Home / IB Mathematics AHL 5.15 Slope fields and their diagrams AI HL Paper 1

IB Mathematics AHL 5.15 Slope fields and their diagrams AI HL Paper 1

IB Mathematics AHL 5.15 Slope fields and their diagrams AI HL Paper 1- Exam Style Questions- New Syllabus

Question

The diagram shows the slope field for the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \sin(x + y)\), \(-4 \leq x \leq 5\), \(0 \leq y \leq 5\). The graphs of the two solutions to the differential equation that pass through points (0, 1) and (0, 3) are shown.

Slope Field Diagram

For the two solutions given, the local minimum points lie on the straight line \(L_1\). For the two solutions given, the local maximum points lie on the straight line \(L_2\).

(a) Find the equation of \(L_1\), giving your answer in the form \(y = mx + c\) [3]

(b) Find the equation of \(L_2\) [2]

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Markscheme

(a)
Local minima: \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \sin(x + y) = 0\)
Solve: \(x + y = n\pi\), \(n \in \mathbb{Z}\)
For \(n = 0\): \(x + y = 0 \implies y = -x\)
Verify minima: \(\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} = \cos(x + y) \cdot (1 + \frac{dy}{dx})\), at \(\sin(x + y) = 0\), \(\cos(x + y) = \pm 1\)
For \(x + y = 0\), \(\cos(0) = 1\), \(\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} = 1 > 0\), confirms minima
Fits domain \(-4 \leq x \leq 5\), \(0 \leq y \leq 5\), and points like \((-1, 1)\), \((-3, 3)\)
Result: \(y = -x\) [3]

(b)
Local maxima: \(\sin(x + y) = 0 \implies x + y = n\pi\)
For \(n = 1\): \(x + y = \pi \implies y = -x + \pi\)
Verify maxima: For \(x + y = \pi\), \(\cos(\pi) = -1\), \(\frac{d^2 y}{dx^2} = -1 < 0\), confirms maxima
Fits domain and points like \((2, 1.14)\), \((0, 3)\), where \(1.14 \approx \pi – 2\), \(3 \approx \pi\)
Result: \(y = -x + \pi\) [2]

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