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A-LevelFurther MathematicsVectorsOct/Nov 2015Paper 1 Q1114 Marks

Answer only one of the following two alternatives. EITHER The points A, B and C have position vectors i, 2j and 4k respectively, relative to an origin O. The point N is the foot of the perpendicular from O to the plane ABC. The point P on the line-segment ON is such that OP = ¼ON. The line AP meets the plane OBC at Q. Find a vector perpendicular to the plane ABC and show that the length of ON is 4/√(21). Find the position vector of the point Q. Show that the acute angle between the planes ABC and ABQ is cos⁻¹(⅓). OR The curve C has polar equation r = a(1 − cos θ) for 0 ≤ θ < 2π. Sketch C. Find the area of the region enclosed by the arc of C for which ¼π < θ < ¾π, the half-line θ = ¼π and the half-line θ = ¾π. Show that (ds/dθ)² = 4a² sin²(½θ), where s denotes arc length, and find the length of the arc of C for which ¼π < θ < ¾π.

📋 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 Vectors 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 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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