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Question Booklet 2

SACE SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics Free Online Pack 0 — Question Booklet 2

Read Question Booklet 2 online for free, including every question, worked solution, marking note and diagnostic action. No public PDF download or checkout is provided.

SACE Stage 2 Examination 2026 Edition - Pack 0 v1.0
Question Booklet 2 is free to read in your browser. There is no public checkout or PDF download.

Exam-pack paper structure

This full-length showcase paper is available to read online.

Question Booklet 2

3 questions

45 marks

Estimated duration: Approximately 65 minutes for this question booklet; 130 minutes across both question booklets

Reading: Approximately 65 minutes · Writing: 130 minutes across both question booklets

Read Question Booklet 2 online

Skill Align

Skill Align SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics - Pack 0 - Question Booklet 2

Questions 8-10 | 45 marks | one part of a 100-mark, 130-minute complete examination

Question booklet
Question Booklet 2
Recommended time
Approximately 65 minutes
Complete examination
130 minutes across both question booklets
Assessment
45 marks

SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics - examination conditions

This bookletQuestions 8-10 - 45 marks - approximately 65 minutes
Complete examinationQuestion Booklets 1 and 2 - 100 marks - 130 minutes
  • Answer all questions and write your answers in this question booklet.
  • Examination materials are Question Booklet 1, Question Booklet 2, the current official SACE formula sheet and the candidate registration label. The supervising centre supplies the formula sheet and label separately; neither is bundled in this Skill Align PDF.
  • Show appropriate working and steps of logic. State numerical answers correct to three significant figures unless a question instructs otherwise.
  • Use black or blue pen. A sharp dark pencil may be used for diagrams and graphs.
  • You may bring two unfolded A4 sheets, using all four sides, containing your own handwritten notes.
  • You may use either two approved graphics calculators or one approved graphics calculator and one scientific calculator. Computer algebra system (CAS) calculators are not permitted. Scientific-calculator memory must be cleared; graphics-calculator memory does not need to be cleared.
Candidate name/identifier: ____________________ Calculator 1 brand/model: ____________________ Calculator 2 brand/model: ____________________

Question Booklet 2

Answer all questions 8-10. Show complete working and steps of logic. Give numerical answers to three significant figures unless otherwise instructed.

Question 8

15 marks
A particle follows mathbf r=(1,-2,3)+t(2,1,-1). A plane has equation x+2y-z=4.
(a) 4 marks
Find the point where the path meets the plane.
(b) 3 marks
Find the acute angle between the path and the plane.
(c) 2 marks
Find the perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane.
(d) 3 marks
Find the plane through the intersection point that is perpendicular to the path.
(e) 3 marks
If t is measured in seconds, find the speed and interpret the intersection parameter.

Question 9

14 marks
The equation z⁴=16operatorname(cis)(2π / 3) has four roots. Plot them on the supplied Argand axes and investigate the mapping w=(1-i)z.
Diagram Preview -3-2-1123-3-2-1123Re(z) Im(z)
(a) 5 marks
Find all four roots in modulus-argument form.
(b) 3 marks
Plot the roots and describe their geometry.
(c) 3 marks
Describe the effect of w=(1-i)z.
(d) 3 marks
Find the product of the four roots in modulus-argument form.

Question 10

16 marks
A metal component cools in a room held at 18^circC. Its temperature T satisfies ((dT) / (dt))=-k(T-18), where T(0)=78 and T(10)=48.
(a) 4 marks
Solve the differential equation using the initial condition.
(b) 3 marks
Use T(10)=48 to find k exactly.
(c) 3 marks
Predict T(25) to three significant figures.
(d) 3 marks
Find when the component reaches 24^circC.
(e) 3 marks
State the limiting temperature and one modelling assumption.

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Worked Solutions And Marking Guide

Question 8

(a) t=2, at (5,0,1).

Substitution gives 5t-6=4, so t=2.

(b) sin⁻¹(5 / 6)=56.4^circ.

With direction (2,1,-1) and normal (1,2,-1), sintheta=|5| / (sqrt6sqrt6).

(c) 4 / sqrt6=2sqrt6 / 3.

Use |-4| / √(1²+2²+(-1)²).

(d) 2x+y-z=9.

Use the path direction as the new plane's normal and pass through (5,0,1).

(e) Speed =sqrt6 units / s; the particle reaches the plane after 2 s.

The constant velocity is (2,1,-1), whose magnitude is sqrt6.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (4 marks)

Award the 4 available marks for the following observable evidence: writes the three parametric coordinates; substitutes them into the plane; solves 5t-6=4; states the intersection point.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: identifies direction and normal vectors; uses the line-plane angle formula; reports 56.4^circ.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part c (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the point-to-plane distance formula; simplifies the exact distance.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part d (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses normal (2,1,-1); uses the intersection point; expands to 2x+y-z=9.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part e (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: identifies the velocity vector; calculates its magnitude; interprets t=2 in context.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Question 9

(a) z_k=2operatorname(cis)(π / 6+kpi / 2), k=0,1,2,3.

Take fourth roots of the modulus and use (2π / 3+2kpi) / 4.

(b) The roots are vertices of a square centred at the origin on |z|=2.

Plot at arguments π / 6,2π / 3,7π / 6,5π / 3.

(c) A dilation by sqrt2 and rotation through -π / 4 about the origin.

1-i=sqrt2operatorname(cis)(-π / 4).

(d) -16operatorname(cis)(2π / 3)=16operatorname(cis)(5π / 3).

For z⁴-A=0, the product of the roots is -A.

z1z2z3z4Re(z) Im(z)
Completed solution diagram

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (5 marks)

Award the 5 available marks for the following observable evidence: takes the fourth root of 16; forms the complete argument rule; uses increment π / 2; uses k=0,1,2,3; lists four distinct roots.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: plots all four arguments; keeps radius 2; identifies the square geometry.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part c (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: expresses 1-i in polar form; identifies the dilation; identifies the clockwise rotation.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part d (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the monic-polynomial root product; substitutes A=16operatorname(cis)(2π / 3); gives an equivalent standard-argument form.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Question 10

(a) T=18+60e^(-kt).

Separate variables to obtain ln|T-18|=-kt+C, then use T(0)=78.

(b) k=((ln2) / (10)).

30=60e^(-10k), so e^(-10k)=1 / 2.

(c) 28.6^circC.

Use T(25)=18+60e^(-25ln2 / 10)=28.6066ldots.

(d) t=((10ln10) / (ln2))=33.2 minutes.

Set 6=60e^(-kt), then solve e^(-kt)=0.1.

(e) The limit is 18^circC; the room temperature and heat-transfer conditions are assumed constant.

As ttoinfty, the exponential term tends to zero.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (4 marks)

Award the 4 available marks for the following observable evidence: separates the variables; integrates both sides; exponentiates the relation; uses the initial condition.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: substitutes the second observation; isolates the exponential factor; solves exactly for k.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part c (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: substitutes t=25; uses the exact parameter value; rounds to 28.6^circC.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part d (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: forms the threshold equation; solves it exactly for t; reports 33.2 minutes.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Part e (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the exponential limit; states 18^circC; identifies a relevant constant-environment assumption.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; For an approximate answer, accept calculator-supported values that round correctly from unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when working, proof or interpretation is required.; Do not accept premature rounding that changes the final three-significant-figure answer.

Diagnostic Checklist

TopicQuestionsMarksMarks LostAction
Vectors in Three Dimensions Q8 15 ___ Rework Q8: practise line plane intersection angle distance perpendicular plane. Check every labelled part against its observable evidence and retain exact or unrounded values until the final answer.
Complex Numbers Q9 14 ___ Rework Q9: practise complex roots argand transformation product. Check every labelled part against its observable evidence and retain exact or unrounded values until the final answer.
Rates of Change and Differential Equations Q10 16 ___ Rework Q10: practise differential equation parameter prediction threshold assumption. Check every labelled part against its observable evidence and retain exact or unrounded values until the final answer.

What is included

Question Booklet 1 questions (55 marks)

Question Booklet 2 questions (45 marks)

Worked solutions and marking guidance shown online

Diagnostic checklist shown online

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Independent practice resource

SACE Stage 2 subjects and examinations are administered by the SACE Board of South Australia. Skill Align is an independent publisher and is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by, approved by, or endorsed by the SACE Board of South Australia or the South Australian Government.

Each exam pack is listed with a pack label so parents do not buy the same pack twice. Future packs will use the next label for that state or curriculum.

Related Online Practice and curriculum

Pack 0 is a free online resource. These links open the related subscription practice, curriculum coverage, and free public sample questions.

Questions about this exam pack

What is included in Specialist Mathematics Free Online - Pack 0?

Pack 0 includes 2 full-length showcase papers, worked solutions, marking guidance and diagnostic checklists, all shown online.

Is Pack 0 really free?

Yes. Pack 0 can be read online without checkout or a monthly subscription.

Can I download Pack 0 as a PDF?

No. Pack 0 is intentionally online-only and no downloadable PDF is provided.

Are these official assessment authority examination questions?

No. The questions are original Skill Align material. Skill Align is independent and is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by, approved by, or endorsed by any state assessment authority.