Mathematics

UPSC Mathematics 2024

All 16 questions from the 2024 Civil Services Mains Mathematics paper across 2 papers — 800 marks in total. Each question comes with a detailed evaluation rubric, directive word analysis, and model answer points.

16Questions
800Total marks
2Papers
2024Exam year

Paper I

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M Compulsory solve Linear algebra and calculus

(a) Let H be a subspace of R⁴ spanned by the vectors v₁ = (1, –2, 5, –3), v₂ = (2, 3, 1, –4), v₃ = (3, 8, –3, –5). Then find a basis and dimension of H, and extend the basis of H…

Q2
50M solve Linear operators and multivariable calculus

(a) Consider a linear operator T on R³ over R defined by T(x, y, z) = (2x, 4x – y, 2x + 3y – z). Is T invertible? If yes, justify your answer and find T⁻¹. (15 marks) (b) If u = (…

Q3
50M solve Linear algebra, optimization and 3D geometry

(a) Let V = M₂ₓ₂(ℝ) denote a vector space over the field of real numbers. Find the matrix of the linear mapping φ: V → V given by φ(v) = 1 & 2 3 & -1 v with respect to standard ba…

Q4
50M solve Eigenvalues, multiple integration and sphere geometry

(a) Let A = 3 & 2 & 4 2 & 0 & 2 4 & 2 & 3 be a 3×3 matrix. Find the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors of A. Hence find the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvect…

Q5
50M Compulsory solve Differential equations, vector calculus, mechanics

(a) Find the orthogonal trajectories of the family of curves r = c(sec θ + tan θ), where c is a parameter. (10 marks) (b) Solve the integral equation y(t) = cos t + ∫₀ᵗ y(x) cos(t…

Q6
50M solve Mechanics, simple harmonic motion, differential equations

(a) A regular tetrahedron, formed of six light rods, each of length l, rests on a smooth horizontal plane. A ring of weight W and radius r is supported by the slant sides. Using t…

Q7
50M solve Differential equations, dynamics, vector calculus

(a) State uniqueness theorem for the existence of unique solution of the initial value problem dy/dx = f(x, y), y(x₀) = y₀ in the rectangular region R: |x - x₀| ≤ a, |y - y₀| ≤ b.…

Q8
50M solve Laplace transform, Gauss divergence theorem, central force motion

(a) Using Laplace transform, solve the initial value problem y'' + 2y' + 5y = δ(t-2), y(0) = 0, y'(0) = 0 where δ(t-2) denotes the Dirac delta function. (15 marks) (b) Using Gauss…

Paper II

8 questions · 400 marks
Q1
50M Compulsory prove Group theory, complex analysis, convergence, linear programming

(a) Let G be a finite group of order mn, where m and n are prime numbers with m > n. Show that G has at most one subgroup of order m. 10 marks (b) If w = f(z) is an analytic funct…

Q2
50M prove Convergence, group theory, complex analysis

(a) Using Cauchy's general principle of convergence, examine the convergence of the sequence < fₙ >, where fₙ = 1 + 1/1! + 1/2! + ... + 1/n!. 15 marks (b) Show that every homomorp…

Q3
50M solve Complex analysis, series differentiation, linear programming

(a) Locate the poles and their order for the function f(z) = 1/[z(sin πz)(z + 1/2)]. Also, find the residue of f(z) at these poles. (15 marks) (b) Consider the series Σ(n=1 to ∞)…

Q4
50M prove Ring theory, Riemann integration, assignment problem

(a) Consider the polynomial ring Z[x] over the ring Z of integers. Let S be an ideal of Z[x] generated by x. Show that S is prime but not a maximal ideal of Z[x]. (15 marks) (b) F…

Q5
50M Compulsory solve PDE, linear algebra, Boolean algebra, mechanics, fluid dynamics

(a) Show that if f and g are arbitrary functions of their respective arguments, then u = f(x - kt + iαy) + g(x - kt - iαy), is a solution of ∂²u/∂x² + ∂²u/∂y² = (1/C²)∂²u/∂t², whe…

Q6
50M derive Laplace equation, Boolean algebra, moment of inertia

(a) Show that the solution of the two-dimensional Laplace's equation ∂²φ(x,y)/∂x² + ∂²φ(x,y)/∂y² = 0, x ∈ (-∞, ∞), y ≥ 0 subject to the boundary condition φ(x,0) = f(x), x ∈ (-∞,…

Q7
50M solve PDE, numerical integration, fluid dynamics

(a) Find the integral surface of the following quasi-linear equation (y - φ) (∂ φ)/(∂ x) + (φ - x) (∂ φ)/(∂ y) = x - y, which passes through the curve φ = 0, xy = 1 and through th…

Q8
50M solve PDE canonical form, interpolation, vortex dynamics

(a) Solve the partial differential equation (∂)/(∂ y)((∂ φ)/(∂ x) + φ) + 2x^2y((∂ φ)/(∂ x) + φ) = 0 by transforming it to the canonical form. (15 marks) (b) Using Newton's forward…

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