Home / iGCSE Mathematics (0580) :E2.12 Estimate gradients of curves by drawing tangents.iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

iGCSE Mathematics (0580) :E2.12 Estimate gradients of curves by drawing tangents.iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

Question

(a) For each sketch, put a ring around the correct type of function shown.

$\mathbf{(i)}$ On the grid, sketch the curve $y= \sin x$ for $0^\circ\leqslant x\leqslant360^\circ.$

(ii) Solve the equation $\sin x+ 0.4= 0$ for $0^{\circ}\leqslant x\leqslant360^{\circ}$

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

(a) Function Identification:

Graph (i): The curve shows an S-shape with two turning points, characteristic of a cubic function (e.g., y = x³).

Graph (ii): The curve approaches both axes but never touches them, showing vertical and horizontal asymptotes – this is typical of a reciprocal function (e.g., y = 1/x).

(b)(i) Sine Graph Sketch:

The sine curve has:

  • Amplitude of 1 (peaks at y=1, troughs at y=-1)
  • Period of 360° (completes one full cycle)
  • Passes through (0°,0), (90°,1), (180°,0), (270°,-1), and (360°,0)
  • Smooth, continuous wave pattern

(b)(ii) Trigonometric Equation Solution:

1. Rearrange the equation: \[ \sin x = -0.4 \] (We subtract 0.4 from both sides)

2. Find reference angle: \[ x_{\text{ref}} = \sin^{-1}(0.4) \approx 23.58° \] (Always use the positive value to find reference angle)

3. Locate solutions in proper quadrants:
Since sine is negative, solutions lie in:

  • Quadrant III: 180° + reference angle \[ x = 180° + 23.58° = 203.58° \approx 203.6° \]
  • Quadrant IV: 360° – reference angle \[ x = 360° – 23.58° = 336.42° \approx 336.4° \]

Final solutions: \(x = \boxed{203.6°}\) and \(x = \boxed{336.4°}\) (rounded to 1 decimal place).

Question

By drawing a suitable tangent, estimate the gradient of the curve at the point P.

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: −0.5 (accept −0.7 to −0.3)

Detailed Solution:

  1. Drawing the Tangent:
    • Locate point P at x=2 on the curve
    • Draw a straight line that just touches the curve at P and follows the curve’s slope
    • Ensure the tangent is neither too steep nor too shallow
  2. Selecting Points:
    • Choose two points on the tangent line that are easy to read from the grid
    • Suggested points: (1.5, 4.2) and (2.5, 3.7)
    • These points should be about 0.5 units either side of P for best accuracy
  3. Calculating Gradient:

    Using the formula:

    \[ \text{Gradient} = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} = \frac{y_2 – y_1}{x_2 – x_1} \]

    Substitute the coordinates:

    \[ \frac{3.7 – 4.2}{2.5 – 1.5} = \frac{-0.5}{1} = -0.5 \]

Important Notes:

  • The negative gradient indicates the curve is decreasing at point P
  • The acceptable range accounts for slight variations in tangent placement
  • For best results:
    • Use a ruler for the tangent line
    • Choose points that are easy to read from the grid
    • Take measurements as precisely as possible

Why This Works:

The tangent line represents the instantaneous rate of change of the curve at point P. By calculating its gradient, we estimate the derivative of the function at that point.

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