Skip to content

Course home

3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only)

3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only)

MediumHard
12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364656667686970717273747576
Question 31

A high-precision cam profile in a mechanical sensor follows a path defined by the equation

x=6sin⁡4θ0≤x≤6,0≤θ≤π8 x = 6 \sin 4\theta \quad 0 \le x \le 6, \quad 0 \le \theta \le \frac{\pi}{8} x=6sin4θ0≤x≤6,0≤θ≤8π​

where xxx is the horizontal displacement in millimetres and θ\thetaθ is the angular position of the cam in radians.

a.

Find dxdθ\frac{dx}{d\theta}dθdx​ in terms of θ\thetaθ.

[2]
b.

Hence show that

dθdx=k36−x2 \frac{d\theta}{dx} = \frac{k}{\sqrt{36-x^2}} dxdθ​=36−x2​k​

where kkk is a constant to be determined.

[3]
c.

A specific calibration point P(a,b)P(a, b)P(a,b) lies on the profile. At this point:

  • The rate of change of the angular position with respect to displacement, dθdx\frac{d\theta}{dx}dxdθ​, is exactly 1123\frac{1}{12\sqrt{3}}123​1​.
  • Both aaa and bbb are positive constants.

Determine the exact values of aaa and bbb.

[4]
Markscheme

3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only)

82 exam-style questions on CCEA A Level Maths 3.5.4 Differentiation (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

Question bank