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Date May 2015 Marks available 2 Reference code 15M.1.hl.TZ1.11
Level HL only Paper 1 Time zone TZ1
Command term Find Question number 11 Adapted from N/A

Question

Let y(x)=xe3x, xR.

Find dydx.

[2]
a.

Prove by induction that dnydxn=n3n1e3x+x3ne3x for nZ+.

[7]
b.

Find the coordinates of any local maximum and minimum points on the graph of y(x).

Justify whether any such point is a maximum or a minimum.

[5]
c.

Find the coordinates of any points of inflexion on the graph of y(x). Justify whether any such point is a point of inflexion.

[5]
d.

Hence sketch the graph of y(x), indicating clearly the points found in parts (c) and (d) and any intercepts with the axes.

[2]
e.

Markscheme

dydx=1×e3x+x×3e3x=(e3x+3xe3x)     M1A1

[2 marks]

a.

let P(n) be the statement dnydxn=n3n1e3x+x3ne3x

prove for n=1     M1

LHS of P(1) is dydx which is 1×e3x+x×3e3x and RHS is 30e3x+x31e3x     R1

as LHS=RHS, P(1) is true

assume P(k) is true and attempt to prove P(k+1) is true     M1

assuming dkydxk=k3k1e3x+x3ke3x

dk+1ydxk+1=ddx(dkydxk)     (M1)

=k3k1×3e3x+1×3ke3x+x3k×3e3x     A1

=(k+1)3ke3x+x3k+1e3x(as required)     A1

 

Note:     Can award the A marks independent of the M marks

 

since P(1) is true and P(k) is true P(k+1) is true

then (by PMI), P(n) is true (nZ+)     R1

 

Note: To gain last R1 at least four of the above marks must have been gained.

[7 marks]

b.

e3x+x×3e3x=01+3x=0x=13     M1A1

point is (13, 13e)     A1

EITHER

d2ydx2=2×3e3x+x×32e3x

when x=13, d2ydx2>0 therefore the point is a minimum     M1A1

OR

nature table shows point is a minimum     M1A1

[5 marks]

c.

d2ydx2=2×3e3x+x×32e3x     A1

2×3e3x+x×32e3x=02+3x=0x=23     M1A1

point is (23, 23e2)     A1

since the curvature does change (concave down to concave up) it is a point of inflection     R1

 

Note:     Allow 3rd derivative is not zero at 23

[5 marks]

d.

(general shape including asymptote and through origin)     A1

showing minimum and point of inflection     A1

 

Note:     Only indication of position of answers to (c) and (d) required, not coordinates.

[2 marks]

Total [21 marks]

e.

Examiners report

Well done.

a.

The logic of an induction proof was not known well enough. Many candidates used what they had to prove rather than differentiating what they had assumed. They did not have enough experience in doing Induction proofs.

b.

Good, some forgot to test for min/max, some forgot to give the y value.

c.

Again quite good, some forgot to check for change in curvature and some forgot the y value.

d.

Some accurate sketches, some had all the information from earlier parts but could not apply it. The asymptote was often missed.

e.

Syllabus sections

Topic 6 - Core: Calculus » 6.2 » Derivatives of xn , sinx , cosx , tanx , ex and \lnx .
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