Complete Solution Guide — 20 Questions

Topics Covered in This Module

• Domain of Functions • Odd & Even Functions • Monotonic Functions

• Identical Functions • Logarithm Laws • Exponential Functions

• Trigonometric Functions • Induction Formulas • Compound Angle Formulas

• Sine Function Properties • Arithmetic Sequences • Geometric Sequences

• Recursive Sequences • General Term Formulas • Inverse Functions

• Derivatives (Introduction)
 MODULE 2: FUNCTIONS (20 Questions)

Q1 | Domain of Functions
Question: Find the domain of f(x) = 1/sqrt(x+1) + ln(2-x).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For 1/sqrt(x+1): The denominator must be positive (not just non-zero because it's under a
square root). So x + 1 > 0, giving x > -1.
Step 2: For ln(2-x): The argument of a logarithm must be strictly positive. So 2 - x > 0, giving x < 2.
Step 3: Combine both conditions: x > -1 AND x < 2. The domain is the intersection: (-1, 2).

ANSWER: C. (-1, 2)
Tip: For sqrt: argument >= 0. For 1/sqrt: argument > 0 (can't divide by zero). For ln: argument > 0 always.

Q2 | Odd and Even Functions

Question: Which function is an odd function in its domain? A) x^2 + cos x B) x^3 + sin x C) 2^x + 2^(-x)
D) sqrt(x)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: An odd function satisfies f(-x) = -f(x) for all x in its domain. An even function satisfies f(-x) =
f(x).
Step 2: Test A: f(-x) = (-x)^2 + cos(-x) = x^2 + cos x = f(x). This is EVEN, not odd.
Step 3: Test B: f(-x) = (-x)^3 + sin(-x) = -x^3 - sin x = -(x^3 + sin x) = -f(x). This IS ODD. ✓
Step 4: Test C: f(-x) = 2^(-x) + 2^x = f(x). This is EVEN.
Step 5: Test D: Domain is x >= 0 only, not symmetric about origin — cannot be odd.

ANSWER: B. f(x) = x^3 + sin x

Tip: For a function to be odd or even, its domain must be symmetric about the origin. Always check domain first.

Q3 | Monotonic Functions
Question: Which function is monotonically increasing on (0, +inf)? A) y=1/x B) y=(1/2)^x C) y=log_(1/2)
x D) y=x^2+2x
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Option A: y = 1/x — as x increases, y decreases. DECREASING on (0,+inf).
Step 2: Option B: y = (1/2)^x — base 0 < 1/2 < 1, so exponential is DECREASING.
Step 3: Option C: y = log_(1/2) x — base 0 < 1/2 < 1, so logarithm is DECREASING.
Step 4: Option D: y = x^2 + 2x. Take derivative: y' = 2x + 2. For x > 0: y' = 2x + 2 > 0. INCREASING
on (0,+inf). ✓

ANSWER: D. y = x^2 + 2x
Tip: Rule: For y = a^x — increasing if a > 1, decreasing if 0 < a < 1. Same rule applies to log_a x.

Q4 | Identical Functions
Question: Which pair of functions are identical? A) y=(sqrt(x))^2 and y=x B) y=sqrt(x^2) and y=|x| C)
y=(x^2-1)/(x-1) and y=x+1 D) y=ln(x^2) and y=2ln x
Step-by-Step Solution:
 Step 1: Two functions are IDENTICAL if they have the same domain AND same rule.
Step 2: Option A: (sqrt(x))^2 has domain x >= 0, but y=x has domain all reals. DIFFERENT domains.
Not identical.
Step 3: Option B: sqrt(x^2) = |x| for all real x. y=|x| also has domain all reals. Same domain AND
same output. IDENTICAL ✓
Step 4: Option C: (x^2-1)/(x-1) = (x-1)(x+1)/(x-1) = x+1, BUT x cannot equal 1. y=x+1 allows x=1.
DIFFERENT domains.
Step 5: Option D: ln(x^2) is defined for x != 0, but 2ln x requires x > 0. DIFFERENT domains.

ANSWER: B. y = sqrt(x^2) and y = |x|

Tip: Domain is the key test. Even if two expressions simplify to the same thing, check if their domains match.

Q5 | Logarithm Laws
Question: Calculate: 2*log_5(10) + log_5(0.25)
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Use log laws: n*log_a(x) = log_a(x^n) and log_a(x) + log_a(y) = log_a(xy).
Step 2: Rewrite: 2*log_5(10) = log_5(10^2) = log_5(100).
Step 3: Rewrite: log_5(0.25) = log_5(1/4).
Step 4: Combine: log_5(100) + log_5(1/4) = log_5(100 * 1/4) = log_5(25).
Step 5: Simplify: log_5(25) = log_5(5^2) = 2.

ANSWER: B. 2
Tip: Key log identities: log_a(a^n) = n, log_a(xy) = log_a(x) + log_a(y), n*log_a(x) = log_a(x^n).

Q6 | Exponential Functions
Question: If 2^a = 3, find the value of 4^a.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Rewrite 4^a using base 2: 4^a = (2^2)^a = 2^(2a) = (2^a)^2.
Step 2: Substitute the given value: (2^a)^2 = 3^2 = 9.

ANSWER: B. 9
Tip: When you see 4^a and know something about 2^a, always convert: 4 = 2^2, so 4^a = (2^a)^2.

Q7 | Exponential Functions
Question: The exponential function f(x) = a^x (a > 0, a != 1) passes through point (2, 9). Find f(1/2).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Since the graph passes through (2, 9): f(2) = a^2 = 9.
Step 2: Solve for a: a = sqrt(9) = 3. (We take positive root since a > 0.)
Step 3: Now find f(1/2): f(1/2) = 3^(1/2) = sqrt(3).

ANSWER: C. sqrt(3)
Tip: Given a point on f(x) = a^x, plug in to find a first, then evaluate at the required x.

Q8 | Comparing Logarithm and Exponential Values

Question: Let a = log_3(2), b = ln(2), c = 5^(-1/2). Determine the size relationship among the three.
Step-by-Step Solution:
 Step 1: Calculate approximate values for each.
Step 2: a = log_3(2) = ln(2)/ln(3) ≈ 0.693/1.099 ≈ 0.631.
Step 3: b = ln(2) ≈ 0.693.
Step 4: c = 5^(-1/2) = 1/sqrt(5) ≈ 1/2.236 ≈ 0.447.
Step 5: Compare: c ≈ 0.447 < a ≈ 0.631 < b ≈ 0.693.
Step 6: So the order from smallest to largest is: c < a < b.

ANSWER: D. c < a < b

Tip: When comparing mixed expressions (logs, exponentials), convert to decimals. ln(2) ≈ 0.693 is a useful value to
memorise.
Q9 | Trigonometric Values
Question: Given angle alpha = 3pi/4, which of the following is correct? A) sin a = sqrt(2)/2 B) cos a =
sqrt(2)/2 C) tan a = 1 D) sin a = -sqrt(2)/2
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: 3pi/4 is in the second quadrant (between pi/2 and pi). In Q2: sin > 0, cos < 0, tan < 0.
Step 2: sin(3pi/4) = sin(pi - pi/4) = sin(pi/4) = sqrt(2)/2. POSITIVE in Q2. ✓
Step 3: cos(3pi/4) = -cos(pi/4) = -sqrt(2)/2. NEGATIVE (not sqrt(2)/2).
Step 4: tan(3pi/4) = -tan(pi/4) = -1. NEGATIVE (not 1).
Step 5: Option A: sin a = sqrt(2)/2 is CORRECT.

ANSWER: A. sin(3pi/4) = sqrt(2)/2

Tip: Memory tool for quadrant signs — CAST rule: Q4=Cos, Q1=All, Q2=Sin, Q3=Tan (going counter-clockwise
from Q1).

Q10 | Pythagorean Identity

Question: Given sin(alpha) = -4/5 and alpha is in the third quadrant. Find cos(alpha).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Use the Pythagorean identity: sin^2(a) + cos^2(a) = 1.
Step 2: cos^2(a) = 1 - sin^2(a) = 1 - (-4/5)^2 = 1 - 16/25 = 9/25.
Step 3: cos(a) = ±3/5.
Step 4: Since alpha is in the THIRD quadrant, cosine is NEGATIVE: cos(a) = -3/5.

ANSWER: B. cos(alpha) = -3/5

Tip: In Q3: both sin and cos are negative. In Q2: sin positive, cos negative. Always use quadrant to determine sign.

Q11 | Double Angle Formula

Question: If tan(alpha) = 2, find sin(2*alpha).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Use the double angle identity: sin(2a) = 2*sin(a)*cos(a).
Step 2: Alternative form using tan: sin(2a) = 2*tan(a) / (1 + tan^2(a)).
Step 3: Substitute tan(a) = 2: sin(2a) = 2*2 / (1 + 2^2) = 4 / (1 + 4) = 4/5.
Step 4: Verification: if tan a = 2, then sin a = 2/sqrt(5), cos a = 1/sqrt(5) in Q1.
Step 5: sin(2a) = 2*(2/sqrt(5))*(1/sqrt(5)) = 4/5. ✓

ANSWER: A. sin(2*alpha) = 4/5

Tip: Memorise the shortcut: sin(2a) = 2*tan(a)/(1 + tan^2(a)). Very fast for CSCA MCQs.

Q12 | Trigonometric Induction Formulas

Question: Which of the following induction formulas is INCORRECT? A) sin(pi-a)=sin a B)
cos(pi+a)=-cos a C) tan(2pi-a)=tan a D) sin(pi/2+a)=cos a
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check each using the standard reduction identities.
Step 2: A: sin(pi - a) = sin a. CORRECT (sin is positive in Q2, reference angle is a).
Step 3: B: cos(pi + a) = -cos a. CORRECT (cos is negative in Q3).
 Step 4: C: tan(2pi - a). Since 2pi - a is in Q4: tan(2pi - a) = -tan a. The formula says = tan a. This is
WRONG. ✓
Step 5: D: sin(pi/2 + a) = cos a. CORRECT (standard co-function formula).

ANSWER: C. tan(2pi - a) = tan a is INCORRECT (should be -tan a)

Tip: In Q4: sin < 0, cos > 0, tan < 0. So tan(2pi - a) = sin(2pi-a)/cos(2pi-a) = -sin a / cos a = -tan a.

Q13 | Compound Angle Formula

Question: Given cos(alpha) = 3/5 and alpha in (0, pi/2), find cos(alpha + pi/6).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Since a is in Q1 and cos a = 3/5: sin a = sqrt(1 - 9/25) = sqrt(16/25) = 4/5.
Step 2: Use compound angle: cos(a + pi/6) = cos a * cos(pi/6) - sin a * sin(pi/6).
Step 3: Known values: cos(pi/6) = sqrt(3)/2, sin(pi/6) = 1/2.
Step 4: Substitute: = (3/5)*(sqrt(3)/2) - (4/5)*(1/2).
Step 5: = 3*sqrt(3)/10 - 4/10.
Step 6: = (3*sqrt(3) - 4) / 10.

ANSWER: A. (3*sqrt(3) - 4) / 10
Tip: Compound formula: cos(A+B) = cosA*cosB - sinA*sinB. Must memorise this cold for CSCA.

Q14 | Properties of y = sin x

Question: Regarding y = sin x, which statement is correct? A) Domain is [-1,1] B) Minimum positive
period is pi C) Monotonically increasing on [0, pi/2] D) It is an even function
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: A: Domain of sin x is ALL real numbers (-inf, +inf). Range is [-1,1]. A is WRONG.
Step 2: B: Period of sin x is 2*pi, not pi. B is WRONG.
Step 3: C: sin x increases from 0 to 1 as x goes from 0 to pi/2. CORRECT ✓
Step 4: D: sin(-x) = -sin(x), so it is an ODD function, not even. D is WRONG.

ANSWER: C. Monotonically increasing on [0, pi/2]

Tip: sin x: domain=all reals, range=[-1,1], period=2pi, odd function, increasing on [-pi/2, pi/2]. Know all these.
Q15 | Arithmetic Sequences
Question: Arithmetic sequence {a_n} with a_1 = 5 and common difference d = -2. Find a_20.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Arithmetic sequence formula: a_n = a_1 + (n - 1)*d.
Step 2: Substitute: a_20 = 5 + (20 - 1)*(-2) = 5 + 19*(-2).
Step 3: = 5 - 38 = -33.

ANSWER: A. a_20 = -33

Tip: Arithmetic sequence: a_n = a_1 + (n-1)*d. Sum formula: S_n = n/2 * (a_1 + a_n). These two are essential.

Q16 | Geometric Sequences — Sum Formula

Question: Geometric sequence {a_n} with a_1 = 2 and common ratio q = 2. Find the sum of the first 5
terms S_5.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Geometric sum formula (q != 1): S_n = a_1*(q^n - 1)/(q - 1).
Step 2: S_5 = 2*(2^5 - 1)/(2 - 1) = 2*(32 - 1)/1 = 2*31 = 62.
Step 3: Verify by listing: a_1=2, a_2=4, a_3=8, a_4=16, a_5=32. Sum = 2+4+8+16+32 = 62. ✓

ANSWER: C. S_5 = 62
Tip: Geometric sum: S_n = a_1*(q^n - 1)/(q-1) when q != 1. If q = 1, then S_n = n*a_1.

Q17 | Recursive Sequences — Finding General Term

Question: Sequence {a_n} with a_1 = 1 and a_{n+1} = a_n + 3 (n >= 1). Find the general term formula.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The recurrence a_{n+1} = a_n + 3 means each term increases by 3 — this is ARITHMETIC
with d = 3.
Step 2: Use: a_n = a_1 + (n-1)*d = 1 + (n-1)*3 = 1 + 3n - 3 = 3n - 2.
Step 3: Verify: a_1 = 3(1)-2 = 1 ✓, a_2 = 3(2)-2 = 4 = a_1+3 = 1+3 = 4 ✓

ANSWER: A. a_n = 3n - 2
Tip: When a_{n+1} = a_n + constant, it's arithmetic. When a_{n+1} = a_n * constant, it's geometric.

Q18 | General Term Formula by Pattern Recognition

Question: Find the general term formula for the sequence: 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 4/5, ...
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Write out terms with their index: n=1 gives 1/2, n=2 gives 2/3, n=3 gives 3/4, n=4 gives 4/5.
Step 2: Numerator = n. Denominator = n + 1.
Step 3: So the general term is: a_n = n / (n + 1).
Step 4: Verify: n=1: 1/2 ✓, n=2: 2/3 ✓, n=3: 3/4 ✓

ANSWER: A. a_n = n/(n+1)

Tip: For pattern sequences, always list n=1,2,3,4 and observe numerator and denominator separately.

Q19 | Inverse Functions

Question: Find the inverse function of y = 2x + 3 (x in R).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: To find the inverse: swap x and y, then solve for y.
Step 2: Original: y = 2x + 3.
Step 3: Swap x and y: x = 2y + 3.
Step 4: Solve for y: x - 3 = 2y => y = (x - 3)/2.
Step 5: The inverse function is: y = (x - 3)/2, where x is in R.

ANSWER: A. y = (x-3)/2, x in R
Tip: Steps for inverse: (1) swap x and y, (2) solve for y, (3) state the domain (which is the range of the original).

Q20 | Introduction to Derivatives

Question: Find the derivative of f(x) = x^2 - 2x at x = 1.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Differentiate using the power rule: d/dx[x^n] = n*x^(n-1).
Step 2: f'(x) = d/dx[x^2] - d/dx[2x] = 2x - 2.
Step 3: Evaluate at x = 1: f'(1) = 2(1) - 2 = 2 - 2 = 0.

ANSWER: A. f'(1) = 0
Tip: Power rule: d/dx[x^n] = n*x^(n-1). Constant rule: d/dx[c] = 0. These are the foundation of calculus.
 ANSWER KEY SUMMARY

Q Answer Topic

1 C — (-1, 2) Domain of Functions

2 B — x^3 + sin x Odd Functions

3 D — y = x^2 + 2x Monotonic Functions

4 B — sqrt(x^2) = |x| Identical Functions

5 B—2 Logarithm Laws

6 B—9 Exponential Functions

7 C — sqrt(3) Exponential Functions

8 D—c<a<b Comparing Values

9 A — sqrt(2)/2 Trig Values

10 B — -3/5 Pythagorean Identity

11 A — 4/5 Double Angle Formula

12 C — tan(2pi-a) = -tan a Induction Formulas

13 A — (3sqrt3-4)/10 Compound Angle

14 C — Increasing on [0,pi/2] Properties of sin x

15 A — -33 Arithmetic Sequences

16 C — 62 Geometric Sequences

17 A — 3n - 2 Recursive Sequences

18 A — n/(n+1) General Term Formula

19 A — (x-3)/2 Inverse Functions

20 A—0 Derivatives

KEY FORMULAS CHEAT SHEET

Category Formula

Log Laws log_a(mn) = log_a(m) + log_a(n) | n*log_a(m) = log_a(m^n) | log_a(a^n) = n

Exponentials a^m * a^n = a^(m+n) | (a^m)^n = a^(mn) | 4^a = (2^2)^a = (2^a)^2

Pythagorean ID sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1 => cos^2(x) = 1 - sin^2(x)

Double Angle sin(2a) = 2*sin(a)*cos(a) = 2*tan(a)/(1+tan^2(a))

Compound Angle cos(A+B) = cosA*cosB - sinA*sinB | sin(A+B) = sinA*cosB + cosA*sinB

CAST Rule Q1: All positive Q2: Sin positive Q3: Tan positive Q4: Cos positive
Arithmetic Seq a_n = a_1 + (n-1)*d | S_n = n/2*(a_1 + a_n) | S_n = n*a_1 + n(n-1)/2 * d

Geometric Seq a_n = a_1 * q^(n-1) | S_n = a_1*(q^n - 1)/(q-1) when q != 1

Inverse Function Swap x and y, then solve for y

Derivative d/dx[x^n] = n*x^(n-1) | d/dx[constant] = 0 | d/dx[cf(x)] = c*f'(x)

Boundless Academy | Prepared by Ted (Claude) | CSCA Exam Prep — China Scholarship Pathway