AQA AS Paper 1 2021 June — Question 6 7 marks

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleAS Paper 1 (AS Paper 1)
Year2021
SessionJune
Marks7
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicTangents, normals and gradients
TypeTangent parallel to given line
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward calculus problem requiring differentiation of an exponential, equating the gradient to the given line's slope (-1/8), solving a simple logarithmic equation, and substituting back. All steps are standard AS-level techniques with no novel insight required, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec1.06a Exponential function: a^x and e^x graphs and properties1.07j Differentiate exponentials: e^(kx) and a^(kx)1.07m Tangents and normals: gradient and equations

A curve has the equation \(y = e^{-2x}\) At point \(P\) on the curve the tangent is parallel to the line \(x + 8y = 5\) Find the coordinates of \(P\) stating your answer in the form \((\ln p, q)\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are rational. [7 marks]

Question 6:
AnswerMarks Guidance
6Recalls gradient function for
𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥1.2 B1
−2𝑥𝑥 −2𝑥𝑥
Gradiente of line is e
1
−8
–2 =
1
−2 𝑥𝑥
−8
e
= 16
2𝑥𝑥
2ex = ln 16
x = ln 16 = ln 4
1
2
y = = =
1
−2ln4 −ln16
ln16
e y = e e
1
16
P is (ln 4, )
1
16
e
AnswerMarks Guidance
Finds gradient of line1.1b B1
Equates their gradient of line to
AnswerMarks Guidance
their gradient of tangent3.1a M1
Solves their equation for x1.1a M1
Obtains correct value for x as
AnswerMarks Guidance
ln 41.1b A1
Substitutes their x value to
obtain a value for y in a correct
but unsimplified form
Or
uses gradient = –2y =
AnswerMarks Guidance
11.1a M1
−8
AnswerMarks Guidance
Obtains correct value for y1.1b R1
Total7
QMarking instructions AO
Question 6:
6 | Recalls gradient function for
𝑘𝑘𝑥𝑥 | 1.2 | B1 | Gradient of is –2
−2𝑥𝑥 −2𝑥𝑥
Gradiente of line is e
1
−8
–2 =
1
−2 𝑥𝑥
−8
e
= 16
2𝑥𝑥
2ex = ln 16
x = ln 16 = ln 4
1
2
y = = =
1
−2ln4 −ln16
ln16
e y = e e
1
16
P is (ln 4, )
1
16
e
Finds gradient of line | 1.1b | B1
Equates their gradient of line to
their gradient of tangent | 3.1a | M1
Solves their equation for x | 1.1a | M1
Obtains correct value for x as
ln 4 | 1.1b | A1
Substitutes their x value to
obtain a value for y in a correct
but unsimplified form
Or
uses gradient = –2y =
1 | 1.1a | M1
−8
Obtains correct value for y | 1.1b | R1
Total | 7
Q | Marking instructions | AO | Marks | Typical solution
A curve has the equation $y = e^{-2x}$

At point $P$ on the curve the tangent is parallel to the line $x + 8y = 5$

Find the coordinates of $P$ stating your answer in the form $(\ln p, q)$, where $p$ and $q$ are rational.
[7 marks]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA AS Paper 1 2021 Q6 [7]}}