Mathematics 9709 · AS & A Level · Numerical solution of equations

Numerical solution of equations — practice question

The diagram depicts trapezium $ABCD$, with $AD = BC = r$ and $AB = 2r$. The acute angles $BAD$ and $ABC$ are each $x$ radians. Circular arcs of radius $r$ centred at $A$ and $B$ intersect at $M$, the midpoint of $AB$.
(a)[3]

Using that the total area of the shaded sectors is $90\%$ of the area of the trapezium, prove that $x$ satisfies $x = 0.9(2 - \cos x)\sin x$.

(b)[2]

Check by calculation that $x$ is between $0.5$ and $0.7$.

(c)[2]

Show that, if a sequence of values in the interval $0 < x < \frac{1}{2}\pi$ produced by $x_{n+1} = \cos^{-1}\!\left(2 - \frac{x_n}{0.9\sin x_n}\right)$ converges, then its limit is the root of the equation in part (a).

(d)[3]

Apply this iterative formula to find $x$ correct to $2$ decimal places. State each iteration to $4$ decimal places.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: State, or make clear, that $CD=2r-2r\cos x$

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