2020 HSC Mathematics Extension 1
Question 12(e):
Differential equation
Find the curve which satisfies the differential equation and passes through the point .
How to recognise this question
Question type: differential equations
- The command and notation point to differential equations.
- The requested response is a worked solution.
How to handle it: separate or integrate the differential equation, include the constant, then use the initial condition.
Watch out: Do not select a formula until its domain, interval, sign and units match the question.
Step-by-step answer
- Separate variables (for ): .
- Integrate: , so where .
- Pass through : , so .
- Therefore the curve is the unit circle .
- NESA: 3 marks correct; 2 for constant; 1 for separating variables.
Common mistake: choosing a familiar formula before checking that its conditions, signs, interval and units match this question.
The paper records 3 total marks for this group. Where the official marking guide provides useful partial-credit criteria, those criteria are stated in the steps above.
Try your hand at it again by answering these questions
Question 1
Solve through .
Question 2
Solve through .
Question 3
Solve through .