Edexcel M5 — Question 1 7 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleM5 (Mechanics 5)
Marks7
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicFirst order differential equations (integrating factor)
TypeApplied/modelling contexts
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This is a first-order linear differential equation in vector form requiring integration factor method (e^{-2t}) and application of initial conditions. While it involves multiple steps (recognizing the DE type, finding integrating factor, integrating, applying boundary conditions, solving for t), the techniques are standard M5 material with no novel insight required. The 7 marks reflect computational length rather than conceptual difficulty.
Spec1.10b Vectors in 3D: i,j,k notation4.10c Integrating factor: first order equations

At time \(t = 0\), the position vector of a particle \(P\) is \(-3j\) m. At time \(t\) seconds, the position vector of \(P\) is \(\mathbf{r}\) metres and the velocity of \(P\) is \(\mathbf{v}\) m s\(^{-1}\). Given that $$\mathbf{v} - 2\mathbf{r} = 4e^t \mathbf{j},$$ find the time when \(P\) passes through the origin. [7]

At time $t = 0$, the position vector of a particle $P$ is $-3j$ m. At time $t$ seconds, the position vector of $P$ is $\mathbf{r}$ metres and the velocity of $P$ is $\mathbf{v}$ m s$^{-1}$. Given that
$$\mathbf{v} - 2\mathbf{r} = 4e^t \mathbf{j},$$
find the time when $P$ passes through the origin.
[7]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel M5  Q1 [7]}}