Theory paper · 13 questions

WAEC · 2010 · Nov/Dec · General Maths · Paper 2

Topics include Number foundations & fractions, Probability, Inequalities, Linear & simultaneous equations, Trigonometric ratios, Elevation, depression & bearings.

Sit this paper

Answer every question in order, timed if you like (suggested 3 h 15 min). You're marked when you hand in, then you see where to focus and the working for each question.

Or read it here: every question below has a worked solution.

Question 1

  1. (a)

    Two children shared an amount of money in the ratio 34:25\frac34 : \frac25. If the smaller share was GH¢25.00, how much was shared between them?

  2. (b)

    A box contains 5 red, 3 green and 4 blue balls of the same size. If a boy picks two balls from the box one after the other without replacement, what is the probability that both balls are red?

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Clear the fractions: multiply both parts of 34:25\frac34 : \frac25 by 20 (the LCM of 4 and 5) to get 15:815 : 8.
  2. The ratio has 15+8=2315 + 8 = 23 parts, and the smaller share is 8 of them.
  3. So 823\frac{8}{23} of the amount is GH¢25.00, and the amount is 25×238=71.87525 \times \frac{23}{8} = 71.875.
  4. They shared GH¢71.88 (to the nearest pesewa).

(b)

  1. There are 5+3+4=125 + 3 + 4 = 12 balls.
  2. The first ball is red with probability 512\frac{5}{12}.
  3. One red ball has gone, so the second is red with probability 411\frac{4}{11}.
  4. Multiply: 512×411=20132\frac{5}{12} \times \frac{4}{11} = \frac{20}{132}
    =533= \frac{5}{33}.

Report a problem with this question

Question 2

  1. (a)

    (i) Solve the inequality 12x−56(x+2)≤1+x\frac12x - \frac56(x + 2) \le 1 + x. (ii) Illustrate the solution on a number line.

    Model answer
    −3−2−10123

    A solid dot at −2-2 (it is included) with an arrow to the right.

  2. (b)

    When the price of an apple increased by ₦5.00, 18 apples cost ₦60.00 more than 20 apples cost before the increase. Find the new price of an apple.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)(i)

  1. Multiply every term by 6 (the LCM of 2 and 6): 3x−5(x+2)≤6+6x3x - 5(x + 2) \le 6 + 6x.
  2. Expand the bracket: 3x−5x−10≤6+6x3x - 5x - 10 \le 6 + 6x, so −2x−10≤6+6x-2x - 10 \le 6 + 6x.
  3. Collect terms: −8x≤16-8x \le 16.
  4. Divide by −8-8 and reverse the sign: x≥−2x \ge -2.

(ii)

  1. On the number line, put a solid dot at −2-2 (because −2-2 is included) and draw an arrow from it to the right.

(b)

  1. Let the old price be ₦xx.
  2. The new price is ₦(x+5)(x + 5).
  3. 18 apples at the new price cost ₦60 more than 20 at the old price: 18(x+5)−20x=6018(x + 5) - 20x = 60.
  4. Expand: 18x+90−20x=6018x + 90 - 20x = 60, so −2x=−30-2x = -30 and x=15x = 15.
  5. The new price is 15+5=15 + 5 = ₦20.00.

Report a problem with this question

Question 3✱

  1. (a)

    In a right-angled triangle, sin⁡x=35\sin x = \frac35. Evaluate 5cos⁡2x−35\cos^2 x - 3.

  2. (b)

    The angle of elevation of the top of a vertical pole from a point 63 m63\text{ m} east of the base of the pole is 30∘30^\circ. From another point due west of the pole, the angle of elevation of the top is 60∘60^\circ. (i) Draw a sketch diagram to illustrate the information. (ii) Calculate, correct to three significant figures, the distance of the second point from the base of the pole.

    Model answer
    63 mx30°60°TBAC

    The pole TBTB stands between the two points: AA is 63 m63\text{ m} east of BB, CC is x mx\text{ m} west of BB.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Draw a right-angled triangle with opposite side 3 and hypotenuse 5.
  2. By Pythagoras the adjacent side is 25−9=4\sqrt{25 - 9} = 4.
  3. So cos⁡x=45\cos x = \frac45 and cos⁡2x=1625\cos^2 x = \frac{16}{25}.
  4. Substitute: 5×1625−3=165−35 \times \frac{16}{25} - 3 = \frac{16}{5} - 3
    =15= \frac15.

(b)(i)

  1. Sketch the pole TBTB with AA 63 m63\text{ m} east of the foot BB (elevation 30∘30^\circ) and CC west of BB (elevation 60∘60^\circ), both on level ground.

(ii)

  1. From AA: the height is ∣TB∣=63tan⁡30∘=36.37 m|TB| = 63 \tan 30^\circ = 36.37\text{ m}.
  2. From CC: tan⁡60∘=∣TB∣x\tan 60^\circ = \dfrac{|TB|}{x}, so x=63tan⁡30∘tan⁡60∘x = \dfrac{63 \tan 30^\circ}{\tan 60^\circ}.
  3. tan⁡30∘=13\tan 30^\circ = \frac{1}{\sqrt3} and tan⁡60∘=3\tan 60^\circ = \sqrt3, so x=633=21.0x = \frac{63}{3} = 21.0.
  4. The second point is 21.0 m21.0\text{ m} from the base of the pole.

Report a problem with this question

Question 4

  1. (a)

    Find the value of xx if x3five−14five=2xfivex3_{\text{five}} - 14_{\text{five}} = 2x_{\text{five}}.

  2. (b)

    The diagram is a circle passing through the points AA, BB, CC and DD such that ACAC and BDBD meet at a point EE inside the circle. If ∠DAC=27∘\angle DAC = 27^\circ, ∠ABD=54∘\angle ABD = 54^\circ and ∠ACB=63∘\angle ACB = 63^\circ, find: (i) ∠CAB\angle CAB; (ii) ∠AEB\angle AEB.

    27°54°63°ABCDE

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Write each number in base ten: x3five=5x+3x3_{\text{five}} = 5x + 3, 14five=5+4=914_{\text{five}} = 5 + 4 = 9 and 2xfive=10+x2x_{\text{five}} = 10 + x.
  2. So (5x+3)−9=10+x(5x + 3) - 9 = 10 + x.
  3. Simplify: 5x−6=10+x5x - 6 = 10 + x, so 4x=164x = 16 and x=4x = 4.

(b)(i)

  1. Angles in the same segment are equal: ∠DBC=∠DAC=27∘\angle DBC = \angle DAC = 27^\circ (both stand on arc DCDC).
  2. The angles of triangle ABCABC add up to 180∘180^\circ, and ∠ABC=54∘+27∘\angle ABC = 54^\circ + 27^\circ
    =81∘= 81^\circ.
  3. So ∠CAB=180∘−81∘−63∘\angle CAB = 180^\circ - 81^\circ - 63^\circ
    =36∘= 36^\circ.

(ii)

  1. In triangle ABEABE: ∠AEB=180∘−36∘−54∘\angle AEB = 180^\circ - 36^\circ - 54^\circ
    =90∘= 90^\circ.

Report a problem with this question

Question 5

  1. (a)

    The diagonals of a rhombus are 14 cm14\text{ cm} and 9 cm9\text{ cm}. Calculate, correct to the nearest centimetre, the perimeter of the rhombus.

  2. (b)

    The cross section of a rectangular tank measures 1.2 m1.2\text{ m} by 0.9 m0.9\text{ m}. It contains water to a depth of 0.4 m0.4\text{ m}. If a cubical block of side 50 cm50\text{ cm} is lowered into the tank, calculate, correct to 2 significant figures, the rise in the water level (in metres).

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. The diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles, so each side is the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle with legs 7 cm7\text{ cm} and 4.5 cm4.5\text{ cm}.
  2. Side =72+4.52= \sqrt{7^2 + 4.5^2}
    =69.25= \sqrt{69.25}
    =8.32 cm= 8.32\text{ cm}.
  3. All four sides are equal: perimeter =4×8.32=33.3= 4 \times 8.32 = 33.3, which is 33 cm33\text{ cm} to the nearest centimetre.

(b)

  1. Work in metres: the block is 0.5 m0.5\text{ m} on a side, so its volume is 0.53=0.125 m30.5^3 = 0.125\text{ m}^3.
  2. The block sinks below the surface (the water will not be 0.5 m0.5\text{ m} deep), so it pushes up 0.125 m30.125\text{ m}^3 of water over the base area 1.2×0.9=1.08 m21.2 \times 0.9 = 1.08\text{ m}^2.
  3. Rise =0.1251.08=0.1157 m= \dfrac{0.125}{1.08} = 0.1157\text{ m}.
  4. The water level rises by 0.12 m0.12\text{ m} to 2 significant figures.

Report a problem with this question

Question 6

  1. (a)

    In a class of 50 students, 30 offered History, 15 offered History and Geography while 3 did not offer any of the two subjects. (i) Represent the information on a Venn diagram. (ii) Find the number of students that offered: (A) History only; (B) Geography only.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

  2. (b)

    A trader sold an article at a discount of 8%8\% for ₦828.00. If the article was initially marked to gain 25%25\%, find the: (i) cost price of the article; (ii) discount allowed.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)(i)

  1. Draw two overlapping circles HH and GG inside a rectangle UU with n(U)=50n(U) = 50.
  2. Put 15 in the overlap and 3 outside both circles.

(ii)

  1. (A)** History only =30−15=15= 30 - 15 = 15.
  2. (B) The students who offered at least one subject number 50−3=4750 - 3 = 47.
  3. Geography only =47−30=17= 47 - 30 = 17.

(b)

  1. After an 8%8\% discount the price is 92%92\% of the marked price, so the marked price is 828×10092=828 \times \frac{100}{92} = ₦900.00.

(i)

  1. The marked price gives a 25%25\% gain, so it is 125%125\% of the cost price: cost price =900×100125== 900 \times \frac{100}{125} = ₦720.00.

(ii)

  1. Discount allowed =900−828== 900 - 828 = ₦72.00.

Report a problem with this question

Question 7

  1. (a)

    Copy and complete the following table for the relation y=12x(x−6)y = \frac12x(x - 6) for −2≤x≤8-2 \le x \le 8.

    xx −2-2 −1-1 00 11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88
    yy 88 00 −4-4 00

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

  2. (b)

    Using scales of 2 cm2\text{ cm} to 1 unit on the xx-axis, and 2 cm2\text{ cm} to 2 units on the yy-axis, draw the graph of the relation y=12x(x−6)y = \frac12x(x - 6) for −2≤x≤8-2 \le x \le 8.

    Model answer
    −2−112345678−4−22468xyy = 5−1.47.4(3, −4.5)y = ½x(x − 6)

    Plot all eleven points from the table (2 cm to 1 unit across, 2 cm to 2 units up) and join them with one smooth U-shaped curve, symmetrical about x=3x = 3, with its lowest point at (3,−4.5)(3, -4.5).

    For (c): the curve is below the xx-axis for 0<x<60 < x < 6; the minimum value is −4.5-4.5; the line y=5y = 5 meets it at x≈−1.4x \approx -1.4 and x≈7.4x \approx 7.4.

  3. (c)

    Use the graph to find the: (i) range of values of xx for which yy is negative; (ii) minimum value of yy; (iii) roots of the equation 12x(x−6)=5\frac12x(x - 6) = 5.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

Try it on a graph

The x-axis gives (c)(i); the line y = 5 gives (c)(iii).

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Substitute each xx.
  2. For example, x=−1x = -1: 12(−1)(−7)=3.5\frac12(-1)(-7) = 3.5.
  3. x=3x = 3: 12(3)(−3)=−4.5\frac12(3)(-3) = -4.5.
  4. The row is 8.0,3.5,0.0,−2.5,−4.0,−4.5,−4.0,−2.5,0.0,3.5,8.08.0, 3.5, 0.0, -2.5, -4.0, -4.5, -4.0, -2.5, 0.0, 3.5, 8.0.

(b)

  1. Plot the eleven points with the scales given and join them with one smooth curve.
  2. It is symmetrical about x=3x = 3.

(c)(i)

  1. yy is negative where the curve is below the xx-axis: between the crossings at x=0x = 0 and x=6x = 6, so 0<x<60 < x < 6.

(ii)

  1. The lowest point of the curve is (3,−4.5)(3, -4.5), so the minimum value of yy is −4.5-4.5.

(iii)

  1. Draw the line y=5y = 5 and read down from where it meets the curve: x≈−1.4x \approx -1.4 and x≈7.4x \approx 7.4.
  2. Check: 12x(x−6)=5\frac12x(x - 6) = 5 gives x2−6x−10=0x^2 - 6x - 10 = 0, so x=3±19=−1.36x = 3 \pm \sqrt{19} = -1.36 or 7.367.36.

Report a problem with this question

Question 8

Using ruler and a pair of compasses only:

  1. (a)

    Construct a triangle PQRPQR with ∣PQ∣=10 cm|PQ| = 10\text{ cm}, ∠QPR=90∘\angle QPR = 90^\circ and ∠PQR=30∘\angle PQR = 30^\circ.

    Model answer
    30°PQR10 cm

    Leave all the construction arcs showing. Draw PQ=10PQ = 10 cm, construct 90∘90^\circ at PP, and at QQ construct 60∘60^\circ and bisect it to get 30∘30^\circ. The two arms meet at RR, with ∣PR∣≈5.8|PR| \approx 5.8 cm and ∠PRQ=60∘\angle PRQ = 60^\circ.

  2. (b)

    (i) Construct ll, the locus of all points equidistant from PRPR and QRQR; (ii) locate MM, the point where ll intersects PQPQ.

    Model answer
    30°lM3.3 cmPQR10 cm

    Points equidistant from the lines PRPR and QRQR lie on the bisector of the angle between them, so ll is the bisector of ∠PRQ\angle PRQ (60∘60^\circ), constructed with arcs from RR. It meets PQPQ at MM, with ∣PM∣≈3.3|PM| \approx 3.3 cm (exactly 103\frac{10}{3} cm).

  3. (c)

    (i) With MM as centre and radius MPMP, draw a circle; (ii) calculate the area of the circle, correct to one decimal place. [Take π=227]\left[\text{Take }\pi = \frac{22}{7}\right]

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Draw PQ=10 cmPQ = 10\text{ cm}.
  2. At PP construct 90∘90^\circ.
  3. At QQ construct 60∘60^\circ (an equilateral-triangle arc) and bisect it to get 30∘30^\circ.
  4. The two arms meet at RR.

(b)(i)

  1. Points equidistant from the lines PRPR and QRQR lie on the bisector of the angle between them, so bisect ∠PRQ\angle PRQ (which is 60∘60^\circ).
  2. This line is ll.

(ii)

  1. ll cuts PQPQ at MM.
  2. Measure: ∣PM∣≈3.3 cm|PM| \approx 3.3\text{ cm}.
  3. By calculation: ∣PR∣=10tan⁡30∘=5.77 cm|PR| = 10 \tan 30^\circ = 5.77\text{ cm}, and in triangle PRMPRM, ∣PM∣=5.77tan⁡30∘|PM| = 5.77 \tan 30^\circ
    =103= \frac{10}{3}
    =3.33 cm= 3.33\text{ cm}.

(c)(i)

  1. With centre MM and radius MPMP, draw the circle.
  2. It touches PRPR at PP and also touches QRQR, because MM is the same distance from both lines.

(ii)

  1. Area =πr2= \pi r^2
    =227×(103)2= \frac{22}{7} \times \left(\frac{10}{3}\right)^2
    =227×1009= \frac{22}{7} \times \frac{100}{9}
    =34.9 cm2= 34.9\text{ cm}^2.

Report a problem with this question

Question 9

OABCDOABCD is a right pyramid with a rectangular base ABCDABCD. Its vertical height is OGOG. If ∣AB∣=6 cm|AB| = 6\text{ cm}, ∣BC∣=8 cm|BC| = 8\text{ cm} and each slant edge is 13 cm13\text{ cm},

OABCDG
  1. (a)

    Calculate, correct to one decimal place, the: (i) vertical height ∣OG∣|OG|; (ii) angle between a slant edge and the base ABCDABCD; (iii) angle between the triangle OABOAB and the base ABCDABCD.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

  2. (b)

    Find the volume of the pyramid.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)(i)

  1. GG is the centre of the base, so ∣AG∣|AG| is half the diagonal: ∣AC∣=62+82=10|AC| = \sqrt{6^2 + 8^2} = 10, so ∣AG∣=5 cm|AG| = 5\text{ cm}.
  2. Pythagoras in triangle OGAOGA: ∣OG∣2=132−52=144|OG|^2 = 13^2 - 5^2 = 144, so ∣OG∣=12.0 cm|OG| = 12.0\text{ cm}.

(ii)

  1. The angle between the edge OAOA and the base is ∠OAG\angle OAG: cos⁡∠OAG=513\cos \angle OAG = \dfrac{5}{13}.
  2. So ∠OAG=67.4∘\angle OAG = 67.4^\circ.

(iii)

  1. Let XX be the mid-point of ABAB.
  2. GXGX is perpendicular to ABAB and ∣GX∣=12∣BC∣=4 cm|GX| = \frac12|BC| = 4\text{ cm}.
  3. The angle between face OABOAB and the base is ∠OXG\angle OXG: tan⁡∠OXG=124=3\tan \angle OXG = \dfrac{12}{4} = 3, so the angle is 71.6∘71.6^\circ.

(b)

  1. Volume =13×base area×height= \frac13 \times \text{base area} \times \text{height}
    =13×6×8×12= \frac13 \times 6 \times 8 \times 12
    =192 cm3= 192\text{ cm}^3.

Report a problem with this question

Question 10

The table gives the distribution of marks for 360 candidates who sat for an examination.

Marks (%) 0–9 10–19 20–29 30–39 40–49 50–59 60–69 70–79 80–89
Number of candidates 20 48 60 72 80 40 25 10 5
  1. (a)

    Draw a cumulative frequency curve for the distribution.

    Model answer
    −0.59.519.529.539.549.559.569.579.589.54080120160200240280320360400Marks (%)Cumulative frequencyQ₁ ≈ 23.2Q₃ ≈ 48.3≈ 350

    Plot each cumulative frequency against the upper class boundary (9.5,19.5,…,89.59.5, 19.5, \ldots, 89.5), starting from (−0.5,0)(-0.5, 0) and ending at (89.5,360)(89.5, 360), and join the points with a smooth S-shaped curve. Label both axes.

    For (b) and (c): across from 90 and 270 the curve gives Q1≈23.2Q_1 \approx 23.2 and Q3≈48.3Q_3 \approx 48.3; up from 74.5 it reads about 350, so about 10 candidates scored 75%75\% or more.

  2. (b)

    Use your graph to estimate the semi-interquartile range.

  3. (c)

    If the minimum mark for distinction is 75%75\%, how many candidates passed with distinction?

Try it on a graph

The ogive: read the quartiles at 90 and 270, and the curve at 74.5.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. Add the frequencies as you go: 20,68,128,200,280,320,345,355,36020, 68, 128, 200, 280, 320, 345, 355, 360.
  2. Plot each total against its upper class boundary (9.5,19.5,…,89.59.5, 19.5, \ldots, 89.5), start at (−0.5,0)(-0.5, 0), and join the points with a smooth curve.

(b)

  1. Read the quartiles at 3604=90\frac{360}{4} = 90 and 3×3604=270\frac{3 \times 360}{4} = 270: Q1≈23.2Q_1 \approx 23.2 and Q3≈48.3Q_3 \approx 48.3.
  2. Semi-interquartile range =12(Q3−Q1)= \frac12(Q_3 - Q_1)
    =12(48.3−23.2)= \frac12(48.3 - 23.2)
    ≈12.5\approx 12.5 marks.

(c)

  1. A mark of 75%75\% or more starts at 74.574.5.
  2. The curve reads about 350 there.
  3. So about 360−350=10360 - 350 = 10 candidates passed with distinction.

Report a problem with this question

Question 11

  1. (a)

    A ship PP is 3 km3\text{ km} due east of a harbour. Another ship QQ is also 3 km3\text{ km} from the harbour but on a bearing of 042∘042^\circ from the harbour. (i) Find the distance between the two ships. (ii) Find the bearing of ship QQ from ship PP.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

    Model answer
    3 km3 kmNNN42°HPQ
  2. (b)

    A motorist travelled 300 km300\text{ km} at an average speed of 75 km/h75\text{ km/h} and returned at an average speed of v km/hv\text{ km/h}. If his average speed for the whole journey is 60 km/h60\text{ km/h}, find vv.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)(i)

  1. Sketch the harbour HH with PP due east (bearing 090∘090^\circ) and QQ on 042∘042^\circ.
  2. The angle between them at HH is ∠QHP=90∘−42∘\angle QHP = 90^\circ - 42^\circ
    =48∘= 48^\circ.
  3. HP=HQ=3 kmHP = HQ = 3\text{ km}, so triangle HPQHPQ is isosceles and the base angles are ∠HQP=∠HPQ\angle HQP = \angle HPQ
    =12(180∘−48∘)= \frac12(180^\circ - 48^\circ)
    =66∘= 66^\circ.
  4. Sine rule: ∣PQ∣sin⁡48∘=3sin⁡66∘\dfrac{|PQ|}{\sin 48^\circ} = \dfrac{3}{\sin 66^\circ}, so ∣PQ∣=3sin⁡48∘sin⁡66∘|PQ| = \dfrac{3 \sin 48^\circ}{\sin 66^\circ}
    =2.44 km= 2.44\text{ km}.

(ii)

  1. At PP, the direction to HH is due west (270∘270^\circ).
  2. QQ is 66∘66^\circ round from west towards north.
  3. So the bearing of QQ from PP is 270∘+66∘=336∘270^\circ + 66^\circ = 336^\circ.

(b)

  1. Average speed is total distance over total time.
  2. The whole journey is 600 km600\text{ km} at 60 km/h60\text{ km/h}, so it takes 60060=10\frac{600}{60} = 10 hours.
  3. The outward trip takes 30075=4\frac{300}{75} = 4 hours, so the return takes 10−4=610 - 4 = 6 hours.
  4. So v=3006=50v = \frac{300}{6} = 50.

Report a problem with this question

Question 12

PP (lat 40∘40^\circN, long 18∘18^\circW) and QQ (lat 40∘40^\circN, long 78∘78^\circW) are two cities on the surface of the earth. Calculate the: [Take π=227 and the radius of the earth=6400 km]\left[\text{Take }\pi = \frac{22}{7}\text{ and the radius of the earth} = 6400\text{ km}\right]

  1. (a)

    radius of the parallel of latitude on which PP and QQ lie, correct to the nearest 10 km10\text{ km};

  2. (b)

    length of the minor arc PQPQ, correct to the nearest 100 km100\text{ km};

  3. (c)

    vertical distance between the centre of the earth and the centre of the small circle on which PP and QQ lie, correct to the nearest km.

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. The radius of the parallel of latitude θ\theta is Rcos⁡θR\cos\theta: r=6400cos⁡40∘r = 6400 \cos 40^\circ
    =6400×0.7660= 6400 \times 0.7660
    =4902.7 km= 4902.7\text{ km}.
  2. To the nearest 10 km10\text{ km}, r=4900 kmr = 4900\text{ km}.

(b)

  1. Both places are west, so the difference in longitude is 78∘−18∘=60∘78^\circ - 18^\circ = 60^\circ.
  2. Arc PQ=60360×2×227×4902.7PQ = \dfrac{60}{360} \times 2 \times \dfrac{22}{7} \times 4902.7
    =5136 km= 5136\text{ km}.
  3. To the nearest 100 km100\text{ km}, the arc is 5100 km5100\text{ km}.

(c)

  1. In the cross-section, the centre XX of the small circle is directly above the centre OO of the earth, and OPOP makes 40∘40^\circ with the equator, so ∣OX∣=Rsin⁡40∘|OX| = R \sin 40^\circ.
  2. ∣OX∣=6400×0.6428|OX| = 6400 \times 0.6428
    =4114 km= 4114\text{ km} to the nearest km.

Report a problem with this question

Question 13

  1. (a)

    The second, fourth and sixth terms of an Arithmetic Progression (A.P.) are x−1x - 1, x+1x + 1 and 77 respectively. Find the: (i) common difference; (ii) first term; (iii) value of xx.

    Separate values with commas, e.g. 3, −2

  2. (b)

    A spherical bowl of radius r cmr\text{ cm} is one-quarter full when 6 litres of water is poured into it. Calculate, correct to three significant figures, its diameter. [Take π=227]\left[\text{Take }\pi = \frac{22}{7}\right]

Worked solution (try it first)

(a)

  1. The nnth term of an A.P. is a+(n−1)da + (n - 1)d.
  2. So a+d=x−1a + d = x - 1, a+3d=x+1a + 3d = x + 1 and a+5d=7a + 5d = 7.

(i)

  1. Take the second term from the fourth: 2d=(x+1)−(x−1)=22d = (x + 1) - (x - 1) = 2, so d=1d = 1.

(ii)

  1. Put d=1d = 1 into a+5d=7a + 5d = 7: a=2a = 2.

(iii)

  1. Put a=2a = 2, d=1d = 1 into a+d=x−1a + d = x - 1: 3=x−13 = x - 1, so x=4x = 4.

(b)

  1. 6 litres is 6000 cm36000\text{ cm}^3, and this is a quarter of the volume of the sphere: 14×43×227×r3=6000\frac14 \times \frac43 \times \frac{22}{7} \times r^3 = 6000.
  2. Simplify: 2221r3=6000\frac{22}{21} r^3 = 6000, so r3=6000×2122=5727.3r^3 = 6000 \times \frac{21}{22} = 5727.3.
  3. Take the cube root: r=17.89 cmr = 17.89\text{ cm}.
  4. The diameter is 2r=35.8 cm2r = 35.8\text{ cm} to 3 significant figures.

Report a problem with this question