Mathematics Revision

Here are some questions to help you revise some of the Mathematics you will need in
your Statistics modules. Please attempt these questions either before you arrive at UCL
or during the first week of term. Your answers will not count towards your degree result.
However, it is very important that you attempt the questions so that you are aware of
any gaps in your mathematical knowledge.
To help you with these questions, and to enable you check that that your answers are
correct, I have set up on-line quizzes in UCL’s Virtual Learning Environment : UCL
Moodle. UCL Moodle can be accessed at
www.ucl.ac.uk/moodle
To login to UCL Moodle you will need your UCL computer ID and password. These
will be assigned to you when you complete UCL College Enrolment. The Mathematics
Revision quizzes are on the DOSSSH (Department of Statistical Science Student Home)
Moodle page. When you login to Moodle you should find that there is a link to DOSSSH
on the right hand side of the welcome page, under ‘My courses’. Left click on this link.
With a left click on the tab “Start of session” you will be directed in a new space
where you will find the link for “Fundamentals of Mathematics and Statistics”. Left
click on this link. The online course “Fundamentals of Mathematics and Statistics” has
been specifically developed for the students of the Department of Statistical Science in
order to provide them with additional support in their studies by strengthening their
mathematical knowledge on various topics necessary to successfully achieve their degree.
Under the tab “Mathematics for 1st year” you will find the links to the Mathematics
Revision sheets (Question Sheets 1-3). If you do not have a link to DOSSSH, then
search for DOSSSH in the top right hand corner of the Welcome page. Then left click
on DOSSSH: Department of Statistical Science Student Home.
Moodle will automatically mark your answers. There is no time limit and you can take
the quiz as many times as you like in order to correct any incorrect answers you give. If,
having submitted your answers and read the feedback, you are unsure about anything
please ask one of your Statistics lecturers, your tutor for your weekly Statistics tutorials
or your personal tutor.

Dr Niloufar Abourashchi
Departmental Tutor
 Mathematics Revision - Question Sheet 1

1. Let x1 = 1.3, x2 = 1.7, x3 = 1.0, x4 = 0.8, x5 = 1.2. Calculate the following:

5
X
(a) xi
i=1
5
Y
(b) xi
i=1
5
X 1
(c)
i=1 xi
5
Y 1
(d)
i=1 xi
3
X 3
X
(e) 2+ xi
i=1 i=2
5
X
(f) (2 xi − i).
i=1

2. Let x1 , . . . , xn be positive real numbers, where n is a positive integer, and suppose

that n
X 
x2i − xi µ = 0.
i=1

Find µ in terms of the xi s.

3. Let x1 , . . . , xn be positive real numbers and let n be a positive integer. Is it always

true that n
X 1 1
=Xn ?
i=1 xi xi
i=1

Either write down a proof of the result (if it is true), or give a counterexample (if
it is false).

4. Define the function g(µ) by

n
(xi − µ)2 ,
X
g(µ) =
i=1

where x1 , . . . , xn are real numbers and n is a positive integer. Find the value of µ
(in terms of x1 , . . . , xn ) which minimizes g(µ).
 Mathematics Revision - Question Sheet 2

1. Solve the pair of simultaneous equations

log(xy 2 ) = 3,
log(x2 y) = 5.

All logarithms are to base e.

2. (a) On the same graph, sketch the curves of

(i) f1 (x) = e−x ,
(ii) f2 (x) = 3 e−3x ,
for x in the range 0 to 3.
(b) On the same graph, sketch the curves of
2
(i) f3 (x) = e−x /2 ,
2
(ii) f4 (x) = 3 e−(x−1) ,
for x in the range -3 to 3.

3. Evaluate n  
log i2
X

i=1
.
log n!
n
Y
Note: n!, said “n factorial”, is defined by n! = i, where n is a positive integer.
i=1
Hence 4! = 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 = 24.
The special case 0! is defined to have value 0! = 1.
 Mathematics Revision - Question Sheet 3

1. Differentiate with respect to x:

  3
(a) 2x2 − 1 x3 + 4
x4 + 1
(b) √
1+x
1 −1
 
(c) x +
x
x
(d) e ln x.
(e) xx .

2. Find the following indefinite integrals:

Z
(a) (1 + x)3 dx
√
Z
e− x
(b) √ dx.
x
3. Calculate the following definite integrals:
Z 1  2
(a) x 3 + x2 dx
0
Z ∞
(b) 2 x e−2x dx
0
Z ∞
2 √
4. Given that e−x dx = π, use integration by substitution to find
−∞

(x − µ)2
Z ∞ " #
exp − dx,
−∞ 2σ 2

where σ > 0.
Note: exp stands for exponential e. The term exp(x) is the same as writing ex .