_______________________

Name:
_
1/2 ab sin C
_______________________
Class:
_

_______________________
Date:
_

Time: 149 min.

Marks: 124 marks

Comments:

Page 1 of 35
Q1.
ABC is a right-angled triangle.

D is the point on hypotenuse AC such that AD = AB.

The area of ΔABD is equal to half that of ΔABC.

(a) Show that tan A = 2 sin A

(4)

(b) (i) Show that the equation given in part (a) has two solutions for 0° ≤ A ≤ 90°
(2)

(ii) State the solution which is appropriate in this context.

(1)
(Total 7 marks)

Q2.
The diagram shows a sector of a circle OAB.

C is the midpoint of OB.

Angle AOB is θ radians.

Page 2 of 35
 (a) Given that the area of the triangle OAC is equal to one quarter of the area of the
sector OAB, show that θ = 2 sin θ
(4)

(b) Use the Newton-Raphson method with θ1 = π, to find θ3 as an approximation for θ.

Give your answer correct to five decimal places.
(3)

(c) Given that θ = 1.89549 to five decimal places, find an estimate for the percentage
error in the approximation found in part (b).
(1)
(Total 8 marks)

Q3.
A parallelogram has sides of length 6 cm and 4.5 cm.
The larger interior angles of the parallelogram have size α

Given that the area of the parallelogram is 24 cm2, find the exact value of tan α
(Total 4 marks)

Q4.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC.

The lengths of AC and BC are 5 cm and 6 cm respectively.

The area of triangle ABC is 12.5 cm2, and angle ACB is obtuse.

(a) Find the size of angle ACB, giving your answer to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)

Page 3 of 35
 (b) Find the length of AB, giving your answer to two significant figures.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q5.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AB is 10 metres and angle BAC is
150°.

The area of triangle ABC is 40 m2.

(a) Show that the length of AC is 16 metres.

(2)

(b) Calculate the length of BC, giving your answer, in metres, to two decimal places.
(3)

(a) Calculate the smallest angle of triangle ABC, giving your answer to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q6.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AB = 26 cm and
BC = 31.5 cm.

The acute angle ABC is θ, where sin θ = .

(a) Calculate the area of triangle ABC.

(2)

(b) Find the exact value of cos θ.

(1)

(c) Calculate the length of AC.

(3)

Page 4 of 35
 (Total 6 marks)

Q7.
The diagram shows a sector OPQ of a circle with centre O.

The radius of the circle is 18 m and the angle POQ is radians.

(a) Find the length of the arc PQ, giving your answer as a multiple of π.
(2)

(b) The tangents to the circle at the points P and Q meet at the point T, and the angles
TPO and TQO are both right angles, as shown in the diagram below.

(i) Angle PTQ = α radians. Find α in terms of π.

(1)

(ii) Find the area of the shaded region bounded by the arc PQ and the tangents
TP and TQ, giving your answer to three significant figures.
(6)
(Total 9 marks)

Q8.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AB = 5 cm, AC = 8 cm, BC = 10 cm
and angle BAC = θ.

Page 5 of 35
 (a) Show that θ = 97.9°, correct to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)

(b) (i) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer, in cm2, to three
significant figures.
(2)

(ii) The line through A, perpendicular to BC, meets BC at the point D. Calculate
the length of AD, giving your answer, in cm, to three significant figures.
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q9.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AC = 9 cm, BC = 10 cm, angle
ABC = 54° and the acute angle BAC = θ.

(a) Show that θ = 64°, correct to the nearest degree.

(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer to the nearest square
centimetre.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q10.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AB = 6 cm, BC = 15 cm, angle
BAC = 150° and angle ACB = θ.

Page 6 of 35
 (a) Show that θ = 11.5°, correct to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer in cm2 to three significant
figures.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q11.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC.

The size of angle A is 63°, and the lengths of AB and AC are 7.4 m and 5.26 m
respectively.

(a) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer in m2 to three significant
figures.
(2)

(b) Show that the length of BC is 6.86 m, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(c) Find the value of sin B to two significant figures.

(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q12.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AB = 7 cm, AC = 5 cm, BC = 8 cm
and angle ABC = θ.

Page 7 of 35
 (a) Show that θ = 38.2°, correct to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer, in cm2, to three significant
figures.
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q13.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC. The length of AC is 18.7 cm, and the sizes of angles
BAC and ABC are 72° and 50° respectively.

(a) Show that the length of BC = 23.2 cm, correct to the nearest 0.1 cm.
(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer to the nearest cm2.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q14.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC.

Page 8 of 35
 The size of angle BAC is 65°, and the lengths of AB and AC are 7.6 m and 8.3 m
respectively.

(a) Show that the length of BC is 8.56 m, correct to three significant figures.
(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer in m2 to three significant
figures.
(2)

(c) The perpendicular from A to BC meets BC at the point D.

Calculate the length of AD, giving your answer to the nearest 0.1 m.
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

Q15.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that BC = 6 cm, AC = 5 cm and
AB = 4 cm. The angle BAC is θ.

(a) Use the cosine rule to show that .

(3)

(b) Hence use a trigonometrical identity to show that

(3)

(c) Hence find the area of the triangle ABC.

(2)
(Total 8 marks)

Q16.
The triangle ABC, shown in the diagram, is such that AC = 8 cm, CB = 12 cm and angle
ACB = θ radians.

Page 9 of 35
 The area of triangle ABC = 20 cm2.

(a) Show that θ = 0.430 correct to three significant figures.

(3)

(b) Use the cosine rule to calculate the length of AB, giving your answer to two
significant figures.
(3)

(c) The point D lies on CB such that AD is an arc of a circle centre C and radius 8 cm.
The region bounded by the arc AD and the straight lines DB and AB is shaded in
the diagram.

Calculate, to two significant figures:

(i) the length of the arc AD;

(2)

(ii) the area of the shaded region.

(3)
(Total 11 marks)

Q17.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC.

Page 10 of 35
 The lengths of AC and BC are 4.8 cm and 12 cm respectively.

The size of the angle BAC is 100°.

(a) Show that angle ABC = 23.2°, correct to the nearest 0.1°.
(3)

(b) Calculate the area of triangle ABC, giving your answer in cm2 to three significant
figures.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

Q18.
The diagram shows a triangle ABC.

The lengths of AC and BC are 5 cm and 4.8 cm respectively.

The size of the angle BCA is 30°.

(a) Calculate the area of the triangle ABC.

(2)

(b) Calculate the length of AB, giving your answer to three significant figures.
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Page 11 of 35
Mark schemes

Q1.

Marking Instructions AO Marks Typical Solution

(a) Uses area of ADB = area AO3.1a M1

of CDB or area of ADB =
½ area of ABC

Possibly by use of “½ab

sinC” twice

Deduces that AO1.1b A1

AC = 2 × AD = 2 × AB or
equivalent

Uses trigonometry AO1.1a M1

involving sin and tan Area of ADB = Area of
based on triangle with AC CDB
= 2 × AB
CD = AD = c
Obtains correct conclusion AO2.1 R1 AC = 2c
(AG)
Sets out a well-
constructed mathematical
argument. Use of 60° or
equivalent must be tan A = √3
justified

2sin A = √3 = tan A

(b) AO1.1a M1
(i)
Uses tan A = and
multiplies sin A = 2 sin A cos A
Or Uses sketch of two
graphs to show two
intersections

Solves the equation to AO1.1b A1

give A = 0° and 60° sin A(1 − 2 cos A) = 0
sin A = 0 or cos A = ½
Or interprets intersections A = 0° and A = 60°
of graphs of the correct
shape between 0° and 90°
to be the solutions
Special case
0° and 60° stated but not
justified award B1. Stated
and verified award B2

(ii) Selects A = 60°. (Can be AO3.2a B1 We need A = 60°

earned with no other

Page 12 of 35
 working shown)

Alternative marking AO Marks Typical Solution

Instructions

(a) Obtains area formula for AO3.1a M1

ABD using sin A

Area of ADB = ½c2 sin A

Obtains expression for BC AO1.1a M1

using tan A
BC = c tan A

Obtains correct expression AO1.1b A1 Area of ABC = ½ c2 tan A

for area of ABC
Simplifies to correct AO2.1 R1 ½ c2 tan A = 2 × ½c2 sin A
conclusion (AG)
Sets out a well- tan A = 2 sin A
constructed mathematical
argument.

(b) AO1.1a M1
(i)
Uses tan A = and
multiplies sin A = 2 sin A cos A
Or Uses sketch of two
graphs to show two
intersections

Solves the equation to AO1.1b A1

give A = 0° and 60° sin A(1 − 2 cos A) = 0
sin A = 0 or cos A = ½
Or interprets intersections A = 0° and A = 60°
of graphs of the correct
shape between 0° and 90°
to be the solutions
Special case
0° and 60° stated but not
justified award B1. Stated
and verified award B2

(ii) Selects A = 60°. (Can be AO3.2a B1 We need A = 60°

earned with no other
working shown)

Total 7 marks

Page 13 of 35
Q2.

Marking Instructions AO Marks Typical Solution

(a) AO1.2 B1

for triangle OAC or OAB

PI by equation

Forms an equation relating AO3.1a M1

the area of OAC and ABC ⇒ 2r 2
sin θ = r2θ
in the form Ar2 sin θ = Br2
θ ⇒ 2 sin θ = θ
Obtains fully correct AO1.1b A1 AG
equation ACF
Simplifies to obtain AO2.1 R1
required equation, only
award if all working correct
with rigorous argument.

(b) Rearranges to the form AO1.1a M1 f(θ) = θ − 2 sin θ = 0

f(θ) = 0
PI by correct θ2 or θ3

AO1.1b A1
θ2 = 2.094395…
Differentiates their f(θ) or
uses calculator PI correct
θ3 = 1.913222…
θ2 or θ3 θ3 = 1.91322 (5 d.p.)

Obtains correct θ3 AO1.1b A1

(c) Obtains percentage error AO3.2b B1 0.935%

for θ3
AWRT 0.94%

Total 8 marks

Q3.

Marking Instructions AO Marks Typical Solution

Translates given AO3.1a M1 AB × AD × sin α = 24

information into an
equation by using the hence 6 × 4.5 × sin α = 24
formula for the area of
triangle or parallelogram to
form a correct equation

Rearranges ‘their’ AO1.1b A1F

equation to obtain a
correct value of sin α

Uses ‘their’ sinα value to AO2.2a M1 Sides of right angled

Page 14 of 35
 identify an appropriate triangle are 8, 9 and
right-angled triangle
or uses identities
Hence
and deduces exact ratio of
tan α – positive or
negative
Condone only positive
ratio seen

Relates back to AO3.2a A1F α is one of the largest

mathematical context of angles and must be
problem and hence obtuse hence tangent is
chooses negative ratio – negative
accept any equivalent
exact form
FT ‘their’ tan values for
obtuse α

Total 4 marks

Q4.

(a) × 5 × 6sin C = 12.5

(Area =) × 5 × 6 sin C

M1

sin C = 0.833(3..)
AWRT 0.83 or 5 / 6 OE
PI by e.g. seeing 56 or better

A1

(C is obtuse) C = 123.6°
AWRT 123.6

A1
3

(b) {AB2 =}52 + 62 − 2 × 5 × 6 cos C

RHS of cosine rule used

M1

= 61 − 60 × (−0.553…) = 94.1(66…)
Correct ft evaluation, to at least 2 sf, of AB2 or AB
using c’s value of C.

m1

Page 15 of 35
 (AB =) 9.7 (cm to 2sf)
If not 9.7 accept AWRT 9.70 or AWRT 9.71

A1
3
[6]

Q5.

(a) Area = × 10 × AC sin150

× 10 × ACsin150

M1

40 = 2.5 AC so AC = 16 (m)
AG Be convinced
A1

(b) {BC2 =}102 + 162 − 2 × 10 × 16 × cos150

RHS of cosine rule used

M1

= 100 + 256 + 277.128…

Correct order of evaluation

M1

BC = =25.162…= 25.16m
AWRT 25.16

A1

(c)
A correct equation using sine rule or cosine rule or
area formula for either B or C. Subst of BC or
AC not required for this M.
M1

sin C = (= 0.1987 …)
Correct rearrangement to either sinC or cosC
or sinB or cosB equal to numerical expression ft on
c’s numerical value for BC. PI by correct C or
(by correct B if Mscored)

M1

Page 16 of 35
 (or sinB = (= 0.317 … or 0.318))

Smallest angle, (C =) 11.5 ° to 1dp

Accept a value 11.4 to 11.5 inclusive.

A1
3
[8]

Q6.

(a) (Area) = (26)(31.5)sin θ

(26)(31.5)sin (θ) stated or used

M1

(26)(31.5) × = 157.5 (cm2)

OE eg
Condone AWRT 157.50
NMS: 157.5 or AWRT 157.50 scores B2

A1
2

(b) (cos θ =)

OE exact fraction

B1
1

(c) {AC2 =}
31.52 + 262 − 2 x 31.5 x 26 x cos (θ) = 992.25 + 676 − 1512
RHS of cosine rule

M1

= 1668.25 − 1512 = 156.25

Correct order of evaluation. Do not award if evaluation
leads to or would lead to RHS value being outside
interval 120 to 195

m1

AC = = 12.5 (cm)
12.5 OE with no sight of premature approximation
clearly used

A1

Page 17 of 35
 3

Alternative

{AC2 =} (26 sin θ )2 + (31.5 − 26 cos θ )2

(M1)

= 102 + 7.52

(m1)

AC = = 12.5 (cm)

(A1)
(3)
[6]

Q7.
(a) {Arc =} rθ
rθ seen or used for the arc length
M1

= 18 × = 12π (m)
12π

A1
2

(b) (i) α=

π OE expression which simplifies to π

B1
1

(ii) {Area of sector =} r2 θ = ×182 ×

r2 θ seen or used for the sector area

M1

= 108 π (=339.(29..))
If not exact accept 3sf or better
PI by final correct answer

A1

tan {or tan

Page 18 of 35
{or PQ = 2 × 18sin } {or PQ = 18sin }

OE Correct method (PI) to find either TP or TQ (=TP)

or OT or PQ or PQ. If α not π / 3 then ft c’s value for

α in (b)(i). If c finds two of TP / TQ, OT and PQ / PQ

and gets one correct, one wrong, mark correct one
ie M1A1 (M1A0 possible if no correct length)

M1

TP = 18 = 31.1769… exact or 31.1 to 31.2 incl}

{or PQ=18 =31.1769... exact or 31.1 to 31.2 incl}

{or OT = 36};

Correct TP or TQ or PQ or PQ or OT either exact value

or in range indicated PI by value 561 to 561.3 inclusive for
the area of the kite.

A1

PQ = 9 or 15.5 to 15.6 incl}

Area of kite PTQO = 2 × × 18 × TP

{or Area = TP2sin α}

{or area kite = × PQ ×

{or area kite = × 2 × 18sin × OT}

{= 182 } {= 2×162 };{243 + 81 }

OE valid method to find area of kite, down to a correct
expression with no more than 1 unknown length; ft on
c’s value of α. For method using > one unknown length
this M is dependent on previous M for length
PI by value 324 or a numerical expression which
simplifies to 324 ; or a value 561 to 561.3 inclusive
for the area of the kite. Can also be implied by award
of the final A1

M1

Page 19 of 35
 Alternative:

Area triangle PTQ = TP2sin α and

Area triangle POQ = 182sin(2π/3)

OE Alternative: Award this method mark if both area
of triangle PTQ (= 243 ) and area of triangle
POQ (= 81 ) are found with or without finding area of kite
(M1)

Area of shaded region = 561.(18...) − 108 π = 222 (m2) to 3sf A1 6 222.0

inclusive
If not 222, condone value from 221.7 to 221.89…

A1

Alternative

Area of shaded region = 243 − (108π − 81 ) = 221.89…

= 222 (m2) to 3sf

(A1)
(6)
[9]

Q8.
(a) 102 = 82 + 52 − 2 × 8 × 5cosθ
Use of the cosine rule PI by next line

M1

Rearrangement

m1

θ = 97.90(32...) = 97.9° (to nearest 0.1°)

CSO (Must see either exact value for cosθ
orat least 4sf value for either cosθ or θ
before the printed answer 97.9º) AG

A1
3

(b) (i)
OE

Page 20 of 35
 M1

= 19.810… = 19.8 (cm2) to 3sf

Condone > 3sf

A1
2

(ii) Area of triangle = 0.5 × BC × AD

Or valid method to find sin B or sin C
or B or C

M1

AD = [Ans.(b)(i)] ÷ [0.5 × BC]

Or AD = 5 sin B; or AD = 8 sin C OE

m1

Condone > 3sf

A1
3
[8]

Q9.

(a)
Sine rule, with sinθ being the only unknown

M1

sin θ = 0.898(9...) , θ = 64.01(48…)

Correct rearrangement to ‘sinθ = …’ or
to ‘θ =sin−1 (…)

m1

θ = 64° {to nearest degree}

AG m1 must have been awarded and must
see at least 3sf value either for sinθ so that
0.898 ≤ sinθ ≤ 0.8993 or for θ so that
64.0 ≤ θ ≤ 64.1 as well as seeing ‘θ (OE) = 64’

A1
3

Page 21 of 35
 (b) Angle C = 180 − (54 + θ) = 62 {to 2sf}
C = 62. AWRT 62.
PI if ‘C = 180 − (54 + θ)’ and accurate later work.

B1

Area =
OE Ft c’s value for C (C ≠ 54, C ≠ θ)

M1

= 39.73.. = 40{cm2 to nearest sq cm}

If not 40 condone a value 39.7 to 39.8 inclusive.

A1
3
[6]

Q10.

(a)
Sine rule OE PI

M1

Rearrangement

m1

θ = 11.53(6..) = 11.5° {to nearest 0.1°}

AG Must see at least 4 sf value or an exact
value for sin θ (0.2, 3/15, OE) before
seeing the printed value 11.5

A1
3

(b) Angle B = 180 – (150 + θ) = 18.5 {to 3 sf}

Award for B = any value between 18 and
19 inclusive [18.463041….]

B1

Area =

M1

= 14.3 {cm2} to 3sf

Page 22 of 35
 Accept a value 14.2 to 14.3 inclusive
Note: For methods involving AC, for the
M1 need both a correct method to find AC
and a correct area formula

A1
3
[6]

Q11.

(a) {Area =}

M1

= 17.3(407...) {m2}
Accept any value from 17.3 to 17.341

A1
2

(b) {BC2 =} 5.262 + 7.42 – 2 × 5.26 × 7.4 cos 63

RHS of cosine rule used

M1

….. = 27.66(76) + 54.76 – 35.34(22…)

Correct order of evaluation

m1

BC = 6.86 {m} to 3sf

AG. Cand. must show a 4th sf in either

or 6.861(8) before giving the

printed answer 6.86

A1
3

(c)
Sine rule involving ‘sin B’ [If valid cosine
rule used to find cos B, no marks awarded
until stage of converting to sin B]

M1

sin B = 0.68 to 2sf

If not 0.68, accept AWRT any value from

Page 23 of 35
 0.682 to 0.684 inclusive

A1

ALTn

(6.86 ..) could be c’ s ans (b)

(M1)

sin B = 0.68 to 2sf

If not 0.68, accept AWRT any value from
0.682 to 0.684 inclusive

(A1)
2
[7]

Q12.
(a) 52 = 72 + 82 – 2 × 7 × 8 cos θ
Use of the cosine rule – must be correct
(PI by the correct line below)

M1

Rearrangement

m1

θ = 38.21... = 38.2° (to nearest 0.1°)

CSO (Must see either exact value for
cos θ or at least 4sf value for either cos θ
or θ before the printed answer 38.2°) AG

A1
3

(b) Area =

OE eg Area =

M1

= 17.3 {cm2} to 3 sf
Condone 17.31 to 17.33 inclusive

A1

Page 24 of 35
 2
[5]

Q13.

(a)
Use of the sine rule

M1

Rearrangement

m1

(BC) = 23.21(6..) {= 23.2 to nearest 0.1 cm}

AG Need > 1 dp if using cm eg 23.21 or
23.22; at least 1 dp if using mm.

A1
3

(b) Angle C = 180° – (50° + 72°) = 58°

Valid method to find either angle C (PI eg
by sin C = 0.848(04..)) or side AB

M1

Area of triangle = 0.5 × 18.7 × 23.2.. × sin C

OE eg 0.5 × 18.7 × AB × sin 72º

M1

….. = 184 cm2

Accept 183.8 to 184.2

Condone missing/wrong units

A1
3
[6]

Q14.
(a) {BC2 =} 7.62 + 8.32 – 2 × 7.6 × 8.3 cos 65
RHS of cosine rule used

M1

….. = 57.76 + 68.89 – 53.3175...

Correct order of evaluation

Page 25 of 35
 m1

BC = = 8.563.. (= 8.56 m)

AG; must see or > 3sf value

A1
3

(b) Area triangle = × 7.6 × 8.3 × sin 65

Use of sin A OE

M1

= 28.58… = 28.6 (m2)

Condone > 3sf

A1
2

(c) Area of triangle = 0.5 × BC × AD

Or valid method to find sinB or sinC

M1

AD = [Ans (b)] ÷ [0.5 × Ans (a)]

Or AD = 7.6sinB; Or AD = 8.3 sinC

m1

AD = 6.67.. = 6.7 (m)

If not 6.7 accept 6.65 to 6.69 inclusive.

A1
3
[8]

Q15.
(a) 62 = 42 + 52 – 2(4)(5) cos θ
Use of the cosine rule

M1

Rearrangement

m1

Page 26 of 35
 CSO AG (be convinced)

A1
3

(b) cos2θ + sin2θ = 1

Stated or used (PI)

M1

Or better

A1

AG (be convinced)

A1
3

(c) Area of triangle = 0.5 × 4 × 5 × sin θ.

M1

…..
OE (Condone 9.92)

A1
2
[8]

Q16.
[Note: Calc. set in wrong mode, penalise only once on the paper.]
Condone missing units throughout the question]

(a) Area of triangle = (12)(8)sinθ

Use of ab sin C or full equivalent

M1

sinθ = [=0.41(666...)]
OE (giving 0.412 to 0.42)

Page 27 of 35
 A1

θ = 0.4297(7...) = 0.430 to 3sf

AG(need to see >3sf value)

A1
3

(b) {AB2 =}82 +122 − 2 × 8 × 12 × cosθ

M1

= 64 + 144 − 174.5....
Accept 33 to 34 inclusive if three values
not separate

m1

AB = 5.78... = 5.8 cm to 2sf

If not 2sf condone 5.78 to 5.79 inclusive.
Condone ±

A1
3

(c) (i) Arc AD = 8θ

M1

= 3.44.. = 3.4 cm to 2sf

If not 2sf condone 3.438 to 3.44 inclusive

A1
2

(ii) Area of sector = r2θ

Stated or used [or 13.7(6..) seen]

M1

Shaded area = Area of triangle − sector area

Difference of areas

M1

Shaded area = 20 − 0.5 × 82 × θ

= 6.2 cm2 to 2sf
Condone 6.24 to 6.2472

A1
3
[11]

Page 28 of 35
Q17.

(a)
Use of the sine rule

M1

[= 0.39(392…)]
Rearrangement

m1

(angle ABC) = 23.19(8…) {= 23.2°.}

AG Need >1dp e.g. 23.19 or 23.20

A1
3

(b) Angle C = 80° − 23.2° = 56.8°

Valid method to find a relevant angle e.g. C
(PI e.g. by correct sin C) or 23.2°+ 10°

M1

Area of triangle = 0.5 × 12 × 4.8 × sin C

OE e.g. 0.5 × 4.8 × 12 × cos (B + 10)

M1

….. = 24.09…. = 24.1 cm2. (to 3sf)

Condone missing / wrong units

A1
3
[6]

Q18.

(a) Area = × 5 × 4.8 × sin 30°

Use of ab sin C OE

M1

6 cm2.
Condone absent cm2.
[Note: Calculator set in wrong mode,
penalise only once on the paper.]

A1
2

Page 29 of 35
(b) AB 2 = 52 + 4.82 – 2 × 5 × 4.8 cos30°
RHS of cosine rule used

M1

= 25 + 23.04 – 41.569
Correct order of evaluation

m1

= 6.4707 ..

AB = = 2.5437

= 2.54 cm to 3 sf
Accept ‘better’ than 2.54
Condone absent cm

A1
3
[5]

Page 30 of 35
Examiner reports

Q1.
It was pleasing to see a variety of approaches in part (a), the most popular being to show
length of AC = twice length of AD and then to use trigonometry. Many students, however,
simply stated AC = twice AD with no justification. Others started from the given result and,
after a circular argument, arrived back at the same result. Clearly this does not constitute
proof. Students should realise that when two facts are stated (area and length) and a
result is expected, both facts are likely to be needed.

The quality of explanation was poor, with great confusion between the use of upper and
lower case letters. Errors such as AB × BC = AB2C, were not uncommon, indicating a lack
of experience of working with geometry.

In part (b), most used , but cancelling of the sin A meant that only one
solution could then be found.

Use of the graph function of the calculator was an acceptable method here, but a sketch
and an explanation of what it showed were expected.

For part (c), the majority of students had calculated A = 60° at some point in this question.

Q2.

Part (a) was completed successfully by most students. A significant minority used
when finding the area of the sector, possibly demonstrating a lack of practice with the
standard formulae.

Part (b) tested knowledge of the Newton-Raphson method, which is new to the A-level
maths specification. Less than half of students were successful on this question, with
many not realising that the method is used to solve an equation of the form f(x) = 0.
Students who did rearrange the given equation often scored full marks.

Q4.

As expected, this question which tested the area of a triangle formula absin C and the
cosine rule, applied to the case of finding and using an obtuse angle, generally proved to
be a challenge to all but the better students. Approximately one quarter of the students
answered both parts correctly. With method marks in part (b) being available to those
students who used an incorrect angle from part (a), more than half the entry scored 4
marks for Question 3, usually after using the corresponding acute angle satisfying the
equation sin C = 5 / 6. It is worth recording that a common error to find the obtuse angle in
part (a) is illustrated by ‘90 + 56.4’ rather than the correct method ‘180 – 56.4’.

Q5.
This question, which examined trigonometry based around the cosine rule etc, was
another good source of marks for most candidates. In part (a), many used the given area
to convincingly show that the length of AC was 16 metres, and then, in part (b), applied
the cosine rule correctly to find the correct value for BC. Some less able candidates

Page 31 of 35
 attempted to use Pythagoras’s Theorem to find BC. In part (c), it was clear that many
candidates did not appreciate that the smallest angle was opposite the side with the
smallest length. A significant number of solutions consisted of applying the sine rule twice
to find both angle B and angle C, even in preference to using the sum of the angles of a
triangle to find the size of the remaining angle.

Q6.
This question, which tested the basic trigonometry section of the specification, gave the
value of sin θ , enabling the area of the triangle in part (a) to be evaluated simply and
exactly. This was misinterpreted as a value of the angle θ by some students, for which
generous allowance was made in this and the final part. Part (b) specifically asked for the
exact value of cos θ , the significance of which was ignored by many. Those who used the
identity cos2 θ = 1 – sin2 θ generally obtained the correct value and full credit was also
given for a correct exact value straight from the calculator. The cosine formula was
generally well- known and correctly written down in part (c), but there was a substantial
minority of students who used the wrong order of evaluation, which resulted in AC2 =
30.25cosθ . A higher proportion of students than usual seemed to have their calculators
set in the wrong mode. The final mark was reserved for those calculating the length of AC
without unnecessary approximation.

Q7.
Finding the arc length and expressing the angle PTQ in radians in terms of π were
generally done correctly in this question on radian measure and geometry. Most students
then found the correct value for the area of the sector, but then using this proved
challenging for the average grade student. A further length was needed, which was
usually correctly found by more able students. Finding the area of two triangles (or the kite
directly), followed by the shaded area, required connected use of information given and
found; this proved to be discriminating. Those who joined the points O and T and used
basic trigonometry to find the length of PT (=TQ) were generally more successful in
finding the area of the kite than those who started by joining P to Q. There were a number
of excellent solutions seen, mainly from students who supported their method by explicitly
referring to unknown lengths from the given diagram.

Q8.
In part (a), most candidates started by writing a correct cosine rule which they then
rearranged correctly. A greater proportion of candidates than in previous series seemed to
take heed of previous advice and qualified the printed answer of 97.90 with either greater
accuracy or by giving its cosine value in exact form. Almost all candidates were aware of
the relevant formula for the area of a triangle and a very large majority scored full marks
for part (b)(i). The most

common error was to apply the formula incorrectly by writing area = × 10 × 8 × sin97.9.
In part (b)(ii), those candidates who recognised the relevance of their answer to part (b)(i)
produced a correct solution in a couple of lines to find the length of the perpendicular AD.
However, such candidates were in a minority and many more tackled this part by using
the sin e rule to find either angle B or angle C and then applying basic trigonometry to a
relevant right-angled triangle. Although this was a multi-step approach there were many
successful outcomes. A common wrong method was to assume that AD bisected angle
BAC. Many less able candidates made no attempt to answer part (b)(ii).

Page 32 of 35
Q9.
This opening question provided a confident start for most candidates with correct answers
often seen to both parts.

In part (a) most candidates recognised the relevance of the sin e rule and were able to
rearrange it correctly. However, giving a convincing conclusion of θ (or A) = 64º to the
nearest degree was lacking in a minority of cases, either as a result of inadequate
intermediate accuracy being shown, or simply the lack of an appropriate left-hand side of
the equation.

In part (b) many candidates calculated the area of the triangle correctly. It was
encouraging to see many of those candidates who could not answer part (a) applying
good examination technique and making use of the printed result for the size of the angle
in their solutions for part (b).

Q10.
Full marks were awarded to more candidates in this question than any other question on
the paper. Part (a) was well answered, with a pleasingly large proportion of candidates
remembering to write down sufficiently accurate values to convince the examiners that
evaluations of the rearranged sine rule had been carried out to justify a final statement
matching the printed result requested in the question. Part (b) was less well answered
with a non-included angle, either 11.5º or 115º being used instead of 18.5º with lengths 6

and 15 in the area formula ac sin B.

Q11.
The vast majority of candidates were able to recall and use the correct formula for the
area of the triangle. In part (b), candidates almost always showed correct substitutions
into the cosine rule, which appears in the formulae booklet, and the majority went on to
score all three marks. However, there were other candidates who, having substituted
values into the cosine rule, just wrote down the printed answer ‘6.86’. Such candidates
were only awarded one of the three marks because they failed to show sufficient working
to the necessary degree of accuracy to justify the printed value for the length of BC.

In part (c), most candidates used the sine rule as their method rather than the alternative
approach of using the area of triangle ABC. Incorrect rearrangement of the sine rule was
seen in a minority of cases, but most other candidates gave a correct value for sin B
although many then went on to find the value for B as their final answer; this further work
was not penalised, but clearly time had been wasted. There were a small number of
candidates who clearly had their calculators set in the wrong mode (normally radians).
Such candidates did not always make good use of the printed answer in part (b) to
recover, as they continued to use radians in part (c).

Q12.
Most candidates recognised that the cosine rule was required in part (a) but some
misquoted it despite the formula being available in the formulae booklet. Those
candidates who substituted values into the formula before rearranging were generally
more successful than those who rearranged before substituting the given lengths. Some
candidates failed to score all three marks because they did not show values to a sufficient
degree of accuracy to justify the printed statement. There were some candidates who tried
to verify the result by using 38.2 with a = 8 and c = 7 in a cosine rule to show that b was
approximately 5. This approach could score no more than 1 mark.

Page 33 of 35
 Although the correct answer for the area of the triangle was seen many times in part (b),
there was a significant minority of candidates who did not apply a correct formula. The

most common error was the omission of the in ac sin B.

Q13.
In part (a), the vast majority of candidates quoted and used the sine rule correctly, but
once again a significant number failed to show sufficient detail in their working to justify
the printed answer to the degree of accuracy quoted. The examiners were looking for at
least a calculated value of a relevant product or quotient, following a rearrangement, to be
shown to two decimal places or more before the printed answer was stated.

The area of the triangle, required in part (b), was often found correctly, although some
candidates used the much longer method of finding the length of AB and the length of the

perpendicular from C, rather than finding angle C and using ab sin C.

Q14.
Most candidates correctly used the cosine rule in part (a) but some failed to show
sufficient detail in their working to be able to justify the printed answer to the degree of
accuracy stated.

In part (b) most candidates found the correct answer for the area of the triangle although

the incorrect expression × 8.3 × 8.56 × sin 65 was seen more often than any other
errors.

Part (c) was not answered well with many candidates assuming that the perpendicular

was also the bisector of angle B. Those who used BC × AD = answer (b) usually went
on to score full marks in part (c).

Q15.
Most candidates applied the cosine rule correctly, and convincingly obtained the printed
result in part (a). Part (b) was beyond the capabilities of many candidates. A significant

number tried to use the identity without success. Those who quoted the
correct identity, sin θ + cos θ = 1, gained a mark but it was disappointing to see some
2 2

then take the square root of each term. In general only the better candidates reached the
printed answer legitimately. It was pleasing to see many candidates recover to obtain the
correct area of triangle ABC.

Q16.
For many candidates this was their best answered question. In part (a) weaker candidates

seemed to be unaware of the formula ab sin C for the area of the triangle but the most
common reason for the loss of a mark was not showing a value for θ other than the
printed value and hence not showing that the result was correct to three significant

Page 34 of 35
 figures. It was disappointing to see some candidates quoting the cosine rule with sin θ
instead of cos θ (candidates should be aware that the cosine rule is given in the formulae
booklet) but in general this part of the question was answered very well. Most candidates
were able to quote the correct formulae for arc length and sector area but some
recalculated the area of the triangle, quite often not getting the value 20 as given in the

question. Some candidates quoted and used the incorrect formula r2(θ – sin θ) to
answer part (c)(ii).

Q17.
It was disappointing to find a significant minority of candidates not using the sine rule to
answer part (a). Those candidates who used the sine rule frequently failed to gain the final
mark because they did not indicate a more accurate value to justify why the angle was
23.2° correct to the nearest 0.1°. In part (b), many candidates were able to find the area of
the triangle by quoting and using the formula 1/2 ab sin C , although too many used the
wrong angle, 23.2°, for . Those who used Area = 1/2 × base × height were less
successful.

Q18.
Many candidates were able to find the area of the triangle, although not all quoted and

used the formula ab sin C. Some candidates had their calculators set in the wrong
mode; both radians and grads were used.

Such candidates, in this examination, were penalised by no more than one mark. In part
(b) it was disappointing to see so many candidates failing to gain all three marks. It was
not uncommon to see the cosine rule quoted with cos C replaced by sin C.

A very common error was to forget to take the square root and give the answer for AB as
6.47. It would have been advantageous for such candidates to realise that the side
opposite the angle of 30° cannot be the largest side of the triangle.

Page 35 of 35