UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATIONS
GCE Advanced Subsidiary Level and GCE Advanced Level
MARK SCHEME for the May/June 2012 question paper
for the guidance of teachers
9709 MATHEMATICS
9709/42 Paper 4, maximum raw mark 50
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of
the examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not
indicate the details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began,
which would have considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes must be read in conjunction with the question papers and the report on the
examination.
• Cambridge will not enter into discussions or correspondence in connection with these mark schemes.
Cambridge is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2012 question papers for most IGCSE,
GCE Advanced Level and Advanced Subsidiary Level syllabuses and some Ordinary Level
syllabuses.
Page 2 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
Mark Scheme Notes
Marks are of the following three types:
M Method mark, awarded for a valid method applied to the problem. Method marks are
not lost for numerical errors, algebraic slips or errors in units. However, it is not
usually sufficient for a candidate just to indicate an intention of using some method or
just to quote a formula; the formula or idea must be applied to the specific problem in
hand, e.g. by substituting the relevant quantities into the formula. Correct application
of a formula without the formula being quoted obviously earns the M mark and in some
cases an M mark can be implied from a correct answer.
A Accuracy mark, awarded for a correct answer or intermediate step correctly obtained.
Accuracy marks cannot be given unless the associated method mark is earned (or
implied).
B Mark for a correct result or statement independent of method marks.
• When a part of a question has two or more “method” steps, the M marks are generally
independent unless the scheme specifically says otherwise; and similarly when there are
several B marks allocated. The notation DM or DB (or dep*) is used to indicate that a
particular M or B mark is dependent on an earlier M or B (asterisked) mark in the scheme.
When two or more steps are run together by the candidate, the earlier marks are implied and
full credit is given.
• The symbol √ implies that the A or B mark indicated is allowed for work correctly following
on from previously incorrect results. Otherwise, A or B marks are given for correct work
only. A and B marks are not given for fortuitously “correct” answers or results obtained from
incorrect working.
• Note: B2 or A2 means that the candidate can earn 2 or 0.
B2/1/0 means that the candidate can earn anything from 0 to 2.
The marks indicated in the scheme may not be subdivided. If there is genuine doubt whether
a candidate has earned a mark, allow the candidate the benefit of the doubt. Unless
otherwise indicated, marks once gained cannot subsequently be lost, e.g. wrong working
following a correct form of answer is ignored.
• Wrong or missing units in an answer should not lead to the loss of a mark unless the
scheme specifically indicates otherwise.
• For a numerical answer, allow the A or B mark if a value is obtained which is correct to 3 s.f.,
or which would be correct to 3 s.f. if rounded (1 d.p. in the case of an angle). As stated
above, an A or B mark is not given if a correct numerical answer arises fortuitously from
incorrect working. For Mechanics questions, allow A or B marks for correct answers which
arise from taking g equal to 9.8 or 9.81 instead of 10.
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Page 3 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
The following abbreviations may be used in a mark scheme or used on the scripts:
AEF Any Equivalent Form (of answer is equally acceptable)
AG Answer Given on the question paper (so extra checking is needed to ensure that
the detailed working leading to the result is valid)
BOD Benefit of Doubt (allowed when the validity of a solution may not be absolutely
clear)
CAO Correct Answer Only (emphasising that no “follow through” from a previous error
is allowed)
CWO Correct Working Only – often written by a ‘fortuitous’ answer
ISW Ignore Subsequent Working
MR Misread
PA Premature Approximation (resulting in basically correct work that is insufficiently
accurate)
SOS See Other Solution (the candidate makes a better attempt at the same question)
SR Special Ruling (detailing the mark to be given for a specific wrong solution, or a
case where some standard marking practice is to be varied in the light of a
particular circumstance)
Penalties
MR –1 A penalty of MR –1 is deducted from A or B marks when the data of a question or
part question are genuinely misread and the object and difficulty of the question
remain unaltered. In this case all A and B marks then become “follow through √”
marks. MR is not applied when the candidate misreads his own figures – this is
regarded as an error in accuracy. An MR –2 penalty may be applied in particular
cases if agreed at the coordination meeting.
PA –1 This is deducted from A or B marks in the case of premature approximation. The
PA –1 penalty is usually discussed at the meeting.
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Page 4 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
1 M1 For using WD = Fdcosα
F × 5cos60o = 75 A1
Magnitude of the force is 30 N A1 [3]
2 [12 = 15sinα ] M1 For resolving forces in the direction of
the force of magnitude 12 N
α = 53.1 A1
[F = 15cosα ] M1 For resolving forces in the direction of
the force of magnitude F N
F = 9N A1 [4]
2 ALTERNATIVE 1
[Fsin α = 12cos α and Fcos α + 12sin α M1 For resolving forces in the x and y
= 15 sinα ÷ cosα = directions and eliminating F from the
12cosα ÷ 15 – 12sinα resultant equations
15sinα – 12 sin2 α = 12cos2 α 15sinα A1
= 12 α = 53.1
M1 For substituting into Fsin α = 12cosα
or Fcosα +12sinα =15
F = 9N A1 [4]
2 ALTERNATIVE 2
[sin α =12/15] M1 For using correct triangle of forces to
find α
α = 53.1 A1
[F2 = 152 – 122] M1 For using correct triangle of forces to
find F
F = 9N A1 [4]
2 ALTERNATIVE 3
[12 ÷ sin(180 – α ) = 15 ÷ sin90 M1 For using Lami’s rule and
12 = 15sinα ] sin (180o – α) = sinα
α = 53.1 A1
[F ÷ sin 143.1 = 15 ÷ sin90] M1 For using Lami’s rule and value of α to
find F
F = 9N A1 [4]
SR (max 2/4) For candidates who have sin and cos interchanged.
Allow B1 for α = 36.9 and allow B1 for F = 9 following correct work relative to the cos/sin interchange error.
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Page 5 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
3 (i) M1 For an attempt to find v(t) using
integration of a(t)
v = 1.2t5/3 + 2 A1
DM1 For attempting to solve v(t) = 3 for t5/3 or
For confirming v = 3 by substituting
t5/3 = 5/6 into the expression found for
v(t)
t5/3 = 5/6 A1 [4] AG
(ii) M1 For integrating and using s(0) = 0 (may
be implied by absence of +C) to find s(t)
s = 0.45t8/3 + 2t A1
Distance is 2.13 m A1 [3]
4 (i) M1 For resolving forces horizontally
Horizontal component is Tcos25o (0.906T) A1
M1 For resolving forces vertically
Vertical component is 4g + Tsin 25o
(40 + 0.423T) A1 [4]
(ii) M1 For using F = 0.4R
0.906T = 16 + 0.169T A1ft May be implied by correct answer for T
T = 21.7 N A1 [3]
5 (i) Tension in S1 is 30 N B1
Tension in S2 is 50 N B1 [2]
(ii) M1 For applying Newton’s second law to A
or to B
3g – T – 1.6 = 3a (or 2g + T – 4 = 2a) A1
2g + T – 4 = 2a (or 3g – T – 1.6 = 3a) or
(3g + 2g) – (1.6 + 4) = (3 + 2)a B1
Acceleration is 8.88 ms–2 B1
Tension is 1.76 N A1 [5]
SR (max. 1 / 2) for candidates who do not give numerical answers in (i).
Allow B1 for Tension in S1 is 3g and Tension in S2 is 5g
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Page 6 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
6 (i) PE gain = 1250 × 10 x 400 × 0.125 B1
WD against resistance is 800 × 400 J B1
M1 For using WD by car’s engine = Gain in
PE + WD against resistance
WD by car’s engine is 945 000 J (945 kJ) A1 [4]
(ii) For using P = Fv
v2 P F
= 2 × 1
[v2/6 = 5 × (1/3)] M1 v1 P1 F 2
v2 = 10 A1
KE gain = ½ 1250(102 – 62) B1ft
[WD by car’s engine = 945 000 + 40 000] M1 For using WD by car’s engine = (Gain in
PE + WD against resistance) + KE gain
WD by car’s engine is 985 000 J (985 kJ) A1ft [5] ft incorrect ans(i)
Alternative scheme for part (i)
(i) M1 For using Newton’s second law with a = 0
DF = 1250g × 0.125 + 800 A1
M1 For using WD = DF × 400
WD by car’s engine is 945 00 J (945 kJ) A1 [4]
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
Page 7 Mark Scheme: Teachers’ version Syllabus Paper
GCE AS/A LEVEL – May/June 2012 9709 42
7 (i) [– 0.12 = 0.15a] M1 For using Newton’s 2nd law
a = –0.8 ms–2 A1
[v = 3 – 0.8 × 2] M1 For using v = u + at to find speed of
approach
vapproach = 1.4 A1
[½ 0.15(1.42 – vr2 )] M1 For using KE loss = ½ m(va2 – vr2)
vreturn = – 1 A1
M1 For using 0 = vreturn + a(t – 2)
t = 3.25 s when block comes to rest A1
Alternative for the M1 A1 immediately
above.
tYZ = 1.25 B1
t =3.25s when block is at rest B1ft
ft incorrect values of v and t (although
For correct sketch B1ft [9] vreturn must be negative)
(ii) [XY = ½ (3 + 1.4) × 2, YZ = ½ 1.25 × 1] M1 For using area property (or equivalent) to
find distances XY and YZ
s = 4.4 at Y and 3.775 at Z, stated or on A1 (accept 3.77 or 3.78)
graph
Curve starts at origin, s increases, slope B1ft ft incorrect value for s(2)
decreases (convex upwards) for 0 < t < 2,
value of s(2) shown
Curve starts at (2, 4.4), s decreases,
magnitude of slope decreases to zero at
(3.25, 3.775) B1ft [4] ft incorrect values of s and t
© University of Cambridge International Examinations 2012
