OCR MEI C4 2012 January — Question 8 18 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleC4 (Core Mathematics 4)
Year2012
SessionJanuary
Marks18
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicParametric curves and Cartesian conversion
TypeProperties of specific curves
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard parametric curves question requiring routine differentiation (dy/dx = dy/dt ÷ dx/dt), basic trigonometry with tan(2θ) formula, and a straightforward volume of revolution calculation. While multi-part with several steps, each technique is standard C4 material with no novel insights required—slightly easier than average due to heavy scaffolding.
Spec1.03g Parametric equations: of curves and conversion to cartesian1.07s Parametric and implicit differentiation4.08d Volumes of revolution: about x and y axes

Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of a car headlight whose inside reflective surface is modelled, in suitable units, by the curve $$x = 2t^2, y = 4t, \quad -\sqrt{2} < t < \sqrt{2}.$$ P\((2t^2, 4t)\) is a point on the curve with parameter \(t\). TS is the tangent to the curve at P, and PR is the line through P parallel to the \(x\)-axis. Q is the point (2, 0). The angles that PS and QP make with the positive \(x\)-direction are \(\theta\) and \(\phi\) respectively. \includegraphics{figure_8}
  1. By considering the gradient of the tangent TS, show that \(\tan \theta = \frac{1}{t}\). [3]
  2. Find the gradient of the line QP in terms of \(t\). Hence show that \(\phi = 2\theta\), and that angle TPQ is equal to \(\theta\). [8]
[The above result shows that if a lamp bulb is placed at Q, then the light from the bulb is reflected to produce a parallel beam of light.] The inside surface of the headlight has the shape produced by rotating the curve about the \(x\)-axis.
  1. Show that the curve has cartesian equation \(y^2 = 8x\). Hence find the volume of revolution of the curve, giving your answer as a multiple of \(\pi\). [7]

Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of a car headlight whose inside reflective surface is modelled, in suitable units, by the curve

$$x = 2t^2, y = 4t, \quad -\sqrt{2} < t < \sqrt{2}.$$

P$(2t^2, 4t)$ is a point on the curve with parameter $t$. TS is the tangent to the curve at P, and PR is the line through P parallel to the $x$-axis. Q is the point (2, 0). The angles that PS and QP make with the positive $x$-direction are $\theta$ and $\phi$ respectively.

\includegraphics{figure_8}

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item By considering the gradient of the tangent TS, show that $\tan \theta = \frac{1}{t}$. [3]

\item Find the gradient of the line QP in terms of $t$. Hence show that $\phi = 2\theta$, and that angle TPQ is equal to $\theta$. [8]
\end{enumerate}

[The above result shows that if a lamp bulb is placed at Q, then the light from the bulb is reflected to produce a parallel beam of light.]

The inside surface of the headlight has the shape produced by rotating the curve about the $x$-axis.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{2}
\item Show that the curve has cartesian equation $y^2 = 8x$. Hence find the volume of revolution of the curve, giving your answer as a multiple of $\pi$. [7]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI C4 2012 Q8 [18]}}