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Edexcel International A Level Maths · P1 · Pure Mathematics 1

Integration

28 free, high-quality past-paper-style questions on Integration for Edexcel IAL Maths, each with a full mark scheme. For when you have finished the past papers, or want to practise one topic at a time.IAL Maths notes and flashcards →Not sure of your level? Diagnostic test →Multiple choice or structured questions, with the mark scheme as a separate PDF.28 new this month · 236 marks · Updated 26 October 2026 · Created by Evan Kotronis with AI assistance · How questions are checked

1IALM-P1-7-B-01 P1 · ASEasy5 marks

Find each of the following integrals, simplifying each answer.

(a)

∫(10x4 + 6x2 − 7) dx

(3)
(b)

∫x(3x − 2) dx

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
two of 2x5, 2x3, −7x correctA1
2x5 + 2x3 − 7x + c, all correct including + cA1
Part (b)
multiplies out first: 3x2 − 2xM1
x3 − x2 + cA1

Common error: Integrating x and (3x − 2) separately and multiplying the results. Expand the bracket first; there is no product rule for integrals at this level.

2IALM-P1-7-B-02 P1 · ASEasy5 marks

A curve has equation y = f(x). Given that f′(x) = 4x3 − 9x2 + 2 and that the curve passes through the point (2, −3),

(a)

find an expression for f(x), including a constant of integration c.

(3)
(b)

find f(x).

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
two terms of x4 − 3x3 + 2x correctA1
f(x) = x4 − 3x3 + 2x + c, all correctA1
Part (b)
substitutes x = 2, y = −3: 16 − 24 + 4 + c = −3M1
f(x) = x4 − 3x3 + 2x + 1A1

Exam tip: Substitute the point into f(x), not into f′(x). The coordinates are a point on the curve, so they satisfy the equation of the curve.

3IALM-P1-7-B-03 P1 · ASEasy5 marks

An integrand contains a fractional power and a reciprocal of a square root. Throughout, x > 0.

(a)

Write 6/√x in the form 6xp, stating the value of p.

(1)
(b)

Find ∫(5x3/2 − 6/√x + 2) dx, giving each term in its simplest form.

(4)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
6x−½, so p = −½B1
Part (b)
raises a fractional power by one, e.g. x3/2 → x5/2 or x−½ → x½M1
2x5/2A1
−12x½A1
2x5/2 − 12x½ + 2x + c, all correct including + cA1

Exam tip: Dividing by a fractional power means multiplying by its reciprocal: 5x5/2 ÷ 5/2 = 2x5/2, and −6x½ ÷ ½ = −12x½.

4IALM-P1-7-B-04 P1 · ASEasy6 marks

Two curves, C1 and C2, each have gradient function dy/dx = 12x3 − 2. C1 passes through the origin and C2 passes through the point (1, 6).

(a)

Differentiate y = 3x4 − 2x + 5 with respect to x.

(2)
(b)

Hence write down ∫(12x3 − 2) dx.

(1)
(c)

Find the equations of C1 and C2, and describe the single transformation that maps C1 onto C2.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
12x3B1
− 2, with the constant 5 giving 0B1
Part (b)
3x4 − 2x + c, including + cB1
Part (c)
C1: c = 0, so y = 3x4 − 2xB1
C2: 3 − 2 + c = 6, so c = 5 and y = 3x4 − 2x + 5M1
a translation of 5 units in the positive y-direction (vertically up)A1

Model sketch

OxyC₁C₂+5
Figure: model sketch: C₂ is C₁ translated 5 units in the positive y-direction

Exam tip: Curves with the same gradient function differ only by the constant of integration, so each is a vertical translation of the others.

5IALM-P1-7-FB-01 P1 · ASEasy7 marks

Figure 1 shows the graph of y = f′(x). The graph is a straight line through the points A and B, whose coordinates are shown. The curve with equation y = f(x) passes through the point (2, 1).

xy−112345−7−6−5−4−3−2−11234OA(0, −6)B(3, 0)y = f′(x)
(a)

Use Figure 1 to find an expression for f′(x).

(2)
(b)

Find f(x).

(3)
(c)

Use the point A in Figure 1 to find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = f(x) at the point where x = 0.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
gradient of the line = (0 − (−6))/(3 − 0) = 2M1
f′(x) = 2x − 6A1
Part (b)
integrates, raising each power by one: x2 − 6x + cM1
substitutes (2, 1): 4 − 12 + c = 1M1
f(x) = x2 − 6x + 9 ft from their f′(x)A1
Part (c)
gradient f′(0) = −6 read from A, and f(0) = 9, so the point of contact is (0, 9)M1
y = 9 − 6x ft from their f(x)A1

Exam tip: A graph of y = f′(x) shows gradients, not heights. The point A(0, −6) tells you that the curve y = f(x) has gradient −6 where x = 0; it does not tell you that the curve passes through (0, −6).

6IALM-P1-7-FB-02 P1 · ASEasy7 marks

Figure 1 is a flow diagram that starts from the expression g(x) in the top box. P is obtained by differentiating g(x) with respect to x, and Q is obtained by integrating g(x) with respect to x. R follows from Q as described in the diagram.

g(x) = 6x2 − 8x + 1PQRdifferentiateintegratechoose the constant so thatthe curve passes through (2, 5)(includes + c)
(a)

Find the expression P.

(2)
(b)

Find the expression Q.

(3)
(c)

Find the expression R.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
lowers the power of at least one term by oneM1
P = 12x − 8A1
Part (b)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
two of 2x3, −4x2, x correctA1
Q = 2x3 − 4x2 + x + c, including + cA1
Part (c)
substitutes x = 2, y = 5 into y = Q: 16 − 16 + 2 + c = 5M1
R = 2x3 − 4x2 + x + 3 ft from their QA1

Common error: Mixing up the two directions. Differentiating multiplies by the power and then lowers it by one; integrating raises the power by one and then divides by the new power. Differentiate Q to check: you should get back g(x).

7IALM-P1-7-FB-03 P1 · ASEasy7 marks

Figure 1 shows part of the curve with equation y = f(x), x > 0. The curve passes through the point A, whose coordinates are shown, and through the point B, where x = 1.
Given that f′(x) = 6√x + 8/x2,

xy12345−101020304050OA(4, 35)By = f(x)
(a)

write f′(x) in the form 6xm + 8xn, stating the values of m and n.

(1)
(b)

find ∫(6√x + 8/x2) dx, simplifying each term,

(3)
(c)

use the point A to find f(x),

(2)
(d)

find the y-coordinate of B.

(1)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
m = ½ and n = −2B1
Part (b)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
4x3/2A1
4x3/2 − 8x−1 + c, all correct including + cA1
Part (c)
substitutes (4, 35) with 43/2 = 8: 32 − 2 + c = 35M1
f(x) = 4x3/2 − 8/x + 5A1
Part (d)
4 − 8 + 5 = 1 ft from their f(x)B1

Exam tip: For a negative power the new power is still found by adding one: x−2 becomes x−1, and you divide by −1. So 8x−2 integrates to −8x−1; the sign change is easy to miss.

8IALM-P1-7-FB-04 P1 · ASEasy6 marks

Figure 1 shows the curve C with equation y = f(x) and the straight line ℓ. The line ℓ is the tangent to C at the point P and crosses the y-axis at the point T. The coordinates of P and T are shown in Figure 1.
Given that f′(x) = 3x2 − kx, where k is a constant,

xy−1123−6−4−2246810OP(2, 3)T(0, −5)ℓC
(a)

find the gradient of ℓ,

(1)
(b)

show that k = 4,

(2)
(c)

find f(x).

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
(3 − (−5))/(2 − 0) = 4B1
Part (b)
the gradient of C at P equals the gradient of ℓ: f′(2) = 12 − 2k = 4M1
2k = 8, so k = 4A1
Part (c)
integrates 3x2 − 4x, raising each power by one: x3 − 2x2 + cM1
substitutes P(2, 3): 8 − 8 + c = 3M1
f(x) = x3 − 2x2 + 3A1

Exam tip: The tangent at P has the same gradient as the curve at P, so the gradient of ℓ read from the figure is the value of f′(2). The coordinates of P then fix the constant of integration.

9IALM-P1-7-B-05 P1 · ASMedium7 marks

The curve y = f(x), x > 0, has gradient function f′(x) = (3 − 2√x)2 and passes through the point (4, 10).

(a)

Expand (3 − 2√x)2, simplifying each term.

(2)
(b)

Hence find ∫(3 − 2√x)2 dx.

(3)
(c)

Find f(x).

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
three terms with at least two correctM1
9 − 12√x + 4xA1
Part (b)
integrates the expansion, raising x½ to x3/2M1
two of 9x, −8x3/2, 2x2 correctA1
9x − 8x3/2 + 2x2 + c ft from their expansionA1
Part (c)
substitutes x = 4 with 43/2 = 8: 36 − 64 + 32 + c = 10M1
f(x) = 9x − 8x3/2 + 2x2 + 6A1

Common error: Squaring term by term: (3 − 2√x)2 is not 9 + 4x. Write the bracket twice and multiply out, which gives the middle term −12√x.

10IALM-P1-7-B-06 P1 · ASMedium6 marks

A rational expression with a single power of x in the denominator can be split into separate powers of x before it is integrated. Throughout, x ≠ 0.

(a)

Write (3x3 − 4x + 2)/x3 in the form A + Bxp + Cxq, where A, B, C, p and q are integers.

(2)
(b)

Hence find ∫(3x3 − 4x + 2)/x3 dx.

(3)
(c)

Explain why the same method cannot be used to integrate every term of (3x3 − 4x2 + 2)/x3.

(1)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
divides each term by x3M1
3 − 4x−2 + 2x−3A1
Part (b)
raises a negative power by one, e.g. x−2 → x−1M1
3x + 4x−1A1
3x + 4x−1 − x−2 + cA1
Part (c)
the middle term becomes −4x−1; for n = −1 the rule would divide by n + 1 = 0, so it cannot be usedB1

Exam tip: With negative powers, the new power is less negative: x−3 becomes x−2, and you divide by −2.

11IALM-P1-7-B-07 P1 · ASMedium7 marks

Water flows into a tank. The volume of water in the tank is V litres at time t minutes after a valve is opened. The rate of flow is modelled by dV/dt = 12√t + 3, t ≥ 0. When the valve is opened the tank already contains 50 litres of water.

(a)

Find V in terms of t.

(4)
(b)

Find the volume of water in the tank 9 minutes after the valve is opened.

(1)
(c)

Find the time at which water is flowing into the tank at 27 litres per minute.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of √t = t½ by oneM1
8t3/2 + 3tA1
uses V = 50 when t = 0 to find the constantM1
V = 8t3/2 + 3t + 50A1
Part (b)
8 × 27 + 27 + 50 = 293 litres ft from their VB1
Part (c)
12√t + 3 = 27, so √t = 2M1
t = 4 minutesA1

Common error: Part (c) asks about the rate, so it uses dV/dt, not V. Read which quantity a question gives you before choosing the equation.

12IALM-P1-7-B-08 P1 · ASMedium7 marks

The curve y = f(x), x > 0, has f′(x) = k√x − 6, where k is a constant. The gradient of the curve is zero at the point where x = 4, and the curve passes through the point (1, 3).

(a)

Find the value of k.

(2)
(b)

Find f(x).

(4)
(c)

Find the coordinates of the point on the curve where the gradient is zero.

(1)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
f′(4) = 0: 2k − 6 = 0M1
k = 3A1
Part (b)
integrates 3x½ − 6, raising a power by oneM1
2x3/2 − 6x + cA1
substitutes (1, 3): 2 − 6 + c = 3M1
f(x) = 2x3/2 − 6x + 7A1
Part (c)
f(4) = 16 − 24 + 7 = −1, so (4, −1) ft from their fB1

Exam tip: “The gradient is zero where x = 4” is information about the gradient: it gives f′(4) = 0. The point on the curve gives information about f(x).

13IALM-P1-7-B-09 P1 · ASMedium8 marks

The gradient of a curve is given by dy/dx = 4x3 + kx, where k is a constant. The curve passes through the points (1, 3) and (2, 6).

(a)

Find y in terms of x, k and a constant of integration c.

(2)
(b)

Find the value of k and the value of c.

(4)
(c)

The gradient of the curve is zero at three points, one of which has x = 0. Find the exact x-coordinates of the other two points and show that they have the same y-coordinate.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
y = x4 + ½kx2 + cA1
Part (b)
(1, 3): 1 + ½k + c = 3M1
(2, 6): 16 + 2k + c = 6M1
subtracts: 15 + 1.5k = 3, so k = −8A1
c = 6A1
Part (c)
4x3 − 8x = 4x(x2 − 2) = 0, so x = ±√2B1
y = 4 − 8 + 6 = 2 for both, since y depends only on x2 = 2B1

Exam tip: Two unknown constants need two conditions. Write one equation for each point, then solve them simultaneously.

14IALM-P1-7-B-10 P1 · ASMedium8 marks

A curve with equation y = f(x), x > 0, has dy/dx = (5x − 3)(x + 1)/√x. The curve passes through the point (9, 500).

(a)

Show that dy/dx = 5x3/2 + 2x½ − 3x−½.

(2)
(b)

Find f(x).

(5)
(c)

Find the gradient of the curve at the point where x = 1.

(1)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
expands the numerator: 5x2 + 2x − 3M1
divides each term by x½ to obtain 5x3/2 + 2x½ − 3x−½A1
Part (b)
raises a fractional power by oneM1
2x5/2A1
(4/3)x3/2 − 6x½A1
substitutes x = 9: 486 + 36 − 18 + c = 500M1
f(x) = 2x5/2 + (4/3)x3/2 − 6x½ − 4A1
Part (c)
(5 − 3)(1 + 1)/1 = 4B1

Exam tip: Powers of 9 are easy to evaluate exactly: 9½ = 3, 93/2 = 27, 95/2 = 243. Use the exact values rather than a rounded calculator decimal.

15IALM-P1-7-FB-05 P1 · ASMedium8 marks

A phone is plugged in to charge. Its battery charge is E per cent at time t minutes after it is plugged in. Figure 1 shows the graph of dE/dt against t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 40; the graph is a straight line. When the phone is plugged in, its battery charge is 12%.

t / mindE/dt / % per min5101520253035400.511.522.533.544.5O
(a)

Use Figure 1 to show that dE/dt = 4 − 0.1t.

(2)
(b)

Find E in terms of t.

(3)
(c)

Find the battery charge 40 minutes after the phone is plugged in.

(1)
(d)

Find the time at which the battery charge reaches 72%.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
reads the intercept 4 and the gradient −4/40 = −0.1 from the graphM1
dE/dt = 4 − 0.1tA1
Part (b)
raises each power of t by oneM1
4t − 0.05t2A1
uses E = 12 when t = 0: E = 12 + 4t − 0.05t2B1
Part (c)
12 + 160 − 80 = 92% ft from their EB1
Part (d)
12 + 4t − 0.05t2 = 72, so t2 − 80t + 1200 = 0, giving (t − 20)(t − 60) = 0M1
t = 20 minutes; t = 60 is rejected because the model only applies for 0 ≤ t ≤ 40A1

Common error: Reading the 4 on the vertical axis as a charge of 4%. The graph shows the rate of charging, so 4 means 4% per minute; the starting charge of 12% comes from the stem and gives the constant.

16IALM-P1-7-FB-06 P1 · ASMedium7 marks

A curve has equation y = f(x), x > 0, where dy/dx = (4 + x)/√x. A student is asked whether the curve can pass through the point (9, 30). Figure 1 shows the student’s attempt.

AttemptLine 1dy/dx = (4 + x)/√x = 4x1/2 + x3/2Line 2y = (8/3)x3/2 + (2/5)x5/2Line 3At x = 9: y = 72 + 97.2 = 169.2, which is not 30,so the curve cannot pass through (9, 30).
(a)

Identify the error in Line 1, and write dy/dx correctly as a sum of powers of x.

(2)
(b)

Line 2 integrates the expression in Line 1 correctly but contains a different error. State this error and explain why the conclusion in Line 3 is not valid.

(2)
(c)

Find f(x) correctly, given that the curve passes through (9, 30).

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
dividing by √x = x½ should lower each power by ½, but Line 1 multiplies by √x insteadB1
dy/dx = 4x−½ + x½B1
Part (b)
the constant of integration + c is missingB1
with + c included, the value of y at x = 9 depends on c, so the point (9, 30) can always be reached by choosing c; it determines c and cannot be ruled outB1
Part (c)
raises a fractional power by one, e.g. x−½ → x½M1
8x½ + (2/3)x3/2 + cA1
24 + 18 + c = 30: f(x) = 8x½ + (2/3)x3/2 − 12A1

Exam tip: Before integrating a fraction with √x underneath, write √x as x½ and divide each term of the numerator by it. The powers go down by ½, not up.

17IALM-P1-7-FB-07 P1 · ASMedium9 marks

Figure 1 shows the graph of y = f′(x), x > 0, where f′(x) = ax + b/x2 and a and b are constants. The graph passes through the points A and B, whose coordinates are shown.

xy1234−12−10−8−6−4−2246810OA(1, −6)B(2, 2)y = f′(x)
(a)

Show that a = 2 and b = −8.

(3)
(b)

Given that the curve y = f(x) passes through the point (4, 20), find f(x).

(4)
(c)

Use the point B in Figure 1 to write down the gradient of the curve y = f(x) at the point where x = 2, and find the equation of the tangent to the curve at this point.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
uses A: a + b = −6M1
uses B: 2a + b/4 = 2M1
solves simultaneously, e.g. 8a + b = 8 so 7a = 14: a = 2, b = −8A1
Part (b)
writes −8/x2 as −8x−2 and raises a power by oneM1
x2 + 8x−1 + cA1
substitutes (4, 20): 16 + 2 + c = 20M1
f(x) = x2 + 8/x + 2A1
Part (c)
gradient = f′(2) = 2, read from B, and f(2) = 4 + 4 + 2 = 10B1
y − 10 = 2(x − 2), so y = 2x + 6 ft from their f(x)B1

Exam tip: A point on the graph of y = f′(x) gives an equation for f′, such as f′(2) = 2. It says nothing about the value of f itself, which needs a separate point on the curve y = f(x).

18IALM-P1-7-FB-08 P1 · ASMedium9 marks

Figure 1 shows a direction field for the gradient function dy/dx = 4x − x2, 0 ≤ x ≤ 5. Each short segment is drawn with the gradient given by this function at its midpoint, so any curve with this gradient function follows the directions of the segments. The points P and Q are marked.

xy12345−6−4−22468101214OP(0, 2)Q(3, 4)
(a)

Explain why all the segments in the same vertical column are parallel.

(1)
(b)

Find the equation of the curve with this gradient function that passes through P.

(3)
(c)

Show that the curve in part (b) does not pass through Q, and find the equation of the curve with this gradient function that does pass through Q.

(3)
(d)

Explain why the curves in parts (b) and (c) never meet, and state the vertical distance between them for every value of x.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
dy/dx depends only on x, not on y, so all points with the same x-coordinate have the same gradientB1
Part (b)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
2x2 − x3/3 + cA1
P(0, 2) gives c = 2: y = 2x2 − x3/3 + 2A1
Part (c)
at x = 3 the curve in (b) has y = 18 − 9 + 2 = 11, not 4B1
18 − 9 + c = 4M1
y = 2x2 − x3/3 − 5A1
Part (d)
the curves have the same gradient function and differ only in the constant of integration, so one is the other translated vertically and they cannot meetB1
vertical distance = 2 − (−5) = 7B1

Exam tip: Every curve with the same gradient function has the same shape; the constant of integration only moves it up or down. A direction field shows the whole family at once, and one point picks out one curve.

19IALM-P1-7-FB-09 P1 · ASMedium9 marks

Figure 1 shows the side view of a grass bank. The profile of the bank is modelled by the curve y = f(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 9, where x metres is the horizontal distance from the top of the bank, A, and y metres is the height above level ground. The coordinates of A, and of B, where the bank meets the ground, are shown in Figure 1.
In the model, f′(x) = k√x − 1, where k is a constant.

x / my / m123456789101234567OA(0, 6)B(9, 0)grass bank
(a)

Find f(x) in terms of k.

(3)
(b)

Show that k = 1/6.

(2)
(c)

Find the height of the bank at a horizontal distance of 4 m from A, giving your answer to 3 significant figures.

(2)
(d)

Find the coordinates of the point on the profile at which the gradient is −5/6.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of √x = x½ by oneM1
(2k/3)x3/2 − xA1
+ 6, using A(0, 6)B1
Part (b)
uses B: f(9) = 0, with 93/2 = 27: 18k − 9 + 6 = 0M1
18k = 3, so k = 1/6A1
Part (c)
f(4) = (1/9) × 8 − 4 + 6M1
= 26/9 = 2.89 mA1
Part (d)
√x/6 − 1 = −5/6, so √x = 1M1
(1, 46/9), i.e. (1, 5.11) to 3 s.f.A1

Exam tip: Evaluate 93/2 as (√9)3 = 27 before multiplying: (2k/3) × 27 = 18k. Exact values keep the equation for k simple.

20IALM-P1-7-FB-10 P1 · ASMedium9 marks

Figure 1 (top) shows the graph of y = f′(x), where f′(x) is a cubic function. The graph meets the x-axis only at the three points where x = −2, 0 and 2, and passes through the labelled point. Figure 1 (bottom) shows three sketches, A, B and C. The curve y = f(x) passes through the point (2, −1).

xy−3−2−1123−4−3−2−11234O(1, −3)y = f′(x)xy−2−112Axy−2−112Bxy−2−112C
(a)

Use the labelled point to write down the gradient of the curve y = f(x) at the point where x = 1. Hence state which one of the sketches A, B and C could be the graph of y = f(x), giving a reason.

(2)
(b)

Write f′(x) in the form px(x − q)(x + q), and hence show that f′(x) = x3 − 4x.

(3)
(c)

Find f(x).

(3)
(d)

Write down the coordinates of the point where the curve y = f(x) meets the y-axis.

(1)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
gradient = value of f′ at x = 1 = −3B1
A: at x = 1 the curve must slope downwards, which rules out B (sloping upwards at x = 1) and C (horizontal at x = 1)B1
Part (b)
uses the roots 0 and ±2: f′(x) = px(x − 2)(x + 2)M1
substitutes the point (1, −3): p × 1 × (−1) × 3 = −3M1
p = 1, so f′(x) = x(x2 − 4) = x3 − 4xA1
Part (c)
raises each power by oneM1
x4/4 − 2x2 + cA1
4 − 8 + c = −1: f(x) = x4/4 − 2x2 + 3A1
Part (d)
(0, 3) ft from their f(x)B1

Common error: Choosing the sketch that looks like the graph of f′. The height of the graph of f′ at a value of x is the gradient of y = f(x) there: f′(1) = −3 means the curve slopes downwards at x = 1.

21IALM-P1-7-B-11 P1 · ASHard10 marks

The curve C has equation y = f(x) and dy/dx = 3x2 − 8x + 5. The point A(2, 1) lies on C.

(a)

Find the equation of C.

(4)
(b)

Find the equation of the normal to C at A, giving your answer in the form ax + by + d = 0, where a, b and d are integers.

(3)
(c)

Show that the normal to C at A does not meet C at any other point.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
x3 − 4x2 + 5x + cA1
substitutes (2, 1): 8 − 16 + 10 + c = 1M1
y = x3 − 4x2 + 5x − 1A1
Part (b)
gradient of C at A: 12 − 16 + 5 = 1M1
normal gradient −1 and uses y − 1 = −(x − 2)M1
x + y − 3 = 0A1
Part (c)
sets x3 − 4x2 + 5x − 1 = 3 − x to obtain x3 − 4x2 + 6x − 4 = 0M1
uses the known root x = 2: (x − 2)(x2 − 2x + 2) = 0M1
discriminant of x2 − 2x + 2 is 4 − 8 = −4 < 0, so x = 2 is the only solution and the normal meets C only at AA1

Model sketch

OxyCnormalA(2, 1)
Figure: model sketch: C with the normal x + y − 3 = 0 at A

Exam tip: When you already know one intersection, (x − 2) must be a factor of the cubic. Divide it out and check the discriminant of the quadratic that is left.

22IALM-P1-7-B-12 P1 · ASHard11 marks

The side profile of a playground slide is modelled by the curve y = f(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 4, where x metres is the horizontal distance from the top of the slide and y metres is the height above level ground. In the model, f′(x) = k(x2 − 4x), where k is a positive constant. The top of the slide, where x = 0, is 2.4 m above the ground, and the bottom end, where x = 4, is 0.8 m above the ground.

40.82.4x / my / my = f(x)topbottom
Figure: side profile of the slide
(a)

Find f(x) in terms of k.

(3)
(b)

Show that k = 3/20.

(3)
(c)

By writing f′(x) in completed-square form, or otherwise, find the value of x at which the slide is steepest, and the gradient of the slide there.

(3)
(d)

Find the angle that the slide makes with the horizontal at its steepest point, giving your answer in degrees to one decimal place.

(2)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the powers by oneM1
k(x3/3 − 2x2)A1
+ 2.4, using f(0) = 2.4B1
Part (b)
f(4) = 0.8: k(64/3 − 32) + 2.4 = 0.8M1
−(32/3)k = −1.6M1
k = 4.8/32 = 3/20A1
Part (c)
f′(x) = (3/20)[(x − 2)2 − 4], or solves f″(x) = 0M1
steepest where x = 2A1
gradient = (3/20)(−4) = −0.6A1
Part (d)
tan θ = 0.6M1
θ = 31.0°A1

Exam tip: A point given in context, such as “2.4 m above the ground at the top”, is just a coordinate: here (0, 2.4). Translate each sentence into a condition on f or f′.

23IALM-P1-7-B-13 P1 · ASHard12 marks

The curve C has equation y = f(x), x > 0, where dy/dx = (3x2 − 4)2/x2. The point P(2, −30) lies on C.

(a)

Show that dy/dx = 9x2 − 24 + 16x−2.

(2)
(b)

Find the equation of C.

(4)
(c)

Find the equation of the tangent to C at P, giving your answer in the form y = mx + q, where m and q are integers.

(3)
(d)

Q is a point on C, different from P, at which the tangent to C is parallel to the tangent to C at P. Find the x-coordinate of Q.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
expands the numerator: 9x4 − 24x2 + 16M1
divides each term by x2 to obtain 9x2 − 24 + 16x−2A1
Part (b)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
3x3 − 24x − 16x−1 + cA1
substitutes (2, −30): 24 − 48 − 8 + c = −30M1
y = 3x3 − 24x − 16/x + 2A1
Part (c)
gradient at P: (12 − 4)2/4 = 16M1
y + 30 = 16(x − 2)M1
y = 16x − 62A1
Part (d)
sets 9x4 − 24x2 + 16 = 16x2, i.e. 9x4 − 40x2 + 16 = 0, or 3x2 − 4 = ±4xM1
solves, e.g. as a quadratic in x2: (9x2 − 4)(x2 − 4) = 0M1
x = 2/3 (rejecting the negative roots since x > 0, and x = 2 at P)A1

Exam tip: An equation with only even powers, such as 9x4 − 40x2 + 16 = 0, is a quadratic in x2. Substitute u = x2, factorise, then take square roots.

24IALM-P1-7-B-14 P1 · ASHard12 marks

The curve C has equation y = f(x), x ≥ 0, where dy/dx = 9√x − kx and k is a constant. C passes through the origin O and through the point A(4, 16).

OxyCA(4, 16)B
Figure: sketch of the curve C
(a)

Find y in terms of x and k, and show that k = 4.

(5)
(b)

Find the equation of the normal to C at A, giving your answer in the form ax + by + d = 0, where a, b and d are integers.

(4)
(c)

C meets the x-axis at O and at the point B. Find the x-coordinate of B.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises the power of at least one term by oneM1
6x3/2A1
−½kx2A1
constant of integration is 0 because C passes through OB1
at A: 48 − 8k = 16, so k = 4A1
Part (b)
substitutes x = 4 into dy/dx = 9√x − 4xM1
gradient = 18 − 16 = 2A1
normal gradient −½ and uses y − 16 = −½(x − 4)M1
x + 2y − 36 = 0A1
Part (c)
6x3/2 − 2x2 = 0, so x3/2(6 − 2x½) = 0M1
√x = 3M1
x = 9A1

Common error: Assuming the constant of integration is zero without a reason. Here it is zero because the curve passes through the origin — say so in your working.

25IALM-P1-7-FB-11 P1 · ASHard12 marks

Figure 1 shows a plan of part of a new road. The straight road ℓ1 lies along the x-axis for x ≤ 0. A curved section of road joins ℓ1 at the origin O to the straight road ℓ2 at the point P. The road ℓ2 passes through P and Q. The coordinates of P and Q, in kilometres, are shown in Figure 1.
The curved section is modelled by y = f(x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, where f′(x) = ax2 + bx and a and b are constants. The curved section meets ℓ2 at P with the same gradient as ℓ2.

x / kmy / km−2−112345−112345678OP(2, 2)Q(4, 7)ℓ₁ℓ₂curve
(a)

Find f(x) in terms of a and b, explaining why there is no constant term.

(3)
(b)

Find the gradient of ℓ2.

(1)
(c)

Show that a = 3/8, and find the value of b.

(4)
(d)

Show that the curved section also joins ℓ1 without a change of direction.

(1)
(e)

Find the coordinates of the point on the curved section at which the road is heading in the same direction as the line y = x. Give each coordinate to 3 significant figures.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
raises each power by oneM1
ax3/3 + bx2/2A1
the curve passes through O, so f(0) = 0 and the constant of integration is 0B1
Part (b)
(7 − 2)/(4 − 2) = 5/2B1
Part (c)
P lies on the curve: 8a/3 + 2b = 2M1
same gradient at P: 4a + 2b = 5/2M1
subtracts: 4a/3 = 1/2, so a = 3/8A1
b = ½A1
Part (d)
f′(0) = 0, which equals the gradient of ℓ1 (the x-axis)B1
Part (e)
(3/8)x2 + ½x = 1, i.e. 3x2 + 4x − 8 = 0M1
x = (−4 + √112)/6 = 1.097…, so x = 1.10 (rejecting the negative root)A1
y = x3/8 + x2/4 = 0.466A1

Exam tip: “Meets with the same gradient” gives two conditions at P: the curve passes through P, and f′ at P equals the gradient of the line. Two unknown constants need exactly two equations like these.

26IALM-P1-7-FB-12 P1 · ASHard12 marks

Figure 1 shows the graph of y = f′(x), where f′(x) is a quadratic function, and below it, on the same x-scale, the graph of y = f(x). The graph of y = f′(x) has its vertex at V and crosses the x-axis at the labelled point (3, 0). The curve y = f(x) passes through the labelled point (0, 2).

xy−2−11234−4−22468OV(1, −4)(3, 0)y = f′(x)xy−2−11234−8−6−4−2246O(0, 2)y = f(x)
(a)

Write f′(x) in the form p(x − 1)2 − 4, and hence show that f′(x) = x2 − 2x − 3.

(3)
(b)

Find f(x).

(3)
(c)

The curve y = f(x) has gradient −3 at two points. Find the exact coordinates of these two points.

(3)
(d)

Use the point V in Figure 1 to write down the gradient of the curve y = f(x) at the point where x = 1. Find the equation of the tangent to y = f(x) at this point, giving your answer in the form rx + sy + d = 0, where r, s and d are integers.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
the vertex V(1, −4) gives f′(x) = p(x − 1)2 − 4B1
substitutes (3, 0): 4p − 4 = 0, so p = 1M1
(x − 1)2 − 4 = x2 − 2x + 1 − 4 = x2 − 2x − 3A1
Part (b)
raises each power by oneM1
x3/3 − x2 − 3x + cA1
c = 2 from (0, 2): f(x) = x3/3 − x2 − 3x + 2A1
Part (c)
x2 − 2x − 3 = −3M1
x(x − 2) = 0, so x = 0 or x = 2A1
(0, 2) and (2, −16/3)A1
Part (d)
gradient = −4, the value of f′ at x = 1 read from VB1
at x = 1, y = 1/3 − 1 − 3 + 2 = −5/3, and y + 5/3 = −4(x − 1)M1
12x + 3y − 7 = 0A1

Exam tip: A point on the graph of y = f′(x) gives a gradient, not a point on the curve. V(1, −4) tells you that y = f(x) has gradient −4 where x = 1; the y-coordinate of the curve there comes from f(1).

27IALM-P1-7-FB-13 P1 · ASHard12 marks

A hot-air balloon is released from a platform 20 m above the ground. Its height above the ground t minutes after release is h metres. The rate of climb is modelled by
dh/dt = a√t − bt, 0 ≤ t ≤ 16,
where a and b are constants; a negative value means that the balloon is descending. Figure 1 shows the graph of dh/dt against t, which passes through the points A and B shown.

t / mindh/dt / m min−1246810121416−9−8−7−6−5−4−3−2−112345OA(4, 4)B(9, 0)
(a)

Show that a = 6 and b = 2.

(4)
(b)

Find h in terms of t.

(3)
(c)

Find the height of the balloon at the time shown by A, and use Figure 1 to state its rate of climb at that time.

(2)
(d)

Find the value of t at which the balloon is again 20 m above the ground.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
uses A: 2a − 4b = 4M1
uses B: 3a − 9b = 0M1
solves simultaneously, e.g. a = 3b so 6b − 4b = 4M1
b = 2 and a = 6A1
Part (b)
raises the power of t½ or t by oneM1
4t3/2 − t2A1
h = 20 when t = 0: h = 4t3/2 − t2 + 20B1
Part (c)
h = 4 × 8 − 16 + 20 = 36 mB1
rate of climb = 4 m per minute, read from A(4, 4)B1
Part (d)
4t3/2 − t2 = 0M1
t3/2(4 − t½) = 0, so √t = 4M1
t = 16A1

Common error: Reading A(4, 4) as a height of 4 m. The vertical axis shows the rate of climb in metres per minute; the height at t = 4 comes from your expression for h, using the starting height of 20 m.

28IALM-P1-7-FB-14 P1 · ASHard13 marks

Figure 1 shows part of the curve C with equation y = f(x), x > 0. C crosses the x-axis at the points A and B and has a minimum point M. The coordinates of A, M and B are shown in Figure 1.
Given that f′(x) = (p√x + q)/√x, where p and q are constants,

xy1234567891011−3−2−11234567OA(1, 0)M(4, −2)B(9, 0)C
(a)

write f′(x) in the form p + qxn, stating the value of n, and find f(x) in terms of p, q and a constant of integration c,

(3)
(b)

use the fact that the gradient of C is zero at M to show that q = −2p,

(2)
(c)

use the coordinates of A and M to find the values of p, q and c,

(4)
(d)

verify that B lies on C,

(1)
(e)

find the equation of the tangent to C at B, giving your answer in the form rx + sy + d = 0, where r, s and d are integers.

(3)
Show mark scheme
AnswerMarkNotes
Part (a)
n = −½B1
raises the power, x−½ → x½M1
f(x) = px + 2qx½ + cA1
Part (b)
f′(4) = 0: p + q/2 = 0M1
q = −2pA1
Part (c)
A: p + 2q + c = 0, so c = 3pM1
M: 4p + 4q + c = −2, so 4p − 8p + 3p = −2M1
p = 2, q = −4A1
c = 6A1
Part (d)
f(9) = 18 − 8 × 3 + 6 = 0B1
Part (e)
f′(9) = 2 − 4/3 = 2/3M1
y − 0 = (2/3)(x − 9)M1
2x − 3y − 18 = 0A1

Exam tip: Three unknowns (p, q and c) need three conditions. The figure supplies them: the gradient is zero at M, and the coordinates of A and of M each satisfy y = f(x).