APTITUDE SCHOLASTIC TEST

MATHEMATICS

Section A. Basic Essay Questions

Please choose and answer any eight of the ten questions below. Give your answers in the
designated areas. Explanations, full proofs, or steps of mathematical calculations should be
included.（Full marks: 120; 15 marks for each question.）

1. 
Given two sets P = x 1  x  3 , x  R   
and Q = x x  4 , x  R , find P
2
Q.

Answer: ( − , − 2 1 , +  ) .
Solution:
Since Q = ( − , − 2 2 , +  ) , ……7 marks

and P = 1, 3 , we have P Q = ( − , − 2 1 , +  ) . ……15 marks

(2 x − 1)0
2. Find the domain of the function f ( x) = .
3x − 1
1 1 1 
Answer:  ,   , +  .
3 2 2 
Solution:
2 x − 1  0 ,
Since  ……8 marks
3x − 1  0 ,
1 1 1 1 1 
we have x  and x  . Hence the domain of f ( x) is  ,   , +   . ……15 marks
3 2 3 2 2 

1
3. Given + a i ? R where a Î R and i is the imaginary unit, find a .
1+ i
1
Answer: .
2
Solution:
1 1- i 1 骣 1
By direct calculation, we have + ai = + a i = + çça - ÷
÷i . ……8 marks
1+ i 2 2 ç桫 2 ÷
1 骣 1 1 1
From + çça - ÷ ÷
÷i ? R , we get a − = 0 , namely a = . ……15 marks
2 ç桫 2 2 2

4. Let an  be an arithmetic sequence, and S n the sum of the first n terms of an  . Given that

S3 = 33 and S5 = 35 , find S 7 .
1
Answer: 21 .
Solution:
Denote the common difference of an  by d ,

 S3 = 3a1 + 3d = 33 ,
then  ……6 marks
 S5 = 5a1 + 10d = 35 ,
a1 = 15 ,
from which we have  ……10 marks
d = − 4 .
Therefore S7 = 7a1 + 21d = 21 . ……15 marks

5. Denote the variance of data D1 :1, 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 by s1 , and the variance of data D2 :13 ,14 ,15 ,16 ,17

by s2 . Compare the values of s1 and s2 .

Answer: s1 = s2 .
Solution:
1+ 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17
The mean of D1 is = 3 , and the mean of D2 is = 15 .
5 5
……6 marks
1
The variance of D1 is s1 = (1 − 3)2 + (2 − 3)2 + (3 − 3)2 + (4 − 3)2 + (5 − 3) 2  = 2 ,
5
1
and the variance of D2 is s2 = (13 − 15)2 + (14 − 15) 2 + (15 − 15) 2 + (16 − 15) 2 + (17 − 15) 2  = 2 .
5
Hence s1 = s2 . ……15 marks

1
6. Given that the distribution of the discrete random variable X is P  X = k  = , k = 1, 2 , ,
k (k + 1)
find P  X  5 .

4
Answer: .
5
Solution:
P  X  5 = P  X = 1 + P  X = 2 + P  X = 3 + P  X = 4 . ……5 marks

1 1 1
Notice that P  X = k  = = − ,
k (k + 1) k k + 1
 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4
we have P  X  5 =  1 −  +  −  +  −  +  −  = 1− = . ……15 marks
 2  2 3 3 4  4 5 5 5

7. Leta , b be any subset of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 such that a and b are not both odd numbers. How

many subsets a , b are there?

Answer: 12 .
2
Solution:
The number of subsets of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 with exactly two elements is C62 = 15 . ……5 marks

Since there are three odd numbers in the set 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , there are C32 = 3 subsets whose two elements
are both odd. ……10 marks
Thus the number of the subsets satisfying the condition is 15 − 3 = 12 . ……15 marks


8. Given that tan = 2 where   R , find 2sin 2  − sin  cos  + cos 2  .
2
17 + 2 2
Answer: .
9
Solution:

2 tan
Since tan  = 2 = 2 2 = −2 2 , ……5 marks
 1− 2
1 − tan 2
2
2sin 2  − sin  cos  + cos 2 
we have 2sin
2
 − sin  cos  + cos 2  =
sin 2  + cos 2 
2 tan 2  − tan  + 1 17 + 2 2
= = . ……15 marks
tan 2  + 1 9

9. A circular cone has vertex P and the base diameter is AB . Suppose that AB = 4 and PA = 3 . Find
the volume of this circular cone.
4 5
Answer: π.
3
Solution:
Denote the midpoint of the segment AB by O . Hence O is the center of the base, and PO is the height
of the circular cone.

In Rt△POA , we have OA = 2 , then PO = PA2 − OA2 = 5 . ……8 marks

1 4 5
The volume of this circular cone is π鬃
OA2 PO = π. ……15 marks
3 3

10. Let m be a real number. In the plane rectangular coordinate system, if two lines
l1 : x + (m + 1) y + 3 = 0 and l2 : 2 x + (m - 1) y - 4 = 0 are parallel, find the distance between l1 and
l2 .
Answer: 5.
Solution:
1 m+ 1 3
Since l1 is parallel to l2 , we see that = ? . Hence m = - 3 . ……8 marks
2 m- 1 - 4
This shows l1 : x - 2 y + 3 = 0 , l2 : x - 2 y - 2 = 0 .
3
 3 - (- 2)
Therefore the distance between l1 and l2 is = 5. ……15 marks
12 + (- 2) 2

Section B. Simple Comprehensive Essay Questions

Please choose and answer any six of the eight questions below. Give your answers in the
designated areas. Explanations, proofs, or intermediate mathematical steps should be
included.（Full marks: 120; 20 marks for each question）

11. Given that mÎ R , m¹ 0 and ( x + m)5 = a5 x5 + a4 x 4 + L + a1 x + a0 where

a0 , a1 , L , a5 Î R .
(1) Given that a3 = 90 , find m .

(2) Given that m = 2 , find a4 + a2 + a0 .

Answer: (1) ± 3 .
(2) 122 .
Solution:
(1) Since a3 = C52 ?m2 10m2 = 90 ，we get m = ? 3 . ……6 marks

(2) Since ( x + 2)5 = a5 x5 + a4 x 4 + L + a1 x + a0 ,

let x = 1 ，we get a5 + a4 + L + a1 + a0 = (1 + 2)5 ,

let x = - 1 ，we get - a5 + a4 - L - a1 + a0 = (- 1 + 2)5 . ……14 marks

(1 + 2)5 + (- 1 + 2)5
So a4 + a2 + a0 = = 122 . ……20 marks
2

 2 1  1 1
12. Consider the matrices A =   and B =   . Assuming that AB = BA , find the inverse of
m n  0 1
A.
1 1
2 − 
4 .
Answer:  
0 1 
 
 2 
Solution:
 2 1  1 1  1 1 2 1  2 3   2 + m 1+ n 
Since AB = BA , namely   =   , we have  = .
 m n  0 1  0 1 m n  m m + n  m n 
……8 marks
2 1
Hence m = 0, n = 2 , namely A =  . ……12 marks
 0 2

4
 1 1
 − 
The inverse of A is A−1 =  2 4 .
 ……20 marks
0 1 
 
 2 

13. Suppose that a  b  0 . In the plane rectangular coordinate system, the parametric equation of the curve
 x = a cos  ,
 is  where the parameter    0, 2 ) .
 y = b sin  ,
(1) If the minimum distance between a point on  and the origin is 1 , and the maximum distance between a
point on  and the origin is 2 , find the corresponding equation of  which is independent of  .
(2) If a = 2b and the line y = x − 3 meets the curve  at a unique point, find b .
x2
Answer: (1) + y 2 = 1.
4
3 5
(2) .
5
Solution:
(1) The distance between the point ( x , y) on  and (0, 0) is

d = x 2 + y 2 = a 2 cos 2  + b2 sin 2  = （a 2 − b 2）cos 2  + b 2 .

 
Notice that a  b  0 , we have dmin = b = 1 (when  = or ), and dmax = a = 2 (when  = 0 or
2 2
 ). ……8 marks
2
x
Thus the corresponding equation of  which is independent of  is + y 2 = 1. ……12 marks
4
x2 y2
(2) Since a = 2b , the corresponding equation of  is + = 1.
4b 2 b 2
 x2 y2
 2 + 2 = 1,
From  4b b we get 5 x 2 − 24 x + 36 − 4b 2 = 0 as a quadratic equation of x .
 y = x − 3,

The discriminant of this quadratic equation is zero, namely  = 24 − 4  5  (36 − 4b ) = 80b − 144 = 0 .
2 2 2

3 5
Since b  0 , we have b = . ……20 marks
5

uuur uuur
14. Let ABCD be a quadrilateral and let P be a point in the same plane satisfying that BC = 2 PD ,
uur uuur
CP = 2DA .
(1) Prove that the point P lies on the segment AB .
uuur uuur uuur
(2) Given that CD =  AB +  BC where  and m are real numbers, find  and m .
Answer: (1) See the solution of (1).

5
 2 1
(2) =− ,  =− .
3 2
Solution:
uur uuur uur uuur uuur uur
(1) By direct calculation, we have BP = BC + CP = 2PD + 2DA = 2PA , which implies that P lies on
the segment AB . ……8 marks
(2) By direct calculation, we have
uuur uuur uuur 1 uuur uuur 1 uuur uuur
CD = PD - PC = BC + 2 DA = BC - 2 AD
2 2
1
( ) 3
= BC − 2 AB + BC + CD = −2 AB − BC − 2CD ,
2 2
……16 marks

uuur 2 uuur 1 uuur

namely CD = - AB - BC .
3 2
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
Since AB is not parallel to BC , the vector CD can be expressed by  AB +  BC in the unique way.
2 1
Hence  = − ,  =− . ……20 marks
3 2

x2 y 2
15. In the plane rectangular coordinate system, the equation of the hyperbola G is
- = 1(a , b > 0) . The
a 2 b2
point P(2, 3) lies on G and F (- 2, 0) is the left focus of G. The line PF intersects G at the point Q
which is distinct from P . Find the length of the line segment PQ .
50
Answer: .
13
Solution:
4 9
Since P(2, 3) lies on G, we get 2
- 2 = 1.
a b
Since F (- 2, 0) is the left focus of G, we have a 2 + b2 = 4 . ……6 marks
4 9
Thus we have 2
- 2
= 1 . By calculation, we see that (a 2 - 1)(a 2 - 16) = 0 . Furthermore, by a 2 < 4 ,
a 4- a
y2
we get a 2 = 1 . Then b2 = 3 . Hence G: x 2 - = 1. ……12 marks
3
3
The equation of line PF is y = ( x + 2) .
4
 2 y2
 x − 3 = 1, 14
From  we get 13x2 - 12 x - 28 = 0 , the roots of which are x1 = 2 and x2 = - .
 y = 3 ( x + 2), 13
 4
14
Since x1 = 2 is the x -coordinate of P , the x -coordinate of Q is x2 = - .
13
3  14  9
Then the y -coordinate of Q is  − + 2 = .
4  13  13

6
 2 2
 14   9 50
The length of the line segment PQ is PQ =  2 +  + 3−  = . ……20 marks
 13   13  13

16. Let a be a real number. Suppose that the cubic polynomial function f ( x) = x − ax + a
3 2 3
has only one
positive zero. Find the range of a .
Answer: (− , 0) .
Solution:
 2 
is f ( x) = 3 x − 2ax = 3 x  x −
2
The derivative of f ( x) a . ……6 marks
 3 
 2  2 
If a  0 , then f ( x) is decreasing on  0, a  and is increasing on  a , +   ，
 3  3 
 2  23
so, when x  (0 , + ) ，we get f ( x)  f  a  = a 3  0 ， f ( x) has no positive zero.
 3  27
If a  0 , then f ( x) is increasing on (0, + ) ，and f (0) = a3  0 , f (−a ) = −a 3  0 ，thus f ( x) has
only one positive zero.
If a = 0 , then f ( x ) = x 3 ，which does not have positive zero.
In conclusion, the range of a is (− , 0) . ……20 marks

17. As shown in the figure, in the cuboid ABCD - EFGH , AB = AE = 2 , H G

AD = 1 and M is the midpoint of the edge AE . E
F
(1) Prove that the line HM is orthogonal to the plane MCD .
(2) If the angle of the skew lines AF and CM is q , find cos q . M
Answer: (1) See the solution of (1).
D C
3 A B
(2) .
6
Solution:
(1) It is easy to see that DH = 2 , MD = MH = 2 . This implies that ? HMD 90? , namely
HM ^ MD .
Since line CD is orthogonal to the plane ADHE and HM Í plane ADHE , we get CD ^ HM .
Note that CD intersects DM at the point D , we have HM ^ plane MCD . ……10 marks
(2) Let N be the midpoint of the edge EF . Thus MN // AF . Hence q is equal to ÐCMN or its
supplementary angle.

In △MNC , MN = EM 2 + EN 2 = 2, H G
E N
F
MC = AM 2 + AB 2 + BC 2 = 6,
K
NC = NF 2 + FB 2 + BC 2 = 6, M
Let K be the midpoint of MN , then CK ^ MN ,
D C
A B
7
 MK 1 MN 3
cos ? CMN cos ? CMK = ? .
MC 2 MC 6
3
Therefore cos q = cos ? CMN . ……20 marks
6

18. In △ ABC ， the side a , b and c of △ ABC are opposite to the interior angles A , B and C ,
4
respectively. It is given that a = 6 and sin A = .
5
(1) Given that b = 5 ，find sin B .
(2) If the area of △ ABC is 6 ，find the perimeter of △ ABC .
2
Answer: (1) .
3
(2) 6 + 2 21 .
Solution:
b a b 5 4 2
(1) Since = ，we get sin B = ?sin A ? . ……6 marks
sin B sin A a 6 5 3
4 3
(2) Since sin A = ，then cos A = ? 1 sin 2 A = ? . ……9 marks
5 5
1 2S△ ABC 5
Since S△ ABC = bc sin A ，we get bc = = 2创6 = 15 . ……12 marks
2 sin A 4
2 2
Since a 2 = b2 + c 2 - 2bc cos A ，we get (b + c) = a + 2bc(1+ cos A) .

3 骣 3÷
If cos A = ，then (b + c) 2 = 62 + 2创15 çç1 + ÷= 84 ，
5 ç桫 5 ÷
2
we get b + c = 2 21 ， b , c here are two roots of the equation x - 2 21x + 15 = 0 .
3 骣 3÷
If cos A = - ，then (b + c) 2 = 62 + 2创15 çç1- ÷= 48 ，
5 ç桫 5÷
we get b + c = 4 3 < 2 15 = 2 bc ，contradiction.
Hence the perimeter of △ ABC is a + b + c = 6 + 2 21 . ……20 marks

Section C. Comprehensive Essay Questions

Please choose and answer any two of the four questions below. Give your answers in the
designated areas. Provide explanations, proofs, or any intermediate steps.（Full marks: 60;
30 marks for each question.）

8
19. As shown in the figure, an empty plot of land consists of two parts. One part is a rectangle ABCD . The
other part is a semicircle (which lies outside the rectangle) with diameter AB . The length of AB is 20
meters and the length of BC is 10 meters. A rectangular garden EFGH is
E F
to be built on this empty ground such that four points A , E , F , B are on the

semicircle »
AB in this order, and four points C , G , H , D are on the segment A
θ
B
M
CD in this order.
(1) Denote the midpoint of AB by M . Let BMF =  . Express the area
of the rectangular garden as a function S ( ) （Unit：square meters）of the D H G C

variable  , and give the range of  .

(2) Find the largest possible area of the garden EFGH .
π
Answer: (1) S ( ) = 200cos   (sin  + 1) , where 0    .
2
(2) 150 3 m2 .
Solution:

(1) According to the given information, EF // HG // AB , FG ⊥ AB , 0    .
2
Let K be the point at which FG intersects AB , E F
1
then FK = MF sin  = AB sin  = 10sin  ,
2 θ
A B
MK = MF cos  = 10 cos  . M K

Hence S ( ) = EF  FG = 2MK  ( FK + BC )
= 20cos   (10sin  + 10) = 200cos   (sin  + 1) ， D H C
G
π
where the range of  is 0    . ……14 marks
2
(2) The derivative of S ( ) = 200cos   (sin  + 1) is

S ( ) = 200   − sin   (sin  + 1) + cos   cos  

π
= 200  − sin 2  − sin  + (1 − sin 2  )  = −200(sin  + 1)(2sin  − 1) ,where 0    . ……20 marks
2
π  π
When 0    , S ( )  0 , namely S ( ) is increasing on  0 ,  .
6  6
π π π π 
When    , S ( )  0 , namely S ( ) is decreasing on  ,  .
6 2 6 2 
π 3 1 
Thus the maximum value of S ( ) is S   = 200    + 1 = 150 3 .
6 2 2 
2
Namely the largest possible area of the garden EFGH is 150 3 m . ……30 marks

20. Let m  R and f ( x) = ln x − mx .

9
 1
(1) If m = , find the number of the solutions of the equation f ( x) = 0 .
2
(2) If f ( x) is a monotonic function on (0, + ) , find the range of m .
Answer: (1)
1.
(2) 1, +  ) .
Solution:
 1
 − ln x − x , 0  x  1 ,
1  2
(1) f ( x) = ln x − x = 
2 1
ln x − x, x  1.
 2
1 1
When x  (0, 1) , f ( x) = − −  0 . Hence f ( x) is decreasing on (0 ,1) .
x 2
1 1 1
Moreover, f   = 1 −  0 , f (1) = −  0 .
e 2e 2
Hence the equation f ( x) = 0 has exactly one solution on (0 ,1) . ……8 marks
1 1
When x  (1, + ) , f ( x) = − . Hence f ( x) is increasing on (1, 2) and decreasing on (2, + ) .
x 2
Moreover, f (2) = ln2 − 1  0 . Hence the equation f ( x) = 0 has no solution on (1, + ) .
In conclusion, the equation f ( x) = 0 has exactly one solution. ……14 marks

− ln x − mx , 0  x  1 ,
(2) f ( x) = 
ln x − mx , x  1.
+ 1
When x → 0 , f ( x) = − − m → −  . By the assumption that f ( x) is monotonic on (0, + ) ,
x
f ( x) should be a decreasing function. ……20 marks
1
Since f ( x) can be derived on (0,1) and (1, + ) , for any x  (0 , 1) , we have f ( x) = − −m0
x
1
which implies that m  −1 , and for any x  (1, + ) , we have f ( x) = − m  0 which implies that
x
m  1.
When m  1, +  ) , since f ( x)  0 holds on (0,1) and (1, + ) , f ( x) is strictly decreasing on

(0,1) and (1, + ) . Notice that f ( x) is continuous at x = 1 , hence f ( x) is a monotonic (decreasing)

function on (0, + ) .
In conclusion, the range of m is 1, +  ) . ……30 marks

21. Given an  satisfying that for any n Î N* , an an+ 1 = 4n .

(1) If an  is a geometric sequence, find the common ratio of an  .

(2) Let S n be the sum of the first n terms of an  . If a1 = 1 , find Sn .

10
(3) If there is a positive integer m such that am = am+ 3 , find all the possible values of a1 .
Answer: (1) 2.
5 n
(2) Sn = (2 - 1) when n is even,
3
1
Sn = (4 ?2n 5) when n is odd.
3
1
(3) 北4 , .
2
Solution:
an+ 2 an+ 1an+ 2 4n+ 1
(1) Denote the common ratio of an  2
by q . Thus q = = = n = 4.
an an an+ 1 4
Since a1a2 = 4 > 0 , we see that q > 0 which implies that q = 2 . ……8 marks

an+ 2 an+ 1an+ 2 a a a a

(2) Since = = 4 , for any k Î N* , we have 2 k - 1 = 2 k - 1 鬃2 k - 3 L ? 3 4k - 1 .
an an an+ 1 a1 a2 k - 3 a2 k - 5 a1
42 k - 1 4k
Hence a2 k - 1 = 4k - 1 a1 . Moreover a2 k = = .
a2 k - 1 a1
Since a1 = 1 , we have a2 k - 1 = 4k - 1 and a2 k = 4k . ……14 marks

Therefore S2 k = (a1 + a3 + L + a2 k - 1 ) + (a2 + a4 + L + a2 k )

= (1+ 4 + L + 4k- 1 ) + (4 + 42 + L + 4k )
1- 4 k 4 - 4 k + 1 5 k 5
= + = (4 - 1) = (22 k - 1) ,
1- 4 1- 4 3 3
5 k 2 ?4k 5 1
(4 - 1) - 4k =
S2 k - 1 = S2 k - a2 k = = (4 ?22 k - 1 5) .
3 3 3
5 1
In conclusion, Sn = (2n - 1) when n is even, and Sn = (4 ?2n 5) when n is odd. ……20 marks
3 3
n
n- 1
4 2
2n
(3) When n is odd, an = 4 2
a1 = 2n- 1 a1 . When n is even, an = = .
a1 a1
Suppose that am = am+ 3 .

m- 1 2 m+ 3
If m is odd, then m + 3 is even. Hence 2 a1 = , namely a12 = 16 , which shows a1 = ? 4 .
a1
2m 1 1
If m is even, then m + 3 is odd. Hence = 2m+ 2 a1 , namely a12 = , which shows a1 = ? .
a1 4 2
1
Sum up, all the possible values of a1 are 北4 , . ……30 marks
2

2
22. In the plane rectangular coordinate system with origin O , the parabola G: y = x and the line
m : x = 1 are given. The line l with slope k passing the fixed point A (0 , 1) intersects G at two points
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P and Q which are lying on the opposite sides of line m .
(1) Find the range of k .
(2) Denote the slopes of the lines OP , OQ by kOP , kOQ respectively. Compare the values of k and

kOP ×kOQ .
(3) If there is a fixed point T  m such that when the value of k changes, the product of the slopes of the
lines TP and TQ is constant, find the coordinates of point T .
Answer: (1) (−2 , 0) .
(2) k = kOP ?kOQ .
骣 1
(3) (1, - 1) or ççç1 , ÷
÷.
桫 2÷
Solution:
(1) l : y = kx + 1.
ìï y = x,
2
From ïí
2 2
we get k x + (2k - 1) x + 1 = 0 .
ïïî y = kx + 1,
According to the given information, there exist two real roots x1 , x2 of the above equation satisfying

x1 < 1 < x2 .

2 2
k 2  0 ,
Let f ( x) = k x + (2k - 1) x + 1 . The condition that x1 < 1 < x2 is equivalent to 
 f (1) = k + 2k  0 ,
2

which shows that −2  k  0 .

Thus the range of k is (−2 , 0) . ……10 marks
(2) Let P( x1 , y1 ) , Q( x2 , y2 ) .

2 2 1- 2k
Since x1 , x2 are the solutions of the equation k x + (2k - 1) x + 1 = 0 , we have x1 + x2 = and
k2
1
x1 x2 = .
k2
2 1- 2 k 1
Thus y1 y2 = (kx1 + 1)(kx2 + 1) = k x1 x2 + k ( x1 + x2 ) + 1 = 1 + + 1= .
k k
y1 y2
Hence kOP ?kOQ = k , namely the values of k and kOP ×kOQ are equal. ……20 marks
x1 x2
(3) Let P( x1 , y1 ) , Q( x2 , y2 ) , T (1 , t ) .
1- 2k 1 1
From the solution of (2) , we see that x1 + x2 = 2
, x1 x2 = 2 , y1 y2 = .
k k k
1
Furthermore y1 + y2 = (kx1 + 1) + (kx2 + 1) = k ( x1 + x2 ) + 2 = .
k
y- t y - t
The slopes of the lines TP and TQ are kTP = 1 and kTQ = 2 respectively.
x1 - 1 x2 - 1

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 ( y1 - t )( y2 - t ) y1 y2 - t ( y1 + y2 ) + t 2
Therefore kTP ?kTQ =
( x1 - 1)( x2 - 1) x1 x2 - ( x1 + x2 ) + 1
1 1 2
- t? t
k k 1- t + kt 2 2t 2 + t - 1
= = = t2 - .
1 1- 2k 2 + k k + 2
- +1
k2 k2
1
When k ? ( 2 , 0) , since kTP ×kTQ is constant, we get 2t 2 + t - 1 = 0 . This shows t = - 1 or t = .
2
骣
1
Hence the coordinates of T is (1, - 1) or çç1 , ÷÷
ç ÷.
桫 2
……30 marks

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