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A-LevelFurther MathematicsComplex NumbersOct/Nov 2011Paper 1 Q1114 Marks

Answer only one of the following two alternatives. **EITHER** Let `ω = cos(π/5) + i sin(π/5)`. Show that `ω⁵ + 1 = 0` and deduce that `ω⁴ – ω³ + ω² – ω = -1`. [2] Show further that `ω - ω⁴ = 2 cos(π/5)` and `ω³ - ω² = 2 cos(2π/5)`. [4] Hence find the values of `cos(π/5) + cos(2π/5)` and `cos(π/5) cos(2π/5)`. [4] Find a quadratic equation having roots `cos(π/5)` and `cos(2π/5)` and deduce the exact value of `cos(π/5)`. [4] **OR** Given that `x² d²y/dx² + 4x(1+x) dy/dx + 2(1 + 4x + 2x²)y = 8x²` and that `x²y = z`, show that `d²z/dx² + 4 dz/dx + 4z = 8x²`. [4] Find the general solution for y in terms of x. [8] Describe the behaviour of y as x → ∞. [2]

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Further Mathematics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Complex Numbers in A-Level Further Mathematics (syllabus code 9231). It is worth 14 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Further Mathematics Oct/Nov 2011 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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