Specimen Paper Answers

Paper 1
Cambridge International AS & A Level
Mathematics 9709
For examination from 2020

Version 1
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Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 4
Question 1 ........................................................................................................................... 7
Question 2 ........................................................................................................................... 8
Question 3 ........................................................................................................................... 9
Question 4 ......................................................................................................................... 10
Question 5 ......................................................................................................................... 11
Question 6 ......................................................................................................................... 12
Question 7 ......................................................................................................................... 13
Question 8 ......................................................................................................................... 14
Question 9 ......................................................................................................................... 16
Question 10 ....................................................................................................................... 18
Question 11 ....................................................................................................................... 20
Question 12 ....................................................................................................................... 22
Specimen Paper Answers

Introduction
The main aim of this booklet is to exemplify standards for those teaching Cambridge International AS & A
Level Mathematics 9709, and to show examples of model answers to the 2020 Specimen Paper 1. Paper 1
assesses the syllabus content for Pure Mathematics 1. We have provided answers for each question in the
specimen paper, along with examiner comments explaining where and why marks were awarded.
Candidates need to demonstrate the appropriate techniques, as well as applying their knowledge when
solving problems.

You will need to use the mark scheme alongside this document. This can be found on the School Support
Hub (www.cambridgeinternational.org/support) on the ‘Syllabus materials’ tab – scroll down to the bottom of
the page where the Specimen Paper materials are.

Individual examination questions may involve ideas and methods from more than one section of the syllabus
content for that component. The main focus of examination questions will be the AS & A Level Mathematics
subject content. However, candidates may need to make use of prior knowledge and mathematical
techniques from previous study, as listed in the introduction to section 3 of the syllabus.

There are 10 to 12 structured questions in Paper 1; candidates must answer all questions. Questions are of
varied lengths and often contain several parts, labelled (a), (b), (c), which may have sub-parts (i), (ii), (iii), as
needed. Some questions might require candidates to sketch graphs or diagrams, or draw accurate graphs.

Candidates are expected to answer directly on the question paper. All working should be shown neatly and
clearly in the spaces provided for each question. New questions often start on a fresh page, so more answer
space may be provided than is needed. If additional space is required, candidates should use the lined page
at the end of the question paper, where the question number or numbers must be clearly shown.

Past exam resources and other teacher support materials are available on the School Support Hub
(www.cambridgeinternational.org/support).

4 Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709

 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Assessment overview
There are three routes for Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics. Candidates may combine
components as shown below.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 5

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Paper 1 – Pure Mathematics 1

• Written examination, 1 hour 50 minutes, 75 marks

• 10 to 12 structured questions based on the Pure Mathematics 1 subject content

• Candidates answer all questions

• Externally assessed by Cambridge International

• 60% of the AS Level

• 30% of the A Level

This is compulsory for AS Level and A Level.

Assessment objectives

The assessment objectives (AOs) are the same for all papers:

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

• Show understanding of relevant mathematical concepts, terminology and notation

• Recall accurately and use appropriate mathematical manipulative techniques

AO2 Application and communication

• Recognise the appropriate mathematical procedure for a given situation

• Apply appropriate combinations of mathematical skills and techniques in solving problems
• Present relevant mathematical work, and communicate corresponding conclusions, in a clear and
logical way

Weightings for assessment objectives

The approximate weightings (± 5%) allocated to each of the AOs are summarised below.

6 Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709

 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 1

The allocation of marks is indicated using red circles, e.g. B1 shows where a B1 mark has been awarded.

1 The following points

A(0, 1), B(1, 6), C(1.5, 7.75), D(1.9, 8.79) and E(2, 9)
lie on the curve y = f(x). The table below shows the gradients of the chords AE and BE.

Chord AE BE CE DE

Gradient of chord 4 3 2.5 2.1

B1 B1

(a) Complete the table to show the gradients of CE and DE. [2]

Examiner comment

9- 7.75 1.25 Working is not required in this case for the marks to
For CE gradient = =  = 2.5 be awarded.
2- 1.5 0.5

9- 8.79 0.21
For DE gradient = =  = 2.1
2- 1.9 0.1

(b) State what the values in the table indicate about the value of f ′(2). [1] Examiner comment

f ′(2) gives the value of the gradient of the curve at x = 2 The mark is awarded for stating f ′(2) = 2; again,
working is not required to be shown for full marks to
The values in the table indicate that the gradients of the chords tends be awarded in this question.

towards 2. B1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 7

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 2
2 Functions f and g are defined by
f : x ↦ 3x + 2, x ∈ ℝ,
g : x ↦ 4x – 12, x ∈ ℝ.

Solve the equation f −1 ( x ) = gf( x ) . [4]

Examiner comment

Let f( x ) = y : y = 3x + 2 Candidates should show their working here, as there

is a method mark awarded for equating their f−1(x)
y – 2 = 3x
and gf(x) expressions.
y -2
x =
3
-1 x -2
∴f (x ) = B1
3
gf( x ) = 4(3 x + 2) - 12 B1
= 12 x - 4

x-2
When = 12x - 4 M1
3
x - 2 = 36x - 12

10 = 35x
10 2
x= = A1
35 7

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 3

3 An arithmetic progression has first term 7. The nth term is 84 and the (3n)th term is 245.
Find the value of n.
[4]
Examiner comment

un = a + (n – 1)d and a = 7. The first B mark is for either of the expressions for
the nth or (3n)th terms being correct. The method
∴ 84 = 7 + (n – 1)d and 245 = 7 + (3n – 1)d B1 mark would be awarded for any correct method to
eliminate d. If n is eliminated first, the mark is only
So 77 = (n – 1)d   and  238 = (3n – 1)d B1 awarded when d is used to find n.
77 238
∴ =
n-1 3n-1 M1
231n – 77 = 238n – 238

161 = 7 n
n = 23 A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 9

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 4

1 6
4 A curve has equation y = f(x). It is given that f ′ ( x ) + and that f(3) = 1.
x+6 x2
Find f(x). [5]

Examiner comment

-1 The first method mark is awarded for a clear attempt

 f ′( x=
) ( x + 6) 2 + 6x -2 at integration – usually an increase in the power of
1 each term is sufficient.
(
∴ f( x ) = 2 x + 6 ) 2 - 6x -1 + (C) M1
A1 A1
1
-1
When x = 3 : 1 = 2(9) 2 - 6(3) +C M1
1= 4+C

C = -3 A1
1
-1
2( x + 6) 2 - 6x - 3)
(∴ f( x ) =

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 5

5 (a)  2
The curve y = x2 + 3x + 4 is translated by    .
 0
Find and simplify the equation of the translated curve. [2]

Examiner comment
2
y ( x – 2) + 3( x – 2) + 4
= M1 No specific comments here.

2
y x
= – 4 x + 4 + 3x - 6 + 4
2
y =x –x +2 A1

(b) The graph of y = f(x) is transformed to the graph of y = 3f(–x).

Describe fully the two single transformations which have been combined to give the
resulting transformation. [3]

Examiner comment

A reflection in the y axis. B1 No specific comments here.

A stretch in the y direction, with a scale factor of 3. B1 B1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 11

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 6

6 (a) Find the coefficients of x2 and x3 in the expansion of (2 – x)6. [3]

Examiner comment

6 6  6 5  6 4 2  6 3 3 The candidate should be aware of the structure of

(2- x ) = 2 +   2 (- x ) +   2 (- x ) +   2 (- x )
 1  2  3 this expansion, although its inclusion is not required
for full marks.

Coefficient of x
2
=
 6  2 4 = 240
 2 B1
For the coefficient of x3, one of the B marks can be

Coefficient of x
3
=
 6  23 (-1)3 = -160 awarded if the candidate has got the wrong sign (i.e.
B1 B1 + instead of −160).
 3

(b) Hence find the coefficient of x3 in the expansion of (3x + 1)(2 – x)6 [2]

Examiner comment

(
(3 x + 1) … 240 x
2
– 160 x
3
)
…
The first line of working shows that the candidate
knows where the solution comes from, but it is not
3
Coefficient of x : 3 × 240 + 1 × (–160) M1 required for full marks to be awarded. The method
mark is awarded for 3 × their 240 + 1 × their (−160)
= 560 A1
and the A mark for a correct follow through.

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 7

7 (a) Show that the equation 1 + sin x tan x = 5 cos x can be expressed as
6 cos2 x – cos x – 1 = 0. [3]

Examiner comment

1 + sinx tanx = 5 cosx Method marks are awarded for using the correct
replacement for tan x, and for using the correct
sin x identity (sin2 x = 1 − cos2 x) in an appropriate place.
1 + sinx = 5 cosx M1
cos x

cosx + sin2x = 5 cos2x

cosx + (1 − cos2x) = 5 cos2x M1

0 = 6 cos2x − cosx − 1 A1

or 6 cos2x − cosx − 1 = 0

(b) Hence solve the equation 1 + sin x tan x = 5 cos x for 0° ⩽ x ⩽ 180°. [3] Examiner comment

6 cos2x − cosx − 1 = 0 A correct method of solving a quadratic equation

must be seen – without the method the two A1
(3cosx + 1)(2cosx − 1) = 0 M1 marks cannot be awarded.

1 1
∴ cosx = - or
3 2

x = 60° or 109.5° (1 dp) A1 A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 13

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 8

12 .
8 A curve has equation y =
3 − 2x
dy
(a) Find . [2]
dx
Examiner comment
-1
y = 12(3- 2 x ) Working is not required in this question for full marks
to be awarded.
dy -2
= -12(3- 2 x ) B1 ×-2 B1
dx
= 24(3- 2 x )
-2

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

A point moves along this curve. As the point passes through A, the x-coordinate is increasing
at a rate of 0.15 units per second and the y-coordinate is increasing at a rate of 0.4 units per
second.

(b) Find the possible x-coordinates of A. [4] Examiner comment

dx dy The first two lines show the expected thought

= 0.15, = 0.4 .
dt dt process but full marks can be awarded without it
being seen.
dy dy dx
∴ = ÷
dx dt dt
= 0.4 ÷ 0.15 M1 The first method mark is awarded when the

8
dy
= candidate’s algebraic expression for is equated
3 dx
to their numeric value obtained from the use of the
chain rule, and a method for solving a quadratic
-2 8
∴ 24(3- 2 x ) = equation is seen.
3
2
72 = 8(3- 2 x )
The second method mark is awarded for an attempt
2
9 = (3- 2 x ) M1 to equate their solution to part (a) to their numeric
±3 = 3- 2 x dy
value of found above, provided this leads to
dx
them solving a quadratic equation. There is no
Either x = 0 A1 or 3– 2 x = –3
follow through marks awarded here.
x = 3 A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 15

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 9

The diagram shows a circle with centre A and radius r. Diameters CAD and BAE are
perpendicular to each other. A larger circle has centre B and passes through C and D.

(a) Show that the radius of the larger circle is r 2 . [1]

Examiner comment

BC is the radius of the larger circle. A valid method must be seen before the mark can
be awarded – it does not have to be the method
2 2 2
BC = AB + AC shown here.
2 2 2
∴ BC =r +r
2
 = 2r

∴ BC = r 2 B1

16 Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709

 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

(b) Find the area of the shaded region in terms of r. [6] Examiner comment

1 No specific comments here.

Shaded area = Area of small circle – Area of the minor segment of the
2

large circle on the chord ACD.

π
CBD
ˆ =
2
∴ Segment area = Sector area – triangle area
1
=
2
(r 2 ) 2 π2 - 12 (r 2 ) 2 sin π2 M1 M1
1 2 2
= r π-r A1
2

Shaded area = 1 πr
2
2
(2
B1 - 1 r 2 π - r 2 ) M1

2
=r A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 17

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 10

10 The circle x2 + y2 + 4x – 2y – 20 = 0 has centre C and passes through points A and B.

(a) State the coordinates of C. [1]

Examiner comment
2 2 2
From the given equation ( x + 2) + ( y – 1) = r This is the form of the equation of a circle that the
candidate is expected to know, but the mark is
∴ C is (-2, 1) B1 awarded for stating the coordinates of C.

 1 1
It is given that the midpoint, D, of AB has coordinates   1 , 1  .
 2 2

(b) Find the equation of AB, giving your answer in the form y = mx + c. [4]
Examiner comment
1 1 The form of the line equation used here for the
1- 1 -
Gradient CD = 2
  2 =
= 1 ∴ gradient AB = −7 equation of AB is awarded M1. If y = mx + c is used
1 1 7
B1 M1
-2- 1 -3 directly, the mark is not awarded until the attempt at
2 2
finding c is completed.
Equation of AB : y - 1
1
2 (
= -7 x - 1
1
2
) M1
Giving y = -7 x + 12 A1

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

(c) Find, by calculation, the x-coordinates of A and B. [3] Examiner comment

Using the equations of the line and the circle: There must be clear evidence of a method of
solution of a quadratic equation for the final A1 to be
x
2 2
(
+ (–7 x + 12) + 4 x – 2 –7 x + 12 – 20 = 0 ) M1 awarded.
2 2
x + 49x – 168x + 144 + 4 x + 14 x – 24 – 20 = 0
2
50 x – 150 x + 100 = 0 A1
2
x – 3x + 2 = 0

( x – 1)( x – 2) = 0

  x = 1 or 2
∴ A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 19

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 11

11 The function f is defined, for x ∈ ℝ, by f : x ↦ x2 + ax + b, where a and b are constants.

(a) It is given that a = 6 and b = –8.
Find the range of f. [3]

Examiner comment
2
f( x
= ) x + 6x – 8 The final B mark is a follow through from the
2
candidate's value of the y-coordinate (either
= ( x + 3) – 17 B1 ,B1 expressed explicitly, or seen in the completed
square form).
∴ f( x ) …– 17 B1

It is given instead that a = 5 and that the roots of the equation f(x) = 0 are k and –2k, where
k is a constant.

Examiner comment
(b) Find the values of b and k. [3] No specific comment here.

2
f( x ) = x + 5x + b
2
∴ ( x – k )( x + 2 k
= ) x + 5x + b M1
2 2 2
∴x + kx – 2 k =x + 5x + b

2
Comparing coefficients: k = 5 A1 and -2k =b

∴ b = – 50 A1 and k = 5.

20 Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709

 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Examiner comment
(c) Show that if the equation f(x + a) = a has no real roots then a2 < 4(b – a). [3] No specific comment here.

( ) 2
f x + a =( x + a ) + a ( x + a ) + b M1
2 2
=  x + 3ax + 2a +b

When f (x + a) = a:
2 2
x + 3ax + 2a +b –a = 0

2
For no real roots "b - 4ac " < 0
2 2
∴ 9a – 4 × 1 × (2a +b – a) < 0 DM1
2 2
9a – 8a – 4b + 4a < 0
2
a < 4b – 4a
2
a < 4(b – a ) A1

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 21

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

Question 12

12

The diagram shows the curve with equation y = x(x – 2)2. The minimum point on the curve has
coordinates (a, 0) and the x-coordinate of the maximum point is b, where a and b are
constants.
(a) State the value of a. [1]

Examiner comment

The repeated factor (x − 2) in the cubic equation means that the curve The mark is awarded for stating a = 2.

touches the x axis at x = 2.

Therefore a = 2. B1

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 Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

(b) Calculate the value of b. [4] Examiner comment

2 2
y= x ( x – 2) = x ( x – 4 x + 4) The mark is awarded for stating x =
2
. This mark is
3 2 3
= x – 4x + 4x B1
dependent on clear evidence of a method of
dy 2
solution of a quadratic equation. The two B marks
 = 3x – 8x + 4
dx for the differentiation are follow-through marks from
B1 B1 the candidate's expansion of y = x(x − 2)2.

dy
At turning points = 0
dx
2
∴ 0 = 3x – 8x + 4
0 = ( x – 2)(3 x – 2)
(x – 2) = 0 gives a
Therefore b comes from  (3x – 2) = 0

3x = 2
2
x = B1
3

Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709 23

Specimen Paper Answers – Paper 1

(c) Find the area of the shaded region. [4] Examiner comment
2 The method mark here is not implied by a correct
∫
3 2
A= x - 4x + 4 x  dx answer; this use of limits must be seen.
0
2
x 4 4x
3
2 
=  4 -  + 2x 
 3 0 B1 B1

32
   = (4 –  + 8) – 0 M1
3
4
= A1
3

dy
(d) The gradient , , of the curve has a minimum value m.
dx
Calculate the value of m. [4]

Examiner comment
2
dy d y This is the thought process expected of the
The minimum value of occurs when 2
= 0.
dx dx candidate.
2
d y
2 = 6x – 8
dx
0 = 6x – 8

4 M1 A1
x =
3

() ()
2
4 dy 4 4
When x = , = 3 -8 +4 DM1
3 dx 3 3
4
=- A1
3

24 Cambridge International AS & A Level Mathematics 9709

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