Lesson 1: (a) Statistics Revisited

>> Redo Good Tutorial, Lecture notes and Assignment Questions below: 
 
Binomial and Poisson: 
1. State the distribution of X. State an assumption you need to make for the distribution to
be valid.
(a) X denotes the number of people with blood group O among 100 randomly selected
people.
(b) X denotes the number of printing errors on the front page of a newspaper.
(c) X denotes the number of cups of black coffee sold by a drink stall in a day.
(d) X denotes the number of rainy days in a week.
(e) A pupil answers 10 True/False questions. He gets 1 mark for a correct answer and 0
mark for a wrong answer. X denotes the score of the pupil.
(f) X denotes the number of goals scored in a World Cup finals.

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2. In a college with a large population, of the population watched the World Cup Finals on
20
television. Suppose each class in this college has exactly 26 students.
What is the distribution of the number of students who watched the Finals in a randomly
chosen class? Give one assumption for your distribution to be valid. [2]

Using the distribution stated above, find the probability that

(i) more than 2 students watched the Finals in a randomly chosen class. [1]
(ii) there are at least 2 classes with more than 2 students who watched the Finals among 5
classes chosen. [2]
(iii) not more than 2 students watched the Finals given that not more than 5 students watched
the Finals in a randomly chosen class. [3]
A random sample of n students is chosen from the college. How large should the sample
be so that the probability of at least one student watching the Finals exceeds 99%. [2]

3. A car rental company has n cars for hire on a daily basis. The number of cars on demand
in a day follows a Poisson distribution with variance 2.5.
(a) Determine the least value of n such that all demands are met on at least 90% of
days.
(b) If n = 4, find the probability that
(i) less than 2 cars are hired out on any one day,
(ii) all the cars are in use on any one day,
(iii) in a five-day week, there are exactly two days on which all the cars are in use.
Find the least value of r, given that the probability that there is no demand in r
consecutive days is less than 0.001.

1
4. On the average, there are 1.2 accidents occurring along Adam Road in a day. State a possible
reason why the number of accidents occurring along Adam Road in a day, X may not follow
a Poisson distribution. [1]
Taking the Poisson distribution to be an appropriate model, find
(i) the probability that among 5 days, there are 2 accidents occurring along Adam Road on one
of the days and none on the other days. [3]

(ii) the least integer k such that P(X > k) < 0.01. [3]

(iii) the least number of consecutive days for the probability of at least one accident occurring
along Adam Road exceeds 0.99. [3]

The number of accidents along Eve Road on a day is also assumed to follow Poisson
distribution with variance 2.3.
(iv) Find the probability that on a day, there are more accidents occurring along Eve Road than
along Adam Road given that there are altogether 4 accidents occurring along both the roads.
[4]
State an assumption for your working to be valid. [1]

(v) Show that the probability of at least 3 accidents occurring along Eve Road on three
consecutive days, p1 is higher than the probability of at least 1 accident occurring along Eve
Road on each of the three consecutive days, p2 by calculation. [3]
Explain why p1 > p2 by reasoning. [1]

5. The number of flaws per roll of manufactured material follows the Poisson distribution with
mean 0.5. Find the
(i) probability that 5 randomly chosen rolls will have no flaws,
(ii) probability that the fourth roll chosen is the only one which contains 1 or more flaws if
five rolls are chosen at random, one after another,
(iii) value of m such that the probability of having m or more flaws in a randomly chosen roll,
is less than 0.1,
(iv) probability that in 5 randomly chosen rolls, exactly 2 of the rolls contain 1 or more flaws,
(v) largest number of rolls that can be chosen at random such that there is a probability of at
least 0.005 that none of the rolls contain a flaw.

Answers:
1. Look out for my solutions on SMB or wikispaces.
2. Assume that the probability of a student in the class watching Finals is also 3/20. Assume that
whether one student watch Finals is independent of another student.
(i) 0.770 (ii) 0.989 (iii) 0.282 sample size must be at least 29.
3. (a) 5 (bi) 0.287 (ii) 0.242 (iii) 0.256; 3

2
4. The accidents may not be independent of one another eg chain car crash OR the rate at which
the accidents occur may not be constant throughout the day as there are more cars during
peak hours which may result in more accidents. Give a reason in the context of question!
(i) 0.00892 (ii) 4 (iii) 4 (iv) 0.576
The number of accidents occurring along both the road must be independent of each other.
(v) p2= 0.728 p1=0.968
Explain that one event is the subevent of the other. Therefore the former includes the case of
the latter, so the probability, p1 is higher.

5. (i) 0.0821 (ii) 0.0533 (iii) 2 (iv) 0.345 (v) largest n = 10

Normal and its approximations: 
Look up the answers in TYS or tutorial. 

1. Lecture note Eg 8:
If X ~ N(70 , 25), find the value of a such that P(|X - 70| < a) = 0.8.

2. (TYS N2002/II/28)
Melons are sold by weight at a price of $1.50 per kilogram. The masses of melons are
normally distributed with a mean of 0.8 kg and a standard deviation of 0.1 kg. Pumpkins
are sold by weight at a price of $0.50 per kilogram. The masses of pumpkins are normally
distributed with a mean of 1.2 kg and a standard deviation of 0.2 kg . Find the
probability that the total price of 5 randomly chosen melons and 3 randomly chosen
pumpkins exceeds $8.

3. (RJC03/2/29) Aluminium foils are packaged in two sizes, Jumbo Rolls and Regular Rolls,
which has lengths (in metres) that are normally distributed with means and variance as
given:
Mean (m) Variance (m2)
Jumbo 19 0.25
Regular 6 0.09
Find the probability that
(i) the length of a randomly chosen Jumbo Roll is more than 3 times that of a
randomly chosen Regular Roll,
(ii) the total length of 2 randomly chosen Jumbo Rolls and 3 randomly chosen
Regular Rolls is more than 57 m,
(iii) at most 2 out of 10 randomly chosen Regular Rolls have lengths that are less
than 5.5 m.

3
4. pg 101 Qn 9 (TYS N01/II/8)
The random variable X has a normal distribution and P(X > 7.460) = 0.01, P(X < −3.120) = 0.25.
Find the standard deviation of X.

200 independent observations of X are taken.

(i) Using a Poisson approximation, find the probability that at least 197 of these observations are
less than 7.460.
(ii) Using a suitable approximation, find the probability that at least 40 of these observations are
less than −3.120.

5. pg 101 Qn 10 (TYS N03/II/26)

The random variable X has the binomial distribution B(20, 0.4), and the independent random
variable Y has the binomial distribution B(30, 0.6). State the approximate distribution of Y − X,
and hence find an approximate value for P(Y − X > 13).

6. pg 95 Qn 4 (TYS N01/II/9)
A company sends a leaflet to 8000 customers. The leaflet describes two offers and a special
prize. The company estimates that the probability that a randomly chosen customer will claim
the ‘free offer’ is 0.4 and that, independently, the probability that the customer will claim the
‘cheap offer’ is 0.2. Each free offer costs the company $5 and cheap offer costs the company $3.
Using a suitable approximation, find the probability that the total cost to the company of the
offers exceeds $20 700.

7. (8863 N08/Q7)
An examination is marked out of 100. It is taken by a large number of candidates. The
mean mark, for all candidates, is 72.1 and the standard deviation is 15.2. Give a reason
why a normal distribution, with this mean and standard deviation, would not give a good
approximation to the distribution of marks.

8. A hospital sees a number of babies born. For each gender, it may be assumed that the
weights of newborn babies are normally distributed, with average weights and standard
deviations as given in the following table.

Gender Average weight Standard deviation

Boy 2.9 kg 0.6 kg
Girl 2.6 kg 0.4 kg

(a) State the distribution of the average weight of a randomly chosen baby boy and two
randomly chosen baby girls born in the hospital. [3]

4
 (b) One baby boy and two baby girls are chosen at random from the hospital. Find the
probability that the average weight of the two baby girls is at least 500 grams less than
the weight of the baby boy. [4]

Answers: 8(a) N(2.7, 17 / 225) (b) 0.382

(b) Mathematical Induction

r +1
1. A sequence is defined by ur +1 = ur and u1 = 1, prove by induction that
r2
n
un = for n = 1, 2,3,...
(n − 1)!
State the value of un as n → ∞ .

2. (ACJC06/H2 Promo/9) A sequence u0 , u1 , u2 , ... is defined by u0 = −3 and

un +1 = 2un + 3n + 5n for n ≥ 0 . Prove by mathematical induction that for all n ≥ 0 ,
un = 2n + 3n − 5n − 5 .

n
1
3. (N2003/I/11) Prove by induction that ∑ (r − 1)(r + 1) = 6 n(n − 1)(2n + 5).
r =1
n
1
Use this result to prove that ∑ r 2 = n(n + 1)(2n + 1).
r =1 6

4. (N2001/I/13(b)) Use induction to prove that

3(1!) + 7(2!) + 13(3!) + ... + (n 2 + n + 1) n!= ( n + 1) 2 (n!) − 1.

5
Lesson 2: Sequences and Series
>> Important Questions for conceptual understanding‐ 
(a) APGP and Sigma Notation
1. A geometric series has first 2 terms and common ratio 0.95. The sum of the first n terms
of the series is denoted by Sn and the sum to infinity is denoted by S. Calculate the least
value of n for which S−Sn < 1. [4]

2. A convergent geometric series has first term a and common ratio r. Given that twice the
sum of the first and fourth term is equal to three times the sum of the second and third
terms, find the value of r. Hence state the sum to infinity of the series in terms of a. [5]

3. The first, second and fourth terms of a convergent geometric progression are consecutive
terms of an arithmetic progression. Prove that the common ratio of the geometric
−1 + 5
progression is . [4]
2

4. A bank has an account for investors. Interest is added to the account at the end of each
year at a fixed rate of 5% of the amount in the account at the beginning of that year. A
man decides to invest $x at the beginning of one year and then a further $x at the
beginning of the second and each subsequent year. He also decides that he will not draw
any money out of the account, but just leave it, and any interest, to build up.
(i) How much will there be in the account at the end of 1 year, including the interest?
(ii) Show that, at the end of n years, when the interest for the last year has been added,
( )
he will have a total of $21 1.05 n − 1 x in his accounts.
(iii) After how many complete years will he have, for the first time, at least $12 x in his
accounts?
2 n +1
5. The sum of the first n terms of a series is 6 − n −1 . Obtain an expression for the nth term
3
of the series. Prove that the series is geometric and state its first term and common ratio.
[5]

∑ (3 + N − 2r ) , simplifying your answer.

N
r −1
6. Find [4]
r =0

7. The nth term of a series is 22 n −1 + 3n + ln n. Find the sum of the first N terms. [4]
 
>> Term 2 Revision Package:  APGP Q6, 7 
Answers:
1. 72 2. r = ½ , 2; 2a 4. (i) 1.05x (iii) 10 years
3N +1 − 1 3N ( N + 1)
7. ( 4 N − 1) +
2 2
5. first term = 2, r = 6. + ln N !
3 6 3 2

6
(b) Methods Of Difference
1 HCI 2007/P1/7 [Methods of Difference with 3 terms, to see cancellation, write out first 3
rows, do not oversimplify so that you can spot which 3 to cancel out]
7r + 10
Express in partial fractions.
r (r + 1)(r + 2)
n
7 r + 10
Hence, find ∑ , giving your answer in the form M − f(n) , where M is a
r =1 r ( r + 1)( r + 2)
∞
21r + 30
constant. Deduce the exact value of ∑ r (r + 1)(r + 2) .
r = 22

2. VJC 2007/P1/9 [Involving 2 terms for cancellation]

1 2
(i) Given that f (r ) = , show that f (r − 1) − f (r ) = .
2r + 1 (2r − 1)(2r + 1)
1 1 1
(ii) Hence find the sum to n terms of the series + + + ... .
1× 3 3 × 5 5 × 7
(iii) Determine the sum to infinity of the series.
1 1 1
(iv) Show that 1 + + + + ... is less than 2.
4 9 16

n
⎡ ⎛ 1 1 ⎞⎤
3. [2007/PJC/P1/Q3] Find ∑ ⎢⎣ r − 2 − 2n ⎜⎝ r − 1 − r ⎠⎟⎥⎦ in terms of n.
r =2
[4]

Hence state the value(s) of n for which the sum is zero. [1]

N
1
4. Prove that ∑
n =1 n + n −1
= N.
N
1
Deduce, or prove otherwise, that ∑ n =1 n
< 2 N.

Answers:
5 3 2 ⎡ 5 2 ⎤ 477 1⎡ 1 ⎤ 1
1. − − , 6−⎢ + , 2 (ii) 1− (iii)
r r +1 r + 2 ⎣ n + 1 n + 2 ⎥⎦ 506 2 ⎣ 2n + 1⎥⎦
⎢ 2
(n − 1)(n − 6)
3. , n=6
2

7
(c) Sequence in general
1. [RJC 2007/P1/3]
2 − 3 xn 1
A sequence of negative numbers is defined by xn +1 = , where x1 = − .
xn − 4 7
(i) Write down the values of x7 , giving your answers correct to 4 significant figures.
[Learn how to use GC from lecture notes]
(ii) Given that as n → ∞ , xn → , find, without the use of a graphic calculator, the value
of .

2. [Specimen Paper Q8(b) part] The positive numbers xn satisfy the relation
xn +1 = ( xn + 5 ) 2 for n = 1, 2, 3, … .
1

As n → ∞ , xn → l .
Find the the exact value of l.
Prove that ( xn +1 ) − l 2 = xn − l .
2
(i)
(ii) Hence show that, if xn > l , then xn +1 > l .

Answers:
1 + 21
1 (i) 0.9947 (ii) = −1 2. l =
2

(d) Complex Loci:

1. Sketch the locus of the points in an Argand diagram representing the complex number z
where z − 1 + 2i = 1 − 2i . [2]

2. [Assignment] Sketch the locus of the points in an Argand diagram representing the complex
⎛ iz 2 ⎞
number z where arg ⎜ ⎟ =0. [3]
⎝ 1+ i ⎠
3. [Assignment] Shade, on a single Argand diagram, the region representing the complex
number w for which w ≥ w + 1 − i and |w + 1 − i| ≤ 2 . [3]
Hence find
(a) the maximum value of w + 3 in exact form, [2]
(b) the maximum value of arg( w + 3) , giving your answer to 3 significant figures. [2]

4. Special Loci
(a) ( w − 2)( w * −2) = 4 . (b) z − z* = 4i (c) Re( z ) ≤ Im( z )

8
Answers:
π
1. Sketch circle centre (1,−2) radius 5 pass thru origin 2. Sketch arg z = − (half line)
8
3. (a) 2 + 5 (b) 1.15 radians
4a) Circle centred at 2 and radius 2 b) Sketch y = 2 c) Sketch x ≤ y .

Lesson 3: Complex Numbers

>> Redo Assignments and good questions: 

Given that ( −2 + 3i ) + λ (−2 + 3i ) + μ = 0 , find the real numbers λ and μ.

2
1. [4]

The complex number x + iy is such that ( x + iy ) = i . Find the possible values of x and y
2
2.
without using graphing calculator.
Hence find the possible values of complex number w such that w2 = −i . [2]

3. Solve the simultaneous equations

3iz − w = 2
z + (1 − i ) w = 3
giving z and w in the form a+ib, where a and b are real. [5]

4. A graphic calculator is not to be used in answering this question.

(i) It is given that z1 = 1 − i . Find the value of z13 , showing clearly how you obtain your
answer. [3]
(ii) Given that 1 − i is a root of the equation z + az + bz − 4 = 0 , show that a = – 4 and
3 2

b = 6. [4]
(iii) For these values of a and b, solve the equation in part (ii). [4]

5. Given that w = − 3 − i , find the modulus and argument of w, giving your answers in
exact form. [2]
n
Find the smallest positive integer, n such that w is real. [2]

6 (a) Given that w = −1 + i, find the smallest positive integer, n so that wn is purely
imaginary. [3]
1 − ki
(b) Determine the value of k such that z = is purely imaginary. [3]
3 +i

9
Answers:
1. λ = 4, μ = 13 2. x = ± 1 , y = ± 1 ; w = 1 − 1 i, − 1 + 1 i
2 2 2 2 2 2
14 23 19 42
3. z = − i, w = + i 4. (i) −2 − 2i (ii) a = −4, b = 6 (iii) 1 − i, 1 + i, 2
25 25 25 25
5π
5. 2, − ,n=6 6. (a) z = i, w = 1 − 2i (b) k = 3
6

π
7. The complex number z is defined by z = cos θ + i sin θ where 0 < θ < .
2
(i) Write down the modulus and argument of z. [1]
Let the point A, Z, P and Q represent the complex numbers 1, z, z+1 and z −1 respectively.
(ii) Show the points A, Z, P and Q on a single Argand diagram, [3]
(iii) Hence deduce the arg(z +1) and arg(z −1), [2]
(iv) Describe the transformation when z is multiplied by i, [1]
2
(v) Given that w = z + , find the real and imaginary parts of w in terms of θ. [4]
z

8. Find cube roots of −1 + i 3 , giving your answers in exact exponential form.

Hence find the roots to the equation z 3 = −1 − i 3 . [4]

(1 + i )3
9. The complex number z is given by z = , where a < 0.
2(a + i ) 2
1
Given that z = , find the value of a. [3]
2

⎛ ei 2θ ⎞
10. Find Re ⎜⎜ i 2θ ⎟⎟ . [3]
⎝ 1− e ⎠

11. (a) O, A, B and C represents the complex numbers 0, 1+ 3i, −2 + 5i and c respectively.
Given that OABC (labeled anticlockwise) is a parallogram, find the complex number c.
[2]
(b) O, P, Q and R represents the complex numbers 0, p, qand r respectively. Given that
OPQR (labeled anticlockwise) is a square, explain why q = (1 + i ) p . [2]

10
Answers:
θ π θ
7. (i) 1, θ (iii) , +
2 2 2
π
(iv) Point P representing complex number z is rotated radians anticlockwise about the origin.
2
(v) Re( w) = 3cos θ Im( w) = − sin θ
1 ⎛ 2π 2kπ ⎞ 1 ⎛ 2π 2kπ ⎞
i⎜ + ⎟ − i⎜ + ⎟
8. 3
2 e ⎝ 9 3 ⎠
, k = −1, 0,1; 2 e
3 ⎝ 9 3 ⎠
, k = −1, 0,1
9. a= − 3
10. −1/2
11.(a) −3+2i (b)Refer to assignment

>> Extra Exercise on Loci: 

12. On a single diagram, shade the region R satisfied by z − 1 ≤ 2 2 and z − 1 − i ≥ z . Given

that z represents the complex number of a point in R, α is the minimum value arg( z + 3i)
and β is the maximum value of arg( z + 3i) , find, correct to 3 significant figures, the value of
β −α .

π
13. Find the complex number w such that arg( w) = and |w −2 −2 i| = 5. [2]
3

Answers: 12. 2.21 radians 13. (

3+ 2+ 3 i )
>> Term 2 Block Test 2 Revision Package:    
Complex numbers Q1, 4, 8 and 
9 (do it on the spot if you have no time to prepare for Q9). 

11
Lesson 4: (a)Graphing (b)Differentiation
(a) Graphing 
>> Redo Assignments 

1 Find the equations of the asymptotes of

x+4 x2 − 2x
(a) y = 2 (b) y = (c) y 2 − x 2 = 4 [6]
x −5 x +1

2. Sketch and state the axes of symmetry of 122 x 2 + 132 y 2 = 132 [3]
Label all intersections with axes.

x2
3. Sketch − ( y + 2) 2 = 1.
4
Label all intersections with axes and asymptotes if any. [3]

3x − 6
4. Prove, using an algebraic method, that the curve y = cannot lie between two
x( x + 6)
certain values of y (which is to be determined). [4]

5. The graph, 2 xy + y 3 = x 2 undergoes transformations in the following sequence:

(A) Reflect graph in the y-axis,
(B) Scaling of graph by a factor of 3 parallel to the y-axis.
State the equation of the resulting curve. [2]

6. Describe a sequence of transformations geometrically to obtain y = f(2x −1) from

y = f(x). [2]
Hence describe a sequence of transformation geometrically to obtain y = f(x) from
y = f(2x −1). [2]

7. The graph of y = h(x) is as shown below.

y
A(2,4)

y=2
x
0 1

Sketch the graph of

1
(a) y2 = h(x) (b) y2 = − h(x) (c) y = . [9]
f ( x)

12
8. The graph of y = f(x) is shown below.
x = −2

(−4, ½)
x

y=−¼

1
(a) Sketch the graph of y = . [3]
f ( x)
(b) Sketch the graph of y = f (− | x |) . [3]

9(a) Sketch the graph given by the parametric equations x = cos3 t and y = sin 3 t .
You should label the points of intersection with the axes. [2]
Find the exact y-ordinate of the point where x = 1 / 8. [2]
1
(b) Find the Cartesian equation of the curve given by x = 3 tan t and y = cos t . [2]
2

>> Term 2 Revision Package:    Graphing  Q3, 6, 12 

Answers:
1(a) y = 0, x = ± 5 (b) y = x − 3, x = 1 (c) y = ±x

13
2 Ellipse centre (0,0) with horizontal distance from centre = and vertical distance from
12
centre = 1. x- and y- axes are the axes of symmetry.

x
3 Hyperbola “centre” (0, −2). Asymptotes: y = −2 ±
2
1 3
4 The two values are and .
6 2

3
⎛ y⎞ ⎛ y⎞
5 −2 x ⎜ ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ = x 2
⎝3⎠ ⎝3⎠

6 Translate 1 unit in the negative x-direction and then scale by a factor of ½ parallel to the
x-axis.

13
 Construct your sequence backwards.

7a)

8.

3 3 x2 4
9 (a) , (b) +1 = 2
8 9 y

14
(b) Differentiation

>> Redo Assignment 7A and good questions: 

1 Differentiate the following with respect to x, simplifying your answers.

x −1
(a) ln 3 2 , [3]
e ( x + 1)
(b) sin −1 ( 1 − x2 ) for x < 0 . [3]

dy
2 Given that x = tan 2 t ° and y = sec t ° where t is a parameter, find in terms of t°.
dx
[4]
dy
3 The equation of a curve is tan −1 ( xy ) + 2 y 2 = 1 . Find
in terms of x and y.
dx
1
Find the gradient of the tangent to the curve where y = [5]
2

Answers:
1⎛ 1 x ⎞ 1 1
1a) ⎜ − 2 ⎟ b) 2. cos t°
2 ⎝ x −1 x + 1 ⎠ 1− x 2 2
y 1
3. − ; −
x + 4 y (1 + x y )
2 2
4

>> Redo Assignment 7B and good questions: 

1. A spherical balloon is being inflated and, at the instant when its radius is 3m, its surface
area is increasing at the rate of 2 m2 s−1. Find the rate of increase, at the same instant, of
(a) the radius, [2]
(b) the volume. [2]
4
[The volume and surface area of a sphere with radius r is π r 3 and 4π r 2 respectively.]
3

2. A quadratic equation y = Ax2 + Bx + C passes through the point (2, 8) and the tangent to
the curve at the point (1, 3) is y = 4x – 1. By setting up a system of linear equations, find
the values of A, B and C. [4]

15
 dy
3. A curve is defined by the equation 3 y 2 + x3 y − 20 x = 0 . Find in terms of x and y. Find
dx
the equations of the tangents to the curve that are parallel to the y-axis. [5]

4. (RJC03/1/5) The parametric equations of a curve are x = t2, y = t3. Show that the equation
of the tangent to the curve at the point with parameter t is 2 y − 3tx + t 3 = 0 .
The tangent to the curve at (9, 27) meets the curve again at P. Find the coordinates of P.
[5]

5. (TJC06/H2 Promo/10) A curve C is defined by the parametric equations

1
x = t, y = t − , where t > 0.
t
(i) Find the coordinates of A, where C intersects the x-axis. [2]
(ii) The tangent and normal to the curve at the point A meet the y-axis at T and N
respectively. Find the area of the triangle ATN. [6]

Answers:
1
1. (a) ms−1 (b) 3 m3 s−1
12π
2. A = 2, B=1, C=0
3. x = 0 and x =−2.99
9 27
4. ( ,− )
4 8
5
5. (i) A(1, 0) (ii)
3

Lesson 5: (a) Differentiation (b) Binomial

and Maclaurin’s Series
>> Redo Assignment 7C and good questions: 
1. A student wrote the following working in his Promotional Exam script:
dy d2y
= ( 6 x − 1) = 18 ( 6 x − 1)
3 2
2
dx dx
dy 1 1 d2y
= 0 ⇒ x = . When x = , = 0 ⇒ It is a point of inflexion.
dx 6 6 d x2
The furious Mrs Yap put a big cross beside his working. Identify his mistake and explain
briefly why he is wrong. [1]
Replace his mistake with a correct solution. [2]

16
2. A carpenter, Chua Chu Keng wanted to extract a cylinder, radius r cm and height h cm
from a wooden sphere of radius 20 cm so that wood wastage is minimized (according to
figure below).
Show that 4r 2 + h 2 = 1600 . [2]

Using an analytical method, find the exact value of r so that

the volume of the cylinder extracted is the largest. [5]

3. TPJC/07/1/Q9a
The figure below shows a rectangle which is inscribed within a semi-circle with radius r =
5cm. The top corners of the rectangle are to be in contact with the circumference of the semi-
circle at all times. Let 2x cm and y cm be the length of the base and the height of the
rectangle respectively. Find the maximum area of the rectangle that can be formed. [5]

r=5
y

2x

4.

45°

A hollow vertical cone of semi-vertical angle of 45° is held with its axis vertical and
vertex downwards (see diagram). At the beginning of an experiment, it is filled with 390
cm3 of liquid. The liquid runs out through a small hole at the vertex at a constant rate of 2
cm3s−1. Find the rate at which the depth of the liquid is decreasing 3 minutes after the
start of the experiment. [6]

17
5. The diagram shows the graph of y = f(x) which has a turning point at A.
y x=6

x
0
y =−2
A (3, −2)

State the set of values of x such that

(i) f '( x) > 0 , (ii) f "( x) > 0 . [2]
Sketch the graph of y = f '(x) . [3]

Answers:
1. Second derivative test in this case is inconclusive of the nature of the stationary point.
Must use first derivative test.
40
2. h= .
3
3. A = 25cm2
4. 0.0680 cms−1
5. (i) x > 3, x ≠ 6 (ii) x < 6.

>> Term 2 Revision Package:  Differentiation  Q4, 5, 9 

18
(b) Binomial and Maclaurin’s Series
Formula list
Maclaurin’s expansion:
x2 xn
f( x) = f(0) + x f ′(0) + f ′′(0) + … + f (n) (0) + …
2! n!
n(n − 1) 2 n(n − 1) … (n − r + 1) r
(1 + x)n = 1 + nx + x +…+ x +… ( x < 1)
2! r!
x2 x3 xr
ex = 1 + x + + +…+ +… (all x)
2! 3! r!
x3 x5 (−1)r x 2r +1
sin x = x − + −…+ +… (all x)
3! 5! (2r + 1)!
x2 x4 (−1)r x 2r
cos x = 1 − + −…+ +… (all x)
2! 4! (2r)!
x2 x3 (−1)r +1 x r
ln(1 + x) = x − + −…+ +… ( −1 < x ≤ 1)
2 3 r

>> Redo Maclaurin Assignment: 

1. The Maclaurin’s series for a particular function, f(x) is given by 1 + 3x + 7 x3 + ... .

(i) Find the values of f ''(0) and f '''(0) . [2]
(ii) Write down the equation of the tangent to the curve y = f ( x) at x = 0. [1]

⎛π ⎞
sin ⎜ + 2θ ⎟
2. Express ⎝2 ⎠ in the form a + bθ + cθ 2 where θ is small such that θ 3 and higher
2 − tan θ
powers of θ can be neglected. [4]

2
d2 y ⎛ d y ⎞ −y
3. y
Given that e = 1+ sin x, show that +⎜ ⎟ = e −1. [3]
dx ⎝
2
d x ⎠
By further differentiation of this result, find the Maclaurin series, g(x) for y in
ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in x3. [3]

*Sketch the graph of y = ln(1+ sin x) = f(x) and the graph of the expansion found above in
one diagram. Find values of x so that |f(x) −g(x)| < 0.5. [4]

Verify that the same result is obtained if the standard series for ln(1+x) and sin x are used.
[3]

>> Term 2 Revision Package:  Maclaurin’s Series  Q1, Q5. 

19
Answers
1. (i) 0, 42 (ii) y = 1+3x
1 θ 7 2
2. + − θ
2 4 8
1 1
3. x − x 2 + x3
2 6

>> Redo Binomial Assignment 

1. Obtain the binomial expansion of (4 − x) up to and including the terms in x 2 . [3]

1
(i) By putting x = in your above expansion, find an approximate value for 7 , giving
16
your answer correct to 2 decimal places. [3]
9
(ii) Student A found the approximate value for 7 by putting x = in the above
4
expansion. State, with a reason, whether this value of x is suitable without performing
any computation. [2]
1
(iii) Deduce the expansion of from the above expansion of ( 4 − x ) . [2]
(4 − x)

x3 + 2
2. Express in partial fractions. (Caution! Improper!) [5]
( x − 2)( x 2 + 1)
4x3 + 8
(i) Find the expansion of in ascending powers of x up to including
( x − 2)( x 2 + 1)
term containing x2. [4]
(ii) Find the range of the values of x for which the expansion in (i) is valid. [2]

3. Find the coefficient of x r , in the simplest form, in the expansion of

1 1
(a) (b) in the ascending powers of x. [4]
1 − 3x (1 − x) 2

Answers:
x x2 1 x
1. 2− − (i) 2.65 (ii) Not suitable (iii) +
4 64 2 16
2 1 x 3x 2
2. 1+ − 2 , (i) −1 + + , (ii) |x| < 1
x − 2 x +1 2 4
3 (a) 3r (b) r

20
Lesson 6: Probability and Statistics
(a) Probability
 
>> Redo tutorial and assignment: 

1. The medical test for Swine flu is not completely reliable: Given that an individual has
Swine flu, there is a probability of 0.95 that the test will prove positive. If the individual
does not have the flu, there is a probability of 0.1 that the test will prove positive. In a
certain country M, the probability that an individual chosen at random will have Swine
flu is p. Draw a tree diagram to model the above scenario. It is known that the probability
of the test being positive is 0.27.
(i) Find the value of p. [2]
(ii) Find the probability that a randomly chosen individual who is tested negative has
Swine flu. [3]

2. Two fair dice, one red and the other green are thrown.
A is the event: the score on the red die is divisible by 3
B is the event: the sum of two scores is 9
Justify your conclusion, determine whether A and B are independent. [3]
Find P( A ∪ B ). [2]

>> Good Questions 

3. [N04/II/23]
A and B are events such that P(A ∪ B) = 0.9, P(A ∩ B) = 0.2 and P(A | B) = 0.8. Find
P(A) and P(B′). Are the events A and B mutually exclusive? Independent? Justify your
answers.

4. [N03/II/25]
In the first stage of a computer game, the player chooses, at random, one of 5 icons, only
one of which is correct. If the correct icon is chosen then, in the second stage, the player
chooses, at random, one of 8 icons, only one of which is correct. If an incorrect icon is
chosen in the first stage then, in the second stage, the player chooses, at random, one of 10
icons, only one of which is correct. The events A and B are defined as follows:

A: the first icon chosen is correct.

B: the second icon chosen is correct.
Find
(i) P(A ∩ B) , (ii) P(B), (iii) P(A ∪ B), (iv) P(A | B)

21
 5. An unbiased die is thrown thrice. Find the probability that
(i) they all show different numbers,
(ii) at least two show the same number.
Suppose now the die is thrown until a six is shown.
(iii) Find the probability that 3 throws are needed.
(iv) Find the probability that more than 3 throws are needed.
(v) Find the least number of n so that the P(at most n throws needed to show a six) > 0.9.

6. A box contains 5 white balls, 3 red balls and 2 green balls.

(i) Three balls are taken from the box, at random and with replacement. Find the probability
that they all have different colours.

(ii) Five balls are taken, at random and without replacement, from the box. Find the
probability that [Hint: try combination methods – less tedious]
(a) exactly 2 are white;
(b) at least 2 are white;
(c) exactly 2 are white given that at least 2 are white.

7. [N99/II/6] A set of 30 cards is made up of cards chosen from a number of packs of ordinary
playing cards. The numbers of cards of each type are given in the following table.
Spades Hearts Diamonds Clubs
King 2 3 1 3
Queen 3 3 5 2
Jack 1 2 3 2
Thus, for example, there are 2 Kings of Spades and 3 Jacks of Diamonds.

(a) One card is taken at random from the set. Events H, K, J are defined as follows:

H: The card taken is a Heart

K: The card taken is a King
J : The card taken is a Jack.

(i) Describe in words what the event K ∪ H represents and state the probability of this
event.
(ii) Describe in words what the event J’ ∩ H’ represents and state the probability of this
event.
(iii) Find the conditional probability that the card is a Diamond, given that it is a King.

(b) Two cards are taken from the set, at random and without replacement. Find the probability
that both cards are Jacks. Give your answer correct to 3 places of decimals.

(c) Three cards are taken from the set, at random and without replacement. Find the probability
that they are three Kings or three Queens or three Jacks. Give your answer correct to 3 places of
decimals.

22
8. [N88 P2 Q6] In a sales campaign, a petrol company gives each motorist who buys their petrol
a card with a picture of a film star on it. There are 10 different pictures, one each of 10
different film stars, and any motorist who collects a complete set of all 10 pictures get a free
gift. On any occasion when a motorist buys petrol, the card received is equally likely to carry
any one of the 10 pictures in the set. At a certain stage, the motorist has collected 9 out of the
10 pictures.

(a) Find the probability that the first 4 cards the motorist receives all carry different pictures.
(b) Find the probability the first 4 cards received result in the motorist having exactly three
different pictures.
(c) Two of the ten film stars in the set are Tom Cruise and Will Smith. Find the probability that
the first 4 cards received result in the motorist having a picture of Tom Cruise or Will Smith
or both.
(d) Find the least value of n such that P(at most n more cards are needed to complete the set) >
0.99.

Answers:
1(i) 0.2 (ii) 1/73
2. Not indept , 7/18
3. 0.85; 0.75, no for both.
1 21 7 5
4. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv)
40 200 25 21
5 4 25 125
5. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) 13
9 9 216 216
9 25 113 50
6. (i) (ii) (a) (b) (c)
50 63 126 113
7 8 1
7. (a) (i) (ii) (iii) (b) 0.064 (c) 0.105
15 15 9
8(a) 63/125 (b) 54/125 (c) 369/625 (d) 44

23
(b) Binomial Poisson
>> Good questions 

1. [N05/II/22]
In the UK, the failure rate for treatment by IVF is 80%. Find the probability that there are
exactly 6 failures in 10 randomly chosen patients receiving the treatment.
It is given that there are fewer than 8 failures in the 10 treatments. Find the conditional
probability that there are exactly 6 failures.

2. In a large consignment of mangoes, 10% of the mangoes are damaged.

(a) Find the most likely number of damaged mangoes in a bag of 15 mangoes. [2]
(b) What is the largest number of mangoes that can be packed in a bag so that the probability
that there are no damaged mangoes in a bag exceeds 0.5? [3]
(c) In a very large consignment of mangoes, 10% of the mangoes are damaged.
Mrs Yap went to pick 10 mangoes. Find the probability that the 3rd damaged mango is
picked before picking the 10th mango. [2]
th
(d) Suppose Mrs Yap went to pick 10 mangoes, find the probability that the 5 mango she
picked is not damaged and the 10th mango picked is her 3rd damaged mango. [3]

3. [N84 P2 Q11] An administrative centre has three independent telephone lines A, B and C.
During the period 1000 to 1015 hors on a working day, the number of telephone calls
coming in on lines , B and C are X1, X2 and X3 respectively. Each of these independent
random variables has a Poisson distribution. Also it is known that E(X1) = 1.2, E(X2) = 1.5
and that on 1 in 200 working days there are no telephone calls made to the centre between
1000 and 1015 hrs. Find
(a) the value of E(X3),
(b) the probability that, on any given day, there will be exactly one incoming call to the
centre between 1000 and 1015 hrs.
(c) the probability that not more than 2 out of 100 working days, there will be exactly one
incoming call to the centre between 1000 and 1015 hrs.

Answers:
1. 0.0881; 0.273
2. (a) Mode = 1 (b) 6 (c) 0.0134 (d) 0.0702
3. (a) 2.60 (b) 0.0265 (c) 0.506

 
>> Term 2 Revision Package:   Binomial Poisson Q4, 5, 6, 7 

24
(c) Normal and its Approximations
1. [2002 P2 Q10] A machine grades apples according to their mass. Apples with a mass
exceeding 125g are rejected as too large and apples with a mass less than 75g are rejected
as too small. A large batch of apples is graded and it is found that 10% are rejected as too
large and 13% are rejected as too small. Assuming a normal distribution, find the mean
mass of a randomly chosen apple from the batch.

2. [N95 P2 Q9] The length of time which an ordinary light-bulb will last may be taken to
have a normal distribution with mean 600 hours and standard deviation 100 hours. The
length for which a new “long-life” light bulb will last may be taken to have a normal
distribution with mean 2000 hours and standard deviation 200 hours.
(a) Two ordinary bulbs chosen at random. Find the probability that
(i) sum of the times for which they last will be less than 1100 hours.
(ii) one last longer than its mean and the other last less than its mean.
(b) One hundred ordinary light bulbs are chosen at random. Find the probability that the
mean of the times for which they last will be more than 595 hours.
(c) One ordinary light bulb and one long-life light bulb are chosen at random. Find the
probability that the long-life bulb lasts more than three times as long as the ordinary bulb.

3. [N98 P2 Q9] The random variable X has a normal distribution with mean 3 and variance
4. The random variable S us the sum of 100 independent observations of X, and the
random variable T is the sum of another 300 independent observations of X. Find
(a) State the distribution of S and T
(b) P(S > 310)
(c) P(3S > 50 +T)
The random variable N is the sum of n independent observations of X. State the value of
P( N > 3.5n) as n becomes very large, justifying your answer.
 
Answers:
1. 98.4
2. (a) (i) 0.240 (ii) 0.5 (b) 0.692 (c) 0.710
3. (a) (b) 0.309 (c) 0.235 ; 0

>> Term 2 Revision Package:    Normal distribution and its approx Q 1, 4, 6 

25