Full Worked Solutions

MEI A Level Further

Method 1
The equation has real coefficients so 3 + i
Mathematics Year 1 (AS) - gives 3 – i as another root.
Full Worked Solutions The cubic is the product of a linear factor
and a quadratic factor. Roots of quadratic
Practice Questions: Further Mathematics equations arise in conjugate pairs.
1 (Page 95) To find the quadratic factor that gives these
Evaluate w2 by expand- two roots:
ing the brackets. The cubic needs to be factorised to
1 w = 1 + 2i solve it.
(i) w 2 = (1 + 2i ) (1 + 2i ) = 2 + 4i + 4i 2 = −3 + 4i
Sum (3 + i ) + (3 – i ) = 6 and product (3 + i )
2    
w = (1 + 2i ) (1 + 2i ) = 2 + 4i + 4i = −3 + 4i
2 + (3 – i ) = 32 – i2 = 9 + 1 = 10
Quadratic factor is
w ∗ = 1 − 2i
z 2 − ( sum of roots ) z + ( product of roots )
Find the complex conjugate by changing z 2 − 6z + 10
the sign of the imaginary part.

z 3 − 9z 2 + 28z − 30 = 0
w − w ∗ = (1 + 2i ) − (1 − 2i ) = 4i

( z − 3) ( z 2 − 6z + 10 ) = 0
1 1 1 1 (1 − 2i) + (1 + 2i) 2 2
+ = + = = =
w w ∗ 1 + 2i 1 − 2i (1 + 2i)(1 − 2i) 1 + 4
Use inspection5 or algebraic
1 1 (1 − 2i) + (1 + 2i) division to find the linear factor.
= + = = 2 = 2
∗ 1 + 2i 1 − 2i (1 + 2i)(1 − 2i) 1+ 4 5 So z = 3 is the third root.
To plot this point, you need to rewrite it Method 2
so that the imaginary part is not in the
denominator.
By trial and error, integer root is z = 3
This value is real, so the point It is only worth trying factors of
lies on the x-axis. 30 (including negative factors).
You can also check the integer
Im roots by using table mode on your
−3 + 4i
calculator and looking for zero
4i
4 answers.
3
1 + 2i Factorising gives ( z − 3) ( z 2 − 6z + 10 ) = 0
2
1 2 You can use inspection or
5 algebraic division to find the
–3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 Re quadratic factor.
–1
Either z = 0 or (z2 – 6z + 10) = 0
–2
Use the quadratic formula:

z = −b ± b − 4ac
2
(ii) w2 and w – w* have the same imaginary
part (=4i) 2a
6 ± (− 6)2 − 4 × 1 × (10)
2 z 3 − 9z 2 + 28z − 30 = 0 =
2 ×1
Your calculator may solve cubic
equations, including finding complex z = 6 ± − 4 = 6 ± 2i = 3 ± i
roots, but this would not be sufficient 2 2
for full marks in the exam. A non- There is a given answer, so you must show
calculator method is needed. all the steps of the working.
1
 ( 2 + i ) ( −1( 2 − i )) + 6 ( −1( 2 − i )) + ( 2 − i ) = 0
2
The roots are z = 3,3 + i and 3 − i
(2 + i) (2 − i) − 6 + 1 = 0
In this method, the root 3 + i need
not be given but provides a useful 5 − 6 + 1 = 0 so correct
check.
Notice that (2 – i) is a common
Full Worked Solutions

3 ( 2 + i ) z 2 + 6z + ( 2 − i ) = 0 factor and so can be cancelled.

( ) ( )
2
Quadratic formula gives
( 2 + i ) − 51 ( 2 − i ) + 6 − 51 ( 2 − i ) + ( 2 − i ) = 0
(i)

z = −b ± b − 4ac
2

2a 1 (2 i) (2 i) 6 1 0
+ − − + =
25 5
−6 ± 62 − 4 ( 2 + i ) ( 2 − i ) 1 6 1 0 so correct
= − + =
2 (2 + i) 5 5
−6 ± 36 − 4 ( 4 − i 2 ) 4 x3 + 3x2 – 6x – 8 = 0 roots α, β, γ
z = (i) Method 1
2 (2 + i)
Sum of roots α + β + γ = –3, sum of
= −6 ± 36 − 4 × 5 = −6 ± 16 roots in pairs αβ + βγ + γα = –6 product
2 ( 2 + i) 2 (2 + i)
αβγ = +8
In this equation, the discriminant Take care with signs here. The
gives a real value. Complex sum of roots is the negative of the
numbers have square roots, but coefficient of x2.
they are beyond the scope of this
specification.
New equation with roots α + 1, β + 1, γ + 1
−2 −1 , −10 = −5
Roots are =
2 (2 + i) (2 + i) 2 (2 + i) i ) coefficients of the new
( 2 + The
equation are given by these
−2 =  −1 , −10 −5
= expressions.
2 (2 + i) (2 + i) 2 (2 + i) (2 + i)
The roots of the equation are not Sum of roots (α + 1) + ( β + 1) + (γ + 1)
yet written in the form required
in the question. It is necessary to = (α + β + γ ) + 3
rewrite them. = −3 + 3 = 0
−1 = −1( 2 − i ) −1( 2 − i ) Sum of roots in pairs
=
(2 + i) (2 + i) (2 − i) 4 − i2 (α + 1) ( β + 1) + ( β + 1) (γ + 1) + (γ + 1) (α + 1)
= − 1 (2 − i) = αβ + α + β + 1 + βγ + β + γ + 1 + γα + γ + α + 1
5
= (αβ + βγ + γα ) + 2 (α + β + γ ) + 3
so λ = − 1 The question asks for the = −6 + 2( −3) + 3 = −9
5 value of λ to be stated.
Use the symmetry of the
−5 −5 ( 2 − i ) −5 ( 2 − i )
= = expression as a check – the
(2 + i) (2 + i) (2 − i) 5 roots can be interchanged
= −1( 2 − i ) without altering the value of the
expression.
so λ = −1
(ii) Roots can be checked by substituting Product of roots

them back in to the original equation (α + 1) ( β + 1) (γ + 1) = (αβ + α + β + 1) (γ + 1)
and getting zero. = αβγ + αγ + βγ + γ + αβ + α + β + 1
This is sufficient for the one mark = αβγ + (αβ + βγ + γα ) + (α + β + γ ) + 1
given for this question. If you are
short of time in the exam, you = 8 + ( −6 ) + ( −3 ) + 1 = 0
could leave out the algebra below.
New equation is
It is useful as a check if you have
time. x 3 − 0x 2 + ( −9 ) x + 0 = 0
Take care with
x 3 − 9x = 0 signs here also.

2
 Method 2 B represents a rotation about (0, 0) of 90°
Let w = x + 1 then x = w – 1 anticlockwise.
(ii) A = B where A represents a repeated
2 2
This method uses a transformation of the
function. This is a translation of the graph (and transformation. A is a rotation about (0, 0)
the roots) to the right. of 45° anticlockwise.

Full Worked Solutions

Substitute for x in the original equation. y

( w − 1)3 + 3 ( w − 1)2 − 6 ( w − 1) − 8 = 0
(w 3
− 3w 2 + 3w − 1) + 3 ( w 2 − 2w + 1) − J
1
I′
6 ( w − 1) − 8 = 0 J′

w 3 − 9w = 0 45°
I
Use the binomial expansion to –1 O 1 x
remove the brackets.

(ii) x (x 2 − 9) = 0
 cos 45 − sin 45 
A =
You could also factorise this  sin 45 cos 45 
further to get three roots.
 2 2 
x = 0 or x 2 = 9  − 
2 2 2  1 −1 
=  = 2  1 1 
x = 0, 3 and − 3  2 2   

 2 2 
(iii) Roots in any order
α + 1 = 0 so α = −1 If you forget the matrix for a
rotation, you can reconstruct it
β + 1 = 3 so β = 2 by looking at the image of I and
γ + 1 = −3 so γ = −4 J under the rotation and making
them the columns of the matrix.
Use the equation solver on your calculator to
check these answers. Alternatively, substitute Alternatively, A represents a rotation of
back into the original equation to check. 225° anticlockwise about (0, 0).
A rotation of 90° is the same as a
 0 −1  rotation of 450°, so A can also be a
5 B=  rotation of 225°.
 1 0 
 1   0  y
(i) B maps  →  and J
 0   1  1
135°
 0   −1  I
 →  –1 O 1 x
 1   0  J′
I′ –1
The columns of the matrix are the images of I and
J under the transformation.
–2
y

I′ J  cos 225 − sin 225 

1 A =
 sin 225 cos 225 
 2 2 
J′ I  − 2 2  2  −1 1 
O x
=  = 2  −1 −1 
–1 1
 − 2  
− 2 
 2 2 
Be clear which corner maps to which corner Notice this answer is the negative
so that you do not confuse this rotation with a of the other possible answer.
reflection in the y-axis.

3
 6 az 2 + bz + c = 0 7 uk + 1 = 2uk − k + 1 , u1 = 3
Method 1 (i) When k = 1, u2 = 2u1 − 1 + 1
Using sum and product of roots. = 2×3=6
This question suggests a choice of methods. When k = 2, u3 = 2u2 − 2 + 1
Full Worked Solutions

Without the phrase “or otherwise”, this would

be the only method that would earn the = 2 × 6 − 2 + 1 = 11
method marks. When k = 3, u4 = 2u3 − 3 + 1

b
Sum of the roots is − and product of the = 2 × 11 − 3 + 1 = 20
a When k = 4, u5 = 2u4 − 4 + 1
roots is c .
a = 2 × 20 − 4 + 1 = 37
Roots given as δ , δ + 1 (ii) Required to prove un = 2n + n
Sum of the roots
You can use this to check your arithmetic in
δ + (δ + 1) = − b (i). Table mode will speed up the substitution.
a
It means that it is important to show your
2δ = − b − 1 method using the recurrence relationship.
a

(
δ = 1 −b − 1
2 a ) When n = 1,
LHS = u1 = 3
You could write the expression for δ as a single
fraction if you prefer. RHS = 21 + 1 = 2 + 1 = 3
Evaluate the first term and compare with the
Product of the roots δ (δ + 1) = c given value.
a
Substitute for δ So statement is true for n = 1
( ( ))( ( ) )
1 −b − 1 1 −b − 1 + 1 = c
2 a 2 a a
Assume the statement is true for all values
of n as far as k.

(− ba − 1)(− ba + 1) = 4 (ca ) Required to prove uk + 1 = 2k + 1 + (k + 1)

uk + 1 = 2uk − k + 1 = 2 ( 2k + k ) − k + 1
2
b − 1 = 4c
a
a2 Use the recurrence relationship to evaluate
b − a = 4ac
2 2 the next term. Substitute the expression
you have assumed to be true.
b 2 − 4ac = a 2
Multiply both sides by 4 to simplify the
= 2k + 1 + 2k − k + 1 = 2k + 1 + (k + 1)
fractions. This is the given result with (k + 1)
Method 2 replacing k. Therefore if it is true for k,
Using the quadratic formula. it is true for (k + 1). Since it is true for
k = 1, by induction, it is true for all values
Roots given by x = −b ± b − 4ac
2
of k.
2a

The expression you have to prove looks like Make it clear that you understand the logic
the discriminant and suggests the quadratic of proof by induction.
formula might be useful.
 3 4 
Difference between roots = 1 −
8  5 5  and the square OIPJ is
−b + b 2 − 4ac − −b − b 2 − 4ac = 1 R = 
4 3
2a 2a  5 5 
2 b 2 − 4ac = 1  0 1 1 0 
2a represented by the matrix
 0 0 1 1 
b 2 − 4ac = a
b 2 − 4ac = a 2 Create a matrix where each column is the
The algebra is simpler here. position vector of a vertex of the square.

4
  3 4  So the line y = 2x is a line of invariant
− points.
 5 5 
(i) O’I’P’J’ is represented by
 4 3 
 5  This is a much stronger condition than
5 invariant line. Each point on the line has to
be invariant. Here, it is the mirror line in

Full Worked Solutions

 1 4 
 0 1  0 −3 the reflection.
1 0  5 5 5 
 0 0 =
1 1   0 4 7 3  Check using the bottom row:
 5 5 5 
Build checking strategies into your normal
Pre-multiply by R to find the image of the method of working wherever possible.
square.
4x + 3y = y
y
5 5
2 4 2
x = y
5 5
P′

2x = y
P
J (iii) Theline through (0, 0) perpendicular to
I′
J′ this line is y = − 1 x
2
I The line whose gradient is the negative
–1 O 1 x reciprocal of the gradient of the first line is
needed. As it goes through the origin, the
value of c = 0.

Take care labelling the square. Without the A general point on the line has position
labels it is not clear whether the square has  x 
been rotated or reflected. The labels show 
vector  1
it is a reflection. (Note rotations about the  − 2 x 
origin have only (0, 0) as an invariant point.)

(ii) To find the invariant points

Use the equation to give a general point on
 x   x  the line. The x coordinate is arbitrary and
R   =   the y coordinate is linked to it.
 y   y 
 3 4 
The position vector of the image of an  x  −  x 
 5 5 
invariant point is exactly the same as the R 1  =   − 1 x 
position vector of the point itself.  − 2 x  4 3 
 5 5   2

 3 4   3 
 5
−
5  x   x  − x − 2x  −x 
 5 5 
 4 3   y  =  y  =  =  1 x 
 5  4 3 
5  5 x − 10 x   2

This matrix equation does not just have one This image also lies on the line y = − 1 x
value for x and so either row is sufficient to 2
give the equation of the line.  − x   (− x ) 
 
since  1  =  1 and so
 x   − (− x ) 
Top row gives:  2   2 
−3x + 4y = x this is an invariant line under R.
5 5
4y 8x
= The points are not themselves invariant, but
5 5 the whole line is the image of the line.

y = 2x

5
 (iv) Invariant points (0, 0) and (0.5, 1). 20

y ∑ (r + 3)(r + 4 )
(iii) r =1
2

P′
= 2 ( 61 (20 + 3)(20 + 4)(20 + 5) − 10)
Full Worked Solutions

P Use the given formula with n = 20. Take care

J
I′ to include the extra factor of 2 as this sum
J′ does not include the half.

–1 O 1
I
x (
2 23 × 24 × 25 − 10 = 4580
6 )
Practice Questions: Further Mathematics 2

1 ( r + 3)( r + 4 )(1r (+r +5)3)( r + 4 )( r + 5)
(Page 167)
9 (i)  1 0 
6 6
1 1 (i) A = 
− 1 ( r + 2 )( r + 3−)(6r (+r +4 )2 )( r + 3)( r + 4 )  0 −1 
 6
= 1 ( r + 3)( r + 4 )[( r + 5) − ( r + 2 )]  1   1 
6 Image of point I  →  and J
 0   0 
Take out the common factors to make the  0   0 
algebra easier.  → 
 1   −1 
= 1 ( r + 3) ( r + 4 ) ( 3) = 1 ( r + 3) ( r + 4 )
6 2 It is much easier to recognise a
transformation from a diagram than a
Simplify the fraction. matrix. You can apply the transformation
 to any shape, but the unit square is the
n n simplest as the columns of the matrix are
1 ( r + 31) ( rn + 4 ) = 1
(ii) ∑
r =1
2 6∑
( r + 3)(6r ∑+ (4r) + 3)( r + 4 ) the images of I and J respectively.
r =1 r =1
y
( r + 5) − ( r (+r +2 )(5r) −+ (3r)(+r 2+)(4r) + 3)( r + 4 ) It is important in
the diagram to
 
 4×5×6 −3 × 4 × 5  J know which point
 +5 × 6 × 7 −4 × 5 × 6  is the image of
 +6 × 7 × 8 −5 × 6 × 7  I, I′ which point so
= 1  O x that a reflection
6 ... 
  is not confused
 + ( n + 2)( n + 3)( n + 4 ) − ( n + 1)( n + 2)( n + 3)  J′
with a rotation.
 + ( n + 3)( n + 4 )( n + 5) − ( n + 2)( n + 3)( n + 4 ) 
 

Write enough terms at the beginning to make the
pattern clear. Put the last line in next and then work
Reflection in the x-axis (line y = 0).
backwards to the next to last to see which terms
A good test for a
remain after cancelling. Just the word
reflection is that
‘reflection’ is not
the determinant
= 1 [(n + 3 ) (n + 4 ) (n + 5 ) − 3 × 4 × 5 ] of the matrix will
enough. You must
6 give the equation of
be –1.
the mirror line.
There is one term from the first line and  −1 0 
one from the last which remain. (ii) B= 
 0 1 
= 1 (n + 3) (n + 4 ) (n + 5) − 60  1   −1 
6 6 Image of point I  →  and J
1
= (n + 3) (n + 4 ) (n + 5) − 10  0   0 
6
 0   0 
 → 
 1   1 
6
 y ( BA )−1 = BA so BA is a self-inverse
2 matrix. Rotation of 180° twice returns
every point to its original position.
J′ J

Full Worked Solutions

I′ I The wording of the question suggests that
–1 O 1 x “What do you notice?” is asking about the
matrices themselves. The “Explain … in
terms of the transformations” tells you this
should be a different comment to the first.

2 z1 = a + bi and z 2 = c + di
Again, the square without the labels could
be confused with a rotation. (i) z1z 2 = ( a + bi )( c + di )
Reflection in the y-axis (line x = 0). = ac + adi + bci + bdi 2
 −−11 00   11 00  Expand the brackets and collect real and
BA ==
(iii) BA
 00 11   00 −−11  imaginary parts together.
= ( ac − bd ) + ( ad + bc ) i
 −−11 00 
  ==  
 00 −−11  (ii) z1 = a + bi = a 2 + b 2 and
 1   −1  z 2 = c + di = c2 + d2
Image of point I  →  and J
 0   0 
 0   0  Work from the definition of modulus, which
 →  is the distance of the number from the
 1   −1  origin on the Argand diagram. It is just a
version of Pythagoras’ theorem.
y
(iii) z1z 2 = ( ac − bd ) + ( ad + bc ) i
2

J
Apply the same definition to this more
complicated expression. The proof relies on
I′ I
O x accuracy in the expansion of the brackets
–1 1
and factorising. The proof can be achieved
J′ without factorising by expanding z1 z 2
and getting the same expansion. This
Rotation 180° about (0, 0) requires a final comment “Therefore …”

The determinant of BA is +1, and so does

= ( ac − bd )2 + ( ad + bc )2
not represent another reflection. The
= a 2 c 2 − 2acbd + b 2d 2 + a 2d 2 + 2adbc + b 2 c 2
labelling on the diagram makes this clear.
= a 2 c 2 + b 2d 2 + a 2d 2 + b 2 c 2
(iv) Inverse matrix
a 2 (c 2 + d 2 ) + b 2 (c 2 + d 2 )
−1
 a c  1  d −b  =
 b d  =
ad − bc  − c a 
= (a 2
+ b 2 ) (c 2 + d 2 ) = (a 2
+ b2 ) (c 2
+ d2 )
You could use this formula or use a = z1 z 2
calculator to find the inverse matrix.
3 (i)  ircle centre (3 + 3i) and radius 3 since
C
−1 −1
 −−11 0 −1 0 1  −1 1 0 −1 0  the circle touches the axes.
( BA )−1 (=BA
 )0 = −1 0 =−11  0= 1−1 0 −1  Use the diagram to identify the properties of the
circle.
 −1 0 −1 0 
= =
 0 −1 0 −1 

7
 z − (3 + 3i ) = 3 1  12 − 2k −3k + 3k 
=
12 − 2k  8 − 8 −2k + 12 
z − α represents the distance of z from  1 0 
the fixed point at the centre. It must be = =I
 0 1 
Full Worked Solutions

equal to the radius for the point to lie on the

circle.

arg ( z − (3 + 3i )) = π
The given inverse has been found using the
(ii) algorithm for the inverse of a 2 × 2 matrix.
3
You need to prove that this is the inverse
The question uses the The argument of using the definition that RR–1 = identity
phrase “Write down …” z – a is the angle matrix.
which indicates that no the line PA makes
working is required and with the Re axis. So R −1 = 1  4 −k 
that it should not be too 12 − 2k  −2 3 
difficult to work out.
(iii) No inverse exists when the determinant
(iii) Area sector PAB is 1 r 2θ = 3π is zero. 12 − 2k = 0, k = 6
2 8
1 32 × θ = 3π The determinant ad – bc appears in the
2 8 denominator and so cannot be zero if the
inverse exists.
θ = 3π × 2 = π
8 9 12 (iv) When k = 6, the equations become
Half line PB has equation  x   3 6   x   12 
R  =    =
arg ( z − ( 3 + 3i )) = π + π = π
5 
 y   2 4   y   b 
3 12 12
When the determinant is zero, the lines
The half line is the locus of points for which
are either parallel, with no points of
the angle with the Re axis is the angle PB
intersection, or the same line where every
makes with the Re axis.
point is a point of intersection.
 3 k  First line gives 3x + 6y = 12
4 R = 
 2 4  or x + 2y = 4
For infinitely many solutions,
 x   3 k   x   12  the lines are coincident and
(i) R  =    =  2x + 4 y = 2( x + 2y ) = 2 × 4 = 8
 y   2 4   y   b 
so b = 8

The equations are given by matrix Coincident lines have essentially the same
multiplication. Split R into its two rows equation, so doubling both sides gives the
and combine with the column to give the value for b.
equation.
 5 
3x + ky = 12  
5 Plane p has normal vector  −1 
 0 

2x + 4 y = b  

(ii)
1  4 −k  Perpendicular and normal mean the same
R
12 − 2k  −2 3  thing in this context.
(i) Equation of p is of the form
1  3 k   4 −k  5x − 1y + 0z + d = 0
=
12 − 2k  2 4   −2 3 
The normal vector is made from the
coefficients of x, y and z in the Cartesian
equation of the plane. The value of d
depends not on the normal vector, but the
coordinates of a point on the plane.

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 The point (5, 0, 4) is on the plane
5 × 5 − 1 × 0 + d = 0 so d = −25
Equation is 5x − y − 25 = 0
(ii) Angle between planes is angle between
 5 
Matrix method could also be used.
There is no additional merit in using
matrices here. It is just an alternative way
of setting out the working.

Full Worked Solutions

 
  20 0 1
normal vectors n 1 =  −1  and   5 
 0   −20 0 1   17 
   0 −20 −1   20 
 −1  
 4   0 20 
 
n 2 =  −3     k 
 1  120
   −80   l 
=  = 
 −360   m 
The scalar product gives the angle between
vectors, and the angle between normal  320   n 
vectors will be the angle between the planes.
The matrix of coefficients is 4 × 3 and the
 5   4  position vector of the summit is 3 × 1 giving
 a 4 × 1 matrix with the values of k, l, m and n.
n1 i n 2  −1  i  −3
 0    k = 120, l = −80, m = −360, n = 320
   1 
= 5 × 4 + ( −1)( −3) + 0 × 1 = 23 (ii) The tower has its summit above centre of

the base so all faces make the same angle
n1 i n 2
cos θ = with the vertical.
n1 n 2
The question asks for the angle each of the faces
23 make with the vertical. You could use a dot product for
= each normal vector and the upward vertical vector, or
52 + ( −1)2 + 0 2 4 2 + ( −3)2 + 12
argue from the symmetry of the building.
23 23 To find the angle between the normal
cos θ = =
26 26 26  0 
 20 
θ = 27.8    
vector n 1 =  0  and vertical  0 
 1   1
If the dot product turns out to be negative,    
the angle between normal vectors is
obtuse. The planes make this obtuse angle The normal vector is obtained by using the
as well as the angle which adds to 180° coefficients of x, y and z in the Cartesian
(the acute supplementary angle) with it. equation of the plane.
Some versions of the formula for cos θ have
modulus to avoid this issue.  0   20   0 
n1 i  0  = 0  i 0  = 1,
(iii) To check (5, 0, –17) lies on p:      
5 × 5 − 0 − 25 = 0 so it does lie on p.  1   1   1 
Substitute the coordinate into the equation.  0 
If it balances, then the point is on the plane. n1 = 20 2 + 0 2 + 12 = 401 and  0 
 
c  1 
To check (5, 0, –17) lies on q: δ (δ + 1) =
4 × 5 − 3 × 0 − 17 − 3 = 0 so it does a
lie on q. cos θ = 1
6 (i) (5, 17, 20) lies on each plane. 401 ×1
θ = 87.1
The coordinates of the summit satisfy each The angle the plane makes with the
of the equations.
vertical is 90° – 87° = 3°
20x + z = k = 20 × 5 + 20 = 120
The scalar product provides a method for finding the
−20x + z = l = −20 × 5 + 20 = −80 angle between vectors. You need to use this answer to

−20y − z = m = −20 × 17 − 20 = −360 find the angle between the plane and the vertical. Make
sure you have a complete method by subtracting your

20y − z = n = 20 × 17 − 20 = 320 answer from 90°.

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 (iii) Pointof intersection of the planes
25x + z = 150
−25x + z = −100
These equations have only two variables –
so the plane is parallel to one of the axes.
Full Worked Solutions
(ii) Two planes must be parallel and the third
not. The coefficients of the plane in (i)
must stay the same and the value of c
change.
The wording of the question “State a set of

Taking them in pairs makes the set easier values …” indicates that the solution is not
to solve. You could use a matrix method or unique. Choose any different value for c.
calculator method if you prefer.
For example a = −10, b = +14, and c = 0
Adding the equations gives 2z = 50, a = so
−10, =
z = b25 +14, and c = 0
2z = 50, so z = 25 Or a = 19 , b = − 17 , and c = 0
2 2
Subtracting gives 50x = 250, so x = 5
Substitute z = 25 into third equation to (iii) When a = 1, b = −13, and c = −2 the
give 25y − 25 = 250 so y = 11 equations become
Summit coordinates (5, 11, 25) 5x − 7y + z = 80
(iv) A very tall skyscraper would be over x − 13y − 2z = −2
300 m tall. If it is 300 m tall the 25 units 19x + 17y − 4 z = −14

in the vertical direction gives 300 m, so
Matrix of coefficients is
1 unit would be 12 m.
 5 −7 1 
Any sensible value for the height is acceptable  
M =  1 −13 −2  and
here and the value for the unit that goes with  19 17 −4  You can use the
it. You need to give a justification as well as an  
estimate. matrix facility on
det M = 932 ≠ 0 your calculator
7 (i) 5x − 7y + z = 80 here.

ax − by − 2z = c The matrix is non-singular so an inverse

matrix exists and the simultaneous equations
19x + 17y − 4 z = −14 have a unique point as the solution.
If the first two planes are coincident, The question requires a comment that there
multiply the first equation by 2 to get is a unique point which is the solution of the
equal coefficients for z and compare the simultaneous equations.
coefficients. Inverse matrix is
If the planes are coincident they have  86 −11 27 
essentially the same equation. −1 1  
M =
932  −34 −39 11 
10x − 14 y + 2z = 160  264 −218 −58 

ax − by − 2z = c Use your calculator to find the inverse matrix.
So a = −10, b = +14, and c = −160 Point of intersection is given by
 80   86 − 11 27   80  
Take care with the signs as there are 
−1  1  − 34 − 39 11   −2  =  −
negatives in the equation itself.
M −2 =
 − 14  932    − 14  
   264 − 218 − 58    
If the second two planes are coincident,

 86here.− 11 27
80 good answers
There are twoequally   80   7  No more working than
You do not
−1 
Mneed to = 1  − 34 − 39 11
− 2give both.   − 2  =  − 3  this need be shown as the
 − 14  932    − 14    calculator will give this
ax − by − 2z = c   264 − 218 − 58     24 
answer.
19 x + 17 y − 2z = −7
2 2 You may also have an equation mode on
19 your calculator. You could use this instead
So a = , b = − 17 , and c = −7 of a matrix method. You would still need to
2 2
comment that the planes meet at a single
point.

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