Mathematics: analysis and approaches

Standard level
Paper 2

17 January 2025

65 minutes

Instructions to candidates
 Write your session number in the boxes above.
 Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so.
 You are not permitted access to any calculator for this paper.
 Section A: answer all questions. Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided.
 Section B: answer all questions in the answer booklet provided. Fill in your session number
on the front of the answer booklet, and attach it to this examination paper and your cover
sheet using the tag provided.
 Unless otherwise stated in the question, all numerical answers should be given exactly or
correct to three significant figures.
 A clean copy of the mathematics: analysis and approaches formula booklet is required
for this paper.
 The maximum mark for this examination paper is [43 marks].

7 pages

Turn over
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Full marks are not necessarily awarded for a correct answer with no working. Answers must be
supported by working and/or explanations. Where an answer is incorrect, some marks may be given for
a correct method, provided this is shown by written working. You are therefore advised to show all
working.

Section A
Answer all questions. Answers must be written within the answer boxes provided. Working may be
continued below the lines, if necessary.

1. [Maximum mark: 5]
2

Consider the function f ( x )=e−x −0.5 , for −2 ≤ x ≤ 2.

(a) Find the values of x for which f ( x )=0. [2]

(b) Sketch the graph of f on the following grid. [3]

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2. [Maximum mark: 5]
The graph of y=f ( x ) for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6 is shown in the following diagram.

(a.i) Write down the value of f ( 2 ). [1]

(a.ii) Write down the value of ( f ∘ f )( 2 ) . [1]

1
(b) Let g ( x )= f ( x ) +1 for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6. On the axes above, sketch the graph of g. [3]
2

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3. [Maximum mark:6]

The functions f and g are defined for x ∈ R by f ( x )=6 x 2−12 x +1 and g ( x )=−x +c , where c ∈ R .

(a) Find the range of f . [2]

(b) Given that ( g ∘ f ) ( x ) ≤ 0 for all x ∈ R, determine the set of possible values for c . [4]

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4. [Maximum mark:5]

An arithmetic sequence has first term 60 and common difference −2.5.

(a) Given that the k th term of the sequence is zero, find the value of k . [2]

(b) Let Sn denote the sum of the first n terms of the sequence.

Find the maximum value of Sn. [3]

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5. [Maximum mark:8]

(a) Prove the identity ( p+q )3−3 pq ( p +q ) ≡ p3 + q3. [2]

(b) The equation 2 x 2−5 x +1=0 has two real roots, α and β .

1 1
Consider the equation x 2+ mx+n=0, where m , n∈ Z and which has roots 3 and 3.
α β
Without solving 2 x 2−5 x +1=0, determine the values of m and n . [6]

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Do not write solutions on this page.

Section B
6. [Maximum mark: 14]
2
x −x−12 15
Consider the function f ( x )= ,x ∈R, x≠ .
2 x−15 2

Find the coordinates where the graph of f crosses the

(a.i) x -axis. [2]

(a.ii) y -axis. [1]

(b) Write down the equation of the vertical asymptote of the graph of f . [1]

The oblique asymptote of the graph of f can be written as y=ax+ b where a , b ∈ Q.

Find the value of a and the value of b . [4]

(d) Sketch the graph of f for −30 ≤ x ≤ 30, clearly indicating the points of intersection with each axis
and any asymptotes. [3]

1
(e.i) Express in partial fractions. [3]
f (x)