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Analysis of 9709 p3 Challenging Problem

The document presents a compilation of challenging problems from the CAIE Mathematics P3 summer exams (2018-2021), covering various topics such as polynomial division, vector geometry, and trigonometric equations. It outlines key challenges, common errors, and recommendations for preparation to help students improve their problem-solving skills. The report emphasizes the importance of meticulous algebraic manipulation and understanding of calculus concepts to avoid common pitfalls.

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Albert xu
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140 views3 pages

Analysis of 9709 p3 Challenging Problem

The document presents a compilation of challenging problems from the CAIE Mathematics P3 summer exams (2018-2021), covering various topics such as polynomial division, vector geometry, and trigonometric equations. It outlines key challenges, common errors, and recommendations for preparation to help students improve their problem-solving skills. The report emphasizes the importance of meticulous algebraic manipulation and understanding of calculus concepts to avoid common pitfalls.

Uploaded by

Albert xu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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P3 Challenging Problems Report

Analysis of Document Content


The document compiles challenging problems from the CAIE Mathematics P3 summer exams (2018-2021),
covering a wide range of topics:

1. Polynomial Division

2. Vector Geometry

3. Exponential and Absolute Value Equations

4. Series Expansion

5. Parametric Equations and Calculus

6. Trigonometric Identities and Equations

7. Implicit Differentiation and Stationary Points

8. Inequalities

9. Iterative Methods

10. Integration via Substitution

Each question is tagged with a difficulty level and marks (e.g., [4], [5]), indicating their complexity and depth.

Key Challenges and Common Errors


1. Polynomial Division (Question s18-31, Q4)

Task: Find constants aa and bb such that x4+2x3+ax+bx4+2x3+ax+b is divisible by x2−x+1x2−x+1.

Challenges

Factoring the quartic polynomial or equating remainders to zero.

Using roots of x2−x+1=0x2−x+1=0 (complex roots) to form equations for aa and bb.

Common Errors

Incorrect polynomial multiplication during factorization.

Miscalculating coefficients when comparing terms.

2. Vector Geometry (Question s18-31, Q10i)

Task: Calculate the perpendicular distance from point P(3,−2,1)P(3,−2,1) to the line
r=4i+2j+5k+μ(i+2j+3k)r=4i+2j+5k+μ(i+2j+3k).

Challenges

Applying the formula for distance: ∣AP⃗ ×d⃗ ∣∣d⃗ ∣∣d∣∣AP×d∣, where AP⃗ AP is a vector from a point on the
line to PP, and d⃗ d is the direction vector.
Common Errors

Errors in vector cross-product calculations.

Misinterpreting the line equation or point coordinates.

3. Absolute Value Equation (Question s18-32, Q1)

Task: Solve 3∣2x−1∣=2x3∣2x−1∣=2x.

Challenges

Case analysis for 2x≥12x≥1 and 2x<12x<1.

Solving exponential equations and validating solutions.

Common Errors

Overlooking the domain restrictions for each case.

Logarithmic computation errors.

4. Parametric Curves and Vertical Tangents (Question w18-31, Q4ii)

Task: Find coordinates where the tangent to x=2sinθ+sin2θx=2sinθ+sin2θ,


y=2cosθ+cos2θy=2cosθ+cos2θ is parallel to the yy-axis.

Challenges

Calculating dydx=dy/dθdx/dθdxdy=dx/dθdy/dθ and identifying where dx/dθ=0dx/dθ=0.

Common Errors

Misapplying differentiation rules for parametric equations.

Incorrect simplification of trigonometric derivatives.

5. Implicit Differentiation (Question s18-33, Q8)

Task: Show stationary points satisfy a logarithmic equation and use iteration to solve.

Challenges

Deriving dy/dxdy/dx for 2x3−y3−3xy2=2a32x3−y3−3xy2=2a3 and setting it to zero.

Proving uniqueness of roots via graphical analysis.

Common Errors

Errors in differentiating implicit terms (e.g., −3xy2−3xy2).


Incorrect rearrangement for iterative formulas.

6. Trigonometric Equations (Question s18-33, Q6)

Task: Express 2cscx+cotx=32cscx+cotx=3 in the form Rsin(x−α)=2Rsin(x−α)=2.

Challenges

Using trigonometric identities to combine terms into a single sine function.

Solving for xx within 0∘<x<180∘0∘<x<180∘.

Common Errors

Misapplying identities like cscx=1/sinxcscx=1/sinx or cotx=cosx/sinxcotx=cosx/sinx.

Incorrect phase shift calculations for αα.

7. Integration via Substitution (Question S7)

Task: Find the area under y=5sin2xcos3xy=5sin2xcos3x using u=sinxu=sinx.

Challenges

Substitution steps and adjusting limits of integration.

Simplifying the integral to match the substitution.

Common Errors

Forgetting to convert dxdx to dudu.

Errors in expanding cos3xcos3x in terms of sinxsinx.

Recommendations for Preparation


1. Polynomial Techniques: Master factorization and remainder theorem applications.

2. Vector Calculations: Practice cross-product computations and geometric interpretations.

3. Case Analysis: Strengthen skills in solving absolute value and piecewise functions.

4. Parametric/Implicit Differentiation: Drill derivative calculations and stationary point identification.

5. Trigonometric Transformations: Memorize key identities and practice phase-shift formulations.

6. Iterative Methods: Understand convergence criteria and iterative formula design.

Conclusion: These problems demand meticulous algebraic manipulation, calculus proficiency, and strategic
problem-solving. Common pitfalls include computational inaccuracies and misapplied theorems,
emphasizing the need for rigorous practice and verification.

Prepared by: ForDreamSchool.com

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