AQA Further Paper 1 2021 June — Question 4 5 marks

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleFurther Paper 1 (Further Paper 1)
Year2021
SessionJune
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicHyperbolic functions
TypeSolve using sech/tanh identities
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This is a Further Maths hyperbolic functions question requiring algebraic manipulation using the identity sech²x + tanh²x = 1, solving a quadratic in cosh x, and applying the given inverse hyperbolic formula. While it involves multiple steps and careful algebra, the path is relatively standard for Further Maths students: convert to cosh x, solve quadratic, apply formula. The 5 marks and structured approach make it moderately challenging but not exceptional.
Spec4.07a Hyperbolic definitions: sinh, cosh, tanh as exponentials4.07f Inverse hyperbolic: logarithmic forms

Show that the solutions to the equation $$3\tanh^2 x - 2\operatorname{sech} x = 2$$ can be expressed in the form $$x = \pm \ln(a + \sqrt{b})$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are integers to be found. You may use without proof the result \(\cosh^{-1} y = \ln(y + \sqrt{y^2 - 1})\) [5 marks]

Question 4:
AnswerMarks
4Uses appropriate hyperbolic
identity or substitutes using
AnswerMarks Guidance
exponential form1.1a M1
3tanh 𝑥𝑥−2sech𝑥𝑥 = 2
2
3−3sech 𝑥𝑥−2sech𝑥𝑥−2 = 0
or 2
0 = 3sech 𝑥𝑥+2sech𝑥𝑥−1
1
But
sech𝑥𝑥 = 3 −1
1
sech𝑥𝑥 > 0 ∴ sech𝑥𝑥 = 3
−1
cosh𝑥𝑥 = 3 ⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = ±cosh 3
𝑥𝑥 = ±ln�3+√8 �
Solves a quadratic or quartic
equation and selects positive
AnswerMarks Guidance
root2.2a M1
Obtains correct value(s) of
AnswerMarks Guidance
or or1.1b B1
𝑥𝑥
sEexcphre𝑥𝑥ssecso sh i𝑥𝑥n logearithmic form
which contains one of or
𝑥𝑥
or
AnswerMarks Guidance
3 √81.1a M1
2√2
Obtains correct values of
Condone missing ± in working
prior to final answer 𝑥𝑥
AnswerMarks Guidance
Condone1.1b A1
Total5
QMarking Instructions AO
Question 4:
4 | Uses appropriate hyperbolic
identity or substitutes using
exponential form | 1.1a | M1 | 2
3tanh 𝑥𝑥−2sech𝑥𝑥 = 2
2
3−3sech 𝑥𝑥−2sech𝑥𝑥−2 = 0
or 2
0 = 3sech 𝑥𝑥+2sech𝑥𝑥−1
1
But
sech𝑥𝑥 = 3 −1
1
sech𝑥𝑥 > 0 ∴ sech𝑥𝑥 = 3
−1
cosh𝑥𝑥 = 3 ⇒ 𝑥𝑥 = ±cosh 3
𝑥𝑥 = ±ln�3+√8 �
Solves a quadratic or quartic
equation and selects positive
root | 2.2a | M1
Obtains correct value(s) of
or or | 1.1b | B1
𝑥𝑥
sEexcphre𝑥𝑥ssecso sh i𝑥𝑥n logearithmic form
which contains one of or
𝑥𝑥
or
3 √8 | 1.1a | M1
2√2
Obtains correct values of
Condone missing ± in working
prior to final answer 𝑥𝑥
Condone | 1.1b | A1
Total | 5
Q | Marking Instructions | AO | Marks | Typical solution
Show that the solutions to the equation
$$3\tanh^2 x - 2\operatorname{sech} x = 2$$

can be expressed in the form
$$x = \pm \ln(a + \sqrt{b})$$

where $a$ and $b$ are integers to be found.

You may use without proof the result $\cosh^{-1} y = \ln(y + \sqrt{y^2 - 1})$
[5 marks]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA Further Paper 1 2021 Q4 [5]}}