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June 2018 p32 q3
2321
In the diagram, the tangent to a curve at the point \(P\) with coordinates \((x, y)\) meets the \(x\)-axis at \(T\). The point \(N\) is the foot of the perpendicular from \(P\) to the \(x\)-axis. The curve is such that, for all values of \(x\), the gradient of the curve is positive and \(TN = 2\).
(i) Show that the differential equation satisfied by \(x\) and \(y\) is \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{2}y\).
The point with coordinates \((4, 3)\) lies on the curve.
(ii) Solve the differential equation to obtain the equation of the curve, expressing \(y\) in terms of \(x\).
Solution
(i) The gradient of the tangent at \(P\) is the same as the gradient of the curve at \(P\). Since \(TN = 2\), the horizontal distance from \(T\) to \(N\) is 2. The gradient of the tangent is \(\frac{y}{2}\), so \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{2}y\).
(ii) To solve the differential equation \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{2}y\), separate variables: \(\frac{1}{y} dy = \frac{1}{2} dx\).
Integrate both sides: \(\int \frac{1}{y} dy = \int \frac{1}{2} dx\).