OCR FP3 — Question 8 10 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleFP3 (Further Pure Mathematics 3)
Marks10
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicFirst order differential equations (integrating factor)
TypeStandard linear first order - variable coefficients
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This is a first-order linear ODE requiring the integrating factor method (standard FP3 technique), but the integration of cos³x·sec x = cos²x requires a trigonometric identity and substitution. The particular solution is straightforward once the general solution is found. More challenging than routine C3/C4 integration due to the algebraic manipulation and being a Further Maths topic, but follows a well-defined method without requiring novel insight.
Spec4.10c Integrating factor: first order equations

  1. Find the general solution of the differential equation $$\frac{dy}{dx} + y\tan x = \cos^3 x,$$ expressing \(y\) in terms of \(x\) in your answer. [8]
  2. Find the particular solution for which \(y = 2\) when \(x = \pi\). [2]

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Find the general solution of the differential equation
$$\frac{dy}{dx} + y\tan x = \cos^3 x,$$
expressing $y$ in terms of $x$ in your answer. [8]
\item Find the particular solution for which $y = 2$ when $x = \pi$. [2]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR FP3  Q8 [10]}}