Mathematics Advanced Sample Examination Materials 2020

This cover page illustrates the
examination specifications for a

complete Mathematics Advanced
examination.
This is NOT a complete sample

examination paper. It provides
some sample questions for the
two sections of the examination.
NSW Education Standards Authority
The numbering of questions in
this sample set of items is not
indicative of their placement in a
full examination paper.
Sample
HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
Questions
Mathematics Advanced
General • Reading time – 10 minutes
Instructions • Working time – 3 hours
• Write using black pen
• Calculators approved by NESA may be used
• A reference sheet is provided at the back of this paper
• For questions in Section II, show relevant mathematical reasoning
and/or calculations
Total marks: Section I – 10 marks (pages 3–7)

100 • Attempt Questions 1–10
• Allow about 15 minutes for this section
Section II – 90 marks (pages 8–20)

• Attempt Questions 11–XX
• Allow about 2 hours and 45 minutes for this section
The first HSC examination for the new Mathematics Advanced Stage 6 syllabus will be held
in 2020.
The first HSC examination for the new Mathematics Advanced Stage 6 syllabus will be
held in 2020.
The Mathematics Advanced examination specifications can be found in the Assessment and
Reporting in Mathematics Advanced Stage 6 document.
The examination will focus on the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course, objectives and
outcomes. Questions may require candidates to integrate knowledge, understanding and
skills developed through studying the course.
There is no expectation that all of the Year 12 content will be examined each year. In
any given year, the examination will test a representative sample of Year 12 content.
The Year 11 content will be assumed knowledge and may be used to examine Year 12
outcomes.
The following sample questions provide examples of some types of questions that may be
found in HSC examinations for Mathematics Advanced. Each sample question has been
mapped to show how the question relates to syllabus outcomes and content. Answers for
the objective-response questions (Section I) and marking guidelines for the short-answer
questions (Section II) are provided. The marking guidelines indicate the criteria for each
mark or mark range.
In the examination, students will record their answers to Section I on a multiple-choice

answer sheet and their answers to Section II in the spaces provided on the examination
paper.
The sample questions, sample answers, annotations and marking guidelines provide
teachers and students with guidance as to the types of questions to expect and how they
may be marked. They are not meant to be prescriptive. Each year the structure of the
examination may differ in the number and types of questions, or focus on different syllabus
outcomes and content.
The Mathematics Advanced examination will include items that are common with the
Mathematics Standard 2 HSC examination. Common items will be worth 20–25 marks and
will be distributed throughout Sections I and II.
Note:
• Comments in coloured boxes are annotations for the purpose of providing guidance for
future examinations.
• The new Mathematics Stage 6 syllabuses include topic areas which have been part of
previous syllabuses. Therefore, examples from previous HSC examinations have been
included in these sample items where they are relevant. Teachers and students should still
refer to past HSC examination papers for examples of other types of questions that may be
relevant.
–2–
Past examination papers This is NOT a complete
provide guidance for other sample examination
types of multiple‑choice paper. Six sample
Section I questions that could be questions are included
included in the examination. in this section.
10 marks
Attempt Questions 1–10
Allow about 15 minutes for this section
Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1–10.
1 A computer application was used to draw the graphs of the equations
x + y = 5 and x − y = 5.
Part of the screen is shown.
10
5 Line 1
Line 2
0 5 10
–5
Which row of the table correctly matches the equations with the lines drawn and identifies
the solution when the equations are solved simultaneously?
x + y = 5 x − y = 5 Solution

A. Line 1 Line 2 x = 5, y = 0
B. Line 1 Line 2 x = 5, y = 5
C. Line 2 Line 1 x = 5, y = 0
D. Line 2 Line 1 x = 5, y = 5
This question is common to Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Standard 2 Question 2.
–3–
2 What amount must be invested now at 4% per annum, compounded quarterly, so that in
five years it will have grown to $60 000?
A. $8919
B. $11 156
C. $49 173
D. $49 316
This question is common to Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 2 Question 3 and

Mathematics Standard 1 Question 6.
3 The number of hours worked during a week by casual staff in the hospitality industry is
normally distributed with a mean of 18 hours and a standard deviation of 2.5 hours.
What is the percentage of casual staff working fewer than 23 hours in a week?
A. 47.5%
B. 84%
C. 95%
D. 97.5%
–4–
y
Point of
inflection y = ƒ (x)
(0, 4)
4 The diagram shows the graph of y = â ( x ).
O x
y
Point of
inflection y = ƒ (x)
(0, 4)
O x
Which of these graphs represents y = â ( x − 1)?
A. B.
y y
Point of
inflection Point of
(1, 4) inflection
(0, 3)
O x O x
A. B.
y y
Point of
inflection Point of
(1, 4) inflection
(0, 3)
O x O x
C. y D.
y
Point of
inflection Point of
(–1, 4) inflection
(0, 5)
C. y x D. x
O y O
Point of
inflection Point of
(–1, 4) inflection
(0, 5)
O x O x
–5–
5 In a mixed language class, students study French, Mandarin and Indonesian. The number
of students who study each language are shown in the Venn diagram.
French Mandarin
1 3 4
1
2 2
Indonesian
A student who studies Indonesian is selected at random.
What is the probability that he/she also studies French?
1
A.
6
3
B.
10
3
C.
5
7
D.
10
The Mathematics Advanced Year 11 course will be assumed knowledge for this examination and
may be examined.
–6–
6 A particle is moving along the x‑axis. The graph shows its velocity v metres per second
at time t seconds.
O 4 t
When
t = 0 the displacement x is equal to 2 metres.
What is the maximum value of the displacement x ?
A. 8 m
B. 14 m
C. 16 m
D. 18 m
–7–
Questions in Section II may contain parts.
There will be 37 to 42 items and at least two
Sample HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE items will be worth 4 or 5 marks.
Questions EXAMINATION
This is NOT a complete sample examination
Mathematics Advanced
paper. Seven sample questions (nineteen
items) have been included in this section.
Section II Answer Booklet

Students should show all relevant working
in responses involving calculations. This
ensures that marks can be allocated for
working even if the student’s final answer is
incorrect.
90 marks
Attempt Questions 11–XX
Allow about 2 hours and 45 minutes for this section
Instructions • Answer the questions in the spaces provided. Sufficient spaces

are provided for typical responses.
• Your responses should include relevant mathematical reasoning

and/or calculations.
• Extra writing space is provided at the back of this booklet.

If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are
answering.
–8–
Question 11 (4 marks)
(a) Sketch the curve y = ln x in the space below. 1
(b) Use the trapezoidal rule with three function values to find an approximation to 2
3
⌠
⎮ ln x dx.
⌡1
��
��
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��
(c) State whether the approximation found in part (b) is greater than or less than the 1
3
⌠
exact value of ⎮ ln x dx. Justify your answer.
⌡1
��
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��
��
This illustrates a 4-mark question with three items. Question 13 is also a 4-mark question but with
only one item.
–9–
The diagram shows three towns X, Y and Z. Town Z is due east of Town X. The
bearing of Town Y from Town X is N39°E and the bearing of Town Z from Town Y
is S51°E. The distance between Town X and Town Y is 1330 km.
A plane flies between the three towns.
Y
N
Students
should note
NOT TO whether
SCALE diagrams
are drawn to
scale.
X Z
(a) Mark the given information on the diagram and explain why XYZ is 90°. 2
��
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(b) Find the distance between Town X and Town Z to the nearest kilometre. 2
��
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��
Question 12 continues on page 11
– 10 –
Question 12 (continued)
(c) The plane is going to fly from Town Y to Town X, stopping at Town Z on the 3
way. Leaving Town Y, the pilot incorrectly sets the bearing of Town Z to S50°E.
The pilot flies for 1650 km before realising the mistake, then changes course
and flies directly to Town X without going to Town Z.
Which is closer to Town X: Town Z or the point where the pilot changes course?
Justify your answer.
��
��
��
��
��
��
End of Question 12
Students should show all relevant working in responses involving calculations. This ensures that
marks can be allocated for working even if the student’s final answer is incorrect.
Whenever possible, question parts are sequenced in order of difficulty.
An incorrect answer in a previous part will not necessarily preclude students from achieving full
marks in a later part.
Parts (a) and (b) are common to Mathematics Standard 1 Question 12.
– 11 –
A continuous random variable X has a probability density function â given by 4
⎧⎪ Ax + B 1 ≤ x ≤ 4
ƒ (x) = ⎨
⎩⎪ 0 elsewhere
where A and B are constants.
The median of X is 2.
Find the values of A and B.

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This question is based on new content.
– 12 –
The number of years N required to carry out a project varies inversely with how much
money $M is spent on it.
If $50 000 is spent on the project, it takes 5 years to complete, as shown in the graph
below.
0 50 000 M
k
(a) Find an equation for the graph in terms of M and N in the form N = , where k 1
is a constant. M
��
��
(b) The project needs to be carried out in one year or less. 1
What is the least amount of money that could be spent in order to achieve this
timeline?
��
��
Parts (a) and (b) of this question are common to Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics
Standard 2 Question 19.
– 13 –
(c) At a point on the graph the number of years required to carry out the project is 3
decreasing at the rate of one year per $1000 spent.
Find the value of M for this point, correct to the nearest $1000.
��
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End of Question 14
Questions 11–14 are worth 20 marks in total
Students will be provided with a cumulative total/s indicating marks completed in Section II.
These totals are intended to assist students to plan their time.
– 14 –
The diastolic measurement for blood pressure in 50-year-old people is normally

distributed, with a mean of 85 and standard deviation of 20.
(a) A person is considered to have low blood pressure if the diastolic measurement 1
is 65 or less.
What percentage of 50-year-old people have low blood pressure?
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) Calculate the z-score for a diastolic measurement of 60. 1

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
– 15 –
(c) The probability that a 50-year-old person has a diastolic measurement for blood 3
pressure between 60 and 65 can be found by evaluating
b
⌠
⎮ ƒ ( x ) dx
⌡a
where a and b are constants and where
− x2
1
ƒ (x) = e 2
2π
is the normal probability density function with mean 0 and standard deviation 1.
By first finding the values of a and b, calculate an approximate value for this
probability by using the trapezoidal rule with 3 function values.
��
��
��
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��
(d) Using the results above, find the approximate probability that a 50-year-old 1
person chosen at random has a diastolic measurement for blood pressure of 60
or less.
��
��
Parts (a) and (b) of this question are common to Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics
Standard 2 Question 20.
– 16 –
A survey found that in a large population approximately 20% of people are left‑handed.
(a) Three people are selected at random. Find the probability that at least one of 2
them is left-handed.
��
��
��
��
(b) What is the smallest number of people that would need to be selected to have a 3
greater than 99% chance that at least one of them is left-handed?
��
��
��
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– 17 –
Jay is making a pattern using triangular tiles. The pattern has 3 tiles in the first row,
5 tiles in the second row, and each successive row has 2 more tiles than the previous
row.
Row 1
Row 2
Row 3
(a) How many tiles would Jay use in row 20? 2

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(b) How many tiles would Jay use altogether to make the first 20 rows? 1
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
(c) Jay has only 200 tiles. 2
How many complete rows of the pattern can Jay make?

...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................
This question illustrates how concepts from the syllabus can be used in a variety of contexts.
End of sample questions
– 18 –
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
– 19 –
Section II extra writing space
If you use this space, clearly indicate which question you are answering.
– 20 –
© 2018 NSW Education Standards Authority
NSW Education Standards Authority
HSC Mathematics Advanced

Sample Questions Marking Guidelines
Section I
Multiple-choice Answer Key
Question Answer
1 A
2 C
3 D
4 A
5 B
6 D
Page 1 of 12
NESA HSC Mathematics Advanced Sample Questions Marking Guidelines
Section II
Question 11 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides correct graph 1
Sample answer:
Question 11 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Provides correct solution 2
• Makes a reasonable attempt at using the trapezoidal rule, or equivalent
1
merit
Sample answer:
1 2 3
y 0 ln 2 ln 3
3
⌠ 1 1
⎮ ln x dx = 2 [ 0 + 2ln2 + ln3 ] = 2 ln12
⌡1
= 1.24 (2 dp)
Page 2 of 12
Question 11 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Provides correct answer and correct justification 1
Sample answer:
Approximation is less than the exact value since y = ln x is concave downwards and so
trapezia lie beneath the curve.
Question 12 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Marks the given information on the diagram
2
• Provides an explanation of why ∠ XYZ is 90°
• Provides some relevant information 1
Sample answer:
Page 3 of 12
Question 12 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Calculates the distance 2
• Applies an appropriate method 1
Sample answer:
Question 12 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Concludes that the plane flies a shorter distance
3
• Supports conclusion with relevant calculations
• Substitutes correct values into the cosine rule 2
• Provides some relevant information 1
Sample answer:
Since the bearing is S50°E instead of S51°E, ∠XYZ ′ = 89°
(XZ ′)2 = 13302 + 16502 – 2 × 1330 × 1650 × cos 89°

XZ ′ = 2101 km (to the nearest km)
Since XZ ′ is shorter than XZ, the plane flies a shorter distance to Town X.
Page 4 of 12
Question 13
Criteria Marks
• Evaluates integrals to produce two equations in A and B 3
4 2
⌠
• Determines that ⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = 1 and ⌠⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = 21 , 2
⌡1 ⌡1
or equivalent merit
4 2
⌠ ⌠ 1
• Writes ⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = 1 or ⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = or equivalent merit 1
⌡1 ⌡1 2
Sample answer:
4
⌠
Since X is a random variable over the domain 1 ≤ x ≤ 4 , ⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = 1
⌡1
2
⌠ 1
Since the median of X is 2, ⎮ ( Ax + B ) dx = .
⌡1 2
4 2
⎡ Ax 2 ⎤ ⎡ Ax 2 ⎤ 1
∴ ⎢ + Bx ⎥ = 1 and ⎢ + Bx ⎥ =
⎢⎣ 2 ⎥⎦ ⎣⎢
2 ⎥⎦ 2
1 1
15A 3A 1
∴ + 3B = 1 or 15A + 6B = 2 ➀ and +B = or 3A + 2B = 1 ➁
2 2 2
From equation ➁ we get: 15A + 10B = 5 ➂
3
➂ – ➀ gives 4B = 3 so B =
4
15 1
Substituting in ➂ gives: 15A + = 5 so A = –
2 6
1 3
∴A = − , B = .
6 4
Page 5 of 12
Question 14 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Provides correct answer 1
Sample answer:
k
N=
M
k
5=
50 000
k = 5 × 50 000
= 250 000
250 000
∴ N=
M
Question 14 (b)
Criteria Marks
Sample answer:
250 000
N=
M
250 000
1=
M
250 000
M=
1
M = $250 000
∴ At least $250 000 must be spent on the project to achieve this timeline of one year or less.
Page 6 of 12
Question 14 (c)
Criteria Marks
dN dN −1
• Finds and equates to or equivalent merit 2
dM dM 1000
• N = 250 000M–1 or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
N = 250 000 M −1
dN
= −250 000 M −2
dM
1 −250 000
− =
1000 M2
M 2 = 250 000 × 1000

M = $15 811.39
≈ $16 000 to nearest $1000
Question 15 (a)
Criteria Marks
Sample answer:
16% of people have low blood pressure.
Page 7 of 12
Question 15 (b)
Criteria Marks
Sample answer:
x−μ
z-score =
σ
60 − 85
=
20
= −1.25
Page 8 of 12
Question 15 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Calculates z-scores for 60, 62.5 and 65 and substitutes into trapezoidal
2
rule formula
• Attempts to use trapezoidal rule, or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
bp 60 62.5 65
x –1.25 –1.125 –1
− x2 (
− −1.25 )2 (
− −1.125 )2 ( )2
− −1
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
e e e e
2π 2π 2π 2π
Weight 1 2 1
Area =
h
(
y + 2y1 + y 2
2 0
)
0.125
=
2
(
0.1826 + 0.4238 + 0.2420 )
0.125
=
2
(
× 0.8484… )
= 0.0530

= 5.30%

Question 15 (d)
Criteria Marks
Sample answer:
P(blood pressure is less than or equal to 65) = 16%
P(blood pressure is between 60 and 65) = 5.3%

∴ P(blood pressure is less than or equal to 60) = (16 – 5.3)%
≈ 10.7%
Page 9 of 12
Question 16 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Attempts to use complement, or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
Let L stand for ‘a person is left-handed’.
P(L) = 20% ()
P L = 80% = 0.8
( )
P at least 1 L in a group of 3 = 1− P(none of the people in a group of 3 are left-handed)
(
= 1− P L L L )
( )3
= 1− 0.8
≈ 0.488
Question 16 (b)
Criteria Marks
• Finds an inequality in n by taking ln of both sides, or equivalent merit 2
( )n
• Provides evidence of expression 1− 0.8 , or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
Let L stand for the number of people who are left-handed in a group of size n.
n=? ( )
P L ≥ 1 = 1− P (no left handers)
1− 0.8 ( )n ≥ 0.99
1− 0.99 ≥ 0.8 ( )n
(0.8)n ≤ 0.01 (take ln of both sides of equation)
nln0.8 ≤ ln0.01
ln0.01
n≥
ln0.8
≥ 20.6377…
∴ 21 people would be smallest number to achieve >99% probability of at least one
left-handed person.
Page 10 of 12
Question 17 (a)
Criteria Marks
• Identifies an arithmetic sequence or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
Every row has two tiles more than the previous row, and the first row has three tiles.
It is an arithmetic sequence and T20 = 3 + 19 × 2

= 41
ie There are 41 tiles in row 20.
Question 17 (b)
Criteria Marks
Sample answer:
The number of tiles for the first 20 rows is
S20 =
20
2
(3 + T20 )
= 10 ( 3 + 41)
= 440
Page 11 of 12
Question 17 (c)
Criteria Marks
• Uses sum of an arithmetic sequence formula, or equivalent merit 1
Sample answer:
We want
n
2
( )
3 + Tn = 200 ,
where Tn = 3 + 2 ( n − 1) = 2n + 1 .
Hence
n(
3 + 2n + 1) = 200
2
ie n ( n + 2) = 200
n2 + 2n − 200 = 0
−2 ± 4 + 800
∴ n=
2
= −1 ± 201
= 13.1774
Hence Jay can make 13 complete rows.
Page 12 of 12
HSC Mathematics Advanced

Mapping Grid
Section I
Targeted
Syllabus
Question Marks Content performance
outcomes
bands
1# 1 MA-F1 Working with Functions MA12-1 2–3
2# 1 MA-M1 Modelling Financial Situations MA12-2 2–3
3# 1 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8 3–4
4 1 MA-F2 Graphing Techniques MA12-1 3–4
MA-S1 Probability and Discrete Probability
5 1 MA12-8 3–4
Distributions
6 1 MA-C4 Integral Calculus MA12-7 5–6
Section II
Targeted
Syllabus
Question Marks Content performance
outcomes
bands
11 (a) 1 MA-E1 Logarithms and Exponentials MA12-1 2–3
11 (b) 2 MA-C4 Integral Calculus MA12-7 2–4
11 (c) 1 MA-C4 Integral Calculus MA12-10 4–5
12 (a)# 2 MA-T1 Trigonometry and Measure of Angles MA12-5 2–4
12 (b # 2 MA-T1 Trigonometry and Measure of Angles MA12-5 2–4
12 (c)# 3 MA-T1 Trigonometry and Measure of Angles MA12-10 3–5
13 4 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8; MA12-10 2–5
14 (a)# 1 MA-F1 Working with Functions MA12-1 2–3
14 (b)# 1 MA-F1 Working with Functions MA12-1 2–3
14 (c) 3 MA-C1 Introduction to Differentiation MA12-6 3–6
15 (a)# 1 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8 2–3
15 (b)# 1 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8 3–4
15 (c) 3 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8 3–5
15 (d) 1 MA-S3 Random Variables MA12-8 3–4
16 (a) 2 MA12-8 2–4
Distributions
16 (b) 3 MA12-8 3–5
Distributions
17 (a) 2 MA-M1 Modelling Financial Situations MA12-4 2–4
17 (b) 1 MA-M1 Modelling Financial Situations MA12-4 3–4
17 (c) 2 MA-M1 Modelling Financial Situations MA12-4 3–5
# These questions are common to Mathematics Standard 2 and Mathematics Advanced.
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Mathematics Advanced Sample Examination Materials 2020

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This cover page illustrates the

examination specifications for a

This is NOT a complete sample

Total marks: Section I – 10 marks (pages 3–7)

Section II – 90 marks (pages 8–20)

In the examination, students will record their answers to Section I on a multiple-choice

1 A computer application was used to draw the graphs of the equations

x + y = 5 and x − y = 5.

Part of the screen is shown.

x + y = 5 x − y = 5 Solution

This question is common to Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Standard 2 Question 2.

This question is common to Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 2 Question 3 and

This question is common to Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Standard 2 Question 4.

Which of these graphs represents y = â ( x − 1)?

A student who studies Indonesian is selected at random.

What is the probability that he/she also studies French?

What is the maximum value of the displacement x ?

This is NOT a complete sample examination

Section II Answer Booklet

Instructions • Answer the questions in the spaces provided. Sufficient spaces

• Your responses should include relevant mathematical reasoning

• Extra writing space is provided at the back of this booklet.

(a) Sketch the curve y = ln x in the space below. 1

A plane flies between the three towns.

Question 12 continues on page 11

Whenever possible, question parts are sequenced in order of difficulty.

A continuous random variable X has a probability density function â given by 4

where A and B are constants.

The median of X is 2.

Find the values of A and B.

(b) The project needs to be carried out in one year or less. 1

Question 14 continues on page 14

Questions 11–14 are worth 20 marks in total

The diastolic measurement for blood pressure in 50-year-old people is normally

What percentage of 50-year-old people have low blood pressure?

(b) Calculate the z-score for a diastolic measurement of 60. 1

Question 15 continues on page 16

where a and b are constants and where

(a) How many tiles would Jay use in row 20? 2

(c) Jay has only 200 tiles. 2

How many complete rows of the pattern can Jay make?

End of sample questions

HSC Mathematics Advanced

Multiple-choice Answer Key

Since the bearing is S50°E instead of S51°E, ∠XYZ ′ = 89°

(XZ ′)2 = 13302 + 16502 – 2 × 1330 × 1650 × cos 89°

From equation ➁ we get: 15A + 10B = 5 ➂

M 2 = 250 000 × 1000

≈ $16 000 to nearest $1000

16% of people have low blood pressure.

It is an arithmetic sequence and T20 = 3 + 19 × 2

ie There are 41 tiles in row 20.

Hence Jay can make 13 complete rows.

HSC Mathematics Advanced

# These questions are common to Mathematics Standard 2 and Mathematics Advanced.

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