HPAS 2024 Mathematics Optional Paper 2: Complete Step-by-Step Solutions
This page provides detailed solutions to the HPAS 2024 Mathematics Optional Paper 2. Each answer is written in a clear step-by-step format with the theorem, formula or method explained before it is applied.
The solutions cover real analysis, complex analysis, abstract algebra, partial differential equations, calculus of variations, numerical methods and Laplace transforms. Use the table of contents to jump directly to any question.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 – Question Index
- Question 1(a): Limits of Sequences
- Question 1(b): Contour Integral
- Question 1(c): Laplace Transform
- Question 1(d): Newton-Raphson Convergence
- Question 2(a): Automorphism Group
- Question 2(b): Monotone Functions and Riemann Integrability
- Question 3(a): Sequence Convergence
- Question 3(b): Bounded Metric Space
- Question 4(a): Complete Metric Subspace
- Question 4(b): Analytic Function with Circular Image
- Question 5(a): Lagrange Partial Differential Equation
- Question 5(b): Wave Equation by Monge’s Method
- Question 6(a): Jacobi Condition
- Question 6(b): Euler Method and Error
- Question 7(a): Laplace Transform of an Integral
- Question 7(b): Bisection Method and C Program
- Question 8(a): Complex and Real Integration
- Question 8(b): Integrability of Product, Maximum and Minimum
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 1(a)
If the sequences \langle a_n\rangle and \langle b_n\rangle converge to finite limits a and b, respectively, then show that
\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{a_1b_n+a_2b_{n-1}+\cdots+a_nb_1}{n}=ab.Solution
Step 1: Rewrite the expression as an average
Define
T_n=\frac{1}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n}a_k\,b_{n+1-k}.We have to prove that T_n\to ab. Since both original sequences converge, they are bounded.
Step 2: Separate each sequence into its limit plus an error term
Write
a_k=a+\alpha_k,\qquad b_k=b+\beta_k,where \alpha_k\to0 and \beta_k\to0. Then
\begin{aligned} T_n &=\frac1n\sum_{k=1}^{n}(a+\alpha_k)(b+\beta_{n+1-k})\\ &=ab+\frac{a}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n}\beta_{n+1-k} +\frac{b}{n}\sum_{k=1}^{n}\alpha_k +\frac1n\sum_{k=1}^{n}\alpha_k\beta_{n+1-k}. \end{aligned}Step 3: Deal with the two ordinary Cesàro averages
Because \alpha_k\to0, its arithmetic means also tend to zero:
\frac1n\sum_{k=1}^{n}\alpha_k\to0.Similarly, reversing the order of the \beta-terms does not change their average, so
\frac1n\sum_{k=1}^{n}\beta_{n+1-k} =\frac1n\sum_{j=1}^{n}\beta_j\to0.Step 4: Show that the mixed error term also tends to zero
Since convergent sequences are bounded, choose M such that \lvert\alpha_k\rvert\le M and \lvert\beta_k\rvert\le M for all k. Given \varepsilon\gt0, choose N so that
\lvert\alpha_k\rvert\lt\varepsilon,\quad \lvert\beta_k\rvert\lt\varepsilon\qquad(k\ge N).In the sum \alpha_k\beta_{n+1-k}, only a fixed number of terms near the two ends can have one index below N. Their total contribution divided by n tends to zero. All remaining terms satisfy
\lvert\alpha_k\beta_{n+1-k}\rvert\le\varepsilon^2.Therefore
\frac1n\sum_{k=1}^{n}\alpha_k\beta_{n+1-k}\to0.Step 5: Take the limit
All three error terms vanish. Hence only ab remains.
Final Answer: \boxed{\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{a_1b_n+a_2b_{n-1}+\cdots+a_nb_1}{n}=ab}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 1(b)
Evaluate the contour integral
\oint_C\frac{e^{3z}}{(z-\log2)^4}\,dz,where C is the square with vertices at \pm1,\pm i.
Solution
Step 1: Locate the singularity
The integrand has a pole at
z=\log2.Since \log2\approx0.693, this point lies inside the square whose vertices are 1,i,-1,-i. Therefore Cauchy’s integral formula for derivatives applies.
Step 2: Match the integral with Cauchy’s derivative formula
The generalized Cauchy integral formula is
\oint_C\frac{f(z)}{(z-a)^{n+1}}\,dz=\frac{2\pi i}{n!}f^{(n)}(a).Here
f(z)=e^{3z},\qquad a=\log2,\qquad n+1=4,so n=3.
Step 3: Find the third derivative
f'(z)=3e^{3z},\qquad f''(z)=9e^{3z},\qquad f'''(z)=27e^{3z}.At a=\log2,
e^{3\log2}=2^3=8,hence
f'''(\log2)=27\cdot8=216.Step 4: Substitute into the formula
\oint_C\frac{e^{3z}}{(z-\log2)^4}\,dz =\frac{2\pi i}{3!}\cdot216 =72\pi i.Final Answer: \boxed{72\pi i}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 1(c)
Find the Laplace transform of
\frac1t\int_0^t e^u\sin u\,du.Solution
Step 1: Use the Laplace transform of an integral
Let
f(t)=e^t\sin t,\qquad g(t)=\int_0^t f(u)\,du.Then the required function is g(t)/t. First,
F(s)=\mathcal L\{e^t\sin t\}=\frac{1}{(s-1)^2+1},\qquad s\gt1.Therefore
G(s)=\mathcal L\{g(t)\}=\frac{F(s)}{s} =\frac{1}{s\big((s-1)^2+1\big)}.Step 2: Apply the division-by-\(t\) property
If \mathcal L\{g(t)\}=G(s), then
\mathcal L\left\{\frac{g(t)}{t}\right\} =\int_s^\infty G(v)\,dv.Hence
\mathcal L\left\{\frac1t\int_0^t e^u\sin u\,du\right\} =\int_s^\infty\frac{dv}{v\big((v-1)^2+1\big)}.Step 3: Decompose the integrand
Since
\frac{1}{v(v^2-2v+2)} =\frac{1}{2v}+\frac{-v/2+1}{(v-1)^2+1},an antiderivative is
\frac12\log v-\frac14\log\big((v-1)^2+1\big) +\frac12\tan^{-1}(v-1).Step 4: Evaluate the upper limit
As v\to\infty, the logarithmic terms cancel in the limit and \tan^{-1}(v-1)\to\pi/2. Therefore
\begin{aligned} \mathcal L &=\frac{\pi}{4} -\frac12\log s +\frac14\log\big((s-1)^2+1\big) -\frac12\tan^{-1}(s-1). \end{aligned}Final Answer:
\boxed{\displaystyle
\mathcal L\left\{\frac1t\int_0^t e^u\sin u\,du\right\}
=
\frac{\pi}{4}
-\frac12\log s
+\frac14\log\big((s-1)^2+1\big)
-\frac12\tan^{-1}(s-1)}
for s\gt1.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 1(d)
Show that the Newton-Raphson process has quadratic convergence.
Solution
Step 1: Write the Newton-Raphson iteration
x_{n+1}=x_n-\frac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)}.Let the error at the n-th step be
e_n=x_n-\alpha.Step 2: Expand \(f(\alpha)\) about \(x_n\)
By Taylor’s theorem, for some point \xi_n between x_n and \alpha,
f(\alpha)=f(x_n)+f'(x_n)(\alpha-x_n) +\frac12f''(\xi_n)(\alpha-x_n)^2.Since f(\alpha)=0 and \alpha-x_n=-e_n,
0=f(x_n)-f'(x_n)e_n+\frac12f''(\xi_n)e_n^2.Step 3: Express the next error in terms of the present error
Rearranging,
\frac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)} =e_n-\frac{f''(\xi_n)}{2f'(x_n)}e_n^2.Using the Newton formula,
\begin{aligned} e_{n+1} &=x_{n+1}-\alpha\\ &=e_n-\frac{f(x_n)}{f'(x_n)}\\ &=\frac{f''(\xi_n)}{2f'(x_n)}e_n^2. \end{aligned}Step 4: Pass to the limiting error constant
As x_n\to\alpha, we also have \xi_n\to\alpha. Hence
\lim_{n\to\infty}\frac{\lvert e_{n+1}\rvert}{\lvert e_n\rvert^2} = \left\lvert\frac{f''(\alpha)}{2f'(\alpha)}\right\rvert,provided the numerator is finite. Thus the next error is proportional to the square of the current error.
Final Conclusion: Newton-Raphson has quadratic convergence near a simple root: \boxed{e_{n+1}=O(e_n^2)}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 2(a)
Let G be a group. Let \operatorname{Aut}(G) denote the set of all automorphisms of G and let A(G) be the group of all permutations of G. Show that \operatorname{Aut}(G) is a subgroup of A(G).
Solution
Step 1: Observe that every automorphism is a permutation
An automorphism \phi:G\to G is, by definition, a bijective homomorphism. Since it is bijective, it is a permutation of the underlying set G. Therefore
\operatorname{Aut}(G)\subseteq A(G).Step 2: Check that the identity belongs to \(\operatorname{Aut}(G)\)
The identity map I_G(x)=x is bijective and satisfies
I_G(xy)=xy=I_G(x)I_G(y).Hence I_G\in\operatorname{Aut}(G).
Step 3: Check closure under composition
Let \phi,\psi\in\operatorname{Aut}(G). Their composition is bijective. Moreover,
(\phi\circ\psi)(xy) =\phi(\psi(xy)) =\phi(\psi(x)\psi(y)) =(\phi\circ\psi)(x)(\phi\circ\psi)(y).Thus \phi\circ\psi is again an automorphism.
Step 4: Check closure under inverses
Let \phi\in\operatorname{Aut}(G). Since \phi is bijective, \phi^{-1} exists. If a=\phi(x) and b=\phi(y), then
\phi^{-1}(ab) =\phi^{-1}(\phi(x)\phi(y)) =\phi^{-1}(\phi(xy)) =xy =\phi^{-1}(a)\phi^{-1}(b).Hence \phi^{-1} is also an automorphism.
Final Conclusion: \operatorname{Aut}(G) contains the identity and is closed under composition and inverses. Therefore \boxed{\operatorname{Aut}(G)\le A(G)}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 2(b)
Let \mathcal R[a,b] be the set of all Riemann integrable functions on [a,b]. If f:[a,b]\to\mathbb R is monotone on [a,b], show that f\in\mathcal R[a,b].
Solution
Step 1: Consider the increasing case
Assume first that f is increasing. A monotone function on a closed bounded interval is bounded, so upper and lower Darboux sums are defined.
Step 2: Choose a uniform partition
Divide [a,b] into n equal parts:
x_i=a+i\frac{b-a}{n},\qquad \Delta x=\frac{b-a}{n}.Because f is increasing, on [x_{i-1},x_i] the minimum is f(x_{i-1}) and the maximum is f(x_i).
Step 3: Compute the difference between upper and lower sums
\begin{aligned} U(f,P)-L(f,P) &=\sum_{i=1}^{n}\big(f(x_i)-f(x_{i-1})\big)\Delta x\\ &=\Delta x\big(f(b)-f(a)\big)\\ &=\frac{b-a}{n}\big(f(b)-f(a)\big). \end{aligned}Step 4: Make the difference arbitrarily small
Given \varepsilon\gt0, choose n sufficiently large so that
\frac{b-a}{n}\big(f(b)-f(a)\big)\lt\varepsilon.Then U(f,P)-L(f,P)\lt\varepsilon. By the Darboux criterion, f is Riemann integrable.
Step 5: Handle the decreasing case
If f is decreasing, the same argument applies after interchanging the upper and lower endpoint values, or equivalently by applying the increasing-case result to -f.
Final Conclusion: Every monotone real-valued function on a closed bounded interval is Riemann integrable: \boxed{f\in\mathcal R[a,b]}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 3(a)
If \langle S_n\rangle is a sequence of positive real numbers such that
S_n=\frac12(S_{n-1}+S_{n-2}),\qquad n\gt2,show that \langle S_n\rangle converges and find \lim_{n\to\infty}S_n.
Solution
Step 1: Rewrite the recurrence as a linear difference equation
2S_n-S_{n-1}-S_{n-2}=0.Look for a solution of the form S_n=r^n. This gives the characteristic equation
2r^2-r-1=0.Step 2: Solve the characteristic equation
2r^2-r-1=(2r+1)(r-1)=0,so the roots are
r_1=1,\qquad r_2=-\frac12.Therefore
S_n=A+B\left(-\frac12\right)^n.Step 3: Determine \(A\) from the first two terms
For n=1 and n=2,
S_1=A-\frac{B}{2},\qquad S_2=A+\frac{B}{4}.Subtracting,
S_2-S_1=\frac34B \quad\Longrightarrow\quad B=\frac43(S_2-S_1).Then
A=S_1+\frac{B}{2} =\frac{S_1+2S_2}{3}.Step 4: Take the limit
Since
\left(-\frac12\right)^n\to0,we get
\lim_{n\to\infty}S_n=A=\frac{S_1+2S_2}{3}.Final Answer: The sequence converges, and \boxed{\displaystyle \lim_{n\to\infty}S_n=\frac{S_1+2S_2}{3}}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 3(b)
Let \mathbb R_\infty be the extended set of real numbers. Define
d(x,y)=\lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert,where f(x)=\frac{x}{1+\lvert x\rvert} for finite x, f(\infty)=1, and f(-\infty)=-1. Show that (\mathbb R_\infty,d) is a bounded metric space.
Solution
Step 1: Understand the map \(f\)
For finite real x,
-1\lt\frac{x}{1+\lvert x\rvert}\lt1.Together with the assigned values at \pm\infty, the map sends
\mathbb R_\infty\longrightarrow[-1,1].It is strictly increasing and therefore one-to-one.
Step 2: Verify non-negativity and definiteness
For all x,y,
d(x,y)=\lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert\ge0.Also,
d(x,y)=0 \iff f(x)=f(y) \iff x=y,because f is injective.
Step 3: Verify symmetry
d(x,y)=\lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert =\lvert f(y)-f(x)\rvert =d(y,x).Step 4: Verify the triangle inequality
Using the ordinary triangle inequality in \mathbb R,
\begin{aligned} d(x,z) &=\lvert f(x)-f(z)\rvert\\ &\le \lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert+\lvert f(y)-f(z)\rvert\\ &=d(x,y)+d(y,z). \end{aligned}Thus d is a metric.
Step 5: Prove boundedness
Since every value of f lies in [-1,1],
d(x,y)=\lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert\le2.In fact,
d(-\infty,\infty)=2,so the diameter is exactly 2.
Final Conclusion: (\mathbb R_\infty,d) is a bounded metric space with \boxed{\operatorname{diam}(\mathbb R_\infty)=2}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 4(a)
Let (X,d) be a complete metric space and Y a subspace of X. Show that Y is complete if and only if it is closed in (X,d).
Solution
Step 1: Prove that closed \(Y\) implies complete \(Y\)
Assume Y is closed in X. Let (y_n) be a Cauchy sequence in Y. It is also a Cauchy sequence in X.
Since X is complete, there exists x\in X such that
y_n\to x.Every y_n lies in Y, and Y is closed, so it contains all limits of its convergent sequences. Hence x\in Y. Therefore every Cauchy sequence in Y converges in Y.
Step 2: Prove that complete \(Y\) implies closed \(Y\)
Now assume Y is complete. Let x be a limit point of Y. Then there exists a sequence (y_n) in Y such that
y_n\to x\quad\text{in }X.Every convergent sequence is Cauchy, so (y_n) is Cauchy in Y. Since Y is complete, there exists y\in Y with
y_n\to y.Step 3: Use uniqueness of limits
The same sequence converges to both x and y in the metric space X. Limits are unique, hence x=y. Therefore x\in Y.
So Y contains every one of its limit points and is closed.
Final Conclusion: \boxed{Y\text{ is complete }\iff Y\text{ is closed in }X}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 4(b)
Let G be a region and suppose that f:G\to\mathbb C is analytic such that f(G) is a subset of a circle. Show that f is constant.
Solution
Step 1: Use the geometric information about the image
A circle in the complex plane has empty interior: no open disk is contained entirely in the circumference of a circle.
Step 2: Assume, for contradiction, that \(f\) is non-constant
The Open Mapping Theorem states that a non-constant analytic function on a region maps open sets to open sets. Therefore, if f were non-constant, f(G) would be an open subset of \mathbb C.
Step 3: Obtain the contradiction
But the hypothesis says that f(G) is contained in a circle. A nonempty open subset of \mathbb C cannot be contained in a one-dimensional circle.
This contradicts the Open Mapping Theorem.
Final Conclusion: The assumption that f is non-constant is impossible. Hence \boxed{f\text{ is constant on }G.}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 5(a)
Solve the partial differential equation
(x^2-yz)p+(y^2-zx)q=z^2-xy,where p=\frac{\partial z}{\partial x} and q=\frac{\partial z}{\partial y}.
Solution
Step 1: Write Lagrange’s auxiliary equations
This is a Lagrange first-order PDE of the form Pp+Qq=R, with
P=x^2-yz,\qquad Q=y^2-zx,\qquad R=z^2-xy.Therefore the subsidiary equations are
\frac{dx}{x^2-yz} = \frac{dy}{y^2-zx} = \frac{dz}{z^2-xy}.Step 2: Find the first integral from differences
Introduce a parameter s along a characteristic:
\frac{dx}{ds}=x^2-yz,\quad \frac{dy}{ds}=y^2-zx,\quad \frac{dz}{ds}=z^2-xy.Then
\frac{d}{ds}(x-y) =(x-y)(x+y+z),and similarly
\frac{d}{ds}(y-z) =(y-z)(x+y+z).Therefore
\frac{d(x-y)}{x-y} = \frac{d(y-z)}{y-z},so
\boxed{\frac{x-y}{y-z}=C_1}.Step 3: Find a second independent integral
Consider
V=xy+yz+zx.Along a characteristic,
\frac{dV}{ds} =(y+z)\frac{dx}{ds} +(x+z)\frac{dy}{ds} +(x+y)\frac{dz}{ds}.Substituting the characteristic equations and simplifying gives
\frac{dV}{ds}=0.Hence
\boxed{xy+yz+zx=C_2}.Step 4: Combine the two first integrals
The general solution of a Lagrange PDE is an arbitrary relation between two independent first integrals.
Final Answer: \boxed{\displaystyle \Phi\left(\frac{x-y}{\,y-z\,},\,xy+yz+zx\right)=0} where \Phi is an arbitrary differentiable function. Equivalent forms obtained from ratios of the pairwise differences are also valid.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 5(b)
Using Monge’s method, solve the wave equation r=a^2t, a\gt0, where r=z_{xx} and t=z_{yy}.
Solution
Step 1: Write the PDE in standard second-order form
The equation is
z_{xx}-a^2z_{yy}=0.It is the two-variable wave equation.
Step 2: Find the characteristic directions
For
A z_{xx}+2H z_{xy}+B z_{yy}=0,the characteristic equation is
A(dy)^2-2H\,dx\,dy+B(dx)^2=0.Here A=1, H=0 and B=-a^2. Hence
(dy)^2-a^2(dx)^2=0,or
dy=\pm a\,dx.Step 3: Integrate the characteristic equations
The two independent characteristic variables are
y-ax=C_1,\qquad y+ax=C_2.Step 4: Write the general solution
For the wave equation, the general solution is an arbitrary function of each characteristic variable:
z=\phi(y+ax)+\psi(y-ax).Step 5: Verify
Differentiating twice,
z_{xx}=a^2\phi''(y+ax)+a^2\psi''(y-ax),while
z_{yy}=\phi''(y+ax)+\psi''(y-ax).Thus z_{xx}=a^2z_{yy}.
Final Answer: \boxed{z=\phi(y+ax)+\psi(y-ax)} where \phi and \psi are arbitrary twice-differentiable functions.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 6(a)
Is the Jacobi condition fulfilled for the extremal of
J[y]=\int_0^a\left(y'^2-4y^2-e^{-x^2}\right)\,dx,\qquad a\ne\frac{n\pi}{2},with fixed boundaries A(0,0) and B(a,0)?
Solution
Step 1: Find the extremal
The integrand is
F(x,y,y')=y'^2-4y^2-e^{-x^2}.The Euler-Lagrange equation is
\frac{d}{dx}F_{y'}-F_y=0.Now
F_{y'}=2y',\qquad F_y=-8y,so
2y''+8y=0 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad y''+4y=0.Hence
y=C_1\cos2x+C_2\sin2x.From y(0)=0, C_1=0. From y(a)=0,
C_2\sin2a=0.Since the question assumes a\ne n\pi/2, \sin2a\ne0, so C_2=0. Thus the extremal is y=0.
Step 2: Form the Jacobi equation
Here
F_{y'y'}=2,\qquad F_{yy}=-8,\qquad F_{yy'}=0.The Jacobi equation becomes
\frac{d}{dx}(2u')-(-8)u=0,or
u''+4u=0.Step 3: Find points conjugate to \(x=0\)
A Jacobi field vanishing at x=0 is, up to a constant multiple,
u(x)=\sin2x.Its positive zeros occur at
x=\frac{n\pi}{2},\qquad n=1,2,\ldotsThus the first conjugate point to 0 is \pi/2.
Step 4: Apply the Jacobi condition
For the Jacobi condition to hold throughout (0,a], there must be no conjugate point before or at a. Therefore, for positive a, the strengthened Jacobi condition holds when
0\lt a\lt\frac{\pi}{2}.If a\gt\pi/2, the interval already contains the conjugate point \pi/2, so the Jacobi condition fails even when a itself is not a multiple of \pi/2.
Final Answer: For a\gt0, the Jacobi condition is fulfilled on the whole interval precisely before the first conjugate point: \boxed{0\lt a\lt\frac{\pi}{2}} It fails for a\gt\pi/2.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 6(b)
Using Euler’s method, solve \frac{dy}{dt}=1-t+4y, y(0)=1, on 0\le t\le0.5 with h=0.1. If the exact solution is stated as y=-\frac9{16}+\frac14t+\frac{19}{16}e^{4t}, compute the error and percentage error.
Solution
Step 1: Write Euler’s iteration formula
For
y'=f(t,y)=1-t+4y,Euler’s method is
y_{n+1}=y_n+h\,f(t_n,y_n),\qquad h=0.1.Step 2: Compute the successive approximations
Starting with t_0=0, y_0=1:
At t_1=0.1:
y_1=1+0.1(1-0+4)=1.5.
At t_2=0.2:
y_2=1.5+0.1(1-0.1+4(1.5))=2.19.
At t_3=0.3:
y_3=2.19+0.1(1-0.2+4(2.19))=3.146.
At t_4=0.4:
y_4=3.146+0.1(1-0.3+4(3.146))=4.4744.
At t_5=0.5:
y_5=4.4744+0.1(1-0.4+4(4.4744))=6.32416.
Step 3: Verify the correct exact solution
Solving
y'-4y=1-tgives
y=\frac14t-\frac3{16}+Ce^{4t}.Using y(0)=1,
C=\frac{19}{16}.Step 4: Compute the error at \(t=0.5\)
The exact value is
y(0.5) =-\frac3{16}+\frac18+\frac{19}{16}e^2 \approx8.712004.The Euler approximation is
y_E(0.5)=6.32416.Therefore the absolute error is
E=\lvert8.712004-6.32416\rvert \approx2.387844.Step 5: Compute the percentage error
\%\text{ error} =\frac{2.387844}{8.712004}\times100 \approx27.41\%.Final Answer:
Euler approximation at t=0.5:
\boxed{6.32416}
Correct exact value:
\boxed{8.712004\text{ (approximately)}}
Absolute error:
\boxed{2.387844\text{ (approximately)}}
Percentage error:
\boxed{27.41\%\text{ (approximately)}}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 7(a)
If
C(t)=\int_t^\infty\frac{\cos x}{x}\,dx,show that its Laplace transform is stated as \log\frac{\sqrt{s^2+1}}{s}.
Solution
Step 1: Start from the definition
\mathcal L\{C(t)\} =\int_0^\infty e^{-st}\left(\int_t^\infty\frac{\cos x}{x}\,dx\right)dt.Step 2: Interchange the order of integration
The region is 0\le t\le x\lt\infty. Hence
\begin{aligned} \mathcal L\{C(t)\} &=\int_0^\infty\frac{\cos x}{x} \left(\int_0^x e^{-st}\,dt\right)dx\\ &=\frac1s\int_0^\infty \frac{(1-e^{-sx})\cos x}{x}\,dx. \end{aligned}Step 3: Evaluate the remaining parameter integral
Define
I(s)=\int_0^\infty\frac{(1-e^{-sx})\cos x}{x}\,dx.Differentiate with respect to s:
I'(s)=\int_0^\infty e^{-sx}\cos x\,dx =\frac{s}{s^2+1}.Step 4: Integrate with respect to \(s\)
Since I(0)=0,
I(s)=\int_0^s\frac{u}{u^2+1}\,du =\frac12\log(1+s^2).Step 5: Substitute back
\mathcal L\{C(t)\} =\frac{I(s)}{s} =\frac{1}{2s}\log(1+s^2).Final Answer: \boxed{\displaystyle \mathcal L\{C(t)\}(s) =\frac{1}{2s}\log(1+s^2) =\frac1s\log\sqrt{1+s^2}} for s\gt0.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 7(b)
Write the algorithm for the Bisection method for finding a real root of f(x)=0 in [a,b]. Further, develop a simple C program for a real root of x^3-2x-1=0 using the Bisection method.
Solution
Step 1: State the condition for the Bisection method
If f is continuous on [a,b] and
f(a)f(b)\lt0,then, by the Intermediate Value Theorem, at least one real root lies between a and b.
Step 2: Bisection algorithm
- Choose a and b with f(a)f(b)\lt0.
- Compute the midpoint c=(a+b)/2.
- If \lvert f(c)\rvert is below the required tolerance, stop.
- If f(a)f(c)\lt0, replace b by c.
- Otherwise replace a by c.
- Repeat until the interval or function-value error is below the tolerance.
Step 3: Select an interval for the given polynomial
Let
f(x)=x^3-2x-1.On [1,2],
f(1)=-2,\qquad f(2)=3,so a root lies in (1,2). Bisection converges to the positive root
x\approx1.618034.Step 4: C program
#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>
double f(double x)
{
return x*x*x - 2*x - 1;
}
int main(void)
{
double a = 1.0, b = 2.0, c;
double tol = 1e-6;
if (f(a) * f(b) > 0)
{
printf("Choose another interval.\n");
return 0;
}
while ((b - a) / 2.0 > tol)
{
c = (a + b) / 2.0;
if (fabs(f(c)) < tol)
break;
if (f(a) * f(c) < 0)
b = c;
else
a = c;
}
c = (a + b) / 2.0;
printf("Root = %.6f\n", c);
return 0;
}Step 5: State the numerical result
Running the program with the interval [1,2] gives approximately
x=1.618034.Final Answer: A real root in (1,2) is \boxed{x\approx1.618034}.
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 8(a)
Let C be the unit circle z=e^{i\theta}, -\pi\le\theta\le\pi. First show that, for any real constant a,
\int_C\frac{e^{az}}{z}\,dz=2\pi i,then derive
\int_0^\pi e^{a\cos\theta}\cos(a\sin\theta)\,d\theta=\pi.Solution
Step 1: Evaluate the contour integral by Cauchy’s formula
The function e^{az} is entire. Since 0 lies inside the unit circle, Cauchy’s integral formula gives
\int_C\frac{e^{az}}{z}\,dz =2\pi i\,e^{a\cdot0} =2\pi i.Step 2: Parametrize the unit circle
Set
z=e^{i\theta},\qquad dz=i e^{i\theta}\,d\theta.Then
\frac{dz}{z}=i\,d\theta.Therefore
\int_C\frac{e^{az}}{z}\,dz =i\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}e^{a e^{i\theta}}\,d\theta.Step 3: Separate the real and imaginary parts
Using e^{i\theta}=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta,
e^{a e^{i\theta}} =e^{a\cos\theta} \left[\cos(a\sin\theta)+i\sin(a\sin\theta)\right].Hence
i\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{a\cos\theta} \left[\cos(a\sin\theta)+i\sin(a\sin\theta)\right]d\theta =2\pi i.Step 4: Use symmetry
The function
e^{a\cos\theta}\sin(a\sin\theta)is odd in \theta, so its integral from -\pi to \pi is zero. Therefore
\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} e^{a\cos\theta}\cos(a\sin\theta)\,d\theta =2\pi.Step 5: Use evenness
The remaining integrand is even, hence
2\int_0^\pi e^{a\cos\theta}\cos(a\sin\theta)\,d\theta=2\pi.Final Answer: \boxed{\displaystyle \int_0^\pi e^{a\cos\theta}\cos(a\sin\theta)\,d\theta=\pi}
HPAS 2024 Maths Optional Paper 2 Question 8(b)
Let f and g be Riemann integrable on [a,b]. Show that:
(i) fg is integrable on [a,b].
(ii) \max(f,g) and \min(f,g) are integrable on [a,b].
Solution
Step 1: Use boundedness of Riemann integrable functions
Since f and g are Riemann integrable, both are bounded. Choose constants M_f,M_g such that
\lvert f(x)\rvert\le M_f,\qquad \lvert g(x)\rvert\le M_g.Step 2: Control the oscillation of the product
For any two points x,y in the same subinterval,
\begin{aligned} \lvert f(x)g(x)-f(y)g(y)\rvert &=\lvert f(x)(g(x)-g(y))+g(y)(f(x)-f(y))\rvert\\ &\le M_f\lvert g(x)-g(y)\rvert +M_g\lvert f(x)-f(y)\rvert. \end{aligned}Thus the oscillation of fg on each subinterval is at most M_f times the oscillation of g plus M_g times the oscillation of f.
Step 3: Apply the Darboux criterion
Because f and g are integrable, for any \varepsilon\gt0 we can choose a common refinement P for which their upper-minus-lower sums are sufficiently small. The inequality above then gives
U(fg,P)-L(fg,P)\lt\varepsilon.Hence fg is Riemann integrable.
Step 4: Show that the absolute value of an integrable function is integrable
If h is integrable, then
\big|\lvert h(x)\rvert-\lvert h(y)\rvert\big| \le\lvert h(x)-h(y)\rvert.Therefore the oscillation of \lvert h\rvert is no larger than that of h. So \lvert h\rvert is integrable.
Step 5: Express maximum and minimum algebraically
Since f-g is integrable, \lvert f-g\rvert is integrable. Now use
\max(f,g)=\frac{f+g+\lvert f-g\rvert}{2},and
\min(f,g)=\frac{f+g-\lvert f-g\rvert}{2}.Sums and scalar multiples of integrable functions are integrable. Hence both the maximum and minimum are integrable.
Final Conclusion: \boxed{fg,\ \max(f,g),\ \min(f,g)\in\mathcal R[a,b].}