June 2024 Paper 1 Q3

EdexcelCurrent spec6 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

3. \[\mathrm{f}(x) = x + \tan\left(\frac{1}{2}x\right) \qquad \pi \lt x \lt \frac{3\pi}{2}\]

Given that the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) has a single root \(\alpha\)

(a) show that \(\alpha\) lies in the interval [3.6, 3.7] (2)
(b) Find \(\mathrm{f}^{\prime}(x)\) (2)
(c) Using 3.7 as a first approximation for \(\alpha\), apply the Newton–Raphson method once to obtain a second approximation for \(\alpha\). Give your answer to 3 decimal places. (2)