Mathematics 2025 Paper I 50 marks Solve

Q2

(a) Let T : ℝ³ → ℝ² be a linear transformation such that T(1, 1, -1) = (1, 0), T(4, 1, 1) = (0, 1) and T(1, -1, 2) = (1, 1). Find T. 15 marks (b) Using Mean Value Theorem, prove that π/6 + √3/15 < sin⁻¹(3/5) < π/6 + 1/8 15 marks (c) (i) Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line x/1 = y/2 = z/3 and that passes through the curve x² + y² = 16, z = 0. 10 marks (ii) Find the shortest distance between the straight lines (x-3)/3 = (y-8)/(-1) = (z-3)/1 and (x+3)/(-3) = (y+7)/2 = (z-6)/4. 10 marks

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) माना T : ℝ³ → ℝ² एक ऐसा रैखिक रूपांतरण है कि T(1, 1, -1) = (1, 0), T(4, 1, 1) = (0, 1) तथा T(1, -1, 2) = (1, 1) है। T ज्ञात कीजिए। 15 अंक (b) माध्यमान प्रमेय का प्रयोग करते हुए सिद्ध कीजिए कि π/6 + √3/15 < sin⁻¹(3/5) < π/6 + 1/8 15 अंक (c) (i) उस बेलन का समीकरण ज्ञात कीजिए जिसके जनक, रेखा x/1 = y/2 = z/3 के समांतर हैं और जो वक्र x² + y² = 16, z = 0 से होकर गुजरता है। 10 अंक (ii) सरल रेखाओं (x-3)/3 = (y-8)/(-1) = (z-3)/1 और (x+3)/(-3) = (y+7)/2 = (z-6)/4 के बीच की न्यूनतम दूरी ज्ञात कीजिए। 10 अंक

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How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Solve all four sub-parts systematically, allocating approximately 30% time to part (a) on linear transformation, 30% to part (b) on Mean Value Theorem proof, 20% to part (c)(i) on cylinder equation, and 20% to part (c)(ii) on shortest distance. Begin each part with clear statement of the approach, show complete working with proper mathematical notation, and conclude with boxed final answers.

Key points expected

  • For (a): Verify that {(1,1,-1), (4,1,1), (1,-1,2)} forms a basis for ℝ³, then express T as a 2×3 matrix by solving for images of standard basis vectors or using linearity directly
  • For (b): Apply MVT to f(x) = sin⁻¹x on [1/2, 3/5], showing f'(c) = 1/√(1-c²) lies between 4/5 and 5/√39, then manipulate to obtain the required bounds
  • For (c)(i): Use the condition that for any point (x,y,z) on cylinder, its distance from the axis line x/1=y/2=z/3 equals the radius 4, giving (2x-y)² + (3y-2z)² + (3x-z)² = 16×14 or equivalent simplified form
  • For (c)(ii): Verify the lines are skew, then apply SD formula |(a₂-a₁)·(b₁×b₂)|/|b₁×b₂| with correct identification of points and direction vectors, obtaining exact numerical value
  • Clear demonstration of linearity properties in (a), proper interval selection in (b), correct generator direction handling in (c)(i), and accurate cross product computation in (c)(ii)

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Setup correctness20%10Correctly identifies basis verification in (a), proper interval [1/2, 3/5] and function f(x)=sin⁻¹x in (b), accurate axis line and radius 4 in (c)(i), correct identification of skew lines with valid points (3,8,3) and (-3,-7,6) in (c)(ii)Partially correct setups with minor errors such as wrong interval endpoints in (b) or incorrect point identification in (c)(ii), but shows understanding of core conceptsFundamental setup errors like assuming given vectors are standard basis in (a), wrong function or interval in (b), treating cylinder as circular cylinder about z-axis in (c)(i), or assuming lines are parallel in (c)(ii)
Method choice20%10Uses matrix representation T(x)=Ax with systematic solving in (a), applies MVT with clever algebraic manipulation for bounds in (b), employs distance-from-axis method for cylinder in (c)(i), and uses vector triple product formula for skew lines in (c)(ii)Correct general methods chosen but with inefficient approaches like solving three systems separately in (a) or using general point method instead of formula in (c)(ii)Incorrect methods such as assuming T is determined by values on non-basis in (a), using Taylor expansion instead of MVT in (b), or using wrong distance formula in (c)(ii)
Computation accuracy20%10Flawless arithmetic: correct 2×3 matrix for T in (a), precise inequality manipulation yielding exact bounds in (b), accurate expansion to standard cylinder equation in (c)(i), and exact shortest distance value with proper simplification in (c)(ii)Minor computational slips like sign errors in matrix entries, arithmetic errors in bound calculation, or numerical evaluation errors in final answers, but salvageable working shownMajor computational failures such as incorrect matrix inversion, algebraic errors destroying inequality direction in (b), or completely wrong numerical answers without valid intermediate steps
Step justification20%10Explicitly justifies basis property in (a), clearly states MVT conditions and shows f'(c) bounds derivation in (b), proves distance preservation under translation in (c)(i), and verifies non-parallelism before applying skew line formula in (c)(ii)Some logical gaps like assuming without proof that vectors form basis, or stating MVT applies without checking continuity/differentiability, but overall structure is soundMissing critical justifications: no verification of linear independence, application of MVT without conditions, or use of formulas without checking applicability (e.g., parallel lines assumption)
Final answer & units20%10All four answers clearly presented: explicit T(x,y,z) formula in (a), proven double inequality in (b), simplified Cartesian equation of cylinder in (c)(i), and exact shortest distance with proper units in (c)(ii); all boxed or highlightedCorrect answers present but poorly formatted, or one part missing final answer while others complete, or answers embedded in working without clear extractionMissing multiple final answers, or answers without supporting working, or fundamentally wrong answers presented as final without indication of uncertainty

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