DANEMATHICS
FREE CAPS MATHS RESOURCES
Grade 12 · Calculus
Optimisation & Rates of Change (Grade 12)
EXAM-STYLE CLASS TEST
Marks
31
Duration
50 minutes
Questions
3
Name: 
Class: 
Date: 
Mark
  / 31
Instructions and Information
  1. Answer ALL the questions in this question paper.
  2. Answer QUESTION 1 by circling the letter (AD) in the answer grid at the end of that section.
  3. Show ALL calculations clearly.
  4. Show all units where applicable.
  5. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
  6. A non-programmable calculator may be used, unless stated otherwise.
  7. Write neatly and legibly.

Question 1

[10 MARKS]

Four options are given as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the correct answer and circle the letter (A–D) in the grid at the end of this section. If you want to change your choice, put a cross through the wrong letter and circle your new choice.

  1. 1.1
    To MAXIMISE or MINIMISE a quantity, you …
    (1)
    A)differentiate the expression and set the derivative equal to 0
    B)set the expression itself equal to 0
    C)substitute the largest allowed value
    D)set the second derivative equal to 0
  2. 1.2
    A rectangle has a perimeter of 40 m. Its greatest possible AREA is …
    (1)
    A)100 m²
    B)400 m²
    C)40 m²
    D)200 m²
  3. 1.3
    A closed box has a square base of side x and a volume of 500 cm³. Its height is …
    (1)
    A)500
    B)500x
    C)500x²
    D)500
  4. 1.4
    If s(t) = 5t² + 2t metres, the VELOCITY at t = 3 seconds is …
    (1)
    A)32 m per second
    B)51 m per second
    C)10 m per second
    D)30 m per second
  5. 1.5
    ACCELERATION is the derivative of …
    (1)
    A)velocity with respect to time
    B)distance with respect to time
    C)velocity with respect to distance
    D)time with respect to velocity
  6. 1.6
    The sum of two positive numbers is 30. Their product is largest when the numbers are …
    (1)
    A)15 and 15
    B)1 and 29
    C)10 and 20
    D)0 and 30
  7. 1.7
    A cylinder of volume 1 000 cm³ has radius r. Its height is …
    (1)
    A)1000πr²
    B)1000πr
    C)1000
    D)1 000πr²
  8. 1.8
    At a MAXIMUM turning point, f''(x) is …
    (1)
    A)negative
    B)positive
    C)zero
    D)undefined
  9. 1.9
    A stone's height is h = 30t − 5t² metres after t seconds. Its greatest height is …
    (1)
    A)45 m
    B)90 m
    C)30 m
    D)3 m
  10. 1.10
    In an optimisation problem, the CONSTRAINT is used to …
    (1)
    A)write the quantity in terms of a single variable
    B)find the derivative directly
    C)check the answer at the very end only
    D)avoid using calculus at all

Answer grid — circle your answers for Question 1

1.1ABCD
1.2ABCD
1.3ABCD
1.4ABCD
1.5ABCD
1.6ABCD
1.7ABCD
1.8ABCD
1.9ABCD
1.10ABCD

Question 2

[13 MARKS]
Given f(x) = x2. Determine the MINIMUM distance between the point (10 ; 2) and a point on f.
  1. 2.1
    Write down an expression for the square of the distance d between (10 ; 2) and the point (x ; x2) on f.
    (3)
  2. 2.2
    Explain why minimising d2 gives the same answer as minimising d.
    (2)
  3. 2.3
    Determine the value of x for which the distance is a minimum.
    (5)
  4. 2.4
    Hence calculate the minimum distance, in simplest surd form.
    (3)

Question 3

[8 MARKS]
A container is being filled with water. After t seconds the volume, in litres, is given by V(t) = 3t2 + 2t.
  1. 3.1
    Determine the AVERAGE rate at which the volume increases over the first 5 seconds.
    (3)
  2. 3.2
    Determine the rate at which the volume is increasing AT t = 5 seconds.
    (3)
  3. 3.3
    Explain why the two answers differ.
    (2)
TOTAL: 31 marks

This question paper consists of 3 questions.

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