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3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only)

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Question 2

A precision-engineered micro-shuttle follows a path CCC in a magnetic field. The position of the shuttle at time ttt, where ttt is a parameter in radians, is given by the parametric equations

x=4cos⁡2t,y=8sin⁡3t,−π2<t<π2 x = 4 \cos 2t, \quad y = 8 \sin^3 t, \quad -\frac{\pi}{2} < t < \frac{\pi}{2} x=4cos2t,y=8sin3t,−2π​<t<2π​

The shuttle passes through point PPP when t=π6t = \frac{\pi}{6}t=6π​.

The line lll represents the tangent to the shuttle's path at point PPP.

a.

Use parametric differentiation to show that (i) dydx=ksin⁡t\frac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} = k \sin tdxdy​=ksint where kkk is a constant to be found. (ii) an equation for the tangent line lll is 3x+4y−10=03x + 4y - 10 = 03x+4y−10=0.

[7]
b.

The path CCC is intersected again by the line lll at the point QQQ.

Using algebra and showing detailed reasoning, find the exact coordinates of QQQ.

[6]

3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only) Questions

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