CSEC ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS MAY 2023 PAPER 2

SECTION I

ALGEBRA, SEQUENCES AND SERIES

ALL working must be clearly shown.

1. (a) ( )
Solve the equation, 32 x + 1 - 5 3x - 2 = 0, giving your answer to 3 decimal
places.

SOLUTION:
( )
Data: 32 x + 1 - 5 3x - 2 = 0
Required to solve: For x
Solution:
32 x + 1 - 5 ( 3x ) - 2 = 0
3 ( 32 x ) - 5 ( 3x ) - 2 = 0

3 ( 3x ) - 5 ( 3x ) - 2 = 0
2

For convenience and simplicity, we let t = 3x

The equation can now be re-written as a simple quadratic of the form
3t 2 - 5t - 2 = 0
( 3t + 1)( t - 2 ) = 0
1
\t = - OR t=2
3
1
When 3x = - When 3x = 2
3
æ 1ö
x lg 3 = lg ç - ÷ x lg 3 = lg 2
è 3ø
lg 2
However, $ lg ( - ve ) x= (in exact form)
lg 3
Hence, in this case, x has no real solutions. x = 0.6309
x » 0.631 (correct to 3 d p)

(b) (i) Given that 3 x + 2 is a factor of 3x3 + bx 2 - 3x - 2 , find the value of b.

SOLUTION:
Data: 3 x + 2 is a factor of 3x3 + bx 2 - 3x - 2

Required to find: The value of b

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 Solution:
Recall: If ( ax + b ) is a factor of any polynomial f ( x ), then, according

to the remainder and factor theorem, f æç - ö÷ = 0 .

b
è aø
Let f ( x ) = 3x + bx - 3x - 2
3 2

æ - ( 2) ö
Hence, f ç ÷=0
è 3 ø
Substituting, we get
3 2
æ 2ö æ 2ö æ 2ö
3ç - ÷ + b ç - ÷ - 3ç - ÷ - 2 = 0
è 3ø è 3ø è 3ø
8 4b
- + +2-2 = 0
9 9
4b 8
=
9 9
b=2

(ii) Hence, factorise completely 3x3 + bx 2 - 3x - 2 .

SOLUTION:
Required to factorise: 3x3 + bx 2 - 3x - 2
Solution:
From (i) b = 2
So, f ( x ) = 3x3 + 2 x 2 - 3x - 2
x2 -1
3x + 2 3x3 + 2 x 2 - 3x - 2
- 3x3 + 2 x 2
0 x2 - 0 x
- -3 x - 2
- -3 x - 2
0

(x2 -1) is a difference of two squares and factorises to (x – 1) (x + 1)

Hence, taking the given linear factor, the cubic polynomial

3x3 + 2 x 2 - 3x - 2 factorises completely to ( 3x + 2)( x - 1)( x + 1)

(c) Determine the value(s) of p for which the function px 2 + 3x + 2 p has two real
distinct roots, giving your answer in its simplest form.

SOLUTION:
Data: px 2 + 3x + 2 p

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 Required to determine: Value(s) of p if px 2 + 3x + 2 p = 0 has two real roots.
Solution:
Recall, ax 2 + bx + c = 0 has real and distinct roots when b 2 > 4ac.
Hence, if px 2 + 3x + 2 p = 0 has real and distinct roots, then
( 3) > 4 ( p )( 2 p )
2

9 > 8 p2
8 p2 < 9
9
p2 <
8

9
Let p 2 =
8
9
\p=
8
3
p=±
2 2
!
So, for p2 < " we have:

So, 9 > 8 p2 for

ì -3 3 ü
íp: < p< ý
î 2 2 2 2þ

NOTE: A function does NOT have roots but an equation does. The question
should have required the candidate to find the values of p when the
EQUATION px 2 + 3x + 2 p = 0 has real and distinct roots.

2. Given that f ( x ) = 3x 2 - 9 x + 1,

Express f ( x ) in the form a ( x + b ) + c , where a, b and c are real

2
(a) (i)
numbers.

SOLUTION:
Data: f ( x ) = 3x 2 - 9 x + 1
Required to express: f ( x ) in the form a ( x + b ) + c , where a, b and
2

c are real numbers.

Solution:

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 f ( x) = a ( x + b) + c
2

= a ( x 2 + 2bx + b 2 ) + c
3 x 2 - 9 x + 1 = ax 2 + 2abx + ab 2 + c
Equating coefficients of x 2 we get
a=3

Equating coefficients of x and using a = 3

2 ( 3) b = -9
-9
b=
6
1
b = -1
2

Equating constants and using a = 3 and b = - 1 ½

2
æ 1ö
3 ç -1 ÷ + c = 1
è 2ø
3
c = -5
4
2
Hence, f ( x ) = 3 æç x - 1 ö÷ - 5 and which is of the form
1 3
è 2ø 4
1 3
a ( x + b ) + c , where a = 3, b = -1 and c = -5 and where a, b and
2

2 4
c are real numbers.

Alternative Method:
f ( x ) = 3x 2 - 9 x + 1
f ( x ) = 3 ( x 2 - 3x ) + 1

1 1 3
( of the coefficient of x is ( -3) = - )
2 2 2
# $
So, 𝑓(𝑥)𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑠 3 0𝑥 − 1 $3 + ?
↑
9
3 7𝑥 $ − 3𝑥 + :
4
27
𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑠 3𝑥 $ − 9𝑥 +
4
3
𝑜𝑟 3𝑥 $ − 9𝑥 + 6
4
To obtain 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 $ − 9𝑥 + 1 we must therefore re-write the
% 𝟑
equation of f(x) as 3𝑥 $ − 9𝑥 + 6 & −𝟓 𝟒
# $ %
Hence, in 3 0𝑥 − 1 $3 + ? the value of the unknown ? 𝑖𝑠 − 5 &

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 2
So, f ( x ) = 3 æç x - 1 ö÷ - 5 and is of the form a ( x + b )2 + c , where
1 3
è 2ø 4
1 3
a = 3, b = -1 and c = -5 where a, b and c are real numbers.
2 4

(ii) State the coordinates of the minimum point of f ( x ).

SOLUTION:
Required to state: The coordinates of the minimum point of f ( x )
Solution:
2
æ 1ö 3
f ( x ) = 3ç x -1 ÷ - 5
è 2ø 4
­
³ 0 "x
2
3 æ 1ö 1
\ f ( x )min = -5 . This occurs at 3 ç x - 1 ÷ = 0 , that is, at x = 1 .
4 è 2ø 2
Hence, the minimum point on the graph f ( x ) will be at the point with

coordinates æç1 , - 5 ö÷ .
1 3
è 2 4ø

Alternative Method:
f ( x ) = 3x 2 - 9 x + 1
f ¢ ( x ) = 3( 2x2 - 1 ) - 9
= 6x - 9
At a stationary point, f ¢ ( x ) = 0
When 6 x - 9 = 0
1
x =1
2
2
æ 1ö æ 1ö æ 1ö
f ç1 ÷ = 3 ç1 ÷ - 9 ç1 ÷ + 1
è 2ø è 2ø è 2ø
3
= -5
4

f ¢¢ ( x ) = 6
>0
Hence, æç1 , - 5 ö÷ is the minimum point on f (x).
1 3
è 2 4ø

Alternative Method:

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 f ( x ) = 3x 2 - 9 x + 1
Coefficient of x2 > 0 Þ f ( x ) has a minimum point.

- ( -9 )
The minimum point occurs at x =
2 ( 3)
1
=1
2
This is the equation of the axis of symmetry and the minimum point on
f (x) has the same x-coordinate as does the axis of symmetry.

2
æ 1ö æ 1ö æ 1ö
f ç1 ÷ = 3 ç1 ÷ - 9 ç1 ÷ + 1
è 2ø è 2ø è 2ø
3
= -5
4
æ 1 3ö
\Minimum point of f ( x ) is ç1 , - 5 ÷ .
è 2 4ø

æ1 1ö
(b) The equation 3x 2 - 6 x - 2 = 0 has roots a and b . Find the value of ç + ÷.
èa b ø

SOLUTION:
Data: 3x 2 - 6 x - 2 = 0 has roots a and b
æ1 1ö
Required to find: The value of ç + ÷
èa b ø

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 Solution:
b c
If a and b are the roots of ax 2 + bx + c = 0, then a + b = - and ab = .
a a

a and b are the roots of 3x 2 - 6 x - 2 = 0

- ( -6 )
\a + b =
3
=2
-2
and ab =
3

1 1
+
a b
b +a 2
=
ab -
2
3
2 -3
= ´
1 2
= -3

(c) John’s grandparents started a university fund for him at a bank, with $4000.
The bank offered two options for interest.

Option 1 – $240 per annum

Option 2 – 5% of the current balance per annum

Determine the sum of money in the university fund at the beginning of the
ninth year for both options.

SOLUTION:
Data: A university fund was started with $4000 with two options for interest.
Option 1 – $240 per annum, Option 2 – 5% of the current balance per annum.

Required to determine: The sum of money in the fund at the beginning of the
ninth year for both options.

Solution:
Option 1:
From the start to the beginning of the 9th year means the constant interest of
$240 will be earned for 8 years.
Interest earned = $240 ´ 8
= $1920

Hence, the sum of the money in the fund at the start of the 9th year
= $4 000 + $1920
= $5920

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 Option 2:

Amount at start End of year 1 End of year 2

$4 000 æ 5 ö 5
4000 ç ´ 4000 ÷ ( 4000 ´1.05) + ( 4000 ´1.05)
è 100 ø 100
= 4000 ´ 1.05 = 4000 ´1.05 2

This pattern continues.

Hence, at the end of year 8 and which is the beginning of year 9, the amount
will be
= 4000 ´1.058
= $5909.82

Alternatively:
Using the formula for compound interest and where
A = Amount after the period, P = Principal invested, R = rate per annum and n
= time in years.
n
æ R ö
A = P ç1 + ÷
è 100 ø
8
æ 5 ö
= 4000 ç1 + ÷
è 100 ø
= $5909.82 (correct to the nearest cent)

SECTION II

COORDINATE GEOMETRY, VECTORS AND TRIGONOMETRY

3. (a) The equation of a circle is x 2 + y 2 - 8x - 18 y + 93 = 0.

(i) Determine the coordinates of the centre of the circle.

SOLUTON:
Data: x 2 + y 2 - 8x - 18 y + 93 = 0
Required to determine: The coordinates of the centre of the circle
Solution:
x 2 + y 2 - 8 x - 18 y + 93 = 0
x 2 + y 2 + 2 ( -4 ) x + 2 ( -9 ) y - 93 = 0 is of the form
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 where g = -4, f = -9 and c = 93

Centre = ( - g , - f )

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 = ( - ( -4 ) , - ( -9 ) )
= ( 4, 9 )

(ii) Find the length of the radius.

SOLUTION:
Required to find: The length of the radius
Solution:
Length of the radius = g 2 + f 2 - c

( -4 ) + ( -9 )
2 2
= - 93
= 16 + 81 - 93
= 4
= 2 units

(iii) Find the equation of the normal to the circle at the point ( 2, 8) .

SOLUTION:
Required to find: The equation of the normal to the circle at the point
( 2, 8) .
Solution:

Gradient of the normal:

9−8 1
=
4−2 2
#
Equation of the normal using the point (4, 9) and gradient =$
1
𝑦 − 9 = (𝑥 − 4)
2
2𝑦 − 18 = 𝑥 − 4
2𝑦 = 𝑥 + 14

(As a point of interest, the coordinates (2 8) do NOT satisfy the equation

of the circle and so there can NEVER be a normal or a tangent to the circle at
this point)

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(b) The position vectors of two points, A and B, relative to an origin O, are such
 
that OA = 3i - j and OB = 5i - 4 j. Determine

(i) the unit vector AB

SOLUTION:
 
Data: OA = 3i - j and OB = 5i - 4 j are the position vectors of two
points A and B, relative to an origin, O.
Required to determine: The unit vector AB
Solution:
  
AB = AO + OB
= - ( 3i - j) + 5i - 4 j
= 2i - 3j

Any vector parallel to AB is a ( 2i - 3j) = 2a i - 3a j, where a is a
scalar.

Since the vector is a unit vector, its modulus or magnitude = 1

( 2a ) + ( -3a )
2 2
Hence, =1
1
a=
13

 1
So, the unit vector in the direction of AB = ( 2i - 3j)
13

NOTE: AB itself is not a unit vector. The question should be restated

as: “Determine the unit vector in the direction of AB .”

(ii) the acute angle AOB, in degrees, to 1 decimal place.

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The acute angle, AOB, to 1 decimal place
Solution:

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 ˆ be q .
Let AOB
   
OA . OB = OA OB cos q

( 3 ´ 5) + ( -1´ -4 ) = ( 3) + ( -1) ( 5 ) + ( -4 )
2 2 2 2
cos q
19 = 10 41 cos q
19
cos q =
410
q = 20.23°
q » 20.2° (correct to 1 decimal place)

(c) Solve the equation 2sin 2 q = 3cos q where 0° < q < 180° .

SOLUTION:
Data: 2sin 2 q = 3cos q
Required to solve: For q , where 0° < q < 180°
Solution:
2sin 2 q = 3cos q
Recall: sin 2 q + cos 2 q = 1 Þ sin 2 q = 1 - cos 2 q
( )
Hence, 2 1 - cos2 q - 3cosq = 0
2 - 2cos 2 q - 3cos q = 0
2cos 2 + 3cos q - 2 = 0
( 2cos q - 1)( cos q + 2 ) = 0
2 cos q - 1 = 0 OR cos q + 2 = 0
1
cos q = cos q = -2
2
Since −1 ≤ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ≤ 1
𝜃 has no real solutions.

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 1
cos q =
2
æ1ö
q = cos -1 ç ÷
2
è ø
q = 60°

𝜃 = 60) , for 0° < q < 180°

1 1 2 tan x
(d) Prove the identity - = .
1 - sin x 1 + sin x cos x

SOLUTION:
1 1 2 tan x
Required to prove: - =
1 - sin x 1 + sin x cos x
Proof:
Consider the left-hand side of the identity:
1 1
-
1 - sin x 1 + sin x
1(1 + sin x ) - 1(1 - sin x ) 2sin x
=
(1 - sin x )(1 + sin x ) 1 - sin 2 x
Re : sin 2 x + cos 2 x = 1 Þ 1 - sin 2 x = cos 2 x
2sin x
=
cos 2 x
sin x 1
=2 .
cos x cos x
2 tan x
=
cos x
= Right hand side
Q.E.D.

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 SECTION III

INTRODUCTORY CALCULUS

1
4. (a) A function given by y = ax 2 + bx + c has a gradient of 9 - x at a stationary
2
value of 5.

(i) Determine the values of a, b and c in the function.

SOLUTION:
1
Data: by y = ax 2 + bx + c has a gradient of 9 - x at a stationary
2
value of 5.
Required to determine: The values of a, b and c
Solution:
dy
Gradient function,
dx
( )
= a 2 x 2 - 1 + b (1) + 0
= 2ax + b

1
Hence, - x + 9 = 2ax + b
2

Equating coefficients of x:
1
2a = -
2
1
a=-
4

Equating constants:
b=9

1
\ y = - x2 + 9x + c
4

dy
= 0 at a stationary value
dx
1
\9 - x = 0
2
x = 18

1
(18) + 9 (18) + c
2
When x = 18 5=-
4
c = -76

1
\ a = - , b = 9 and c = -76
4

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Alternative Method

𝑑𝑦 1
=9− 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2
1
𝑑𝑦 = 79 − 𝑥: 𝑑𝑥
2
Integrating both sides w.r.t. x
1
𝑦 = J(9 − 𝑥)𝑑𝑥
2
1 $
𝑦 = 9𝑥 − 𝑥 + 𝑐
4

At a stationary point,
𝑑𝑦
=0
𝑑𝑥
1
9− 𝑥 =0
2
1
𝑥=9
2
𝑥 = 18
When 𝑥 = 18, 𝑦 = 5

1
𝑦 = 9𝑥 − 𝑥 $ + 𝑐
4
1
5 = 9(18) − (18)$ + 𝑐
4

𝑐 = 5 − 162 + 81 = −76

1
𝑦 = − 𝑥 $ + 9𝑥 − 76
4

1
\ a = - , b = 9 and c = -76
4

(ii) Determine the nature of the stationary point.

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The nature of the stationary point
Solution:
d2y 1
2
= 0 - (1)
dx 2
1
=-
2
<0

Hence, the stationary point, (18, 5) is a maximum point.

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(b) A drone tracks the movement of an object in motion on the ground. The
following movements are recorded.

• It moves at a constant velocity of 4 m/s for 5 seconds.

• Its velocity increases uniformly for 3 seconds to 10 m/s.
• It moves at that velocity for 7 seconds.
• It slows uniformly until it comes to rest after 4 seconds.

(i) Sketch the graph of the movement of the object.

SOLUTION:

Required to sketch: A graph to illustrate the movement of the object.

Solution:

Branch 1: A constant velocity of 4 m/s for 5 seconds

A horizontal branch indicates constant velocity.

Branch 2: Velocity increases uniformly for 3 seconds to 10 m/s.

Straight line indicates uniform acceleration.

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Branch 3: Moves at a constant velocity for 7 seconds.
Horizontal branch indicates constant velocity.

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 Branch 4: It slows uniformly until it comes to rest after 4 seconds
Straight line indicates uniform deceleration.

The completed graph will now look like:

(ii) Calculate the distance travelled by the object in the second part of the
journey.

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 SOLUTION:
Required to calculate: The distance travelled by the object in the
second part of the journey.
Calculation:
The shaded region in the diagram below shows the second part of the
journey.

Area of the shaded region = distance covered

1
Area of the shaded trapezium = ( 4 + 10 )( 8 - 5)
2
1
= (14 )( 3) m
2
= 21 m

(iii) Determine the object’s acceleration in the final part of the journey.

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The object’s acceleration in the final part of
the journey.
Solution:
The branch in red shows the final part of the journey.

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 We determine the acceleration by finding the gradient line that shows
the final part of the journey and which is the branch shown in red.
10 - 0
Gradient =
15 - 19
10
=
-4
1
= -2
2
1 1
Hence, the acceleration is -2 ms-2 or the deceleration is 2 ms -2.
2 2

5. (a) Consider a toy truck moving along a miniaturised race course with an
acceleration of a ( t ) = 9t 2 + 2t -1, where t is the time in seconds. Assume that
the speed of the toy truck is measured in cm/second.

(i) Outline how an equation for the speed of the truck would be found,
using the given equation for the acceleration.

SOLUTION:
Data: The acceleration of a toy truck is given by a ( t ) = 9t 2 + 2t -1,
where t is the time in seconds. Assume that the speed of the toy truck is
measured in cm/second.

Required to outline: How an equation for the speed of the truck

would be found.
Solution:
If the speed of the truck is expressed as v ( t ) , then v ( t ) = a ( t ) dt .
ò
(ii) Find the speed of the truck at t = 10 seconds.

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 SOLUTION:
Required to find: The speed of the truck at t = 10 seconds.
Solution:
v ( t ) = ò ( 9t 2 + 2t - 1) dt
9t 2 + 1 2t1 + 1
v= + - t + C , where C is constant of integration
2 +1 1+1
v = 3t 3 + t 2 - t + C

Assuming the truck starts from rest.

v = 0 when t = 0 :
\ 0 = 3(0) + (0) - (0) + C
3 2

C=0
v = 3t 3 + t 2 - t

When t = 10 :
v = 3 (10 ) + (10 ) - (10 )
3 2

= 3000 + 100 - 10
= 3090 cms -1

(iii) Find the distance covered by the truck between 5 and 10 seconds.
Express your answer to the nearest whole number.

SOLUTION:
Required to find: The distance covered by the truck between 5 and 10
seconds, correct to the nearest whole number.
Solution:
Let the distance at time, t, be expressed as s ( t ).
s ( t ) = ò v ( t ) dt
s ( t ) = ò ( 3t 3 + t 2 - t ) dt
Distance covered between t = 5 and t = 10

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 ( 3t + t 2 - t ) dt
10
=ò 3
5
10
é 3t 3 + 1 t 2 + 1 t1 + 1 ù
=ê + - + k ú , where k is a constant
ë 3 +1 2 +1 1+1 û 5
10
é 3t 4 t 3 t 2 ù
=ê + - + kú
ë 4 3 2 û5
é 3 (10 )4 (10 )3 (10 )2 ù é 3 ( 5 )4 ( 5 )3 ( 5 )2 ù
=ê + - ú-ê + - ú
êë 4 3 2 úû êë 4 3 2 úû
æ 1 ö æ 3 2 1ö
= ç 7500 + 333 - 50 ÷ - ç 468 + 41 - 12 ÷
è 3 ø è 4 3 2ø
1 11
= 7783 - 497
3 12
5
= 7285 cm
12
» 7 285 cm (correct to the nearest whole number)

(b) Find

ò ( 2 x + 3)
2
(i) dx

SOLUTION:
ò ( 2 x + 3)
2
Required to find: dx
Solution:
ò ( 2 x + 3) dx = ò ( 2 x + 3)( 2 x + 3) dx
2

= ò ( 4 x 2 + 12 x + 9 ) dx
4 x 2 + 1 12 x1 + 1
= + + 9 ( x ) + C , where C is a constant
2 +1 1+1
4
= x3 + 6 x 2 + 9 x + C
3

Alternative Method
We can use:

(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)*+#
J(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)* 𝑑𝑥 = + 𝐶, 𝑛 ≠ −1
𝑎(𝑛 + 1)

(2𝑥 + 3)$+#
J(2𝑥 + 3)$ 𝑑𝑥 = +𝐶
2(2 + 1)

(2𝑥 + 3)%
= +𝐶
6

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 (ii)
ò 5cos 2x dx
SOLUTION:
Required to find:
ò 5cos 2x dx
Solution:
ò 5cos 2x dx
Let t = 2 x
dt
=2
dx
dt
\ dx =
2

dt
Hence, ò 5cos 2 x dx = ò 5cos t 2
5
2ò
= cos t dt

5
= sin t + C , where C is a constant
2

Re-substituting t = 2 x to get:
5
ò 5cos 2 x dx = 2 sin 2 x + C
dy
(c) If = 6 x - 10 and y = 12 when x = 0 , find the equation for y in terms of x.
dx

SOLUTION:
dy
Data: = 6 x - 10
dx
Required to find: y in terms of x, when x = 0 and y = 12
Solution:
dy
y=ò dx
dx
y = ò ( 6 x - 10 ) dx
6 x1 + 1
y= - 10 ( x ) + C , where C is a constant
1+1
y = 3x 2 - 10 x + C

When x = 0, y = 12:
12 = 3 ( 0 ) - 10 ( 0 ) + C
2

C = 12
\ y = 3x 2 - 10 x + 12
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 SECTION IV

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

ALL working must be clearly shown.

6. The following stem and leaf diagram represents the scores, out of 80, of students in an
Additional Mathematics exam.

3 0 3 7
4 2 4 6 7 9
5 1 3 3 6
6 0 7 7
7 1 9

(a) Write the raw data set that was used to construct the diagram above.

SOLUTION:
Data: Stem and leaf diagram showing scores, out of 80, of students in an
Additional Mathematics exam.
Required to write: The raw data set that was used to construct the stem and
leaf diagram
Solution:
30, 33, 37, 42, 44, 46, 47, 49, 51, 53, 53, 56, 60, 67, 67, 71, 79

(b) Determine the following measures for the data set.

(i) The median exam score

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The median exam score.
Solution:
There are 17 scores. The middle score when arranged in either
ascending or descending order of magnitude, and which in this case is
the 9th score, is the median.

When arranged in order of magnitude, the 9th score is 51.

(ii) The mean exam score

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The mean exam score
Solution:

x=
å x , where x = mean, x = scores, n = no. of scores
n
885
=
17

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 = 52.06
» 52.1 (correct to 1 decimal place)

(iii) The modal score(s)

SOLUTION:
Required to determine: The modal score
Solution:
Two scores occurred twice and the other scores only occurred once.
Hence, the modal scores are 53 and 67. The distribution is bi-modal.

(iv) Given that for the data set å x 2 = 48999 and å x = 885, find the
standard deviation of the data set using the formula

(å x)
2

åx 2
-
n
S= .
n -1

SOLUTION:
(å x)
2

åx 2
-
Data: å x = 48999,
2
å x = 885 and S = n -1
n

Required to find: The standard deviation for the data set.

Solution:

(å x)
2

åx 2
-
n
S=
n -1
(885)
2

48999 -
= 17
17 - 1
48999 - 46072.05
=
16
2926.95
=
16
= 182.93
= 13.53 (correct to 2 decimal places)

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(c) If a student needed to score at least half the total marks possible to pass the
exam, determine the probability of a student failing the exam. Give your answer
to 2 decimal places.

SOLUTION:
Data: A student needs to score at least half the marks to possible to pass the
exam.
Required to determine: The probability that a student fails the exam.
Solution:
1
Half the maximum score = ( 80 )
2
= 40

Number of students who got less than 40 = 3

Number of students who scored less than 40

\ P ( student failed ) =
Total number of students
3
= (exact)
17
= 0.176
= 0.18 (correct to decimal places)

(d) Given that a randomly selected student has passed the exam, what is the
probability that the student scored over 60? Give your answer to 2 decimal
places.

SOLUTION:
Required to find: The probability that student scored over 60, given that they
passed the exam.
Solution:
Let A be the event that a randomly selected student passes the exam.
Let B be the event that a student scored over 60.

P ( B Ç A)
P ( B | A) =
P ( A)
4
= 17 (4 students scored more than 60)
14
17
2
=
7
= 0.285
» 0.29 (correct to 2 decimal places)

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(e) Based on the given stem and leaf diagram, describe the distribution of the data
set.

SOLUTION:
Required to describe: The distribution of the data based on the stem and leaf
diagram.
Solution:
From the data, the distribution is positively skewed or is a right-skewed
distribution.

(f) Your friend suggested that a bar graph or histogram could be used to represent
the data. Advise your friend on which graph is the better option giving ONE
reason to support your answer.

SOLUTION:
Data: Your friend suggested that a bar graph or histogram could be used to
represent the data.
Required to advise: Which graph is the better option and give a reason for the
answer.
Solution:

Test scores are classified as discrete data as they can only take integer values.
Bar Graphs are more appropriate for representing discrete data while
histograms are used to represent continuous data. Hence, the better option is
the bar graph.

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