Maths 1 2018 With Commentary

Examiners’ commentaries 2018

MT105a Mathematics 1
Important note
This commentary reflects the examination and assessment arrangements for this course in the
academic year 2017–18. The format and structure of the examination may change in future years,
and any such changes will be publicised on the virtual learning environment (VLE).
Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

references
Unless otherwise stated, all cross-references will be to the latest version of the subject guide (2011).
You should always attempt to use the most recent edition of any Essential reading textbook, even if
the commentary and/or online reading list and/or subject guide refer to an earlier edition. If
different editions of Essential reading are listed, please check the VLE for reading supplements – if
none are available, please use the contents list and index of the new edition to find the relevant
section.
General remarks
Learning outcomes
At the end of this half course and having completed the Essential reading and activities you should
have:
• used the concepts, terminology, methods and conventions covered in the half course to solve
mathematical problems in this subject
• the ability to solve unseen mathematical problems involving understanding of these concepts
and application of these methods
• seen how mathematical techniques can be used to solve problems in economics and related
subjects.
Showing your working
We start by emphasising that you should always include your working. This means two things.
First, you should not simply write down the answer in the examination script, but you should
explain the method by which it is obtained. Second, you should include rough working (even if it is
messy!). The examiners want you to get the right answers, of course, but it is more important that
you prove you know what you are doing: that is what is really being examined. We also stress that
if you have not completely solved a problem, you may still be awarded marks for a partial,
incomplete, or slightly wrong, solution; but, if you have written down a wrong answer and nothing
else, no marks can be awarded. So it is certainly in your interests to include all your workings.
1
Covering the syllabus and choosing questions
You should ensure that you have covered the syllabus in order to perform well in the examination: it
is bad practice to concentrate only on a small range of major topics in the expectation that there
will be lots of marks obtainable for questions on these topics. There are no formal options in this
course: you should study the full extent of the topics described in the syllabus and subject guide. In
particular, since the whole syllabus is examinable, any topic could appear in the examination
questions.
Expectations of the examination paper
Every examination paper is different. You should not assume that your examination will be almost
identical to the previous year’s: for instance, just because there was a question, or a part of a
question, on a certain topic last year, you should not assume there will be one on the same topic this
year. Each year, the examiners want to test that candidates know and understand a number of
mathematical methods and, in setting an examination paper, they try to test whether the candidate
does indeed know the methods, understands them, and is able to use them, and not merely whether
they vaguely remember them. Because of this, every year there are some questions which are likely
to seem unfamiliar, or different, from previous years’ questions. You should expect to be surprised
by some of the questions. Of course, you will only be examined on material in the syllabus, so all
questions can be answered using the material of the course. There will be enough, routine, familiar
content in the examination so that a candidate who has achieved competence in the course will pass,
but, of course, for a high mark, more is expected: you will have to demonstrate an ability to solve
new and unfamiliar problems.
Answer the question
Please do read the questions carefully. You might be asked to use specific methods, even when
others could be used. The purpose of the examination is to test that you know certain methods, so
the examiners might occasionally ask you to use a specific technique. In such circumstances, only
limited partial credit can be given if you do not use the specified technique. It is also worth reading
the question carefully so that you do not do more than is required (because it is unlikely that you
would get extra marks for doing so). For instance, if a question asked you only to find the critical
points of a function, but not their natures, then you should not determine their natures. Be careful
to read all questions carefully because, although they may look like previous examination questions
on first glance, there can be subtle differences.
Graph sketching
Some examinations in this subject ask you to sketch the graph of a function. Any sketching of
graphs should be done in the answer book. Graph paper is not needed. Indeed, as we have
mentioned often in the Examiners’ commentaries, the plotting of points in order to graph a function
is not the correct approach. A sketch of the graph of a function should indicate its shape, its
position with respect to the axes, and its intercepts on those axes: it need not be drawn to scale.
Graph paper is not necessary for this.
Calculators
You are reminded that calculators are not permitted in the examination for this course, under any
circumstances. The examiners know this, and so they set questions that do not require a calculator.
It is a good idea to prepare for this by attempting not to use your calculator as you study and revise
this course.
2
Examination revision strategy
Many candidates are disappointed to find that their examination performance is poorer than they
expected. This may be due to a number of reasons, but one particular failing is ‘question
spotting’, that is, confining your examination preparation to a few questions and/or topics which
have come up in past papers for the course. This can have serious consequences.
We recognise that candidates might not cover all topics in the syllabus in the same depth, but you
need to be aware that examiners are free to set questions on any aspect of the syllabus. This
means that you need to study enough of the syllabus to enable you to answer the required number of
examination questions.
The syllabus can be found in the Course information sheet available on the VLE. You should read
the syllabus carefully and ensure that you cover sufficient material in preparation for the
examination. Examiners will vary the topics and questions from year to year and may well set
questions that have not appeared in past papers. Examination papers may legitimately include
questions on any topic in the syllabus. So, although past papers can be helpful during your revision,
you cannot assume that topics or specific questions that have come up in past examinations will
occur again.
If you rely on a question-spotting strategy, it is likely you will find yourself in difficulties
when you sit the examination. We strongly advise you not to adopt this strategy.
3

Important note

references
section.
Comments on specific questions – Zone A
Candidates should answer all EIGHT questions: all SIX questions of Section A (60 marks in total)
and BOTH questions from Section B (20 marks each).
Section A
Answer all six questions from this section (60 marks in total).
Question 1
Find the points of intersection of the curves
y = 3x − 1 and y = x2 + 2x − 3.
Sketch these curves on the same set of axes.
Reading for this question
Curve sketching and related topics are discussed in Chapter 2 of the subject guide.
Approaching the question
The x-coordinate of a point of intersection would satisfy:
3x − 1 = x2 + 2x − 3.
This is equivalent to:

x2 − x − 2 = 0
4
which is:
(x − 2)(x + 1) = 0
and this has solutions x = 2, −1. The corresponding y-values are 5, −4 and the intersection
points are therefore (2, 5) and (−1, −4).
The sketch (or the calculations) should show:
• the U -shape of y = x2 + 2x − 3
• the position of the parabola y = x2 + 2x − 3
• the shape and position of the line
• the intercepts of y = 3x − 1 on axes: (0, −1) and (1/3, 0)
• that y = x2 + 2x − 3 intercepts the x-axis when x2 + 2x + 3 = 0, so at x = −3, 1
• that y = x2 + 2x − 3 has a minimum when y 0 = 0, so x = −1
• the intercept of y = x2 + 2x − 3 on the y-axis is (0, −3) and the minimum value is y = −4.
A sketch is as follows:
There are no marks merely for plotting points on graph paper. There is, in fact, no need to use
graph paper.
Question 2
A monopoly has a marginal cost function given by
M C(q) = eq −2q,
and fixed costs of 10. Find its total cost function.
5
The demand for its product is given by the equation
p + q = 20.
Find the profit function for this monopoly as a function of q.
What value of q will maximise this profit?
See Chapter 3 (and, for integration, Chapter 4) of the subject guide.
We have: Z Z
TC = M C dq = (eq − 2q) dq = eq − q 2 + c.
We have T C(0) = F C = 10. So, we have 10 = e0 − 0 + c, so c = 9. It is not correct, as many

thought, simply to assume that the ‘c’ must be the fixed cost of 10.
So T C = eq − q 2 + 9. The firm is a monopoly, so the selling price in terms of its production is,
from the demand equation, p = 20 − q. So T R = q(20 − q) and:
Π = T R − T C = q(20 − q) − (eq − q 2 + 9) = 20q − eq − 9.
To maximise Π, we set Π0 = 0. So 20 − eq = 0 and q = ln 20. This is a (local) maximum since

Π00 (q) = −eq is negative.
Question 3
Use row operations to solve the system of equations
x + 2y + 2z = 3,
5x − 2y + 3z = 18,
3x + 3y − z = −6.
The recommended method for solving linear equations using row operations can be found in
Chapter 6 of the subject guide. It is known by several names: the row operation method, the
Gauss–Jordan method, the row-reduction method, and so on.
The standard matrix method approach is to reduce the augmented matrix to reduced form. Here
is one way. (There are others, equally valid.)
     
1 2 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 2 2 3
 5 −2 3 18  →  0 −12 −7 3 → 0 −12 −7 3 
3 3 −1 −6 0 −3 −7 −15 0 12 28 60
 
1 2 2 3
→ 0 −12 −7 3 .
0 0 21 63
6
It follows, from this last matrix, that:
x + 2y + 2z = 3
−12y − 7z = 3
21z = 63.
So, z = 3, y = (1/12)(−3 − 7z) = −2 and x = 3 − 2y − 2z = 1.
This is probably a good point at which to make some general comments about how questions are
marked. Clearly, in a question like this, it is easy to get the wrong answer. (Though it should be
noted that in this particular question, you can always substitute the values that you have found
into the original equations, and this will show whether these are correct or not. So you can tell if
you have the wrong answer and, if you have time, you can then re-work the calculation.)
The examiners understand that arithmetical errors can be made, especially in the stressful
circumstances of an examination. Quite probably, the examiners themselves would make some
mistakes if they sat the paper. So, although there are marks for correct calculations, there are
also marks for using the right method (even if you make a mistake). So, here, for instance, the
examiners will award marks if you can indicate that you know how to start to solve the equations
(by writing down an augmented matrix); that you know what row operations are; that you know
what it is you want to achieve with row operations (the reduced matrix, that is); and that you
then know how to work from that reduced matrix to determine the required solutions. There are
marks for all of these things.
Be sure to understand that only certain types of operations qualify as valid row operations. In
particular, a number of candidates make the mistake of thinking that subtracting a fixed
constant from each entry of a row is valid. It is not. (And, if you do not know what we mean by
that, then you are probably not doing it, which is good!)
It is also important to answer the question. The question explicitly asks you to use row
operations. Given this, other approaches to solving the system of equations are not acceptable
because to take such an approach is not to answer the question.
Question 4
Find the integrals
ex dx
Z Z
(i) (x + 1)2 ex dx and (ii) .
(1 − ex )(1 + ex )
See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.
(i) We use integration by parts. We have:

Z Z
I = (x + 1) e dx = (x + 1) e −2 (x + 1) ex dx
2 x 2 x
Z
= (x + 1)2 ex −2 (x + 1) ex − ex dx
= (x + 1)2 ex −2(x + 1) ex +2 ex +c.
7
(ii) We use a substitution. Let u = ex . (Other substitutions, such as u = 1 − ex or u = 1 + ex

will also work). Then du = ex dx and the integral is:
Z
du
.
(1 − u)(1 + u)
Partial fractions means there are A, B such that the integrand takes the form:
A B
+ .
1−u 1+u
We find (by a number of possible methods) that:
A = 1/2 and B = 1/2
and hence the integral is:
Z
1/2 1/2 1 1
+ du = − ln |1 − u| + ln |1 + u| + c
1−u 1+u 2 2
1 1
= − ln |1 − ex | + ln |1 + ex | + c.
2 2
Some candidates asserted at the outset that, for some constants A and B, we have:
ex A B
= + .
(1 − ex )(1 + ex ) 1 − ex 1 + ex
Now, actually, it turns out that such A and B do exist, but it is incorrect to say that this is
‘by partial fractions’. (It is not partial fractions, which is a method that simplifies
expressions that involve one polynomial divided by another.) A correct answer would have
to determine A and B and verify that they work. It turns out that, indeed:
ex 1/2 1/2
= − .
(1 − ex )(1 + ex ) 1 − ex 1 + ex
This can be verified by taking a common denominator and simplifying the right-hand side.
However, does this help integrate the function? To integrate 1/(1 − ex ), for example, you
will need to do something like a substitution, since it cannot be integrated directly. Taking
u = ex , for example: Z Z
dx du
=
1 − ex u(1 − u)
and we need ultimately to use (proper) partial fractions.
Question 5
Use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the values of x and y that minimise
2x + 3y subject to the constraint x1/2 y 1/3 = 48 with x, y > 0.
The Lagrange multiplier method for constrained optimisation is discussed in Chapter 5 of the
subject guide.
The Lagrangian is L = 2x + 3y − λ(x1/2 y 1/3 − 48). The first-order conditions are:

∂L λ y 1/3
=2− =0
∂x 2 x1/2
∂L λ x1/2
=3− =0
∂y 3 y 2/3
∂L
= −(x1/2 y 1/3 − 48) = 0.
∂λ
8
From the first two equations:

4x1/2 9y 2/3
λ= = .
y 1/3 x1/2
On simplification, this becomes x = 9y/4. Then, substituting in the third equation shows that:
1/2
9
y y 1/3 = 48.
4
So y 5/6 = (2/3)48 = 32 and, therefore, y = (32)6/5 = 64. (It is acceptable to leave this as
(32)6/5 .) Then, x = (9/4)64 = 144. (It is acceptable to write x = 9((32)6/5 )/4.)
Question 6
At the beginning of 2018, Martin takes out a loan of $1,000 at an interest rate of 2%
per month. He has to make monthly repayments of $D at the beginning of each
subsequent month for the next 25 months.
Explain why he owes 1000(1.02) − D after his first repayment.
How much does he owe after n repayments? (Simplify your answer as far as
possible.)
Given that 1.0225 is approximately 1.64, show that D is approximately 51.25.
Chapter 7 of the subject guide gives the required background material.
The amount owed after the first repayment is the initial loan 1000, plus interest (which is
0.02 × 1000), minus the payment D; so it is:
1000 + (0.02)(1000) − D = 1000(1.02) − D.
After the second repayment, the amount owing is:
1000(1.02)2 − D(1.02) − D.
After the third, it is:

1000(1.02)3 − D(1.02)2 − D(1.02) − D.
In general, after n repayments, it is:
1000(1.02)n − D(1.02)n−1 − D(1.02)n−2 − · · · − (1.02)D − D.
This is:
(1.02)n − 1

n
1000(1.02) − D = 1000(1.02)n − 50D((1.02)n − 1).
1.02 − 1
Here, we have used the formula for the sum of a geometric progression.
After 25 repayments, the balance is zero and hence:
0 = 1000((1.02)25 − 50D((1.02)25 − 1).
So:
20(1.02)25 20(1.64) 20(164)
D= 25
= = = 51.25.
(1.02) − 1 1.64 − 1 64
9
Section B
Answer both questions from this section (20 marks each).
Question 7
(a) A company is the only producer of two goods, X and Y. When the prices for X
and Y are pX and pY per unit (respectively), consumers will purchase
quantities x and y (respectively) according to the demand equations
pY + pX = 45 − 3x − 3y and pY − pX = 11 + x − y.
If the company’s joint total cost function (that is, the cost of producing
quantities x of X and y of Y) is
TC(x, y) = 15 + 3x2 − 3xy + 3y 2 ,
find their profit function, π(x, y).

Hence determine the quantities x and y that maximise this profit.

The question asks us to find the profit as a function of x and y. That means we will need
the revenue, and hence the prices, in terms of x and y. Adding the two equations, we have
2pY = 56 − 2x − 4y, so pY = 28 − x − 2y. Then, pX = pY − 11 − x + y = 17 − 2x − y. The
profit is therefore:
Π = T R − T C = xpX + ypY − (15 + 3x2 − 3xy + 3y 2 ) = 17x − 5x2 + 28y − 5y 2 + xy − 15.
Solving for the critical points, we need:
Πx = 17 − 10x + y = 0, Πy = 28 − 10y + x = 0
10x − y = 17, x − 10y = −28.
So y = 10x − 17 and x − 10(10x − 17) = −28, which means −99x = −198 and x = 2. Then,
y = 20 − 17 = 3. The solution is (x, y) = (2, 3). We have:
Πxx = −10, Πyy = −10 and Πxy = 1.
So, since Πxx = −10 < 0 and:
Πxx Πyy − (Πxy )2 = (−10)(−10) − (1)2 > 0
this point maximises profit.
(b) Show that for all values of the number k, the function
f (x, y) = x2 + kxy + y 2 ,
has a critical (or stationary) point at (0, 0).

For each value of k, determine whether this critical point is a local minimum, a
local maximum or a saddle point.

10

We have:
fx = 2x + ky and fy = kx + 2y.
At (0, 0), fx = 0 and fy = 0, so it is a critical point.
Note: the question only asks us to show that there is a critical point at (0, 0), so it is enough
to substitute these coordinates into the partial derivatives and show that they are zero.
There is no need to show that the only critical point is (0, 0) by completely solving the
partial derivatives equal to zero.
We have:
fxx = 2, fxy = k and fyy = 2
so the Hessian is:
2
H = fxx fyy − fxy = 4 − k2 .
If |k| < 2, H > 0 and fxx > 0, so we have a local minimum. If |k| > 2, H < 0 and we have a
saddle point.
If |k| = 2, H = 0 and the test fails. However, in this case, when k = ±2 we have:
f (x, y) = x2 ± 2xy + y 2 = (x ± y)2 ≥ 0 = f (0, 0)
so (0, 0) is a minimum. (Why? Well, what it means for a point to be a minimum is that all
the values of the function nearby are at least as large. This argument shows that all other
values are at least as large as the value 0, at (0, 0), so the point (0, 0) is a (global) minimum.)
Question 8
A firm has a production function given by
q(k, l) = k1/4 l1/12
where k and l are the amounts of capital and labour used.
(a) If the prices of capital and labour are u and v per unit respectively, use the
method of Lagrange multipliers to find the values of k and l that will minimise
the firm’s costs when they produce a quantity Q.
The firm sells its product at a fixed price of w per unit.
(b) What is the firm’s profit function?

(c) Determine the firm’s breakeven quantity.
(d) Find the quantity that maximises the firm’s profit.
See Chapter 5 of the subject guide. The breakeven point is defined in Section 3.8 of the subject
guide. It is the production level at which the profit changes from negative to positive.
(a) The cost is uk + vl. We have to minimise this subject to the constraint k 1/4 l1/12 = Q, so the
Lagrangian is:
L = uk + vl − λ(k 1/4 l1/12 − Q).
11
The optimal k and l satisfy the three equations:

λ l1/12
Lk = u − =0
4 k 3/4
λ k 1/4
Ll = v − =0
12 l11/12
k 1/4 l1/12 = Q.
The first two equations, on elimination of λ, show that:
λ = 4uk 3/4 l−1/12 = 12vl11/12 k −1/4
so that k = 3(v/u)l. Then:
1/4
3v
k 1/4 l1/12 = l l1/12 = Q
u
and so: u 1/4
l1/3 = Q
3v
so: u 3/4
l= Q3 .
3v
Then: 1/4
3v 3v u 3/4 3 3v
k= l= Q = Q3 .
u u 3v u
(b) The profit is:
Π(Q) = wQ − C
where: 1/4
3v u 3/4
C = Cmin = u Q3 + v Q3 = 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q3 .
u 3v
So:
Π = wQ − 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q3 .
(c) Breakeven is when Π = 0. So, we need:

Q w − 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q2 = 0.
So (rejecting Q = 0):
w 33/4
Q2 =
4 u3/4 v 1/4
and so: √ √ 1/8
w 33/8 w 27
Q= = .
2 u3/8 v 1/8 2 u3 v
(d) We have:
12 3/4 1/4 2
Π0 = w − u v Q .
33/4
This is 0 when:
33/4 w 1
Q2 = .
12 u v 1/4
3/4
So: √ √ 1/8
w 33/8 w 27
Q= = .
12 u3/8 v 1/8 12 u3 v
Also:
24 3/4 1/4
Π00 = − u v Q<0
33/4
so it does give a maximum.
12

Important note

references
section.
Comments on specific questions – Zone B
Candidates should answer all EIGHT questions: all SIX questions of Section A (60 marks in total)
and BOTH questions from Section B (20 marks each).
Section A
Answer all six questions from this section (60 marks in total).
Question 1
Find the points of intersection of the curves
y = 1 − 3x and y = 3 − 2x − x2 .
Sketch these curves on the same set of axes.
Curve sketching and related topics are discussed in Chapter 2 of the subject guide.
The x-coordinate of a point of intersection would satisfy:
1 − 3x = 3 − 2x − x2 .
This is equivalent to:

x2 − x − 2 = 0
13
which is:
(x − 2)(x + 1) = 0
and this has solutions x = 2, −1. The corresponding y-values are −5, 4 and the intersection
points are therefore (2, −5) and (−1, 4).
The sketch (or the calculations) should show:
• the inverted U -shape of y = 3 − 2x − x2

• the position of the parabola y = 3 − 2x − x2
• the shape and position of the line
• the intercepts of y = 1 − 3x on axes: (0, 1) and (1/3, 0)
• that y = 3 − 2x − x2 intercepts the x-axis when 3 − 2x − x2 = 0, so at x = −3, 1
• that y = 3 − 2x − x2 has a maximum when y 0 = 0, so x = −1
• the intercept of y = 3 − 2x − x2 on the y-axis is (0, 3) and the maximum value is y = 4.
A sketch is as follows:
There are no marks merely for plotting points on graph paper. There is, in fact, no need to use
graph paper.
Question 2
A monopoly has a marginal cost function given by

M C(q) = eq −4q,
and fixed costs of 12. Find its total cost function.
The demand for its product is given by the equation

p + 2q = 14.
14
Find the profit function for this monopoly as a function of q.
What value of q will maximise this profit?
See Chapter 3 (and, for integration, Chapter 4) of the subject guide.
We have: Z Z
TC = M C dq = (eq −4q) dq = eq −2q 2 + c.
We have T C(0) = F C = 12. So, we have 10 = e0 −0 + c, so c = 11. It is not correct, as many

thought, simply to assume that the ‘c’ must be the fixed cost of 10.
So T C = eq −2q 2 + 11. The firm is a monopoly, so the selling price in terms of its production is,
from the demand equation, p = 14 − 2q. So T R = q(14 − 2q) and:
Π = T R − T C = q(14 − 2q) − (eq −2q 2 + 11) = 14q − eq −11.
To maximise Π, we set Π0 = 0. So 14 − eq = 0 and q = ln 14. This is a (local) maximum since
Π00 (q) = − eq is negative.
Question 3
Use row operations to solve the system of equations

x + 3y + z = 4,
4x + 2y − z = 1,
2x − 4y + 3z = 23.
The recommended method for solving linear equations using row operations can be found in
Chapter 6 of the subject guide. It is known by several names: the row operation method, the
Gauss–Jordan method, the row-reduction method, and so on.
The standard matrix method approach is to reduce the augmented matrix to reduced form. Here
is one way. (There are others, equally valid.)
     
1 3 1 4 1 3 1 4 1 3 1 4
 4 2 −1 1  →  0 −10 −5 −15  →  0 2 1 3 
2 −4 3 23 0 −10 1 15 0 0 6 30
 
1 3 1 4
→  0 2 1 3 .
0 0 1 5
It follows, from this last matrix, that:

x + 3y + z = 4
2y + z = 3
z = 5.
15
So, z = 5, y = (1/2)(3 − z) = −1 and x = 4 − 3y − z = 2.
This is probably a good point at which to make some general comments about how questions are
marked. Clearly, in a question like this, it is easy to get the wrong answer. (Though it should be
noted that in this particular question, you can always substitute the values that you have found
into the original equations, and this will show whether these are correct or not. So you can tell if
you have the wrong answer and, if you have time, you can then re-work the calculation.)
The examiners understand that arithmetical errors can be made, especially in the stressful
circumstances of an examination. Quite probably, the examiners themselves would make some
mistakes if they sat the paper. So, although there are marks for correct calculations, there are
also marks for using the right method (even if you make a mistake). So, here, for instance, the
examiners will award marks if you can indicate that you know how to start to solve the equations
(by writing down an augmented matrix); that you know what row operations are; that you know
what it is you want to achieve with row operations (the reduced matrix, that is); and that you
then know how to work from that reduced matrix to determine the required solutions. There are
marks for all of these things.
Be sure to understand that only certain types of operations qualify as valid row operations. In
particular, a number of candidates make the mistake of thinking that subtracting a fixed
constant from each entry of a row is valid. It is not. (And, if you do not know what we mean by
that, then you are probably not doing it, which is good!)
It is also important to answer the question. The question explicitly asks you to use row
operations. Given this, other approaches to solving the system of equations are not acceptable
because to take such an approach is not to answer the question.
Question 4
Find the integrals

ex dx
Z Z
(i) (x + 2)2 ex dx and (ii) .
(3 − ex )(3 + ex )
(i) We use integration by parts. We have:

Z Z
I = (x + 2)2 ex dx = (x + 2)2 ex −2 (x + 2) ex dx
Z
2 x x x
= (x + 2) e −2 (x + 2) e − e dx
= (x + 2)2 ex −2(x + 2) ex +2 ex +c.
(ii) We use a substitution. Let u = ex . (Other substitutions, such as u = 3 − ex or u = 3 + ex

will also work). Then du = ex dx and the integral is:
Z
du
.
(3 − u)(3 + u)
Partial fractions means there are A, B such that the integrand takes the form:
A B
+ .
3−u 3+u
16
We find (by a number of possible methods) that:
A = 1/6 and B = 1/6
and hence the integral is:

Z
1/6 1/6 1 1
+ du = − ln |3 − u| + ln |3 + u| + c
3−u 3+u 6 6
1 1
= − ln |3 − ex | + ln |3 + ex | + c.
6 6
Some candidates asserted at the outset that, for some constants A and B, we have:
ex A B
= + .
(3 − ex )(3 + ex ) 3 − ex 3 + ex
Now, actually, it turns out that such A and B do exist, but it is incorrect to say that this is
‘by partial fractions’. (It is not partial fractions, which is a method that simplifies
expressions that involve one polynomial divided by another.) A correct answer would have
to determine A and B and verify that they work. It turns out that, indeed:
ex 1/6 1/6
= − .
(3 − ex )(3 + ex ) 3 − ex 3 + ex
This can be verified by taking a common denominator and simplifying the right-hand side.
However, does this help integrate the function? To integrate 1/(3 − ex ), for example, you
will need to do something like a substitution, since it cannot be integrated directly. Taking
u = ex , for example: Z Z
dx du
=
3 − ex u(3 − u)
and we need ultimately to use (proper) partial fractions.
Question 5
Use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the values of x and y that minimise
3x + 2y subject to the constraint x1/3 y 1/2 = 48 with x, y > 0.
The Lagrange multiplier method for constrained optimisation is discussed in Chapter 5 of the
subject guide.
The Lagrangian is L = 3x + 2y − λ(x1/3 y 1/2 − 48). The first-order conditions are:
∂L λ y 1/2
=3− =0
∂x 3 x2/3
∂L λ x1/3
=2− =0
∂y 2 y 1/2
∂L
= −(x1/3 y 1/2 − 48) = 0.
∂λ
From the first two equations:
9x2/3 4y 1/2
λ= = .
y 1/2 x1/3
17
On simplification, this becomes y = 9x/4. Then, substituting in the third equation shows that:
1/2
9
x1/3 x = 48.
4
So x5/6 = (2/3)48 = 32 and, therefore, x = (32)6/5 = 64. (It is acceptable to leave this as
(32)6/5 .) Then, y = (9/4)64 = 144. (It is acceptable to write y = 9((32)6/5 )/4.)
Question 6
At the beginning of 2018, Martin takes out a loan of $1,000 at an interest rate of 2%
per month. He has to make monthly repayments of $D at the beginning of each
subsequent month for the next 25 months.
Explain why he owes 1000(1.02) − D after his first repayment.
How much does he owe after n repayments? (Simplify your answer as far as
possible.)
Given that 1.0225 is approximately 1.64, show that D is approximately 51.25.
Chapter 7 of the subject guide gives the required background material.
The amount owed after the first repayment is the initial loan 1000, plus interest (which is
0.02 × 1000), minus the payment D; so it is:
1000 + (0.02)(1000) − D = 1000(1.02) − D.
After the second repayment, the amount owing is:
1000(1.02)2 − D(1.02) − D.
After the third, it is:

1000(1.02)3 − D(1.02)2 − D(1.02) − D.
In general, after n repayments, it is:
1000(1.02)n − D(1.02)n−1 − D(1.02)n−2 − · · · − (1.02)D − D.
This is:
(1.02)n − 1

1000(1.02)n − D = 1000(1.02)n − 50D((1.02)n − 1).
1.02 − 1
Here, we have used the formula for the sum of a geometric progression.
After 25 repayments, the balance is zero and hence:
0 = 1000((1.02)25 − 50D((1.02)25 − 1).
So:
20(1.02)25 20(1.64) 20(164)
D= = = = 51.25.
(1.02)25 − 1 1.64 − 1 64
18
Section B
Answer both questions from this section (20 marks each).
Question 7
(a) A company is the only producer of two goods, X and Y. When the prices for X
and Y are pX and pY per unit (respectively), consumers will purchase
quantities x and y (respectively) according to the demand equations
pX + pY = 54 − 4x − 4y and pX − pY = 22 − 2x + 2y.
If the company’s joint total cost function (that is, the cost of producing
quantities x of X and y of Y) is
TC(x, y) = 10 + 2x2 − 3xy + 2y 2 ,
find their profit function, π(x, y).

Hence determine the quantities x and y that maximise this profit.

The question asks us to find the profit as a function of x and y. That means we will need
the revenue, and hence the prices, in terms of x and y. Adding the two equations, we have
2pX = 76 − 6x − 2y, so pX = 38 − 3x − y. Then, pY = pX − 22 + 2x − 2y = 16 − x − 3y. The
profit is therefore:
Π = T R − T C = xpX + ypY − (10 + 2x2 − 3xy + 2y 2 ) = 38x − 5x2 + 16y − 5y 2 + xy − 10.
Solving for the critical points, we need:
Πx = 38 − 10x + y = 0, Πy = 16 + x − 10y = 0.
10x − y = 38, x − 10y = −16.
So y = 10x − 38 and x − 10(10x − 38) = −16, which means −99x = −396 and x = 4. Then,
y = 40 − 38 = 2. The solution is (x, y) = (4, 2). We have:
Πxx = −10, Πyy = −10 and Πxy = 1.
So, since Πxx = −10 < 0 and:
Πxx Πyy − (Πxy )2 = (−10)(−10) − (1)2 > 0
this point maximises profit.
(b) Show that for all values of the number k, the function
f (x, y) = x2 + kxy + y 2 ,
has a critical (or stationary) point at (0, 0).

For each value of k, determine whether this critical point is a local minimum, a
local maximum or a saddle point.

19

We have:
fx = 2x + ky and fy = kx + 2y.
At (0, 0), fx = 0 and fy = 0, so it is a critical point.

Note: the question only asks us to show that there is a critical point at (0, 0), so it is enough
to substitute these coordinates into the partial derivatives and show that they are zero.
There is no need to show that the only critical point is (0, 0) by completely solving the
partial derivatives equal to zero.
We have:
fxx = 2, fxy = k and fyy = 2
so the Hessian is:

2
H = fxx fyy − fxy = 4 − k2 .
If |k| < 2, H > 0 and fxx > 0, so we have a local minimum. If |k| > 2, H < 0 and we have a
saddle point.
If |k| = 2, H = 0 and the test fails. However, in this case, when k = ±2, we have:
f (x, y) = x2 ± 2xy + y 2 = (x ± y)2 ≥ 0 = f (0, 0)
so (0, 0) is a minimum. (Why? Well, what it means for a point to be a minimum is that all
the values of the function nearby are at least as large. This argument shows that all other
values are at least as large as the value 0, at (0, 0), so the point (0, 0) is a (global) minimum.)
Question 8
A firm has a production function given by
q(k, l) = k1/4 l1/12
where k and l are the amounts of capital and labour used.
(a) If the prices of capital and labour are u and v per unit respectively, use the
method of Lagrange multipliers to find the values of k and l that will minimise
the firm’s costs when they produce a quantity Q.
The firm sells its product at a fixed price of w per unit.
(b) What is the firm’s profit function?

(c) Determine the firm’s breakeven quantity.
(d) Find the quantity that maximises the firm’s profit.
See Chapter 5 of the subject guide. The breakeven point is defined in Section 3.8 of the subject
guide. It is the production level at which the profit changes from negative to positive.
(a) The cost is uk + vl. We have to minimise this subject to the constraint k 1/4 l1/12 = Q, so the
Lagrangian is:
L = uk + vl − λ(k 1/4 l1/12 − Q).
20
The optimal k and l satisfy the three equations:

λ l1/12
Lk = u − =0
4 k 3/4
λ k 1/4
Ll = v − =0
12 l11/12
k 1/4 l1/12 = Q.
The first two equations, on elimination of λ, show that:
λ = 4uk 3/4 l−1/12 = 12vl11/12 k −1/4
so that k = 3(v/u)l. Then:
1/4
3v
k 1/4 l1/12 = l l1/12 = Q
u
and so: u 1/4
l1/3 = Q
3v
so: u 3/4
l= Q3 .
3v
Then: 1/4
3v 3v u 3/4 3 3v
k= l= Q = Q3 .
u u 3v u
(b) The profit is:
Π(Q) = wQ − C
where: 1/4
3v u 3/4
C = Cmin = u Q3 + v Q3 = 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q3 .
u 3v
So:
Π = wQ − 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q3 .
(c) Breakeven is when Π = 0. So, we need:

Q w − 4(3−3/4 )u3/4 v 1/4 Q2 = 0
so (rejecting Q = 0):
w 33/4
Q2 =
4 u3/4 v 1/4
and so: √ √ 1/8
w 33/8 w 27
Q= = .
2 u3/8 v 1/8 2 u3 v
(d) We have:
12 3/4 1/4 2
Π0 = w − u v Q .
33/4
This is 0 when:
33/4 w 1
Q2 = .
12 u v 1/4
3/4
So: √ √ 1/8
w 33/8 w 27
Q= = .
12 u3/8 v 1/8 12 u3 v
Also:
24 3/4 1/4
Π00 = − u v Q<0
33/4
so it does give a maximum.
21

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Examiners’ commentaries 2018

Examiners’ commentaries 2018

Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

Showing your working

Covering the syllabus and choosing questions

Expectations of the examination paper

Answer the question

Examination revision strategy

Examiners’ commentaries 2018

Information about the subject guide and the Essential reading

Comments on specific questions – Zone A

Find the points of intersection of the curves

Sketch these curves on the same set of axes.

Reading for this question

Approaching the question

The x-coordinate of a point of intersection would satisfy:

This is equivalent to:

The sketch (or the calculations) should show:

A monopoly has a marginal cost function given by

and fixed costs of 10. Find its total cost function.

The demand for its product is given by the equation

Find the profit function for this monopoly as a function of q.

What value of q will maximise this profit?

Reading for this question

See Chapter 3 (and, for integration, Chapter 4) of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

We have T C(0) = F C = 10. So, we have 10 = e0 − 0 + c, so c = 9. It is not correct, as many

Π = T R − T C = q(20 − q) − (eq − q 2 + 9) = 20q − eq − 9.

To maximise Π, we set Π0 = 0. So 20 − eq = 0 and q = ln 20. This is a (local) maximum since

Use row operations to solve the system of equations

Reading for this question

Approaching the question

It follows, from this last matrix, that:

So, z = 3, y = (1/12)(−3 − 7z) = −2 and x = 3 − 2y − 2z = 1.

Find the integrals

Reading for this question

See Chapter 4 of the subject guide.

Approaching the question

(i) We use integration by parts. We have:

= (x + 1)2 ex −2(x + 1) ex +2 ex +c.

(ii) We use a substitution. Let u = ex . (Other substitutions, such as u = 1 − ex or u = 1 + ex

Reading for this question

Approaching the question

The Lagrangian is L = 2x + 3y − λ(x1/2 y 1/3 − 48). The first-order conditions are:

From the first two equations:

Explain why he owes 1000(1.02) − D after his first repayment.

Given that 1.0225 is approximately 1.64, show that D is approximately 51.25.

Reading for this question

Chapter 7 of the subject guide gives the required background material.

Approaching the question

1000 + (0.02)(1000) − D = 1000(1.02) − D.

After the second repayment, the amount owing is:

After the third, it is:

1000(1.02)n − D(1.02)n−1 − D(1.02)n−2 − · · · − (1.02)D − D.

After 25 repayments, the balance is zero and hence:

0 = 1000((1.02)25 − 50D((1.02)25 − 1).

Answer both questions from this section (20 marks each).

TC(x, y) = 15 + 3x2 − 3xy + 3y 2 ,

find their profit function, π(x, y).

Reading for this question

Π = T R − T C = xpX + ypY − (15 + 3x2 − 3xy + 3y 2 ) = 17x − 5x2 + 28y − 5y 2 + xy − 15.

Solving for the critical points, we need:

10x − y = 17, x − 10y = −28.