SPS SPS FM 2023 October — Question 9 12 marks

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS FM (SPS FM)
Year2023
SessionOctober
Marks12
TopicLaws of Logarithms
TypeTwo unrelated log parts: one non-log algebraic part
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward Further Maths question involving logarithms and area calculation. Parts (a)-(c) require basic logarithm manipulation and solving log equations—standard techniques. Part (d) involves comparing curved area to trapezoid area, which is computational but conceptually simple. The multi-step nature and FM context place it slightly above average, but no novel insight is required.
Spec1.06d Natural logarithm: ln(x) function and properties1.06g Equations with exponentials: solve a^x = b

  1. \includegraphics{figure_9} The shape ABC shown in the diagram is a student's design for the sail of a small boat. The curve AC has equation \(y = 2 \log_2 x\) and the curve BC has equation \(y = \log_2\left(x - \frac{3}{2}\right) + 3\). State the x-coordinate of point A. [1]
  2. Determine the x-coordinate of point B. [3]
  3. By solving an equation involving logarithms, show that the x-coordinate of point C is 2. [4] It is given that, correct to 3 significant figures, the area of the sail is 0.656 units\(^2\).
  4. Calculate by how much the area is over-estimated or under-estimated when the curved edges of the sail are modelled as straight lines. [4]

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item \includegraphics{figure_9}

The shape ABC shown in the diagram is a student's design for the sail of a small boat.

The curve AC has equation $y = 2 \log_2 x$ and the curve BC has equation $y = \log_2\left(x - \frac{3}{2}\right) + 3$.

State the x-coordinate of point A. [1]

\item Determine the x-coordinate of point B. [3]

\item By solving an equation involving logarithms, show that the x-coordinate of point C is 2. [4]

It is given that, correct to 3 significant figures, the area of the sail is 0.656 units$^2$.

\item Calculate by how much the area is over-estimated or under-estimated when the curved edges of the sail are modelled as straight lines. [4]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS FM 2023 Q9 [12]}}