Questions

WORKSHEET - Mathematics (Advanced)

1. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2013 HSC 12a
10. Geometrical Applications of Differentiation
Curve Sketching and The Primitive Function The cubic has a point of inflexion at .

Teacher: Abi Parsons

Show that . (2 marks)
Exam Equivalent Time: 58.5 minutes (based on HSC allocation of 1.5
minutes approx. per mark)

2. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2005 HSC 4b

A function is defined by .

(i) Find all solutions of (2 marks)

(ii) Find the coordinates of the turning points of the graph of , and determine their
nature. (3 marks)
(iii) Hence sketch the graph of , showing the turning points and the points where
the curve meets the -axis. (2 marks)
(iv) For what values of is the graph of concave down? (1 mark)

HISTORICAL CONTRIBUTION 3. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 11f

T10 Geometry and Calculus is the single largest topic within the Mathematics The gradient function of a curve is given by . The curve
course, contributing 15.8% to each paper, on average, since 2003. passes through the point .
This topic has been split into three sub-categories: 1-Maxima and Minima (5.7%), 2-Curve
Find the equation of the curve. (2 marks)
Sketching and The Primitive Function (8.0%), and 3-Tangents and Normals (2.1%).

PAST HSC ANALYSIS - What to expect and common pitfalls

Curve Sketching and The Primitive Function (8.0%). The most popular curve is easily the 4. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 14a
cubic, asked 7 times since 2003, including 2015. Note that cubic sketches have been
examined in consecutive years in 2004/5/6 and 2010/11. Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the graph , and determine its
nature. (3 marks)
Sketches of polynomials of degree 4 are the next most popular, asked in 2007/8 and 2012.
An examiner favourite in this topic area requires students to switch between f(x) and f'(x) for
a given function, either graphically or by using an equation. This has been tested every year
in recent times, except 2015, in questions worth 1-5 marks. A definite focus area.
Markers' Comments of note: Many students do not have a clear understanding of concavity
and the second derivative. When drawing a graph within a given domain, clearly identify the
extremes!

5. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2004 HSC 4b

5. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2004 HSC 4b 7. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2012 HSC 14a
Consider the function . A function is given by .

(i) Find the coordinates of the stationary points of the curve and determine
their nature. (3 marks) (i) Find the coordinates of the stationary points of and determine their nature. (3
(ii) Sketch the curve showing where it meets the axes. (2 marks) marks)

(iii) Find the values of for which the curve is concave up. (2 marks) (ii) Hence, sketch the graph showing the stationary points. (2 marks)

(iii) For what values of is the function increasing? (1 mark)

(iv) For what values of will have no solution?

(1 mark)
6. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 14e
The diagram shows the graph of a function .
The graph has a horizontal point of inflexion at , a point of inflexion at and a maximum 8. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2010 HSC 8d
turning point at .
Let , where is a constant.
Find the values of for which is an increasing function. (2 marks)

9. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 15c

The line is a tangent to the curve at a point .

(i) Sketch the line and the curve on one diagram. (1 mark)

(ii) Find the coordinates of . (3 marks)

(iii) Find the value of . (1 mark)

Sketch the graph of the derivative . (3 marks)

Copyright © 2004-16 The State of New South Wales (Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW)

7. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2012 HSC 14a

Worked Solutions
1. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2013 HSC 12a

(iii)

2. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2005 HSC 4b

(i)

(ii) (iv)

3. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 11f

3. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 11f

4. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 14a

(ii)

5. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2004 HSC 4b

(i)

(iii)
6. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 14e

(ii)

7. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2012 HSC 14a

(i)

(iii) ♦ Mean mark 42%

MARKER'S COMMENT: Be
careful to use the correct
inequality signs, and not
carelessly include or
by mistake.
(iv)
 ♦♦♦ Mean mark 12%. This 9. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2014 HSC 15c
part was the second most
poorly answered question in
the 2012 exam. (i)

8. Geometry and Calculus, 2UA 2010 HSC 8d

♦♦ Mean mark 28%.

MARKER'S COMMENT: The
(ii)
arithmetic required to solve
proved the
undoing of too many students
in this question. TAKE CARE!

♦ Mean mark 40%

COMMENT: Given

, it follows
. Make sure you understand
the arithmetic behind this (NB.
Simply take the of both
sides).

(iii)
 ♦♦ Mean mark 30%.

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