CIE May 2020 9709 Pure Maths Paper 21


This is part of a collection of videos showing step-by-step solutions for CIE A-Level Mathematics past papers.
This page covers Questions and Worked Solutions for CIE Pure Maths Paper 2 May/June 2020, 9709/21.

Related Pages
More A Levels Past Papers




Share this page to Google Classroom

CIE May/June 2020 9709 Pure Maths Paper 21 (pdf)

  1. Solve the equation
    ln(x + 1) − ln x = 2 ln 2.
  2. The polynomial p(x) is defined by
    p(x) = 6x3 + ax2 + 9x + b,
    where a and b are constants. It is given that (x − 2) and (2x + 1) are factors of p(x).
    Find the values of a and b.
  3. A curve has parametric equations
    x = et − 2e-t, y = 3e2t + 1.
    Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point for which t = 0.
  4. (a) Sketch, on the same diagram, the graphs of y = |3x + 2a| and y = |3x − 4a|, where a is a positive constant.
    Give the coordinates of the points where each graph meets the axes.
    (b) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the two graphs.
    (c) Deduce the solution of the inequality |3x + 2a| < |3x − 4a|.
  5. The diagram shows part of the curve with equation y = x3cos 2x. The curve has a maximum at the point M.
    (a) Show that the x-coordinate of M satisfies the equation x
    (b) Use the equation in part (a) to show by calculation that the x-coordinate of M lies between 0.59 and 0.60.
    (c) Use an iterative formula, based on the equation in part (a), to find the x-coordinate of M correct to 3 significant figures. Give the result of each iteration to 5 significant figures.



  1. (a) Prove that
    sin 2θ(cosec θ − sec θ)= √8 co(θ + 1/4 π).
    (b) Solve the equation
    sin 2θ(cosec θ − sec θ) = 1
    for 0 < θ < 1/2 π. Give the answer correct to 3 significant figures.
    (c) Find
  2. (a) Find the quotient when 9x3 − 6x2 − 20x + 1 is divided by (3x + 2), and show that the remainder is 9.
    (b) Hence find
    (c) Find the exact root of the equation 9e9y − 6e6y − 20e3y − 8 = 0.

Check out our most popular games!

Fraction Concoction Game:
Master fractions in the lab: mix, add, and subtract beakers to create the perfect concoction!

Fraction Concoction Game

Fact Family Game:
Complete fact families and master the link between addition & subtraction and multiplication & division.

Fact Family Game

Number Bond Garden:
Clear the board by matching number pairs that sum to ten in this garden-themed mental math puzzle.

Number Bond Garden

Online Addition Subtraction Game:
Practice your addition and subtraction skills to help the penguin find its mummy.

Online Addition Subtraction Game

Penguin Solitaire:
Move all cards to the foundations to build four full sequences. There are two versions here: Penguin (Tuxedo) and Penguin (Original).

Penguin Solitaire

Sawayama Solitaire:
This is similar to the common Klondike Solitaire except for a few changes to make it more strategic.

Online Addition Subtraction Game


Check out more Solitaire games here.



We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.