Numerical Methods

Edexcel

AQA

OCR A

OCR MEI

June 2025 Paper 1 Q9

EdexcelCurrent spec9 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

9.

Figure 2: speed–time graph: curve from O rising to a maximum then falling to zero at t = T
Figure 2

A racing car is driven along a straight road.

Figure 2 shows a graph of the speed of the car as it travels along the road.

The car starts from rest and is driven for \(T\) seconds before stopping.

The speed of the car is modelled by the equation

\[v = 15t - t\,\mathrm{e}^{0.2t} \qquad\qquad 0 \leqslant t \leqslant T\]

where \(t\) seconds is the time after the car starts to move.

According to the model,

(a) find the value of \(T\), giving your answer to one decimal place, (2)
(b) show that the maximum speed of the car occurs when\[t = 5\ln\left(\frac{75}{t + 5}\right)\] (4)

Using the iteration formula

\[t_{n+1} = 5\ln\left(\frac{75}{t_n + 5}\right) \qquad\qquad \text{with } t_1 = 8\]
(c)
(i) find the value of \(t_3\) to 3 decimal places,
(ii) find, by repeated iteration, the time taken for the car to reach maximum speed. (3)

June 2024 Paper 2 Q6

EdexcelCurrent spec7 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

6.

Figure 1: sketch of the curves y = f(x), rising steeply from a positive y-intercept, and y = g(x), crossing the positive x-axis
Figure 1

Figure 1 shows a sketch of the curves with equations \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\) and \(y = \mathrm{g}(x)\) where

\[\begin{aligned}&\mathrm{f}(x) = \mathrm{e}^{4x^2-1} &&\qquad x \gt 0\\&\mathrm{g}(x) = 8\ln x &&\qquad x \gt 0\end{aligned}\]
(a) Find
(i) \(\mathrm{f}^{\prime}(x)\)
(ii) \(\mathrm{g}^{\prime}(x)\) (2)

Given that \(\mathrm{f}^{\prime}(x) = \mathrm{g}^{\prime}(x)\) at \(x = \alpha\)

(b) show that \(\alpha\) satisfies the equation\[4x^2 + 2\ln x - 1 = 0\] (2)

The iterative formula

\[x_{n+1} = \sqrt{\frac{1 - 2\ln x_n}{4}}\]

is used with \(x_1 = 0.6\) to find an approximate value for \(\alpha\)

(c) Calculate, giving each answer to 4 decimal places,
(i) the value of \(x_2\)
(ii) the value of \(\alpha\) (3)

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)

June 2025 Paper 1 Q15

AQACurrent spec12 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

15 A curve has equation

\[y = x^2\]

The point \(Q\) has coordinates (3, 2.5)

The point \(P\) on the curve which is closest to the point \(Q\) is shown on the diagram below.

Graph of y = x squared with the point P marked on the curve and the point Q (3, 2.5) to the right of the curve
(a) Show that the \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\) satisfies the equation\[2x^3 - 4x - 3 = 0\] [4 marks]
(b) The Newton–Raphson method is to be used to find an approximate solution to the equation\[2x^3 - 4x - 3 = 0\]Show that the Newton–Raphson method generates the iterative formula\[x_{n+1} = \frac{4x_n^3 + 3}{6x_n^2 - 4}\] [4 marks]
(c) Starting with \(x_0 = 3\), use the iterative formula given in part (b) to find the value of \(x_3\)

Give your answer to three decimal places.

[2 marks]
(d) Hence find the distance \(PQ\)

Give your answer to two decimal places.

[2 marks]

June 2025 Paper 3 Q9

9

(a) Describe a sequence of two transformations which maps the graph with equation\[y = \frac{1}{x}\]onto the graph with equation\[y = \frac{3}{x - 4}\] [2 marks]
(b) State the equation of the vertical asymptote of the graph with equation\[y = \frac{3}{x - 4}\] [1 mark]
(c) A student is attempting to use a change of sign to determine if the equation\[\frac{3}{x - 4} = x\]has a solution between 3 and 5

The student correctly writes

\[\frac{3}{x - 4} = x \Leftrightarrow \frac{3}{x - 4} - x = 0\]\[\text{Let } \mathrm{f}(x) = \frac{3}{x - 4} - x\]\[\mathrm{f}(3) = -6 \lt 0 \ \text{ and } \ \mathrm{f}(5) = -2 \lt 0\]

The student then incorrectly states:

“Since there is no change of sign, there is no solution between 3 and 5”

Give two reasons why the student’s argument is invalid.

[2 marks]

June 2025 Paper 2 Q6

AQACurrent spec6 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

6 The curve with equation \(y = \dfrac{\mathrm{e}^{\frac{x}{2}}}{x - 3}\) is shown in the diagram.

Curve y = e^(x/2)/(x − 3) for x greater than 3, with the region under the curve between x = 4 and x = 8 shaded

The region shaded is bounded by the curve, the \(x\)-axis, and the lines \(x = 4\) and \(x = 8\)

The trapezium rule with six ordinates (5 strips) is to be used to find an approximate value for the area of the shaded region.

Some of the values required to obtain this approximation are shown in the table below.

\(x\)44.85.66.47.28
\(y\)7.38916.12406.32498.713910.9196
(a)
(i) Find the \(y\)-value that is missing from the table. [1 mark]
(ii) Use the trapezium rule with six ordinates (5 strips) to find an approximate value for the area of the shaded region.

Give your answer to five significant figures.

[3 marks]
(b) A student finds an improved approximation for the area of the shaded region by using the trapezium rule with 11 ordinates.

The student correctly obtains 29.759 as their improved approximation.

The student claims that the exact area must be greater than 29.759

Without further calculation, explain whether or not the student is correct.

[2 marks]

June 2024 Paper 1 Q16

AQACurrent spec5 marksModellingNumerical Methods

16 Figure 2 below shows a 1.5 metre length of pipe.

Figure 2: a length of pipe with a U-shaped (parabolic) open cross-section, length labelled 1.5 m
Figure 2

The symmetrical cross-section of the pipe is shown below, in Figure 3, where \(x\) and \(y\) are measured in centimetres.

Figure 3: U-shaped curve below the x-axis meeting it at x = −2 and x = 2, with minimum point at (0, −3)
Figure 3

Use the trapezium rule, with the values shown in the table below, to find the best estimate for the volume of the pipe.

\(x\)00.40.81.21.62
\(y\)\(-3\)\(-2.943\)\(-2.752\)\(-2.353\)\(-1.572\)0

[5 marks]

June 2024 Paper 1 Q14

14

(a) The equation\[x^3 = \mathrm{e}^{6 - 2x}\]has a single solution, \(x = \alpha\)

By considering a suitable change of sign, show that \(\alpha\) lies between 0 and 4 [2 marks]

(b) Show that the equation \(x^3 = \mathrm{e}^{6 - 2x}\) can be rearranged to give\[x = 3 - \frac{3}{2}\ln x\] [3 marks]
(c)
(i) Use the iterative formula\[x_{n+1} = 3 - \frac{3}{2}\ln x_n\]with \(x_1 = 4\), to find \(x_2\), \(x_3\) and \(x_4\)

Give your answers to three decimal places. [2 marks]

(ii) Figure 1 below shows a sketch of parts of the graphs of\[y = 3 - \frac{3}{2}\ln x \text{ and } y = x\]On Figure 1, draw a staircase or cobweb diagram to show how convergence takes place.

Label, on the \(x\)-axis, the positions of \(x_2\), \(x_3\) and \(x_4\) [2 marks]

Figure 1: graphs of the decreasing curve y = 3 − (3/2) ln x and the line y = x through O, intersecting once, with x = 4 marked on the x-axis
Figure 1
(iii) Explain why the iterative formula\[x_{n+1} = 3 - \frac{3}{2}\ln x_n\]fails to converge to \(\alpha\) when the starting value is \(x_1 = 0\) [1 mark]

June 2023 Paper 1 Q13

AQACurrent spec9 marksNumerical MethodsTrigonometry

13 The function \(\mathrm{f}\) is defined by

\[\mathrm{f}(x) = \arccos x \quad \text{for } 0 \leqslant x \leqslant a\]

The curve with equation \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\) is shown below.

Graph of y = arccos x, a decreasing curve from (0, π/2) on the y-axis to (a, 0) on the x-axis, with π/2 also marked on the x-axis to the right of a
(a) State the value of \(a\) [1 mark]
(b)
(i) On the diagram above, sketch the curve with equation\[y = \cos x \quad \text{for } 0 \leqslant x \leqslant \frac{\pi}{2}\]and

sketch the line with equation

\[y = x \quad \text{for } 0 \leqslant x \leqslant \frac{\pi}{2}\] [4 marks]
(ii) Explain why the solution to the equation\[x - \cos x = 0\]must also be a solution to the equation\[\cos x = \arccos x\] [1 mark]
(c) Use the Newton-Raphson method with \(x_0 = 0\) to find an approximate solution, \(x_3\), to the equation\[x - \cos x = 0\]Give your answer to four decimal places. [3 marks]

June 2023 Paper 1 Q5

AQACurrent spec4 marksNumerical Methods

5 The graph of \(y = \dfrac{5}{\mathrm{e}^x - 1}\) is shown in the diagram below.

Graph of y = 5/(e^x − 1) for x > 0, a decreasing curve, with the region under the curve between x = 1 and x = 4 shaded

The trapezium rule with 6 ordinates (5 strips) is to be used to find an approximation for the shaded area.

The values required to obtain this approximation are shown in the table below.

\(x\)11.62.22.83.44
\(y\)2.909881.264850.623050.323740.172630.09329
(a) Use the trapezium rule with 6 ordinates (5 strips) to find an approximate value for the shaded area.

Give your answer to four decimal places. [3 marks]

(b) Using your answer to part (a) deduce an estimate for \(\displaystyle\int_1^4 \frac{20}{\mathrm{e}^x - 1}\,\mathrm{d}x\) [1 mark]

June 2023 Paper 3 Q2

AQACurrent spec1 markNumerical Methods

2 The trapezium rule is used to estimate the area of the shaded region in each of the graphs below.

Identify the graph for which the trapezium rule produces an overestimate.

Tick (✓) one box. [1 mark]

Four graphs, each with a shaded region under a curve and a tick box: first, a straight line with positive gradient; second, an increasing curve that gets steeper (convex); third, an increasing curve that gets less steep (concave); fourth, two straight line segments rising to a peak and then falling

June 2022 Paper 1 Q14

AQACurrent spec9 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

14 The region bounded by the curve

\[y = (2x - 8)\ln x\]

and the \(x\)-axis is shaded in the diagram below.

Curve y = (2x − 8) ln x crossing the x-axis at 1 and 4; the region between the curve and the x-axis from 1 to 4, below the x-axis, is shaded
(a) Use the trapezium rule with 5 ordinates to find an estimate for the area of the shaded region.

Give your answer correct to three significant figures. [3 marks]

(b) Show that the exact area is given by\[32\ln 2 - \frac{33}{2}\]

Fully justify your answer. [6 marks]

June 2022 Paper 1 Q10

AQACurrent spec12 marksNumerical MethodsRadians

10 The diagram shows a sector of a circle \(OAB\).

Sector OAB with angle θ at O; C is on OB with AC perpendicular to OB

The point \(C\) lies on \(OB\) such that \(AC\) is perpendicular to \(OB\).

Angle \(AOB\) is \(\theta\) radians.

(a) Given the area of the triangle \(OAC\) is half the area of the sector \(OAB\), show that\[\theta = \sin 2\theta\] [4 marks]
(b) Use a suitable change of sign to show that a solution to the equation\[\theta = \sin 2\theta\]lies in the interval given by \(\theta \in \left[\dfrac{\pi}{5}, \dfrac{2\pi}{5}\right]\) [2 marks]
(c) The Newton-Raphson method is used to find an approximate solution to the equation\[\theta = \sin 2\theta\]
(i) Using \(\theta_1 = \dfrac{\pi}{5}\) as a first approximation for \(\theta\) apply the Newton-Raphson method twice to find the value of \(\theta_3\)

Give your answer to three decimal places. [3 marks]

(ii) Explain how a more accurate approximation for \(\theta\) can be found using the Newton-Raphson method. [1 mark]
(iii) Explain why using \(\theta_1 = \dfrac{\pi}{6}\) as a first approximation in the Newton-Raphson method does not lead to a solution for \(\theta\). [2 marks]

June 2025 Paper 3 Q5

OCR ACurrent spec14 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

5

(a) Use the substitution \(u = \cos x\) to show that
\(\displaystyle\int \frac{1 + \cos x}{\sin x}\,\mathrm{d}x = \ln(1 - \cos x) + c\). [4]
Fig. 1: part of a curve decreasing from top left, crossing the positive x-axis; the region under the curve between x = a and the point where the curve crosses the x-axis is shaded
Fig. 1

Fig. 1 shows part of the curve \(y = \dfrac{1 + \cos x}{\sin x}\).

The shaded region is bounded by the curve, the \(x\)-axis, and the line \(x = a\).

You are given that the area of the shaded region is \(a\) square units.

(b) Show that the value of \(a\) satisfies the equation \(a - \cos^{-1}\left(1 - 2\mathrm{e}^{-a}\right) = 0\). [4]
(c) Show by calculation that the value of \(a\) lies between 1.1 and 1.2. [2]
(d) Use the iterative formula
\(a_{n+1} = \cos^{-1}\left(1 - 2\mathrm{e}^{-a_n}\right)\),
with starting value \(a_1 = 1.2\), to find the value of \(a\) correct to 2 decimal places. Show the result of each step of the iterative process. [2]
Fig. 2: a curve starting high on the positive y-axis and decreasing towards the positive x-axis as x increases, staying above the x-axis
Fig. 2

Fig. 2 shows the curve \(y = \cos^{-1}\left(1 - 2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\right)\).

(e) Explain why the gradient of the curve \(y = \cos^{-1}\left(1 - 2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\right)\) at the point where \(x = a\), where \(a\) is the value found in part (d), lies in the interval \((-1, 0)\). [2]

June 2025 Paper 2 Q3

OCR ACurrent spec7 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

3 The diagram shows part of the curve with equation \(y = \sqrt{x^2 + 3}\), between \(x = 0\) and \(x = 2\).

Graph of y = square root of (x squared + 3) from x = 0 to x = 2, with the region under the curve shaded down to the x-axis and bounded by a dashed line at x = 2
(a)
(i) Use the trapezium rule, with intervals of 0.5, to determine an approximation to the area of the shaded region. [3]
(ii) Use rectangles with the same intervals as in part (i) to determine lower and upper bounds for the exact area of the shaded region. [2]
(b) Write an expression for the exact area of the shaded region in terms of a limit, involving \(x\) and intervals of width \(\delta x\). [2]

June 2024 Paper 2 Q4

OCR ACurrent spec10 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

4 The diagram shows part of the graph of \(y = x\mathrm{e}^{1-3x}\).

Graph of y = x e to the power 1 minus 3x for x from 0 to 2: rises from the origin to a maximum of about 0.33 near x = 0.33, then decreases towards the x-axis; grid lines at 0.5 intervals
(a) Use the sign change method to determine, correct to 2 decimal places, the root of the equation \(x\mathrm{e}^{1-3x} - 0.2 = 0\), that lies between \(x = 0.5\) and \(x = 1\). [3]
(b) Determine the exact \(x\)-coordinate of the maximum point of the curve \(y = x\mathrm{e}^{1-3x}\). [3]
(c) In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Determine the exact area of the region enclosed by the curve \(y = x\mathrm{e}^{1-3x}\), the \(x\)-axis and the line \(x = 1\). [4]

June 2024 Paper 1 Q1

OCR ACurrent spec7 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

1

Curve y = x squared e to the minus x: touches the x-axis at O, rises to a maximum at x = 2, then decreases towards the x-axis

The diagram shows part of the curve \(y = x^2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\).

(a) Use the trapezium rule with 4 intervals of equal width to find an estimate for \(\displaystyle\int_0^2 x^2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\,\mathrm{d}x\).
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. [4]
(b) Explain how the trapezium rule could be used to obtain a more accurate estimate for \(\displaystyle\int_0^2 x^2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\,\mathrm{d}x\). [1]
(c) Explain why it is not clear from the diagram whether the value from part (a) is an under-estimate or an over-estimate for \(\displaystyle\int_0^2 x^2\mathrm{e}^{-x}\,\mathrm{d}x\). [2]

June 2023 Paper 1 Q10

OCR ACurrent spec9 marksNumerical Methods

10

Graph of f(x) for x from about -0.3 to 4: a branch with a small maximum near the origin that drops steeply below the x-axis, crossing it just after x = 0; and a branch that comes down steeply from above, just after x = 0.5, levels off just above the x-axis and rises slowly towards x = 4

The diagram shows part of the curve \(\mathrm{f}(x) = \dfrac{\mathrm{e}^x}{4x^2 - 1} + 2\). The equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) has a positive root \(\alpha\) close to \(x = 0.3\).

(a) Explain why using the sign change method with \(x = 0\) and \(x = 1\) will fail to locate \(\alpha\). [1]
(b) Show that the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) can be written as \(x = \dfrac{1}{4}\sqrt{\left(4 - 2\mathrm{e}^x\right)}\). [2]
(c) Use the iterative formula \(x_{n+1} = \dfrac{1}{4}\sqrt{\left(4 - 2\mathrm{e}^{x_n}\right)}\) with a starting value of \(x_1 = 0.3\) to find the value of \(\alpha\) correct to 4 significant figures, showing the result of each iteration. [3]
(d) An alternative iterative formula is \(x_{n+1} = \mathrm{F}(x_n)\), where \(\mathrm{F}(x_n) = \ln\left(2 - 8x_n^{\,2}\right)\).
By considering \(\mathrm{F}'(0.3)\) explain why this iterative formula will not find \(\alpha\). [3]

June 2023 Paper 3 Q7

OCR ACurrent spec12 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

7 A car \(C\) is moving horizontally in a straight line with velocity \(v\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) at time \(t\) seconds, where \(v \gt 0\) and \(t \geqslant 0\). The acceleration, \(a\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\), of \(C\) is modelled by the equation

\(a = v\left(\dfrac{8t}{7 + 4t^2} - \dfrac{1}{2}\right).\)

(a) In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Find the times when the acceleration of \(C\) is zero. [3]

At \(t = 0\) the velocity of \(C\) is \(17.5\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\) and at \(t = T\) the velocity of \(C\) is \(5\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\).

(b) By setting up and solving a differential equation, show that \(T\) satisfies the equation
\(T = 2\ln\left(\dfrac{7 + 4T^2}{2}\right).\) [6]
(c) Use an iterative formula, based on the equation in part (b), to find the value of \(T\), giving your answer correct to 4 significant figures. Use an initial value of 11.25 and show the result of each step of the iteration process. [2]
(d) The diagram below shows the velocity-time graph for the motion of \(C\).
Velocity-time graph, v in m s^-1 against t in s from 0 to 25: v starts at 17.5, dips slightly, rises to a maximum at about t = 3.5, then decreases, levelling off towards 0 by about t = 20
Find the time taken for \(C\) to decelerate from travelling at its maximum speed until it is travelling at \(5\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\). [1]

June 2022 Paper 1 Q10

OCR ACurrent spec12 marksNumerical MethodsRadians

10

Sector OAB with centre O and angle AOB of theta radians at O; M is the mid-point of OA, marked by equal-length tick marks; the line MB is drawn

The diagram shows a sector \(OAB\) of a circle with centre \(O\) and radius \(OA\). The angle \(AOB\) is \(\theta\) radians. \(M\) is the mid-point of \(OA\). The ratio of areas \(OMB : MAB\) is 2:3.

(a) Show that \(\theta = 1.25\sin\theta\). [4]

The equation \(\theta = 1.25\sin\theta\) has only one root for \(\theta \gt 0\).

(b) This root can be found by using the iterative formula \(\theta_{n+1} = 1.25\sin\theta_n\) with a starting value of \(\theta_1 = 0.5\).
  • Write down the values of \(\theta_2\), \(\theta_3\) and \(\theta_4\).
  • Hence find the value of this root correct to 3 significant figures. [3]
(c) The diagram in the Printed Answer Booklet shows the graph of \(y = 1.25\sin\theta\), for \(0 \leqslant \theta \leqslant \pi\).
  • Use this diagram to show how the iterative process used in (b) converges to this root.
  • State the type of convergence. [3]
(d) Draw a suitable diagram to show why using an iterative process with the formula \(\theta_{n+1} = \sin^{-1}(0.8\theta_n)\) does not converge to the root found in (b). [2]

June 2022 Paper 3 Q5

OCR ACurrent spec14 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

5 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.

Curve y = (2x − 3)/(4x² + 1) with a tangent at point P, which lies below the x-axis for small positive x; the curve has a minimum just right of the y-axis and approaches the x-axis at both ends

The diagram shows the curve with equation \(y = \dfrac{2x - 3}{4x^2 + 1}\). The tangent to the curve at the point \(P\) has gradient 2.

(a) Show that the \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\) satisfies the equation \[4x^3 + 3x - 3 = 0.\] [5]
(b) Show by calculation that the \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\) lies between 0.5 and 1. [2]
(c) Show that the iteration \[x_{n+1} = \frac{3 - 4x_n^3}{3}\] cannot converge to the \(x\)-coordinate of \(P\) whatever starting value is used. [2]
(d) Use the Newton-Raphson method, with initial value 0.5, to determine the coordinates of \(P\) correct to 5 decimal places. [5]

June 2022 Paper 1 Q1

OCR ACurrent spec6 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

1

Curve y = square root of (x squared minus 1): starts on the x-axis at x = 1 and rises, getting less steep as x increases

The diagram shows part of the curve \(y = \sqrt{x^2 - 1}\).

(a) Use the trapezium rule with 4 intervals to find an estimate for \(\displaystyle\int_1^3 \sqrt{x^2 - 1}\,\mathrm{d}x\).
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. [4]
(b) State whether the value from part (a) is an under-estimate or an over-estimate, giving a reason for your answer. [1]
(c) Explain how the trapezium rule could be used to obtain a more accurate estimate. [1]

October 2021 Paper 1 Q7

OCR ACurrent spec9 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

7 The curve \(y = (x^2 - 2)\ln x\) has one stationary point which is close to \(x = 1\).

(a) Show that the \(x\)-coordinate of this stationary point satisfies the equation \(2x^2\ln x + x^2 - 2 = 0\). [2]
(b) Show that the Newton-Raphson iterative formula for finding the root of the equation in part (a) can be written in the form \(x_{n+1} = \dfrac{2x_n^2\ln x_n + 3x_n^2 + 2}{4x_n(\ln x_n + 1)}\). [4]
(c) Apply the Newton-Raphson formula with initial value \(x_1 = 1\) to find \(x_2\) and \(x_3\). [1]
(d) Find the coordinates of this stationary point, giving each coordinate correct to 3 decimal places. [2]

October 2021 Paper 3 Q6

OCR ACurrent spec6 marksNumerical MethodsTrigonometry

6 The equation \(6\arcsin(2x - 1) - x^2 = 0\) has exactly one real root.

(a) Show by calculation that the root lies between 0.5 and 0.6. [2]

In order to find the root, the iterative formula

\(x_{n+1} = p + q\sin\left(rx_n^2\right),\)

with initial value \(x_0 = 0.5\), is to be used.

(b) Determine the values of the constants \(p\), \(q\) and \(r\). [2]
(c) Hence find the root correct to 4 significant figures. Show the result of each step of the iteration process. [2]

October 2021 Paper 2 Q2

OCR ACurrent spec2 marksNumerical Methods

2 The diagram shows part of the graph of \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\), where \(\mathrm{f}(x)\) is a cubic polynomial in \(x\).

Cubic curve y = f(x) for x from 0 to just over 1: it falls from high on the left to touch the x-axis between 0 and 0.5, rises to a maximum just before x = 1, then falls to cross the x-axis just after x = 1

Explain why one of the roots of the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) cannot be found by the sign change method. [2]

June 2025 Paper 1 Q10

OCR MEICurrent spec10 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

10 The diagram shows part of the graph of the function \(y = \dfrac{\mathrm{e}^{x^2}}{x+1}\) which is defined for \(x \gt -1\).

Graph of y = e^(x^2)/(x+1) for x > -1: U-shaped curve crossing the y-axis at 1 with a minimum just below 1 for small positive x
(a) Find an expression for \(\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x}\). [3]
(b) Determine the range of values of \(x\) where the gradient of the function is negative. [3]
(c) Use the trapezium rule with 4 strips to estimate the area of the region bounded by the curve, the axes and the line \(x = 1\). [3]
(d) Determine whether the estimate in part (c) is an under- or over-estimate. Give a reason for your answer. [1]

June 2025 Paper 3 Q6

OCR MEICurrent spec3 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

6 The diagram shows the curve with equation \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\), where \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 13x - 34\ln(x) - 1.5\) for \(x > 0\).

Graph of y = f(x) for 0 < x < 5: a U-shaped curve dipping just below the x-axis between x = 2 and x = 3
(a) A student attempts to locate a root of \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) by using a spreadsheet to calculate the values of \(\mathrm{f}(x)\) for positive integer values of \(x\).
Explain why the student’s method may lead to the conclusion that \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) has no roots. [1]
(b) Determine the exact value of the \(x\)-coordinate of the turning point of the curve. [2]

June 2025 Paper 3 Q5

OCR MEICurrent spec10 marksLogs & ExponentialsNumerical Methods

5 The diagram shows the curve with equation \(y = x^4 - 2^x\), for values of \(x\) close to zero.

Curve y = x^4 - 2^x near the origin: crosses the x-axis once to the left of O and once to the right, with a minimum just right of the y-axis below the x-axis
(a) In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Show that the equation \(x^4 - 2^x = 0\) has a root which lies between 1 and 2. [2]
(b) Show that the equation \(x^4 - 2^x = 0\) can be written in the form \(x = 2^{0.25x}\) for positive values of \(x\). [1]
(c) Use the iterative formula \(x_{n+1} = 2^{0.25x_n}\) with \(x_0 = 0.4\) to determine a root of \(x^4 - 2^x = 0\) to 2 decimal places. [2]
(d) The diagram in the Printed Answer Booklet shows the line with equation \(y = x\) and the curve with equation \(y = 2^{0.25x}\).
Sketch a cobweb or staircase diagram, on the diagram in the Printed Answer Booklet, for the iterative formula \(x_{n+1} = 2^{0.25x_n}\) starting with \(x_0 = 0.4\). Show at least two iterations. [2]
(e) Show that the equation \(x^4 - 2^x = 0\) can be written in the form \(x = 4\log_2 x\) for positive values of \(x\). [1]
(f) In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
Show that the iteration \(x_{n+1} = 4\log_2 x_n\), with \(x_0 = 1\), will not find a root of \(x^4 - 2^x = 0\). [2]

June 2024 Paper 3 Q11

OCR MEICurrent spec8 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

11 Fig. 11.1 shows the curve with equation \(y = \mathrm{g}(x)\) where \(\mathrm{g}(x) = x\sin x + \cos x\) and the curve of the gradient function \(y = \mathrm{g}^{\prime}(x)\) for \(-2\pi \leqslant x \leqslant 2\pi\).

Fig. 11.1: grid with x and y from -7 to 7 showing the solid curve y = g(x) and the dashed curve y = g prime of x
Fig. 11.1
(a) Show that the \(x\)-coordinates of the points on the curve \(y = \mathrm{g}(x)\) where the gradient is 1 satisfy the equation \(\dfrac{1}{x} - \cos x = 0\). [3]

Fig. 11.2 shows part of the curve with equation \(y = \dfrac{1}{x} - \cos x\).

Fig. 11.2: the curve y = 1/x minus cos x for x from -9 to 9, with an asymptote at x = 0; for x greater than 0 it first crosses the x-axis just below 5
Fig. 11.2
(b) Use the Newton-Raphson method with a suitable starting value to find the smallest positive \(x\)-coordinate of a point on the curve \(y = x\sin x + \cos x\) where the gradient is 1.
You should write down at least the following.
  • The iteration you use
  • The starting value
  • The solution correct to 4 decimal places
[4]
(c) Explain why \(x_1 = 3\) is not a suitable starting value for the Newton-Raphson method in part (b). [1]

June 2024 Paper 3 Q9

OCR MEICurrent spec6 marksNumerical Methods

9 This question is about the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\), where \(\mathrm{f}(x) = x^4 - x - \dfrac{1}{3x - 2}\).

Fig. 9.1 shows the curve \(y = \mathrm{f}(x)\).

Fig. 9.1: sketch of y = f(x): a branch above the x-axis crossing the y-axis just above O and rising steeply before an asymptote, and a second branch rising from below to cross the positive x-axis
Fig. 9.1
(a) Show, by calculation, that the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\) has a root between \(x = 1\) and \(x = 2\). [2]
(b) Fig. 9.2 shows part of a spreadsheet being used to find a root of the equation.

Fig. 9.2

AB
1xf(x)
21.53.1625
31.250.619977679
41.125-0.250466087
5
Write down a suitable number to use as the next value of \(x\) in the spreadsheet. [1]
(c) Determine a root of the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\). Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place. [1]
(d) Fig. 9.3 shows a similar spreadsheet being used to search for another root of \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\).

Fig. 9.3

AB
1xf(x)
200.5
31-1
40.51.5625
50.75-4.4336
60.64.5296
70.7-10.4599
80.6519.5285
90.675-40.4674
100.662579.5301
110.66875-160.4687
12
(i) Explain why it looks from rows 2 and 3 of the spreadsheet as if there is a root between 0 and 1. [1]
(ii) Explain why this process will not find a root between 0 and 1. [1]

June 2023 Paper 3 Q12

OCR MEICurrent spec3 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

12

The questions in this section refer to the article on the Insert. You should read the article before attempting the questions.

The relevant parts of the article “Approximating series” are reproduced below; the line numbers are those printed on the Insert.

Lines 17–19
Euler’s formula relates a sum of terms to an integral, and this can be illustrated by considering a suitable graph. For the sum of the squares of natural numbers, this is the graph of \(y = x^2\). The diagram shows this curve, with four shaded rectangles of areas \(1^2\), \(2^2\), \(3^2\) and \(4^2\).

Graph of y = x squared for x from −2 to 5 with four shaded rectangles of width 1 on [0, 1], [1, 2], [2, 3] and [3, 4], of heights 1, 4, 9 and 16, each with its top-right corner on the curve

Lines 20–21
Euler’s approximate formula for this case is as follows.
\(\displaystyle\sum_{r=1}^{4} r^2 \approx \int_1^4 x^2\,\mathrm{d}x + \frac{4^2 + 1^2}{2} + \frac{1^2 - 2^2}{12} - \frac{4^2 - 5^2}{12}\)

Lines 22–25
The integral gives the area under the curve between \(x = 1\) and \(x = 4\). It is clear that the integral is smaller than \(\sum_{r=1}^{4} r^2\) so something needs to be added to the integral to get the same answer as the series. The rectangle for \(1^2\) needs to be added on and so do the parts of the other three rectangles that are above the curve.

Lines 26–27
Approximating the curve by a series of straight lines gives three triangles to be added on. These have areas \(\dfrac{2^2 - 1^2}{2}\), \(\dfrac{3^2 - 2^2}{2}\) and \(\dfrac{4^2 - 3^2}{2}\).

Lines 28–30
This gives an approximation for the series of \(\displaystyle\int_1^4 x^2\,\mathrm{d}x + 1^2 + \frac{2^2 - 1^2}{2} + \frac{3^2 - 2^2}{2} + \frac{4^2 - 3^2}{2}\) which simplifies to \(\displaystyle\int_1^4 x^2\,\mathrm{d}x + \frac{4^2 + 1^2}{2}\). The final two terms in Euler’s approximate formula are to correct for the curve not being a series of straight lines.

With the aid of a suitable diagram, show that the three triangles referred to in line 26 have the areas given in line 27. [3]

June 2022 Paper 2 Q14

OCR MEICurrent spec8 marksIntegrationNumerical Methods

14 Fig. 14.1 shows the curve with equation \(y = \dfrac{1}{1+x^2}\), together with 5 rectangles of equal width.

Fig. 14.1: the curve y = 1/(1+x^2) for x from 0 to 1 through points A, B, C, D, E, F at x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, with 5 rectangles of width 0.2 lying under the curve and the horizontal lines at the left-hand heights
Fig. 14.1

Fig. 14.2 shows the coordinates of the points A, B, C, D, E and F.

PointABCDEF
\(x\)00.20.40.60.81
\(y\)10.961540.862070.735290.609760.5

Fig. 14.2

(a) Use the 5 rectangles shown in Fig. 14.1 and the information in Fig. 14.2 to show that a lower bound for \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\) is 0.7337, correct to 4 decimal places. [2]
(b) Use the 5 rectangles shown in Fig. 14.1 and the information in Fig. 14.2 to calculate an upper bound for \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\) correct to 4 decimal places. [2]
(c) Hence find the length of the interval in which your answers to parts (a) and (b) indicate the value of \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\) lies. [1]

Amit uses \(n\) rectangles, each of width \(\dfrac{1}{n}\), to calculate upper and lower bounds for \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\), using different values of \(n\). His results are shown in Fig. 14.3.

\(n\)102040
upper bound0.809980.797790.79162
lower bound0.759980.772790.77912

Fig. 14.3

(d) Find the length of the smallest interval in which Amit now knows \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\) lies. [2]
(e) Without doing any calculation, explain how Amit could find a smaller interval which contains the value of \(\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{1}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\). [1]

June 2022 Paper 3 Q10

OCR MEICurrent spec5 marksDifferentiationNumerical Methods

10 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.

The questions in this section refer to the article on the Insert. You should read the article before attempting the questions.

The relevant parts of the article “Approximating the sine function” are reproduced below; the line numbers are those printed on the Insert.

Lines 12–14
Fig. C2.1 shows the curve \(y = \sin x\) and the quadratic curve which goes through the points \((0, 0)\), \(\left(\frac{\pi}{2}, 1\right)\) and \((\pi, 0)\). The equation of this curve is \(y = \dfrac{4x(\pi - x)}{\pi^2}\). Fig. C2.2 shows the curve \(y = \dfrac{4x(\pi - x)}{\pi^2} - \sin x\).

Graph on a grid, x from −2 to 5 and y from −2 to 2, showing y = sin x and the quadratic curve, which are very close together between x = 0 and x = π, both reaching about 1 near x = 1.6.
Fig. C2.1
Graph on a grid, x from −2 to 5 and y from −2 to 2, showing the difference curve: close to the x-axis between x = 0 and x = π with two small humps near x = 0.5 and x = 2.7, falling steeply outside that interval.
Fig. C2.2

Fig. C2.2 indicates that the curve \(y = \dfrac{4x(\pi - x)}{\pi^2} - \sin x\) has a stationary point near \(x = 3\).

  • Verify that the \(x\)-coordinate of this stationary point is between 2.6 and 2.7.
  • Show that this stationary point is a maximum turning point. [5]

October 2021 Paper 1 Q8

OCR MEICurrent spec12 marksNumerical Methods

8 Kareem wants to solve the equation \(\sin 4x + \mathrm{e}^{-x} + 0.75 = 0\). He uses his calculator to create the following table of values for \(\mathrm{f}(x) = \sin 4x + \mathrm{e}^{-x} + 0.75\).

\(x\)0123456
\(\mathrm{f}(x)\)1.7500.3611.8750.2630.4801.670\(-0.153\)

He argues that because \(\mathrm{f}(6)\) is the first negative value in the table, there is a root of the equation between 5 and 6.

(a) Comment on the validity of his argument. [1]

The diagram shows the graph of \(y = \sin 4x + \mathrm{e}^{-x} + 0.75\).

Graph of y = sin 4x + e^(−x) + 0.75 for x from about −0.7 to 6.5: it oscillates, touching or dipping just below the x-axis near x = 1.3, between 2 and 3, between 4 and 5 and between 5 and 6
(b) Explain why Kareem failed to find other roots between 0 and 6. [1]

Kareem decides to use the Newton-Raphson method to find the root close to 3.

(c)
(i) Determine the iterative formula he should use for this equation. [2]
(ii) Use the Newton-Raphson method with \(x_0 = 3\) to find a root of the equation \(\mathrm{f}(x) = 0\). Show three iterations and give your answer to a suitable degree of accuracy. [3]

Kareem uses the Newton-Raphson method with \(x_0 = 5\) and also with \(x_0 = 6\) to try to find the root which lies between 5 and 6. He produces the following tables.

\(x_0\)5
\(x_1\)3.97288
\(x_2\)4.12125
\(x_0\)6
\(x_1\)6.09036
\(x_2\)6.07110
(d)
(i) For the iteration beginning with \(x_0 = 5\), represent the process on the graph in the Printed Answer Booklet. [2]

The graph in the Printed Answer Booklet:

Printed Answer Booklet graph of y = sin 4x + e^(−x) + 0.75 for x from 3 to 5.5 on a grid with gridlines every 0.5; the curve has maxima near x = 3.55 and x = 5.1 and dips below the x-axis between about 4.1 and 4.6
(ii) Explain why the method has failed to find the root which lies between 5 and 6. [2]
(iii) Explain how Kareem can adapt his method to find the root between 5 and 6. [1]

October 2020 Paper 2 Q10

OCR MEICurrent spec9 marksNumerical MethodsRadians

10 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.

The equation of a curve is

\(y = \dfrac{\sin 2x - x}{x\sin x}\).

(a) Use the small angle approximation given in the list of formulae on pages 2–3 of this question paper to show that
\(\displaystyle\int_{0.01}^{0.05} y\,\mathrm{d}x \approx \ln 5\). [4]
(b) Use the same small angle approximation to show that
\(\dfrac{\mathrm{d}y}{\mathrm{d}x} \approx -10000\) at the point where \(x = 0.01\). [2]

The equation \(y = 0\) has a root near \(x = 1\). Joan uses the Newton-Raphson method to find this root. The output from the spreadsheet she uses is shown in Fig. 10.1.

\(n\)01234567
\(x_n\)10.9585090.9500840.9482610.947860.9477720.9477530.947748

Fig. 10.1

Joan carries out some analysis of this output. The results are shown in Fig. 10.2.

\(x\)\(y\)
0.9477475–7.79967E–07
0.9477485–2.90821E–06
\(x\)\(y\)
0.9477454.54066E–06
0.947755–1.67417E–05

Fig. 10.2

(c) Consider the information in Fig. 10.1 and Fig. 10.2.
  • Write 4.54066E–06 in standard mathematical notation.
  • State the value of the root as accurately as you can, justifying your answer.
[3]

October 2020 Paper 1 Q8

OCR MEICurrent spec7 marksModellingNumerical Methods

8 Fig. 8.1 shows the cross-section of a straight driveway 4 m wide made from tarmac.

Fig. 8.1: cross-section of the driveway, a low symmetric hump 4 m wide
Fig. 8.1

The height \(h\) m of the cross-section at a displacement \(x\) m from the middle is modelled by \(h = \dfrac{0.2}{1+x^2}\) for \(-2 \leqslant x \leqslant 2\).

A lower bound of \(0.3615\,\mathrm{m^2}\) is found for the area of the cross-section using rectangles as shown in Fig. 8.2.

Fig. 8.2: the curve h = 0.2/(1 + x^2) from x = -2 to 2 with eight rectangles of width 0.5 lying under the curve
Fig. 8.2
(a) Use a similar method to find an upper bound for the area of the cross-section. [3]
(b) Use the trapezium rule with 4 strips to estimate \(\displaystyle\int_0^2 \frac{0.2}{1+x^2}\,\mathrm{d}x\). [2]
(c) The driveway is 10 m long. Use your answer in part (b) to find an estimate of the volume of tarmac needed to make the driveway. [2]

October 2020 Paper 3 Q5

OCR MEICurrent spec11 marksNumerical MethodsTrigonometry

5 Fig. 5 shows part of the curve \(y = \operatorname{cosec} x\) together with the \(x\)- and \(y\)-axes.

Fig. 5: one U-shaped branch of y = cosec x lying above the x-axis to the right of the y-axis, with a minimum point between two vertical asymptotes
Fig. 5
(a) For the section of the curve which is shown in Fig. 5, write down
(i) the equations of the two vertical asymptotes, [2]
(ii) the coordinates of the minimum point. [1]
(b) Show that the equation \(x = \operatorname{cosec} x\) has a root which lies between \(x = 1\) and \(x = 2\). [2]
(c) Use the iteration \(x_{n+1} = \operatorname{cosec}(x_n)\), with \(x_0 = 1\), to find
(i) the values of \(x_1\) and \(x_2\), correct to 5 decimal places, [1]
(ii) this root of the equation, correct to 3 decimal places. [1]
(d) There is another root of \(x = \operatorname{cosec} x\) which lies between \(x = 2\) and \(x = 3\).
Determine whether the iteration \(x_{n+1} = \operatorname{cosec}(x_n)\) with \(x_0 = 2.5\) converges to this root. [1]
(e) Sketch the staircase or cobweb diagram for the iteration, starting with \(x_0 = 2.5\), on the diagram in the Printed Answer Booklet. [3]

Diagram from the Printed Answer Booklet:

Printed Answer Booklet diagram: the branch of y = cosec x and the line y = x through O, which cuts the curve twice, once to the left of the minimum and once on the steep right-hand side