Cambridge International A Level: Mathematics 9709/31
Cambridge International A Level: Mathematics 9709/31
MATHEMATICS 9709/31
Paper 3 Pure Mathematics 3 October/November 2023
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 75
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the October/November 2023 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the specific content of the
mark scheme or generic level descriptors for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these marking principles.
1 Unless a particular method has been specified in the question, full marks may be awarded for any correct method. However, if a calculation is required
then no marks will be awarded for a scale drawing.
2 Unless specified in the question, non-integer answers may be given as fractions, decimals or in standard form. Ignore superfluous zeros, provided that the
degree of accuracy is not affected.
3 Allow alternative conventions for notation if used consistently throughout the paper, e.g. commas being used as decimal points.
4 Unless otherwise indicated, marks once gained cannot subsequently be lost, e.g. wrong working following a correct form of answer is ignored (isw).
5 Where a candidate has misread a number or sign in the question and used that value consistently throughout, provided that number does not alter the
difficulty or the method required, award all marks earned and deduct just 1 A or B mark for the misread.
6 Recovery within working is allowed, e.g. a notation error in the working where the following line of working makes the candidate’s intent clear.
The following notes are intended to aid interpretation of mark schemes in general, but individual mark schemes may include marks awarded for specific reasons
outside the scope of these notes.
Types of mark
M Method mark, awarded for a valid method applied to the problem. Method marks are not lost for numerical errors, algebraic slips or errors in units.
However, it is not usually sufficient for a candidate just to indicate an intention of using some method or just to quote a formula; the formula or idea
must be applied to the specific problem in hand, e.g. by substituting the relevant quantities into the formula. Correct application of a formula
without the formula being quoted obviously earns the M mark and in some cases an M mark can be implied from a correct answer.
A Accuracy mark, awarded for a correct answer or intermediate step correctly obtained. Accuracy marks cannot be given unless the associated method
mark is earned (or implied).
DM or DB When a part of a question has two or more ‘method’ steps, the M marks are generally independent unless the scheme specifically says otherwise;
and similarly, when there are several B marks allocated. The notation DM or DB is used to indicate that a particular M or B mark is dependent on
an earlier M or B (asterisked) mark in the scheme. When two or more steps are run together by the candidate, the earlier marks are implied and full
credit is given.
FT Implies that the A or B mark indicated is allowed for work correctly following on from previously incorrect results. Otherwise, A or B marks are
given for correct work only.
• A or B marks are given for correct work only (not for results obtained from incorrect working) unless follow through is allowed (see abbreviation FT above).
• For a numerical answer, allow the A or B mark if the answer is correct to 3 significant figures or would be correct to 3 significant figures if rounded (1
decimal place for angles in degrees).
• The total number of marks available for each question is shown at the bottom of the Marks column.
• Wrong or missing units in an answer should not result in loss of marks unless the guidance indicates otherwise.
• Square brackets [ ] around text or numbers show extra information not needed for the mark to be awarded.
AG Answer Given on the question paper (so extra checking is needed to ensure that the detailed working leading to the result is valid)
CAO Correct Answer Only (emphasising that no ‘follow through’ from a previous error is allowed)
SC Special Case (detailing the mark to be given for a specific wrong solution, or a case where some standard marking practice is to be varied in the
light of a particular circumstance)
(1 − 3 x)2 x − x 2 ( −3) 2 x − 3 x 2
Obtain correct derivative in any form A1
e.g. = or
(1 − 3 x) 2 (1 − 3 x )2
3x2 (1 − 3x ) + 2x (1 − 3x ) .
−2 −1
Equate derivative to 8 and solve for x DM1 75x2 − 50x + 8 = (15x − 4)(5x − 2) .
2 Show points representing 2i and –2 + i B1 Can be implied if the correct perpendicular is drawn.
Show correct half–line of gradient 1 from point (–1, 0) B1 Should pass through (0, 1).
Carry out a completely correct method for finding ln a or ln b M1 3.7 = ln a + ln b and 6.46 = ln a + 2.2ln b
leading to ln a = 1.4 , ln b = 2.3 .
3a − 10 2a + 15 A1
Obtain answer + i
a 2 + 25 a 2 + 25
3a − 10 2a + 15 A1
Obtain answer + i
a 2 + 25 a 2 + 25
4(b) State or imply Im(a) ÷ Re(a) = 1 M1 Or Im(a) = Re(a) or equivalent for their u.
Obtain answer a = 25 A1
5(a) Use correct trig formulae and obtain an equation in sin x and cos x *M1 Allow one sign error.
Obtain a correct equation in any form A1 e.g 2cos x sin π6 = −2sin x sin π3 .
Substitute exact trig ratios and obtain an expression for tan x DM1 Allow one sign error.
1 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer tan x = −
3
5(b) 5π B1
Obtain answer, e.g. x =
6
dy 2 A1 −1 2 t
Obtain answer = Or simplified equivalent e.g 2t 2 or .
dx t t
6(b) dy 1 M1
State or imply their =
dx 2
Obtain t =4 A1 Or equivalent.
tan d = x
7 Separate variables correctly B1 x
dx .
+3 2
( )
1 A1
Obtain term ln x 2 + 3
2
Use x = 1, 𝜃 = 0 to evaluate a constant or as limits in a solution containing M1 If they have rearranged then the constant must be of the
( )
terms of the form a ln x2 + 3 and b ln(cos ) correct form.
y = ex – 3 Should cut vertical axis at (0, –2) and have increasing gradient. 2
y= x
Sketch a second relevant graph, e.g. y = x and justify the given statement B1
10 5 5 10
y= x should start at (0, 0) and have reducing grading y=ex - 3
Complete the argument correctly with correct calculated values A1 e.g. 1 −0.28.., 1.41 4.39..
1.28 > 0, –2.98 < 0.
8(c)
( )
State x = ln 3 + x and rearrange to the given equation x = ex − 3 B1 Or rearrange x = e x − 3 to x = ln(3 + x ) and state
iterative formula of xn+1 = ln(3 + xn ) .
AG
Show sufficient iterations to at least 4 d.p. to justify 1.43 to 2 d.p. or show A1 e.g. 1, 1.3864, 1.4297, 1.4341, …
there is a sign change in the interval (1.425, 1.435) 1.5, 1.4210, 1.4332, 14.344, 1.4345, …
Condone recovery and small differences in the final figure in the iteration 2, 1.4848, 1.4395, 1.4350, 1.4346, 1.4345, …
9(a) Use the correct product rule *M1 Condone error in chain rule.
−
1 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer 2, 2e 2 Can state the components separately.
9(b) 1 −
1 B1 Or equivalent e.g. du = 2xdx .
State or imply dx = u 2 du 1
2 Alternative substitution: u = − x 2 .
4
1 − u
1 A1 OE
Obtain correct integral e 4 du
2
1
− u
1
− x2 M1 u = 9 and u = 0 or x = 3 and x = 0.
Use correct limits in an integral of the form ae 4 or ae 4
−
9 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer 2 − 2e 4
1
− x2
1
− x2 M1 Recognition used.
xe 4 dx = ae 4
a negative A1
a=−2 A1
1
− x2 M1 x = 3 and x = 0.
Use correct limits in an integral of the form ae 4
−
9 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer 2 − 2e 4
10(a) A B C B1
State or imply the form + +
1 − 2 x 2 + x ( 2 + x )2
Use a correct method for finding a coefficient M1 A(2 + x)2 + B(1 – 2x)(2 + x) + C(1 – 2x)
= 24x + 13.
Obtain one of A = 4, B = 2 and C = –7 A1 If errors in equating still allow A marks for A and C.
10(b) Use a correct method to find the first two terms of the expansion of M1 Symbolic coefficients are not sufficient for the M1.
−1 −2
(1 − 2x )−1 , ( 2 + x )−1 , ( 2 + x )−2 , 1 +
x x
or 1 +
2 2
A1 FT B x ( −1)( −2 ) x
2
1 + ( −1) + + ... B = 2.
2 2 2 2
C x ( −2 )( −3) x
A1 FT 2
1 + ( −2 ) + + ... C = –7
4 2 2 2
= 4(1 + 2x + 4x ) + 2/2(1 – x/2 + x /4) – 7/4(1 – x + 3x2/4)
2 2
13 37 239 2 A1 OE
Obtain final answer + x+ x (Dx + E)/4 [1 + (–2)(x/2) +(–2)(–3)(x/2)2/2 …]
4 4 16
D = 2 E = –3
The FT is on A, D, E.
Maclaurin’s Series
f(0) = 13/4 B1 f’(0) = 37/4 B1 f”(0) = 239/8 B1.
13 37 239 2
+ x+ x /2 or equivalent M1 A1.
4 4 8
37 239 2
If 1 + x+ x /2 then M0 A0 unless their f(0)
4 8
actually is 1.
10(c) 1 B1 OE
x
2
Carry out correct process for evaluating the scalar product of AM and AP M1 or MA and PA : 0 + 2 + 2 .
Using the correct process for the moduli, divide the scalar product by the M1 4
product of the moduli and obtain the inverse cosine of the result For their vectors. = cos −1 .
3 5
11(c) Find PQ (or QP ) for a general point Q on the line passing through O and M, B1 FT e.g. PQ = - (i + j + 2k) + μ(3i + 2j + k). Follow their M.
Calculate the scalar product of PQ and a direction vector for the line passing *M1
through O and M and equate to zero
1 A1
Solve and obtain correct solution e.g. = −
2
10 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer
2
Find PQ (or QP ) for a general point Q on the line passing through O and M, B1 FT e.g. PQ = - (i + j + 2k) + μ(3i + 2j + k). Follow their M.
Obtain a correct equation in any form A1 e.g. PQ2 = (1 + 3μ)2 + (1 + 2μ)2 + (2 + μ)2
11(c) Carry out a complete method for finding its minimum DM1 1
e.g. 6(1 + 3 ) + 4(1 + 2 ) + 2(2 + ) = 0, = − .
2
10 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer
2
Use a scalar product to find the projection of PA (or AP ) on the line passing M1
through O and M
7 A1 OE
Obtain correct answer
14
10 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer
2
Calculate the vector product of PA and a direction vector for the line passing M1
through O and M
10 A1 Or exact equivalent.
Obtain answer
2