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Geometry & Shapes

Practice exam-style IB Math AA questions for Geometry & Shapes, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

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Question 1
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

A solid is formed by joining a right circular cone to a hemisphere. The circular base of the cone coincides exactly with the circular face of the hemisphere. The common radius is 3 cm3\text{ cm} and the perpendicular height of the cone is 4 cm4\text{ cm}.

A

the slant height of the cone.

[2]
B

the total outside surface area of the solid.

[3]
Question 2
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

In triangle ABCABC, AB=7 cmAB=7\text{ cm}, AC=5 cmAC=5\text{ cm} and BAˆC=2π3\text{B\^AC}=\dfrac{2\pi}{3}.

A

BCBC.

[3]
B

the area of triangle ABCABC.

[2]
Question 3
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A cuboid has length 88 cm, width 66 cm and height 55 cm. Point AA is one vertex on the base and point GG is the opposite vertex on the top face. Take the positive xx-, yy- and zz-axes along ABAB, ADAD and AEAE respectively.

A

the midpoint of AGAG, using coordinates with A=(0,0,0)A=(0,0,0).

[2]
B

the length of AGAG.

[2]
C

the angle between AGAG and the base of the cuboid.

[2]
Question 4
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A circle has centre OO and radius 1212 m. The minor arc ABAB has length 2020 m, and it subtends an angle θ\theta radians at OO.

A

θ\theta.

[2]
B

the length of chord ABAB.

[2]
C

the area of the minor segment bounded by chord ABAB and the minor arc ABAB.

[2]

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Question 5
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A boat sails from point AA to point BB for 8 km8\text{ km} on a bearing of 040∘040^\circ. It then sails from BB to point CC for 6 km6\text{ km} on a bearing of 130∘130^\circ.

A

∠ABC\angle ABC.

[2]
B

the distance ACAC.

[2]
C

the area of triangle ABCABC.

[1]
Question 6
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A sector AOBAOB has centre OO, radius 6 cm6\text{ cm} and angle AOˆB=π3\text{A\^OB}=\dfrac{\pi}{3}. The minor segment is the region between chord ABAB and the arc ABAB. The diagram is not drawn to scale.

A

the length of the arc ABAB.

[2]
B

the area of the minor segment.

[3]
Question 7
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A right square-based pyramid has base ABCDABCD of side length 6 cm6\text{ cm}. Its vertex VV is vertically above the centre OO of the base. The height VOVO is 4 cm4\text{ cm}.

A

OAOA, where AA is a vertex of the square base.

[2]
B

the slant edge VAVA.

[2]
C

Let θ\theta be the angle between VAVA and the base plane. tan⁡θ\tan\theta.

[2]
Question 8
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A rectangular cuboid has length 3 cm3\text{ cm}, width 4 cm4\text{ cm} and height 5 cm5\text{ cm}. A diagonal is drawn from one lower vertex to the opposite upper vertex.

A

the length of the projection of the diagonal on the base.

[2]
B

the length of the diagonal of the cuboid.

[2]
C

the angle between the diagonal and the base plane.

[2]

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Question 9
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A solid is formed by joining a right circular cone to a hemisphere. The cone and hemisphere have the same circular base of radius rr cm. The total height of the solid is 1818 cm. The external surface area of the solid is 500 cm2500\text{ cm}^2.

A

an expression for the slant height, ll, of the cone in terms of rr.

[1]
B

the value of rr.

[2]
C

the volume of the solid.

[3]
Question 10
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A boat travels from port AA to port BB, a distance of 88 km on a bearing of 065∘065^\circ. It then travels from BB to port CC, a distance of 1111 km on a bearing of 145∘145^\circ.

A

the distance ACAC.

[3]
B

the bearing of CC from AA.

[3]
Question 11
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

In triangle ABCABC, AB=9AB=9 cm, AC=14AC=14 cm and the area of the triangle is 50 cm250\text{ cm}^2. Angle BACBAC is obtuse.

A

angle BACBAC.

[2]
B

BCBC.

[2]
C

angle ABCABC.

[1]
Question 12
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two points PP and QQ lie on horizontal ground in a straight line with the base BB of a vertical tower. Point QQ is 3535 m closer to the tower than point PP. The angles of elevation of the top TT of the tower from PP and QQ are 28∘28^\circ and 42∘42^\circ respectively.

A

the height of the tower.

[4]
B

the distance PTPT.

[1]

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Question 13
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Two observation points AA and BB lie on horizontal ground on the same straight line with the foot TT of a vertical tower. Point BB is between AA and TT, and AB=20 mAB=20\text{ m}. The angle of elevation of the top of the tower from AA is 30∘30^\circ, and from BB is 45∘45^\circ.

A

Let BT=x mBT=x\text{ m}. xx exactly.

[3]
B

the height of the tower.

[2]
Question 14
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A sector of a circle has radius r cmr\text{ cm} and angle θ\theta radians, where 0<θ<2π0<\theta<2\pi. The perimeter of the sector is 12 cm12\text{ cm} and its area is 8 cm28\text{ cm}^2. The diagram is a non-scale schematic and does not imply that θ\theta is a minor angle; both minor and reflex sectors are permitted.

A

θ\theta in terms of rr.

[2]
B

all possible pairs (r,θ)(r,\theta).

[3]
Question 15
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Points AA and BB lie on an east-west coastline, with BB due east of AA and AB=12 kmAB=12\text{ km}. A lighthouse CC is observed on a bearing of 060∘060^\circ from AA and on a bearing of 330∘330^\circ from BB.

A

the angles CAˆB\text{C\^AB} and ABˆC\text{A\^BC}.

[2]
B

ACAC.

[2]
C

the perpendicular distance from CC to the coastline.

[2]
Question 16
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

In a circle with centre OO, chord ABAB has length 6 cm6\text{ cm} and subtends an angle ∠AOB=2π3\angle AOB=\dfrac{2\pi}{3}.

A

the radius of the circle.

[2]
B

the area of sector AOBAOB.

[2]
C

the area of the minor segment cut off by chord ABAB.

[2]

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Question 17
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

In three-dimensional space, points AA, BB, CC and DD have coordinates
A(0,0,0)A(0,0,0), B(6,0,0)B(6,0,0), C(0,8,0)C(0,8,0) and D(0,0,12)D(0,0,12).

A

the midpoint of CDCD.

[2]
B

BDBD.

[2]
C

the angle ADˆB\text{A\^DB}.

[2]
Question 18
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A right square pyramid has a horizontal square base of side length 1010 cm. Its apex is vertically above the centre of the base. Each slant edge makes an angle of 58∘58^\circ with the base plane.

A

the height of the pyramid.

[2]
B

the volume of the pyramid.

[2]
C

the angle between two adjacent slant edges.

[2]
Question 19
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two points AA and BB are on level ground, with BB due east of AA and AB=200AB=200 m. The base DD of a vertical mast is on a bearing of 035∘035^\circ from AA and on a bearing of 320∘320^\circ from BB. The angle of elevation of the top TT of the mast from AA is 22∘22^\circ.

A

the horizontal distance ADAD.

[3]
B

the height of the mast.

[2]
C

the straight-line distance from BB to TT.

[1]
Question 20
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A right circular cone has slant height 1515 cm and curved surface area 250 cm2250\text{ cm}^2. The curved surface can be opened out to form a sector of a circle.

A

the radius of the base of the cone.

[2]
B

the angle of the sector in radians.

[2]
C

the volume of the cone.

[2]

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Question 21
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The points A(2,−1,3)A(2,-1,3), B(8,5,7)B(8,5,7) and C(5,9,−1)C(5,9,-1) are in 3-dimensional space. Let MM be the midpoint of ABAB.

A

the coordinates of MM.

[1]
B

the perimeter of triangle AMCAMC.

[2]
C

angle AMCAMC, in radians.

[2]
D

the area of triangle AMCAMC.

[1]
Question 22
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A right square-based pyramid has base ABCDABCD of side length 8 cm8\text{ cm}. Its vertex VV is vertically above the centre OO of the base. The perpendicular height VOVO is 6 cm6\text{ cm}. Let MM be the midpoint of ABAB.

A
I.

OAOA.

[1]
II.

the length of the slant edge VAVA.

[2]
B
I.

VMVM, the slant height of one triangular face.

[1]
II.

the total surface area of the pyramid.

[2]
C

Let α\alpha be the angle between the triangular face VABVAB and the base plane. tan⁡α=32\tan \alpha=\frac32.

[3]
D

the volume of the pyramid.

[1]
Question 23
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

In triangle ABCABC, AB=8 cmAB=8\text{ cm}, AC=7 cmAC=7\text{ cm} and ∠BAC=120∘\angle BAC=120^\circ. Point DD lies inside the triangle such that ADAD bisects ∠BAC\angle BAC and meets BCBC at DD.

A
I.

BCBC.

[3]
II.

the area of triangle ABCABC.

[2]
B
I.

sin⁡∠ABC\sin\angle ABC.

[2]
C

, or otherwise, the length ADAD.

[3]
Question 24
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A surveying point BB is 12 km12\text{ km} from a point AA on a bearing of 030∘030^\circ. A point CC is due east of AA and is on a bearing of 150∘150^\circ from BB. A vertical mast has its base at CC and its top at TT.

A
I.

∠ABC=60∘\angle ABC=60^\circ.

[2]
II.

ACAC.

[3]
B

The angle of elevation of TT from AA is 30∘30^\circ. the height CTCT of the mast.

[2]
C

the angle of elevation of TT from BB.

[2]

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Question 25
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A sector AOBAOB has centre OO, radius r cmr\text{ cm} and angle θ\theta radians. The arc length ABAB is 3π cm3\pi\text{ cm} and the perimeter of the sector is 18+3π cm18+3\pi\text{ cm}.

A
I.

rr.

[2]
II.

θ\theta.

[2]
B

the length of chord ABAB.

[2]
C
I.

the area of sector AOBAOB.

[2]
II.

the area of the minor segment bounded by chord ABAB and the arc ABAB.

[2]
Question 26
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

In three-dimensional space, points AA, BB, CC and DD have coordinates A(0,0,0)A(0,0,0), B(4,0,0)B(4,0,0), C(0,6,0)C(0,6,0) and D(0,0,8)D(0,0,8).

A
I.

the coordinates of MM, the midpoint of BCBC.

[1]
II.

DBDB and DCDC.

[3]
B

DMDM.

[2]
C

Let α\alpha be the angle between DMDM and the plane ABCABC. tan⁡α\tan\alpha.

[2]
D

the volume of tetrahedron ABCDABCD.

[1]
Question 27
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A right circular cone has base radius 6 cm6\text{ cm} and perpendicular height 8 cm8\text{ cm}. The cone is cut by a plane parallel to its base, halfway up its height. The smaller cone above the cut is removed, leaving a frustum with both circular ends exposed.

A

the slant height of the original cone.

[2]
B

the volume of the frustum.

[3]
C

the total surface area of the frustum.

[2]
Question 28
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A glass roof is in the shape of a right rectangular pyramid. Its rectangular base is 18 m18\text{ m} by 12 m12\text{ m}, and its vertex VV is vertically above the centre OO of the base. The height VOVO is 7 m7\text{ m}.

A
I.

the distance from OO to a corner of the rectangular base.

[2]
II.

the length of a slant edge of the roof.

[3]
B

the angle between a slant edge and the base plane.

[3]
C
I.

the total area of the four triangular faces of the roof.

[3]
II.

Solar panels are to cover 40%40\% of the roof area. Each panel covers 1.6 m21.6\text{ m}^2. the least number of panels needed.

[1]

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Question 29
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two observation posts AA and BB are on level ground, with BB due east of AA and AB=1.20 kmAB=1.20\text{ km}. A weather balloon is vertically above point CC on the ground. The bearing of CC from AA is 035∘035^\circ and the bearing of CC from BB is 300∘300^\circ. The angle of elevation of the balloon from AA is 12∘12^\circ.

A
I.

the angles CABCAB, ABCABC and ACBACB.

[2]
II.

ACAC and BCBC.

[3]
B

the height of the balloon above the ground.

[3]
C

the straight-line distance from BB to the balloon.

[3]
Question 30
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A sculpture is made from two identical right circular cones joined exactly at their circular bases. The common base radius is 6 cm6\text{ cm} and the distance between the two vertices is 20 cm20\text{ cm}. The sculpture fits exactly inside a sphere centred at the centre of the common base, with both vertices lying on the sphere.

A
I.

the perpendicular height of each cone.

[1]
II.

the slant height of each cone.

[2]
III.

the angle at a vertex between the axis of the sculpture and the slant edge.

[1]
B

the total external surface area of the sculpture.

[2]
C

the percentage of the sphere's volume occupied by the sculpture.

[3]
Question 31
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A vertical mast has its base at O(0,0,0)O(0,0,0) on horizontal ground and its top at T(0,0,h)T(0,0,h). Three guy wires join TT to ground anchors A(20,0,0)A(20,0,0), B(−10,18,0)B(-10,18,0) and C(−12,−16,0)C(-12,-16,0), where distances are measured in metres. The wire TATA has length 25 m25\text{ m}. The diagram is schematic and not drawn to scale; use the coordinates given rather than the apparent positions of the points.

A
I.

h=15h=15.

[2]
II.

the lengths of TBTB and TCTC.

[3]
B

the angle between wire TBTB and the ground plane.

[3]
C

The mast and the three anchors form a triangular pyramid TABCTABC. its volume.

[4]
Question 32
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A sector of a circle has radius rr cm and angle θ\theta radians. The perimeter of the sector is 3030 cm and the area of the sector is 53 cm253\text{ cm}^2.

A

θ\theta satisfies 53θ2−238θ+212=053\theta^2-238\theta+212=0.

[2]
B

the possible values of rr and θ\theta.

[3]
C

For the sector with the larger radius, the length of the chord joining the endpoints of the arc.

[2]

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Question 33
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A solid is made from a hemisphere of radius rr cm by removing a right circular conical cavity. The base of the cone is the flat circular face of the hemisphere and the apex of the cone is the highest point of the hemisphere.

A

an expression, in terms of rr, for the volume of the remaining solid.

[2]
B

The exposed surface area of the solid is 420 cm2420\text{ cm}^2. rr.

[2]
C

the volume of the remaining solid.

[2]
Question 34
HL • Paper 3
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A roof is a right rectangular pyramid on a horizontal rectangular base measuring 16 m16\text{ m} by 10 m10\text{ m}. The apex is vertically above the centre of the base. The sloping line from the apex to the midpoint of one of the 16 m16\text{ m} sides makes an angle of 35∘35^\circ with the base plane.

A
I.

the height of the roof.

[2]
II.

the angle made with the base plane by the sloping line from the apex to the midpoint of one of the shorter sides.

[2]
B

the volume of the air space under the roof.

[2]
C

the total sloping surface area of the roof.

[4]
Question 35
SL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A solid is made by joining two right circular cones base-to-base. The common circular base has radius 5 cm5\text{ cm}. The perpendicular heights of the two cones are 12 cm12\text{ cm} and 5 cm5\text{ cm} respectively. The circular base where the cones meet is not exposed.

A
I.

the slant height of the cone with height 12 cm12\text{ cm}.

[2]
II.

the slant height of the cone with height 5 cm5\text{ cm}.

[1]
B

the external surface area of the solid.

[2]
C

the volume of the solid.

[2]
D

A point PP lies on the common circular rim. Let VV and WW be the vertices of the cones. cos⁡∠VPW\cos\angle VPW.

[3]
Question 36
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A sector of a circle has radius r cmr\text{ cm} and angle θ\theta radians. Its perimeter is fixed at 18 cm18\text{ cm}, where 0<θ<2π0<\theta<2\pi.

A
I.

θ=18r−2\theta=\frac{18}{r}-2.

[2]
II.

the area K cm2K\text{ cm}^2 of the sector is K=9r−r2K=9r-r^2.

[2]
B

the maximum possible value of KK and the value of rr for which it occurs.

[3]
C

For this maximum area sector, the length of the chord joining the endpoints of the arc.

[2]

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Question 37
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Two observation points AA and BB are on level ground, with BB due east of AA and AB=10 kmAB=10\text{ km}. A radio transmitter has base PP on the ground. The bearing of PP from AA is 030∘030^\circ, and the bearing of PP from BB is 300∘300^\circ. The top of the transmitter is TT, vertically above PP.

A
I.

APAP.

[3]
II.

BPBP.

[2]
B

The angle of elevation of TT from AA is 60∘60^\circ. the height PTPT.

[2]
C
I.

the angle of elevation of TT from BB.

[2]
II.

the straight-line distance ATAT.

[1]
Question 38
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A decorative garden bed is in the shape of a minor circular segment. Its boundary consists of a chord of length 16 m16\text{ m} and a minor arc of length 18 m18\text{ m}. The arc belongs to a circle of radius r mr\text{ m} and subtends an angle θ\theta radians at the centre, where 0<θ<π0<\theta<\pi.

A
I.

θ\theta satisfies 16θ=36sin⁡(θ2)16\theta=36\sin\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right).

[3]
II.

Use your GDC to θ\theta and rr.

[2]
B

the area of the garden bed.

[3]
C

A path of width 1.2 m1.2\text{ m} is built outside the arc only, forming a larger sector with the same angle θ\theta. the area of the path.

[2]
Question 39
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A park has the shape of a quadrilateral ABCDABCD. The lengths are AB=80 mAB=80\text{ m}, BC=55 mBC=55\text{ m}, CD=70 mCD=70\text{ m} and AD=65 mAD=65\text{ m}. The angle BADBAD is 70∘70^\circ.

A
I.

BDBD.

[3]
II.

angle BCDBCD.

[3]
B

the area of the park.

[3]
C

A straight path is to be built from AA to CC. the length of this path.

[3]
Question 40
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A sector of a circle has radius r cmr\text{ cm}, angle θ\theta radians and fixed perimeter 40 cm40\text{ cm}. Assume that 0<θ≤2π0<\theta\le 2\pi.

A
I.

the area AA of the sector can be written as A=20r−r2A=20r-r^2.

[2]
II.

the possible values of rr.

[2]
B

the maximum possible area of the sector and the corresponding value of θ\theta.

[4]
C

A sector with perimeter 40 cm40\text{ cm} has area 96 cm296\text{ cm}^2.

I.

For a sector with perimeter 40 cm40\text{ cm} and area 96 cm296\text{ cm}^2, all possible pairs (r,θ)(r,\theta).

[2]
II.

For the two sectors corresponding to the pairs found in part (c)(i), which has the longer chord joining the endpoints of the arc.

[2]

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Question 41
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two tracking stations AA and BB are on level ground, with BB due east of AA and AB=800 mAB=800\text{ m}. A drone is vertically above point PP on the ground. The bearing of PP from AA is 052∘052^\circ, and the bearing of PP from BB is 322∘322^\circ. The angle of elevation of the drone from AA is 18∘18^\circ.

A
I.

triangle ABPABP is right-angled at PP.

[2]
II.

APAP and BPBP.

[3]
B

the height of the drone above the ground.

[3]
C

The drone then flies horizontally due south at 20 m s−120\text{ m s}^{-1} while maintaining the same height. the greatest angle of elevation of the drone from BB during this motion, and the time after it starts moving when this occurs.

[4]
Question 42
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A decorative lampshade is made by cutting a sector from a circle of radius 12 cm12\text{ cm} and joining the two straight edges of the sector to form a right circular cone. The angle of the sector is θ\theta radians, where 0<θ<2π0<\theta<2\pi.

A
I.

the base radius of the cone is 6θπ\dfrac{6\theta}{\pi} cm.

[2]
II.

the volume of the cone when the base radius is 8 cm8\text{ cm}.

[2]
B

the volume may be written as

V(θ)=144π2θ2π2−θ24V(\theta)=\frac{144}{\pi^2}\theta^2\sqrt{\pi^2-\frac{\theta^2}{4}}
[4]
C

the value of θ\theta which gives the maximum possible volume, and this maximum volume.

[5]
Question 43
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A right square-based pyramid has slant edges of fixed length 15 cm15\text{ cm}. Its apex is vertically above the centre of the square base. Let α\alpha be the angle between a slant edge and the base plane.

A
I.

the side length of the square base is 152cos⁡α15\sqrt{2}\cos\alpha.

[2]
II.

the height of the pyramid in terms of α\alpha.

[2]
B

the volume of the pyramid is 2250sin⁡αcos⁡2α2250\sin\alpha\cos^2\alpha.

[3]
C

the maximum possible volume of the pyramid.

[3]
D

For the pyramid of maximum volume, the angle between two adjacent slant edges.

[2]
Question 44
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two radio stations AA and BB are 5 km5\text{ km} apart on an east-west line, with BB due east of AA. A transmitter PP is on a bearing of 032∘032^\circ from AA and on a bearing of 316∘316^\circ from BB. A drone is vertically above PP.

A
I.

the angles PABPAB and PBAPBA.

[2]
II.

the horizontal distances APAP and BPBP.

[3]
B

The angle of elevation of the drone from AA is 18∘18^\circ. the height of the drone above the ground and the angle of elevation of the drone from BB.

[4]
C

In a general case, the baseline distance is dd, the bearing of PP from AA is α∘\alpha^\circ where 0<α<900<\alpha<90, and the bearing of PP from BB is β∘\beta^\circ where 270<β<360270<\beta<360.

AP=dsin⁡(β−270∘)sin⁡(β−180∘−α)AP=\frac{d\sin(\beta-270^\circ)}{\sin(\beta-180^\circ-\alpha)}
[3]

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Question 45
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A sculpture is modelled using coordinates in metres. Its triangular base has vertices A(0,0,0)A(0,0,0), B(8,0,0)B(8,0,0) and C(2,6,0)C(2,6,0). The apex is T(3,2,h)T(3,2,h), where h>0h>0. The angle between TATA and the base plane is 0.9000.900 radians.

Item

x [m]

y [m]

z [m]

Note

A

0

0

0

base vertex

B

8

0

0

base vertex

C

2

6

0

base vertex

P

3

2

0

foot of perpendicular

T

3

2

hh

apex, h>0h>0

Angle(TA, base plane)

—

—

—

0.900 rad

A
I.

APAP, where P(3,2,0)P(3,2,0) is the foot of the perpendicular from TT to the base.

[1]
II.

the height hh of the sculpture.

[2]
III.

the volume of the tetrahedron ABCTABCT.

[1]
B

the angle ATCATC.

[3]
C

Let the apex instead be vertically above an arbitrary point (x,y,0)(x,y,0) in the base plane, at the same height hh. the equation of the set of points (x,y)(x,y) for which the distances from the apex to BB and CC are equal.

[3]
Question 46
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A triangular sail has two fixed sides of lengths 60 cm60\text{ cm} and 45 cm45\text{ cm}. The included angle is θ\theta, where 0<θ<π0<\theta<\pi. The area of the sail is required to be 1000 cm21000\text{ cm}^2.

A
I.

sin⁡θ=2027\sin\theta=\dfrac{20}{27}.

[2]
II.

the two possible values of θ\theta.

[2]
III.

why two different sails are possible.

[1]
B

the third side length for each possible sail.

[3]
C

For fixed sides aa and bb and fixed area KK, where 0<2Kab<10<\dfrac{2K}{ab}<1, the two possible values of the third side xx satisfy

x2=a2+b2±2ab1−(2Kab)2x^2=a^2+b^2\pm 2ab\sqrt{1-\left(\frac{2K}{ab}\right)^2}
[3]
Question 47
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A rectangular box has side lengths aa, bb and cc, where a≥b≥c>0a\ge b\ge c>0. A small insect travels from one vertex of the box to the opposite vertex along the outside surface of the box. The shortest surface path can be found by unfolding two adjacent faces into a rectangle.

A
I.

For a box with side lengths 12 cm12\text{ cm}, 9 cm9\text{ cm} and 6 cm6\text{ cm}, the length of the straight path in each of the three possible unfoldings.

[3]
II.

the shortest path length for this box.

[2]
B

For the general box, the three squared path lengths are

L12=a2+(b+c)2,L22=b2+(a+c)2,L32=c2+(a+b)2L_1^2=a^2+(b+c)^2,\quad L_2^2=b^2+(a+c)^2,\quad L_3^2=c^2+(a+b)^2

L1L_1 is the shortest.

[5]
C

the shortest surface path for a box with side lengths 20 cm20\text{ cm}, 14 cm14\text{ cm} and 5 cm5\text{ cm}.

[2]
Question 48
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A window is formed from a rectangle of width 2r2r and height hh, with a semicircle of radius rr attached to the top. The outside perimeter of the window is fixed at 30 m30\text{ m}.

A
I.

2h+(2+π)r=302h+(2+\pi)r=30.

[2]
II.

the area of the window in terms of rr and hh.

[2]
B

the area may be written as

A(r)=30r−(2+π2)r2A(r)=30r-\left(2+\frac{\pi}{2}\right)r^2
[3]
C

the dimensions of the window that give the maximum area.

[3]
D

, for any fixed perimeter PP, the maximum-area window of this shape has h=rh=r.

[2]

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Question 49
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A ship travels 10 km10\text{ km} on a bearing of θ∘\theta^\circ, then 14 km14\text{ km} on a bearing of (θ+70)∘(\theta+70)^\circ, where 0<θ<900<\theta<90.

A
I.

For θ=40\theta=40, the ship's distance from its starting point after the two legs.

[2]
II.

why the answer to part (a)(i) is independent of θ\theta.

[3]
B

the value of θ\theta for which the final position of the ship is due east of its starting point.

[4]
C

For the value of θ\theta found in part (b), the distance east of the starting point. If you did not obtain a value for θ\theta, use 48.4∘48.4^\circ.

[3]
Question 50
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A running track is made from two parallel straight sections of length xx metres joined by two semicircular ends of radius rr metres. The inside lane has total length 400 m400\text{ m}. A second lane is formed at a constant distance ww metres outside the inside lane.

A
I.

x=200−πrx=200-\pi r.

[2]
II.

the area enclosed by the inside lane is A(r)=400r−πr2A(r)=400r-\pi r^2.

[2]
B

If the straight sections must each be at least 50 m50\text{ m} long, the maximum possible enclosed area.

[3]
C

the outer lane is longer than the inside lane by 2πw2\pi w, independent of xx and rr.

[3]
Question 51
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

The points A(0,0,0)A(0,0,0), B(6,0,0)B(6,0,0) and C(3,33,0)C(3,3\sqrt3,0) form the base of a triangular pyramid. The vertex is D(3,3,h)D(3,\sqrt3,h), where h>0h>0. It is given that DA=DB=DC=4DA=DB=DC=4.

A
I.

triangle ABCABC is equilateral.

[2]
II.

hh.

[2]
B

the volume of the pyramid.

[2]
C

the angle between DADA and the plane ABCABC.

[3]
D

cos⁡∠ADB\cos\angle ADB.

[3]
Question 52
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A right circular cone has base radius 8 cm8\text{ cm} and perpendicular height 15 cm15\text{ cm}. A plane parallel to the base cuts the cone so that the radius of the smaller cone above the cut is 2 cm2\text{ cm}. The smaller cone is removed, leaving a frustum with both circular ends exposed.

A
I.

the slant height of the original cone.

[2]
II.

the slant height of the frustum.

[2]
B

the volume of the frustum.

[3]
C

the total external surface area of the frustum.

[3]
D

Let α\alpha be the angle between a slant edge of the original cone and its base plane. tan⁡α\tan\alpha.

[1]

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Question 53
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

An annular sector is the region between two concentric circular arcs and two radial line segments. An annular sector has inner radius r cmr\text{ cm}, outer radius 2r cm2r\text{ cm} and angle θ\theta radians. Its perimeter is 6+3π cm6+3\pi\text{ cm} and its area is 9π2 cm2\frac{9\pi}{2}\text{ cm}^2.

A
I.

the perimeter is 2r+3rθ2r+3r\theta.

[2]
II.

the area is 32r2θ\frac32r^2\theta.

[2]
B

rr satisfies 2r2−(6+3π)r+9π=02r^2-(6+3\pi)r+9\pi=0.

[3]
C
I.

the possible values of rr.

[2]
II.

the corresponding values of θ\theta.

[1]
Question 54
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A right rectangular-based pyramid has base ABCDABCD, where AB=16 cmAB=16\text{ cm} and BC=12 cmBC=12\text{ cm}. The vertex VV is vertically above the centre OO of the base. Each slant edge has length 26 cm26\text{ cm}. Let MM be the midpoint of ABAB and NN the midpoint of BCBC.

A
AI.

OAOA.

[2]
AII.

the height VOVO of the pyramid.

[2]
B
BI.

VMVM and VNVN.

[2]
BII.

the total surface area of the pyramid.

[1]
C

the volume of the pyramid.

[2]
D

cos⁡∠AVB\cos\angle AVB.

[3]
Question 55
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two delivery drones follow straight-line paths in three-dimensional space, where coordinates are measured in kilometres. Their paths are modelled by

ℓ1:r=(251)+t(3−12),ℓ2:r=(11−17)+s(−121)\ell_1:\mathbf r=\begin{pmatrix}2\\5\\1\end{pmatrix}+t\begin{pmatrix}3\\-1\\2\end{pmatrix},\qquad \ell_2:\mathbf r=\begin{pmatrix}11\\-1\\7\end{pmatrix}+s\begin{pmatrix}-1\\2\\1\end{pmatrix}
A
I.

the acute angle between the two paths.

[3]
II.

the paths do not intersect.

[2]
B

the shortest distance between the two paths.

[5]
C

Suppose instead that both drones use the same time parameter uu, with positions on ℓ1\ell_1 and ℓ2\ell_2 obtained by putting t=ut=u and s=us=u. their minimum separation for 0≤u≤40\le u\le4.

[4]
Question 56
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The points A(1,2,0)A(1,2,0), B(5,0,1)B(5,0,1) and C(2,6,3)C(2,6,3) lie on a plane Π\Pi. A point DD has coordinates (4,3,10)(4,3,10). The line LL passes through DD and has direction vector (−2,1,−5)(-2,1,-5).

A
I.

a vector normal to Π\Pi.

[2]
II.

an equation of Π\Pi is −10x−11y+18z+32=0-10x-11y+18z+32=0.

[3]
B

the perpendicular distance from DD to Π\Pi and the volume of tetrahedron ABCDABCD.

[4]
C

The line LL passes through DD and has direction vector (−2,1,−5)(-2,1,-5).

I.

the point where LL intersects Π\Pi.

[2]
II.

the acute angle between LL and Π\Pi.

[2]

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Question 57
HL • Paper 2
Hard
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HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A submarine travels in a straight line with position vector

r(t)=(20−105)+t(−321)\mathbf r(t)=\begin{pmatrix}20\\-10\\5\end{pmatrix}+t\begin{pmatrix}-3\\2\\1\end{pmatrix}

where tt is measured in hours and distances are measured in kilometres. A listening station is at C(2,4,11)C(2,4,11).

A
I.

an expression for the square of the distance from the submarine to CC at time tt.

[2]
II.

the minimum distance from the submarine to CC.

[3]
B

The submarine is detected whenever it is within 7 km7\text{ km} of CC. the time interval during which it is detected.

[4]
C

the angle that the submarine's path makes with the horizontal plane.

[2]
Question 58
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A right circular cone has base radius 10 cm10\text{ cm} and perpendicular height 25 cm25\text{ cm}. A plane parallel to the base cuts the cone, and the smaller cone above the cut is removed. Let x cmx\text{ cm} be the height of the smaller cone removed.

A
I.

the radius of the smaller cone in terms of xx.

[1]
II.

The volume of the smaller cone removed is 20%20\% of the volume of the original cone. x3=3125x^3=3125.

[4]
B

the height and the top radius of the frustum.

[3]
C
I.

the total exposed surface area of the frustum, including both circular ends.

[3]
II.

the angle between a slant edge of the original cone and its base plane.

[1]
Question 59
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A designer makes a badge in the shape of a minor or semicircular circular segment. The boundary consists of a chord and the corresponding arc. The total length of the boundary is fixed at 20 cm20\text{ cm}. Let the radius of the circle be r cmr\text{ cm} and let the angle subtended by the arc at the centre be θ\theta radians, where 0<θ≤π0<\theta\le\pi.

A
I.

expressions for the arc length and chord length in terms of rr and θ\theta.

[2]
II.

r=20θ+2sin⁡(θ2)r=\dfrac{20}{\theta+2\sin\left(\dfrac{\theta}{2}\right)}.

[2]
B

the area of the badge is

A(θ)=200(θ−sin⁡θ)(θ+2sin⁡(θ2))2A(\theta)=\frac{200(\theta-\sin\theta)}{\left(\theta+2\sin\left(\dfrac{\theta}{2}\right)\right)^2}
[4]
C

Use a GDC to the value of θ\theta that maximizes the area of the badge, and this maximum area.

[3]
D

For the maximum-area badge, the radius of the circle.

[2]
Question 60
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A right circular cone contains a sphere of radius 3 cm3\text{ cm} tangent to the base and to the curved surface of the cone. In an axial cross-section, the sphere appears as the incircle of an isosceles triangle. The volume of the cone is 108π cm3108\pi\text{ cm}^3. Let rr be the base radius, hh the height and ll the slant height of the cone.

A
I.

rh=3(l+r)rh=3(l+r).

[2]
II.

an equation involving rr and hh using the volume of the cone.

[1]
B

r2=27±93r^2=27\pm9\sqrt{3}.

[5]
C

the two possible heights of the cone.

[2]
D

the total surface areas of the two cones.

[2]

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Trigonometric Functions