The altitude A(t)A(t)A(t) of a research drone relative to its launch platform is modeled by the function A(t)=3t3+pt2+qt−20A(t) = 3t^3 + pt^2 + qt - 20A(t)=3t3+pt2+qt−20 for t≥0t \ge 0t≥0, where ppp and qqq are constants.
Given that (3t−2)(3t - 2)(3t−2) is a factor of A(t)A(t)A(t), show that 2p+3q=862p + 3q = 862p+3q=86.
Given further that when A(t)A(t)A(t) is divided by (t+1)(t + 1)(t+1), the remainder is q−36q - 36q−36, find the value of ppp and the value of qqq.
Hence, using algebra, fully factorise A(t)A(t)A(t).
181 exam-style questions on OCR (MEI) A Level Maths 1.3 Functions, covering 1.3.1 Operations on polynomials, 1.3.2 Factor theorem, 1.3.3 Definition of a function (A-level only), 1.3.4 Composite functions (A-level only), 1.3.5 Inverse functions and their graphs (A-level only), 1.3.6 The modulus function (A-level only), 1.3.7 Inequalities with a modulus sign (A-level only), and 1.3.8 Functions in modelling (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.