Example test (Copy) [86 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 19] 23N.2.SL.TZ2.5

Howell Industries is an international company that sells travel coffee mugs. Their
market research predicts that the average number of mugs they will sell each
month is modelled by the equation

n = 20 000 − 1 000x

where x represents the selling price, in euro (EUR), of each mug.

A salesperson suggests that Howell Industries should sell the mugs for 16 EUR

each.

(a) Find the average number of mugs that this model predicts
Howell Industries will sell at this price. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute 16 into the given formula (M1)

n = 20 000 − 1 000 (16)

n = 4000 A1

[2 marks]

(b) Calculate Howell Industries’ average monthly income, before

any expenses, at this selling price. [2]

Markscheme

multiplying their answer to part (a) by 16 (M1)

(average monthly income =) 16 × 4 000

64 000 (EUR) A1
 [2 marks]

(c) Hence, write down the function R (x) that can be used to
predict Howell Industries’ average monthly income, before
expenses, at any selling price, x. [1]

Markscheme

R (x) = x(20 000 − 1 000x) OR R (x) = 20 000x − 1 000x

2

A1

[1 mark]

Howell Industries has 10 000 EUR of fixed monthly operational costs.

Additionally, Howell Industries must pay their mug supplier 10 EUR for each
coffee mug.

(d) Calculate Howell Industries’ average monthly profit if they sell

each mug at a price of 16 EUR. [3]

Markscheme

EITHER

attempt to find total costs (both fixed and variable) AND subtract from their
64 000 (M1)

64 000 − (10 000 + 10 × 4 000) (A1)

OR

attempt to find total profit from mugs AND subtract fixed costs (M1)

(16 − 10) × 4000 − 10 000 (A1)

 THEN

= 14 000 (EUR) A1

[3 marks]

(e) Show that the average monthly profit for any selling price, x,
can be found using the function
+ 30 000x − 210 000. [2]
2
P (x) = −1 000x

Markscheme

METHOD 1

attempt to subtract total costs in terms of x from their R(x) (M1)

2
(P (x) =)(20 000x − 1 000x ) − (10 000 + 10 (20 000 − 1 000x))

correct intermediate step leading to given answer A1

(e.g. correct expansion of 10 (20 000 − 1 000x))

P (x) = −1 000x
2
+ 30 000x − 210 000 AG

Note: Do not award the A1 mark if the AG line is not stated.

METHOD 2

attempt to express profit per mug, and then subtract fixed monthly costs
(M1)

(P (x) =)(x − 10)(20 000 − 1 000x) − 10 000 A1

correct expansion leading to the given answer

P (x) = −1 000x
2
+ 30 000x − 210 000 AG
 Note: Do not award the A1 mark if the AG line is not stated.

[2 marks]

(f.i) Find P ′(x). [2]

Markscheme

(P ′(x) =) − 2 000x + 30 000 A1A1

Note: Award at most A1A0 if additional terms are seen.

[2 marks]

(f.ii) Show that the salesperson’s selling price does not maximize
their average monthly profit. [2]

Markscheme

METHOD 1
OR sketch of P (x) OR use of x
b
P ′(x) = 0 = −
2a

x = 15 is the maximum, not 16 A1R1

hence salesman’s price is not the optimum AG

Note: Award A1 for x = 15, and R1 for either comparing it to 16 OR

making a statement that is some version of the AG line. It is possible to
award A1R0.

METHOD 2

P ′(16) = −2000 ≠ 0 A1R1

hence salesman’s price is not the optimum AG

 Note: Award A1 for finding an appropriate value, and R1 for comparing it to
zero. It is possible to award A1R0. To award the R1 a statement that is some
version of the AG line must also be given.

METHOD 3

finding P (x) for any value from 14 < x < 16 A1

comparing this value to their part (d) R1

hence salesman’s price is not the optimum AG

Note: It is possible to award A1R0. To award the R1 a statement that is some

version of the AG line must also be given.

[2 marks]

Howell Industries negotiates a new deal with their mug supplier. Under the new
deal, the supplier agrees to discount the cost of each mug based on the number
of mugs purchased by Howell Industries. The cost charged by the supplier for
each mug can be found using the function

C (n) = 10 − 0. 0001n

where n represents the number of mugs sold by Howell Industries.

(g) Find the function that can be used to find Howell Industries’
average monthly profit using the new deal from the supplier. [3]

Markscheme

substituting the expression for n into cost function, C (n). (M1)

(cost =) 10 − 0. 0001 (20 000 − 1 000x) = 8 + 0. 1x

substituting C (x) into the total cost expression and subtracting for R (x)
(M1)
 (New P (x) =)
2
(20 000x − 1 000x ) − (10 000 + (8 + 0. 1x)(20 000 − 1 000x))

A1

((New P (x) =) −900x

2
+ 26 000x − 170 000)

[3 marks]

(h) Hence, find the selling price, per mug, that Howell Industries
should choose in order to maximize their average monthly
profit under the new deal. [2]

Markscheme

14. 4 (EUR) (14. 4444 … ,

130

9
) A2

[2 marks]

2. [Maximum mark: 12] 23N.2.AHL.TZ0.4

A plane takes off from a horizontal runway. Let point O be the point where the
plane begins to leave the runway and x be the horizontal distance, in km, of
the plane from O. The function h models the vertical height, in km, of the nose
of the plane from the horizontal runway, and is defined by

10
h(x) = −0.07x
− 0. 06, x ≥ 0.
1+150e
(a.i) Find h(0) [1]

Markscheme

h(0) = 0. 00623 (km) (= 0. 00622517) A1

[1 mark]

(a.ii) Interpret this value in terms of the context. [1]

Markscheme

this is the height of the nose of the plane (above the runway), when the
plane is on the runway A1

[1 mark]

(b.i) Find the horizontal asymptote of the graph of y = h(x). [1]

Markscheme

y = 9. 94 A1

Note: Accept h = 9. 94.

[1 mark]

(b.ii) Interpret this value in terms of the context. [1]

Markscheme

EITHER

this is the height that the (nose of the) plane approaches (but does not
reach) A1
 OR

this is the maximum possible height of the (nose of the) plane A1

OR

the (nose of the) plane does not exceed this height A1

[1 mark]

(c) Find h′(x) in terms of x. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1 (chain rule)

−1
h(x) = 10(1 + 150e
−0.07x
) − 0. 06 (M1)

−2
find h′(x) = −10(1 + 150e
−0.07x
) × 150e
−0.07x
× −0. 07

A1M1A1

−0.07x
150e
(= 2
)
−0.07x
(1+150e )

−2
Note: Award A1 for correct first term (−10(1 + 150e −0.07x ) ), M1

for attempt to use the chain rule, A1 for correct use of chain rule
× −0. 07). Award at most A1M1A0 if additional terms are
−0.07x
(×150e

seen. The answer is not required to be simplified beyond what is shown in

the markscheme.

METHOD 2 (quotient rule)

−0.007x −0.007x
(1+150e )(0)−10(150e ×−0.007)

−0.007x
2
M1A1
(1+150e )

Note: Award M1 for attempt to use quotient rule, A1 for correct use.
 −0.007x
−10(150e ×−0.007) −0.07x
150e
=
−0.007x
2
(=
−0.07x
2
) A1A1
(1+150e ) (1+150e )

Note: Award A1 for correct numerator and A1 for correct denominator.

[4 marks]

A safety regulation recommends that h′(x) never exceed 0. 2.

(d) Given that this plane flies a distance of at least 200 km

horizontally from point O, determine whether the plane is
following this safety regulation. [4]

Markscheme

evidence of a graph of h′(x) (M1)

maximum at x = 71. 6 (= 71. 58051 …) (A1)

h′(71. 58051 …) = 0. 175 A1

maximum gradient is less than 0. 2

and hence the regulation is being followed A1

[4 marks]

3. [Maximum mark: 28] 23N.3.AHL.TZ0.1

This question uses differential equations to model the maximum velocity of a
skydiver in free fall.

In 2012, Felix Baumgartner jumped from a height of 40 000 m. He was

attempting to travel at the speed of sound, 330 m s −1 , whilst free-falling to the
Earth.
Before making his attempt, Felix used mathematical models to check how
realistic his attempt would be. The simplest model he used suggests that

dv
= g
dt

where v m s −1 is Felix’s velocity and g m s −2 is the acceleration due to gravity.

The time since he began to free-fall is t seconds and the displacement from his
initial position is s metres.

Throughout this question, the direction towards the centre of the Earth is taken
to be positive and v is a positive quantity.

When s = 0, it is given that Felix jumps with an initial velocity v = 10.

(a.i) Use the chain rule to show that dv = v dv . [1]

dt ds

Markscheme

A1
dv ds dv
= ×
dt dt ds

ds
(v = )
dt

AG
dv dv
= v
dt ds

[1 mark]

(a.ii) Assuming that g is a constant, solve the differential equation

v
dv

ds
= g to find v as a function of s. [4]

Markscheme

dv
v = g
ds

attempt to separate variables M1

∫ v d v = ∫ g d s

A1
v
= gs(+c)
2
 using initial conditions (can be done at any point) M1

50 = c

so v = √2gs + 100 A1

Note: Marks are intentionally unimplied to ensure on-syllabus techniques

are used.

[4 marks]

(a.iii) Using g = 9. 8, determine whether the model predicts that

Felix will succeed in travelling at the speed of sound at some
point before s = 40 000. Justify your answer. [3]

Markscheme

EITHER

attempt to use their part (a)(ii) to find a value of s when v = 330

(M1)

330 = √ 2gs + 100

therefore s = 5551. 02 … A1

(5551. 02 < 40000)

so (the model does predict) he will reach the speed of sound A1

OR

attempt to use their part (a)(ii) to find a value of v when s = 40000

(M1)
 v = √ 2g(40000) + 100

= 885 (885. 49 …) A1

(885 > 330)

so (the model does predict) he will reach the speed of sound (before
s = 40000) A1

Note: For the OR method, accept any large s that leads to v = 330.

FT from √2gs gives 885 (885. 437 …) for v and

5560 (5556. 12 …) for s

FT from their v or their s for the final A1, provided M1 is awarded

[3 marks]

(b) To test the model

= g,
dv

dt

Felix conducted a trial jump from a lower height, and data for v
against t was found.

(b.i) If the model is correct, describe the shape of the graph of v

against t. [2]

Markscheme

v = gt + (c) OR gradient is a constant (M1)

so the graph should be a straight line A1

[2 marks]

Felix’s data are plotted on the following graph.

(b.ii) Use the plot to comment on the validity of the model in part (a). [1]

Markscheme

the graph is not a straight line / only (approx.) straight for small t, so the
model does not appear to be valid R1

Note: Award R1 for recognising that the graph is non-linear AND stating
that the model does not appear to be valid

[1 mark]

(c) An improved model considers air resistance, using

dv 2
= g − kv
dt

where k is a positive constant. You are reminded that initially

s = 0 and v = 10.

(c.i) By using
dv
= v
dv
, solve the differential equation to find v
dt ds

in terms of s, g and k. You may assume that g − kv 2 > 0. [5]

 Markscheme

−
dv

ds

2k
= g − kv

separating variables

∫
g−kv
v
2
d v = ∫ d s
2

ln (g − kv ) = s(+c)

(A1)

rearranging to make v the subject

2
(M1)

OR −
1

2k

(M1)
ln

Note: Award (M1) for making v the subject of their equation and not just an
attempt, or an erroneous equation with v also on the RHS.

g − kv

v = √

100 =

A = g − 100k

so

v = √

[5 marks]
2
= Ae

g−Ae

g−A

k
k

g−(g−100k)e

k
−2ks

−2ks

applying initial conditions (here or elsewhere)

−2ks

A1

∣
g − kv

(M1)

Felix uses the graph of v against t shown in part (b) to estimate the value of k.

(c.ii) The gradient is estimated to be 9. 672 when v = 40. Taking g

to be 9. 8, use this information to show that Felix found that
k = 8 × 10
−5
.
2
= s(+c)
 [2]

Markscheme

9. 672 = 9. 8 − 1600k A1A1

Note: Award A1 for correct left-hand side and A1 for correct right-hand side.

9.8−9.672
k =
1600

k = 8 × 10
−5
AG

−5
Note: Award A1A0 for k = 8 × 10 substituted into the right-hand side
of the expression, leading to 9. 672.

[2 marks]

(c.iii) Hence, find the value of v predicted by this model, as s tends to

infinity. [2]

Markscheme

OR OR graph/table (M1)
−2ks dv
s → ∞, e → 0 = 0
dt

g
(v max = √
k
=) 350 (ms
−1
) A1

[2 marks]

(c.iv) Find the upper bound for the velocity according to this model,
given that 0 < s ≤ 40 000. Give your answer to four
significant figures. [2]

Markscheme

upper limit occurs when s = 40000 (M1)

 Note: The M1 can be implied by 40000 substituted into their part (c)(i).

349. 7 (ms
−1
) A1

Note: Answer must be to 4 sf.

[2 marks]

The assumption that the value of g is constant is not correct. It can be shown that
14

g =
3.98×10
6
2
.
(6.41×10 −s)

Hence, the new model is given by

14

v
dv

ds
=
3.98×10
6
2
− (8 × 10
−5
)v
2
.
(6.41×10 −s)

When s = 0, it is known that v = 10.

(d) Use Euler’s method with a step length of 4000 to estimate the
value of v when s = 40 000. [4]

Markscheme

s n+1 = s n + 4000 (A1)

14
3.98×10 −5
v n+1 = v n + 4000 × ( 2
− (8 × 10 )v n )
6
v n (6.41×10 −s n )

(M1)(A1)

Note: Award (M1) for attempt to use Euler method formula AND dividing
through by v.

if v 0 = 10, then v 10 = 361 (360. 658 …) A1

[4 marks]
(e) After Felix completed his record-breaking jump, he found that
the answer from part (d) was not supported by data collected
during the jump.

(e.i) Suggest one improvement to the use of Euler’s method which

might increase the accuracy of the prediction of the model. [1]

Markscheme

Use a smaller step length R1

OR

Use a better method such as Runge-Kutta R1

OR

(Try to) solve the equation exactly R1

[1 mark]

(e.ii) Suggest one factor not explicitly considered by the model in

part (d) which might lead to a difference between the model’s
prediction and the data collected. [1]

Markscheme

Any reasonable response: R1

For example:

Ignoring parachute / end point of motion / only valid for certain domain.
Treating Felix as a point object.
Ignoring weather / wind / air currents.
Assuming path is directly downwards.
Assuming perfect measurement of initial speed.
 [1 mark]

4. [Maximum mark: 27] 23N.3.AHL.TZ0.2

This question is about applying ideas from logarithms, calculus and
probability to an unfamiliar mathematical theory called information theory.

Claude Shannon developed a mathematical theory called information theory to

measure the information gained when random events occur. He defined the
information, I , that is gained when an event with probability p occurs as

I = − ln p

where 0 < p ≤ 1. For example, no information is gained (I = 0) when an

event is certain to occur (p = 1).

(a.i) Sketch the graph of I = − ln p, for 0 < p ≤ 1, labelling all

axes intercepts and asymptotes. [3]

Markscheme

approximately correct shape (decreasing and convex) A1

asymptotic behaviour to the I -axis labelled (e.g. arrow) / equation of

asymptote (p = 0) seen A1

p-intercept labelled at p = 1 and graph does not extend beyond

A1
 Note: Condone I and p being labelled as y and x.

Do not award second A1 if y-intercept label is seen.

[3 marks]

(a.ii) Show, using calculus, that I is a decreasing function of p. [3]

Markscheme

A1A1
dI 1
= −
dp p

Note: Award A1 for or equivalent (e.g. I ′) and A1 for − p . Do not

dI 1

dp
dy
accept for the first A1 unless followed by − x , which can earn A1A0.
1

dx

(for 0 < p ≤ 1) we therefore have R1

dI
< 0
dp

hence the function is decreasing AG

[3 marks]

(a.iii) Interpret what “I is a decreasing function of p” means in the

given context. [1]

Markscheme

Any plausible interpretation IN CONTEXT. R1

For example:

More information is gained from a rarer event.

Less information is gained from a more common event.
Information (gained) decreases as probability increases.

[1 mark]
(b) A computer selects at random an integer x from 1 to 10,
inclusive. Each outcome is equally likely.

Alessia is trying to determine the value of x and asks if x is odd.

(b.i) Write down the probability that x is odd. [1]

Markscheme

10
(=
1

2
) A1

[1 mark]

(b.ii) Alessia is told that x is odd. Find how much information Alessia
gains. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute p =their (b)(i) into I = − ln p (M1)

= 0. 693 (0. 693147 … , − ln (

1

2
)) A1

[2 marks]

The computer then selects at random an integer y from 1 to 10, inclusive. Each
outcome is equally likely.

Daniel is trying to determine the value of y and asks if y is 7. He is told that it is

not 7.

(b.iii) Find how much information Daniel gains. [2]

Markscheme

10
(A1)
 = 0. 105 (0. 105360 … , − ln (
9

10
)) A1

[2 marks]

If a random variable has n possible outcomes with probabilities p 1 , p2 … pn ,

then the expected information gained, E(I ), is defined as

E(I ) = Σ − p r ln p r .
r=1

(c) For the integer guessing game described in part (b), when
Daniel asks if y is 7, there are two possible outcomes: “y is 7” or
“y is not 7”.

(c.i) Show that the expected information gained by Daniel is

0. 325, correct to three significant figures. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute into the formula for E(I ) and recognise that n = 2

(or two terms are needed) M1

E(I ) = −
1

10
ln (
10
1
) −
9

10
ln (
9

10
) A1

0. 325 (0. 325082 …) AG

[2 marks]

(c.ii) Alessia asks if x is odd. Show that her expected information

gained is greater than Daniel’s expected information gained. [2]

Markscheme

E(I ) = −
1

2
ln (
1

2
) −
1

2
ln (
1

2
) A1

0. 693 (0. 693147 … , ln (2)) A1

 0. 693 > 0. 325 AG

[2 marks]

Information theory can be applied to a variety of situations.

(d) When a coin is flipped, the outcome is either heads or tails. The
coin may be biased. Let p be the probability of the outcome
being heads.

(d.i) Find, in terms of p, the information gained when the outcome

is tails. [1]

Markscheme

(I =) − ln (1 − p) A1

[1 mark]

(d.ii) Find, in terms of p, the expected information gained when the

coin is flipped once. [1]

Markscheme

(E(I ) =) − p ln p − (1 − p) ln (1 − p) A1

[1 mark]

(d.iii) Hence, find the value of p when the expected information

gained is maximized. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to use graphical method or calculus to maximize E(I ) A1

 maximum occurs when p =
1

2
A1

[2 mark]

A famous puzzle uses 12 balls which appear identical. 11 have the same weight,
but one is either lighter or heavier than the others. A pair of scales can be
repeatedly used to compare the weights of different combinations of the balls.

The outcome of each weighing can be “balanced”, “left-hand side heavier” or

“right-hand side heavier”. The aim of the puzzle is to identify the ball which is the
different weight, and whether it is heavier or lighter than the others, in as few
weighings as possible.

(e) Angela wants to decide how many balls should be compared to

each other in the first weighing. She produces the following
table to help plan her strategy.
(e.i) Find the value of x. Justify your answer. [2]

Markscheme

6 1
(x =)
12
(=
2
) A1

EITHER

for the scales to balance, the odd ball must be in the six balls not chosen
R1

OR

for the scales to balance, all the balls chosen must be of equal weight and
hence

11 10 9 6

12
×
11
×
10
× … ×
7
R1

[2 mark]

(e.ii) Find the value of y. [2]

Markscheme

EITHER
 recognition that the sum of the probabilities on the third row of the table
equals 1 (M1)

e.g. x + 2y = 1

OR

for one side to be heavier, the odd ball must be one of six balls chosen
) and half the time this will result in left-side being heavier, therefore
6
(
12
6 1
y =
12
×
2
(M1)

1
y =
4
A1

[2 marks]

(e.iii) Find the value of z. [2]

Markscheme

z = −
1

6
ln
1

6
−
1

6
ln
1

6
−
2

3
ln
2

3
(M1)

= 0. 868 (0. 867563 …) A1

[2 marks]

(e.iv) Use the table to suggest the best choice for Angela’s first
weighing. Justify your answer. [1]

Markscheme

4 balls on each side because that configuration has the largest E(I )
R1

Note: Award R1 for giving a correct reason AND stating “4 balls on each
side”
[1 mark]

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