Edexcel AS Paper 1 Specimen — Question 15 8 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleAS Paper 1 (AS Paper 1)
SessionSpecimen
Marks8
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicTangents, normals and gradients
TypeNormal meets curve/axis — further geometry
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This question requires finding a normal line equation (differentiation and negative reciprocal gradient), then solving a transcendental equation involving ln(2x). While it combines multiple techniques across 8 marks, each step is relatively standard: differentiate a quadratic, find normal equation, substitute into the second curve, and solve. The transcendental equation likely has a 'nice' solution by inspection or simple manipulation. It's above average due to length and the ln component, but doesn't require novel insight or particularly sophisticated problem-solving.
Spec1.03a Straight lines: equation forms y=mx+c, ax+by+c=01.03b Straight lines: parallel and perpendicular relationships1.06d Natural logarithm: ln(x) function and properties1.07l Derivative of ln(x): and related functions1.07m Tangents and normals: gradient and equations1.07r Chain rule: dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx and connected rates

\includegraphics{figure_3} The curve \(C_1\), shown in Figure 3, has equation \(y = 4x^2 - 6x + 4\). The point \(P\left(\frac{1}{2}, 2\right)\) lies on \(C_1\) The curve \(C_2\), also shown in Figure 3, has equation \(y = \frac{1}{2}x + \ln(2x)\). The normal to \(C_1\) at the point \(P\) meets \(C_2\) at the point \(Q\). Find the exact coordinates of \(Q\). (Solutions based entirely on graphical or numerical methods are not acceptable.) [8]

Question 15:
AnswerMarks
15dy
Finds (cid:32)8x(cid:16)6
AnswerMarks Guidance
dxM1 3.1a
Gradient of curve at P is –2M1 1.1b
1 1
Normal gradient is - =
AnswerMarks Guidance
m 2M1 1.1b
1(cid:167) 1(cid:183)
So equation of normal is (y(cid:16)2)(cid:32) x(cid:16) or 4y = 2x+7
(cid:168) (cid:184)
AnswerMarks Guidance
2(cid:169) 2(cid:185)A1 1.1b
Eliminates y between y (cid:32) 1 x(cid:14)ln(2x)and their normal equation to
2
AnswerMarks Guidance
give an equation in xM1 3.1a
7 1 7
Solves their ln2x (cid:32) so x = e4
AnswerMarks Guidance
4 2M1 1.1b
Substitutes to give value for yM1 1.1b
(cid:167)1 7 1 7 7(cid:183)
Point Q is (cid:168) e4, e4 (cid:14) (cid:184)
2 4 4
AnswerMarks Guidance
(cid:169) (cid:185)A1 1.1b
(8 marks)
Notes:
M1: Differentiates correctly
1
M1: Substitutes x = to find gradient (may make a slip)
2
M1: Uses negative reciprocal gradient
A1: Correct equation for normal
M1: Attempts to eliminate y to find an equation in x
M1: Attempts to solve their equation using exp
M1: Uses their x value to find y
A1: Any correct exact form
AnswerMarks Guidance
QuestionScheme Marks
Question 15:
15 | dy
Finds (cid:32)8x(cid:16)6
dx | M1 | 3.1a
Gradient of curve at P is –2 | M1 | 1.1b
1 1
Normal gradient is - =
m 2 | M1 | 1.1b
1(cid:167) 1(cid:183)
So equation of normal is (y(cid:16)2)(cid:32) x(cid:16) or 4y = 2x+7
(cid:168) (cid:184)
2(cid:169) 2(cid:185) | A1 | 1.1b
Eliminates y between y (cid:32) 1 x(cid:14)ln(2x)and their normal equation to
2
give an equation in x | M1 | 3.1a
7 1 7
Solves their ln2x (cid:32) so x = e4
4 2 | M1 | 1.1b
Substitutes to give value for y | M1 | 1.1b
(cid:167)1 7 1 7 7(cid:183)
Point Q is (cid:168) e4, e4 (cid:14) (cid:184)
2 4 4
(cid:169) (cid:185) | A1 | 1.1b
(8 marks)
Notes:
M1: Differentiates correctly
1
M1: Substitutes x = to find gradient (may make a slip)
2
M1: Uses negative reciprocal gradient
A1: Correct equation for normal
M1: Attempts to eliminate y to find an equation in x
M1: Attempts to solve their equation using exp
M1: Uses their x value to find y
A1: Any correct exact form
Question | Scheme | Marks | AOs
\includegraphics{figure_3}

The curve $C_1$, shown in Figure 3, has equation $y = 4x^2 - 6x + 4$.

The point $P\left(\frac{1}{2}, 2\right)$ lies on $C_1$

The curve $C_2$, also shown in Figure 3, has equation $y = \frac{1}{2}x + \ln(2x)$.

The normal to $C_1$ at the point $P$ meets $C_2$ at the point $Q$.

Find the exact coordinates of $Q$.

(Solutions based entirely on graphical or numerical methods are not acceptable.)
[8]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel AS Paper 1  Q15 [8]}}