SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
MACMILLAN AND CO., Limited 
 
 LONDON . BOMBAY CALCUTTA 
 MELBOURNE 
 
 THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
 
 NEW YORK BOSTON CHICAGO 
 DALLAS SAN FRANCISCO 
 
 THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. 
 
 TORONTO 
 
SUBJECTS FOR 
 MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 BY 
 
 CHARLES DAVISON, Sc.D. 
 
 MATHEMATICAL MASTER AT KING EDVVARD's HIGH SCHOOL 
 BIRMINGHAM 
 
 '',.>/' 
 
 MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED 
 
 ST. MARTIN'S STREET, LONDON 
 
 1915 
 
COPYRIGHT 
 
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 I * ' 1 l > ' 
 
 
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PREFACE. 
 
 The object of what are here called " mathematical essays " 
 is to co-ordinate a pupil's knowledge on certain subjects which 
 are not specially dealt with in text-books. The essays, of 
 which outlines are given in the first part of this book, are of 
 the following types : 
 
 (i) A group of theorems on one subject, the theorems in 
 ordinary text-books being often scattered in one or several 
 volumes (e.g., Essays 19, 26, 70, 91) ; 
 
 (ii) A series of questions leading up to the solution of an 
 important problem (e.g., Essays 79, 87, 90, 93) ; 
 
 (iii) A collection of different methods of proving the same 
 theorem (e.g., Essays 28, 61, 75, 78) ; 
 
 (iv) A series of applications - of the same theorem (e.g., 
 Essays 37, 48, 75) ; 
 
 (v) A classification of tests of the same geometrical condition 
 (e.g.. Essays 3, 4, 40, 41). 
 
 The subjects given in the first part (Essays 1-100) are, 
 as a rule, of an elementary character. In several of these, 
 a question, which throws light on different subjects, is repeated, 
 Those given in the second part (Essays 101-200) are taken 
 from papers set for entrance scholarships in the Trinity and 
 Pembroke groups of Cambridge colleges from 1905 and 1907 
 respectively. 
 
 I should be grateful for notices of any errors that may be 
 found in the text or answers, and for any suggestions from 
 teachers for the improvement of the book. 
 
 CHARLES DAVISON. 
 
 Birmingham, November, 1914. 
 
 334528 
 
CONTENTS. 
 PART I. 
 
 P.\OE 
 1 
 
 1. Tests of divisibility - - 
 
 2. Elementary properties of numbers 2 
 
 3. Tests of parallelism 2 
 
 4. Tests of perpendicularity 3 
 
 5. The angles of a polygon ^ 
 
 6. Highest common factor and lowest common multiple - - 6 
 
 7. Roots of quadratic equations. I. 6 
 
 8. Ratio. I. - 7 
 
 9. Pythagoras' theorem and its extension 8 
 
 10. Apoilonius' theorem 10 
 
 11. Medial section H 
 
 12. Roots of quadratic equations. II. 11 
 
 13. Theory of quadratic expressions 12 
 
 14. Reduction of expressions to the sum of two or more squares 13 
 
 15. Periods of circular functions 14 
 
 16. The equation a cos ^ + 6 sin ^ = c 1^ 
 
 17. Expression of cos a and sin a in terms of sin 2a - - - 17 
 
 18. Ambiguous case in the solution of triangles - - - - 18 
 
 19. The pedal triangle of a triangle 19 
 
 20. The area of a triangle 19 
 
 21. Ratio. II. 20 
 
 22. Simultaneous equations with infinite solutions - - - 21 
 
 23. Graphs and the solution of algebraical equations - - - 23 
 
viii CONTENTS 
 
 PAQB 
 
 24. Limits of algebraical expressions 24 
 
 25. The altitudes of a triangle 26 
 
 26. The medians of a triangle 26 
 
 27. The bisectors of the angles of a triangle - - - - 27 
 
 28. The nine-points circle 28 
 
 29. The circular functions of 18 and allied angles - - - 29 
 
 30. The identity sin (a + /3) sin (a-/3) = sin2a -sin2/3 - - - 31 
 
 31. The circle of Apollonius ....... 32 
 
 32. The area of a quadrilateral 32 
 
 33. On certain lines connected with a triangle - - - - 34 
 
 34. The principle of proportional parts 36 
 
 35. The radial axis treated geometrically 36 
 
 36. The rectangle formed by the bisectors of the angles of a 
 
 parallelogram 37 
 
 37. The polynomial theorem 38 
 
 38. AppUcation of the binomial theorem to the solution of 
 
 problems on combinations 39 
 
 39. The isosceles triangle with each angle at the base double of 
 
 the third angle 40 
 
 40. Tests of concurrency 41 
 
 41. Tests of coUinearity 42 
 
 42. Common tangents and centres of similitude - - - - 44 
 
 43. Resolution of the general expression of the second degree in 
 
 X and y into Imear factors 45 
 
 44. Pairs of straight lines through the origin - - - - 46 
 
 45. Equation of the straight lines joining the origin to the points 
 
 of intersection of a straight line and a conic - - - 47 
 
 46. Concurrent circles 49 
 
 47. Complex quantity. I. 60 
 
 48. Factors of the expression o^ + y^-\-^- 3xyz - - - - 61 
 
 49. Corresponding algebraical and trigonometrical identities - 62 
 
 50. Orthogonal circles 63 
 
 51. Dip of a stratum 64 
 
 52. Non-planar lines 55 
 
CONTENTS ix 
 
 PAGE 
 
 53. The cube 5G 
 
 54. The regular octahedron 67 
 
 55. Range of projectiles on an inclined plane . . . . 68 
 
 56. The equation of the tangent to a parabola in the form 
 
 y^mx + alm 59 
 
 57. The normals to a parabola 60 
 
 68. Euler's polyhedron theorem 61 
 
 69. The tetrahedron and its circumscribing parallelepiped - - 62 
 
 60. Plane sections of a tetrahedron 63 
 
 61. Sumof 71 terms of the series 1. 2.3 + 2. 3.4 + 3.4.5 + ... 64 
 
 62. Construction of logarithmic tables 65 
 
 63. The excentric angle of a point on an ellipse - - - - 66 
 
 64. Coaxal circles 67 
 
 65. The path of a projectile 68 
 
 66. Moments of forces about a point in their plane - - - 70 
 
 67. The asymptotes of an hyperbola 71 
 
 68. Statical proofs of geometrical theorems 72 
 
 69. Loss of kinetic energy by impact 73 
 
 70. Equation of a straight line in the form a; = A + r cos ^, y = h-\-r&md 74 
 
 71. Formulae for cos 16 and sin IB in terms of cos 6 and sin 6 - 75 
 
 72. Complex quantity. II. 77 
 
 73. Ptolemy's theorem 78 
 
 74. The evaluation of tt 79 
 
 75. Euler's product theorem 81 
 
 76. Graphs and the solution of trigonometrical equations - - 82 
 
 77. Brocard points 83 
 
 78. The inequality theorem sin ^>^- ^^3 84 
 
 79. The Simson line 85 
 
 80. Intersecting spheres 87 
 
 81. Spherical segments - 88 
 
 82. Lmes of quickest descent 89 
 
 83. Centre of gravity of a circular arc and sector ... 90 
 
 84. The sign of the differential coefficient 92 
 
X CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 85. Maxima and minima treated algebraically - - - - 93 
 
 86. Maxima and minima treated geometrically - - - - 94 
 
 87. Diagonals of a cyclic quadrilateral 95 
 
 88. The sums of equidistant terms of a series - - - - 96 
 
 89. Incyclic and circumcyclic quadrilaterals - - - - 97 
 
 90. Feuerbach's theorem 98 
 
 91. Relations between the circumcircle and excircles of a triangle 99 
 
 92. The common tangents of the excircles of a triangle - - 100 
 
 93. Relation connecting the six distances between four points - 101 
 
 94. Values of ^eeeld + r. ) and Vsec^^ + r. ) - - 102 
 
 95. Position of a curve with regard to its asymptotes - - 104 
 
 96. The semi-cubical parabola 106 
 
 97. Thecardioide 107 
 
 98. The foHum of Descartes 108 
 
 99. The cycloid 109 
 
 100. Some standard forms of integrals Ill 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Subjects for Essays from Entrance Scholarship Papers at Cambridge 113 
 
PART L 
 
 1. 
 
 TESTS OF DIVISIBILITY. 
 
 1. Show that a number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its 
 digits be divisible by 9. 
 
 2. Show that a number is divisible by 11 if the difference 
 between the sum of the digits in the odd places and the sum of 
 the digits in the even places be either zero or divisible by 11. 
 
 3. Prove the following method of testing the accuracy of 
 a multiplication example : Divide the sums of the digits in 
 the multiplicand, multiplier and product by 9, then the pro- 
 duct of the first two remainders when divided by 9 gives a 
 remainder equal to the third remainder. 
 
 4. Arrange the digits 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 so as to form a number 
 divisible by 132, and explain the reasons for the arrangement. 
 
 5. In a division sum, the divisor is 429, the four right- 
 hand digits of the dividend are 2414, and the remainder is 
 132 ; find the three right-hand digits of the quotient. 
 
 6. When a certain number is multiplied by 13, the product 
 consists entirely of nines ; find the number. 
 
 7. The product of two numbers is a647c, where a, h, c are 
 integers less than 10, and one of the numbers is 792 ; find the 
 other number. 
 
 8. The number 23ah7c, in which a, h, c stand for obliterated 
 digits, is known to be divisible by 792 ; find the missing digits. 
 
 M.E. A 
 
2 SU;B^EeTS FOR MArHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 ' .' o,.;' ) .V,. t I 
 
 2. 
 ELEMENTARY PROPERTIES OF NUMBERS. 
 
 1. The product of two numbers consisting of 3 and 4 digits 
 must consist of 6 or 7 digits ; and the product of three num- 
 bers consisting of 3, 4 and 4 digits must consist of 9, 10 or 
 11 digits. 
 
 2. Show that, of any six consecutive numbers (except the 
 first six), not more than two can be prime numbers. 
 
 3. Prove that the difference between the squares of any 
 two odd numbers is always divisible by 8, and by 24 if neither 
 of the numbers be divisible by 3. 
 
 4. If the sum of two square numbers be divisible by 3, show 
 that this sum is also divisible by 9. 
 
 5. If a square number end in 6, the figure in the tens' 
 place must be odd ; if it end in any other number, the figure 
 in the tens' place must be even. 
 
 6. If w be a whole number, prove that J(7i^ + 5n) is also a 
 whole number. 
 
 7. If n be an even number, show that n^ + 20n is divisible 
 by 48. 
 
 8. If the continued product of the first n odd numbers be 
 divided by the continued product of the first n even numbers, 
 prove that the quotient is a terminating decimal. 
 
 TESTS OF PARALLELISM. 
 
 1. Prove that two straight lines are parallel : (i) if a trans- 
 versal make a pair of alternate angles equal ; (ii) if they join 
 the ends of equal and parallel straight lines towards the same 
 parts ; (iii) if equivalent triangles with equal bases be placed 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 3 
 
 so that the base of either is on one line and the vertex on the 
 other. 
 
 2. Prove, by using the first and second of the above tests, 
 that the straight hne which joins the mid-points of two sides 
 of a triangle is parallel to the third side. 
 
 3. Prove the same theorem by using the third test. 
 
 4. ABODE is a regular pentagon ; AC and BD meet in 
 F ; show that AEDF is a parallelogram. 
 
 5. ABC and DBF are two triangles such that AB is equal 
 and parallel to DE, and AC to DF ; prove that BC is equal 
 and parallel to EF. 
 
 6. Equivalent rectangles ABDE, ACFG are described on 
 the sides of a triangle right-angled at A and outside the 
 triangle ; show that EG is parallel to BC. 
 
 7. Prove that a straight line which divides two sides of a 
 triangle, or those sides produced, in the same ratio is parallel 
 to the third side. 
 
 8. ABC is a triangle right-angled at C, CN is drawn per- 
 pendicular to AB, the bisectors of the angles CAN, NCB 
 meet CN, NB in E, F respectively ; prove that EF is 
 parallel to BC. 
 
 4. 
 TESTS OF PERPENDICULARITY. 
 
 1. ABC is an isosceles triangle in which AB^AC; if D 
 be the mid-point of BC, show that ^D is perpendicular 
 to BC. 
 
 2, A transversal AC cuts the parallel straight lines AB, 
 CD in ^, C ; show that the bisectors of the angles BAC, 
 ACD are perpendicular. 
 
4 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. D is the mid-point of the base BC of a triangle ABC 
 and is such that DA, DB, DC are all equal ; show that AB 
 is perpendicular to AC. 
 
 4. ABC is a triangle such that BC^ =AB' + AC^ ; show 
 that AB ia perpendicular to AC. 
 
 5. iV is a point in the base BC of a triangle ABC such that 
 AB'-- AC = BW - cm ; show that AN is perpendicular to BC. 
 
 6. A BCD is a quadrilateral such that 
 
 show that AC is perpendicular to BD. Deduce from this the 
 preceding example. 
 
 7. ABC is a triangle, BE, CF altitudes intersecting in 
 ; AD (produced if necessary) meets BC in D ; show that 
 ABAD^AFEB^/LFCB, and thence that AD is per- 
 pendicular to BC. 
 
 8. Draw up a list of the tests of perpendicularity contained 
 in the above cases. 
 
 5. 
 
 THE ANGLES OF A POLYGON. 
 
 1. Show that the sum of the interior angles of any convex 
 polygon of n sides is equal to 2n - 4 right angles. 
 
 2. Two angles of a pentagon are 80 and 40 ; of the remain- 
 ing angles, one is 10 more than the second and the second is 
 10 more than the third ; find the number of degrees in each 
 of the remaining angles. 
 
 3. Show that a tesselated pavement may be formed of tiles 
 in the form of (i) an equilateral triangle, (ii) a square, and (iii) a 
 regular hexagon, and of no other regular polygons of one form 
 only, but (iv) of squares and regular octagons together. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 5 
 
 4. If ABCDEFG be a regular heptagon, show that DF 
 is parallel to AB. 
 
 5. If the alternate angles of a polygon of n sides be pro- 
 duced to meet, the angles so formed are together equal to 
 2n-8 right angles. 
 
 6. Any three angles of a convex pentagon are together 
 greater than the angles of a triangle. 
 
 7. Any number of angles of a convex polygon are together 
 greater than all the angles of a convex polygon of which the 
 number of sides is the same as the number of angles of the 
 first figure taken. 
 
 8. Three equiangular polygons, of m, n and p sides, have 
 one vertex in common and just fill up the whole space at that 
 vertex ; show that 
 
 1111 
 m n p 2 
 
 6. 
 
 HIGHEST COMMON FACTOR AND LOWEST 
 COMMON MULTIPLE. 
 
 1. If A and B represent two algebraical expressions arranged 
 in descending powers of a common letter x, B being of not 
 lower dimensions in x than A, and if, when B is divided by 
 A, the quotient be Q and the remainder R, show that 
 
 R=B-AQ or B=AQ+R. 
 
 Hence, show that A and B have exactly the same common 
 factors as R and A. and deduce the rule for finding the H.C.F. 
 of A and B. 
 
 2. If H be the h.c.f. and L the l.c.m. of two algebraical 
 expressions A and B, show that HL=AB. 
 
6 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. The G.c.M. of two numbers is 123 and their l.c.m. is 
 8856 ; find the numbers. 
 
 4. Find the greatest number which is such that, when 
 12288, 19139 and 28200 are divided by it, the remainders 
 are all the same. 
 
 5. When 909365 is divided by a certain number, the three 
 remainders are 1348, 1094 and 102 respectively ; find the 
 divisor and the quotient. 
 
 6. If aP-ax'^-bx + 1 and a^-hx^-ax + 1 have a common 
 algebraical factor, show that either a + b =2 or that the 
 expressions are identical. 
 
 7. If H be the h.c.f. of two expressions A and B, show, by 
 applying the proof of the method of finding H, that two 
 other expressions L and M can always be found such that 
 LA + MB=H. 
 
 8. Apply the proof of the method of finding the H.c.r. in 
 order to find two integral functions of x, P and Q, such that 
 
 (23^ + bx^-Qx + 6)P-(x^ + Sx-2)Q=l. 
 
 7. 
 ROOTS OF QUADRATIC EQUATIONS. I. 
 
 1. Solve the equation ax^-\-hx-\-c=0, and, if a, h, c be real, 
 deduce the conditions that the roots may be (i) real and dif- 
 ferent, (ii) real and equal, (iii) imaginary and different ; and 
 show that it is impossible for a quadratic equation with real 
 coefficients to have a pair of roots equal and imaginary. 
 
 2. Find the value or values of a when the roots of the 
 following equations are equal : 
 
 (i) 3x2 _ 7ic + 4a =0, (ii) 4:X^ - (2 + a)x + 9=0; 
 and find the roots in each case. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 7 
 
 3. Show that the roots of the equation (i) ax^-\-2x-a=0 
 are real, whatever real value a may have ; (ii) x^-6x + a=0 
 are real, if a>9 ; (iii) x^ + (a-3)x + l =0 are real, if a do not 
 lie between 1 and 5. 
 
 4. If one of the equations 
 
 x^ + x{2a -b)+ab=0, x^ + xiia -b)+3a^=0 
 have equal roots, so also has the other. 
 
 5. Prove that the roots of one of the equations 
 
 IQaV - Sa^x + h^ =0, 4:aV + 4:h^x + h^ =0 
 are real and of the other imaginary. 
 
 6. If the roots of the equation 
 
 qV + (p^-2q)x + q + l-^=0 
 be equal, prove that p^=4:q. 
 
 7. If the roots of the equation 
 
 {x + h){x + c) + {x + c){x + a) + (x + a){x + h) =0 
 be equal, show that a=h=c. 
 
 8. If the roots of the equation x^+px + q=0 be equal, prove 
 that one root of the equation 
 
 ax^ + p{a + b)x + q{a + 26) =0 
 is equal to each, and find the other root. 
 
 8. 
 RATIO. I. 
 
 1. If ax + by + cz=0 and a'x + b'y + c'z =0, prove that 
 
 x _ y _ z 
 be' - b'c ~ ca' - c'a ~ ah' - a'b 
 
 2. Hence, solve the equations 3x + 2^ + 8 =0, 5a:; + 3?/ + 13 =0. 
 
 3. Solve the equations 
 
 2x-3y + z=0, x-^y + 3z=0, xyz=^. 
 
8 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. Solve the equations 
 
 ax + cy + hz =cx + hy + az =hx -\- ay + cz =a^ + h^ + (^ - Sdbc. 
 
 5. If ay -bx =cx - az =hz - cy, prove that 
 
 x/a =y/h =zjc, 
 provided that a + 6 + c be not equal to zero. 
 
 6. If ax + hy + cz=0 and a^x + b^y + ch=0, show that 
 a^x + h^y + (^z cannot vanish unless two of the quantities 
 a, b, c be equal. 
 
 7. Eliminate x from the equations 
 
 a + c = ax, a-c = ox, 
 
 X X 
 
 8. Eliminate x, y, z from the equations 
 
 y-z z-x , x-y 
 
 ^ =a =b, ^=c. 
 
 y + z z + x x + y 
 
 9. 
 
 PYTHAGORAS' THEOREM AND ITS EXTENSIONS. 
 
 1. A BCD, AEFG are two squares with the sides BA, AE 
 in a straight line, the squares being on opposite sides of this 
 line ; CB, FG are produced to meet in H, and CD, FE in 
 K; show that the figure CKFH is a square. Also, if BG, 
 DE be joined and the triangles HBG, GAB, E AD, DEK be 
 placed round the square CKFH so that their right angles 
 coincide with those of the square, show that the figure 
 formed by their hjrpotenuses is a square. 
 
 Hence, prove Pythagoras' theorem. 
 
 2. ABC is a triangle right-angled at A, and on its sides the 
 squares BCDE, CAFG, ABHK are described. The square 
 ABHK is divided into four congruent quadrilaterals by lines 
 drawn through its centre parallel and perpendicular to BC ; 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 9 
 
 show that these four quadrilaterals together with the square 
 CAFG may be fitted together so as to make up the square 
 BODE. 
 
 3. ABC is any triangle, BCDE, CAFG, ABHK are squares 
 described on the sides outside the triangle ; the altitudes 
 AL, BM, CN are produced to meet the opposite sides of the 
 squares in X, Y, Z ; show that 
 
 rect. ^y-rect. ^ lect. BZ =Tect. BX, rect. CZ= rect. 07. 
 
 4. Hence, show that, in an obtuse-angled triangle, the square 
 described on the side opposite the obtuse angle is greater than 
 the sum of the squares on the sides containing it by twice 
 the rectangle contained by either of those sides and the pro- 
 jection of the other upon it ; and that, in any triangle, the 
 square on the side opposite an acute angle is less than 
 the sum of the squares on the sides containing it by twice 
 the rectangle contained by either of those sides and the 
 projection of the other upon it. 
 
 5. (i) One angle of a triangle is 120, and the sides containing 
 it are 10 and 7 ins. long ; find the length of the side opposite 
 the obtuse angle, (ii) One angle of a triangle is 60, and the 
 sides containing it are 11 and 15 ins. long ; find the length of 
 the side opposite the angle of 60. (iii) The three sides of a 
 triangle are 15, 11 and 9 ins. long ; find the length of the pro- 
 jection of the second side upon the third. 
 
 6. Prove, without assuming the theorem in No. 7, that the 
 equilateral triangle described on the hypotenuse of a right- 
 angled triangle is equal to the sum of the equilateral triangles 
 described on the sides containing the right angle. 
 
 7. If similar and similarly situated polygons be described 
 on the three sides of a right-angled triangle, show that the 
 area of the polygon described on the hypotenuse is equal to 
 
10 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 the sum of the areas of those described on the sides containing 
 the right angle. 
 
 8. Hence, give a geometrical construction for a circle equal 
 in area to the sum of two given circles. 
 
 10. 
 APOLLONIUS' THEOREM. 
 
 1. The sum of the squares on two sides of a triangle is 
 double the sum of the squares on half the third side and on 
 the median to that side. 
 
 2. Find the lengths of the medians of a triangle, the sides 
 of which are 10, 11, 12 ins. 
 
 3. Find the locus of a point which moves so that the sum 
 of the squares on its distances from two fixed points is con- 
 stant. 
 
 4. The sum of the squares on the sides of a parallelogram 
 is equal to the sum of the squares on the diagonals. 
 
 5. If A BCD be a rectangle and any point in its plane, 
 show that OA^ + OC^ =0B^ + OD^. 
 
 6. The sum of the squares on the sides of a quadrilateral 
 is equal to the sum of the squares on the diagonals together 
 with four times the square on the line joining the mid -points 
 of the diagonals. 
 
 Hence, show that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram if the 
 sum of the squares on the sides be equal to the sum of the 
 squares on the diagonals. 
 
 7. D, E are the points of trisection of the side BC of the 
 triangle ABC ; show that AB^ + AC^ =AD^ + AE^ + 4:. DE^. 
 
 8. If P be a point in the side BC of a triangle ABC so that 
 m . BP ^n . PC, prove that 
 
 mc^ + nb^ =m . BP^ + n . CP^ + (m + n)AP^. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 11 
 
 11. 
 MEDIAL SECTION. 
 
 1. Divide a straight line in medial section, that is, so that 
 the rectangle contained by the whole line and one part may 
 be equal to the square on the other part. 
 
 2. If a be the length of the given line, and x that of the 
 latter part, find the quadratic equation giving x in terms of 
 a, and show that x=\(-aa\/b). 
 
 Also, show that, approximately, the values of xja are 
 respectively -6 and -1-6. 
 
 3. Show that these values correspond to the points of 
 internal and external medial section respectively, and give 
 the geometrical construction for the latter point. 
 
 4. If a straight line be divided in medial section, show that 
 the two parts of the line are in the ratio 3 - -y/S : ^75 - L 
 
 5. If a straight line ABhQ divided internally at H in medial 
 section, show that 
 
 (i) AB^ + Bm =3 . AH^ ; (ii) (AB+ BHf=5 . AH^. 
 
 6. If a straight line be divided in medial section, the rect- 
 angle contained by the sum and difference of the parts is 
 equal to the rectangle contained by the parts. 
 
 7. Ii AB be divided at H in medial section, and if X be the 
 mid-point of the greater segment AH, the triangle with sides 
 equal to AH, XH, BX is right-angled. 
 
 8. Also, show that one angle A of the triangle so formed is 
 18, by proving that cos 2 A =sin SA. 
 
 12. 
 
 ROOTS OF QUADRATIC EQUATIONS. II. 
 
 1. If the roots of the equation x^ + a'^=8x + 6a be real, 
 show that a>8 and <t-2. 
 
12 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2. Show that, if the roots of the equation 
 
 (a2 + h^)x^ + 2{ac + bd)x + c^ + d^=0 
 be real, they will be equal, and find the equal roots. 
 
 3. If the sum of the roots of a quadratic equation be 2, and 
 the sum of the cubes of the roots be 5, find the equation. 
 
 4. The equation x^-px + q=0 has both its roots increased 
 by a certain quantity, and thus becomes x^ + mx-m^=0; 
 prove that 6m^ =p^- ^q. 
 
 5. In a certain quadratic equation the coefficients of x^ 
 and X are 1 and 2 respectively, and the addition of 8 to each 
 of the roots changes the sign, but not the magnitude of the 
 third term. Find the original equation and the coefficient 
 of X in the transformed equation. 
 
 6. Show that one of the roots of the equation jpx^ -vqx + r =0 
 will be double one of the roots of the equation rx^ + qx + p =0, 
 if either r =2^) or 2jp-\-T= q^2. 
 
 7. The equations x'^ -\- px -\- q ^^ , a;2 + ra; + s=0 have a 
 common root ; form the quadratic equation satisfied by the 
 other roots. 
 
 8. If a be any root of the equation a^-3ic=l, show that 
 2-0} is also a root, and find the third root. 
 
 13. 
 THEORY OF QUADRATIC EXPRESSIONS. 
 
 1. If (a; + 6)(x + c) + (x + c)(a; + a) + (a; + a)(ic + 5) be a com- 
 plete square in x, show that a=h=c. 
 
 2. If ax^ + 2hx + c be a perfect square, show that the pro- 
 duct of ax^ + 2hx + c and ay^ + 2by + c is the square of 
 axy + h(x + y) + c. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 13 
 
 3. If a, h be the roots oi x^ + j)x + q=0 and a>c>h, prove 
 that c^ -\- pc -h q is negative. 
 
 4. Find the conditions that ax^ + hx + c should be positive 
 for all real values of x ; and show that x^-{p + q)x + p^-pq + q^ 
 is positive for all real values of x. 
 
 6. If y =a-\-hx + cx^, show that y has a maximum or mini- 
 mum value according as the sign of c is negative or positive, 
 and that the corresponding value of x is one -half the sum 
 of the roots of the equation a + hx + cx^ =0. 
 
 6. Find the maximum value of the expression S + Qx-x"^ 
 and the minimum value of the expression ic^ -I- 8a; -1- 20 ; and 
 illustrate both results by drawing the graphs of the expres- 
 sions in the neighbourhood of their turning values. 
 
 7. The graph of the equation y =a + hx-}-cx^ passes through 
 the points (0, 2), (1, 6), and the maximum value of y occurs 
 when a;=2| ; find the values of a, 6, c. 
 
 8. A horse can draw one-third of a ton of coal a certain 
 distance in a given time ; if his load exceed this, the time he 
 takes is increased by a quantity proportional to the square 
 of the excess. When his load is four-thirds of a ton he takes 
 four times as long as at first. Show that he is most efficient 
 when his load is two-thirds of a ton. 
 
 14. 
 
 REDUCTION OF EXPRESSIONS TO THE SUM OF 
 
 TWO OR MORE SQUARES. 
 
 1. Express a^ + h^ + c^-hc-ca-ah as half the sum of 
 three squares, and hence show that, if a, b, c be different real 
 quantities, (i) a^ + b^ + c^>hc + ca + ab ; and (ii) the given 
 expression is not altered if a, b, c be increased or decreased by 
 the same quantity. 
 
14 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2. Prove that {a^ + h^ + c^){x^-hy^ + z^)-{ax + hy-{-cz)^ can 
 be expressed as the sum of three squares. 
 
 3. Express 2{x - y){x - z) + 2{y - z){y - x) -i- 2(z - x){z - y) as 
 the sum of three squares. 
 
 4. Show that (i) {a^ + b^){c^ + d'^) can be expressed as the 
 sum of two squares in two different ways, and (ii) that 
 
 can be expressed as the sum of two squares in four ways. 
 
 5. If X, y, z, a, b, c be all real, and if 
 
 x^ + y^ -\-z^ + a^ + b^ + c^ ^2{ax + by + cz), 
 prove that x=a, y =b, z=c. 
 
 6. If a, b, c, X, y, z be real quantities, and if 
 
 (a-^b + c)^=3(bc + ea + ab-x^-y^-z^), 
 prove that a =b =c and x =y =z =0. 
 
 7. Show that 
 
 9a;2 + 42/2 _ 30^^ + 20by + 2b(a^ + b^) 
 can be expressed as the sum of two squares, and hence show 
 that if the above expression be equal to zero, x =6a/3 and 
 y = -5b/2. 
 
 8. Find the least value which the expression 
 
 4:X^ + y^-12x + Sy + 30 
 can assume for real values of x and y. 
 
 15. 
 PERIODS OF CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS. 
 
 1. Defining the period of a function f{d) as the least value 
 of a for which f(d + a) =f{d) for all values of 6, show that the 
 cosine, sine, secant and cosecant of 6 are periodic functions 
 of d with period 27r, and that the tangent and cotangent of 
 6 are periodic functions of d with period tt. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 15 
 
 2. Find the periods of sin 3d, tan - and cos (XQ + a). 
 
 3. Show that a sin (0 + a) + 6 sin (0 + /5) can be expressed as 
 a single circular function of the same period. 
 
 4. Find the period of (i) cos -sin 0, (ii) cot -tan 0. 
 
 5. Prove that the product of two circular functions of the 
 same period is a function of half the period. 
 
 6. If the displacement s of a particle from its position of 
 rest at time t be represented by the equation s =a sin (A^ + e), 
 show that the velocity of the particle is ok cos (Xi + e) and the 
 acceleration -aA.2 sin (/V + e). 
 
 7. Hence, if T be the period of any one of these expressions, 
 show that the maximum velocity is ^TrajT and the maximum 
 acceleration 4:7r^a/T^. 
 
 8. During the Tokyo earthquake of June 20, 1894, the 
 maximum amplitude of the motion was 36-5 mm., and the 
 period of the corresponding vibration was 1-8 sees.; find 
 the maximum velocity and the maximum acceleration. 
 
 16. 
 THE EQUATION a COS + & sin = C. 
 
 1. Explain how to solve the equation 
 
 a cos + 6 sin =c, 
 showing that, for real roots, c^:^a^ + h^. If this condition be 
 satisfied, prove that the equation is satisfied by two positive 
 values of 6 less than 27r. 
 
 2. Show that the roots of the equation 
 
 .a cos + 6 sin = c 
 may be obtained by the following geometrical construction : 
 From any line Ox, cut off a part OA equal to a in magnitude 
 
16 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 and sense ; draw A B perpendicular to OA and equal to h in 
 magnitude and sense ; with as centre and OB as radius, 
 describe a circle; from OB, cut off ON equal to c in 
 magnitude and sense, and through N draw the chord PP' 
 perpendicular to OB ; then all the angles bounded by Ox and 
 OP, and by Ox and 0P\ satisfy the given equation. 
 
 3. Solve the equation 
 
 cos + 73 sin = 72, 
 
 and show that the general solution may be expressed in 
 either of the forms 
 
 2n7r+-^ or n:r-- + (-l)"j, 
 
 where n is any integer. Also, show that these formulae 
 give precisely the same series of angles. 
 
 4. Solve the equation 
 
 4 cos + 5 sin 0=6. 
 
 5. If a, P be the two roots of the equation 
 
 a cos + 6 sin =c, 
 which lie between and 27r, find the values of tan ^ + tan ^ 
 and tan ^ tan ^ . 
 
 6. If a, /9 be two values of 0, not equal nor differing by 
 a multiple of 27r, and satisfying the equation 
 
 a cos + 6 sin =c, 
 prove that cos (a + /5) = ^^r^ ' 
 
 7. Prove also that 
 
 sec2 ^ = 2" 
 2 c^ 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 17 
 
 8. li a, p, a + ^ be three different solutions of the equation 
 a cos d + hsind =c, 
 prove that a=c. 
 
 17. 
 EXPRESSION OF cosoc AND sin a IN TERMS OF sin 2a. 
 
 1. Find cos a and sin a in terms of sin 2a. 
 
 2. If cos a and sin a be found in terms of sin 2a, show 
 algebraically that there should be four different values of each. 
 
 3. Prove the same theorem geometrically. 
 
 4. In the equations 
 
 cos a + sin a = Vl + sin 2a, 
 
 cos a - sin a = Vl - sin 2a, 
 show that the signs to be taken before the radicals are + + 
 if a lie between 2mr-j and 2mr + ~ + - if between 2mr + -^ 
 and 2mT + -T-, if between 2mr + -^ and 2mr + -r-, and 
 
 - + if between 2w7r + -T^ and 2w7r + -r. 
 4 4 
 
 5. Find the values of cos 9, sin 521, sin 97| and cos 195. 
 
 6. Find the limits between which 2a must lie when 
 
 2 sin a = - Vl + sin 2a + Vl - sin 2a. 
 
 7. Find the general values of the limits between which a 
 lies when sin2a>cos2a. 
 
 8. Show that 
 
 2 cos I =( - l)Vl+sina + ( - l)Vl-sina, 
 
 where m and n are the greatest integers contained in 
 
 a + 90 J a + 270 ^. , 
 
 -360- """^ ^6Cr -^^^Pe^tively, 
 
 and a is measured in degrees. 
 
 M.E. B 
 
18 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 18. 
 
 AMBIGUOUS CASE IN THE SOLUTION OF 
 
 TRIANGLES. 
 
 1. If the elements a, 6, ^ of a triangle be given, find the 
 value or values of c by means of the equation 
 
 a^ =6^ + c^ - 26c cos A, 
 and consider the different cases that may arise according as 
 a is greater than, equal to or less than h. 
 
 Also, if a =6 tan ^, show that the two possible values of 
 c are h sec A and h cos 2A sec A. 
 
 2. In a triangle, a =27, h =38, A =30 ; find the two values 
 of the side c. 
 
 3. If, in a triangle, a, b and A be given, and if Cj, Cg be 
 the values of the third side, show that c^c^ =b^-a^. 
 
 4. Show also that 
 
 Cj^ - 2ciC2 cos 2 A + Cg^ =4a2 cosM. 
 
 5. If, in a triangle in which a, b, A are given, the values of 
 C differ by a right angle, show that a^ =26^ sin 2^. 
 
 6. In the ambiguous case, show that the two triangles have 
 circumcircles of the same radius, and find the distance between 
 the circumcentres. 
 
 7. In the ambiguous case, the sum of the radii of the two 
 incircles and of the two excircles opposite the given angle is 
 equal to twice the common altitude of the two triangles. 
 
 8. In the ambiguous case, if a, b, A be given, and if S, S' 
 be the areas of the two triangles, the continued product of 
 the radii of the incircles and of the excircles opposite the 
 angle B is equal to SS'. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 19 
 
 19. 
 THE PEDAL TRIANGLE OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. Each angle of the pedal triangle of a given triangle is 
 bisected by the corresponding altitude. 
 
 2. In an acute-angled triangle, each angle of the pedal 
 triangle is equal to the supplement of twice the opposite 
 angle of the given triangh. 
 
 What does this theorem become when thfe triangle is obtuse- 
 angled ? 
 
 3. The angular points of a triangle are the excentres of the 
 pedal triangle. 
 
 4. If S be the circumcentre of a triangle, show that SA, 
 SB, SC are perpendicular to the sides of the pedal triangle. 
 
 5. The radius of the circumcircle of a given triangle is 
 twice that of the circumcircle of the pedal triangle. 
 
 6. The sides of the pedal triangle of a given triangle are 
 R sin 2 A, R sin 2B, R sin 20, and the perimeter 
 
 4: R sin A sin B sin G. 
 
 7. The area of the pedal triangle is 2^ cos A cos B cos C, 
 where S is the area of the given triangle. 
 
 8. The radius of the incircle of the pedal triangle is 
 2/?cos^ cos5cosC ; find corresponding expressions for the 
 radii of the excircles. 
 
 20. 
 
 THE AREA OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. Find the area of a triangle in terms of any two sides and 
 the included angle. 
 
 2. Find the area of a triangle in terms of the sides. 
 
20 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. Find the area of a triangle in terms of two angles and 
 the adjacent side. If J5=30, (7=45 and a =6 ins., find the 
 area of the triangle. 
 
 4. Show that the area of a triangle is 
 
 (i) 22^2 sin ^ sin 5 sin C, 
 
 (ii) r^cot cot cot . 
 
 L Z L 
 
 5. Show that the area of a triangle is 
 
 i(62sin2C + c2sin25), 
 and interpret the result geometrically. 
 
 6. Show that the area of a triangle is 
 
 J(a2 cot ^ + 62 cot J5 + c2 cot 0), 
 and interpret the result geometrically 
 
 7. Find the area of a triangle in terms of the coordinates 
 of its angular points. 
 
 8. If I, m, n be the lengths of the medians of a triangle, 
 show that the area of the triangle is 
 
 J{(Z2 + m2 + w2)2-2a4 + m4 + ri4)}l 
 
 21. 
 RATIO. II. 
 
 1. If the equations ax^-\-hx + c=0, a'x^ + h'x + c' =0 have 
 a common root, show that 
 
 (ca' - daY ={hc' - h'c)(ah' - a'h). 
 
 2. If the equations x'^+px + q=0, x'^ + 'p'x + q' =0 have a 
 common root, show that it is either 
 
 n'-y 'q or -Iz^. 
 
 q-q' j)'-p 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 21 
 
 3. If the equations ax^ + 26x + c =0, cx^ + Ihx + a =0 (c =j^ a) 
 have a common root, then the other roots are given by 
 
 ac(a + c)(ic2 + l) + 26(c2 + a2)a;=0. 
 
 4. If 2x-2^y ^z-y ^ x + Zz ^ 
 
 Sz + y z-x 2y-3x' 
 prove that each fraction is equal to x/y, and hence show that 
 either x=y ot z =x + y. 
 
 6. If, in a triangle, 
 
 b+c c+a a+b 
 
 show that 
 and 
 
 4 5 6 
 
 sin ^ _ sin 5 _ sinC 
 
 cos A cos B cos G 
 
 -7 11 13 
 
 6. If bz^ + cy^ = ayz, cx^ + az^ = bzx, ay^ + bx^ = cxy, 
 prove that a^ + y^ + z^ + xyz = 0. 
 
 , yr by + cz _ cz + ax _ ax + by 
 
 b+c-a c+a-b a+b-c 
 
 and ax + by + cz=a + b + c, 
 
 b -{- c 
 prove that x = 3 , with corresponding values for y 
 
 and z. 
 
 8. Show that the eliminant of the equations 
 
 /T(2 nj2 2*2 
 
 x-{-y+z = o, +4""^ = 0j ^y^ + ^^^ + ^^y = ^ 
 
 is (6 + c)(c + a)(a + b)=a^ + + (^ + bahc. 
 
 SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS WITH INFINITE 
 SOLUTIONS. 
 
 1. What is the nature of the solution of the equations 
 2x + 3y=l2, 4a; + 6t/=24? 
 
22 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 Also of the equations 
 
 2x + 3y=12, 4a; + 6?/=30? 
 Illustrate both cases by graphs. 
 
 2. What is the nature of the solution of the equations 
 
 6x + 3y + 2z=3, 4:X + 2y + 3z=2, 3x + y + ^z=i1 
 
 3. Show that the equations 
 
 ax + hy + c=0, a'x + h'y + c' =0 
 have (i) infinite solutions if ab' -a'b =0, (ii) the value of x 
 zero if he' -h'c =0 and the value of y zero if ca' -da =0. 
 
 What will be the nature of the solution if ah' -a'h =0 and 
 hc'-h'c=0'i 
 
 4. Solve the equations 
 
 x^-y^=7, x-y=\, 
 and illustrate the solution by means of graphs. 
 
 5. Solve the equations 
 
 y^-xy=2, y^-x^=3, 
 and illustrate the solution by means of graphs. 
 
 6. Show that the equations 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ = c, a'x^ + 21! xy + Vy'^ = c' 
 have two infinite solutions if each of the expressions 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ and a'x^ + 2h'xy + h'y^ 
 have a factor of the form y-fix. 
 
 7. What is the nature of the solutions of the equations 
 
 x'^-xy=i, x^-xy=8'^ 
 Illustrate the solution by means of graphs. 
 
 8. Show that the equations 
 
 a^-\-y^ =Saxy and x + y=c 
 have one infinite and two complex solutions if c1^ -a, and 
 two real and one infinite solutions if c lie between - a and 3a. 
 What is the nature of the solutions if c>3a ? 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 23 
 
 GRAPHS AND THE SOLUTION OF ALGEBRAICAL 
 EQUATIONS. 
 
 1. Solve the equations 
 
 x-y=2, x^-y^=8, 
 
 showing that the solutions are 
 
 x=3, y=l; 
 
 and a pair of infinite roots. 
 
 Illustrate both solutions by means of the graphs of the 
 equations. 
 
 2. Solve the equations 
 
 x + y=0, x^y^ + 2xy-16 =0, 
 and illustrate the method of solution by means of graphs. 
 
 3/4-5 
 
 3. Draw the graph of y = ^ ; 
 
 X o 
 
 find the equations of its asymptotes, and determine on which 
 side of the asymptotes the corresponding branches of the 
 curve lie. 
 
 4. Draw the graph of 
 
 ^ {x-2)(x-5) 
 y (x-l)(x-2>)' 
 
 5. Find for what value of h the graph of 2ic + 3 will touch the 
 
 x + k 
 Trace the last-mentioned graph if h have the required value. 
 
 6. Trace the graphs of x^/i and 3/a; between the limits 
 1 and 4 (the unit of length being not less than one inch). 
 
 Hence, find an approximation to the cube root of 12. 
 
24 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2 
 
 7. Draw the graph of y = x + -, 
 
 X 
 
 taking one inch as the unit. Hence, solve the equation 
 
 2 , 
 
 X 
 
 Verify the result by an accurate algebraical solution of the 
 equation. 
 
 8. Draw the graph of the equation 
 
 y^ = (^x- a){x - h)(x - c), 
 where a, h, c are positive and in ascending order of magnitude ; 
 and trace the changes in the forms which the curves assume 
 near the axis of x when 
 
 (i) a = b, (ii) b = c, (iii) a = h = c. 
 
 24. 
 
 LIMITS OF ALGEBRAICAL EXPRESSIONS. 
 
 1. If X be real, show that 
 
 x^-6x-6 
 x-6 
 cannot lie between 5 and 9 ; and illustrate the result by draw- 
 ing the graph of the above expression. 
 
 2. If X be real, show that 
 
 a;2-2a; + l 
 
 x2 + 2ic + 2 
 is not greater than 5 and not less than 0, and illustrate the 
 result by drawing the graph of the expression. 
 
 3. If X be real, show that 
 
 x^-6x + 6 
 x2~9^TT8 
 
 may assume any real value ; and illustrate the result by draw- 
 ing the graph of the expression. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 25 
 
 4. Show that real values of x and y can be found which will 
 satisfy the equation 
 
 4x2 + 2x2/ + ?/2 - 39x - 6?/ + 99 = 0, 
 and that the values of x lie between 5 and 6, and those of y 
 between - \\ and - 3J. 
 
 5. Find the limits within which x must lie in order that 
 
 5x2-lla; + 3 
 2x2-9x4-4 
 may be less than unity. 
 
 6. Find the values of a, h so that the limits of the expression 
 
 ax2 + 26x + 1 
 x2 + X + 1 
 corresponding to real values of x, may be 1 and ^. 
 
 7. Show that the expression 
 
 A B 
 
 + Q 
 
 x-a x-p 
 admits of all values for real values of x if ^ and B have the 
 same sign ; but that there is a range of values of extent 
 
 which the expression cannot have, if A and B have opposite 
 signs and if a be unequal to ^. 
 
 8. If three real quantities satisfy the equations 
 
 x + y + z = b and yz + zx + xy = 8, 
 prove that none of them is less than 1 nor greater than 2^. 
 
 25. 
 THE ALTITUDES OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. The altitudes of a triangle are concurrent. 
 
 2. is the orthocentre of the triangle ABC, and the alti- 
 tude AD is produced to meet the circumcircle in X ; prove 
 that OD=DX. 
 
26 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. If be the orthocentre of the triangle ABC, show that 
 OA is double of the perpendicular from the circumcentre to 
 BC. 
 
 4. Each altitude of a triangle is a harmonic mean between 
 the radii of two excircles. 
 
 5. The sum of the reciprocals of the altitudes of a triangle 
 is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the radii of the 
 excircles. 
 
 6. If the sides of a triangle be roots of the equation 
 
 c[^-lx^ + mx-n = 0, 
 show that the altitudes are the roots of the equation 
 8R^a^ - imUV + 2lnRx -n^ = 0. 
 
 7. ABC is a triangle right-angled at A, and squares BCDE, 
 CAFG^ ABHK are described on the sides outside the tri- 
 angle ; also AL is drawn perpendicular to DE ; show that 
 AL, BG, CH are concurrent. 
 
 8. Through a point F in the diagonal BD of a square 
 A BCD, lines are drawn parallel to the sides to meet AB in 
 G, BC in E, CD in K, and DA in H. Prove that BH, CF, 
 DG are concurrent. 
 
 THE MEDIANS OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. Show that the medians of a triangle are concurrent, (i) 
 by geometry ; (ii) by finding the centre of gravity of equal 
 masses placed at the angular points. 
 
 2. Find the lengths of the medians in terms of the sides, 
 and show that four times the sum of the squares on the 
 medians is equal to three times the sum of the squares on 
 the sides. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 27 
 
 Find the lengths of the medians, the lengths of the sides 
 being 8, 10 and 12 inches. 
 
 3. Prove that any two sides of a triangle are together 
 greater than twice the median to the third. 
 
 4. Any two medians of a triangle are together greater than 
 the third. 
 
 5. If AX, BY, CZ be the medians of a triangle, show that a 
 triangle can be constructed with its sides equal and parallel 
 to AX, BY, CZ. 
 
 6. Construct a triangle, being given the lengths of the three 
 medians. 
 
 7. If 6, </>, /' be the angles which the medians make with 
 the sides to which they are drawn, show that 
 
 2.cot0 = cot 5-cotC, 
 and hence that cot 6 + cot <^ + cot xp = 0. 
 
 8. Show that the angle between the medians drawn from B 
 
 and C is cof^ . Hence, show that, if 6, </>, \/y 
 
 12o 
 
 be the angles between the medians x, y and z, 
 
 cot0 + cot (p + COt \p= Jo = ^o 
 
 and that 2 cot + 2 cot A=0. 
 
 27. 
 
 THE BISECTORS OF THE ANGLES OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. Show that the bisectors of the angles of a triangle are 
 concurrent. 
 
 2. Show that the length of the bisector of the angle A is 
 
 ic cos 
 h + c 
 
 2bc cos 
 
28 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 Find the corresponding expression for the length of the 
 bisector of the external angle A. 
 
 3. Prove that the bisector of the angle A is equal to 
 
 \/{bc{a + h + c)(b + c- a}/(b + c). 
 
 4. The sides of a triangle are 15, 13 and 11 ; find the length 
 of the bisector of the largest angle. 
 
 5. Perpendiculars are drawn to the bisector of the vertical 
 angle of a triangle from the ends of the base ; prove that the 
 feet of the perpendiculars are equidistant from the mid- 
 point of the base. 
 
 6. The three sides of a triangle are together greater than 
 the three bisectors of the angles of the triangle. 
 
 7. Show that the greatest of the bisectors of the angles of 
 a triangle is that which bisects the least angle. 
 
 8. If the bisectors of the angles A, B, C of a triangle ABC 
 meet the opposite sides in D, E, F, and if the angles ADB, 
 BECy CFA be a, P, y respectively, prove that 
 
 a sin 2a + b sin 2/5 + c sin 27 = 0. 
 
 28. 
 THE NINE-POINTS CIRCLE. 
 
 1, ABC is a triangle, its orthocentre, A', B\ C the mid- 
 points of the sides, D, E, F the feet of the altitudes, L, M, N 
 the mid-points of OA, OB, OC ; prove that each of the angles 
 MA'N, MDN is the supplement of the angle MLN ; and 
 hence show that a circle passes through the nine points 
 L, M, N, D, E, F, A', B', C. 
 
 2. If S be the circumcentre and if SO cut A'L in V, show 
 that F is the mid-point of SO and of A'L, that VL = l . SA, 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 29 
 
 and hence that the circle LDA' passes also through ilf, B\ E, 
 N, C, F. 
 
 3. Show that B'C'MN, C'A'NL, and A'B'LM are rect- 
 angles, and therefore that A'L, B'M, C'N are equal to one 
 another and bisect one another. 
 
 4. Show that: (i) Z.FBO=Z.FDO, (ii) AFMO=AFDE, 
 (iii) AFA'E=AFMO, 
 
 5. Bisect SO at V, draw any radius SP of the circumcircle, 
 draw VQ parallel to SP, meeting OP in Q, and show that 
 the locus of is a circle with centre V and radius half of SP. 
 This circle obviously passes through L, M, N, D, E, F. Draw 
 the radius SR parallel to YA\ and show that OA'R is a 
 straight line with its mid-point at A' . 
 
 6. Show that AAEF=AFC'B', and thus that the points 
 B', C\ F, E are cyclic, and similarly that the points A', D 
 lie on the same circle ; again, show that ALFA = ALB'C, 
 and therefore that the circle passes through L, and similarly 
 through M and N. 
 
 7. Show that each of the angles A' ML, A'B'L, A'FL is a 
 right angle, and hence that the circle on A'L as diameter 
 passes through M, B\ F, and also through D, N, B\ E. 
 
 8. Summarise the methods of proof outlined above. 
 
 29. 
 
 THE CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS OF 18 AND ALLIED 
 
 ANGLES. 
 
 1. From the equation 
 
 cos 2. 18 = sin 3. 18, 
 find sin 18. 
 
30 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2. ABC is an isosceles triangle in which each of the angles 
 B, G is double of the angle A. From AB, AD is cut off equal 
 to BC. Show that AD = CD, and that BC touches the 
 circle ACD. Hence, show that AB 18 divided at D in medial 
 section. 
 
 Also, if the bisector AE oi the angle A meet the base BC 
 in E, show that the angle BAE is 18, and hence show that 
 
 sinl8 = (V5-l)/4. 
 
 3. From the formula sin 3a = 3 sin a-4 sin^a, show that 
 
 sin54 = (V5 + l)/4; 
 hence, show that sin 18 and -sin 54 are the roots of the 
 equation 4x2 + 2ic = l. 
 
 4. Show that 
 
 (i) sin54 = sinl8 + sin30, 
 (ii) cos (54 - a) - cos (54 + a) - cos (18 - a) 
 
 + C0S (18 + a) = sin a. 
 
 5. Two parallel chords of a circle, lying on the same side of 
 the centre, subtend angles of 72 and 144 at the centre ; show 
 that the distance between them is equal to half the radius of 
 the circle. 
 
 6. ABODE is a regular pentagon, and any point on the 
 minor arc AE oi the circumcircle ; show that 
 
 OA + OC + OE = OB + OD. 
 
 7. Two sides of a triangle are in the ratio 3 -\/5 : 2, and 
 the angles opposite them are in the ratio 1:3; find the 
 angles. 
 
 8. If cos a = tan j5 and cos ^ = tan a, prove that 
 
 cos2a = 2sinl8. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 31 
 
 30. 
 
 THE IDENTITY sin(oc+/3) sin (a-^) = sin2a-sin2^. 
 
 1. Prove that sin (a + /5) sin (a- P)=sm^a-sm^p, and find 
 the corresponding formula for cos (a + p) cos (a-^). 
 
 2. (i) In any triangle, show that 
 
 sin(^-5):sinC = a2_52.c2, 
 
 (ii) Show that 
 
 4 sin a sin (^ + aj sin (^-aj=sin3a. 
 
 3. Show that sin^ 42 - sin2 12 = {s/b + 1)/8. 
 
 4. Solve the equation sin^ (m + 1)6 - sin^ 6 = 8m^ (m - 1)6. ' 
 
 5. Prove geometrically that 
 
 sin (a + P) sin (a-^)= sin^ a - sin^ p. 
 
 6. Prove that sin = 2 sin ^ sin ^ 
 and hence that 
 
 sm c/ = 2** ^ sm - sm sin ... sm ^^ > 
 
 n n n n 
 
 where nis, a. positive integral power of 2. 
 
 7. In the preceding expression, show that the middle of the 
 
 series of factors 
 
 . 6 + 7r . 6 + 2Tr . 6 + (n-l)7r . 6 
 
 sin sm . . . sm ^^ is cos - 
 
 n n n n 
 
 8. Hence, show that 
 
 sm = 2" ^ sin - cos - sin^ - - sin^ - sm^ sm^ - 
 
 n n\ n nj\ n n. 
 
 ( 
 
 n-2Tr . 
 sin" sin^ - 
 
 n n 
 
 Deduce, from this equation, that 
 
 on-i oT . 27r . An-2)Tr 
 
 ^ = 2"^ sin2 - sm^ ... sm^^ '' 
 
 n n n 
 
32 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 31. 
 THE CIRCLE OF APOLLONIUS. 
 
 1. If a point moves so that its distances from two fixed 
 points are in a constant ratio, show that it lies on a circle. 
 
 2. If any point be taken on this circle, show that its dis- 
 tances from the two fixed points are in the constant ratio. 
 
 3. If the constant ratio be X and the distance between the 
 fixed points be a, find the radius of the circle of Apollonius. 
 
 4. ABC is a triangle ; find a point which is such that its 
 distances from the points A, B, C are in the ratio 3 : 4: : 5. 
 
 5. If A, B be the fixed points, and PBQ any chord of the 
 circle of Apollonius, prove that AB bisects the angle PAQ. 
 
 6. By means of the circle of Apollonius, describe a triangle 
 on a given base, with a given vertical angle, and with the sides 
 containing that angle in a given ratio. 
 
 7. Show that the area of the greatest triangle of which the 
 base is b, and the ratio of the other sides X. is 
 
 2A2^1 
 
 8. ABC is a triangle ; a point moves so that its distances 
 from the points B, G are in the ratio AB : AC ; a second 
 point so that its distances from the points 0, A are in the 
 ratio BC : BA ; a third point so that its distances from the 
 points A, B are in the ratio CA : CB ; prove that the three 
 circles so described are concurrent. 
 
 32. 
 
 THE AREA OF A QUADRILATERAL. 
 
 1. Lines are drawn through the angular points of a quadri- 
 lateral parallel to the diagonals ; show that the area of the 
 quadrilateral is half that of the parallelogram so formed. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 33 
 
 2. If X, y be the lengths of the diagonals of a quadrilateral, 
 and the angle between them, show that the area of the 
 quadrilateral is \xy sin <f>. 
 
 3. If a, b, c, d be the sides of a quadrilateral, and <^ the 
 angle between the diagonals, show that the area of the quadri- 
 lateral is 1 / 2 1,2 . 2 ^2X ^ J 
 
 4. If a circle can be inscribed in the quadrilateral, show 
 that Q = i(hd-ac)t8incf,^ 
 
 and hence, making use of the result in No. 2, that 
 
 5. Prove that the area of a cyclic quadrilateral is 
 
 ^/{(s-a)(s-b){s-c)(s-d)}. 
 
 6. If, in any quadrilateral ABCD, 
 
 show that 
 
 (ad + he) cos a sin w - (he - ad) sin a cos w = 2Q. 
 
 7. By equating two expressions for BD^, show that 
 
 (6c - ad) cos a cos w + (ad + he) sin a sin w = l(h^ + c^-a^- d^). 
 
 8. Squaring and adding the corresponding sides of the last 
 two equations, show that 
 
 (atZ + 6c)2 sin2 a> + (6c - a(^)2 cos2 o> = 4Q2 + 1 (62 + c2 _ ^2 _ ^2)2^ 
 
 and hence that 
 
 Q =\/{ (^ ~^)(^- ^) (^ -c)(s-d)- ahcd cos^ w} . 
 Hence, show that, if the sides of a quadrilateral be given in 
 length, its area is greatest when it is cyclic. 
 
 M.E. 
 
34 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 33. 
 ON CERTAIN LINES CONNECTED WITH A TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. Show that the line joining the feet of the altitudes from 
 B, C meets BC produced at an angle (C ^ B). 
 
 2. P is a point on the circumcircle of a triangle ABC ; 
 show that the angle which the Simson line of P makes with 
 BC is equal to the complement of the angle at the circum- 
 ference which stands on the arc AP. 
 
 3. If be the orthocentre of a triangle ABC, L and A' the 
 mid-points of OA, BC, show that the angle A'LD is equal 
 to(5-C). 
 
 4. The line joining the mid-points of BC and the altitude 
 from A makes with BC an angle cot~i (cot B ~ cot 0). 
 
 5. The line joining the circumcentre and incentre of a 
 triangle ABC makes with BC an angle 
 
 . _ 1 cos B + cos (7-1 
 
 tan 1 : ^ ^^ 
 
 sm B'^amC 
 
 6. The line joining the circumcentre and orthocentre of a 
 triangle ABC makes with BC an angle 
 
 . _i tan 5 tan C-3 
 
 tan ^ =r -^ . 
 
 tan B ~ tan O 
 
 7. Prove that the circumcentre, centroid, nine-points centre 
 and orthocentre of a triangle lie in order on a straight line 
 (Euler's line). 
 
 8. Show that the Euler line forms an equilateral triangle 
 with two of the sides if the angle between them be two-thirds 
 of a right angle. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 35 
 
 34. 
 
 THE PRINCIPLE OF PROPORTIONAL PARTS. 
 
 1. Explain the principle of proportional parts, and show 
 that it is equivalent to regarding the curve of the function 
 considered as a straight line between the two limiting values 
 of the function given. 
 
 2. OA and OB are the bounding radii of a quadrant of a 
 circle of radius 10 inches, and MP, an ordinate of the curve 
 corresponding to a distance OM measured along the radius 
 OA, is denoted by ord. {OM) ; find ord. (5-3), ord. (5-34) and 
 ord. (54), each to five places of decimals. 
 
 3. From the values of ord. (5-3) and ord. (54), deduce that 
 of ord. (5 -34) by the principle of proportional parts. 
 
 4. If n be any number and d be small compared with n, 
 show that 
 
 logio(^ + ^)-logio^ = M (^-2;^+-"f 
 where /x is the modulus of the common system of logarithms. 
 
 5. If w > 10000, ^ = 1, show that 
 
 ^ < -0000000025, 
 
 fi being 43429448 ; and, hence, if ^ < 1, show that 
 log (n + 1) - log n:log(n + d) : log ?^ = 1 :d 
 to at least seven places of decimals. 
 
 6. Show that 
 
 sin {d + d)-smd = dcosd- id^ sin -^6^ cosd + ... . 
 
 7. By considering the ratio of the second term to the first 
 on the right-hand side of the preceding equation, show that, 
 if d be very small, the principle of proportional parts holds 
 
 provided 6 be not nearly ^. 
 
 2 
 
 i 
 
36 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. If 6 be nearly ^, show that the change in sin 6 does not 
 
 vary directly as the change in the angle, that is, that the 
 change in sin 6 is irregular. 
 
 Again, show that the second term Id^ sin 6 is less than 
 
 the first term d cos 6, and hence that, when 6 is nearly -, the 
 
 change in the sine is very small compared with d, that is, the 
 change in sin 6 is insensible. 
 
 35. 
 THE RADICAL AXIS TREATED GEOMETRICALLY. 
 
 1. If, from a point without two circles, two equal tangents 
 be drawn, one to each circle, the given point lies on a straight 
 line perpendicular to the line of centres. (This Hne is called 
 the radical axis of the circles.) 
 
 2. If a, h be the radii of the circles and c the distance 
 between their centres, show that the distances of the radical 
 axis from the centres are 
 
 c2 + a2-62 c2-a2 + j2 
 
 and 
 
 2c 2c 
 
 Hence, show that the radical axis lies nearer the circle of 
 
 larger radius than to the other. 
 
 3. Prove the following geometrical constructions for the 
 radical axis of two non-intersecting circles : (i) Draw any 
 circle cutting one of the given circles in C, D, and the other 
 in E, F ] let CD, EF produced meet in P ; then the line 
 through P perpendicular to the line of centres is the radical 
 axis ; (ii) From A, B, the centres of the circles, draw tangents 
 A Y, BX to the circles ; with A, B as centres and A Y, BX as 
 radii, describe circles intersecting in P, Q ; then PQ is the 
 radical axis. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 37 
 
 4. The radical axes of three circles (the centres of which 
 are Dot collinear) taken in pairs are concurrent. (The point 
 of concurrence is called the radical centre of the circles.) 
 
 5. If, from any point on the radical axis of two circles as 
 centre, a circle be described with radius equal to the tangents 
 drawn from it to the circles, this circle cuts the line of centres 
 in two fixed points. (These points are called the limiting 
 'points of the circles.) 
 
 6. All circles drawn through the limiting points of two 
 circles cut the circles orthogonally. 
 
 7. The six limiting points of three circles taken in pairs 
 are cyclic. Hence, draw a circle so as to cut three circles 
 (the centres of which are non-collinear) orthogonally. 
 
 8. The difference between the squares on the tangents 
 drawn from any point to two circles is equal to twice the 
 rectangle contained by the line joining their centres and the 
 perpendicular from the point on the radical axis. 
 
 THE RECTANGLE FORMED BY THE BISECTORS OF 
 THE ANGLES OF A PARALLELOGRAM. 
 
 1. Prove that the quadrilateral formed by the bisectors of 
 the interior angles of a parallelogram is a rectangle. 
 
 2. Prove that two opposite angular points of this rectangle 
 lie outside, on two opposite sides of, or inside, the parallelo- 
 gram, according as each of these opposite sides is greater than, 
 equal to, or less than, twice the other pair of sides. 
 
 3. If a, h be the sides of the given parallelogram, and a 
 the angle between them, show that the sides of the rectangle 
 
 (a -6) cos- and (a-6)sm-. 
 2 2 
 
38 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. Hence, show that, if the lengths of the sides of the 
 parallelogram be given, the area of the rectangle is greatest 
 when the parallelogram is a rectangle, and that the rectangle 
 formed by the bisectors is then a square. 
 
 5. Show that the diagonals of the rectangle are parallel to 
 the sides of the given parallelogram. 
 
 6. Show that the diagonals of the rectangle, produced if 
 necessary, bisect the sides of the parallelogram. 
 
 7. Show that each diagonal of the rectangle is equal in 
 length to the difference between the lengths of the sides of 
 the given parallelogram. 
 
 8. If the lengths of the sides of the parallelogram be a, b, 
 show that the ratio of the area of the rectangle to that of the 
 parallelogram is (a-b)^ : 2ab, and is therefore independent 
 of the shape of the parallelogram. Hence, find the ratio of 
 a : b when the area of the rectangle is equal to that of the 
 parallelogram. 
 
 37. 
 
 THE POLYNOMIAL THEOREM. 
 
 1. Find the general term in the expansion of 
 
 (a + b + c+...+ky\ 
 
 2. Find the coefficients of a^a.^^ and a^aM^ in the expansion 
 of (! + ^2 + + ^n)^> and hence show that 
 
 (! + ^2 + . . . + a J3 = 32ai2ai2 _ <2;2a^ + ^'la^a^a^. 
 From the identity 
 
 {a + b + cf = 3^a2a2 - 22^3 + 6a&c, 
 deduce that, if a + 6 + c=0, 
 
 a3 + &3 + c3 = 3a6c. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 39 
 
 3. Eliminate x, y, z from the equations 
 
 x + y + z = a, x2 + ?/2 + 2;2 = 6^, x^ + y^ + z^ = c^ and xyz = ^. 
 
 4. Prove that 
 
 a(x^ + 'i^ + z^) + b{x^y + xh + y^z + y^x + z^x + z^y) + cxyz 
 is divisible hj x + y + z, if 3a + c = 36. 
 
 5. Solve the equations 
 
 x + y + z = 3, x^ + y^ + z^ = 21, a^ + y^ + z^ = 57. 
 
 6. Show that the sum of the products of the first n integers 
 three together is 
 
 j\(n-2)(n-l)7i^n + l)\ 
 
 7. Find the sum of the squares, and the sum of the cubes, 
 of the roots of the equation 
 
 ax" + bx""-' + cx""-^ + dx""-^ +...+h = 0. 
 
 8. Find the equation, the sums of the first, second and 
 third powers of the roots of which are r, s and t. 
 
 38. 
 
 APPLICATION OF THE BINOMIAL THEOREM TO THE 
 
 SOLUTION OF PROBLEMS ON COMBINATIONS. 
 
 1. Find the number of homogeneous products, each of 
 r dimensions, that can be formed out of the n letters a,b,c, ... 
 and their powers. 
 
 2. Explain how this theorem may be adapted to certain 
 cases of problems on combinations, for example, to find the 
 number of ways in which five numbers, which may be either 
 1, 2 or 3, may be written down so that their sum may be 10. 
 
 3. If the faces of a die contain respectively the figures 
 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, in how many ways can a total of 12 be thrown 
 with four such dice ? 
 
40 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. If the faces of a die contain respectively the figures 
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, in how many ways can a total of 12 be thrown 
 with four such dice ? 
 
 5. In how many ways may five numbers, each of which is 
 3, 4 or 5, be written down so that their sum may be 20 ? 
 
 6. In how many ways can 30 balls be taken from a bag 
 which contains 20 red, 15 yellow and 10 blue balls, so that 
 not less than 8 shall be red, 5 yellow and 3 blue ? 
 
 7. In an examination, n marks are allotted to each of three 
 papers, and 2n to the fourth ; prove that the number of ways 
 in which a candidate may obtain Zn marks is 
 
 i(n + l)(5n2 + 10?i + 6). 
 
 8. In a certain examination, there are four papers set, the 
 maximum number of marks for each paper is 100 ; but, if 
 less than 25 marks be obtained on the first paper, they are 
 not counted towards the aggregate ; find the number of ways 
 in which a candidate may obtain 100 marks. 
 
 39. 
 
 THE ISOSCELES TRIANGLE WITH EACH ANGLE AT 
 THE BASE DOUBLE OF THE THIRD ANGLE. 
 
 1. AB is a straight line divided at D in medial section, a 
 circle is described with A as centre and ^5 as radius ; BC 
 is a chord of this circle equal to AD ; show that (i) BC touches 
 the circle ACD, (ii) AD = CD=BC, and (iii) ABC is an 
 isosceles triangle in which each angle at the base is double of 
 the third angle. 
 
 2. Show that ADC (figure of No. 1) is an isosceles triangle, 
 in which one angle is three times each of the others. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 41 
 
 3. If ABODE be a regular pentagon, show that the triangle 
 ACD is an isosceles triangle in which each of the angles C, D 
 is double of the third angle A. 
 
 4. If, in the figure of No. 1, CD produced meet the circle 
 with centre A and radius AB in F, show that the triangles 
 FAD, ABC are congruent. 
 
 5. Show also that BC, BF are the sides of a regular decagon 
 and a regular pentagon inscribed in that circle. 
 
 6. If the bisectors of the angles B, C meet the circle ABC 
 in D, E, show that AEBCD is a regular pentagon. 
 
 7. If the circles BCF, ACD (figure of No. 4) intersect again 
 in E, show that CE is equal to BC, and hence that, if G be 
 the mid-point of the minor arc AE, the figure ADC EG is a 
 regular pentagon. 
 
 8. If each of the angles B, C of the triangle ABC be double 
 of the angle A, show that 
 
 B + C A + B + C ,A + B + C 
 
 cos - COS = COS* 
 
 2 5 4 
 
 40. 
 
 TESTS OF CONOURRENCY. 
 
 1. A BCD is a quadrilateral ; show that the straight lines 
 which join the mid-points oi AB and CD, AD and BC, and 
 AC and BD are concurrent and bisect one another. 
 
 2. X, Y, Z are points on the sides BC, CA, AB oi the 
 triangle ABC, such that 
 
 AZ^ -H BX^ + CY^=ZB^ + XC^ + YA^ ; 
 prove that the perpendiculars drawn through X, Y, Z to the 
 corresponding sides are concurrent. 
 
 S, AB and PQ are two parallel straight lines, and C, R 
 their mid-points ; prove that AP, BQ, CR are concurrent. 
 
42 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. If two similar polygons be placed so as to have their 
 corresponding sides parallel, the straight lines joining cor- 
 responding vertices are concurrent. 
 
 5. Show that the perpendiculars from the angular points of 
 a triangle on the sides of the pedal triangle are concurrent. 
 
 6. If through the vertices of a triangle ABC, straight lines 
 be drawn through a point to meet the opposite sides BC, 
 CA, AB in D, E, F respectively, prove that 
 
 BD CE AF . /n ' .1. 
 
 DC'^ATB' ^ ^^^ ^ theorem) 
 
 and, conversely, if D, E, F be points in the sides BC, CA, AB 
 of the triangle ABC, such that 
 
 BD CE^ AF 
 
 DC' EA' FB ~ ^' 
 then AD, BE, CF are concurrent. 
 
 7. D, E, F are points in the sides BC, CA, AB respectively 
 of a triangle ABC, so that AD, BE, CF are concurrent ; 
 the circle DEF cuts the sides again in D', E', F' ; prove that 
 AD', BE', CF' are concurrent. 
 
 8. Through a given point F in the diagonal BD of a square 
 ABCD, lines are drawn parallel to the sides to meet AB m 
 G, BC in E, CD in K and D^ in ^ ; prove that BH, CF 
 and DG are concurrent. 
 
 41. 
 TESTS OF COLLINEARITY. 
 
 1. If OA, OB be straight lines on opposite sides of the 
 straight line COD, so that AAOC=ABOD, show that the 
 points A, 0, B are collinear. 
 
 Hence, show that two excentres and the intermediate 
 angular point of a triangle are collinear. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 43 
 
 2. ABC is a straight line and any point outside it ; if 
 P, Q, R be the mid-points of OA, OB, OC, show that P, Q, R 
 are collinear. 
 
 0GB A, OEFG are two straight lines inclined at any angle ; 
 if the points P, Q, R of the completed parallelograms OAPE, 
 OBQF, OCRG be collinear, show that the mid-points of AE, 
 BF, CG are collinear. 
 
 3. OACB, OMPN are two parallelograms in which OM 
 lies along OA and ON along OB; if OM: MP = OA:AC, 
 show that 0, P, C are collinear. 
 
 4. If a transversal cut the sides BC, CA, AB oi a, triangle 
 ABC in D, E, F respectively, show that 
 
 BD CE AF , , , , - 
 
 ^C ' EA ' FB ' (Menelaus theorem) 
 
 and conversely, if D, E, F be points on the sides BC, CA, AB 
 respectively of the triangle ABC, so that 
 
 BD CE^ AF 
 
 DC' EA' FB~ ' 
 show that the points D, E, F are collinear. 
 
 5. ABC is a triangle, D the mid-point of BC and 6^ a 
 point so that the triangles AGB, AGC are equivalent ; prove 
 that A, G, D are collinear. 
 
 Hence, prove that the medians of a triangle are con- 
 current. 
 
 6. By means of the converse of Menelaus' theorem, show 
 that the following sets of points are colHnear : 
 
 (i) The points in which the three external bisectors of the 
 angles of a triangle meet the opposite sides produced. 
 
 (ii) The points in which two internal and one external 
 bisector of the angles of a triangle meet the opposite sides, in 
 the latter case produced. 
 
44 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 7. If two triangles be placed so that the straight lines 
 joining corresponding angular points in the two triangles are 
 concurrent, prove that their corresponding sides intersect in 
 points which are collinear (Desargues' theorem). 
 
 8. A BCD is a quadrilateral ; AB, DC produced meet in E, 
 and BC, AD produced in F ; the straight lines which bisect 
 the angles A, C internally meet in X, those which bisect 
 the angles B, D internally in Y, and those which bisect the 
 angles E, F externally in Z ; by considering a system of four 
 equal forces acting respectively along AB, AD, CB, CD, 
 show that the points X, Y, Z are collinear. 
 
 42. 
 COMMON TANGENTS AND CENTRES OF SIMILITUDE. 
 
 1. Draw the four common tangents to two circles which do 
 not intersect. 
 
 2. The radii of two circles are a,h (a>h), and the distance 
 between their centres is c (>a + 6) ; find the length (i) of an 
 external, (ii) of an internal, common tangent. 
 
 Example, a = 5, 6 = 3, c = 12 ins. 
 
 3. If (i) an incircle and an excircle, or (ii) two excircles, of 
 a triangle be given, construct the triangle. 
 
 4. The external common tangents and the internal common 
 tangents of two circles respectively intersect on the line 
 through the centres of the circles. (The points of intersection 
 are called the external and internal centres of similitude 
 respectively.) 
 
 5. A common tangent to two circles meets the line of 
 centres 00' in S ; and a straight line SFQ'PQ meets the 
 circle with centre 0' in P\ Q' and the circle with centre 
 'mP,Q; show that OP is parallel to O'P' and OQ to O'Q'. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 45 
 
 6. Also show that 
 
 rect. SP . SQ'^iect. SP' . SQ ^lect. SA . SB. 
 
 7. Two circles intersect in A and their common tangents in 
 ; OA meets the circles in J5, ; prove that OA is a mean 
 proportional between OB, OC. 
 
 8. If there be three circles, the centres of which are not 
 collinear, show that (i) the straight lines joining the centre of 
 each circle with the internal centre of similitude of the other 
 two are concurrent ; (ii) the external centre of similitude of 
 any pair of circles and the internal centres of similitude of 
 the other two pairs are collinear ; and (iii) the three external 
 centres of similitude are collinear. 
 
 43. 
 
 RESOLUTION OF THE GENERAL EXPRESSION OF 
 THE SECOND DEGREE IN x AND y INTO LINEAR 
 FACTORS. 
 
 1. If the general expression of the second degree in x, y, 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + by^ + 2gx + 2fy -f c, 
 
 be the product of two expressions of the first degree, 
 
 Ix + my + n and l'x + m'y + n\ 
 prove that 
 
 a = lV, b = mm', c = nn', 2f=mn' + m'n, 
 
 2g = nl' + n'l, 2h = lm' + l'm. 
 
 2. Hence, show that the expression 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ + 2gx + 2fy + c 
 can be resolved into two factors of the first degree if 
 
46 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. If a be not zero, show that the same condition may be 
 obtained from the condition that the quadratic in x, 
 
 ax^ + 2x(% +g) + hy^ -\-2fy + c = 0, 
 may have rational roots. 
 
 4. Find the condition that the expression 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + by^ + 2gx + 2fy + c 
 may be an exact square. 
 
 5. If 2hxy + 2gx + 2fy + c can be resolved into two factors 
 of the form ax + P and yx + d, show that 2fg = ch. 
 
 6. Resolve the following expressions into factors of the 
 first degree in x and y : 
 
 (i) x^-{-xy-6y^ + 6x + 6, 
 (ii) x^-6xy + 9y^ + 4:X-12y + 4:, 
 (iii) 12xy-8x + 9y-6. 
 
 7. Find A in order that 
 
 (i) 9x2 _ 3^,^ + XyZ + 15ic - 16?/ - 14 = 
 may be the product of two expressions of the first degree in 
 X and y ; 
 
 (ii) 4x2 _ iQxy + i0y2 + X(3x2 - lOxy + Sy^) 
 may be a complete square. 
 
 8. If the general equation of the second degree, 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + by^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, 
 represent two straight lines, find (i) the condition for per- 
 pendicularity, and (ii) the coordinates of their point of 
 intersection. 
 
 44. 
 PAIRS OF STRAIGHT LINES THROUGH THE ORIGIN. 
 
 1. Show that the equation ax^ + 2Aaj?/ + &?/2 = represents a 
 pair of straight lines through the origin ; find the angle 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 47 
 
 between them, and show that the lines are real and different, 
 real and coincident, or imaginary and different, according as 
 h^ is greater than, equal to, or less than, ah ; also show that 
 the lines are at right angles if a + 6 = 0. 
 
 2. Find the angle between the lines x'^-\-xy-^y'^=0. 
 
 3. Find the condition that the lines ax'^-\-2hxy + hy'^=0 
 may be equally inclined to the axis of x. 
 
 4. Show that the equation of the lines through the origin 
 perpendicular to the lines ax^ + 2hxy + hy"^ = is 
 
 hx'^ - 2hxy + ay^ = 0. 
 
 5. Show that the equation of the lines bisecting the angles 
 between the lines ax^ + 2hxy + by^=0 is 
 
 hx^- (a-b)xy-hy^ = 0. 
 
 6. Find the area of the triangle contained by the lines 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + by^ = and Ix + my = n. 
 
 7. Find the equation of the tangents drawn from the origin 
 to the circle x^ + y^ + 2gx + 2fy + c=0. 
 
 8. Find the condition that the lines joining the origin to 
 the points of intersection of the line Ix + my = n and the curve 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = may be at right angles. 
 
 45. 
 EQUATION OF THE STRAIGHT LINES JOINING THE 
 ORIGIN TO THE POINTS OF INTERSECTION OF 
 A STRAIGHT LINE AND A CONIC. 
 
 1. Find the equation of the straight lines joining the origin 
 to the points of intersection of the straight line lx + my = n 
 and the conic ax^ + 2hxy + by^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0. 
 
48 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2. If the straight lines joining the origin to the points of 
 intersection of the line x + 2y = 3 and the circle 
 
 be at right angles, find the value of c. 
 
 3. Find the equation of the polar of the origin with respect 
 to the circle x^ + y^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0; 
 
 and hence find the equation of the tangents drawn from the 
 origin to this circle. 
 
 4. If the lines joining the vertex of a parabola to the ends 
 of a chord be perpendicular, the chord intersects the axis in 
 a fixed point. 
 
 5. If the chord of a parabola subtend a right angle at the 
 vertex, find the locus of its pole. 
 
 6. A straight line y = mx-\-c cuts the ellipse - + 1- = l in 
 
 the points P, Q ; find the value of c ii P, Q be the ends of 
 conjugate diameters. 
 
 7. A straight line through a fixed point (0, c) on the axis of 
 the parabola y^ = 4ax cuts the parabola in P, Q ; if be the 
 vertex, find the area of the triangle OPQ, and show that it 
 is a minimum when PQ is perpendicular to the axis. 
 
 8. A variable chord of an ellipse is such that the lines 
 joining the centre to its ends are always at right angles ; 
 show that the locus of its pole is an ellipse, the excentricity 
 of which is to that of the original ellipse as ^/{a^ + h^) : a. 
 

 
 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 49 
 
 46. 
 
 CONCURRENT CIRCLES. 
 
 1. The three circles which pass through the ends of each 
 side of a triangle and the corresponding excentre are con- 
 current. 
 
 2. Find the condition that the circles described on the 
 sides of a quadrilateral as diameters may be concurrent. 
 
 3. ABC is a triangle, D, E, F any points on the sides 
 BC, CA, AB respectively ; show that the circles AEF, 
 BFD, ODE are concurrent. 
 
 4. Equilateral triangles are described on the sides of any 
 triangle outside the triangle ; show that their circumcircles 
 are concurrent. Hence, show how to find a point inside a 
 triangle at which the sides subtend equal angles. 
 
 5. Three points P, Q, R move so that their distances from 
 pairs of angular points of the triangle ABC are governed by 
 the ratios BP : CP = AB : AC, 
 
 CQ :AQ=BC: BA, 
 AR:BR = CA:CB; 
 prove that the circles so traced are concurrent. 
 
 6. ABC is a triangle ; prove that the circles which touch 
 BC at B, CA at C, AB at A, and pass respectively through 
 A, B, C, are concurrent. 
 
 7. If BCP, CAQ, A BR be equilateral triangles described 
 externally on the sides of a triangle ABC, prove that the point 
 of intersection of AP and BQ is concyclic with B, C and P, 
 and hence that AP, BQ, CR are concurrent. 
 
 8. The circumcircles of the four triangles formed by four 
 intersecting straight lines are concurrent. 
 
 M.E. D 
 
50 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 47. 
 COMPLEX QUANTITY. I. 
 
 1. If cos a + i sin a, where i=y/( - 1), be denoted by (1, a), 
 show that (1, a) x (1, /5) = (1, a + P) and (1, a) x (1, a) = (l, 2a), 
 and, by induction, that (1, a)" = (l, na). 
 
 2, Show that (1, na) = fl, n.a + -^\ 
 and hence that ( 1, a + -j is an nth root of (1, na). 
 
 3. Show that all the nth roots of (1, na) are obtained by 
 giving to r the values 0, 1, 2, ... , (w-1) in the expression 
 
 M^ (i^S!L\ Also, show that, if any other integral value 
 be given to r, one of the above values is repeated. 
 
 4. Find all the cube roots of 1 and -1, and the fourth 
 
 roots of y'( - 1) and -\/( - 1). 
 
 5. Find the fourth roots of 1 +^/( - 3) and the cube roots 
 ofV3 + t. 
 
 6. From the equation 
 
 (1, a) X (1, p) X (1, y) X ... =(1, a + i5 + 7+ ...), 
 deduce (i) the formulae for 
 
 cos(a + /5) and sin(a+)S), 
 and (ii) the formulae for 
 
 cos (ai + Oa+.-.+aJ and sin (ai + aj+ ... +a). 
 
 7. From the equation 
 
 cos na + i sin na = (cos a + i sin a)", 
 deduce that 
 
 cos na = cos" a-^Cz- cos^-^a sin^ a + JJ^. cos^-^'a . sin^a - . . . , 
 sin na = Ci . cos""^a sin a-JJs. cos'*"^a sin^ a+ ... . 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 51 
 
 8. If cos a + cos ^ + cos y = and sin a + sin )5 + sin y = 0, 
 prove that 
 
 cos 3a + cos 3j5 + cos 3y = 3 cos (a + /9 + y) 
 
 and sin 3a + sin 3^3 + sin 3y = 3 sin (a + j5 + y). 
 
 48. 
 FACTORS OF THE EXPRESSION i)(^-\-y^^z^-Zxyz. 
 
 1. Prove that 
 
 a? + 'i^ -{ z^ -Zxyz = (x + y + z) . \[(y -z)'^ + (z-x)^ + (x-y)'^}. 
 Hence, show that a;^ + ?/^ + z^ > ^xyz, and therefore that 
 l{a + h + c)>U{abc). 
 
 2. Prove that 
 
 (h - cf + (c - af + (a - hf = 3(6 - c){c - a)(a - h). 
 
 3. If w, (o2 be the two complex cube roots of unity, show that 
 a^ + h^ + (^- Sahc = (a + b + c)(a + 6a) + c(o^)(a + 6a)2 + cw). 
 
 4. If X = ax + cy + bZy Y = cx + hy + az, Z = bx + ay + cz, show 
 that 
 
 (a^ + b^ + (^-3abc)(a^ + f + 2^-3xyz)=X^+Y^+Z^-SXYZ. 
 
 5. Show that the sum of the cubes of the roots of the equa- 
 tion x^ + Sqx - r = is 3r. 
 
 6. Prove that 
 
 {x^ + 2yzf + (7/2 + 2zxf + (z^ + 2xyf 
 
 - 3(x2 + 2yz) (?/2 + 2zx) (z^ + 2xy) = (a^ + f + z^- Zxyz)\ 
 
 7. If cos a + cos ^ + cos y = 0, show that 
 
 cos 3a + cos 3/5 + cos 3y = 12 cos a cos P cos y. 
 
 8. If cos a + cos /5 + cos y=0 and sin a + sin^^ + sin y=0, 
 prove that 
 
 cos 3a + cos 3j5 + cos 3y = 3 cos (a + ^ + y) 
 
 and sin 3a + sin 3^ + sin 3y = 3 sin (a + ^(5 + y). 
 
52 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 49. 
 CORRESPONDING ALGEBRAICAL AND TRIGONO- 
 METRICAL IDENTITIES. 
 
 1. Prove that 
 
 tan 3a tan 2a tan a tan 3a - tan 2a - tan a, 
 and deduce the corresponding algebraical formula when 
 tan a = a. 
 
 2. li yz + zx + xy = l, show that 
 
 2{x^ + y^ + z^-l) = {y-z)^ + {z-x)^ + {x-y)\ 
 Deduce the corresponding trigonometrical identity if tan A 
 be put for x, etc., where A + B+C = ~, and show that 
 
 tanM + tan2 5 + tan2 (7 < 1 . 
 
 3. \i yz -\- zx \- xy = \, prove that 
 
 X y z \^^jz 
 
 r=^^r^2+iT^-(l_a,2)(i_^2)(i_22)- 
 
 Also obtain the corresponding trigonometrical formula by 
 putting tan for x, etc. 
 
 4. Show, by the aid of trigonometry, that, if a; + 2/ + 2; = xyz, 
 Zx-x" ^y-f 3z-^ ^ { Sx-ar){Sy- f)(3z-2^) 
 
 1 -3X2"^ 1 -3?/2"^ 1 -3:^2 (1 _ 3a;2)(l _ Sy2)(l.Sz2y 
 
 5. If a + 6 + c = 0, show, by substituting (1, a) for a, etc., 
 in the formula a^ + 6^ + c^ = 3a6c, that 
 
 cos 3a + cos Sp + cos 3y = 3 cos (a + ^ + 7) 
 and sin 3a + sin 3^ + sin 3y = 3 sin (a + /5 + 7). 
 
 6. In the identity a^ -h^ = {a -h)(a^ + ah + b), put a = (l, a), 
 b = (l, p), and deduce that 
 
 cos 3a - cos 3^ = (cos a - cos p) (cos 2a + cos a + )5 + cos 2^) 
 - (sin a - sin P) (sin 2a + sin a + ^ + sin 2^), 
 with a similar formula for sin 3a - sin 3^. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 53 
 
 il. If a + 6H-c = 0, prove that 
 a3(6 - c) + 63(c - a) + c3(a - 6) = 0, 
 and hence show, by substituting (1, a) for a, etc., that 
 
 sin 2(^ + y) sin (/5 - y) + sin 2(y + a) sin (y - a) 
 
 + sin2(a + |5)sin(a-/5)=0. 
 
 8. Show that 
 
 _3_^J_ 1 1 
 
 1+a;^ \ + x l-aic \-px 
 
 where a, ^ are the complex cube roots of -1, and deduce, by 
 putting x = (\, 20), that 
 
 3 tan 30=tan (9 -cot (o +^) -cot (d -^Y 
 
 50. 
 
 ORTHOGONAL CIRCLES. 
 
 1. If two circles cut orthogonally, the square on the line 
 joining their centres is equal to the sum of the squares on the 
 radii, and conversely. 
 
 Hence, show that only one of a series of concentric circles 
 can be cut orthogonally by a given circle. 
 
 2. Draw a circle of given radius so as to cut orthogonally 
 a given circle. 
 
 3. If two circles cut orthogonally, the rectangle contained 
 by their common chord and their line of centres is equal to 
 twice the rectangle contained by their radii. 
 
 4. If the circumcircle of a triangle ABC and the excircle 
 opposite A cut orthogonally, prove that the radius of the 
 excircle is equal to the diameter of the circumcircle. 
 
 5. ABC is a triangle ; show that the radii of the circles 
 
54 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 witli centres A, B, C, each of which cuts the other two ortho- 
 gonally, are '\/(bc cos A), ^/(ca cos B) and \/(a6 cos C). 
 
 6. If be the orthocentre of the triangle ABC, prove that 
 the circles on AB, OC as diameters are orthogonal. 
 
 7. Show that every circle with its centre on the radical 
 axis of two given circles and radius equal to the tangents from 
 that point cuts the given circles orthogonally. 
 
 Hence, show how to draw a circle so as to cut three given 
 circles (the centres of which are not collinear) orthogonally. 
 
 8. If two circles cut one another at A, B, and if each cut 
 a third circle orthogonally, prove that any circle drawn 
 through A, B will cut the third circle orthogonally. 
 
 51. 
 
 DIP OF A STRATUM. 
 
 1. A plane is inclined at an angle a to the south ; a road 
 is made up the plane in the direction <^ E. of N. ; if ^ be the 
 inclination of the road to the horizon, prove that 
 
 tan 6 = tan a cos </>. 
 
 2. The line of greatest slope of a plane is inclined at an 
 angle a to the horizon ; a line on the inclined plane, making 
 an angle 6 with the line of greatest slope, is inclined at an 
 angle d to the horizon ; show that 
 
 sin (5 = sin a cos 6. 
 
 3. The inclinations of a plane to the horizon are a, p along 
 lines whose horizontal directions are inclined at an angle A ; 
 if the greatest inclination of the plane be ^ in a horizontal 
 direction inclined at an angle d to that of the inclination a, 
 prove that 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 55 
 
 tan^^ = (tan^a + tan^^ - 2 tan a tan p cos A)cosec2 A, 
 tan 6 = (tan P - tan a cos A)/tan a sin A. 
 What do these formulae become when A is a right angle ? 
 
 4. Find the amount and direction of the true dip of a 
 stratum, the apparent dips of which in the directions N. 40 E. 
 and S. 50 E. are respectively 32 and 18. 
 
 5. At A, B, C, three points on horizontal ground, vertical 
 bores are made and meet a stratum of coal at depths x, y, z 
 respectively ; find the amount and direction of the dip of the 
 stratum in terms of x, y, z and the elements of the triangle 
 ABC. 
 
 6. A vertical post of height Ti rises from a plane inclined 
 towards the south at an angle a ; find the length of its shadow, 
 (i) when the sun is due south at an elevation j5, (ii) when the 
 sun is d west of south at an elevation p. 
 
 7. Two planes are inclined to the horizon at angles a, ^ 
 in directions which make an angle A with one another ; find 
 the direction and inclination to the horizon of their common 
 section. 
 
 8. Show that the inclination d to the horizon of the common 
 section of two planes inclined at the same angle to the horizon 
 
 is given by j. & ^ ^ 
 
 tan o = tan a cos - , 
 
 2 
 
 where A is the horizontal angle between the lines of greatest 
 slope. 
 
 52. 
 NON-PLANAR LINES. 
 
 1. A straight line can be drawn perpendicular to each of 
 two non-planar lines, and this line is the shortest distance 
 between the two given lines. 
 
56 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 2. If a straight line be parallel to a plane, the shortest 
 distance between it and any line in the plane is constant. 
 
 3. li AB be the common normal to two non-planar lines 
 and CD any other line joining them, show that the line 
 joining the mid-points of AB, CD is perpendicular to AB, 
 
 4. The shortest distance between two equal non-planar 
 lines AB, CD, which are at right angles, bisects each of them 
 and is equal to AB/^2 ; show that AC, AB, AD are all equal. 
 
 5. Through a given point, draw a straight line so as to 
 intersect two non-planar lines. Show that only one such 
 line can be drawn. 
 
 6. Through a given point, draw a straight line which shall 
 make equal angles with each of three non-planar lines. 
 
 7. ABCD, CDEF are faces of a cube and G is the mid- 
 point of the edge EF ; draw the straight line which is per- 
 pendicular to ^G^ and to the edge BH. 
 
 8. a, h, c are three non-intersecting straight lines, of which 
 a and h are perpendicular to c ; x, y, z are respectively the 
 shortest distances between b and c, c and a, a and h ; prove 
 that z is equal to the shortest distance between x and y. 
 
 53. 
 
 THE CUBE. 
 
 1. The square on the diagonal of a cube is equal to three 
 times the square on one of its edges. 
 
 2. Every section of a cube by a plane parallel to one face 
 is a square. 
 
 3. Every section of a cube by a plane through the three 
 angular points adjacent to a given angle is an equilateral 
 triangle. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 57 
 
 4. Show how a plane must pass so that its common section 
 with a cube may be a pentagon, and show that this pentagon 
 can never be regular. 
 
 5. Show how to draw a plane so that its section with a cube 
 may be a regular hexagon. 
 
 6. Show that a cube may be cut by a plane so that the 
 section is a square, the area of which is to that of one face 
 of the cube as 9 to 8. 
 
 7. The shortest distance between a diagonal of a cube and 
 an edge which it does not meet is one-half the diagonal of one 
 of the faces. 
 
 8. Each corner of a cube is cut off by a plane passing 
 through the mid-points of the three edges which meet in that 
 corner ; state the number and forms of the faces in the result- 
 ing polyhedron, the number of vertices and the number of 
 edges, and compare the surface and volume of the resulting 
 polyhedron with those of the original cube. 
 
 54. 
 THE EEGULAR OCTAHEDRON. 
 
 1. Prove that it is possible to form a soUd angle the faces 
 of which are four equilateral triangles. 
 
 2. Show that the regular polyhedron in which each solid 
 angle is contained by four equilateral triangles has 6 vertices, 
 12 edges and 8 faces. 
 
 3. Find the distance between two opposite corners of a 
 regular octahedron of edge a. 
 
 4. Find the surface and volume of a regular octahedron of 
 edge a. 
 
58 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 5. Find the radii of the inscribed and circumscribed spheres 
 of a regular octahedron of edge a. 
 
 6. Find the cosine of the dihedral angle between two 
 adjoining faces of a regular octahedron. 
 
 7. A regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron have 
 the same surface ; compare their volumes. 
 
 8. If the six corners of a regular octahedron be cut off by 
 planes passing through the mid-points of the edges meeting 
 in each corner, find the number of vertices, edges and faces 
 in the resulting polyhedron. Find also the shapes of the 
 faces, and compare the total surface and volume of the new 
 polyhedron with those of the given octahedron. 
 
 55. 
 
 RANGE OF PEOJECTILES ON AN INCLINED PLANE. 
 
 1. From a point in a plane inclined at an angle ^ to the 
 horizon, a particle is projected in a vertical plane through a 
 line of greatest slope ; the initial velocity is u and the direc- 
 tion of projection makes an angle a with the horizon ; find the 
 resolved parts of its acceleration, and of its velocity at any 
 subsequent time, in directions parallel and perpendicular to 
 the plane. 
 
 2. Find (i) the time of flight directly up and down the 
 plane, (ii) the range directly up the plane, and (iii) the range 
 directly down the plane. 
 
 3. A particle is projected at an angle a to the horizon from 
 the foot of a plane of inclination ^ ; show that it will strike 
 the plane at right angles if 
 
 cot)5 = 2tan(a-jS). 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 59 
 
 4. Find the maximum range directly up and down the 
 plane, and show that the direction of projection in either case 
 bisects the angle between the line of greatest slope and the 
 line drawn vertically upwards from the point of projection. 
 
 5. Show that, corresponding to a given range on an inclined 
 plane, there are two directions of projection, which are equally 
 inclined to the direction which gives the maximum range. 
 
 6. Show that the greatest range on an inclined plane 
 through the point of projection is equal to the distance through 
 which the particle would fall freely in its time of flight. 
 
 7. A vertical plane through the point of projection cuts 
 the inclined plane along a line which makes an angle 6 with 
 the line of greatest slope ; find (i) the inclination of this line 
 to the horizon, and (ii) the maximum range up and down 
 this line. 
 
 8. Hence, show that the area commanded by a gun on an 
 inclined plane is an ellipse with a focus at the given point 
 and its major axis along the line of greatest slope. 
 
 56. 
 
 THE EQUATION OF THE TANGENT TO A PARABOLA 
 
 a 
 IN THE FORM y = mx-] 
 
 1. If the line y = mx + c touch the parabola y^ = 4:ax, show 
 that c = alm. 
 
 2. Comparing the two equations of the tangent, 
 
 y = mx+~ and yy' = 2a(x + cc'), 
 
 show that the point of contact of the former is 
 {a/m^y 2a/ m). 
 
60 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. Find the point of intersection of the tangents 
 
 a , a 
 
 ^ m ^ m 
 
 to a parabola, and show that, if the tangents be at right 
 angles, the locus of their point of intersection is the directrix. 
 
 4. Find the equation of the chord of contact of the tangents 
 
 a , a 
 
 y = mx + , y = mx-\ r- 
 ^ m ^ m 
 
 5. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the 
 focus of the parabola y'^ = iax on the tangent 
 
 a 
 
 y = mx + 
 ^ m 
 
 6. Show that the orthocentre of the triangle formed by- 
 three tangents to a parabola lies on the directrix. 
 
 7. Three tangents are drawn to a parabola ; show that the 
 circumcircle of the triangle formed by them passes through 
 the focus. 
 
 8. If the equations of two tangents to a parabola be 
 
 a , a 
 
 y = mx + , y = mx + fy 
 
 find the point of intersection of the corresponding normals. 
 Hence, show that, if tangents be drawn to a parabola y'^ = ^ax 
 from points on the parabola y^ = a{x + a), the point of inter- 
 section of corresponding pairs of normals lies on a straight 
 line perpendicular to the common axis of the parabolas. 
 
 57. 
 
 THE NORMALS TO A PARABOLA. 
 
 1. Find the equation of the normal to the parabola y^ = 4iax 
 at the point (am^, -2am). 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 61 
 
 2. Through any point, it is possible to draw three normals 
 (of which one at least must be real) to a parabola. 
 
 3. If the normals at three points be concurrent, show that 
 the algebraical sum of the ordinates is zero. 
 
 4. Normals to the parabola y^ = 4:ax at the points P, Q, R 
 meet in the point (h, k) ; find the coordinates of the centroid 
 of the triangle PQR. 
 
 5. If two of the normals to the parabola y^ = 4:ax from a 
 point P be at right angles, prove that the locus of P is 
 
 y^ = a{x-Sa), 
 
 6. If P, Q, R be the feet of the normals which pass through 
 a given point, show that the circle PQR passes through the 
 vertex. 
 
 7. If, from points P, Q, on the same side of the axis of a 
 parabola, normals PC, QC be drawn making complementary 
 angles with the axis, and UCN the third normal through C 
 meet the curve in U and the axis in N, then UN is bisected 
 at G. 
 
 8. From any point in the normal to a parabola, two other 
 normals are drawn to the curve ; prove that the straight Hne 
 joining their feet is parallel to a fixed straight line. 
 
 58. 
 EULER'S POLYHEDRON THEOREM. 
 
 1. If a cube be constructed, face by face, state the number 
 of edges and of vertices in the partially constructed figure for 
 each value of F from 1 to 6. 
 
 2. If F be the number of vertices, E the number of edges, 
 and F the number of faces in any polyhedron, prove Euler's 
 theorem, that ^^2 = F+V, 
 
62 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. In the pentagonal dodecahedron, in which each sohd 
 angle is contained by the plane angles of three equal regular 
 pentagons, show that the number of vertices is 20, of edges 
 30, and of faces 12. 
 
 4. A polyhedron is contained by 8 triangles and 11 quadri- 
 laterals ; find the number of vertices. 
 
 5. No polyhedron can have less than six edges, and, with 
 the exception of six edges, none can have less than eight 
 edges. 
 
 6. If the faces of a polyhedron be all triangular, the number 
 of faces is 2 F - 4, where V is the number of vertices. 
 
 7. Prove that the sum of all the plane angles of the faces of 
 a polyhedron with V vertices is 4F-8 right angles or double 
 the sum of the interior angles of a convex polygon with the 
 same number of vertices. 
 
 8. A polyhedron with F faces has all its faces triangular ; 
 prove that the number of vertices is |(i^ + 4). 
 
 If i^ = 10, prove that there is at least one vertex in which 
 more than four faces meet. 
 
 59. 
 
 THE TETRAHEDRON AND ITS CIRCUMSCRIBING 
 
 PARALLELEPIPED. 
 
 1. Through two non-planar lines, one, and only one, pair 
 of parallel planes can be drawn. 
 
 2. Defining each pair of edges of a tetrahedon which do not 
 meet as opposite edges, show that the three pairs of parallel 
 planes drawn through opposite edges form a parallelepiped, 
 and that each edge of the tetrahedron is a diagonal of a face 
 of the parallelepiped. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 63 
 
 3. If two opposite edges of a tetrahedron be equal, the 
 corresponding faces of the circumscribing parallelepiped are 
 rectangles ; and, if two opposite edges of a tetrahedron be 
 at right angles, the corresponding faces of the parallelepiped 
 are rhombuses. 
 
 4. If two pairs of opposite edges of a tetrahedron be mutu- 
 ally at right angles, the third pair are also at right angles. 
 
 5. If each edge of a tetrahedron be equal to the opposite 
 edge, show that the straight lines which join the mid-points 
 of opposite edges are mutually perpendicular. 
 
 6. One edge AD of the tetrahedron A BCD is perpendicular 
 to the edge BG ; prove that the sum of the squares on AB, 
 CD is equal to the sum of the squares on AC, BD. 
 
 7. The volume of a tetrahedron is one-third that of its 
 circumscribing parallelepiped. 
 
 8. Hence, show that all tetrahedra are of equal volume in 
 which a pair of opposite edges remains of the same length 
 and in the same straight line. 
 
 60. 
 PLANE SECTIONS OF A TETRAHEDRON. 
 
 1. If a straight line be parallel to a plane, the common 
 section of the plane with any plane passing through the 
 given line is parallel to that line. 
 
 2. Show that it is possible to draw a plane parallel to each 
 of two non-planar lines. 
 
 3. If a tetrahedron be cut by a plane parallel to a pair of 
 opposite edges, show that the common section of the tetra- 
 hedron by the plane is a parallelogram. 
 
64 SUBJECTS FOE MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. If the opposite edges to which tlie plane is parallel be 
 equal, show that the perimeter of the parallelogram is con- 
 stant. Also, show that this is not the case if the opposite 
 edges be unequal. 
 
 5. If a plane parallel to the edges AB, CD of a tetra- 
 hedron meet the edge BC in P, show that the area of the 
 parallelogram of intersection varies as BP . PC. 
 
 6. Show that the area of the parallelogram is a maximum 
 when the plane bisects all four edges to which it is not parallel. 
 
 7. If a plane section of a tetrahedron be a rhombus, the 
 side of the rhombus is half the harmonic mean between a 
 pair of opposite edges. 
 
 8. Show that the centre of the common section of a tetra- 
 hedron and a plane parallel to a pair of opposite edges lies 
 on the straight line joining the mid-points of those opposite 
 edges. 
 
 Show that the centre of gravity of a tetrahedron lies on the 
 straight line joining the mid-points of a pair of opposite edges, 
 and, hence, that the three lines joining the mid-points of 
 opposite edges are concurrent. 
 
 61. 
 
 SUM OF n TEEMS OF THE SERIES 
 1.2.3 + 2.3.4 + 3.4.5 + .... 
 
 Find the sum of n terms of the series 
 
 1.2.3-^2.3.4 + 3.4.5-}-.... 
 
 1. By means of the auxiliary series 
 
 1.2.3.4-h2.3.4.5 + 3.4.5.6 + ... . 
 
 2, By induction. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 65 
 
 3. By summing the series 2(r3 + 3r^ + 2r) from r = l to 
 
 4. If n{n + l)(n + 2)=an^ + bn^ + cn^ + dn 
 
 -{a(n-l)^ + h{n-l)^ + c{n-l)^ + d{n-l)}, 
 find, by giving different values to n, the values of a, b, c, d. 
 
 5. Hence find the sum of the given series. 
 
 6. Find the sum of the coefficients of the first n terms in 
 the expansion of (l-x)~^, and deduce the sum of the given 
 series. 
 
 7. Extend the method of either No. 1 or No. 2 so as to find 
 the sum of n terms of the series of which the sth term is 
 
 s(s + l)(5 + 2) ...(5 + r-l). 
 
 8. Extend the method of No. 6 so as to find the sum of the 
 series in No. 7. 
 
 CONSTRUCTION OF LOGARITHMIC TABLES. 
 1, Given that 
 
 log(l 
 
 + x) = 
 
 X2 3 
 
 = ^-2 + 3- 
 
 ..." 
 
 -(- 
 
 <^- 
 
 3 
 
 
 prove that 
 log 
 
 1+x 
 
 l-x~- 
 
 o/ x^ x^ 
 = 2(^+3+5 
 
 i 
 -+ . 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 
 and hence, 
 
 m-n 
 putting x = -^^^, 
 
 that 
 
 
 
 
 1< 
 
 >g^ = 
 
 =2r'":%^f 
 
 'm- 
 
 :Y 
 
 .!_/- 
 
 -n^ 
 
 \\ 
 
 2. Putting m = 2, w = l, find log 2 to 4 places of decimals. 
 
 M.E. E 
 
66 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. If the terms neglected in finding log 2 to 4 places of 
 decimals be those beginning with . , show that the sum 
 of the terms neglected is less than 
 
 and therefore cannot affect even the fifth place of decimals. 
 
 4. From the second series in No. 1, find log 3 to 4 places of 
 decimals. 
 
 5. Prove that 
 
 log,m = log.m X log,a = logm/log^e. 
 
 6. Assuming that 1/log JO = -43429 ... , find logio2 and 
 logioS to four places of decimals. 
 
 7. Show that the difference between log w and log(w + l) 
 decreases as n increases. 
 
 8. Prove that the differences in the tables of common 
 logarithms in the neighbourhood of the numbers 9876 and 
 12345 are roughly as 5 : 4. 
 
 THE EXCENTRIC ANGLE OF A POINT ON AN 
 ELLIPSE. 
 
 1. Define the excentric angle of a point on an ellipse, and 
 find the coordinates of the point in terms of the excentric 
 angle. 
 
 2. Show that the difference between the excentric angles of 
 the ends of two conjugate diameters of an ellipse is a right 
 angle. Hence, show that the sum of the squares of two con- 
 jugate semi -diameters is constant. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 67 
 
 3. If </), (fi' be the excentric angles of two points on an 
 ellipse, find the equation of the secant through the points; 
 and deduce the equation of the tangent at the point. 
 
 4. Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of 
 tangents at two points on an ellipse of which the excentric 
 angles are given. 
 
 5. Find the equation of the normal at a point with excentric 
 angle <^ on an ellipse. If the normal make an angle 6 with 
 the central radius drawn to the point, prove that 
 
 2ah tan d = {a^- h^) sin 24>. 
 
 6. Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of 
 normals to an ellipse at points the excentric angles of which 
 are (f> + d and cb-6. 
 
 7. If <t>, <f>' be the excentric angles of the points of contact 
 of two tangents drawn from the point {h, k) to an ellipse, 
 prove that 
 
 8. Find the relation between the excentric angles of four 
 concyclic points of an ellipse. 
 
 64. 
 COAXAL CIRCLES. 
 
 1. Show that the square on the tangent from the point 
 (x, y) to the circle x^-\-y'^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = is 
 
 x^ + y^ + 2gx + 2fy + c. 
 
 2. Show that the locus of points from which the tangents 
 to the circles 
 
 x^ + y^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = and x^ + y^ + 2g'x + 2fy + c' = 
 are equal : (i) is a straight line perpendicular to the line of 
 
68 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 centres, and (ii) passes through the points of intersection, real 
 or imaginary, of the given circles. 
 
 3. The three radical axes of three circles taken in pairs 
 are concurrent. 
 
 4. If the line of centres be taken as the axis of x^ and the 
 radical axis of two given circles as the axis of y, show that 
 the equations of the circles may be written in the form 
 
 a;2 + ?/2 + 2^ic + c = and x2 + ?/2 + 2/ic + c=0. 
 
 6. If a system of circles be such that every pair has the 
 same radical axis (that is, if the circles be coaxal), show that 
 the equations of the circles of zero radius (that is, the limiting 
 points of the system) may be written in the form 
 x^ + y^2^c.x + c = 0. 
 
 6. If x^ + y^ + 2gx + c = be the equation of one of a system 
 of coaxal circles, show that the polar of either of the limiting 
 points {x/c, 0), ( -\/c, 0) passes through the other. 
 
 7. Show that each circle of a coaxal system is cut ortho- 
 gonally by any circle that passes through the limiting points 
 of the system. 
 
 8. Show that the general equation of circles coaxal with 
 the circles 
 
 x^ + y^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, x^ + y^ + 2g'x + 2fy + c'=0 
 is x^ + y^ + 2gx-\-2fy + c + X(x^ + y^ + 2g'x-]-2fy + &)=0, 
 \ being any constant. 
 
 85. 
 
 THE PATH OF A PROJECTILE. 
 
 1. A particle is projected from a point with velocity u ft. 
 per sec. in a direction inclined at an angle a to the horizon ; 
 if P be the position of the particle after t seconds, and if a 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 69 
 
 vertical line PM meet the horizontal line through in M, 
 show that 
 
 OM = ucosa .t and PM = usma .t-\gt.'^ 
 
 2. If A be the highest point, and if the vertical line AL 
 meet the horizontal line through in L, show that the time 
 of reaching Amu sin ajg, and hence that 
 
 OL = u^ cos a sin ajg and AL = u^ sin^ al2g. 
 
 3. If the horizontal line through P meet the vertical line 
 through A in iV, show that 
 
 TiAT /wsina A . .,7. or /w sin a \^ 
 PN = ucoaai tj and AN=^l n- 
 
 4. Hence, show that 
 
 ^^,^2j^^cos^ 
 
 9 
 that is, that the path of the projectile is a parabola with axis 
 
 vertical and latus rectum 2u'^ cos^ a/g. 
 
 5. Show that the height of the focus above the horizontal 
 line through is -u'^ cos 2a/g, and thus that, if the range on 
 an inclined plane through the point of projection be a maxi- 
 mum, the focus of the path will lie in the inclined plane. 
 
 6. Show that the height of the directrix above the hori- 
 zontal through is u^/2g, and thus that the height of the 
 directrix above the horizontal line through P is 
 
 (u^ - 2u sin a . gt +gH^). 
 
 7. Show that the velocity of the particle at P is 
 
 ^/(u^ -2u am a . gt+gH^). 
 
 8. Hence, show that the velocity of the particle at P is 
 equal in magnitude to that which would be attained by 
 falling from the directrix to P. 
 
70 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 MOMENTS OF FORCES ABOUT A POINT IN THEIR 
 
 PLANE. 
 
 1. The algebraical sum of the moments of any two forces 
 about a point in their plane is equal to the moment of their 
 resultant about the same point. 
 
 2. Extend the theorem to any number of forces in one 
 plane acting on a rigid body. 
 
 3. If any number of coplanar forces act on a rigid body, 
 and if the algebraical sum of their moments about each of 
 two points in the plane of the forces be the same, show that 
 the resultant of the forces acts along a line parallel to that 
 joining the points. 
 
 4. If any number of coplanar forces act on a rigid body, 
 and if the algebraical sum of the moments of these forces 
 about each of three non-collinear points in their plane be 
 zero, show that the forces are in equilibrium. 
 
 6. Two forces, P and Q, acting at an angle a at a point 0, 
 are represented by OA and OB, and the parallelogram OACB 
 is completed ; if the direction of the resultant R make an 
 angle d with OA, show, by taking moments about A and B 
 and eliminating Q from the two equations, that 
 122 = p2 + Q2 + 2pgcosa. 
 
 6. Forces P, Q, R act along the altitudes AO, BO, CO of a 
 triangle ; if the forces be in equilibrium, show that 
 
 P:Q:R = a:h:c. 
 
 7. A system of forces X, Y, Z acting along the sides of the 
 triangle ABC is equivalent to a system P, Q, R along the 
 sides of the pedal triangle ; prove that 
 
 2P=y/cos5+Z/cos(7. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 71 
 
 8. Three given forces act along the altitudes of a triangle. 
 Find the condition that the line of action of the resultant 
 should pass through the centroid of the triangle, and show 
 that, if the forces be equal, the triangle must be isosceles. 
 
 67. 
 THE ASYMPTOTES OF AN HYPERBOLA. 
 
 1. Find the equation giving the abscissae of the points of 
 intersection of the line y = mx + c and the hyperbola 
 
 and deduce the equations of the asymptotes. 
 
 2. Find the equation of the tangent at (x', y') to the same 
 hyperbola, and deduce the form of the equation when x' and 
 y' are increased indefinitely. 
 
 3. Show that the distance of a point on the hyperbola from 
 the corresponding asymptote continually decreases as the 
 point moves away from the vertex, and hence determine the 
 position of the curve with regard to both asymptotes. 
 
 4. Find the equation of an hyperbola referred to its asymp- 
 totes as axes. 
 
 5. Show that the portion of a tangent to an hyperbola 
 intercepted between the asymptotes is bisected at the point 
 of contact. 
 
 6. Show that the tangent to an h5rperbola includes with 
 the axes a triangle of constant area. 
 
 7. If one asymptote of the curve 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ + 2gx-\-2fy + c = 
 pass through the origin, prove that 
 
 ap + hg^ = 2fgh. 
 
72 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. Find the equation of the hyperbola which has 
 x-y-l=0 and x + y-3 = 
 for asymptotes, and which passes through the origin, 
 
 68. 
 STATICAL PROOFS OF GEOMETRICAL THEOREMS. 
 
 1. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of equal 
 masses placed at the angular points of a triangle, that the 
 medians of a triangle are concurrent. 
 
 2. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of masses 
 proportional to tan A, tan B, tan C at the angular points 
 of a triangle ABC, that the altitudes of a triangle are con- 
 current, y 
 
 3. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of masses 
 proportional to the opposite sides placed at the angular 
 points of a triangle, that the bisectors of the angles of a 
 triangle are concurrent. 
 
 4. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of equal 
 masses placed at the angular points of a quadrilateral, that 
 the straight lines joining the mid-points of opposite sides and 
 of the diagonals of a quadrilateral are concurrent and bisect 
 one another. 
 
 5. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of equal 
 masses placed at the angular points of a tetrahedron, that 
 the straight lines which join the mid-points of opposite edges 
 of a tetrahedron are concurrent and bisect one another. 
 
 6. Show, by considering the centre of gravity of equal 
 masses placed at the angular points of a tetrahedron, that 
 the lines joining each angular point to the centroid of the 
 opposite face are concurrent. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 73 
 
 7. A BCD is a quadrilateral ; AB, DC produced meet in 
 E, and BC, AD in F ; the straight lines which bisect the 
 angles A, C internally meet in X, those which bisect the 
 angles B, D internally in Y, and those which bisect the angles 
 E, F externally in Z ; by considering a system of four equal 
 forces acting respectively along AB, AD, CB, CD, show that 
 the points X, Y, Z are collinear. 
 
 8. A BCD is a quadrilateral, AB, DC produced meet in 
 E, BC, AD produced in ^ ; by considering the system of 
 forces AB, AD, CB, CD, show that the resultant passes 
 through the mid-point of each of the three diagonals AC, 
 BD, EF, and hence that the mid-points of the diagonals are 
 collinear. 
 
 LOSS OF KINETIC ENERGY BY IMPACT. 
 
 1. If two spheres impinge directly, the total kinetic energy 
 after impact is less than that before impact. 
 
 2. Prove the same theorem in the case of oblique impact. 
 
 3. A ball of mass M, moving with velocity u, impinges 
 directly on a ball of mass m at rest ; show that the amount of 
 kinetic energy lost is Mmu^l - e^) 
 
 4. Two spheres, of masses 6 and 9 lb. and moving in the 
 same direction with velocities of 20 and 12 ft. per sec, impinge 
 directly ; if the coefficient of restitution be J, find the loss of 
 kinetic energy per cent, of the original amount. 
 
 5. If the mass of a particle which impinges directly upon 
 another be j^jy of the mass of the latter, but if it have 100 
 times its velocity, show that the energy lost is only about 
 
74 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4 per cent, less than the original energy of the smaller particle, 
 the coefficient of restitution being y^^^. 
 
 6. If the momenta of two spheres impinging directly on 
 one another be equal and opposite, show that the kinetic 
 energy will be reduced by the impact in the ratio e^ : 1. 
 
 7. A bullet of mass m lb. is fired with a horizontal velocity 
 of u ft. per sec. into a mass of M lb. at rest suspended by a 
 string, and is embedded in this mass. Find the energy lost 
 at the impact. 
 
 Ex.U m = h oz., M = 10 lb., w = 1800 ft. per sec, find 
 the energy lost in foot-pounds. 
 
 8. If two spheres impinge directly, show that if the one 
 which has the greater mass has also the greater velocity, then 
 the kinetic energies of the two spheres are more nearly equal 
 after the impact than they were before. 
 
 70. 
 
 EQUATION OF A STRAIGHT LINE IN THE FORM 
 
 x=h+r COS 0, ]/=k+rsmO. 
 
 1. If (h, h) be a fixed point on a line inclined at an angle 
 6 to the axis of x, and {x, y) a point on the line at distance 
 r from the fixed point, show that 
 
 iC = A + rcos0, y^h + r mid. 
 
 2. Lines are drawn through a point (A, k) to cut a circle 
 
 show that the rectangle contained by the segments is constant. 
 
 3. Find the locus of the mid-points of a series of parallel 
 chords of a parabola. 
 
 4. If a point be taken on a series of parallel chords of a 
 parabola so that the rectangle contained by the segments of 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 75 
 
 the chords is constant, show that the locus of the point is an 
 equal parabola. 
 
 5. Find the equation of the chord of the parabola 7j^ = 8x 
 which is bisected at the point (2, -3). 
 
 6. Find the locus of the mid -points of chords of the hyper- 
 bola xy = c^ which are parallel to the line lx + my=0. 
 
 7. Find the locus of the mid-points of chords of a circle 
 which pass through a fixed point. 
 
 8. Prove that the locus of the mid-points of chords of the 
 hyperbola xy = c^ which are of constant length 21 is 
 
 (x^ + y^)(xy-c^) = Pxy, 
 the axes being rectangular. 
 
 71. 
 
 THE FORMULAE FOR COS 70 AND sin 70 IN TERMS 
 
 OF COS 6 AND sinO. 
 
 1. Show that 
 
 cos 76 = 64 cos'e - 1 12 cos^^ + 56 cos^^ - 7 cos 
 
 2. Show that 
 
 sin 70 = 7 sin - 56 sin^ + 112 sin^ 0-64 sin'^. 
 
 3. Putting 76 in succession equal to 0, 27r, iir, Qtt, Stt, 
 IOtt, 127r in the equation of No. 1, show that cos, cos- ', 
 
 COS , COS-, COS and cos are the roots of the 
 
 7 7 7 7 
 
 equation g^^e + 64^,5 _ 433^ - 483 + 8a;2 -h 8a; + 1 = 0, 
 
 and hence that cos , cos and cos are the roots of the 
 
 7 7 7 
 
 equation 8:^ + ^x^ -ix-\=0. 
 
76 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. Hence, show that 
 
 27r 47r Stt 1 
 
 COSy + COS Y + COSy= - ^, 
 
 47r Stt Stt 27r 27r Att 1 
 
 COS -=- COS -;r- + COS ^=- COS ^ir + COS -=- COS -=- = - ^ 
 
 11 11 I Z 
 
 27r 477 Stt 1 
 
 and COS -=- cos -=- cos -=- = 5* 
 
 7 7 7 o 
 
 ^ T, , ,. - . . I , TT 5:r Qtt IStt VJtt 
 
 5. Putting 70 m succession equal to -, -^, -^, -^r-, -^r-, 
 
 Z 2i Jj Z A 
 
 ^ :^ in the equation of No. 2, show that sin:^, sin-^ 
 2 2 ^ 14 14 
 
 and sin j- are the roots of the equation 
 
 8a:3_4a;2_4a; + i=o. 
 
 6. Hence, show that 
 
 IT 57r 257r . 
 
 cosec zr-j + cosec :r-r + cosec -^TT- = 4. 
 14 14 14 
 
 7. Putting 70 in succession equal to 0, 27r, 47r, Gtt, Stt, IOtt, 
 12n- in the equation of No. 2, show that sin^, sin^ and 
 sin^ are the roots of the equation 
 
 64x3-112x2 + 56x-7=0. 
 
 8. Hence, show that 
 
 . 27r . 47r . Stt 1 /^ 
 Sin y + sm y + sm y = ^V 7, 
 
 . 47r . Stt . Stt . 27r . 27r . 47r ^ 
 Sin sm + sm -=- sm + sm sin -- =0, 
 
 . 277 . 47r . Stt \ ,^ 
 
 sin y sin y sm y = - g V7. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 77 
 
 72. 
 COMPLEX QUANTITY. XL 
 
 1. Draw the Argand diagram OABC of the complex 
 expression (1, a) + (l, 2a) + (l, 4a), 
 
 where a = 27r/7. Join OB, OC, produce BA to meet the 
 initial line in D, and draw BM, ON perpendicular to the 
 initial line. Show that 
 
 BO = BD and AD = OD. 
 
 2. In the same diagram, show that 
 
 OB = BA + OD, 
 
 and therefore that 2 cos ^ = 1 + 2 . OM 
 and ON = OM-MN=-i. 
 
 3. If a = 27r/7, show that 
 
 cos a + cos 2a + cos 4a = - J. 
 
 4. In the figure of No. 1, show that 
 
 OC2 = l+4cos| + 4cos2|-8cos3| 
 
 and 2 cos ^ = 1 + ^ sec a, 
 
 and hence that 0C^ = 2. 
 
 5. If a = 27r/7, shew that 
 
 sin a + sin 2a + sin 4a = h/7. 
 
 6. The roots of the quadratic equation ax^ + 2bx + c=0y 
 where a, h, c are real and h<ac', are represented on an Argand 
 diagram by the points P, Q. Prove that P and Q are equi- 
 distant from the origin, and that PQ is perpendicular to the 
 axis of real numbers. 
 
78 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 7. Hence, show that the points P and Q may be found by 
 a geometrical construction which does not require the solution 
 of the equation. 
 
 8. Prove that, if a', h', c' be real and V^<ja!c\ the points 
 representing the roots of the equation a'a;^ + 26'a; + c' = lie 
 on the circle through P, Q and the origin, if he' = h'c, 
 
 73. 
 
 PTOLEMY'S THEOREM. 
 
 1. Prove that, in a cyclic quadrilateral, the sum of the 
 rectangles contained by opposite pairs of sides is equal to 
 the rectangle contained by the diagonals (Ptolemy's theorem). 
 
 2. (i) ABC is an equilateral triangle and P any point on 
 the minor arc BG of the cireumcircle ; show that 
 
 PA = PB + PG. 
 (ii) A right-angled triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle, 
 the right angle A is bisected by AD, which meets the circle 
 again in D ; prove that 
 
 AB^-AC=^/2.AB. 
 
 3. ABCD is a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle ; if ^ j^ be 
 the chord parallel to BD, show that 
 
 AB . BG + AD . DG = BD . GE. 
 
 4. If two circles cut orthogonally, the rectangle contained 
 by their common chord and their line of centres is equal to 
 twice the rectangle contained by their radii. 
 
 5. If ABGD be a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle of which 
 AG is a diameter, and if A BAG = a, /.GAD=^, show, by 
 means of Ptolemy's theorem, that 
 
 sin (a+P)= sin acos p + cos a sin p. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 79 
 
 6. If ABCD be a quadrilateral iDscribed in a circle ABEO 
 of which ^^ is a diameter ; also if A BAG = a, ACAD = Py 
 show, by means of Ptolemy's theorem, that 
 
 sin a + sin ^ = 2 sin ^^ cos ^^. 
 
 7. Deduce the following from Ptolemy's theorem : An arc 
 AB oi 2. circle is divided equally in M and unequally in P ; 
 prove that PA.PB + MP^ = AM\ 
 
 and deduce that 
 
 sin (a + /5) sin ( - ^) = sin^ a - sin^ p. 
 
 8. If a, b, c, d be the lengths of the sides AB, BC, CD, DA, 
 and X, y the lengths of the diagonals BD, AC, of a cyclic 
 quadrilateral, show that 
 
 X : y = sm A : sin B = ad + bc : ah + cd, 
 and hence, by Ptolemy's theorem, show that 
 
 _ lf {ac + hd){ad + hc) '\ _ l((ac + bd){ah-\-cd)\ 
 ^~Vl o.h + cd J'^~Vl ^dWc / 
 
 74. 
 THE EVALUATION OF tt. 
 
 1. Prove Huyghens' approximation for the length of a 
 circular arc in the form l(SB-A), where A is the chord of 
 the arc and B that of half the arc. 
 
 2. Find the length of the arc of a circle of radius a sub- 
 tending an angle of 20 at the centre ; and hence deduce the 
 value of TT to 4 places of decimals. 
 
 3. Prove Euler's product theorem 
 
 sin0 6 e e 
 
80 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 and deduce Vieta's formula for tj-, namely, 
 
 2_V2 \/2+V2 A/2+V24V2 
 TT "2 ' 2 ' 2 
 
 4. Find the value of tt to 3 places of decimals from Vieta's 
 formula. 
 
 5. AB is a diameter of a circle of radius unity and centre 
 ; BC, the tangent at B, is equal to three times the radius ; 
 AD, the tangent at A, is such that /_AOD = Tr/Q ; show 
 that the line CD is approximately equal to half the circum- 
 ference of the circle. 
 
 6. AOB is the diameter of a given circle ; from OA is 
 cut off OG = iOA; from OB produced, OD = WA; OB is 
 bisected in E ; semicircles CFE, AGD are described, and the 
 perpendicular through to ^5 cuts them in F, G respec- 
 tively ; show that FG agrees to 4 places of decimals with 
 the side of a square, the area of which is equal to that of 
 the circle. 
 
 7. Show that 
 
 (i) ^ = 4tan-i^-tan-i2j9 (Machin), 
 
 (ii) ^ = 5tan-ii + 2tan-i^ (Euler). 
 
 8. Assuming Gregory's series, namely, 
 
 /J3 V'O /yH 
 
 tan"'rr = ic-^ +-^--=r + ... , 
 
 where !a?|<l, find, by Machin's formula, the value of tt to 10 
 places of decimals. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 81 
 
 76. 
 
 EULER'S PRODUCT THEOREM. 
 
 1. Prove that 
 
 f\ o_i Odd ' 6 
 
 sin(9 = 2 ^cos^ cos -^ cos -3 ... cos - sin ^. 
 
 2. Prove that 
 
 Lt (cos - cos j,2 ^^^ ^) =~w~ (Euler's theorem). 
 
 3. From the preceding equation, deduce Vieta's expression 
 for TT, namely, 
 
 2^V2 \/2+V2 V2+\/2+^ 
 7r~ 2 * 2 2 
 
 4. By means of Euler's theorem, show that, if < tt, sin 0/0 
 decreases as increases. 
 
 5. If Wj, xi<^, Mg, ... be positive quantities less than unity, 
 show that 
 
 (i) (l-'Wi)(l-/2)>l-K + ^2) 
 and (ii) (1 -i^i)(l -W2)(l -^3) > 1 -{^l + ^2 + %) 
 
 Hence, if the infinite series \i^-\-u^-\-u^-\- ... be convergent, 
 show that the infinite product 
 
 (l-l)(l-2)(l-3)... 
 
 is greater than 
 
 6. Hence, making use of the fact that cos 0> 1-^02^ 
 ing an acute a 
 
 7. Prove that 
 
 being an acute angle, show that sin > - J 
 
 - . ^' . -J)./.-....!; 
 
 Lt (1 - tan2 1") U - tan 2 ^ {\ - tan2 
 = 0/tan0. 
 
 M.E. F 
 
82 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. If a, h be positive quantities, and if 
 
 and so on, prove that 
 
 Lt a=Lt 6=(62-a2)2/cos-ia/6. 
 
 76. 
 
 GRAPHS AND THE SOLUTION OF TRIGONOMETRICAL 
 
 EQUATIONS. 
 
 1. Show, by drawing the graphs of the curves, (i) that the 
 equation sina; = c has two roots between and tt if c < 1, 
 and no roots between those values if c be negative or > 1 ; 
 (ii) that the equation cos d = c has only one root between 
 and TT if c lie between - 1 and + ] , and no root between those 
 values if c < - 1 or > 1. 
 
 2. Show that the equation cos 6 = has only one real root, 
 and that it lies between and 7r/4. 
 
 3. Show that the equation tan 6 = md has an infinite num- 
 ber of real roots for all values of m. Also, if 6 lie between 
 
 ^ and ^, show that the equation has three real and different 
 
 roots, three real and equal roots, or only one real root, 
 according as m is greater than, equal to, or less than 1 ; 
 while the equation cot 6 = md has two real solutions in every 
 case. 
 
 4. Show graphically that the equation sin 26 = sin 6 has 
 three roots between and 27r. 
 
 5. Draw the curve y = cot x, and hence calculate roughly 
 the roots of the equation x cot x = l - 27rx. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 83 
 
 6. Show that the equation sin0 + cos0 = c has two real 
 roots between and 27r if c lie between -\/2 and +1, and 
 three real roots if c lie between 1 and \/2, 
 
 7. Show graphically that 
 
 (i) the equation sin O + coad =\/2 . sin 26 
 has three roots between and 2'n- ; 
 
 (ii) the equation sec 6 + cosec d = c 
 has two roots between and 27r if c^ < 8, and four roots if 
 c2>8. 
 
 8. Show that the graph of the expression 
 
 cos px + cos qx 
 
 lies between those of 2 cos ^^^x and -2 cos ^^x, touching 
 
 each in turn. What general conclusion can be drawn as to 
 the amplitudes of the variations of cos px + cos qx when 
 p-q\s small compared with p + q'^. 
 
 77. 
 BROCARD POINTS. 
 
 1. Describe a circle so as to touch a given straight line AB 
 Sit A and to pass through a point C outside AB. 
 
 2. If ABC be a triangle, and if two circles be drawn, one 
 to touch AB at A and to pass through C, the other to touch 
 CA at G and to pass through B, and if the circles intersect 
 in 0, show that ^ ^^q ^ ^ ^^q ^ q^q 
 
 3. Hence, show that, if ABC be a triangle, the three circles 
 which touch AB at A, BC at B and CA at C, and pass respec- 
 tively through the points C, A, B, pass through one point. 
 
 4. If this point be called a Brocard point, show that 
 every triangle has two Brocard points. 
 
84 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 5. If each of the equal angles BAO, ACO, CBO be denoted 
 by w, show that 
 
 sin3a) = sin {A - w) sin ( - o) sin (C - (n). 
 
 6. Dividing both sides of the preceding equation by sin^w, 
 show that the equation reduces to the following cubic equation 
 in cot 0) : 
 
 cot^co . sin^ sin J5 sin C- cot 2(0 (2 cos ^ sin 5 sin C) 
 
 cot 0) . sin^ sin5sinO-2cos^ ainB sinC=0. 
 
 7. Hence, show that 
 
 cot 0) = cot A + cot B + cot C. 
 
 8. Hence, show that 
 
 cosec^ (t) = cosecM + cosec^ B + cosec^ C. 
 
 78. 
 THE INEQUALITY THEOREM sin ^> 0-^03 
 
 1. Show that 
 sin 6 = S'^sin |, - 4 (sin^^ + 3 sin^i + 32 sin ^ + . . . + 3"-i sin^^jY 
 
 2. Hence, show that, if < 
 
 TT 
 
 2' 
 
 sin>0-4(^p + p + ^ + ...toinf.j, 
 and therefore that smd>d - J0^. 
 
 3. li AB be an arc of a circle subtending an angle d(<^j 
 
 at the centre of the circle, and if C, D, E, F, ... be the mid- 
 points of the arcs AB, AC, AD, AE, ..., prove that 
 
 sector AOB-aAOB = aACB + 2aADC + 2^AAED + .... 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 85 
 
 4. If a be the radius of the circle and if AAOB contain 
 6 radians, show that the area of the triangle ACB is . 
 
 2a2sin2sin2p, 
 
 and deduce that of the triangle ADC, 
 
 5. Hence, show that AACB<^, ADC<^, and 
 therefore that 
 
 and therefore that sin6>d- J0^. 
 
 6. Prove that 
 
 sin = 2" sin ^, cos ^ cos ^^ ... cos t^. 
 
 d e 6 
 
 27.cos2Cos2,....^.2^ 
 
 and hence, by increasing n indefinitely, deduce Euler's product 
 
 theorem that 6 6 6 
 
 sin 6/6 = cos ^ cos ^ cos 
 
 7. If Ui and ^2 t>e proper fractions, prove that 
 
 {l-Ui)(l-U2)>l-(ui + u^) 
 and {1-Ui)(l- Wg) (1 - %) > 1 - (^1 + ^*2 + ^3)' 
 
 and extend the theorem to the product of an infinite series of 
 factors. 
 
 8. Assuming that cos0>l-J0^ where 6<^, show, by 
 means of the preceding theorem, that sin0>0-^0^. 
 
 79. 
 
 THE SIMSON LINE. 
 
 1. The feet of the perpendiculars drawn to the sides of a 
 triangle from any point on its circumcircle are collinear. 
 (The line passing through the feet of the perpendiculars is 
 
86 SUBJECTS FOE MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 called the Simson line of the point with respect to the given 
 triangle.) 
 
 2. If P be a point on the circumcircle of a triangle, and if 
 PD, PE, PF, the perpendiculars to the sides, meet the cir- 
 cumcircle in X, Y, Z, show that AX, BY, CZ are parallel to 
 the Simson line. 
 
 3. The angle between the Simson lines of any two points 
 on a circle with respect to any inscribed triangle is equal to 
 half the angle subtended by the arc between the points at 
 the centre of the circle. 
 
 Hence, show that (i) the Simson lines of the ends of a 
 diameter of a circle with respect to any inscribed triangle 
 are perpendicular to one another, and (ii) the Simson lines 
 of three points P, Q, R on the circle form by their intersections 
 a triangle similar to the triangle PQR. 
 
 4. If the Simson line of a point on the circumcircle of the 
 triangle ABC be equally inclined to two sides, prove that 
 the point bisects the arc intercepted by the third side. 
 
 5. If, from a point P on the circumcircle of a triangle ABC, 
 PD be drawn perpendicular to BC and be produced to meet 
 the circumcircle in X, and if the Simson line of the point P 
 meet the altitude from A produced in K, then DX = AK. 
 
 6. Also, if be the orthocentre of the triangle ABC, show 
 that PD = KO. Hence, show that OP is bisected by the 
 Simson line. 
 
 7. Show that the locus of the mid-point of a line drawn 
 from the orthocentre of a triangle to the circumcircle is the 
 nine-points circle of the triangle. 
 
 8. Hence, show that the SimsoD lines of the ends of the 
 diameter of a circle with respect to any inscribed triangle 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 87 
 
 intersect in a point the locus of which is the nine-points circle 
 of the triangle. 
 
 80. 
 
 INTERSECTING SPHERES. 
 
 1. Prove that the common section of two intersecting 
 spheres is a circle. 
 
 2. Two spheres of radii a and 6 intersect, the distance 
 between their centres being c ; find the area of their common 
 section. 
 
 3. A line parallel to the line of centres of two intersecting 
 spheres passes round the common section of the spheres ; 
 show that this line traces out on each sphere a circle the 
 plane of which is perpendicular to the line of centres. 
 
 4. Prove that two concentric spheres intercept a constant 
 area on any sphere which passes through their common 
 centre. 
 
 5. Prove that all spheres cutting two given non-intersecting 
 spheres at right angles have their centres on a fixed plane 
 and pass through two fixed points. 
 
 6. A line parallel to the line of centres of two spheres 
 which cut orthogonally passes round the curve of intersection 
 of the spheres ; show that the volume of the right circular 
 cylinder inscribed within the complete figure is 
 
 where a, h are the radii of the spheres. 
 
 7. There are two spheres of radii a, h, with their centres at 
 a distance c{<a + b) apart. Find the area of that part of 
 the surface of the sphere of radius a which lies inside the 
 other sphere. 
 
88 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. A closed surface is formed by two spheres of radii , 6, 
 which cut one another at right angles. Show that the external 
 surface area is 27r(a^ + b^ + c^)/c, where c is the distance between 
 the centres. 
 
 81. 
 SPHERICAL SEGMENTS. 
 
 1. Find the volume of a spherical segment of one base, the 
 height of the segment being a and the radius of the sphere r. 
 Deduce the volume of a spherical segment with two bases. 
 
 2. Each of two equal spheres passes through the centre of 
 the other ; show that the volume common to the two spheres 
 is 3^2" o^ ^^^ volume of either. 
 
 3. A sphere floats in water, so that the height of the cap 
 above water is one-tenth of the diameter ; find the density 
 of the sphere. 
 
 4. If the height a of a spherical segment be very small com- 
 pared with the radius r of the sphere, show that its volume is 
 approximately TraV. 
 
 Hence, find approximately the volume of a lens, of which 
 the diameter is one inch and the radii of its surfaces (supposed 
 spherical) respectively 25 ins. and 20 ins. 
 
 6. If a slice be cut off from a sphere by two parallel planes, 
 prove that its volume is 
 
 where t is the thickness of the slice, and A, B the areas of 
 its plane faces. 
 
 6. A cylindrical hole is bored through a sphere with its 
 axis coinciding with a diameter of the sphere ; prove that the 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 89 
 
 volume of the remainder is equal to that of a sphere, the 
 diameter of which is equal to the length of the hole. 
 
 7. A hemispherical bowl full of water is tilted slowly- 
 through an angle of 30 ; find what percentage of the water 
 overflows. 
 
 8. A segment of a circle revolves about any diameter not 
 intersecting it ; prove that the volume generated by it is one- 
 sixth of that of a circular cylinder, the radius of which is 
 equal to the chord and the altitude of which is equal to the 
 projection of the chord on the diameter. 
 
 LINES OF QUICKEST DESCENT. 
 
 1. The time of sliding from rest down any chord of a verti- 
 cal circle drawn from the highest point or to the lowest point 
 is constant. 
 
 Hence, show that the line of quickest descent from a point 
 to a curve in the same vertical plane is such that a vertical 
 circle with the given point for its highest point touches the 
 curve at the point at which the line of quickest descent 
 meets it. 
 
 2. Find the line of quickest descent from a given point to a 
 given straight line in the same vertical plane as the point. 
 
 3. Find the line of quickest descent from a given point to a 
 given circle in the same vertical plane as the point. 
 
 4. A right-angled triangle is placed so that one of the 
 sides containing the right angle is vertical. Determine the 
 position of the point in the hypotenuse from which the time 
 of the particle's descent to the right angle may be the least 
 possible. 
 
90 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 5. A circle has a vertical diameter AB, and two particles 
 slide down two chords AP, PB respectively, starting simul- 
 taneously from A, P ; prove that the least distance between 
 them during the motion is equal to the distance of P from AB. 
 
 6. Show that the shortest time of descent down a smooth 
 straight tube from a circle to a point in the same vertical 
 plane is 2^"^ {r tan a cot (^-a)}^ 
 
 where r is the radius of the circle, and the lines drawn from 
 the given point to the highest and lowest points of the circle 
 make respectively with the vertical the angles a and p. 
 
 7. Show that the chords of quickest and slowest descent 
 from the highest point of an ellipse in a vertical plane are at 
 right angles to each other and parallel to the axes of the 
 curve. 
 
 8. Two parabolas are placed in the same vertical plane 
 with their foci coincident, axes vertical and vertices down- 
 wards. Prove that the chord of quickest descent from the 
 outer to the inner parabola passes through the focus and 
 makes an angle :r/3 with the axis. 
 
 83. 
 
 CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF A CIRCULAR ARC AND 
 SECTOR. 
 
 1. Find the centre of gravity of a circular arc, and deduce 
 that of a semicircle. 
 
 2. Given the centre of gravity of a circular arc, deduce 
 that of a sector of a circle. 
 
 3. Deduce the position of the centre of gravity of a segment 
 of a circle. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 91 
 
 4. Deduce the position of the centre of gravity of a semi- 
 circle from each of the results of Nos. 2 and 3. 
 
 6. A semicircle is described with radius a, and with one 
 extremity of this semicircle as centre and radius 2a another 
 semicircle is described so as to form with the former a con- 
 tinuous curve. Show that the centre of gravity of a wire in 
 
 the form of this curve is distant ^~^/{^^ + ^^'^) from the centre 
 
 of gravity of the smaller semicircle. 
 
 6. Two tangents are drawn to a circle of radius a sub- 
 tending an angle 2a at the centre. Prove that the centre of 
 gravity of the figure bounded by the tangents and the smaller 
 arc between them is at a distance from the centre equal to 
 
 a tan^a sin a 
 3 tan a- a 
 
 7. ACB is a semicircle of radius a, C being the middle point 
 of the arc, and PM, QN are drawn from points P, Q on the 
 arc perpendicular to the diameter AB. Show that, if PO 
 QC each subtend an angle a at the centre of the circle, the 
 centre of gravity of the area bounded by the arc PCQ and the 
 straight lines PM, MN, NQ will be at a distance 
 
 asina(2 + cos2a) 
 3(a + sin a cos a) 
 
 from the centre of the circle. 
 
 8. Parallel tangents are drawn to the inner of two con- 
 centric circles of radii a and a'\/2. Show that the centre of 
 gravity of either of the areas bounded by the parallel tangents 
 and the arcs of the circles between them is on the inner 
 circle. 
 
92 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 84. 
 THE SIGN OF THE DIFFERENTIAL COEFFICIENT. 
 
 1. li y he a. function of x, define the differential coefficient 
 of y with respect to x, and illustrate the definition by a dia- 
 gram. Explain what light the sign of the differential coeffi- 
 cient throws on the increase or decrease of y as x increases. 
 
 2. Show, by considering the sign of the differential coeffi- 
 cients of the following expressions with regard to x, that 
 (i) x^-6x + S decreases until x = 3 and then increases, and 
 (ii) S + Sx-x^ increases as x increases until x = i and then 
 decreases. Illustrate both facts by diagrams. 
 
 3. Draw an arc at every point of which x, y, ^ and -=-^ 
 
 are all positive, and another arc at every point of which the 
 same quantities are all negative ; and give reasons for so 
 drawing them. 
 
 4. From the corners of a square piece of cardboard, of 
 side 12 ins., squares are cut away and the projecting portions 
 folded up so as to form a box without a lid ; find the maximum 
 volume of the box. 
 
 6. Show that the expression 
 
 ic3-6ic2 + 21x + l 
 is positive for all positive values of x. 
 
 6. If X be greater than and less than 1, show, by means 
 of the differential coefficients of the expressions 
 
 iC-Iog(l+x) and x--^-\og(l+x\ 
 
 x^ 
 that log(l+x)<a; and >a;--^- 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 93 
 
 7. Show that a curve is concave or convex towards the 
 positive direction of the ?/-axis according as -^ is positive or 
 negative. Hence, show that, at a point of inflexion, -^ 
 changes sign. 
 
 8. Show that the curve 
 
 has a point of inflexion at the point (4, 0). 
 
 85. 
 MAXIMA AND MINIMA TREATED ALGEBRAICALLY. 
 
 1. Find the maximum value of 1 + \0x-x^ and the mini- 
 mum value of cc2 + llx + 40. 
 
 2. If 505 + 4^/ = 200, find the maximum value of xy, 
 
 3. Find the maximum and minimum values of 
 
 x^-x + l 
 x^ + x + l 
 
 4. Find the maximum value of 
 
 2i2cosasin(a-/5) 
 g cos^^ 
 where u and ^ are constant. 
 
 5. Find the maximum and minimum values of 
 
 a cos + 6 sin 0. 
 
 6. Find the maximum and minimum values of 
 
 a cos^O + 2h cos 6 sind + c ain^O. 
 
 7. If ABC be a triangle, show that the minimum value of 
 
 tan^ + tan^ H-tan^^ is 1. 
 ^ Z Z 
 
94 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. If ABC be a triangle and P a point in its plane, show 
 that ^p2 tan A + BP^ tan B + CP^ tan C 
 
 is a minimum when P coincides with the orthocentre of the 
 triangle. 
 
 MAXIMA AND MINIMA TREATED GEOMETRICALLY. 
 
 1. Show that, on either side of a turning value of a func- 
 tion, there are two values of the function that are equal to 
 one another. 
 
 2. Show that the greatest and least straight lines which can 
 be drawn to an oval curve from any point are normal to the 
 curve. 
 
 3. Of all chords of an ellipse which pass through a given 
 point within it, that which divides the ellipse into maximum 
 and minimum segments is bisected at the given point. 
 
 4. Show that the least triangle which can be described 
 about a given circle is equilateral. 
 
 5. If a triangle of maximum area be inscribed in any oval 
 curve, show that the tangent at each angular point is parallel 
 to the opposite side. 
 
 6. If the normal at any point P of a curve cut the curve 
 again in the point Q, prove that, if the length PQ be a maxi- 
 mum or minimum, either Q is the centre of curvature at P, 
 or PQ is also a normal at Q. 
 
 7. If </)(a;) have a turning value for any value of x, then 
 f{4^(x)} has also a turning value for the same value of x. 
 
 8. Apply the method of No. 7 to determine the value of 6 
 for which sec^ 6 cosec 6 is a minimum. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 95 
 
 87. 
 DIAGONALS OF A CYCLIC QUADRILATERAL. 
 
 1. If A BCD be a cyclic quadrilateral, a, h, c, d the lengths 
 of the sides AB, BC, CD, DA, and x, y of the diagonals BD, 
 AC, show, by equating the values of the area of the quadri- 
 lateral in terms of m^iA and sin 5, that 
 
 a? : 2/ = sin^ : sin 5 = ah + cd : ad + he. 
 
 2. Hence, by means of Ptolemy's theorem {xy = ac + hd), 
 show that 
 
 _ j((ab + cd)(ac-\-bd)\ _ I ({ac + hd){ad + hc)\ 
 ^"Vt ^d + bc J' ^~Vl ^^b + ^ J 
 
 3. If the sides AB, DC of a cyclic quadrilateral A BCD 
 meet in E, and the sides BC, AD in F, prove that the circles 
 BCE, CDF intersect in a point which lies on the third dia- 
 gonal EF. 
 
 4. Hence, show that 
 
 EF^ = EA . EB + FA. FD. 
 
 5. Show that 
 
 -r, . dsinB T r^r> 6sin^ 
 
 EA= . , . -n.. and EB 
 
 sin {A + D) sin {A + D) 
 
 and therefore that EA : EB = dy : hx. 
 6. Hence, show that 
 
 dy-ox dy-bx 
 
 and therefore that 
 
 T^ 4 nr^ a^bd.Xy ^ r, . ^^T^ b^aC . XV 
 
 EA.EB = jj ^^ and FA.FD = , ^ 
 
 (dy-bxY (ay-cxY 
 
 1, From the ratios 
 
 x:y = ab + cd\ad + bc, 
 
 show that '^ - y - <^y-^ _ 2/-^ 
 
 ab + cd ad + bc a(d^-b^) d(a^-c^) 
 
96 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. If z be the length of the third diagonal EF, show that 
 
 88. 
 THE SUM OF EQUIDISTANT TERMS OF A SERIES. 
 
 1. Prove that the product of the complex quantities (1, a) 
 and (1, ^) is (1, a + ^), and extend the theorem to the product 
 of n complex quantities each equal to (1, a). 
 
 2. Find the n n\h roots of unity, and show that, if w denote 
 any one of the complex wth roots of unity, the series of roots 
 may be denoted by ^^o ^^i ^^ ^ ^^n-\^ 
 
 3. If 0) denote one of the complex nth roots of unity, show 
 *^a^ l + a> + (o2 + ...+(o"-^ = 0. 
 
 4. The sum of the mth powers of the n wth roots of unity 
 is n or zero, according as m is or is not a multiple of n. 
 
 5. If c^ be the coefficient of ^' in the expansion of (1 + x)", 
 show that Co + c^ + c^ + . . . = 2-^ 
 
 Also show that 1 + oj + ri + = i (^"^ + ^~'')- 
 
 6. Find the sum of every third term of the series 
 
 beginning with (i) the first term, (ii) the second term, and (iii) 
 the third term ; and show that the sum of the three series 
 is (l-x)-2. 
 
 7. If I cc j < 1, find the sum of the infinite series 
 
 1 .2 + 5.6x4 + 9. 10x8 + .... 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 97 
 
 8. If m be a positive integer and s the sum of the first, 
 fourth, seventh, ... coefficients of the binomial expansion 
 (a + by, show that 
 
 3s = 2'" + (-l)'V"(l+a)"*), 
 where cu is a complex cube root of unity. Hence, show that s 
 has one of the values 
 
 i(2-2), i(2- + l), 4(2- -1), 
 and distinguish the cases. 
 
 INCYCLIC AND CIRCUMCYCLIC QUADRILATERALS. 
 
 1. If a quadrilateral be incyclic, prove that each pair of 
 opposite angles is equal to two right angles ; if it be circum- 
 cyclic, that the sum of one pair of opposite sides is equal to 
 the sum of the other pair. 
 
 2. The area of an incyclic and circumcycHc quadrilateral is 
 
 '\/(abcd), and tan^ = _. 
 
 3. A quadrilateral can have one circle inscribed in it, and 
 another described about it ; show that the straight lines 
 joining the opposite points of contact of the incircle are at 
 right angles. 
 
 4. The diagonals of a quadrilateral which is inscribed in a 
 circle subtend acute aiigles 6 and <^ at the circumference. If 
 a circle can be inscribed in this quadrilateral, prove that 
 the acute angle between the diagonals is 
 
 ^^_i/sin0 + sin^\ 
 \ cos 6 cos / 
 
 5. If a quadrilateral can be inscribed in one circle and 
 described about another, the radius of the latter circle is 
 
 Vabcd/ia + c). 
 
 M.E. G 
 
98 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 6. Show also that the radius of the larger circle is 
 
 1 lj(ah + cd)(ac + hd){ad + hc)\ 
 
 7. If c, c' be the diagonals of a quadrilateral which is incyclic 
 and circumcyclic, D, d the diameters of the circumcircle and 
 incircle respectively, prove that 
 
 d^ cc'~ 
 
 8. A quadrilateral is such that it can be inscribed in one 
 circle and described about another. If R, r be the radii of 
 these circles, and ^ the distance between their centres, prove 
 that 1 11 
 
 90. 
 
 FEUERBACH'S THEOREM. 
 
 1. If S be the circumcentre, / the incentre, and the 
 orthocentre of the triangle A BC, show that Z. SAO = /.C <-' Z.B, 
 and that A I bisects the angle SAO. 
 
 2. Show that 
 
 SO^ = R^l-ScosA cos 5 cos 0). 
 Hence, show that, if ^, B, C be the angles of a triangle, 
 the greatest value of cosC cosJ5cosC is i. 
 
 3. Show that SP = R^-2Rr. 
 
 Hence, show that, if A, B, C be the angles of a triangle, the 
 
 A ' B . C ' 1 
 
 greatest value of sin sin sin is - 
 2 2 J o 
 
 4. If /i be the excentre opposite the angle A^ show that 
 
 SIi' = R^-i-2Rr^. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 99 
 
 5. Show that SP + Sli^ + SI^^ + SI^^ = 12 . R^. 
 
 6. Show that 
 
 (i) 0/2 =2r2 -4:R^coaAco8Bco8C, 
 (ii) OIj^ = 2ri^-4:R coaA cosB cosC. 
 
 7. If F be the nine-points centre of the triangle, show that 
 
 IV = iR-r and I^V = iR + r^. 
 
 8. If the distance between the centres of two circles be 
 equal to the sum or difference of their radii, show that the 
 circles touch one another externally or internally. 
 
 Hence, show that the nine-points circle of a triangle touches 
 the incircle and excircles. 
 
 91. 
 
 RELATIONS BETWEEN THE CIRCUMCIRCLE AND 
 
 EXCIRCLES OF A TRIANGLE. 
 
 ABC 
 
 1. Prove that r, = 4tR sin cos cos - , etc. 
 
 ^ 2 2 2' 
 
 2. Prove that r^ + r2 + rs = 4:R + r. 
 
 Hence, show that the radius of an excircle of an equilateral 
 triangle is SR/2. 
 
 3. Show that all the excentres of a triangle lie outside the 
 circumcircle. 
 
 4. Show that the circumcircle of a triangle cuts every 
 excircle. 
 
 5. If P be one point of intersection of the circumcircle and 
 the excircle opposite A, and if I^P produced cut the circum- 
 circle again in Q, show that I^Q is equal to the diameter of 
 the circumcircle. 
 
100 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 6. Show that, in a triangle ABC, the length of the common 
 chord of the circumcircle and the excircle opposite A is 
 
 \R{R + 2r 
 
 iT 
 
 7. Show that the cosine of the angle at which the circum- 
 circle of a triangle ABC is cut by the excircle opposite A is 
 
 J(l + cos A - cos B - cos C). 
 
 8. Hence, show that the circumcircle and the excircle 
 opposite A cut orthogonally if r^ = 2R, 
 
 92. 
 
 THE COMMON TANGENTS OF THE EXOIRCLES OF A 
 TRIANGLE. 
 
 1. The lengths of the external and internal common tan- 
 gents to the excircles opposite B and C of the triangle ABC 
 are respectively b + c and a. 
 
 2. The angle between the internal common tangents to the 
 excircles opposite B and C of the triangle ABC is equal to A, 
 the angles between an internal common tangent and either 
 external common tangent are equal to B and C respectively, 
 and the angle between the external common tangents is 
 equal to (7 -- 5. 
 
 3. The external common tangents to the three pairs of 
 excircles of a triangle ABC form a triangle XYZ ; prove 
 that the angles of this triangle are the supplements of 
 2A, 2B, 20. 
 
 4. Prove the preceding theorem by showing that the sides 
 of the triangle XYZ are parallel to those of the pedal triangle 
 of the given triangle. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATH^Mil:rCAL, ESSAYS 101 
 
 5. Hence, show that ','*'.,.,> 
 
 YZ ZX XY 
 
 a cos^ hcosB ccoaG 
 
 6. Prove that the portions of the sides produced of the 
 triangle ABC intercepted by the sides of the triangle XYZ 
 are each equal to the perimeter of the triangle ABC, 
 
 7. Prove that the areas of the triangles cut off from the 
 triangle XYZ by the sides produced of the given triangle 
 are respectively s^tan^, sHanB, s^tanC 
 
 8. Hence, show that the area of the triangle XYZ is 
 
 sHan^tan5tanO + 2A^50. 
 
 RELATION CONNECTING THE SIX DISTANCES 
 BETWEEN FOUR POINTS. 
 
 1. li d + (j> + \p = 27r, prove that 
 
 cos^Q + cos^(f> + cos^i/' - 2 cos 6 cos <^ cos \f/ = l. 
 
 2. ABC is a triangle, P any point either within or without 
 the triangle, a, ^, y the distances of P from the points A, B,C 
 respectively, 6, <fi, \p the angles between each pair of the lines 
 PA, PB, PC, so that 
 
 Q + ^ + xj, = 2ir\ 
 deduce from the formula 
 
 COs20 + COs2(^-|-COs2t/'-2 COS0 COS<jf> cos^ = l, 
 + C2y2(c2 + y2 _ ct2 _ 52 _ ct2 _ ^2) + ^2^2^ 2 + ^2^2(^2 + ^^^2^^ 
 
 + a262c2=0. 
 
 3. Verify the preceding relation when the four points are 
 the angular points of a square. 
 
102 SUBJEt!:fS i6ji' MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 4. Deduce from tlie fotmula in No. 2 the radius of the 
 circumcircle of an equilateral triangle. 
 
 5. If X, y, z be the distances of any point in the plane of an 
 equilateral triangle of side a from the angular points, show that 
 
 6. In the plane of the triangle ABC and on the same side 
 
 TV 
 
 of BG as ^, a point P is taken so that the angle BFQ is ^ + A; 
 if PA, PB, PC be denoted by a, /5, y respectively, show that 
 
 a2a2 = 62^2 + c2y2. 
 
 7. Three circles touching each other externally are all 
 touched by a fourth circle including them all. If a, h, c be 
 the radii of the three interior circles, and a, ^, y the distances 
 of their centres from that of the external circle, prove that 
 
 >2 
 
 \bc ca ah J a^ b 
 
 62 ^C2 
 
 8. Two points A, B are taken within a circle of radius p 
 and centre C. Prove that the diameters of the circles which 
 can be drawn through A and B to touch the given circle are 
 the roots of the equation 
 
 a;2(p2c2 _ a262sin2C) - 2xpc^(p^ - ah cos C) 
 
 + c2(/o4 - 2/)2a6 cos C + ^2^2) =0, 
 where the symbols refer to the parts of the triangle ABC. 
 
 94. 
 
 -l / 27r\ '^-^ f 27r\ 
 
 VALUES OF S sec^ + r. ) AND S sec^ e+r. ) 
 
 r=0 ^ '^ / r=0 \ ^ / 
 
 1. If w,, = sin7^0/sin0, ^=2 003 0, prove that 
 
 Hence, find the values oi u^, U2, u^, ... u^'m terms of v. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 103 
 
 2. Show that the coefficient of the (r + l)th term of u is 
 {n-r -l)r, and hence that 
 
 or ^^J^^ = (2 cosl9r-^-(n-2K(2 cos 6)^-' 
 
 Bind 
 
 + (^-3)2(2 cos 0)"-^-... 
 
 + (-l)>-r-l),(2cos6r-''-^ + .... 
 
 3. Prove that 
 
 2 cos nO =iBi^l)^ _ (-l)^ 
 sm sm 
 
 and hence that 
 
 2cosw0 = (2cos0f-w(2cos0)"-2 + ^?:%^(2cos0r-''-... 
 
 + (_l)^('-'-l)("-'--2)-(''-2r + l)(2^P^Q)-^^ ^ 
 
 4. If cos nd be given, show that this equation in cos 6 is 
 satisfied by 
 
 cos 0, cos(0+ y, cosf0+ ), ... cos (0 + n-l . j, 
 
 and hence show that 
 
 27 
 
 cos0 + cos(0 + " j + ...+cos(0 + w-i . " j =0, 
 and cos20 + cos^fe +^~\ + .., + cos2('l9 +^1 . --) =|. 
 
 5. Find the last term of the series in No. 3, according as n is 
 even or odd. 
 
 6. Find the last term but one of the series in No. 3, according 
 as n is even or odd. 
 
104 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 7. Prove that 
 sec + sec (0 +-^j + secf0 + j+ ... +sec i0 + (n-l)-- j- 
 
 is equal to or ( - 1) - n sec nO, according as n is even or odd. 
 
 8. Prove that 
 sec 
 
 is equal to or to n^aec^nd, according as n 
 
 l-(-l)^cosyi0 
 is even or odd. 
 
 95. 
 
 POSITION OF A CURVE WITH REGARD TO ITS 
 
 ASYMPTOTES. 
 
 1. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 y (a;-3)(x-5) 
 
 with regard to its asymptotes, by considering the sign of the 
 fraction for different values of x. 
 
 2. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 Jx- 2){x-i) 
 y (x-Z)(x-b) 
 
 with regard to its asymptotes, by considering the sign of the 
 fraction for different values of x. 
 
 3. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 a^y^ - hV = - a^h^ 
 
 with regard to its asymptotes, by expanding y in a. series of 
 descending powers of x. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 105 
 
 4. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 xy(x + y) =x + y + l 
 with regard to its asymptotes, by solving for x in terms of y. 
 
 5. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 x^ + y^== Saxy 
 with regard to its asymptotes, by showing that the curve must 
 lie entirely on the positive side of the asymptote. 
 
 6. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 x^-y^ + a^{x + y) =0 
 with regard to its asymptote, by expressing the equation of 
 
 the curve in the form ;^ 
 
 y = x+--{- ... , 
 ^ X 
 
 and equating the coefficient of x to zero. 
 
 7. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 x^y + a^x = y^ 
 with regard to its asymptotes y =0, y =x, y=-x,hy sub- 
 stituting ^ ^ ^ 
 y = -, 2/ = ^ + - and y=-x + ~ 
 
 in the equation of the curve. 
 
 8. Determine the position of the curve 
 
 x^y -x^ = a^ 
 
 with regard to its asymptote, by substituting 
 
 y= 
 
 in the equation of the curve. 
 
 A u 
 
 ^ X x^ 
 
106 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 THE SEMI CUBICAL PARABOLA. 
 
 1. Show that the curve a'lf =x^ (i) is symmetrical with 
 respect to the axis of x, (ii) lies entirely on the positive side of 
 the axis of y, and (iii) touches the axis of x at the origin. 
 
 2. Show that the curve has a cusp of the first order in the 
 neighbourhood of the origin, and trace the curve. 
 
 3. Find the equation of the normal at the point (arn^, b,m^) 
 of the curve ay^ =x^, and the values of m for which the 
 
 normal passes through the point ( s, ) 
 
 4. A variable tangent to the curve ay'^ =^x^ meets the axes 
 in L and M, and perpendiculars to the axes at L and M meet 
 in P. Prove that the locus of P is a curve similar to the 
 original curve and 4/27 of the linear dimensions. 
 
 5. Show that the tangent at (x, y) to the curve ay"^ = x^ 
 intersects the curve again at the point (-, -^). 
 
 6. The tangent at any point P of the curve ay'^ =x^ meets 
 the curve again in Q ; prove that 
 
 tan ajOP= 2. tan icO. 
 
 7. The tangent at P to the curve ay'^ =x^ meets it again at 
 Q ; prove that the locus of the point which divides PQ in the 
 ratio 2 : 1 is the curve lay"^ =cc^. 
 
 8. Prove that two tangents to the curve ay'^ =x^ are also 
 normals, and find their equations. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 107 
 
 97. 
 THE CARDIOIDE. 
 
 1. Defining a cardioide as the locus of the foot of the per- 
 pendicular drawn from a fixed point on a circle to a variable 
 tangent, show that the equation of the curve is 
 
 r = a(l+cos6) or r = a(l-cos0), 
 according as the initial line passes through the centre or, 
 when produced backwards, passes through the centre. 
 
 2. In the cardioide r = a{l -cos 0), show that <f> = l6, and, 
 hence, that the tangents at the ends of a chord drawn through 
 the pole are at right angles. 
 
 3. For the cardioide r=a(l -cos 6), prove that 
 
 (i) p=2aBm^-, (ii) 2ap^ =r^. 
 
 4. If three parallel tangents be drawn to the cardioide 
 r = a(l- cos 6), show that the radii vectores of the points of 
 contact are equally inclined to one another. 
 
 5. If the tangents at the points P, Q, R on the curve 
 r = a{l- cos 6) be parallel, prove that of the quantities \/0P, 
 \/0Q, \/0R, the sum of two will be equal to the third, where 
 is the origin. 
 
 6. Prove that, if the normals to r=a(l- cos 6) at the 
 points a, p, y be concurrent, 
 
 tan (: tan \ + tan \ tan ^ + tan ^ tan ^ + 3 =0. 
 
 7. Find the radius of curvature at any point of a cardioide, 
 by means of the equation (i) r = a(l -cos 0), (ii) 2a^2 -^.3^ an,j 
 show that the length of the chord of curvature through the 
 pole is 4r/3. 
 
108 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 8. Show also that the cardioide is (i) the envelope of circles 
 drawn on radii vectores of the given circle as diameters, (ii) the 
 inverse of a parabola, the centre of inversion being at the ver- 
 tex, (iii) the locus of a point on the circumference of a circle 
 which rolls without slipping on the circumference of an equal 
 circle. 
 
 THE FOLIUM OF DESCARTES. 
 
 1. Show that the folium 
 
 3^ + y^ =3axy 
 is symmetrical with respect to the line y=x, and find the 
 coordinates of the points in which this line cuts the curve. 
 
 2. Find the equations of the tangents at the origin and of 
 the asymptote. 
 
 3. Determine the position of the curve with regard to its 
 asymptote and trace the curve. 
 
 4. Find the equation of the tangent at any point of the 
 curve. 
 
 5. If the intercept which the tangent makes on the axis of 
 y be equal to - a, prove that x = 2y Sit the point of contact of 
 the tangent. 
 
 6. Show that the points of contact of tangents from the 
 point (h, h) lie on the curve 
 
 hx^ - axy + hf' = a(lcx + hy) . 
 
 7. Find the radii of curvature of the curve at the origin. 
 
 8. Show that the coordinates of the centre of curvature at 
 the point where x^y are 
 
 /21a 21a\ 
 VT6' UJ 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 109 
 
 99. 
 THE CYCLOID. 
 
 Definitions. If a circle roll without slipping in one plane 
 along a straight line, any point on its circumference traces a 
 cycloid. 
 
 Let C, D be the points where the tracing point P meets the 
 straight line on which the circle rolls, A the point on the 
 curve farthest from CD, AB the corresponding diameter of 
 
 
 A 
 
 R 
 
 
 y 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^-^^'^ 
 
 / 
 
 ^^ 
 
 -C^ 
 
 V 
 
 
 y^ 
 
 
 / 
 
 
 p^ 
 
 sAp 
 
 
 y^ 
 
 / 
 
 
 ^\^,- -^ 
 
 n\ 
 
 
 \/ 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 )^ 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 B 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 
 
 
 
 the rolling or generating circle, so that ^jB is perpendicular 
 to CD. AB '\^ called the axis of the curve, CD the hase, 
 A the vertex, and C, D the cus'ps. 
 
 1. If i2P/S be the generating circle in any position and P 
 the tracing point, show that 
 
 (i) /SC = arc ^P, (ii) CB and BD are each half the circum- 
 ference of the circle, and (iii) ^P=arc VB. 
 
 2. Show that, as the circle BBS is turning about the point 
 P, BB is a tangent to the cycloid. Hence, show that the 
 tangent at the vertex is parallel, and the tangent at a cusp 
 perpendicular, to the base. 
 
110 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 3. If the axis of the cycloid be taken as the axis of x and 
 the tangent at the vertex as axis of y, show that 
 
 a; = a(l -cos 0), ?/ = a(0 + sin 0), 
 where a is the radius of the generating circle, and the angle 
 ItOF through which the radius to the tracing point has turned 
 from the vertex to the position P. 
 
 4. Show that the radius of curvature at the point of the 
 cycloid a; = a(l-cos(9), ^ = a(l9 + sin (9) 
 
 is 4a cos - or twice P/S. 
 
 5. Find the latus rectum of the closest parabola that can 
 be drawn to a given cycloid at the vertex. 
 
 6. If the circle turn through the small angle TOf, show that 
 the centre moves through a distance P^, the motion of the 
 generating point P is the resultant of P^? due to rotation, and 
 fV (equal to P^ and parallel to the base) due to the transla- 
 tion of the centre of the circle, and that TF' coincides ulti- 
 mately with TR. Hence, show that, ultimately, 
 
 PP' = 2(i2P-22p), 
 and thus that arc ^P = twice chord i?P, 
 and that the length of the arc of the cycloid from cusp to 
 cusp is four times the diameter of the generating circle. 
 
 7. Show that the evolute of a given cycloid is an equal 
 cycloid. 
 
 8. If P, P' be two neighbouring points on a cycloid, Q, Q' 
 the corresponding points on the generating circle on AB as 
 diameter, p, p' the corresponding points on the evolute, S, S' 
 the intersections of the normals at P, P' with the base, H, K 
 the intersections of P'p', Q'B with PQ, show that 
 
 Ap'PH = 4:./sBQK, 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 111 
 
 and thus that trap. PSS'H = 3 .aBQK, and hence that the 
 area of the cycloid from cusp to cusp is three times that of 
 the generating circle. 
 
 100. 
 SOME STANDARD FORMS OF INTEGRALS. 
 
 1. By putting tan ^ = y, show that 
 
 f^ = f# = logtan|. 
 Jsinx ) y 2 
 
 Hence, by putting j^ + x for x, show that 
 
 f-^-=logtan(^ + fY 
 Jcosic ^ \4 2/ 
 
 2. By putting x = aam Q, show that 
 
 V(a^ -x^)dx = ^[(l+ cos 2d) dd 
 
 = ^x<\/ia^-x^)+^a^Q\ii'~'^-, 
 2 ^ ^ 2 a 
 
 3. By putting x = a tan d, show that 
 
 f 77-0 oT = I a = log (^^^ ^ + S6C 0) 
 ^/(x^ + a^) J cos ^^ ^ '' 
 
 = log(a;+Vic2 + a2). 
 
 4. Integrating by parts, show that 
 
 and therefore that 
 
 J V(aJ^ + o^)dx = Ux^(x^ + a2) + a^ log (x + ViN^)}. 
 
112 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 6. By putting x = asec 6, show that 
 
 I // o 2\= I 7i = loe(ic+Vic^-^). 
 
 J V (^ -a^) J COS 6 ^ ' 
 
 6. Integrating by parts, show (as in No. 4) that 
 
 J V(ic2 - c^2)^^ = i{^ V(^^ - ^) + ic^ log (a^ + V^^"^^) } 
 
 7. Show that 
 
 ^ dx 1 _ 
 
 J V(^^ + 26x + c) = V^ 'g { + * +^('^ + 2&r + c)} 
 
 8. Show that 
 
 2 
 
 ]a + h cos a; 
 
 sec^J^ic 
 
 (a + 6) + (a-6)tan2| 
 
 and thence, by putting tan^ = ?/, that the value of the 
 integral is 
 
 VW^)'^'''\\ 
 
 { a + h .2/ 
 
 or 
 
 log 
 
 Vh + a +Vh - a . tan 
 
 ViV'-c^') ^/^:ru-Vb^a. 
 
 tan 
 
 according as a is greater or less than b. 
 
PART II 
 101. 
 
 Give an account of the process by which the highest common 
 factor of two polynomials f(x) and (j)(x) is obtained, and indi- 
 cate the principles on which the process depends. 
 
 Prove that, if X^, X^, X^ are the functions of x used as 
 divisors at three successive stages of the process, a value of 
 X which makes X^ vanish will make X^ = X^. (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 102. 
 
 Discuss completely the range of values possible for each of 
 the three following functions when the variable x admits of 
 any real value, and the other letters denote real constants : 
 
 (i) ax^ + 26. + c. (ii)^. (iii) _i-+-|^ (=,^). 
 
 (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 103. 
 
 Consider the values taken by the expression 
 ax^ + 26a; + c 
 a'x^ + 2h'x + c' 
 for all real values of x, discriminating between the cases of real 
 or imaginary roots of the two quadratics ; and show graphi- 
 cally or otherwise that the expression always has two stationary 
 values, except in one case of relative distribution of the roots. 
 
 (Trin. 1907.) 
 
 M.E. H 
 
114 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 104. 
 
 Discuss the expression of a rational function of x as the sum 
 of a polynomial and of partial fractions whose denominators 
 are powers of linear or quadratic functions of x and numerators 
 respectively constants or linear functions of x. 
 
 Illustrate by the cases 
 
 /y.3 
 
 (i) . .w .. . (ii) 
 
 {x + \){x + 2) ^ ' (a;2 + a; + l)(x + l) 
 
 (x2 + l)2(x + l)3' 
 
 ("i) / 2 lit TTa- (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 105. 
 
 Enunciate and prove some of the simple tests of the con- 
 vergence of an infinite series, and apply the tests to the series 
 
 (ii) ^, a(a + c) a(a + c)(a + 2c) 
 
 (Trin. 1905.) 
 
 106. 
 
 State and prove the leading properties in the theory of 
 determinants, and indicate some applications of the theory. 
 
 (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 107. 
 
 A tetrahedron has each edge perpendicular to the opposite 
 edge. Prove that the four perpendiculars from the vertices 
 on the opposite faces are concurrent, the perpendicular from 
 each vertex on the opposite face passes through the ortho- 
 centre of that face, and the sum of the squares of opposite 
 edges is the same for each of the three pairs. 
 
 (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 115 
 
 108. 
 
 The upper face of a layer of rock below ground is plane ; 
 this plane is determined by drilling vertical holes of lengths 
 p, q, r at points A, B, C of the ground, which is horizontal. 
 Find the line in which the rock surface meets the plane ABC ; 
 and show that the inclination 6 of the rock surface to the 
 horizontal is given by 
 
 2A tan d = {a^(p -q){p-r) + (q -r)(q-p) + c^r - p) (r -q)}^, 
 
 where A is the area, and a, 6, c the lengths of the sides of the 
 triangle ABC. (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 109. 
 
 Give an account of the principal properties of a system of 
 coaxal circles. (Pemb. 1907.) 
 
 110. 
 
 Discuss the Principle of Proportional Parts as applied to 
 Mathematical Tables. Investigate in what parts of the tables, 
 and in what manner, the principle fails in the cases of seven- 
 figure tables of (a) natural sines, (b) logarithmic sines, (c) 
 natural tangents, (d) logarithmic tangents. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
 111. 
 
 The equation of a conic is 
 
 ax^ + 2hxy + hy^ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, 
 
 where a, 6, c, /, g, h have given numerical values. Show how 
 to determine the lengths of its axes, its eccentricity, the 
 coordinates of its centre and foci, and the equations of its 
 axes, asymptotes, and directrices. Consider in particular the 
 conic ^2 + 4^2/ + y''-2x-6y = 0. (Trin. 1908.) 
 
116 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 112. 
 
 Find the equations of the curves defined from the following 
 properties : 
 
 (1) The locus of a point which moves so that the sum of 
 its distances from two fixed points is constant. 
 
 (2) The locus of a point whose distance from a fixed point 
 bears a constant ratio (less than unity) to its perpendicular 
 distance from a fixed line. 
 
 (3) The section of a circular cylinder by any plane. 
 
 (4) The curve traced by a point of a rod whose ends slide 
 on two fixed perpendicular lines. 
 
 Show that these curves are all of the same kind, and deter- 
 mine for each the conditions that it should be an ellipse of 
 major axis 10 inches and minor axis 6 inches. (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
 113. 
 
 Starting from the definition of a differential coefficient, 
 develop methods and results which will enable you to dif- 
 ferentiate any function obtained by combining exponential 
 functions, circular functions, powers, and the inverses of 
 these functions. (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 114. 
 
 Give an account of the proof of Taylor's theorem, with 
 Lagrange's remainder, for the expansion of a function /(a + x), 
 in powers of x. Apply the theorem to obtain the expansions 
 of (l+x)** and ^, finding for what values of x these expan- 
 sions are valid when continued indefinitely. (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 115. 
 
 Give a general account of the motion of a projectile in vacuo 
 under gravity, dealing in particular with the determination 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 117 
 
 of the path or paths through a given point Q, when the speed 
 at the point of projection P is given (and equal to '\/^ga) ; 
 and of the envelope of the paths obtained by varying the 
 initial direction of projection. Give geometrical constructions 
 when suitable. (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
 116. 
 
 State and prove the chief dynamical theorems respecting 
 Energy and Momentum in the most general form known to 
 you. Give some simple examples of these theorems ; and 
 also point out some important natural phenomena which 
 exemplify them. (Trin. 1907.) 
 
 117. 
 
 Explain the various graphical methods of representing by 
 ordinates and areas the relations between the quantities 
 occurring in Kinematics and Dynamics. Solve by these 
 methods the following question : 
 
 The speed of an electric tram is reduced in 10 seconds from 
 30 miles an hour to 15 miles an hour by the action of a brake 
 which produced a corresponding retardation, the speeds at 
 the end of each second being given in the following table : 
 
 ^0123 456 7 8 9 10 
 V 30 27-3 25 23-1 214 20 188 176 167 15-8 15 
 
 Draw a time- velocity diagram, and from it deduce : (1) that 
 the tram will have travelled about 305 feet, (2) that the 
 retardation is approximately proportional to the square of 
 the velocity. 
 
 Show further, assuming that the retardation continues to 
 diminish in accordance with the above approximate law, that 
 the speed will be reduced to 5 miles per hour in a further 40 
 seconds, during which interval the tram will have travelled a 
 further 483 feet. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
118 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 118. 
 
 Give an account of the principle and properties of the 
 Hodograph, and of their application to simple cases of motion. 
 
 (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 119. 
 
 Establish the theorems with regard to couples which justify 
 the representation of a couple by a vector, including the law 
 for the composition of two couples acting on a rigid body. 
 
 (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
 120. 
 
 Give an outline of the proof of the principle of virtual work 
 as applied to the equilibrium of (1) a single ligid body, and (2) 
 a system of rigid bodies, indicating clearly circumstances 
 under which the virtual work of reactions between bodies 
 may be ignored. 
 
 Indicate the kind of problems for which the method is 
 especially suitable, and illustrate by solving some problem. 
 
 (Pemb. 1907.) 
 
 121. 
 
 The equations 
 
 ax^ + 2hx + c = 0, Ax^ + 3Bx^ + SCx + D = 
 have at least one root in common. Draw up a table to show 
 the various ways in which the roots (whether equal or unequal) 
 of the quadratic may or may not coincide with the roots of 
 the cubic ; and obtain the conditions for the occurrence of 
 each case in terms of the coefficients. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
 122. 
 
 Show that, if m, n, a, h be real and mi=n,a^h, the expression 
 
 x-a x-h 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 119 
 
 is such that (1) there are two real values between which it 
 caDnot lie for real values of x, and (2) the imaginary values 
 of X which make the expression real and intermediate between 
 these two real values are all included in 
 
 hm^-art?' {a-h)mn, tw 
 2 5- + 2 2 (cos + * sm 0), 
 
 where d is any angle not zero or a multiple of tt. 
 
 (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 123. 
 
 Explain what is meant by similar figures in plane geometry 
 and when two such figures are similarly situated. Show that 
 two similar figures in the same plane, whether similarly 
 situated or not, have a centre of similitude 0, such that if 
 P, P' and Q, Q' are two pairs of corresponding points, the 
 triangles OPQ, OP'Q' are similar. Give a construction for 
 finding 0, considering separately the cases of directly and 
 inversely similar figures. 
 
 In particular, if a plane figure varies continuously, so as 
 to be always similar to its initial form, and so that three 
 straight lines of the figure pass through three given points, 
 prove that every other straight line of the figure passes through 
 a fixed point ; and that the locus of every point in the figure 
 is a circle. , (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
 124. 
 
 Show that the necessary and sufficient condition that the 
 three pairs of points A, A' ; B, B' ; C, C on a straight 
 line should belong to an involution is 
 
 BC . CA' . AB' + B'C . C'A . A'B =0. 
 
 State the corresponding condition that three pairs of lines 
 through a point should belong to an involution pencil, and 
 
120 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 prove that if two of the pairs are at right angles, the third 
 pair are also at right angles. (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 125. 
 
 The Theory of Poles and Polars. State various definitions 
 which can be given of the polar of a point with respect to a 
 conic, and prove their equivalence ; prove (1) theorems of 
 reciprocity, (2) that the cross ratio of a range of four points 
 is equal to that of the corresponding pencil of polars, (3) that 
 the intersections of a conic with a pair of its conjugate lines 
 form a harmonic range on the conic : apply the theory to 
 investigate properties of the centre and foci of a conic ; and 
 prove the general theorem on which depends the theory of 
 duality (reciprocation) as applied to conies. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
 126. 
 
 Prove the following propositions : 
 
 (1) A given conic can be projected into a conic, and at the 
 same time into a given line at infinity. 
 
 (2) A given conic can be projected into a circle and a given 
 point into its centre. 
 
 (3) Any conic can be so projected that two given points 
 project into a pair of foci. 
 
 (4) Any two conies can be projected into confocal conies. 
 
 (5) A system of conies touching four straight lines can be 
 projected into a system of confocal conies. 
 
 And generahse by projection the following theorems : 
 
 (1) Confocal conies cut orthogonally. 
 
 (2) Pairs of tangents from any point to a system of con- 
 focal conies have the same bisectors. 
 
 (3) Given a focus and two tangents to a conic, the locus of 
 the other focus is a straight line. (Trin. 1907.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 121 
 
 127. 
 
 Prove that if the straight lines joining corresponding 
 vertices of two triangles in the same plane meet in a point, 
 then the triangles may be regarded (in an infinite number of 
 ways) as the projections, from two points in space, of another 
 triangle, which does not lie in the plane of the original triangles. 
 Hence, or otherwise, show that the corresponding sides of the 
 two original triangles intersect in three collinear points. 
 
 (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 128. 
 
 Sketch the figures obtained by inverting the following 
 diagrams : (i) paper ruled in squares with a circle inscribed 
 in each square, (ii) a tesselated pavement made of equilateral 
 triangles with a circle inscribed in each triangle. State some 
 of the more immediate properties which should be apparent 
 in the new figures. (Pemb. 1911.) 
 
 129. 
 
 State and prove Pascal's and Brianchon's theorems. Dis- 
 cuss various limiting cases in which one or more pairs of the 
 six points or of the six lines coincide. (Triri. 1913.) 
 
 130. 
 
 Give an account of the theory of reciprocation with, 
 respect to a conic. Illustrate by reciprocation the follow- 
 ing theorems : 
 
 (i) Pascal's theorem ; 
 
 (ii) The line joining a pair of corresponding points of two 
 homographic sets of points on a conic envelops a second 
 conic ha\nng double contact with the first. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
122 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 131. 
 
 Prove that if u is a, complex number and m and n are 
 positive integers prime to one another, u^'"' has n values. 
 Illustrate by a diagram. 
 
 Show that, if 
 
 r^ = a^ + 1)^ + 0^ and =z, 
 
 r-\-a 
 
 then c+^^i(l^ ^,d ^*=li^ (Trin.1913.) 
 
 r + 6 1+2 r + c l-tz 
 
 132. 
 
 Discuss the geometrical representation of the quantity 
 30 + iy, where x and y are real numbers and i =V-1. 
 
 Proceed to give geometrical constructions for the addition 
 and multiplication of such quantities ; and to show further 
 that, when n is a positive integer, 
 
 (cos d + i sin 0)** = cos rtd + i sin nd. 
 Extend the last theorem to the cases when n is a negative 
 integer, and a fraction. 
 
 Show that all the roots of the equation 
 x*" = cos nd + i sin nd 
 can be thus determined, and hence obtain the real quadratic 
 factors of the expression 
 
 a^ - 2x" cos n<l> + h (Trin. 1905.) 
 
 133. 
 
 Assuming that E(z) stands for 1 +2;+ -. 4-^ + ... , show 
 
 that E{z) = e''(cos y + i sin y), where z = x + iy. 
 
 Hence, show that E{z) is periodic with period 2iTi. Find the 
 roots of E{z) = l, and prove that ^(|W)= {. Show further 
 how to build up the theory of Trigonometric functions of z. 
 
 (Trin. 1906.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 123 
 
 134. 
 
 Write a short account of the theory of the functions 
 
 log 2, exp 7^ 
 
 (where z is complex), starting from whatever definition of the 
 logarithmic or exponential function you prefer. Prove, in the 
 course of your remarks, that if 
 
 z = x-\-iy = r (cos d + i sin 0), 
 
 then \ogz = logr + (d + 2mir) i, exp z = e*(cos y + iainy), 
 and obtain the series for cos y and sin y in powers of y. 
 
 (Trin. 1908.) 
 
 135. 
 
 If the sine and cosine of a real angle are defined by the 
 infinite series 
 
 sm0 = 0-^ + ^-..., cos0 = l-2| + j|-..., 
 
 and the other trigonometrical functions by tan = sin 0/cos 0, 
 etc., give an outline of the way in which the chief propositions 
 of trigonometry can be established. 
 
 Indicate any propositions the proofs of which would be 
 materially easier or harder than in the usual treatment. 
 
 [The properties of the exponential functions may be 
 assumed. (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 136. 
 
 Give definitions of sin z and of the other trigonometrical 
 functions which are applicable when 2 is a complex number. 
 Sketch the processes by which the usual formulae of analytical 
 trigonometry are established for these functions ; and discuss 
 whether all the formulae proved for real angles remain true 
 for the trigonometrical functions of a complex number. 
 
 (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
124 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 137. 
 
 Give a sketch of the processes by which the meaning and 
 fundamental properties of (f are determined in the cases 
 when X is (1) a positive integer, (2) a positive fraction, (3) a 
 negative integer or fraction, (4) a complex number of the 
 form ^ + %y], a being in all cases real and positive. 
 
 (Pemb. 1907.) 
 
 138. 
 
 Write down the most general formulae for transformation 
 of coordinates from one rectangular set to another. 
 Supposing that these formulae change 
 
 ax^ + hy'^ + c^- 2fy + "Igx + 21ixy 
 
 into a'x'^ + h'lj'^ + c' + 2f'y' + 2g'x' + 2h'x'y\ 
 
 prove that a' + h' = a + h, a'V - h'^ = ah- h^' 
 
 and a'h'c' + 2J'g'h' - a'P - h'g'^ - c'h'^ 
 
 = ahc + 2fgh - af^ - bg^ - cJi^, 
 
 and give geometrical meanings of the vanishing of each of 
 these quantities. (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 Show how to reduce the general equation of a conic 
 S = ax^ + 2hxy + bi/ + 2gx + 2fy + c = 
 
 to simpler forms. 
 
 Consider the various types of simplification that are possible, 
 and the discrimination of cases which arise for central, non- 
 central and degenerate conies. 
 
 Obtain equations for determining the coordinates of the foci. 
 
 Explain the connection between the point equation and the 
 tangential equation of a conic, and the ideas of polar recipro- 
 cation. 
 
SUBJECTS FOE MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 125 
 
 Show that, if 2 = Al^ + Bm^ + Cn^ + 2Fmn + 2Gnl + 2Hlm = 
 be the tangential equation of a conic, the tangential coor- 
 dinates of the directrices satisfy the equations 
 
 l^-m^ Jm^^ (Trin. 1907.) 
 
 a-h h A 
 
 140. 
 
 Determine the different kinds of conies represented by the 
 equation x^ + Uxy + 4?/2 -\-2(l + X)x + 8y + 6 + 2X=0 
 as A changes from a large positive value to a large negative 
 value. 
 
 Examine in particular the critical cases X = l, 0, -1, -2, 
 and illustrate by rough diagrams the transition from one kind 
 of conic to another. (Pemb. 1911.) 
 
 141. 
 
 The tangents to an ellipse at A and B, extremities of the 
 major and minor axes, meet in K. Show that the osculating 
 circles at A and B have K as an external limiting point, and 
 subtend supplementary angles at K. 
 Find any such ellipse in relation to the circles 
 (a^ + 2/2) cos2a + 2cir + c2=0, 
 (ic2 + y^) sin^a + 2cx + c^ =0. Pemb. 1910.) 
 
 142. 
 
 A point P moves in such a way that 
 VP-SP = SK, 
 
 where /S is a fixed point in the plane, F a fixed point not in 
 the plane, and K the foot of the perpendicular from V on the 
 plane. Prove that the locus of P is a parabola with focus 
 at S : and that, if the vertex of this parabola is A, the point 
 V lies on a second parabola with vertex at S and focus at A. 
 
 (Pemb. 1910.) 
 
126 SUBJECTS FOE MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 143. 
 
 Discuss the number of conies which pass through m given 
 points and touch n given lines in the several cases when m 
 and n are zeros or positive integers, such that m-i-n = 5. 
 
 (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 144. 
 
 Investigate Taylor's Theorem 
 
 f{x + h)=f(x) + hf(x)+^r(x) + ... 
 
 stating carefully what assumptions your proof involves as to 
 the nature of f{x). Apply the theorem to establish the 
 exponential, sine and cosine expansions. 
 
 Explain the difficulty which arises when we try to apply 
 Taylor's Theorem, with the above (Lagrange's) form of the 
 "remainder," to the logarithmic and binomial expansions, 
 and show how to obtain some other formula for the " remain- 
 der " suitable for use in these cases. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
 145. 
 
 Explain how the asymptotes of an algebraic curve may be 
 determined, paying attention to the cases in which the curve 
 possesses (i) asymptotes parallel to an axis, (ii) pairs of parallel 
 asymptotes. 
 
 Illustrate your answer by considering the curve 
 
 xy(x - yf -x^ + ?/3 + 2xy = 0. (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 146. 
 
 Establish formulae for the curvature at any point of a 
 plane curve, including the cases when the curve is defined 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 127 
 
 (a) by a Cartesian equation, (b) by equations of the type 
 x=^cfi(i), y=z\f/(t), (c) by an intrinsic equation, {d) hy a. p, r 
 equation, and (e) as the envelope of a line which contains 
 one variable parameter. Apply such of these formulae as 
 are suitable to the cases of the ellipse and the parabola. 
 
 (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 147. 
 
 Give a definition of the curvature of a plane curve at a 
 point, and find an analytical expression for it when the curve 
 is f{x, y) = 0. Discuss the cases in which the point is a node 
 or cusp, with special reference to the curves 
 y^ = x{x + y), y^ = (x + y)^. 
 
 What points on a curve will correspond to singular points 
 on the e volute ? (Trin. 1905.) 
 
 148. 
 
 Show that the cardioide whose equation is r = 2a(l-cos^) 
 is (a) the inverse of a parabola, (/5) the locus of the extremities 
 of a line of length 4a which passes through a fixed point on 
 a circle of radius a and has its middle point on the circum- 
 ference of that circle, (y) the curve described by a given point 
 of a circle of radius a which rolls on the exterior of an equal 
 circle. 
 
 Deduce some geometrical properties of the curve, and prove 
 that the normals at the extremities of any chord through the 
 pole will meet on a circle of radius a. (Trin. 1906.) 
 
 149. 
 
 Write a short essay on the theory of maxima and minima, 
 considering the cases of (a) functions of one variable, (b) func- 
 tions of several independent variables, (c) functions of two 
 or three variables connected by one or two relations, and 
 
128 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 using purely analytical methods as far as possible. Illustrate 
 your remarks by determining the axes of the conic 
 
 ax^ + 'Ihxy + %^ = 1, 
 (a) by finding the maxima and minima of r, when 
 l/r2 = a cos2 + 2^ cos sin + 6 sin^ 0, 
 and (^) by finding the maxima and minima of x^ + 2/^, when 
 ax^ + Ihxy + hy^ = 1. (Trin. 1908.) 
 
 150. 
 
 Determine the maximum and minimum values of the 
 functions (i) cos x + J cos 2x + ^ cos Sx, 
 
 (ii) sin a; + J sin 2aj + J sin 3x, 
 corresponding to values of x which lie between and 27r. 
 Draw rough graphs to show the variations in these functions. 
 
 (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 151. 
 
 Show that the function sinx + a sin Sx for values of x 
 from to TT has no zeros except the terminal ones if - ^<a<cl. 
 Show also that it has two minima with an intermediate maxi- 
 mum if a< -J, one maximum if -l<a<l, two maxima and 
 an intermediate minimum if a>i. 
 
 Indicate roughly the types of the graph of the function in 
 the four cases. (Pemb. 1910.) 
 
 152. 
 
 Give an account of Attwood's machine, and obtain a formula 
 for calculating g from the observations. 
 
 Find how the apparent value of g would be modified if the 
 observations were made within a cage suspended by a chain 
 passing over a smooth pulley and balanced by a counterpoise 
 whose mass M is equal to that of the cage and its contents. 
 
 (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 129 
 
 153. 
 
 Explain how to deterraine the acceleration of gravity by- 
 means of (1) Attwood's machine, and (2) a simple pendulum. 
 Compare the advantages of the two methods, and point out 
 the difficulties that would occur in making the observations 
 and the assumptions involved in the establishment of the 
 formulae used. 
 
 Obtain the approximate formula A + B cos 2A for the value 
 of ^ at a point of the earth's surface in latitude X, taking 
 account of the earth's rotation and assuming the earth to 
 be a sphere which exerts an attraction of constant magnitude 
 tending towards its centre. (Pemb. 1911.) 
 
 154. 
 
 Prove the existence of an " instantaneous centre " for the 
 motion of a flat body in its own plane. 
 
 In the figure the rods AB, BC, CD are smoothly jointed 
 at B and C, and AB and CD can turn about the fixed points 
 
 A and D respectively. The angles BCD and CDA are right 
 angles, and AB = BC = 4: feet and CD = 2 feet.- 
 
 If the angular velocity of CD is given, find the angular 
 velocity oi AB and of BC when the rods are in the position 
 shown. 
 
 If each rod is uniform and weighs 2 lbs. per foot of its 
 length, find by Virtual Work or otherwise the couple acting 
 
 M.E. 
 
130 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 on CD which will keep the rods at rest in the position shown 
 with AD horizontal. (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 155. 
 
 Prove that any displacement of a plane lamina in its own 
 plane can be effected by the rolling of a curve fixed in the 
 lamina on a curve fixed in the plane ; and that if the paths 
 of two points of the lamina be known, the curvature of the 
 path of any other point of the lamina can be determined. 
 
 Explain how this theorem may be used to determine whether 
 a given position of equilibrium of a statical system under 
 gravity is stable or unstable, and give an illustration. 
 
 (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 156. 
 
 State Newton's experimental law concerning the impact of 
 two smooth elastic spheres, and find the ratio of the impulses 
 between the spheres during compression and during recovery. 
 
 The vectors OA, OB represent the velocities before impact 
 of two spheres of masses M and m, and C is taken in AB such 
 that M . AC = m . CB : through C is drawn the plane per- 
 pendicular to the line of impact, and the perpendiculars AD, 
 BE on this plane from A and B respectively are produced 
 to A' and B\ so that 
 
 DA' = e.AD, EB' = e.BE. 
 
 Prove that OC represents the velocity of the centre of inertia, 
 that 0A\ OB' represent the velocities of the spheres after 
 impact, and that the apparent loss of kinetic energy is 
 measured by ^ ^ 
 
 ^ -^^ (AB^ - A'B'^). (Pemb. 1907.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 131 
 
 167. 
 
 Define simple harmonic motion ; determine the path, 
 velocity and acceleration of a particle, whose motion is com- 
 pounded of two simple harmonic motions in different direc- 
 tions, of equal periods but unequal amplitudes. 
 
 Prove the isochronism of the cycloid under gravity ; show 
 that the projection of the particle on any vertical line moves 
 with simple harmonic motion ; and prove that when the 
 particle starts from rest at the cusp, its acceleration is constant 
 in magnitude and directed towards a point moving uniformly 
 in a horizontal line. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
 158. 
 
 When a point moves uniformly in a circle, its projection on 
 any diameter is said to execute a simple harmonic motion. 
 From this definition deduce the characteristic properties of 
 simple harmonic motion, and apply your methods to prove 
 the following results : 
 
 (i) If a particle slides on a smooth cycloid, whose axis is 
 vertical, and starts from any point of the curve, its motion 
 is simple harmonic. 
 
 (ii) If a simple pendulum of length I swings through an arc 
 a on each side of the vertical, the time of a complete oscilla- 
 tion lies between ^irs/ljg and 27r'\/la/g sin a. (Trin. 1908.) 
 
 159. 
 
 Investigate the various theorems concerning the Conserva- 
 tion of Energy and the Conservation of Momentum, under 
 appropriate conditions, for a system of two particles. 
 
 Apply your theorems to the solution of the following 
 problem : Two particles of masses m and m' are connected 
 by an elastic string, of natural length I and without mass, 
 and are initially at rest at a distance U from each other at 
 
132 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 points A and B respectively. Blows P and Q are applied 
 to the particles in directions perpendicular to AB and towards 
 A respectively. Discuss the subsequent motion. 
 
 (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 160. 
 
 Prove that if two particles of masses m^, m^ are moving in 
 a plane, their kinetic energy is 
 
 where V is the velocity of their centre of mass and v is their 
 
 relative velocity. 
 
 A shell of mass (mi -{-1712) is fired with a velocity whose 
 
 horizontal and vertical components are U, F, and at the 
 
 highest point in its path the shell explodes into two fragments 
 
 nil, ^2- The explosion produced an additional kinetic energy 
 
 E, and the fragments separate in a horizontal direction ; 
 
 show that they strike the ground at a distance apart which 
 
 is equal to V f / ^ 1 \^* 
 
 -\2E(+)y. (Pemb. 1910.) 
 
 g [ \mi mj] 
 
 161. 
 
 A, B are two equal and equally rough weights lying on a 
 rough table and connected by a string. A string is attached 
 to B and is pulled in a horizontal direction making an angle a 
 with AB produced until motion is about to ensue. Examine 
 the cases where one or both of the weights are on the point 
 
 of motion, showing that they arise according as a^T- Show 
 
 that in the latter case B is about to move in a direction making 
 an angle 2a with AB produced. Find the force needed in 
 each case. (Pemb. 1911.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 133 
 
 162. 
 
 Prove that the normal component of the acceleration of a 
 point describing a plane curve in any manner is equal to the 
 product of the speed of the point and the angular velocity 
 of the tangent. 
 
 A heavy particle P slides on a smooth curve of any form 
 
 in a vertical plane. The centre of curvature at P is Q, and 
 
 R is on the same vertical as Q and at the level of zero velocity. 
 
 Show that the acceleration makes with the normal an angle 
 
 tan-^(i- tan Pi20)- (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 163. 
 
 Prove that, when a particle describes a path under the 
 action of a force directed to a fixed point, the radius vector 
 drawn from the point to the particle describes equal areas 
 in equal times. 
 
 A particle of mass m is held on a smooth table. A string 
 attached to this particle passes through a hole in the table 
 and supports a particle of mass 3m. Motion is started by 
 the particle on the table being projected with velocity F at 
 right angles to the string. If a is the original length of the 
 string on the table, prove that when the hanging weight has 
 descended a distance a/2 (assuming this possible) its velocity 
 will be /o 
 
 ^^/(ga - V^). (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 164. 
 
 State the principle of Virtual Work. Prove it (1) for forces 
 acting at a point, (2) for forces acting on a system of con- 
 nected particles ; and extend it to the case of a rigid body 
 under the action of given forces, pointing out the assumptions 
 and limitations of the principle. 
 
134 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 Two corners of a regular pentagon of light freely jointed 
 rods are connected by a string in tension, and equilibrium 
 is maintained by another string also in tension, connecting 
 one corner to the middle of the opposite side, the strings 
 being perpendicular to each other. Show that their tensions 
 are in the ratio 2sin Jtt : 1. (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 165. 
 
 Give a short account of Graphic Methods in Statics, em- 
 bracing the following points : (1) Enunciation of property of 
 force polygon, (2) Application to determine stresses at smooth 
 joints of systems of rods, (3) Illustration by application to a 
 simple problem where heavy rods form a regular hexagon, 
 (4) Properties of " funicular " diagram, (5) Graphic solution 
 of simple illustrative problems. (Trin. ] 905.) 
 
 166. 
 
 Explain the application of graphical methods to kinematical 
 problems, showing how to determine velocity, space described, 
 and kinetic energy, from a knowledge of the acceleration, and 
 conversely. 
 
 A particle starts with given velocity V and moves under a 
 retardation equal to u times the space described. Show that 
 the distance traversed before it comes to rest is V/\/jbi. 
 
 (Trin. 1911.) 
 
 167. 
 
 In the figure, AB, BC are light rods hinged at B ; A is a 
 hinge attached to a fixed support, and a weight W is hung 
 from C. The system rests over a cylindrical drum which can 
 turn freely round a fixed axis F. Show that the couple 
 required to turn the drum in the direction of the arrow is 
 2iLiW {cos a + fisin a){CE^/CD), 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 135 
 
 where [x is the coefficient of friction between the drum and 
 the rods. (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 168. 
 
 Five weightless rods AB, BC, CD, DA and BD, smoothly 
 jointed at their ends, form a framework ; AB is vertical with 
 B above A, BAD = 30, ^52) = 60, BC is horizontal and 
 BD = DC. A weight W is suspended from C, and the frame- 
 work is supported by a horizontal force at B and a force at 
 A. Find the stress in each of the rods, distinguishing between 
 thrust and tension. (Pemb. 1910.) 
 
 169. 
 
 A plane polygon is formed of a system of rods smoothly 
 hinged together in succession ; show how to determine 
 graphically necessary and sufficient conditions of equilibrium 
 when forces are applied at the joints. 
 
 State the number of conditions, and show how to determine 
 the stresses in the rods. (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
136 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 170. 
 
 Give an account of the method in which the force polygon 
 and the funicular polygon may be used to find the resultant 
 of a system of forces in a plane ; and illustrate the method 
 by a sketch of the case where forces of 2, 3 and 4 lbs. weight 
 act respectively along AB, BC and CD, three sides of a 
 rectangle A BCD. 
 
 A string is supported at its two ends and has weights 
 attached to points along it. Show that, when the system is 
 in equilibrium, the form of the string is a possible form of 
 funicular polygon for the weights, and that the closing sides 
 of the funicular polygon lie along the first and last portions 
 of the string. (Pemb. 1907.) 
 
 171. 
 
 Quantities a^, Og, Og, ... are formed, depending on the 
 ratio of consecutisre terms of the infinite series of real and 
 positive terms S = Ui + U2 + u^ + ..., according to the following 
 laws: ai = uju+^; a2 = n(ai-l); a^ = (a2-l)logn, 
 and furnish the following tests : 
 
 (1) If tti is always <1, or approaches unity as a limit, 
 from below, then S is divergent. 
 
 (2) If tti is always >k, where ^>1, then *S is convergent. 
 
 (3) If tti approaches unity as a limit, from above, then the 
 case is undecided, and ao must be examined, and the same 
 series of tests (1), (2), (3) holds good, and so on. 
 
 Prove the theorems up to and including the tests furnished 
 by ag. (Trin. 1907.) 
 
 172. 
 
 Prove that if m is prime to a the least positive remainders 
 of the series of integers 
 
 7c, k + a, ... k + (m-l)a 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 137 
 
 with respect to m are a permutation of the numbers of the 
 
 ^^" 0,l,2,...(m-l), 
 
 and that a*^""^ -1=0 (mod. m), 
 
 where <^(m) is the number of integers less than m and prime 
 
 to it. 
 
 Prove also that (m - 1 ) ! + 1 is divisible by m if, and only 
 if, m is a prime. 
 
 Show that if m is a prime, and p<Cm, 
 
 {p-l)\{m-p)l + (-iy-'' = (mod. m). 
 
 (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 173. 
 
 A polynomial c^ (x) is defined by the identity 
 <i>(x + l)-cl>(x) = (l+xY 
 with <^(1) = 1, where r is a positive integer. Prove that 
 
 <^(0)=0, <^(-l)=0, 
 and from <^( - a;) - </>( - a? - 1) = ( - 1)V 
 
 deduce that <f>{^) = {- ^Y''4>(-^- 1) 
 
 for all integral and therefore all values of x. 
 
 Hence show that the sum of the rth powers of the first n 
 natural numbers is an integral function of n divisible by n(n + 1), 
 and that it is also divisible by (2n + 1) if r is even. 
 
 (Pemb. 1910.) 
 
 174. 
 
 Establish the harmonic properties of the figures determined 
 by four points and four straight lines, and deduce a construc- 
 tion by the ruler alone for the harmonic conjugate of a given 
 point with respect to two given points collinear with it. 
 Prove that the harmonic (diagonal) points of a quadrangle 
 inscribed in a conic form a triangle self- conjugate with respect 
 to the conic ; consider also the reciprocal theorem. Show 
 
138 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 that if a quadrilateral be circumscribed to a conic, its har- 
 monic (diagonal) points coincide with those of the quadrangle 
 formed by the points of contact. (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 175. 
 
 " Two ranges are homographic when the cross ratio of any 
 four points of the one is equal to that of the corresponding 
 four points of the other." 
 
 " Two ranges are homographic when the distance aj of a 
 point of one range from a fixed point on its line and the 
 distance x' defined similarly for the other range are connected 
 by a relation aa:x' + 6a; + cx' + cZ = 0." 
 
 Give a general sketch of the theory of homographic ranges 
 and ranges in involution, showing that the two definitions 
 lead to the same results, and including in your account proofs 
 of the following theorems : 
 
 (i) two homographic ranges are projective ; 
 
 (ii) two homographic ranges can be placed so as to be in 
 perspective ; 
 
 (iii) the lines joining corresponding points of two homo- 
 graphic ranges envelop a conic ; 
 
 (iv) a transversal cuts the pairs of opposite sides of a 
 quadrangle in six points in involution ; 
 
 (v) pairs of points on a line, conjugate with respect to a 
 conic, form an involution. (Trin. 1908.) 
 
 176. 
 
 Determine the number of different values of tan which 
 
 n 
 
 are consistent with a given real value of tan 0, when m and n 
 are given positive integers prime to each other. 
 
 Find the algebraical equation from which the solution of 
 which these values may be determined. 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 139 
 
 In the case when tan0 and sinJ0 have given values, con- 
 sistent with each other, find how many values are possible 
 
 for tan :^. (Pemb. 1909.) 
 
 16 
 
 177. 
 
 Enunciate definitions of the trigonometrical functions. 
 Cosine and Sine ; and give a proof of the addition theorem 
 for cos (A + B), in accordance with your definitions, valid 
 for all values of A and B. 
 
 Show without actual determination of the functions that 
 
 coand and ^^5JL are rational integral functions of 2.cos0 
 sm0 
 
 of degrees n and n-1 respectively. 
 
 Show that if m and n are both odd integers, m<n, 
 
 -. ^=--7 2(-l) sm cot (6 ). 
 
 (Trin. 1907.) 
 
 178. 
 
 Show how to obtain the formulae 
 
 2 cos nO = (2 cos 0)" - w (2 cos Qf-^ + ^li^i (2 cos By-' - . . . , 
 
 (-l)2cosn(9 = l-^cos20 + ^^-A^p!^cos*0-..., 
 
 where n is a positive integer, and in the second formula an 
 even integer. Write down the general terms in each case, 
 and give a formula to replace the second when n is odd. Ob- 
 tain similar expressions for (sin nd)l(ain 6) in terms of cos 0. 
 
 Conversely, show how any polynomial in cos 6 and sin 6 
 may be expressed as a sum of constant multiples of terms of 
 the type cosnO, s'mnd. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
140 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 179. 
 
 Show how to reduce the general equation of a conic, referred 
 to rectangular axes, 
 
 S = ax^ + 2hxy + by^ + 2gx + 2fy + c=0, 
 
 to simpler forms. 
 
 Consider the various types of simplification that are possible, 
 and the discrimination of cases which arise for central, non- 
 central and degenerate conies. 
 
 Show, by considering the tangential equation 
 
 Al^ + Bm^ + Cn^ + 2Fmn + 2Gnl + 2Hlm = 
 
 of the conic, or otherwise, that the coordinates of the foci 
 are given by the equations 
 
 Cx^-2Gx + A = K, Cy^-2Fy + B = K, 
 
 where k is either root of the quadratic 
 
 CK2-(a + 6)AK'+A2=0. (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 180. 
 
 Show that the straight line lx + my + n = 0, whose coefficients 
 are connected by the relation 
 
 al^ + hm^ + cn^ + 2fmn + 2gnl + 2hlm = 0, 
 
 in general envelops a conic. 
 
 The axes of coordinates being supposed rectangular, find 
 in terms of a, h, c, /, g, h the conditions that the conic shall 
 be (1) a circle, (2) a parabola, (3) a rectangular hyperbola ; 
 and explain how to distinguish between the ellipse and 
 hyperbola. 
 
 Determine also the nature of the envelope in the cases when 
 the given expression breaks up into two Hnear factors, real 
 and distinct, coincident or imaginary. (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 141 
 
 181. 
 
 The equation of a conic, referred to rectangular axes, being 
 given in the form 
 
 S^ax^ -\-2hxy ^hy"^ + 2gx + 2fy + 0=0, 
 
 show that the equation for its semi-axes is 
 
 OM + CA(a + 6)r2 + A2 = 0. 
 
 Obtain the equation of (i) its asymptotes, (ii) its director 
 circle ; and show that the equation of its directrices may be 
 written in the form ^^ ^ Cr\X^ + F^) =0, 
 
 where X = ax + hy+g, Y = hx + hy+f and r is a root of the 
 quadratic above. 
 
 Prove that if the equation of an ellipse, referred to areal 
 coordinates, be 
 
 ax^ + hy^ + cz^ + 2fyz + 2gzx + 2hxy = 0, 
 
 the ratio of its area to that of the triangle of reference is 
 
 2TrA{A + B + C + 2F + 2G + 2H)~^. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
 182. 
 
 Show that the locus of centres of a family of conies through 
 four given points is a conic. Show also that, in the case of a 
 family of conies having three-point contact at P and passing 
 through a fourth point Q, the locus of centres touches the 
 conies at P, has curvature at P of the opposite sign and of 
 double the magnitude of that of the conies, and has PR as 
 a diameter where R is the middle point of PQ. 
 
 What is the locus of centres when the family has four-point 
 contact ? (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
142 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 Show that the equations 
 
 x:y:l = a-fi' + 2h-^t + c^ : a^t^ + 2h^t + c^^ : a^t- + 263^ + Cg 
 are equivalent to equations of the form 
 t^:2t: l=AjX + A^y + A^ : 5jX + B.^ + B^ : CjX + Cg?/ + C3. 
 Show also that, if the equations be taken as the definition 
 of a conic, where x and y are rectangular coordinates and t a 
 variable parameter, the existence of foci and directrices is 
 established by the fact that a and ^ can be chosen to make 
 both the expressions 
 
 a^t^ + 26i^ + Cj - a(%t^ + 2h^t + Cg) 
 
 i { a.J.^ + 2h^ + C2 - ^{ar^t^ + 263^ + C3) } 
 perfect squares. 
 
 Find the focus of the parabola 
 
 x = t'^-2t + 2, y = t^ + l. (Pemb. 1913.) 
 
 184. 
 
 but r\s)i=rm, 
 
 the curves y=f{x), y = ^(^) 
 
 have contact of the nth. order at the point for which x = ^. 
 
 Taking the curve y =f(x) to be (i) any straight line, (ii) any 
 circle, (iii) any conic, discuss the problem of so choosing it 
 as to have contact with the curve y =f(x) of as high an order 
 as possible. Determine incidentally the equation of the 
 tangent to a curve, the condition for a point of inflexion and 
 the equation of the circle of curvature. Finally, supposing 
 that y=f{x) touches the axis of x at the origin, determine the 
 general equation of a conic having contact of the third order 
 with the curve there, and the equation of the osculating conic. 
 
 (Trin. 1908.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 143 
 
 185. 
 
 The radius of curvature p, at a point P of a curve, is fre- 
 quently defined as -^-. where s is the arc of the curve and </> 
 
 the inclination of the tangent to a fixed straight line ; it is 
 also defined as the limit of R (as P' approaches P), where R 
 is the radius of the circle which touches the curve at P and 
 intersects the curve again in the neighbouring point P'. 
 
 Prove that these two definitions of p are consistent for a 
 curve given by the equation y-=f{x), provided that /"(a;) is 
 not zero at P. 
 
 Show also that if P is an inflexion (so that f"(x)=0) 
 and p' is the radius of curvature at P', then, as P' approaches 
 P, \im(p'/R)=i. (Pemb. 1908.) 
 
 186. 
 
 The equation of a rational algebraic curve of the nth degree 
 being written in the form 
 
 -"/o(|)+x-y,(|) +=."-%(!) +...=0, 
 
 obtain the line asymptotes of the curve, and discuss the case 
 of the parallel line asymptotes, determining the condition 
 that the curve may have a cusp at infinity. 
 Show that if 
 
 /o(/)=0, /'(/<) = 0, fo"W + 0, Uti) + 0, 
 then any of the family of parabolas given by 
 
 has four-point contact with the curve at infinity. 
 Illustrate by sketching the curve 
 
 xh/-2x^-2x^ = xy-x + y. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
144 SUBJECTS FOE MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 187. 
 
 A curve touches the axis of x at 0, and P is a point on it 
 at a small arcual distance s from 0. Prove that, neglecting 
 fourth and higher powers of s, the coordinates of P are 
 s^ s^ s^ dp 
 
 where p and - are respectively the values at of the radius 
 
 of curvature and its differential coefficient with regard to s. 
 
 The normals at and P meet in Q. Prove that to the 
 same degree of approximation the difference between QO 
 and (8P is g3 dp 
 
 Up^ds' 
 
 (Pemb. 1911.) 
 
 188. 
 
 Discuss the problem of determining, and discriminating 
 between, the maxima and minima of a function of two or 
 three independent variables. Illustrate your theory by find- 
 ing the maximum and minimum values of 
 
 (x2 + 2xy + 2?/2)e-<^+^^'. (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 189. 
 
 Write an account of the motion of a particle in a straight 
 line under a restoring force proportional to the displacement 
 from a position of equilibrium ; and deduce the period of 
 small oscillations of a simple pendulum of length I. 
 
 A heavy particle is fastened to a point of a uniform elastic 
 thread which is stretched between two fixed points A, B in 
 the same vertical line. The particle is let go from rest in 
 such a position that the tensions in the two parts of the thread 
 are initially equal ; show that, if the tension is sufficiently 
 great, the oscillation will have the same period as a simple 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 145 
 
 pendulum of length c, where 2c is the vertical distance through 
 which the particle falls before next coming to rest. Express 
 the necessary limit of the initial tension in terms of the weight 
 of the particle and the unstretched lengths a, b of the two 
 parts of the thread. (Pemb. 1912.) 
 
 190. 
 
 Write an essay on the theoiy of dimensions of d5mamical 
 quantities, indicating (i) the application of the theory to 
 determine the units of the leading dynamical quantities in 
 terms of the three fundamental units of mass, space and 
 time ; (ii) the use of the theory to deduce dynamical results 
 directly from the consideration of the equations, e.g. the 
 nature of the period of a simple harmonic motion. 
 
 (i) Show that one horse-power = (746 x 10') c.G.s. units of 
 power; taking 1 lb. = 453-6 grammes, g = S2'2 r.s.=981 c.s. 
 
 (ii) The bending moment at any point of a girder is given 
 as 5 X curvature, where 5 is a quantity, which for girders 
 of the same material and similar cross-sections varies as the 
 square of the cross-section. A weight W is placed at various 
 positions on a horizontal supported girder of weight w and 
 length I, and the (small) deflection (y) at the weight is observed. 
 Show that, if a geometrically similar girder of the same 
 material and length nl be used for similar experiments, the 
 deflection may be calculated from the formula y'=n^y, pro- 
 vided that the weight used be n^W, and the points of observa- 
 tion divide the girder in the same ratio in the two sets of 
 observations. (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 191. 
 
 Investigate the various problems arising from the collision 
 of smooth elastic spheres. In particular consider the loss of 
 kinetic energy. 
 
 M.E. K 
 
146 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 A mass m of water issued per unit time from a pipe with 
 uniform velocity u, and strikes a pail which retains it, there 
 being no elasticity. Initially the pail is at rest, and at a 
 subsequent instant is moving in the direction of the stream 
 with velocity F. Prove that 
 
 dU _ m(u-Y)^ 
 
 dt ~ Mu^ ' 
 
 and that the loss of energy up to this instant is ^MuV, where 
 M is the mass of the pail, and gravity is omitted from con- 
 sideration. (Trin. 1910.) 
 
 192. 
 
 Prove that in the motion of a material system, 
 
 (i) the total linear momentum in any direction is that of 
 the whole mass moving with the velocity of the centre of 
 inertia ; 
 
 (ii) the kinetic energy of the system is that of the whole 
 mass moving with the velocity of the centre of inertia, together 
 with the kinetic energy of the motion relative to the centre of 
 inertia ; 
 
 (iii) the centre of inertia moves as a particle of mass equal 
 to that of the system under the action of a force equal to the 
 linear resultant of the forces on the system ; 
 
 (iv) the motion relative to the centre of inertia is inde- 
 pendent of the motion of that point. 
 
 Apply these principles to the following problem. One end 
 of a string of length I is tied to a rod of length a, the other 
 to a fixed point at height h above the ground. The rod is 
 whirled round in a vertical plane, and when it is vertically 
 over the fixed point the string is set free. Show that the rod 
 will be horizontal when it strikes the ground, if its centre had 
 a velocity l(2n + l)7r{2Ua){g/(2h + 2l + a)}^ 
 when set free. (Trin. 1911.) 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 147 
 
 193. 
 
 Prove that the rate of change of momentum in a fixed direc- 
 tion of a material system is equal to the external force acting 
 on the system in that direction. 
 
 Illustrate the theorem by the following example. A 
 particle of mass m moves on a smooth inclined plane of mass 
 M and angle a, which is only free to move in the vertical 
 plane through a line of greatest slope. Determine the pressure 
 of the particle on the plane, and of the plane on the horizontal 
 plane on which it moves ; show that if at any time the plane 
 be at rest and the particle have only a horizontal velocity F, 
 the semi-latus rectum of its path on the plane is 
 F^ M + msin^a 
 g (ilf + m)sina' 
 that of its path in space is 
 
 F^ M + msin^g . 
 
 g sin a (M^ + 2Mm sin^ a + m^ sin^ a)^ 
 and that of the path in space of the centroid of the system is 
 ri^ JM^m^n-a) ^ (Trim 1912.) 
 
 194. 
 
 State Newton's laws concerning the direct impact of two 
 uniform spheres. Deduce that the impulse during the period 
 of compression bears to the total impulse a ratio which is 
 independent of the masses and velocities of the spheres. 
 
 Two smooth spheres of masses M and M' impinge obliquely ; 
 lines OF and OQ represent the velocities of M before and 
 after the impact, and lines OV and OQ' represent the velocities 
 of W before and after the impact. Prove that TQ and Q'F' 
 are parallel and of lengths inversely proportional to M and 
 M! ; and that, if f, ^', q, q' are the projections of P, P\ Q, Q' 
 
148 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 on any line parallel to PQ, the ratio q'q : 'p'p' is the coefficient 
 of elasticity. 
 
 Show that these results are applicable to the case when 
 the velocities of the centres of the spheres before and after 
 impact are not coplanar, and deduce a graphical construction 
 for the velocities after impact, the masses, the velocities 
 before impact, the coefficient of elasticity and the direction 
 of the line of centres at the moment of impact being known. 
 
 (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 195. 
 
 If a bullet of mass m moving with velocity v is found to 
 penetrate a distance a into a fixed body, the resistance being 
 supposed uniform, prove that if it meet directly a body of 
 mass M and thickness h moving with velocity V, it will be 
 embedded if ija >(1 + V/v)m/(M + w), 
 
 the uniform resistance being supposed the same in both cases. 
 If, however, the bullet penetrates the body, show that it will 
 emerge with velocity 
 
 mv-MV+Mv^(l+iy-(l+^) 
 
 m\b 
 MM 
 
 M + m 
 and that the time of penetration will be 
 
 2a _M 
 V M 
 
 Determine also the final velocity of the body in both these 
 cases. (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 yi+^-V(i+y-(i+3a]- 
 
 196. 
 
 A heavy particle hangs by a string of length a from a fixed 
 point O and is projected horizontally with the velocity due to 
 falling freely under gravity through a distance h ; prove that 
 if the particle makes complete revolutions h <j: |a, that if the 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 149 
 
 string becomes slack fa > A > a, and that in this latter case 
 the greatest height reached above the point of projection is 
 
 (ia -h)(a + 2h)y27a\ (Trin. 1913.) 
 
 197. 
 
 Define the mechanical advantage, the velocity ratio, and 
 the efficiency of a machine ; consider the illustrations afforded 
 by some simple machines. Prove that in an accurately 
 balanced machine designed to raise a weight, the mechanical 
 advantage being a and the efficiency -q, if P is the " power " 
 which will just raise the " weight " W and a minimum " power " 
 P' is required to support it, then 
 
 W/P = a'n, W/P' = av/(2rj-l). 
 
 What happens when rj is less than J ? (Trin. 1909.) 
 
 198. 
 
 Prove the following proposition : 
 
 The necessary and sufficient condition for the equilibrium 
 of a rigid body or of a system (such as a freely articulated 
 framework) which, without being rigid, satisfies certain 
 geometrical conditions that are not violated in the virtual 
 displacement, is that the sum of the virtual works of the 
 impressed forces is equal to zero for any and every dis- 
 placement. 
 
 Show further, by an extension of this proposition, how 
 any of the internal stresses of the system may be determined, 
 and illustrate the method by the solution of the following 
 problem. 
 
 Two equal bars OA, OC are freely jointed at the fixed 
 point 0. Four equal bars forming a rhombus A BCD are 
 freely jointed at ABCD, and the system (called a Peaucellier 
 
150 SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 
 
 Cell) is held in equilibrium by two forces at B and D. If the 
 force at D is of constant magnitude for all configurations 
 of the cell, show that the force at B varies inversely as the 
 square of the distance OB, and determine the stresses in the 
 members of the system. (Trin. 1909.) 
 
 199. 
 
 Write an essay on : 
 
 The determination of the state of stress in a plane frame 
 built up by light rigid bars, which are smoothly jointed. 
 
 The following points should be considered : 
 
 (i) The relation between n, the number of joints, and m, the 
 number of bars in a frame which is just stiff. 
 
 (ii) When a just stiff frame is acted upon by a system of 
 equilibrating co-planar forces at the joints, the stresses are 
 determinate. 
 
 (iii) An account of Bow's notation and reciprocal diagrams. 
 
 (iv) Methods of finding the stresses when three bars at 
 least intersect at every joint. 
 
 Illustrate your remarks by considering the frames 
 
 (Trin. 1912.) 
 
 200. 
 
 A rough cyHnder rests in equilibrium on a fixed cylinder, 
 in contact with it along its highest generator, which is hori- 
 
SUBJECTS FOR MATHEMATICAL ESSAYS 151 
 
 zontal. Show, by consideration of the potential energy, that 
 the equilibrium is stable for rocking displacements if 
 
 l/A>l//3i + l//)o, 
 
 where h is the height of the centre of gravity above the point 
 of contact, p^ and /Og the radii of curvature of the two surfaces. 
 
 If the cylinder be weighted so that the equilibrium is 
 apparently neutral, show that it is really unstable unless the 
 cylinders are in contact at vertices (points of stationary 
 curvature). 
 
 Show that if a cylinder rest on a horizontal plane in neutral 
 equilibrium and touch the plane at a vertex, the equilibrium 
 is really stable if the curvature be a maximum at the point 
 of contact. 
 
 If it be in contact with a fixed cylinder, exactly similar to 
 it, the apparently neutral equilibrium is really stable if at the 
 
 that is, if ^'^^~^P >- (^- ^^^^-^ 
 
ANSWERS 
 
 1. 
 
 4. 73524 or 53724. 5. 658. 6. 76923. 
 
 7. 41. 8. a = 0, 6 = 4, c = 2. 
 
 2. 150, 140, 130. 
 
 6. 
 
 3. 984,1107. 4. 221. 5. Divisor 1549, quotient 587. 
 8. P=lx, Q = ^{2x^-x + l). 
 
 7. 
 2. l4V;10or-14. . 8. -{a + 2b)p/2a. 
 
 8. 
 
 2. -2,-1. 3. 1,1|,3. 4. x=y = s = a2_^^2 + c2-6c-ca-a6. 
 
 9. 
 
 5. 14-80, 13-45, 1-28 ins. 
 
 10. 
 
 2. 10-37, 9-58, 8-63 ins. 
 
 11. 
 
 2. x^r^aia-x). 
 
ANSWERS 153 
 
 12. 
 
 2. -c/a. 3. 2a;'^- 4a:+l=0. 5. a;2 + 2x-24 = 0, - 14. 
 
 7. {r - p){ps - qr)x'^ + [r"^ - p"^ + 2q - 2s){p8 - qr)x + q8{r - p)'^ = 0. 
 
 8. a2-a-2. 
 
 13. 
 
 6. 12, 4. 7. 2, 5, - 1. 
 
 14. 
 
 3. (y-z)2 + (z-a:)2 + {a:-2/)2. 7. {3x-5a)^ + (2y + 5bf. 8. 5. 
 
 15. 
 
 2. 27r/3, 27r, 27r/X. * 4. 2ir, w/2. 
 
 8. 127 mm. per sec, 445 mm. per sec. per sec. 
 
 16. 
 
 4. n. 360 + 7146' or n. 360 + 3054'. 6. -?^ . ^Zf'. 
 
 c+a c+a 
 
 17. 
 
 5. iW(3 + v/5)-v/(5-N/5)}, lW(4 + ^6 + v/2) + V(4-v/6-V2)}, 
 i{v/(4-x/6 + V2) + x/(4 + ^6-^2)}, -(^3 + l)/2^2. 
 
 6. 4ii7r + -^ and 4n7r + -^. 
 
 7. 2w7r + - and 2mr + , 2mr + and 27i7r + ^. 
 
 4 4 4 4 
 
 18. 
 
 2. 52-09 and 13-73. 6. aj{a^ - b^sin^ A) /b sin A. 
 
 19. 
 
 8. 2R cos ^ sin 5 sin G, etc. 
 
 20. 
 
 1. ^bcainA. 2. ^^^ (-)(- &)(-<")} 
 
 3. Jasin5sinC/sin(-B+(7), 6*59 sq. ins. 
 
154 ANSWERS 
 
 22. 
 
 1. Indeterminate, infinite. 2. Infinite. 
 
 3. Indeterminate. 4. 4, 3 ; and a pair of infinite roots. 
 
 5. 1, 2 ; - 1, -2 ; and two pairs of infinite roots. 
 
 7. Four infinite solutions. 8. One infinite and two complex solutions. 
 
 23. 
 
 2. v/5, -sJ5; - sj5, ^5 ; and two pairs of complex roots. 
 
 3. 3,1. 6. 2i. 6. 2-29. 7. - -59 and -341. 
 
 24. 
 
 6. -1 andl. 6. |, ^. ' 
 
 26. 
 
 2. i^(262 + 2c2-a2). 3. 10-30, 8-89, 6-78 ins. 
 
 27. 
 
 2&csin^/(6-c). 4. 9-34. 
 
 1. (x/5-l)/4. 3. {^/5+l)/4. 7. ^ = 18^ 5=54^ 
 
 1. cos2a-sin2^ or cos^^-sin^a. 4. ^Z ^^^+1)^ 
 
 2 4w 
 
 31. 
 
 3. Xa/(\2-l). 
 
 34. 
 
 2. 8-47998, 8-45484, 8-41665. 3. 8 45465. 
 
ANSWERS 155 
 
 36. 
 
 8. 2V3. 
 
 37. 
 
 n ' 
 
 1. ; -^, aPb'^c^..., where p + q + r+... =71. 
 plqlrl ... JT ^ 
 
 3. a3=3a62_2c3 + 6tZ-l 
 
 5. 1,4,-2; 1,-2, 4; 4, 1,-2; 4,-2,1; -2,1,4; -2,4,1. 
 
 7. ib'^-2ac)la-', {Uhc-UH-W)ld\ 
 
 8. Qa^ - 6ra;2 + 3(r2 -s)x- r^ + Srs - 2i5=0. 
 
 38. 
 
 2. 51. 3. 125. 4. 125. 6. 51. 6. 79. 8. 81227. 
 
 42. 
 
 2. ^{c2 - (a - 6)2}, ^{c2-(a + &)2}, 11-83 ins., 8-94 ins. 
 
 43. 
 
 4. a&c =/g'A. 5. {x-2y + 2) (a; + Sy + 3), (a; - Zy + 2)2, {4x + 3) (3i/ - 2). 
 
 44. 
 
 2. 45. 3. ;i = or ^2:^a?>. 6. ny{h?-ab)l{hr^-2hlm-{-am% 
 
 7. (f;2-c)a; + 2/sra:2/ + (/2-c)y2=0. 
 
 8. n2(a + 6) + 2w(grZ+/m) + c(^2+m2)=0. 
 
 45. 
 
 1. w2(aa;2 + 2hxy + hy"^) + n [Ix + my){2gx + 2/y) + {Ix + myfc = 0. 
 
 2. If 3. a;%2_c) + 2/gr:i:y + 2/V^-c)=0. 6. a; + 4a=0. 
 
 6. c=s/{i(a'^i^ + 6-)}. 
 
 46. 
 
 2. The diagonals must be at right angles. 
 
156 ANSWERS 
 
 47. 
 
 2*(l->2^(.,^'). 
 
 49. 
 
 1 3a - a^ "Za 3a - a' 2<x 
 
 l-3a2 l-a2 -- i_3a2 i-a2 "' 
 
 2. 2(tan2^ +tan25 + tan2a- l) = (tan 5- tan C)2 + (tan C- tan^)^ 
 
 + (tan .4 - tan 5)2 if A+B+C='^. 
 
 3. tan A + tan 5 + tan C= tan ^ tan B tan (7. 
 
 51. 
 
 3. tan2 5 = tan2a + tan2/3, tan = tan /3 cot a. 
 
 4. 35 in direction N. 13 E. 
 
 5. tan25={(2^)%(^-^)'-2?^ ^ cos ^ } cosecM ; 
 
 tan ^ = g(g-^)-^(y-^)Qos^ 
 &(y-a;)sin^ 
 g Acosjg ^ cos /3^( 1 + tan^g cos^^) 
 8in{a + )8)' tan a cos ^ cos /3 + sin /S * 
 8. tan 5 = tan a tan j3 sin X/;^(tan2a 4 tan^/S - 2 tan a tan p cos \), 
 
 tan^ = (tana-tan/3cos\)/tan^sin\, where 5 is the inclination of 
 the common section to the horizon in the direction 6 to that of 
 the inclination a. 
 
 53. 
 
 8. 6 squares and 8 equilateral triangles, 12 verticec, 24 edges ; 
 (1 + V3)/2V3; |. 
 
 54. 
 
 3. a;^2. 4. 2^3. a2, ^2a73. 6. a/V6, a/^2. 
 
 6. -i. 7. 1:^/2. 
 
ANSWERS 157 
 
 8. 12 vertices, 24 edges, 14 faces (6 squares and 8 equilateral triangles) ; 
 (V3 + l)/4;|. 
 
 55. 
 
 1. -gainp, -gcosp; ucos{a-p)-gsinp .t, usm{a- p)-gcoa^ .t. 
 
 n 2u sin (a - /3) 2w sin (a + /3) . 2m2cos a sin (a - /3) 2w2cos a sin (a + /S) 
 
 cosjS ' cos/3 ' gcos^p * goos^ji 
 
 4. w7r/(l+sin/3), w2/gr(l -sinjS). 
 
 7. sin~i(sinj3cos^), w2/g'(l+sinj8cos^). 
 
 56. 
 
 3. J-fL, a( + ; ) I. 4. y(w + m') = 2a(7wm'a; + a). 
 
 I^ww \w m /J 
 
 5. The tangent at the vertex. 
 
 (^ \w^ mm mv mm \m m J) 
 
 57. 
 
 1. ymx-^m-am^. 4. f(A-2a), 0. 
 
 58. 
 
 1. 4, 4 ; 7, 6 ; 9, 7 ; 11, 8 ; 12, 8 ; 12, 8. 4. 17. 
 
 61. 
 
 1. Jn(n + l)(w + 2)(i + 3). 4. J, 1|, 2f, If 
 
 7. ^s(s + l)(5 + 2)...( + r). 
 r + 1 
 
 62. 
 
 2. -6931. 3. 10986. 6. -3010, '4771. 
 
 63. 
 
 1. acos0, 6sin0. 
 
 3. -cos ^ ^^ +^sin^ ^^ =008 ^^-TT^, -cos0 + ^sm0 = l. 
 rt 2o 2 2a^o^ 
 
 4. a cos ^ ^ /cos ^~^ , fesin ^ ^ /cos ^~^ . 
 
 5 . ax I COS - &y/sin = a^ - 6^. 
 
158 ANSWERS 
 
 a?-h'^ cos cos {(f) - 6) cos (0 + 6) a?~ 6^ sin sin (0- ^)sin (0 + ^) 
 
 a cos 6 ' 6 cos 6 
 
 8. The sum of the excentric angles is a multiple of four right angles. 
 
 66. 
 
 8. SPsin(5-(7) = 0. 
 
 67. 
 
 1. a;2(a2m2-62) + 2ma2ca; + a2(62 + c2) = 0, y=bx/a. 
 
 4. xy = l{n^ + b% 8. x'^-y--^x + 2y=0. 
 
 4. 4ff 7. 1 ^, 1577AV 
 
 7 < 2 M + ni 10 7 
 
 70. 
 
 3. y=:2acot ^, where d is the inclination of the chords to the axis. 
 
 5. 4x + 3y + l=0. 6. lx-my=0. 
 7. x'^ + y'^-hx- Jcy=Of (h, k) being the fixed point. 
 
 72. 
 
 7. Draw OM along Oa: equal to - b/a. With as centre and c/a as 
 radius, describe a circle cutting the perpendicular through M to 
 Ox in P and Q. 
 
 74. 
 
 2. ax -3491, 31416. 4. 3-141. 8. 31415926536. 
 
 4. 2a2sin55sin2-=. 
 
 78. 
 
 80. 
 
 2. 'L(a + b + c){b + c - a){c + a ~b){a + b -c). 7. (6 + c-a)(a + ?)-c). 
 40^^ c 
 
 81. 
 
 1. 7ra2(r--^a), 7r(6-a){r{a + 3) -^(a^ + aft + ^S)}. 
 
ANSWERS 159 
 
 82. 
 
 4. If BA be the hypotenuse, B the highest point, the distance of the 
 starting point from B is a^l(b + c). 
 
 83. 
 
 1. a sin a/a, where 2a is the angle subtended by the arc at the centre 
 
 of the circle of radius a ; 2a/'ir. 
 
 o 2 . / 4a sin 3a ^ c i 
 
 3. sa sin a/a. 3. -=- tz . -pr- from centre of circle. 
 
 ^ ' 3 2a-sin2a 
 
 4. 4r/3Tr. 
 
 84. 
 
 4. 128 c. ins. 
 
 85. 
 
 1. 32, 9f . 2. 500. 3. 3, J. 
 
 4. u^/gil+ainp), ^ 5. ^/(a^ + 62), _^(a2 + />2). 
 
 6. J(a + c) + Jv/{(a~c)^ + 4;i2|^ I(a + e)-J;^{(a-c)2+4/t''^}. 7. 1. 
 
 8. 7r/6. 
 
 88. 
 
 g l+2a: 2a; + ar^ 3a :'^ - 2(1 + 12a:^ + 3x8) 
 
 * {l-:f^f {l-xY {l-x^f ' (l-x^f 
 
 93. 
 
 4. a/V3. 
 
 94. 
 
 1. 1, V, ?j2-l, i;3_.2v, i;4-3y2+i^ i?5 - 4?;^ + 3i;, v^-5(,^^.Q^.i^ 
 
 5. (-1)^.2, (-10^.2/1008^. 
 
 n-2 w-3 j /2 _ ] \ 
 
 6. (-1) 2 .n2cos2^, (-1)=^ --^ ^cos3^. 
 
 96. 
 
 3. Smy + 2x = am^2 + 3m'); d-l/v/3. 
 
160 ANSWERS 
 
 97. 
 
 98. 
 
 1. (0,0), (0,0), (~,^y 2. x=0, y=0, x + y + a^O. 
 
 4. X{x^-ay)+Y{y^-ax) = axy. 7. ^, ^. 
 
 99. 
 
 5 8a. 
 
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