Example test [85 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 5] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.6

The following table shows the probability distribution of a discrete random variable X, where
a, k ∈ R
+
.

Given that E(X) = 2. 3, find the value of a. [5]

Markscheme

E(X) = k + 2k
2
+ 3a + 4k
3
= 2. 3 (A1)

k + k
2
+ a + k
3
= 1 (A1)

Note: The first two A marks are independent of each other.

EITHER (finding intersections of functions)

attempt to make a the subject in both of their equations (M1)

a = 1 − k − k
2
− k
3
and a =
1

3
(2. 3 − k − 2k
2
− 4k )
3

use of graph or table to attempt to find intersection (M1)

OR (solving algebraically)

attempt to solve their equations algebraically to find a cubic in k (M1)

0 OR
3 2
k − k − 2k + 0. 7 =

3(1 − k − k
2
− k )
3
= 2. 3 − k − 2k
2
− 4k
3
(or equivalent)

attempt to solve their cubic in k (M1)

THEN

a = 0. 552839 … OR k = 0. 315870 … (other solutions to cubic are

k = − 1. 18538 … , 1. 86951 …)

a = 0. 553 A1

[5 marks]
2. [Maximum mark: 7] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.4
A company is designing a new logo in the shape of a letter “C”.

The letter “C” is formed between two circles with centre O.

The point A lies on the circumference of the inner circle with radius r cm, where r < 10.

The point B lies on the circumference of the outer circle with radius 10 cm.

The reflex angle AÔB is 5. 2 radians. The letter “C” is shown by the shaded area in the following diagram.

(a) Show that the area of the “C” is given by 260 − 2. 6r

2
. [2]

Markscheme

use of sector area formula to find area of at least one sector (M1)
 1

2
× 5. 2 × 100 −
1

2
× 5. 2 × r
2
OR
1 1
10
2
π −
2
10
2
× (2π − 5. 2) − (πr
2
−
2
× (2π − 5. 2) × r )
2
A1

(area) = 260 − 2. 6r
2
AG

Note: There are many different ways to find the area of the “C”. In all methods, the A mark is awarded for
working which leads directly to the AG.

[2 marks]

(b.i) Find the value of r. [2]

Markscheme

260 − 2. 6r
2
= 64 (A1)

r = 8. 68243 …

14√ 65
= 8. 68 (cm) (
13
exact) A1

[2 marks]

(b.ii) Find the perimeter of the “C”. [3]

Markscheme

10 × 5. 2 OR 8. 68 … × 5. 2 (A1)

substituting their value of r into 10 × 5. 2 + r × 5. 2 + 2(10 − r) (or equivalent)

(M1)

Perimeter = 10 × 5. 2 + 8. 68 … × 5. 2 + 2(10 − 8. 68 …)

(= 52 + 45. 1486 … + 2. 63513 …)

= 99. 7837 …

= 99. 8 (cm) A1

[3 marks]

3. [Maximum mark: 16] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.9

A farmer is growing a field of wheat plants. The height, H cm, of each plant can be modelled by a normal

distribution with mean μ and standard deviation σ.

It is known that P(H < 94. 6) = 0. 288 and P(H > 98. 1) = 0. 434.
(a) Find the probability that the height of a randomly selected plant is between 94. 6 cm

and 98. 1 cm. [2]

Markscheme

recognizing probabilities sum to 1 (M1)

0. 288 + P(94. 6 < X < 98. 1) + 0. 434 = 1

P(94. 6 < X < 98. 1) = 0. 278 A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find the value of μ and the value of σ. [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

recognizing the need to use inverse normal with 0. 288, (1 − 0. 434) or 0. 434 (M1)

μ + invNorm(0. 288)σ = 94. 6, μ + invNorm(1 − 0. 434)σ = 98. 1 (or

equivalent) (A1)(A1)

attempt to solve their equations in two variables using the GDC (that involve either z-values or
'invNorm' rather than probabilities) (M1)

μ = 97. 2981 …, σ = 4. 82468 …

μ = 97. 3, σ = 4. 82 A1

Note: Condone use of different variables throughout, but do not award the final A1 if they do not
clearly identify which variable is their mean and standard deviation.

METHOD 2

use of inverse normal to find at least one z-score for P(Z < z) = 0. 288 or

P(Z < z) = 1 − 0. 434 (M1)

z1 = − 0. 559236 … OR z 2 = 0. 166199 …

94.6−μ 98.1−μ
= −0. 559236 …, = 0. 166199 … (or equivalent) (A1)(A1)
σ σ

attempt to solve their equations (that involve z-values rather than probabilities) (M1)

μ = 97. 2981 …, σ = 4. 82468 …

μ = 97. 3, σ = 4. 82 A1
 [5 marks]

The farmer measures 100 randomly selected plants. Any plant with a height greater than 98. 1 cm is

considered ready to harvest. Heights of plants are independent of each other.

(c.i) Find the probability that exactly 34 plants are ready to harvest. [2]

Markscheme

recognition of Binomial distribution (M1)

X~B(100, 0. 434)

P(X = 34) = 0. 0133198 …

= 0. 0133 A1

[2 marks]

(c.ii) Given that fewer than 49 plants are ready to harvest, find the probability that exactly 34
plants are ready to harvest. [4]

Markscheme

P(X < 49) = 0. 848218 … (seen anywhere) (A1)

recognition of conditional probability (M1)

Note: recognition must be shown in context, either in symbols e.g. P(X = 34 X < 49), or in

words e.g. P(34 plants less than 49 plants), not only as P(A B).

P(X = 34) P(X = 34) 0.0133198…

(P(X = 34 X < 49) =)
P(X < 49)
OR P(X ≤ 48)
(=
0.848218…
) (A1)

= 0. 0157033 …

P(X = 34 X < 49) = 0. 0157 A1

[4 marks]

In another field, the farmer is growing the same variety of wheat, but is using a different fertilizer. The heights
of these plants, F cm, are normally distributed with mean 98. 6 and standard deviation d. The farmer finds
the interquartile range to be 4. 82 cm.

(d) Find the value of d. [3]

 Markscheme

Q1 = 96. 19 OR Q 3 = 101. 01 (may be seen on a labelled diagram with areas indicated)

(A1)

P(96. 19 < F < 101. 01) = 0. 5 OR P(F < 96. 19) = 0. 25 OR

P(F < 101. 01) = 0. 75 (or equivalent)

EITHER

attempt to find d using graph or table (M1)

OR

2.41 2.41
1 − 2P(Z < − ) = 0. 5 OR P(Z < − ) = 0. 25 OR
d d
2.41
P(Z < ) = 0. 75
d

2.41 2.41
OR P(− d
< Z <
d
) = 0. 5 (or equivalent) (M1)

2.41 2.41
− = − 0. 674489 … OR = 0. 674489 …
d d

THEN

3. 57307 …

d = 3. 57 A1

[3 marks]

4. [Maximum mark: 6] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.2

The following diagram shows a pyramid with vertex V and rectangular base OABC.

Point B has coordinates (6 , 8 , 0) , point C has coordinates (6, 0 , 0) and point V has coordinates
(3 , 4 , 9) .
(a) Find BV.
[2] 

Markscheme

2 2 2
BV = √ (6 − 3) + (8 − 4) + (0 − 9) (A1)

= 10. 2956 …

= 10. 3(= √ 106) A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find the size of BV̂C. [4] 

Markscheme

METHOD 1

BV = VC AND BC = 8 (seen anywhere) (A1)

attempt to use the cosine rule on triangle BVC for any angle (M1)

Note: Recognition must be shown in context either in terms of labelled sides or in side lengths.

2 2 2
10.2… +10.2… −8
cos BV̂C =
2×10.2…×10.2…
OR

8
2
= 10. 2 …
2
+ 10. 2 …
2
− 2 × 10. 2 … cos BV̂C (A1)

BV̂C = 0. 798037 …

BV̂C = 0. 798 (accept 45. 7°) A1

 METHOD 2

let M be the midpoint of BC

BM = 4 (seen anywhere) (A1)

attempt to use sine or cosine in triangle BMV or CMV (M1)

π
arc sin
4
OR 2
− arc cos
4
OR 0. 399018 (A1)
√ 106 √ 106

BV̂C = 0. 798037 …

BV̂C = 0. 798 (accept 45. 7°) A1

[4 marks]

5. [Maximum mark: 6] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.2

The following diagram shows a pyramid with vertex V and rectangular base OABC.

Point B has coordinates (6 , 8 , 0) , point C has coordinates (6, 0 , 0) and point V has coordinates
(3 , 4 , 9) .

(a) Find BV.

[2] 

Markscheme

2 2 2
BV = √ (6 − 3) + (8 − 4) + (0 − 9) (A1)
 = 10. 2956 …

= 10. 3(= √ 106) A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find the size of BV̂C. [4] 

Markscheme

METHOD 1

BV = VC AND BC = 8 (seen anywhere) (A1)

attempt to use the cosine rule on triangle BVC for any angle (M1)

Note: Recognition must be shown in context either in terms of labelled sides or in side lengths.

2 2 2
10.2… +10.2… −8
cos BV̂C =
2×10.2…×10.2…
OR

8
2
= 10. 2 …
2
+ 10. 2 …
2
− 2 × 10. 2 … cos BV̂C (A1)

BV̂C = 0. 798037 …

BV̂C = 0. 798 (accept 45. 7°) A1

METHOD 2

let M be the midpoint of BC

BM = 4 (seen anywhere) (A1)

attempt to use sine or cosine in triangle BMV or CMV (M1)

4 π 4
arc sin OR 2
− arc cos OR 0. 399018 (A1)
√ 106 √ 106

BV̂C = 0. 798037 …

BV̂C = 0. 798 (accept 45. 7°) A1

[4 marks]

6. [Maximum mark: 2] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.5

A particle moves along a straight line. Its displacement, s metres, from a fixed point O after time t seconds is

given by s(t) = 4. 3 sin (√ 3t + 5), where 0 ≤ t ≤ 10.

The particle first comes to rest after q seconds.

(a) Find the value of q. [2]

Markscheme

recognizing at rest when 0 OR is a minimum (M1)

ds
= s
dt

q = 5. 73553 …

= 5. 74 A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find the total distance that the particle travels in the first q seconds.

Markscheme

METHOD 1

recognizing that integral of v(t) is required (M1)

5.73… 5.73… d 5.73… 5.73…

∫ |v(t)| dt OR ∫ s(t) dt OR ∫ v(t) dt OR − ∫ 0 v(t) dt
0 0 dt 0

(A1)
q
Note: Only accept ∫
0
v(t) dt if their value of q does not result in the particle changing direction in
the first q seconds.

= 7. 68302 …

= 7. 68 (m) A1

METHOD 2

recognition that total distance travelled is the difference between the initial displacement and the
displacement at minimum (M1)

initial displacement is 3. 38302 … AND at minimum is −4. 3 (A1)

total distance travelled = 3. 38302 … − (−4. 3)

= 7. 68302 …

= 7. 68 (m) A1
 [3 marks]

7. [Maximum mark: 19] 23N.2.AHL.TZ2.11

2

Consider the function defined by f (x) , where x ∈ R, x ≠ −3.

x −14x+24

2x+6

(a) State the equation of the vertical asymptote on the graph of f . [1]

Markscheme

(vertical asymptote equation) x = − 3 A1

Note: Accept 2x + 6 = 0 or equivalent.

[1 mark]

(b) Find the coordinates of the points where the graph of f crosses the x-axis. [2]

Markscheme

(2, 0) and (12, 0) A1A1

Note: Award A1 for (2, 0) and A1 for (12, 0).

Award A1A0 if only x values are given.

[2 marks]

The graph of f also has an oblique asymptote of the form y = ax + b, where a, b ∈ Q.

(c) Find the value of a and the value of b. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

a =
1

2
A1

attempt at ‘long division’ on (M1)

x − 14x + 24

2x + 6

2
x − 14x + 24

2x + 6

1 17 …
=
2
x −
2
(+
2x + 6
) (A1)
 b = −
17

2
A1

Note: Accept y =
1

2
x −
17

2
.

METHOD 2

1
a =
2
A1
2

(A1)
x − 14x + 24 1 c
≡ x + b +
2x + 6 2 2x + 6

2 1
x − 14x + 24 ≡ x(2x + 6) + b(2x + 6) + c
2

attempt to equate coefficients of x: (M1)

−14 = 3 + 2b

17
b = −
2

1 17
Note: Accept y =
2
x −
2
.

METHOD 3

1
a =
2
A1
2

(A1)
x − 14x + 24 1 −17 + 24
− x ≡
2x + 6 2 2x + 6

attempt to find the limit of f (x) − ax as x → ∞ (M1)

−17x + 24
b = lim
2x + 6
x→∞

= −
17

2
A1

Note: Accept y =
1

2
x −
17

2
.

[4 marks]

(d) Sketch the graph of f for −50 ≤ x ≤ 50, showing clearly the asymptotes and any
intersections with the axes. [4]

Markscheme
 two branches with approximately correct shape (for −50 ≤ x ≤ 50) A1

Note: For this A1 the graph must be a function.

their vertical and oblique asymptotes in approximately correct positions with both branches showing
correct asymptotic behaviour to these asymptotes A1A1

Note: Award A1 for vertical asymptote and behaviour and A1 for oblique asymptote and behaviour. If
only top half of the graph seen only award A1A0 if both asymptotes and behaviour are seen.

their axes intercepts in approximately the correct positions A1

Note: Points of intersection with the axes and the equations of asymptotes do not need to be labelled.
Ignore incorrect labels

[4 marks]

(e) Find the range of f . [4]

Markscheme

(−10 − 5√ 3 =) − 18. 6602 … OR (− 10 + 5√ 3 =) − 1. 33974 … seen

anywhere (A1)

attempt to write the range using at least one value in an interval or an inequality in y or f (x)
(M1)

y ≤ − 18. 7, y ≥ − 1. 34 A1A1

Note: Award A1 for each inequality. Award A1A0 for strict inequalities in both.
 Do not award FT from (d).

Accept equivalent set notation.

[4 marks]

(f ) Solve the inequality f (x) > x. [4]

Markscheme

(−10 − 2√ 31 =) − 21. 1355 … OR (−10 + 2√ 31 =)1. 13522 … seen

anywhere (A1)

x < − 21. 1, − 3 < x < 1. 14 A1A1A1

Note: Award A1 for x < − 21. 1, A1 for correct endpoints of a single interval −3 and 1. 14 and for
A1 for −3 < x < 1. 14.

Do not award FT from (d).

Accept equivalent set notation.

[4 marks]

8. [Maximum mark: 24] 23N.3.AHL.TZ0.1

This question asks you to explore some properties of the family of curves y = x
3
+ ax
2
+ b where

x ∈ R and a, b are real parameters.

Consider the family of curves y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b for x ∈ R, where a ∈ R, a ≠ 0 and b ∈ R.

First consider the case where a = 3 and b ∈ R.

(a) By systematically varying the value of b, or otherwise, find the two values of b such that the
curve y = x
3
+ 3x
2
+ b has exactly two x-axis intercepts. [2]

Markscheme

varies the value of b with a = 3 (M1)

Note: The (M1) in part (a) can also be awarded for a correct answer to either part (b)(i) or (b)(ii). Award
(M1) for evidence that b = 0 case is considered/determined.

b = −4, 0 A1
 [2 marks]

(b) Write down the set of values of b such that the curve y = x
3
+ 3x
2
+ b has exactly

(b.i) one x-axis intercept; [1]

Markscheme

b < −4 or b > 0 A1

[1 mark]

(b.ii) three x-axis intercepts. [1]

Markscheme

−4 < b < 0 A1

[1 mark]

Now consider the case where a = −3 and b ∈ R.

(c) Write down the set of values of b such that the curve y = x
3
− 3x
2
+ b has exactly

(c.i) two x-axis intercepts; [1]

Markscheme

b = 0, 4 A1

[1 mark]

(c.ii) one x-axis intercept; [1]

Markscheme

b < 0 or b > 4 A1

[1 mark]

(c.iii) three x-axis intercepts. [1]

Markscheme
 0 < b < 4 A1

[1 mark]

For the following parts of this question, consider the curve y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b for a ∈ R, a ≠ 0 and

b ∈ R.

(d) Consider the case where the curve has exactly three x-axis intercepts. State whether each
point of zero gradient is located above or below the x-axis. [1]

Markscheme

one point of zero gradient is located on either side (of the x-axis) (or equivalent) A1

[1 mark]

(e) Show that the curve has a point of zero gradient at P(0, b) and a point of zero gradient
at Q(− 3 a, 2 4

27
a
3
+ b). [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

dy

dx
= 3x
2
+ 2ax (A1)

dy
attempts to solve their dx
= 0 for x M1

−2a±√ 4a
2

x(3x + 2a)(= 0) OR x = OR x + a a
= ±
6 3 3

x = −
2

3
a, 0 A1

when x = 0, y = b and so P(0, b) is a point of zero gradient AG

Note: The following two marks are independent of the first three marks.

substitutes their expression for x in terms of a into y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b (M1)

3 2
2 2
y = (− a) + a(− a) + b
3 3

y = −
8

27
a
3
+
4

9
a
3
+ b(y = −
8

27
a
3
+
12

27
a
3
+ b) A1

so Q(− 23 a + 4

27
a
3
+ b) is a point of zero gradient AG

[5 marks]

METHOD 2
 dy

dx
= 3x
2
+ 2ax (A1)

dy
substitutes either x = 0 or x = − a into their M1
2

3 dx

dy
when x = 0,
dx
= 0 and y = b so P(0, b) is a point of zero gradient AG

dy 2
2 2
= 3(− a) + 2a(− a)
dx 3 3

=
4

3
a
2
−
4

3
a
2
(= 0) (= 3(
4

9
a ) −
2 4

3
a
2
(= 0), =
12

9
a
2
−
4

3
a
2
(= 0)) A1

dy
and so = 0 when x = − AG
2
a
dx 3

Note: The following two marks are independent of the first three marks.

substitutes x = −
2

3
a into y = x
3
+ ax
2
+ b (M1)

3 2
2 2
y = (− a) + a(− a) + b
3 3

y = −
8

27
a
3
+
4

9
a
3
+ b( y = −
8

27
a
3
+
12

27
a
3
+ b) A1

so Q(− 23 a, 27
4
a
3
+ b) is a point of zero gradient AG

[5 marks]

(f ) Consider the points P and Q for a > 0 and b > 0.

(f.i)
2
d y
Find an expression for dx
2
and hence determine whether each point is a local maximum or
a local minimum. [3]

Markscheme

2
d y

dx
2
= 6x + 2a A1

2
d y
when x = 0,
dx
2
= 2a (a > 0) and so ( P) is a (local) minimum (point) R1
2
2 d y
when x = −
3
a,
dx
2
= −2a (a > 0) and so ( Q) is a (local) maximum (point) R1

[3 marks]

(f.ii) Determine whether each point is located above or below the x-axis. [1]

Markscheme

(P and Q are) both above (the x-axis) A1

 Note: Award A1 if it is made clear that both points are above (the x-axis). Accept a labelled sketch that
clearly shows this information.

[1 mark]

(g) Consider the points P and Q for a < 0 and b > 0.

(g.i) State whether P is a local maximum or a local minimum and whether it is above or below
the x-axis. [1]

Markscheme

(P) is a (local) maximum (point) and is above (the x-axis) A1

[1 mark]

(g.ii) State the conditions on a and b that determine when Q is below the x-axis. [1]

Markscheme

(Q is below the x-axis when) 4

27
a
3
+ b < 0 A1

Note: Award A1 for an equivalent correct inequality, e.g. 4

27
a
3
< −b.

Accept a labelled sketch that clearly shows this information.

[1 mark]

(h) Prove that if 4a 3 b + 27b 2 < 0 then the curve, y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b, has exactly three
x-axis intercepts. [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

attempts to factorize 4a 3 b + 27b 2 (< 0) (M1)

+ b) (< 0) OR b(4a A1
4 3 3
27b( a + 27b) (< 0)
27

b > 0 and + b < 0 OR b < 0 and A1

4 3 4 3
a a + b > 0
27 27

Note: Only award this A1 if both cases are stated.

Award A1 for stating that exactly one of b and 4

27
a
3
+ b is less than zero (or equivalent).

when b and 4

27
a
3
+ b have opposite sign, P and Q are located on either side (of the x-axis) (or
equivalent) R1
Note: Accept labelled sketches that clearly show this information.

P and Q are located on either side (of the x-axis) if (and only if ) the curve has exactly three x-axis
intercepts R1

if 4a 3 b + 27b 2 < 0, the the graph of y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b has exactly three x-axis intercepts
AG

Note: For proving the converse, award a maximum of 3 marks (likely to be similar steps but presented
in reverse; 2nd A1 line not necessary in reverse method).

METHOD 2

attempts to factorize 4a 3 b + 27b 2 (< 0) (M1)

+ b) (< 0) OR b(4a A1
4 3 3
27b( a + 27b) (< 0)
27

either b > 0 and

4

27
a
3
+ b < 0 OR b < 0 and
27
4
a
3
+ b > 0 A1

Note: Only award this A1 if both cases are stated.

Award A1 for stating that exactly one of b and 4

27
a
3
+ b is less than zero (or equivalent).

b > 0 and a ) ⇒ a < 0 and hence three x-axis

4 3 4 3
a + b < 0, (⇒ 0 < b < −
27 27

intercepts R1

b < 0 and < b < 0) ⇒ a > 0 and hence three x-axis

4 3 4 3
a + b > 0, (⇒ − a
27 27

intercepts R1

Note: Accept labelled sketches that clearly show this information.

if 4a 3 b + 27b 2 < 0, then the graph of y = x

3
+ ax
2
+ b has exactly three x-axis intercepts
AG

Note: For proving the converse, award a maximum of 3 marks (likely to be similar steps but presented
in reverse; 2nd A1 line not necessary in reverse method).

[5 marks]

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