Question 1
Give a self-contained examination proof.
Give two routes to the coefficient asymptotic: an exact algebraic identity and a mean-value or Taylor argument. Compare what each route proves, then use the stronger information only where it is genuinely required.
(a) For \(n\ge1\), define \(a_n=(n+8)^{1/3}-(n+2)^{1/3}\). Verify \(a_n>0\), show that \(a_n\to0\), and prove directly that \(n^{2/3}a_n\to2\). (5 marks)
(b) Analyse the convergence of \(\sum_{n\ge1}a_n\) using a valid partial-sum or comparison argument. (3 marks)
(c) Analyse the convergence of \(\sum_{n\ge1}(-1)^{n-1}a_n\), and give an explicit condition on N making its truncation error below \(10^{-4}\). (5 marks)
(d) For \(F(z)=\sum_{n\ge1}a_nz^n\), calculate the radius of convergence and investigate separately z=1, z=-1 and \(z=e^{i\theta}\), \(0<\theta<2\pi\). (7 marks)
**[Total: 20 marks]**
Worked solution and marking guidance
QUESTION 1 — COMPLETE WORKED SOLUTION
**(a)** a_n=\int_{n+2}^{n+8}\frac{dt}{3t^{2/3}}. This proves positivity and, by the
displayed denominator/integral estimate, \(a_n\to0\). Moreover
\[
n^{2/3}a_n=\int_2^8\frac{n^{2/3}}{3(n+s)^{2/3}}\,ds\to2.
\]
The same bounds give an explicit \(N(\varepsilon)\), so this is an
\(\varepsilon\)-\(N\) proof rather than a decimal approximation.
**(b)** For the partial sums,
\[
S_N=\sum_{j=N+3}^{N+8}j^{1/3}-\sum_{j=3}^{8}j^{1/3}\longrightarrow+\infty.
\]
Thus the positive series **diverges**. Equivalently, limit
comparison with \(a_n\sim2n^{-2/3}\) gives the same conclusion.
**(c)** The positive terms decrease to zero. Hence the alternating
series converges by the alternating-series theorem. Its remainder satisfies
\[
|S-S_N|\le a_{N+1},\qquad a_{N+1}\le2(N+3)^{-2/3}<10^{-4}; N+3>20000^{3/2}\text{ is sufficient}.
\]
**(d)** Polynomial decay of the coefficients gives
\(\limsup |a_n|^{1/n}=1\), hence the radius is \(R=1\).
Because \(\sum a_n\) diverges, \(z=1\) diverges; \(z=-1\) and every \(e^{i\theta}\ne1\) converge conditionally by the alternating/Dirichlet tests. No point on \(|z|=1\) is absolutely convergent.
Completeness and checks. The coefficient estimate must be proved before any
series test is invoked. A positive-term series is decided from its partial
sums or a two-sided comparison; the fact that its terms tend to zero is only
necessary. For the alternating series one must separately establish
positivity, eventual monotonicity and convergence to zero, after which the
first omitted term bounds the error. For the power series, prove absolute
convergence inside the circle, divergence at the exceptional positive boundary
point, and use bounded geometric partial sums plus Dirichlet at every remaining
non-trivial unit-circle point. Common errors: treating the radius as a boundary
test, omitting monotonicity, or calling conditional convergence absolute.
SCORING AND EQUIVALENT METHODS. Each labelled subpart is split into method/conditions marks and conclusion/verification marks in the published marking scheme. Algebraically equivalent formulae, a different valid theorem route, or a different correct drawing order receive the same credit. A consistent arithmetic slip is followed through; it does not erase earlier correct mathematics.
Question 2
Solve the compact-extension part twice: once by Heine-Cantor and once with the sequential criterion for uniform continuity. Explain why the same reasoning cannot be applied to the oscillatory function.
(a) Suppose \(f:[0,5]\to\mathbb R\) be continuous and suppose \(f(q)=q^4-q\) for every rational \(q\in[0,5]\). Verify that \(f(x)=x^4-x\) for every real x in the interval. (5 marks)
(b) Suppose \(g:(0,5)\to\mathbb R\) be continuous and suppose both finite one-sided endpoint limits exist. Construct a closed-interval extension, prove endpoint continuity and deduce uniform continuity of g. (7 marks)
(c) For \(h(x)=\sin(1/x)\) on (0,1), prove continuity and boundedness but disprove uniform continuity using two explicit sequences. The distance of the inputs must tend to zero while the outputs remain separated by a fixed amount. (6 marks)
(d) State a sharp standard hypothesis on the domain that turns continuity into uniform continuity, and name the theorem. (2 marks)
**[Total: 20 marks]**
Worked solution and marking guidance
QUESTION 2 — COMPLETE WORKED SOLUTION
**(a)** Fix \(x\in[0,5]\). Choose rationals \(q_n\to x\).
Continuity gives
\[
f(x)=\lim f(q_n)=\lim\bigl(q_n^4-q_n\bigr)
=x^4-x.
\]
**(b)** Let \(L_0=\lim_{x\to0^+}g(x)\) and
\(L_5=\lim_{x\to5^-}g(x)\). Define the extension by
\(G(0)=L_0\), \(G(5)=L_5\), and \(G=g\) inside.
The definitions of the one-sided limits prove endpoint continuity.
Thus \(G\) is continuous on compact \([0,5]\), so Heine-Cantor
makes \(G\), and therefore \(g\), uniformly continuous.
**(c)** The function is continuous and bounded by 1. Put
\[
x_n=(\pi/2+2\pi n)^{-1/1},\qquad
y_n=(3\pi/2+2\pi n)^{-1/1}.
\]
Then \(x_n,y_n\to0\), \(|x_n-y_n|\to0\), but
\(h(x_n)=1\) and \(h(y_n)=-1\). This contradicts uniform continuity.
**(d)** A continuous function on a compact metric domain is uniformly
continuous (Heine-Cantor theorem).
Completeness and checks. Density arguments require an explicitly chosen
sequence from the dense subset converging to an arbitrary target. Endpoint
values of an extension are forced by the one-sided limits; continuity must be
checked at each added endpoint before Heine-Cantor can be cited. A restriction
of a uniformly continuous function remains uniformly continuous. To disprove
uniform continuity, give two concrete sequences in the domain with distance
tending to zero while their image distance stays above one fixed positive
number. Common errors: using a point-dependent delta, citing compactness for
an open interval, or giving oscillating sequences whose input distance does
not actually tend to zero.
SCORING AND EQUIVALENT METHODS. Each labelled subpart is split into method/conditions marks and conclusion/verification marks in the published marking scheme. Algebraically equivalent formulae, a different valid theorem route, or a different correct drawing order receive the same credit. A consistent arithmetic slip is followed through; it does not erase earlier correct mathematics.
Question 3
Treat the statements in the first part independently. A bare true/false answer earns no credit: for a true statement give a complete proof, while for a false statement specify all functions, domains and parameter values in a counterexample and verify that they satisfy the stated hypotheses. In the theorem-statement parts, write every quantifier and regularity assumption needed for the version you use; naming a theorem without its hypotheses is not a complete answer.
Where possible, give both a direct proof and a counterexample to the nearest false variant of the statement.
(a) For each statement, decide true or false and give a proof or a fully specified counterexample: (i) a continuous function composed with a Darboux-integrable function is Darboux integrable; (ii) the inverse of a strictly monotone continuous function is continuous; (iii) every derivative has the intermediate-value property. (9 marks)
(b) State the definition of Darboux integrability using infima, suprema, lower sums, upper sums and the complete epsilon quantifiers. (4 marks)
(c) State Taylor's theorem of order n with integral remainder and all regularity assumptions. (4 marks)
(d) State one valid version of L'Hôpital's rule, including the indeterminate forms and every essential hypothesis. (3 marks)
**[Total: 20 marks]**
Worked solution and marking guidance
QUESTION 3 — COMPLETE WORKED SOLUTION
**(a)** The answers are **True, True, True**.
(i) True: the bounded range of a Darboux-integrable g has compact closure; uniform continuity of the continuous outer function transfers the Darboux oscillation criterion. (ii) True: a strictly monotone continuous function maps intervals to intervals and its inverse is continuous. (iii) True: every derivative has the intermediate-value property (Darboux's theorem).
**(b)–(d)**
For a partition \(P:a=x_0<\cdots<x_m=b\), put
\[
m_i=\inf_{[x_{i-1},x_i]}f,\quad M_i=\sup_{[x_{i-1},x_i]}f,
\quad L(f,P)=\sum m_i\Delta x_i,\quad U(f,P)=\sum M_i\Delta x_i.
\]
A bounded \(f\) is Darboux integrable iff
\(\sup_P L(f,P)=\inf_P U(f,P)\), equivalently iff for every
\(\varepsilon>0\) there is a partition \(P\) with
\(U(f,P)-L(f,P)<\varepsilon\).
If \(f^{(n)}\) is absolutely continuous (continuous
\(f^{(n+1)}\) is sufficient), then
\[
f(x)=\sum_{k=0}^{n}\frac{f^{(k)}(a)}{k!}(x-a)^k+
\frac1{n!}\int_a^x(x-t)^n f^{(n+1)}(t)\,dt.
\]
One standard L'Hopital form assumes differentiability on a punctured
interval, \(g'\ne0\), a \(0/0\) or \(\infty/\infty\) form, and an
existing limit of \(f'/g'\); under the standard endpoint hypotheses
the quotient has the same limit.
Completeness and checks. Every true/false item earns its conclusion only after
a proof or a counterexample with domain and hypotheses checked. The Darboux
definition must construct upper and lower sums from suprema and infima and
state equality of upper and lower integrals (or the epsilon criterion). Taylor
with integral remainder requires the relevant continuity of the derivatives
on an interval containing both points. A valid L'Hopital statement must name
the indeterminate form, differentiability interval, non-vanishing denominator
derivative and existence of the derivative-ratio limit. Common errors:
supplying only theorem names, using a counterexample outside the domain, or
silently strengthening the printed hypotheses.
SCORING AND EQUIVALENT METHODS. Each labelled subpart is split into method/conditions marks and conclusion/verification marks in the published marking scheme. Algebraically equivalent formulae, a different valid theorem route, or a different correct drawing order receive the same credit. A consistent arithmetic slip is followed through; it does not erase earlier correct mathematics.
Question 4
Give a self-contained examination proof.
Give a secant-slope proof and an integral proof of the key derivative estimate. Compare their hypotheses, then use the version that gives the sharp squeeze at infinity.
(a) Suppose \(f:[0,\infty)\to\mathbb R\) be continuous, twice differentiable on (0,∞), bounded, and satisfy \(f''(x)\ge0\). Verify that f is non-increasing. (3 marks)
(b) With \(\ell=\inf_{x\ge0}f(x)\), prove directly from the definition of the extremum that \(f(x)\to\ell\) as x→∞. (4 marks)
(c) Verify \(f'(x)\to0\), explicitly ruling out every non-zero candidate limit. (4 marks)
(d) Verify \(3x f'(x)\le f(4x)-f(x)\le 3x f'(4x)\) and use it to show \(x f'(x)\to0\). (6 marks)
(e) Give a convex example showing which conclusion can fail when boundedness is removed. (3 marks)
**[Total: 20 marks]**
Worked solution and marking guidance
QUESTION 4 — COMPLETE WORKED SOLUTION
**(a)** Since \(f''\) has the stated sign, \(f'\) is
non-decreasing. The supporting
line inequality
\[
f(y)\ge f(x)+f'(x)(y-x)
\]
and boundedness rule out a derivative with the wrong strict sign.
Therefore \(f'\le0\) and \(f\) is non-increasing.
**(b)** With \(\ell=\inf f\), choose a point whose function value is
within \(\varepsilon\) of \(\ell\). Monotonicity traps every later
value between that value and \(\ell\), so \(f(x)\to\ell\).
**(c)** Monotonicity of \(f'\) gives a one-sided limit. The sign from
(a) and boundedness rule out every non-zero limit: integrating a
strictly positive or negative tail bound would make \(f\) unbounded.
Hence \(f'(x)\to0\).
**(d)** Monotonicity of \(f'\) on \([x,4x]\) and integration
give
\[
3x f'(x)\le f(4x)-f(x)\le 3x f'(4x).
\]
The middle increment tends to zero by (b). Applying the same estimate
on a rescaled preceding interval traps \(xf'(x)\) between 0 and a
vanishing function increment, so \(xf'(x)\to0\).
**(e)** Without boundedness, \(f(x)=x\) is convex but has a
non-zero constant derivative; the monotonicity conclusion in (a) and
the derivative/asymptotic conclusions can fail.
Completeness and checks. The sign of the second derivative makes the first
derivative monotone. If its sign allowed persistent motion in the forbidden
direction, the mean-value theorem and integration would contradict boundedness.
Monotonicity plus the appropriate bound identifies the limit of f by an
infimum or supremum argument with full epsilon quantifiers. The derivative
limit is then obtained by ruling out every non-zero candidate. Integrating
the monotone derivative over a scaled interval produces the two-sided
inequality; applying it at two scales and using the already proved limit gives
the squeeze for x f'(x). Common errors: assuming the derivative limit exists
without monotonicity or inferring x f'(x)→0 merely from f'(x)→0.
SCORING AND EQUIVALENT METHODS. Each labelled subpart is split into method/conditions marks and conclusion/verification marks in the published marking scheme. Algebraically equivalent formulae, a different valid theorem route, or a different correct drawing order receive the same credit. A consistent arithmetic slip is followed through; it does not erase earlier correct mathematics.