HPAS 2025 Mathematics Optional Paper 1: Solved PYQ with Step-by-Step Solutions
This page contains the HPAS 2025 Mathematics Optional Paper 1 solved question paper with step-by-step, KaTeX-formatted solutions. It is designed for HPAS Mathematics Optional aspirants revising previous year questions (PYQs), important methods, and exam-ready derivations.
Use the question index below to jump directly to Algebra, Calculus, Real Analysis, Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Statics, Dynamics and special-function questions from the paper.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper 1 Solutions: Question Index
- Question 1(a): Area bounded by curves
- Question 1(b): Shortest distance between lines
- Question 1(c): Matrix Diagonalization
- Question 1(d): Beta & Gamma functions
- Question 1(e): Legendre polynomials
- Question 2(a): Maximal linearly independent set
- Question 2(b): Derivative of inverse function
- Question 3(a): Lagrange multipliers (Minimization)
- Question 3(b): Directional derivative & Continuity
- Question 3(c): Improper integral convergence
- Question 4(a): Tangent planes of an ellipsoid
- Question 4(b): Matrix of linear operator
- Question 5(a): Clairaut’s differential equation
- Question 5(b): Poisson equation & Vector calculus
- Question 6(a): Variation of parameters
- Question 6(b): Cauchy-Euler differential equation
- Question 6(c): Coplanar forces in equilibrium
- Question 7(a): Radial and transverse velocities
- Question 7(b): Directional derivative maximum
- Question 7(c): Irrotational & solenoidal vectors
- Question 8(a): Bessel functions
- Question 8(b): Initial value problem
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 1(a)
Determine the area bounded by the curves xy=2, 4y=x^{2} and y = 4.
Solution
Given Curves:
- A hyperbola: xy = 2 \implies y = \frac{2}{x}
- A parabola: 4y = x^2 \implies y = \frac{x^2}{4}
- A horizontal line: y = 4
Step 1: Find the points of intersection
To find the bounded region, we first determine where these curves intersect each other in the first quadrant (since x and y are positive).
Intersection of xy = 2 and 4y = x^2:
Substitute y = \frac{x^2}{4} into xy = 2:
x \left( \frac{x^2}{4} \right) = 2 \implies \frac{x^3}{4} = 2 \implies x^3 = 8 \implies x = 2
When x = 2, y = \frac{2^2}{4} = 1.
Intersection point: (2, 1)
Intersection of xy = 2 and y = 4:
x(4) = 2 \implies x = \frac{1}{2}
Intersection point: (1/2, 4)
Intersection of 4y = x^2 and y = 4:
4(4) = x^2 \implies x^2 = 16 \implies x = 4 \text{ (taking the positive root for the 1st quadrant)}
Intersection point: (4, 4)

Step 2: Set up the integral
We can integrate with respect to the x-axis or the y-axis. Integrating with respect to y is much simpler because it only requires evaluating a single integral.
We look at the region from the lowest y-value (y = 1) to the highest y-value (y = 4).
- The right boundary is the parabola: x = 2\sqrt{y}
- The left boundary is the hyperbola: x = \frac{2}{y}
The formula for the area bounded between these curves with respect to y is:
\text{Area} = \int_{y_1}^{y_2} (x_{\text{right}} - x_{\text{left}}) \, dy
Step 3: Evaluate the integral
Substitute the boundaries and limits into the formula:
\text{Area} = \int_{1}^{4} \left( 2\sqrt{y} - \frac{2}{y} \right) \, dy
Now, integrate term by term:
\text{Area} = 2 \int_{1}^{4} y^{\frac{1}{2}} \, dy - 2 \int_{1}^{4} \frac{1}{y} \, dy
\text{Area} = 2 \left[ \frac{y^{\frac{3}{2}}}{\frac{3}{2}} \right]_{1}^{4} - 2 \big[ \ln|y| \big]_{1}^{4}
\text{Area} = \left[ \frac{4}{3} y^{\frac{3}{2}} \right]_{1}^{4} - 2 \big( \ln(4) - \ln(1) \big)
Evaluate at the limits:
\text{Area} = \frac{4}{3} \big( 4^{\frac{3}{2}} - 1^{\frac{3}{2}} \big) - 2(\ln 4 - 0)
Since 4^{\frac{3}{2}} = (\sqrt{4})^3 = 2^3 = 8:
\text{Area} = \frac{4}{3} (8 - 1) - 2\ln(4)
\text{Area} = \frac{4}{3} (7) - 2\ln(2^2)
\text{Area} = \frac{28}{3} - 4\ln(2)
Final Answer:
The area bounded by the given curves is \frac{28}{3} - 4\ln(2) square units.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 1(b)
Find the shortest distance between the lines
x=0,\frac{1}{2}y+\frac{1}{3}z=1 \quad \text{and} \quad y=0,\frac{1}{4}x-\frac{1}{3}z=1Solution
Step 1: Express the given lines in symmetrical Cartesian form
Let the first line be L_1. The equations are x = 0 and \frac{y}{2} + \frac{z}{3} = 1.
Rewriting the second equation:
\frac{y}{2} = 1 - \frac{z}{3} \implies \frac{y-2}{-2} = \frac{z-0}{3}
Combining this with x=0, the symmetrical form of L_1 is:
\frac{x-0}{0} = \frac{y-2}{-2} = \frac{z-0}{3}
Thus, L_1 passes through the point (x_1, y_1, z_1) = (0, 2, 0) and its direction ratios are a_1, b_1, c_1 = 0, -2, 3.
Let the second line be L_2. The equations are y = 0 and \frac{x}{4} - \frac{z}{3} = 1.
Rewriting the second equation:
\frac{x}{4} = 1 + \frac{z}{3} \implies \frac{x-4}{4} = \frac{z-0}{3}
Combining this with y=0, the symmetrical form of L_2 is:
\frac{x-4}{4} = \frac{y-0}{0} = \frac{z-0}{3}
Thus, L_2 passes through the point (x_2, y_2, z_2) = (4, 0, 0) and its direction ratios are a_2, b_2, c_2 = 4, 0, 3.
Step 2: Find the direction cosines of the line of shortest distance
The line of shortest distance is the common perpendicular to both L_1 and L_2. Let its direction ratios be l, m, n.
Since it is perpendicular to both lines, we have:
0 \cdot l - 2 \cdot m + 3 \cdot n = 0
4 \cdot l + 0 \cdot m + 3 \cdot n = 0
Using cross-multiplication to solve for proportional values of l, m, n:
\frac{l}{(-2)(3) - (0)(3)} = \frac{m}{(3)(4) - (0)(3)} = \frac{n}{(0)(0) - (-2)(4)}
\frac{l}{-6} = \frac{m}{12} = \frac{n}{8}
Dividing the denominators by 2 to simplify, the direction ratios of the shortest distance line are -3, 6, 4.
To convert these direction ratios into direction cosines, we divide by the magnitude \sqrt{(-3)^2 + 6^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{9 + 36 + 16} = \sqrt{61}.
The direction cosines (l, m, n) of the common perpendicular are:
l = \frac{-3}{\sqrt{61}}, \quad m = \frac{6}{\sqrt{61}}, \quad n = \frac{4}{\sqrt{61}}
Step 3: Calculate the shortest distance using the projection method
The shortest distance (SD) is the length of the projection of the line segment joining the points (0, 2, 0) and (4, 0, 0) onto the common perpendicular. The formula is:
SD = |(x_2 - x_1)l + (y_2 - y_1)m + (z_2 - z_1)n|
Substitute the coordinates of the points and the direction cosines:
SD = \left| (4 - 0)\left(\frac{-3}{\sqrt{61}}\right) + (0 - 2)\left(\frac{6}{\sqrt{61}}\right) + (0 - 0)\left(\frac{4}{\sqrt{61}}\right) \right|
SD = \left| 4\left(\frac{-3}{\sqrt{61}}\right) - 2\left(\frac{6}{\sqrt{61}}\right) + 0 \right|
SD = \left| \frac{-12}{\sqrt{61}} - \frac{12}{\sqrt{61}} \right|
SD = \left| \frac{-24}{\sqrt{61}} \right|
Final Answer:
The shortest distance between the given lines is \frac{24}{\sqrt{61}} units.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 1(c)
Using the concept of diagonalization, compute A^{100} if A=\begin{pmatrix}2&0\\ 0&1\end{pmatrix}.
Solution
Step 1: Find the eigenvalues of matrix A
The characteristic equation of A is given by |A - \lambda I| = 0, where I is the identity matrix.
\begin{vmatrix} 2-\lambda & 0 \\ 0 & 1-\lambda \end{vmatrix} = 0
(2-\lambda)(1-\lambda) - (0)(0) = 0
So, the eigenvalues are \lambda_1 = 2 and \lambda_2 = 1.
Step 2: Find the corresponding eigenvectors
For \lambda_1 = 2:
We solve (A - 2I)X = 0
\begin{pmatrix} 2-2 & 0 \\ 0 & 1-2 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}
\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 \\ 0 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}
This gives -y = 0 \implies y = 0. Let x = 1.
The first eigenvector is X_1 = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}.
For \lambda_2 = 1:
We solve (A - 1I)X = 0
\begin{pmatrix} 2-1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1-1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}
\begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}
This gives x = 0. Let y = 1.
The second eigenvector is X_2 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}.
Step 3: Construct the modal matrix P and diagonal matrix D
The modal matrix P is formed by placing the eigenvectors as columns:
P = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} = I
Since P is the identity matrix, its inverse P^{-1} is also the identity matrix: P^{-1} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.
The diagonal matrix D is formed by the eigenvalues on the main diagonal:
D = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
Step 4: Compute A^{100}
The concept of diagonalization states that A = PDP^{-1}. Therefore, A^n = P D^n P^{-1}.
For n = 100:
A^{100} = P D^{100} P^{-1}
To find D^{100}, we simply raise the diagonal elements to the power of 100:
D^{100} = \begin{pmatrix} 2^{100} & 0 \\ 0 & 1^{100} \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 2^{100} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
Now, substitute P, D^{100}, and P^{-1} back into the equation:
A^{100} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 2^{100} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
Since multiplying by the identity matrix does not change a matrix, we get:
A^{100} = \begin{pmatrix} 2^{100} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
Final Answer:
A^{100} = \begin{pmatrix} 2^{100} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 1(d)
Using the concept of Beta function, find the value of
\int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{8}(1-x^{8})}{(1+x)^{24}}dxSolution
Step 1: Expand the integral
First, we multiply the terms in the numerator and split the integral into two separate parts:
I = \int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{8} - x^{16}}{(1+x)^{24}}dx = \int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{8}}{(1+x)^{24}}dx - \int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{16}}{(1+x)^{24}}dx
Step 2: Apply the Beta function definition
The standard property of the Beta function relating to algebraic integrals is:
B(m,n) = \int_{0}^{\infty} \frac{x^{m-1}}{(1+x)^{m+n}}dx
Let’s map our two integrals to this standard form:
- For the first integral: m - 1 = 8 \implies m = 9.
The denominator power is m + n = 24 \implies 9 + n = 24 \implies n = 15.
So, \int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{8}}{(1+x)^{24}}dx = B(9, 15). - For the second integral: m - 1 = 16 \implies m = 17.
The denominator power is m + n = 24 \implies 17 + n = 24 \implies n = 7.
So, \int_{0}^{\infty}\frac{x^{16}}{(1+x)^{24}}dx = B(17, 7).
Therefore, the total integral is:
I = B(9, 15) - B(17, 7)
Step 3: Convert to Gamma functions
Using the relationship between Beta and Gamma functions, B(m,n) = \frac{\Gamma(m)\Gamma(n)}{\Gamma(m+n)}, and knowing that for integers \Gamma(n) = (n-1)!:
I = \frac{\Gamma(9)\Gamma(15)}{\Gamma(24)} - \frac{\Gamma(17)\Gamma(7)}{\Gamma(24)}
I = \frac{8! \cdot 14!}{23!} - \frac{16! \cdot 6!}{23!}
Step 4: Factor and simplify
We can factor out the smaller factorials, 6! and 14!, from the numerator:
I = \frac{(8 \times 7 \times 6!) \cdot 14! - (16 \times 15 \times 14!) \cdot 6!}{23!}
I = \frac{6! \cdot 14! \cdot (56 - 240)}{23!}
I = \frac{-184 \cdot 6! \cdot 14!}{23!}
Now, expand 23! down to 14! to cancel it out:
I = \frac{-184 \cdot 6!}{23 \times 22 \times 21 \times 20 \times 19 \times 18 \times 17 \times 16 \times 15}
Calculate the numerator: -184 \times (6 \times 5 \times 4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1) = -184 \times 720 = -132480.
Notice that in the denominator, the product 23 \times 20 \times 18 \times 16 = 132480.
This allows for a perfect cancellation:
I = \frac{-(23 \times 20 \times 18 \times 16)}{23 \times 22 \times 21 \times 20 \times 19 \times 18 \times 17 \times 16 \times 15}
I = \frac{-1}{22 \times 21 \times 19 \times 17 \times 15}
Multiplying the remaining terms in the denominator:
I = \frac{-1}{2238390}
Final Answer:
The value of the integral is -\frac{1}{2238390}.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 1(e)
Express f(x)=x^{4}+2x^{3}-6x^{2}+5x-3 in terms of Legendre polynomials.
Solution
Step 1: Write down the standard Legendre polynomials
To express a given polynomial in terms of Legendre polynomials, we need the standard formulas for P_n(x) up to the highest power in the function (which is x^4):
P_0(x) = 1 P_1(x) = x P_2(x) = \frac{1}{2}(3x^2 - 1) P_3(x) = \frac{1}{2}(5x^3 - 3x) P_4(x) = \frac{1}{8}(35x^4 - 30x^2 + 3)Step 2: Express powers of x in terms of P_n(x)
We rearrange the above formulas to solve for x, x^2, x^3, and x^4:
From P_1(x):
x = P_1(x)From P_2(x):
3x^2 = 2P_2(x) + 1 \implies x^2 = \frac{2}{3}P_2(x) + \frac{1}{3}P_0(x)From P_3(x):
5x^3 = 2P_3(x) + 3x \implies x^3 = \frac{2}{5}P_3(x) + \frac{3}{5}P_1(x)From P_4(x):
35x^4 = 8P_4(x) + 30x^2 - 3Substitute x^2 into this equation:
35x^4 = 8P_4(x) + 30\left(\frac{2}{3}P_2(x) + \frac{1}{3}P_0(x)\right) - 3P_0(x) 35x^4 = 8P_4(x) + 20P_2(x) + 10P_0(x) - 3P_0(x) x^4 = \frac{8}{35}P_4(x) + \frac{4}{7}P_2(x) + \frac{1}{5}P_0(x)Step 3: Substitute into the given polynomial f(x)
Given function: f(x) = x^4 + 2x^3 - 6x^2 + 5x - 3
Substitute the expressions we derived:
\begin{aligned} f(x) &= \left[ \frac{8}{35}P_4(x) + \frac{4}{7}P_2(x) + \frac{1}{5}P_0(x) \right] \\ &\quad + 2\left[ \frac{2}{5}P_3(x) + \frac{3}{5}P_1(x) \right] \\ &\quad - 6\left[ \frac{2}{3}P_2(x) + \frac{1}{3}P_0(x) \right] \\ &\quad + 5[P_1(x)] - 3[P_0(x)] \end{aligned}Step 4: Group like terms and simplify
Now, collect the coefficients for each Legendre polynomial.
For P_4(x):
\frac{8}{35}P_4(x)For P_3(x):
2\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)P_3(x) = \frac{4}{5}P_3(x)For P_2(x):
\left(\frac{4}{7} - \frac{12}{3}\right)P_2(x) = \left(\frac{4}{7} - 4\right)P_2(x) = -\frac{24}{7}P_2(x)For P_1(x):
\left(\frac{6}{5} + 5\right)P_1(x) = \frac{31}{5}P_1(x)For P_0(x):
\left(\frac{1}{5} - 2 - 3\right)P_0(x) = \left(\frac{1}{5} - 5\right)P_0(x) = -\frac{24}{5}P_0(x)Final Answer:
Putting it all together, the function expressed in terms of Legendre polynomials is:
f(x) = \frac{8}{35}P_4(x) + \frac{4}{5}P_3(x) - \frac{24}{7}P_2(x) + \frac{31}{5}P_1(x) - \frac{24}{5}P_0(x)HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 2(a)
If \{u_{1},u_{2},\dots u_{n}\} is a maximal linearly independent set in a finite dimensional vector space V, then show that it is a basis for V.
Solution
Step 1: Understand the requirements for a basis
To show that a set S = \{u_1, u_2, \dots, u_n\} is a basis for the vector space V, we must formally prove two conditions:
- S is linearly independent.
- S spans V (i.e., every vector in V can be written as a linear combination of the vectors in S).
The problem explicitly states that S is a maximal linearly independent set. This inherently satisfies the first condition. Therefore, we only need to prove the second condition: that S spans V.
Step 2: Set up the proof for spanning
Let v be any arbitrary vector in the vector space V. We need to show that v can be expressed as a linear combination of \{u_1, u_2, \dots, u_n\}.
There are two possibilities for the vector v:
- Case 1: v \in S.
If v is already in the set S (for example, v = u_1), then it can trivially be written as a linear combination: v = 1 \cdot u_1 + 0 \cdot u_2 + \dots + 0 \cdot u_n. Thus, v is in the span of S. - Case 2: v \notin S.
This is the main case we must prove.
Step 3: Analyze Case 2 using the maximal property
Assume v \notin S. Let us create a new set S' by adding the vector v to our existing set S:
S' = \{u_1, u_2, \dots, u_n, v\}Since S is defined as the maximal linearly independent set in V, adding any other vector from V to S must destroy its linear independence. Therefore, the new set S' must be linearly dependent.
Step 4: Apply the definition of linear dependence
Because S' is linearly dependent, there exist scalars c_1, c_2, \dots, c_n, a belonging to the underlying field, not all zero, such that their linear combination equals the zero vector:
c_1 u_1 + c_2 u_2 + \dots + c_n u_n + a v = 0Now, we must firmly establish that the scalar a cannot be zero.
Proof by contradiction: Suppose a = 0. Then our equation reduces to:
c_1 u_1 + c_2 u_2 + \dots + c_n u_n = 0But we already know that the original set S = \{u_1, u_2, \dots, u_n\} is linearly independent. By the definition of linear independence, the only way a linear combination of its elements can equal zero is if all the coefficients are zero. This forces c_1 = c_2 = \dots = c_n = 0.
However, if a = 0 and all c_i = 0, this contradicts our earlier statement that not all scalars are zero (the condition for S' being linearly dependent). Thus, our assumption that a = 0 must be false.
Therefore, we can confidently state that a \neq 0.
Step 5: Express v as a linear combination
Since a \neq 0, we can safely divide by it. Let’s rearrange the equation to solve for v:
a v = -c_1 u_1 - c_2 u_2 - \dots - c_n u_nDivide the entire equation by a:
v = \left(-\frac{c_1}{a}\right) u_1 + \left(-\frac{c_2}{a}\right) u_2 + \dots + \left(-\frac{c_n}{a}\right) u_nLet k_i = -\frac{c_i}{a} represent new scalars. We can rewrite this cleanly as:
v = k_1 u_1 + k_2 u_2 + \dots + k_n u_nFinal Conclusion:
This equation proves that any arbitrary vector v \in V can be expressed as a linear combination of the vectors in S. Thus, S spans V. Since S is both linearly independent and spans the vector space V, it formally constitutes a basis for V. Hence Proved.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 2(b)
Let f be a one-to-one continuous function on an open interval I, and let J=f(I). If f is differentiable at x_{0}\in I and f^{\prime}(x_{0})\ne0 then show that f^{-1} is differentiable at y_{0}=f(x_{0}) and (f^{-1})^{\prime}(y_{0})=\frac{1}{f^{\prime}(x_{0})}.
Solution
Step 1: Establish the properties of the inverse function
Since f is a one-to-one (injective) and continuous function on an open interval I, it is strictly monotonic. Therefore, its inverse function, which we will denote as g = f^{-1}, exists and is defined on the interval J = f(I).
By the standard theorems of real analysis, the inverse of a continuous and strictly monotonic function on an interval is also continuous. Thus, g is continuous on J.
Step 2: Set up the difference quotient for the derivative of g
We are given y_0 = f(x_0), which means x_0 = g(y_0).
To find the derivative of g at y_0, we must evaluate the following limit:
g^{\prime}(y_0) = \lim_{y \to y_0} \frac{g(y) - g(y_0)}{y - y_0}Let y be an arbitrary point in J such that y \neq y_0. Since f is bijective from I to J, there exists a unique x \in I such that y = f(x).
Because f is one-to-one, y \neq y_0 \implies f(x) \neq f(x_0) \implies x \neq x_0.
Step 3: Substitute variables to transform the limit
Substitute g(y) = x, g(y_0) = x_0, y = f(x), and y_0 = f(x_0) into the difference quotient:
\frac{g(y) - g(y_0)}{y - y_0} = \frac{x - x_0}{f(x) - f(x_0)}Since x \neq x_0, we can rewrite this fraction by dividing the numerator and the denominator by (x - x_0):
\frac{g(y) - g(y_0)}{y - y_0} = \frac{1}{\frac{f(x) - f(x_0)}{x - x_0}}Step 4: Evaluate the limit as y \to y_0
We established in Step 1 that g is continuous at y_0. Therefore, as y \to y_0, g(y) \to g(y_0). This is exactly equivalent to saying as y \to y_0, x \to x_0.
Now, apply the limit to our transformed equation:
\lim_{y \to y_0} \frac{g(y) - g(y_0)}{y - y_0} = \lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{1}{\frac{f(x) - f(x_0)}{x - x_0}}Step 5: Apply the definition of the derivative of f
Using the limit laws, the limit of a quotient is the quotient of the limits, provided the limit of the denominator exists and is not zero:
\lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{1}{\frac{f(x) - f(x_0)}{x - x_0}} = \frac{1}{\lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{f(x) - f(x_0)}{x - x_0}}We are given that f is differentiable at x_0, meaning \lim_{x \to x_0} \frac{f(x) - f(x_0)}{x - x_0} = f^{\prime}(x_0). We are also explicitly given that f^{\prime}(x_0) \neq 0, so the division is valid.
g^{\prime}(y_0) = \frac{1}{f^{\prime}(x_0)}Final Conclusion:
Replacing g with f^{-1}, we have proven that the inverse function is differentiable at y_0 and its derivative is:
(f^{-1})^{\prime}(y_0) = \frac{1}{f^{\prime}(x_0)}Hence Proved.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 3(a)
Use the Lagrange method of multipliers, find the minimum value of x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2} subject to the constraints x+y+z=1 and xyz+1=0.
Solution
Let
F=x^2+y^2+z^2,\qquad g=x+y+z-1,\qquad h=xyz+1.Using Lagrange multipliers \lambda and \mu,
\nabla F+\lambda\nabla g+\mu\nabla h=0.Hence,
2x+\lambda+\mu yz=0,\quad 2y+\lambda+\mu xz=0,\quad 2z+\lambda+\mu xy=0.Subtracting these equations pairwise gives
(x-y)(2-\mu z)=0,\quad (y-z)(2-\mu x)=0,\quad (x-z)(2-\mu y)=0.If x,y,z were all distinct, the second factors would all have to vanish, forcing x=y=z, a contradiction. Therefore at least two variables are equal. By symmetry, take x=y=t. Then
2t+z=1\quad\Longrightarrow\quad z=1-2t.The second constraint gives
t^2(1-2t)=-1 \quad\Longrightarrow\quad 2t^3-t^2-1=0.Factorising,
2t^3-t^2-1=(t-1)(2t^2+t+1).Since 2t^2+t+1 has discriminant 1-8=-7\lt 0, the only real solution is t=1. Thus z=-1. By symmetry, the feasible stationary points are
(1,1,-1),\qquad (1,-1,1),\qquad (-1,1,1).The feasible set is closed, and F=x^2+y^2+z^2\to\infty as \|(x,y,z)\|\to\infty; hence a global minimum is attained. Also, the two constraint gradients cannot be dependent at a feasible point (dependence would force x=y=z, which is incompatible with the constraints). Therefore every constrained minimum is captured by the Lagrange equations above.
At any of the three stationary points,
F=1^2+1^2+(-1)^2=3.Final Answer: The minimum value is 3, attained at the permutations of (1,1,-1).
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 3(b)
Show that the function f(x,y)=\begin{cases}\frac{xy}{x^{2}+y^{2}}&\text{if } (x,y)\ne(0,0)\\ 0&\text{if } (x,y)=(0,0)\end{cases} possesses a directional derivative in every direction at (0, 0) but it is not continuous at (0, 0).
Solution
Let \mathbf{u}=(\cos\theta,\sin\theta) be a unit direction. By definition,
D_{\mathbf{u}}f(0,0) =\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(h\cos\theta,h\sin\theta)-f(0,0)}{h}.For h\ne0,
f(h\cos\theta,h\sin\theta) =\frac{h^2\cos\theta\sin\theta} {h^2(\cos^2\theta+\sin^2\theta)} =\cos\theta\sin\theta.Therefore,
D_{\mathbf{u}}f(0,0) =\lim_{h\to0}\frac{\cos\theta\sin\theta}{h}.This limit is finite only when \cos\theta\sin\theta=0, i.e. along the x– and y-axes. In those directions the derivative equals 0. Thus the function does not have directional derivatives in every direction.
To test continuity, approach the origin along y=mx:
f(x,mx) =\frac{mx^2}{x^2+m^2x^2} =\frac{m}{1+m^2}.The limit depends on m. For example, along y=x it equals \frac12, whereas along y=0 it equals 0. Hence the two-variable limit at the origin does not exist.
Final Answer: For the function exactly as printed, f is not continuous at (0,0), and the assertion that it has a directional derivative in every direction is incorrect. Only the axis-direction derivatives exist, and they are 0.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 3(c)
Examine the convergence of the improper integral
\int_{0}^{1}\frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\,dxSolution
The integral is improper only at x=0. Write it as a limit:
I=\lim_{\varepsilon\to0^+}\int_{\varepsilon}^{1}\frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\,dx.Using integration by parts,
\int \frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\,dx =2\sqrt{x}\log x-4\sqrt{x}+C.Therefore,
\begin{aligned} I &=\lim_{\varepsilon\to0^+} \left[2\sqrt{x}\log x-4\sqrt{x}\right]_{\varepsilon}^{1}\\ &=-4-\lim_{\varepsilon\to0^+} \left(2\sqrt{\varepsilon}\log\varepsilon-4\sqrt{\varepsilon}\right). \end{aligned}Since \sqrt{\varepsilon}\log\varepsilon\to0 and \sqrt{\varepsilon}\to0 as \varepsilon\to0^+, we obtain
I=-4.To test absolute convergence, note that \log x is negative for x\in(0,1). Hence
\begin{aligned} \int_0^1\left\lvert\frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\right\rvert\,dx &=-\int_0^1\frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\,dx\\ &=4. \end{aligned}Thus the integral of the absolute value is finite, so the given improper integral is absolutely convergent.
Final Answer: The improper integral is absolutely convergent, and
\boxed{\displaystyle \int_0^1\frac{\log x}{\sqrt{x}}\,dx=-4}
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 4(a)
Show that the tangent planes at the extremities of any diameter of an ellipsoid are parallel.
Solution
Step 1: Define the ellipsoid and its diameter
Let the standard equation of the ellipsoid be:
\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} + \frac{z^2}{c^2} = 1A diameter of an ellipsoid is a chord passing through its center. The center of this standard ellipsoid is at the origin (0, 0, 0).
Let P(x_1, y_1, z_1) be one extremity of a diameter. Since the diameter passes through the origin, the other extremity Q will be symmetrically opposite to P across the origin. Thus, the coordinates of Q are (-x_1, -y_1, -z_1).
Step 2: Find the direction cosines of the tangent plane at P
The equation of the tangent plane to the ellipsoid at the point P(x_1, y_1, z_1) is:
\frac{x x_1}{a^2} + \frac{y y_1}{b^2} + \frac{z z_1}{c^2} = 1The direction ratios of the normal to this tangent plane are proportional to the coefficients of x, y, and z. Let’s call these direction ratios a_1, b_1, c_1:
a_1 = \frac{x_1}{a^2}, \quad b_1 = \frac{y_1}{b^2}, \quad c_1 = \frac{z_1}{c^2}To find the direction cosines (l_1, m_1, n_1) of this normal, we divide the direction ratios by their magnitude D, where D = \sqrt{\left(\frac{x_1}{a^2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y_1}{b^2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{z_1}{c^2}\right)^2}:
l_1 = \frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{x_1}{a^2}\right), \quad m_1 = \frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{y_1}{b^2}\right), \quad n_1 = \frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{z_1}{c^2}\right)Step 3: Find the direction cosines of the tangent plane at Q
Now, the equation of the tangent plane at the opposite extremity Q(-x_1, -y_1, -z_1) is:
\frac{x(-x_1)}{a^2} + \frac{y(-y_1)}{b^2} + \frac{z(-z_1)}{c^2} = 1 -\frac{x x_1}{a^2} - \frac{y y_1}{b^2} - \frac{z z_1}{c^2} = 1The direction ratios of the normal to this second plane, say a_2, b_2, c_2, are:
a_2 = -\frac{x_1}{a^2}, \quad b_2 = -\frac{y_1}{b^2}, \quad c_2 = -\frac{z_1}{c^2}Notice that the magnitude of this normal vector is exactly the same value D, because the squares of the negative terms become positive. The direction cosines (l_2, m_2, n_2) for this second tangent plane are:
l_2 = -\frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{x_1}{a^2}\right), \quad m_2 = -\frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{y_1}{b^2}\right), \quad n_2 = -\frac{1}{D}\left(\frac{z_1}{c^2}\right)Step 4: Prove the planes are parallel
Comparing the direction cosines of the two normals, we can clearly see the relationship:
l_2 = -l_1, \quad m_2 = -m_1, \quad n_2 = -n_1When the direction cosines of two normals are either exactly identical or exact negatives of each other, it means they share the same line of action (they are simply oriented in opposite directions). Because their normal vectors are parallel, the planes to which they are perpendicular must also be parallel.
Final Conclusion:
Hence, it is shown that the tangent planes at the extremities of any diameter of an ellipsoid are always parallel. (Hence Proved)
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 4(b)
Let T be the linear operator on \mathbb{R}^3 defined by
T(x_{1},x_{2},x_{3})=(3x_{1}+x_{3},-2x_{1}+x_{2},-x_{1}+2x_{2}+4x_{3})Then compute the matrix of T in the ordered basis \{a_{1},a_{2},a_{3}\} where a_{1}=(1,0,1), a_{2}=(-1,2,1) and a_{3}=(2,1,1).
Solution
Step 1: Find the images of the new basis vectors under T
We first calculate the transformation of each basis vector in B = \{a_1, a_2, a_3\}.
For a_1 = (1, 0, 1):
T(a_1) = (3(1) + 1, -2(1) + 0, -1(1) + 2(0) + 4(1)) = (4, -2, 3)
For a_2 = (-1, 2, 1):
T(a_2) = (3(-1) + 1, -2(-1) + 2, -1(-1) + 2(2) + 4(1)) = (-2, 4, 9)
For a_3 = (2, 1, 1):
T(a_3) = (3(2) + 1, -2(2) + 1, -1(2) + 2(1) + 4(1)) = (7, -3, 4)
Step 2: Set up the linear combinations
To find the matrix of T, we must express each of these image vectors as a linear combination of the basis vectors a_1, a_2, a_3.
Let (x, y, z) be an arbitrary image vector. We set up the equation:
(x, y, z) = c_1 a_1 + c_2 a_2 + c_3 a_3 (x, y, z) = c_1(1, 0, 1) + c_2(-1, 2, 1) + c_3(2, 1, 1)This generates the following system of linear equations:
1) c_1 - c_2 + 2c_3 = x
2) 2c_2 + c_3 = y
3) c_1 + c_2 + c_3 = z
Step 3: Solve for the scalars by substituting the images
Now, we substitute (x, y, z) with the three image vectors we calculated and solve the resulting 3×3 systems of equations directly.
For T(a_1) = (4, -2, 3):
Substitute x=4, y=-2, z=3:
c_{11} - c_{21} + 2c_{31} = 4
2c_{21} + c_{31} = -2
c_{11} + c_{21} + c_{31} = 3
Solving this system yields: c_{11} = \frac{17}{4}, \quad c_{21} = -\frac{3}{4}, \quad c_{31} = -\frac{2}{4}
Thus, T(a_1) = \frac{17}{4}a_1 - \frac{3}{4}a_2 - \frac{2}{4}a_3
For T(a_2) = (-2, 4, 9):
Substitute x=-2, y=4, z=9:
c_{12} - c_{22} + 2c_{32} = -2
2c_{22} + c_{32} = 4
c_{12} + c_{22} + c_{32} = 9
Solving this system yields: c_{12} = \frac{35}{4}, \quad c_{22} = \frac{15}{4}, \quad c_{32} = -\frac{14}{4}
Thus, T(a_2) = \frac{35}{4}a_1 + \frac{15}{4}a_2 - \frac{14}{4}a_3
For T(a_3) = (7, -3, 4):
Substitute x=7, y=-3, z=4:
c_{13} - c_{23} + 2c_{33} = 7
2c_{23} + c_{33} = -3
c_{13} + c_{23} + c_{33} = 4
Solving this system yields: c_{13} = \frac{22}{4}, \quad c_{23} = -\frac{6}{4}, \quad c_{33} = \frac{0}{4}
Thus, T(a_3) = \frac{22}{4}a_1 - \frac{6}{4}a_2 + \frac{0}{4}a_3
Step 4: Construct the transformation matrix
The matrix of T relative to the basis B is formed by taking the sets of scalars (c_1, c_2, c_3) for each image and placing them as the columns of the matrix:
Final Answer:
[T]_B = \frac{1}{4} \begin{pmatrix} 17 & 35 & 22 \\ -3 & 15 & -6 \\ -2 & -14 & 0 \end{pmatrix}HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 5(a)
Determine the general and the singular solutions of the differential equation
x^{3}p^{2}+x^{2}yp+a^{3}=0where p=dy/dx and a is an arbitrary constant.
Solution
Step 1: Identify the type of equation and choose a substitution
The given differential equation is of the first order but of a higher degree in p. Equations containing algebraic powers of x, y, and p can often be reduced to Clairaut’s Equation by a suitable substitution.
Let us make the substitution:
X = \frac{1}{x} \quad \text{and} \quad Y = y
Step 2: Transform the derivative p into the new coordinate system
We need to find the new derivative, let’s call it P, where P = \frac{dY}{dX}.
Using the chain rule from calculus, \frac{dY}{dX} = \frac{dY/dx}{dX/dx}.
Differentiate our substitutions with respect to x:
\frac{dY}{dx} = \frac{dy}{dx} = p
\frac{dX}{dx} = \frac{d}{dx}\left(x^{-1}\right) = -x^{-2} = -\frac{1}{x^2}
Now, calculate P:
P = \frac{p}{-1/x^2} = -x^2 p
From this, we extract p to substitute back into the original equation:
p = -\frac{P}{x^2}
Step 3: Substitute X, Y, and P into the original equation
Given equation: x^3 p^2 + x^2 y p + a^3 = 0
Substitute p = -\frac{P}{x^2} and y = Y:
x^3 \left(-\frac{P}{x^2}\right)^2 + x^2 Y \left(-\frac{P}{x^2}\right) + a^3 = 0
Since we defined X = \frac{1}{x}, we substitute X into the equation:
X P^2 - Y P + a^3 = 0
Rearranging this to solve for Y:
Y P = P^2 X + a^3 \implies Y = P X + \frac{a^3}{P}
Step 4: Find the General Solution using Clairaut’s Theorem
Result Used: The transformed equation is exactly in the form of Clairaut’s Equation, which is defined as Y = PX + f(P). According to Clairaut’s theorem, the general solution of such an equation is obtained directly by replacing the derivative P with an arbitrary constant c.
Replacing P with c:
Y = cX + \frac{a^3}{c}
Now, substitute the original variables X = \frac{1}{x} and Y = y back into the equation:
y = \frac{c}{x} + \frac{a^3}{c}
Multiply the entire equation by cx to clear the denominators:
cxy = c^2 + a^3 x
c^2 - (xy)c + a^3 x = 0 \quad \dots \text{(Equation A)}
This is the General Solution.
Step 5: Find the Singular Solution using the c-discriminant
Result Used: The singular solution of a differential equation is the envelope of the family of curves given by its general solution. When the general solution is expressed as a quadratic equation in terms of the constant c (i.e., Ac^2 + Bc + C = 0), the envelope is found by setting the discriminant (B^2 - 4AC) to zero.
From our General Solution (Equation A): c^2 - (xy)c + a^3 x = 0
Here, A = 1, B = -xy, and C = a^3 x.
Set the discriminant to zero:
B^2 - 4AC = 0
(-xy)^2 - 4(1)(a^3 x) = 0
x^2 y^2 - 4a^3 x = 0
Factor out x:
x(xy^2 - 4a^3) = 0
Since our initial substitution was X = \frac{1}{x}, we operate under the domain condition that x \neq 0. Therefore, we can divide by x:
xy^2 - 4a^3 = 0
Final Answer:
- The General Solution is: c^2 - cxy + a^3 x = 0 (where c is an arbitrary constant).
- The Singular Solution is: xy^2 = 4a^3
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 5(b)
Let f(x,y,z) be a solution of the Poisson equation \nabla^{2}f=c, a constant. If V=\nabla f, then show that \text{curl } V=0 but \text{div } V\ne0.
Solution
Given V=\nabla f. Assuming the required second partial derivatives of f are continuous, the curl of a gradient is identically zero:
\operatorname{curl}V =\nabla\times(\nabla f) =\mathbf{0}.For the divergence,
\operatorname{div}V =\nabla\cdot(\nabla f) =\nabla^2 f.Since f satisfies \nabla^2f=c,
\operatorname{div}V=c.Final Answer: \operatorname{curl}V=\mathbf0 and \operatorname{div}V=c. Therefore, for the intended Poisson case c\ne0, \operatorname{div}V\ne0.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 6(a)
Using the method of variation of parameters, find the general solution of the differential equation
\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}}+16y=32 \sec 2xSolution
Step 1: Find the Complementary Function (C.F.)
The associated homogeneous equation is:
\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} + 16y = 0The auxiliary (characteristic) equation is m^2 + 16 = 0, which gives roots m = \pm 4i.
Therefore, the Complementary Function is:
y_c = C_1 \cos 4x + C_2 \sin 4xFrom this, we identify the fundamental solutions:
y_1 = \cos 4x \quad \text{and} \quad y_2 = \sin 4x
Step 2: Compute the Wronskian (W)
The Wronskian of y_1 and y_2 is given by W = y_1 y_2' - y_2 y_1'.
\begin{aligned} W &= (\cos 4x) \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(\sin 4x) - (\sin 4x) \cdot \frac{d}{dx}(\cos 4x) \\ &= (\cos 4x)(4 \cos 4x) - (\sin 4x)(-4 \sin 4x) \\ &= 4\cos^2 4x + 4\sin^2 4x \\ &= 4(\cos^2 4x + \sin^2 4x) = 4(1) = 4 \end{aligned}Step 3: Setup Variation of Parameters
Let the Particular Integral (P.I.) be y_p = u(x)y_1 + v(x)y_2, where u and v are unknown functions of x.
The right-hand side of the given differential equation is X = 32 \sec 2x.
The formulas for u and v are:
u = -\int \frac{y_2 X}{W} dx \quad \text{and} \quad v = \int \frac{y_1 X}{W} dxStep 4: Evaluate the integral for u
\begin{aligned} u &= -\int \frac{(\sin 4x)(32 \sec 2x)}{4} dx \\ &= -8 \int \sin 4x \sec 2x \, dx \\ &= -8 \int \frac{\sin 4x}{\cos 2x} dx \end{aligned}Using the double angle identity \sin 4x = 2\sin 2x \cos 2x:
\begin{aligned} u &= -8 \int \frac{2\sin 2x \cos 2x}{\cos 2x} dx \\ &= -16 \int \sin 2x \, dx \\ &= -16 \left( -\frac{\cos 2x}{2} \right) = 8 \cos 2x \end{aligned}Step 5: Evaluate the integral for v
\begin{aligned} v &= \int \frac{(\cos 4x)(32 \sec 2x)}{4} dx \\ &= 8 \int \cos 4x \sec 2x \, dx \\ &= 8 \int \frac{\cos 4x}{\cos 2x} dx \end{aligned}Using the double angle identity \cos 4x = 2\cos^2 2x - 1:
\begin{aligned} v &= 8 \int \frac{2\cos^2 2x - 1}{\cos 2x} dx \\ &= 8 \int (2\cos 2x - \sec 2x) dx \\ &= 8 \left( \sin 2x - \frac{1}{2}\log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x| \right) \\ &= 8\sin 2x - 4\log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x| \end{aligned}Step 6: Construct the Particular Integral (P.I.)
Substitute u and v back into y_p:
\begin{aligned} y_p &= u y_1 + v y_2 \\ &= (8\cos 2x)(\cos 4x) + (8\sin 2x - 4\log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x|)(\sin 4x) \\ &= 8(\cos 4x \cos 2x + \sin 4x \sin 2x) - 4\sin 4x \log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x| \end{aligned}Using the trigonometric identity \cos(A - B) = \cos A \cos B + \sin A \sin B, we simplify the first term:
y_p = 8\cos(4x - 2x) - 4\sin 4x \log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x| y_p = 8\cos 2x - 4\sin 4x \log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x|Step 7: Final General Solution
The complete general solution is the sum of the Complementary Function and the Particular Integral: y = y_c + y_p.
y = C_1 \cos 4x + C_2 \sin 4x + 8\cos 2x - 4\sin 4x \log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x|Final Answer:
The general solution is y = C_1 \cos 4x + C_2 \sin 4x + 8\cos 2x - 4\sin 4x \log|\sec 2x + \tan 2x|, where C_1 and C_2 are arbitrary constants.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 6(b)
Solve the differential equation
x^{3}\frac{d^{3}y}{dx^{3}}+2x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}}+2y=10\left(x+\frac{1}{x}\right)Solution
Step 1: Transform into a linear equation with constant coefficients
For the derivation, work first on an interval with x\gt 0. Let x=e^t, so t=\log x, and let D=\frac{d}{dt}. The standard Cauchy-Euler substitutions are:
- x \frac{dy}{dx} = Dy
- x^2 \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = D(D-1)y
- x^3 \frac{d^3y}{dx^3} = D(D-1)(D-2)y
Substituting these into the original equation:
\left[ D(D-1)(D-2) + 2D(D-1) + 2 \right]y = 10(e^t + e^{-t}) \left[ (D^2-D)(D-2) + 2D^2 - 2D + 2 \right]y = 10(e^t + e^{-t}) \left[ D^3 - 2D^2 - D^2 + 2D + 2D^2 - 2D + 2 \right]y = 10(e^t + e^{-t}) (D^3 - D^2 + 2)y = 10(e^t + e^{-t})Step 2: Find the Complementary Function (C.F.)
The auxiliary equation is m^3 - m^2 + 2 = 0. By inspection, m = -1 is a root (-1 - 1 + 2 = 0). Dividing by (m+1):
(m+1)(m^2 - 2m + 2) = 0The roots are m_1 = -1 and m = \frac{2 \pm \sqrt{4-8}}{2} = 1 \pm i.
Thus, the C.F. in terms of t is:
y_c = C_1 e^{-t} + e^t(C_2 \cos t + C_3 \sin t)Converting back to x (e^t=x, t=\log x):
y_c = \frac{C_1}{x} + x(C_2 \cos(\log x) + C_3 \sin(\log x))Step 3: Find the Particular Integral (P.I.)
P.I. = \frac{1}{D^3 - D^2 + 2} \cdot 10(e^t + e^{-t})For 10e^t (replace D with 1):
\frac{10e^t}{1-1+2} = 5e^t = 5x
For 10e^{-t} (replace D with -1):
\frac{10e^{-t}}{(-1)^3 - (-1)^2 + 2} = \frac{10e^{-t}}{-1 - 1 + 2} = \frac{10e^{-t}}{0}
Since we have a zero denominator, multiply by t and differentiate the operator D^3-D^2+2 to get 3D^2-2D:
P.I._2 = t \cdot \frac{10e^{-t}}{3(-1)^2 - 2(-1)} = t \cdot \frac{10e^{-t}}{3+2} = 2t e^{-t} = \frac{2\log x}{x}Step 4: Final General Solution
y = y_c + P.I._1 + P.I._2 y = \frac{C_1}{x} + x(C_2 \cos(\log x) + C_3 \sin(\log x)) + 5x + \frac{2\log x}{x}Final Answer:
The general solution on any interval not crossing x=0 is y = \frac{C_1 + 2\log\lvert x\rvert}{x} + x\left(C_2 \cos(\log\lvert x\rvert) + C_3 \sin(\log\lvert x\rvert)\right) + 5x.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 6(c)
Three coplanar forces, acting on a particle, are in equilibrium. The angle between first and second force is 120^{\circ}, between second and third is 150^{\circ}. Find the ratio between the magnitude of the forces.
Solution
Step 1: Determine the angles between the forces
Let the three forces be P, Q, and R.
- Angle between P and Q is 120^{\circ}.
- Angle between Q and R is 150^{\circ}.
Since the sum of angles around a point is 360^{\circ}, the angle between the third force R and the first force P is:
360^{\circ} - (120^{\circ} + 150^{\circ}) = 360^{\circ} - 270^{\circ} = 90^{\circ}Step 2: Apply Lami’s Theorem
Result Used: Lami’s Theorem. If three forces acting on a particle are in equilibrium, each force is proportional to the sine of the angle between the other two forces.
\frac{P}{\sin(\alpha)} = \frac{Q}{\sin(\beta)} = \frac{R}{\sin(\gamma)}Where:
- \alpha is the angle between Q and R = 150^{\circ}
- \beta is the angle between P and R = 90^{\circ}
- \gamma is the angle between P and Q = 120^{\circ}
Step 3: Calculate the ratios
\frac{P}{\sin 150^{\circ}} = \frac{Q}{\sin 90^{\circ}} = \frac{R}{\sin 120^{\circ}}Substituting the sine values:
- \sin 150^{\circ} = \sin(180^{\circ} - 30^{\circ}) = \sin 30^{\circ} = \frac{1}{2}
- \sin 90^{\circ} = 1
- \sin 120^{\circ} = \sin(180^{\circ} - 60^{\circ}) = \sin 60^{\circ} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}
The proportion is:
\frac{P}{1/2} = \frac{Q}{1} = \frac{R}{\sqrt{3}/2}Multiply all terms by 2 to clear the fractions:
P : Q : R = 1 : 2 : \sqrt{3}Final Answer:
The ratio between the magnitudes of the forces P : Q : R is 1 : 2 : \sqrt{3}.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 7(a)
If the radial and transverse velocities of a particle are always proportional to each other and this holds for accelerations also, then show that its velocity will vary as some power of the radius vector.
Solution
Let the radial and transverse components of velocity be in the constant ratio
\dot r=a(r\dot\theta),where a is a non-zero constant. Put u=\dot r. Then
r\dot\theta=\frac{u}{a}.Suppose the radial and transverse accelerations are also in a constant ratio, say
a_r=b\,a_\theta,where b is constant. The polar components of acceleration are
a_r=\ddot r-r\dot\theta^2, \qquad a_\theta=r\ddot\theta+2\dot r\dot\theta.Since u=\dot r,
\ddot r=\frac{du}{dt} =u\frac{du}{dr}.Also, because r\dot\theta=u/a,
a_r=u\frac{du}{dr}-\frac{u^2}{a^2r},and using a_\theta=\frac{d}{dt}(r\dot\theta)+\frac{\dot r}{r}(r\dot\theta),
a_\theta=\frac{1}{a}\left(u\frac{du}{dr}+\frac{u^2}{r}\right).Now use a_r=b\,a_\theta:
u\frac{du}{dr}-\frac{u^2}{a^2r} =\frac{b}{a}\left(u\frac{du}{dr}+\frac{u^2}{r}\right).For non-trivial motion, divide by u^2/r. This gives
\frac{r}{u}\frac{du}{dr} =\frac{1+ab}{a(a-b)} =n,where n is a constant. Therefore,
\frac{du}{u}=n\frac{dr}{r} \quad\Longrightarrow\quad u=Cr^n.The speed is
v=\sqrt{\dot r^2+(r\dot\theta)^2} =|u|\sqrt{1+\frac1{a^2}}.Since the factor multiplying |u| is constant,
v\propto r^n.Final Answer: The velocity varies as a constant power of the radius vector: v=Kr^n for constants K and n.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 7(b)
In what direction from (3,1,-2), the directional derivative of the function f(x,y,z)=x^{2}y^{2}z^{4} is maximum and what is its magnitude?
Solution
Step 1: Compute the Gradient Vector (\nabla f)
The gradient is defined as \nabla f = \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\hat{i} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\hat{j} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial z}\hat{k}.
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2xy^2z^4 \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = 2x^2yz^4 \frac{\partial f}{\partial z} = 4x^2y^2z^3Step 2: Evaluate \nabla f at the point (3, 1, -2)
Substitute x=3, y=1, z=-2:
\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2(3)(1)^2(-2)^4 = 6(16) = 96 \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = 2(3)^2(1)(-2)^4 = 2(9)(16) = 288 \frac{\partial f}{\partial z} = 4(3)^2(1)^2(-2)^3 = 4(9)(-8) = -288Thus, \nabla f(3, 1, -2) = 96\hat{i} + 288\hat{j} - 288\hat{k}.
Step 3: Determine the Direction of Maximum Increase
The directional derivative is maximum in the direction of the gradient vector. We can simplify this direction by dividing by the common factor 96:
\text{Direction} = \hat{i} + 3\hat{j} - 3\hat{k}Step 4: Determine the Magnitude of the Maximum Directional Derivative
The maximum value of the directional derivative is the magnitude of the gradient vector |\nabla f|:
|\nabla f| = \sqrt{96^2 + 288^2 + (-288)^2} = \sqrt{96^2 + (3 \cdot 96)^2 + (-3 \cdot 96)^2} = 96 \sqrt{1^2 + 3^2 + (-3)^2} = 96 \sqrt{1 + 9 + 9} = 96 \sqrt{19}Final Answer:
The maximum directional derivative is in the direction of \hat{i} + 3\hat{j} - 3\hat{k} (or the unit vector \frac{1}{\sqrt{19}}(\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} - 3\hat{k})), and its magnitude is 96\sqrt{19}.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 7(c)
If \overline{f} and \overline{g} are irrotational, then show that \overline{f}\times\overline{g} is solenoidal.
Solution
Step 1: Define the given conditions
A vector field is called irrotational if its curl is equal to the zero vector. Since we are given that \overline{f} and \overline{g} are irrotational, we have:
\text{curl } \overline{f} = \nabla \times \overline{f} = \mathbf{0} \text{curl } \overline{g} = \nabla \times \overline{g} = \mathbf{0}Step 2: State the required vector identity
Formula Used: To find the divergence of a cross product of two vector fields, we use the standard vector calculus identity:
\text{div } (\overline{A} \times \overline{B}) = \nabla \cdot (\overline{A} \times \overline{B}) = \overline{B} \cdot (\nabla \times \overline{A}) - \overline{A} \cdot (\nabla \times \overline{B})Step 3: Apply the identity to \overline{f} \times \overline{g}
Substitute \overline{A} = \overline{f} and \overline{B} = \overline{g} into the identity:
\nabla \cdot (\overline{f} \times \overline{g}) = \overline{g} \cdot (\nabla \times \overline{f}) - \overline{f} \cdot (\nabla \times \overline{g})Now, substitute the irrotational conditions from Step 1 (\nabla \times \overline{f} = \mathbf{0} and \nabla \times \overline{g} = \mathbf{0}):
\nabla \cdot (\overline{f} \times \overline{g}) = \overline{g} \cdot (\mathbf{0}) - \overline{f} \cdot (\mathbf{0}) \nabla \cdot (\overline{f} \times \overline{g}) = 0 - 0 = 0Step 4: Final Conclusion
Result Used: A vector field is called solenoidal if its divergence is zero.
Since we have mathematically proven that the divergence of \overline{f} \times \overline{g} is exactly zero (\nabla \cdot (\overline{f} \times \overline{g}) = 0), the resulting vector field must be solenoidal.
Final Answer:
Hence, it is shown that if \overline{f} and \overline{g} are irrotational, then \overline{f} \times \overline{g} is solenoidal.
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 8(a)
Solve differential equation x\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}}+2\frac{dy}{dx}+\frac{1}{2}xy=0 in terms of Bessel functions.
Solution
Step 1: Prepare the equation for transformation
The given differential equation is:
x\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} + 2\frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{1}{2}xy = 0Multiply the entire equation by x to bring it closer to the standard Cauchy-Euler or Bessel structure:
x^2\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} + 2x\frac{dy}{dx} + \frac{1}{2}x^2 y = 0 \quad \dots \text{(Equation 1)}Step 2: Apply the substitution y = x^k u
To eliminate the unwanted coefficient in the first derivative term, we use the substitution y = x^k u, where u is a function of x.
Differentiating y with respect to x:
y' = x^k u' + kx^{k-1}u y'' = x^k u'' + 2kx^{k-1}u' + k(k-1)x^{k-2}uSubstitute these into Equation 1:
x^2(x^k u'' + 2kx^{k-1}u' + k(k-1)x^{k-2}u) + 2x(x^k u' + kx^{k-1}u) + \frac{1}{2}x^2(x^k u) = 0 x^{k+2} u'' + 2kx^{k+1}u' + k(k-1)x^k u + 2x^{k+1}u' + 2kx^k u + \frac{1}{2}x^{k+2} u = 0Divide the entire equation by x^k:
x^2 u'' + 2kx u' + k(k-1)u + 2x u' + 2ku + \frac{1}{2}x^2 u = 0Combine the like terms for u' and u:
x^2 u'' + (2k + 2)x u' + (k^2 - k + 2k)u + \frac{1}{2}x^2 u = 0 x^2 u'' + (2k + 2)x u' + \left(\frac{1}{2}x^2 + k^2 + k\right)u = 0 \quad \dots \text{(Equation 2)}Step 3: Transform into Bessel’s Standard Form
Result Used: The standard form of Bessel’s differential equation of order n is x^2 u'' + x u' + (x^2 - n^2)u = 0.
To match the coefficient of xu' to 1, we must set:
2k + 2 = 1 \implies 2k = -1 \implies k = -\frac{1}{2}Substitute k = -1/2 into Equation 2. The constant term k^2 + k becomes (-1/2)^2 - 1/2 = 1/4 - 1/2 = -1/4.
x^2 u'' + x u' + \left(\frac{1}{2}x^2 - \frac{1}{4}\right)u = 0Step 4: Scale the independent variable
The term \frac{1}{2}x^2 prevents this from being the exact standard form. Let z = \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}, which means x = \sqrt{2}z and x^2 = 2z^2.
Using the chain rule, the operators change as follows:
x \frac{du}{dx} = (\sqrt{2}z) \left( \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \frac{du}{dz} \right) = z \frac{du}{dz} x^2 \frac{d^2u}{dx^2} = (2z^2) \left( \frac{1}{2} \frac{d^2u}{dz^2} \right) = z^2 \frac{d^2u}{dz^2}Substitute these into our modified equation:
z^2 \frac{d^2u}{dz^2} + z \frac{du}{dz} + \left(z^2 - \frac{1}{4}\right)u = 0Step 5: Write the solution in terms of Bessel Functions
This is now exactly Bessel’s equation with order n^2 = 1/4 \implies n = 1/2.
The general solution for u(z) when n is not an integer is a linear combination of the Bessel functions of the first kind J_n and J_{-n}:
u(z) = C_1 J_{1/2}(z) + C_2 J_{-1/2}(z)Substitute back z = \frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}:
u(x) = C_1 J_{1/2}\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right) + C_2 J_{-1/2}\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right)Finally, substitute back into our original transformation y = x^k u = x^{-1/2} u = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} u:
Final Answer:
The general solution to the differential equation in terms of Bessel functions is:
y(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x}} \left[ C_1 J_{1/2}\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right) + C_2 J_{-1/2}\left(\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}\right) \right](Where C_1 and C_2 are arbitrary constants).
HPAS 2025 Maths Optional Paper-1 Question 8(b)
Show that the function y=cx^{2}+x+3 is a solution, though not unique, of the initial value problem x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}}-2x\frac{dy}{dx}+2y=6 with y(0)=3, y^{\prime}(0)=1 on (-\infty, \infty).
Solution
Step 1: Compute the derivatives of the proposed solution
We are given the proposed solution y = cx^2 + x + 3, where c is a constant.
First derivative: \frac{dy}{dx} = 2cx + 1
Second derivative: \frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = 2c
Step 2: Verify that it satisfies the differential equation
Substitute y, y', and y'' into the Left Hand Side (LHS) of the given differential equation x^2 y'' - 2xy' + 2y = 6:
\text{LHS} = x^2(2c) - 2x(2cx + 1) + 2(cx^2 + x + 3)Expand the terms:
\text{LHS} = 2cx^2 - 4cx^2 - 2x + 2cx^2 + 2x + 6Group the terms by powers of x:
\text{LHS} = (2c - 4c + 2c)x^2 + (-2 + 2)x + 6 \text{LHS} = 0 \cdot x^2 + 0 \cdot x + 6 = 6Since LHS = RHS (6 = 6), the function satisfies the differential equation for all real x.
Step 3: Verify the Initial Conditions
Apply the initial condition y(0) = 3:
y(0) = c(0)^2 + (0) + 3 = 3This condition is satisfied regardless of the value of c.
Apply the initial condition y'(0) = 1:
y'(0) = 2c(0) + 1 = 1This condition is also satisfied regardless of the value of c.
Step 4: Prove Non-Uniqueness
Because the initial conditions y(0)=3 and y'(0)=1 do not place any restriction on the constant c, c can be any arbitrary real number.
For example:
- If c = 1, y = x^2 + x + 3 is a solution.
- If c = 5, y = 5x^2 + x + 3 is a solution.
- If c = 0, y = x + 3 is a solution.
Since there are infinitely many valid solutions for the exact same initial value problem, the solution is not unique.
(Theoretical Justification for Mains Exam): The standard Existence and Uniqueness Theorem (Picard-Lindelöf) requires the differential equation to be written in standard form y'' + P(x)y' + Q(x)y = f(x). Dividing our equation by x^2 gives P(x) = -\frac{2}{x} and Q(x) = \frac{2}{x^2}. Both of these coefficients are discontinuous (singular) at x = 0. Because the coefficient of y'' in the original equation is x^2, it vanishes at the initial point x=0. Thus the standard linear IVP uniqueness theorem does not apply there, which is consistent with the family of solutions found above.