicStandard trigonometric equations
TypeConvert to quadratic in tan
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This question requires expanding tan(θ-60°) using the compound angle formula, converting cot θ to 1/tan θ, then solving a resulting quadratic in tan θ. It demands multiple techniques (compound angles, trigonometric identities, algebraic manipulation) and careful handling of the restricted domain, making it moderately harder than a standard single-technique trigonometric equation.
Spec1.05l Double angle formulae: and compound angle formulae1.05o Trigonometric equations: solve in given intervals

Solve the equation \(\tan(\theta - 60°) = 3 \cot \theta\) for \(-90° < \theta < 90°\). [5]

Question 2:
AnswerMarks
2tan−tan60 3
State =
AnswerMarks Guidance
1+tantan60 tanB1 OE involving tan only.
Attempt arrangement of equation to quadratic formM1 Condone sign errors in first step and retention of tan60.
Obtain tan2−4 3tan−3=0A1 OE involving decimals.
Solve 3-term quadratic equation to obtain at least one value of M1
Obtain −22.2 and 82.2A1 Or greater accuracy; and no others between –90 and 90.
5
AnswerMarks Guidance
QuestionAnswer Marks
Question 2:
2 | tan−tan60 3
State =
1+tantan60 tan | B1 | OE involving tan only.
Attempt arrangement of equation to quadratic form | M1 | Condone sign errors in first step and retention of tan60.
Obtain tan2−4 3tan−3=0 | A1 | OE involving decimals.
Solve 3-term quadratic equation to obtain at least one value of  | M1
Obtain −22.2 and 82.2 | A1 | Or greater accuracy; and no others between –90 and 90.
5
Question | Answer | Marks | Guidance
Solve the equation $\tan(\theta - 60°) = 3 \cot \theta$ for $-90° < \theta < 90°$. [5]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P2 2023 Q2 [5]}}