OCR MEI C3 2011 June — Question 8 18 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleC3 (Core Mathematics 3)
Year2011
SessionJune
Marks18
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicDifferentiating Transcendental Functions
TypeDifferentiate exponential functions
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a structured multi-part question testing standard C3 techniques: proving even functions, quotient rule differentiation, algebraic manipulation, integration by substitution, and solving equations. While part (iii) requires algebraic insight to manipulate the expression and part (v) involves some problem-solving, each part follows predictable methods with clear guidance. The substitution is explicitly given, and the question scaffolds students through each step, making it slightly easier than a typical C3 question.
Spec1.06a Exponential function: a^x and e^x graphs and properties1.07j Differentiate exponentials: e^(kx) and a^(kx)1.08h Integration by substitution

\includegraphics{figure_8} Fig. 8 shows the curve \(y = f(x)\), where \(f(x) = \frac{1}{e^x + e^{-x} + 2}\).
  1. Show algebraically that \(f(x)\) is an even function, and state how this property relates to the curve \(y = f(x)\). [3]
  2. Find \(f'(x)\). [3]
  3. Show that \(f(x) = \frac{e^x}{(e^x + 1)^2}\). [2]
  4. Hence, using the substitution \(u = e^x + 1\), or otherwise, find the exact area enclosed by the curve \(y = f(x)\), the \(x\)-axis, and the lines \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1\). [5]
  5. Show that there is only one point of intersection of the curves \(y = f(x)\) and \(y = \frac{1}{4}e^x\), and find its coordinates. [5]

\includegraphics{figure_8}

Fig. 8 shows the curve $y = f(x)$, where $f(x) = \frac{1}{e^x + e^{-x} + 2}$.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Show algebraically that $f(x)$ is an even function, and state how this property relates to the curve $y = f(x)$. [3]

\item Find $f'(x)$. [3]

\item Show that $f(x) = \frac{e^x}{(e^x + 1)^2}$. [2]

\item Hence, using the substitution $u = e^x + 1$, or otherwise, find the exact area enclosed by the curve $y = f(x)$, the $x$-axis, and the lines $x = 0$ and $x = 1$. [5]

\item Show that there is only one point of intersection of the curves $y = f(x)$ and $y = \frac{1}{4}e^x$, and find its coordinates. [5]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI C3 2011 Q8 [18]}}