Cambridge A Level Mathematics 9709 — 2025 May/June Paper 4 · Variant 3
9709/43/M/J/25 · 7 questions · 50 marks · ≈56 min
The question paper and its mark scheme, free to read here and free to download. This is Cambridge’s own paper, exactly as it was sat.
Question paper12 pages












Mark scheme19 pages
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Questions as text
Q1 · Two particles P and Q, of masses 0.1 kg and 0.3 kg respectively, are at rest on a smooth…
1 Two particles P and Q, of masses 0.1 kg and 0.3 kg respectively, are at rest on a smooth horizontal plane. P is projected directly towards Q with speed 4u ms -1. At the same instant, Q is projected directly towards P with speed u ms -1. After P and Q collide, P moves with speed 2 ms -1 and Q moves with speed 4 ms -1. (a) Find the two possible values of u. [3] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ (b) Find the largest possible loss of kinetic energy in the collision. [2] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................
Mark scheme: Question Answer Marks Guidance 1(a) 0.1 4u − 0.3 =u 0.1+2 0.3 4 M1 For use of conservation of momentum once. Must have or 0.1 4u − 0.3 u = 0.1 −( 2 ) + 0.3 4 correct number of terms. Allow g included with all 4 masses and sign errors only. u = 14 A1 Must be positive. u = 10 A1 Must be positive. Allow Max M1 A1 A0 if g included with the masses. Note: 0.1 4u − 0.3 u = 0.1 2 + 0.3 −( 4 ) leading to u = 10 (or –10) scores A0. Maximum M1 A1 if more than 2 values of u stated. 3 1(b) 1 2 1 2 M1 For expression or equivalent difference. Allow sign 0.1 ( 4 their 14 ) + 0.3 ( their 14 ) errors only. Using their 14 which is the larger of the 2 2 2 values found in part (a). If only one value of u found in 1 2 1 2 − 0.1 2 − 0.3 4 part (a) then M0. If no value for u substituted, then 2 2 M0. = (156.8 + 29.4 − 0.2 − 2.4 ) Largest loss = 183.6 J A1 918 Allow − 183.6, . This mark is dependent on 5 full marks in part (a). Condone negative values for u and v used. If calculating both KE losses, then largest must be chosen for this mark. Condone 184 CWO. 2
Q2 · A van of mass 4500 kg is towing a trailer of mass 350 kg along a straight horizontal road
2 A van of mass 4500 kg is towing a trailer of mass 350 kg along a straight horizontal road. The van and trailer are connected by a light rigid tow-bar which is parallel to the road. There are resistance forces of X N on the van and 120 N on the trailer. The driving force produced by the van’s engine is 2500 N. The tension in the tow-bar is T N, and the acceleration of the van is 0.4 ms -2. Find the value of X and the value of T. [4] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................................................................
Mark scheme: 2 Attempt at Newton’s Second law on either van, trailer or the system *M1 Must have correct number of terms. Allow sign errors. Dimensionally correct. T − 120 = 350 0.4 A1 Any 2 correct equations. 2500 − X − T = 4500 0.4 2500 − X − 120 = ( 4500 + 350 ) 0.4 Attempt to solve for either T or X DM1 From equation(s) with correct number of dimensionally correct terms. Must get T = or X = . T = 260 X = 440 A1 Both correct. 4
Q3 · V (m s–1) 5 0 t (s) 0 20 40 50 T The diagram shows a velocity-time graph which models the…
3 v (m s–1) 5 0 t (s) 0 20 40 50 T The diagram shows a velocity-time graph which models the motion of a particle. The graph consists of 3 straight line segments. The velocity of the particle at time t s after passing a fixed point O is v ms -1. The particle leaves O with a velocity of 5 ms -1 and accelerates at 0.75 ms -2 for 20 s. The particle then decelerates for the next 30 s. At t = 40 , the velocity of the particle is zero. After t = 40 , the particle starts to travel back to O, coming to rest at O at time T s. (a) Find the value of T. [5] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ (b) Find the acceleration of the particle from t = 50 to t = T . [2] ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................ .......................... ............................................................................................................................
Mark scheme: 3(a) 3 B1 Allow if seen on diagram. Velocity at t = 20 is 5 + 20 = 20 m s–1 4 Speed at t = 50 is 10 m s-1 B1 When v is minimum. Allow if seen on diagram. Allow −10. 1 1 *M1 Correct method to find the displacement up to t = 40 or Displacement at t = 40 is ( 5 + their 20 ) 20 + 20 their 20 = 450 t = 50. Follow through their 20. 2 2 1 1 OR ( ( their 20 − 5 ) 20 ) + 20 +5 20 their 20 = 450 2 2 OR Displacement at t = 50 is 1 1 ( 5 + their 20 ) 20 + ( their 20 − 10 ) 30 = 400 2 2 1 DM1 For an equation in T (or t) involving their displacement ( T − 40 ) their 10 = their 450 at either t = 40 or t = 50 and using their positive 10 2 which must have come from 1 1 0 − their 20 OR ( T − 50 ) their 10 + 10 their 10 = their 450 their 20 + 30 . Must lead to a value of 2 2 20 T > 0 unless correctly recovered. 1 OR ( T − 50 ) their 10 = their 400 2 T = 130 A1 Condone t = 130 or 130 5 3(b) their 10 M1 Correct method to find the acceleration using their 10 Acceleration = (or −10 ) and their T – dependent on both M marks in their 130 − 50 part (a) and must lead to a positive value for the acceleration. OR 0 = ( their ( −10 )) + a ( their 130 − 50 ) 1 A1 Acceleration = m s−2 or 0.125 m s−2 8 2
Q4 · A 30° O a° B P Q R 25 kg 20 kg m kg Three blocks P, Q and R, of masses 25 kg, 20 kg and m…
4 A 30° O a° B P Q R 25 kg 20 kg m kg Three blocks P, Q and R, of masses 25 kg, 20 kg and m kg respectively, are held in equilibrium by three light inextensible strings OP, OQ and OR. The strings OP and OR both pass over small fixed smooth pulleys A and B respectively, with P and R hanging vertically below the pulleys. The block Q hangs vertically below the point O. The angle between OA and the vertical is 30° and the angle BOQ = a° (see diagram). Find the value of m and the value of a. [6] .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................. ............................................................................................................................
Mark scheme: 4 For resolving in either direction to form an equation – diagram for reference: *M1 Correct number of terms. Allow sin/cos mix. Allow sign errors. Allow g missing. Equation must be in terms of m and only (so no marks until tensions replaced). For reference: TP = 25 g , TR = mg , TQ = 20 g , TP cos30 = TR cos+ TQ , TR sin= TP sin30 . 25 g cos30 − 20 g − mg cos= 0 [ 216.506− 200 − 10m cos= 0 ] A1 A0 if g missing. 25 g sin30 − mg sin = 0 125 − 10 m sin= 0 A1 A0 if g missing. −1 25 g sin30 DM1 For attempt to find α. Must get to '= Must come = tan from equations with the correct number of relevant 25 g cos30 − 20 g terms. −1 25 g sin30 OR = sin ( their m ) g 2 2 DM1 For attempt to find m or mg. mg = (25 g sin30) + ( 25 g cos30 − 20 g ) Must get to ‘m=’ or ‘mg=’ OR finding the tension in string OR (for reference if 25 g sin30 correct is 126.085…) and then using TR = mg . OR m = g sin ( their ) Must come from equations with the correct number of relevant terms. = 82.5 and m = 12.6 A1 AWRT 82.5, 12.6 ( = 82.4775 m = 12.608 ) A0 if g missing from original equations. 6
Q5 · A van of mass 2500 kg travelling at speed v ms -1 experiences a resistance force of kv 2 N
5 A van of mass 2500 kg travelling at speed v ms -1 experiences a resistance force of kv 2 N . The constant power of the van’s engine is 62.5 kW. (a) The steady speed that the van could maintain when moving along a straight horizontal road is 50 ms -1. Show that k = 0.5 , and find the acceleration of the van when its speed is 25 ms -1 on this straight horizontal road. 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The van begins to ascend a hill inclined at an angle i° to the horizontal. The van travels along a line of greatest slope of the hill. The speed of the van at the start of the hill is 20 ms -1 , and its acceleration is 5a ms -2. Later, on the same hill, the speed of the van is 30 ms -1 , and its acceleration is a ms -2 . The power of the van’s engine remains at 62.5 kW, and the resistance force remains at 0.5v 2 N . (b) Find the value of a and the value of i. 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Mark scheme: 5(a) 62500 = k 502 50 or 1250 = k 502 M1 For use of Power = DF v - allow 62.5 103 for 62500, allow 62500 = k 503 . k = 0.5 A1 AG – allow a correct equation followed by k = 0.5 . 62500 2 M1 For N2L with 3 terms; dimensionally correct but allow − 0.5 25 = 2500 a 25 62500 sign errors. If using ( = 1250 ) for the DF then 2500 − 312.5 = 2500 a 50 M0. Acceleration = 0.875 m s−2 A1 7 Allow . 8 4 5(b) Attempt at Newton’s second law at least once to form an equation *M1 With 4 relevant terms; allow sign errors; Allow sin/cos mix; condone 30 with 5a, 20 with a, but must be dimensionally correct. 62500 2 A2 A1 for either correct equation. − 0.5 30 − 2500 g sin = 2500 a 30 2083.33− 450 − 25000sin= 2500 a 62500 2 and − 0.5 20 − 2500 g sin = 2500 5 a 20 3125 − 200 − 25000sin= 12500 a 62500 2 62500 2 DM1 For attempt to solve for a or θ – from equations with − 0.5 20 − − 0.5 30 = 10000 a the correct number of relevant terms. 20 30 = 3 .00 and a = 0.129 A1 31 Allow a = , 0.129167… 240 Allow 0.130 (0.129973…) from using = 3 but not 0.13 unless greater accuracy seen. 5
Q6 · A 5 m i B 2.5 m C The diagram shows the vertical cross-section ABC of a rough waterslide
6 A 5 m i B 2.5 m C The diagram shows the vertical cross-section ABC of a rough waterslide. The section AB is a straight line of length 5 m inclined at an angle of i to the horizontal, where sin i = 0.8 . The point B is 2.5 m above the level of C. A man of mass 80 kg, modelled as a particle, slides down the waterslide, starting from rest at A. The coefficient of friction between the man and the straight section of the waterslide is 0.1. (a) Find the speed of the man at B. 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It is given that there is no change in the speed of the man when passing through B and that his speed at C is 11 ms -1. (b) Find the work done against the resistance force as the man moves from B to C. 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Mark scheme: 6(a) R = 80 g 0.6 = 480 B1 Allow 80 g cos53 (or better for = 53.1301) F = 0.1 80 g 0.6 = 48 *M1 For use of F = 0.1R with R = 80 g 0.6 or R = 80 g 0.8 or equivalent with cos53 or sin53 or better. 80 g 0.8 − F = 80 a a = 7.4 *M1 For attempt to find an equation for a using N2L with 3 terms; allow sign errors; allow sin/cos mix for the weight component with cos53 or sin53 or better. Allow F or their F. v 2 = ( 0 + ) 2 ( their a ) 5 DM1 For attempt to find v 2 or v using their positive a. Velocity = 8.60 m s−1 A1 Allow 74 but A0 for 8.6 if 3sf or better (8.6023…) answer not seen. Alternative for Q6(a) for candidates who use an energy method R = 80 g 0.6 = 480 B1 Allow 80 g cos53 (or better for = 53.1301). F = 0.1 80 g 0.6 = 48 *M1 For use of F = 0.1R with R = 80 g 0.6 or R = 80 g 0.8 , or equivalent with cos53 or sin53 or better. [Loss in] PE = 80 g 5 0.8 = 3200 B1 Allow cos53 or better for the 0.6 in the WD against friction term or sin 53 or better for the 0.8 in the PE OR work done [against] friction = 0.1 80 g 0.6 5 = 240 term. 1 2 DM1 For attempt at work energy equation. 3 relevant terms; 80 g 5 0.8 − 0.1 80 g 0.6 5 = 80 v allow sign errors; allow sin/cos mix (using 53 or 2 2 better) but must be dimensionally correct, terms that 3200 − 240 = 40v need a component should have a component. M0 if the distance in the WD against friction term is not 5. 6(a) Velocity = 8.60 m s−1 A1 Allow 74 but A0 for 8.6 if 3sf or better (8.6023…) answer not seen. 5 6(b) 1 2 1 2 B1FT FT their v 2 from part (a) . theirv Change in KE = 80 11 − 80 ( ) 2 2 Change in PE = 80 g 2.5 = 2000 B1 Including PE from A is B0. 1 2 1 2 M1 For attempt at work energy equation. 4 relevant terms; 80 g 2.5 − W = 80 11 − 80 their v ( ) allow sign errors but must be dimensionally correct. 2 2 2 M0 if using change in PE from A to C. 2000 − W = 4840 − 40 theirv ( ) Work done = 120 J A1 Allow 118(.4) from using 8.6(0) from part (a). Working must lead to a positive answer for the work done (so –120 oe is A0). 4
Q7 · A particle X moves in a straight line
7 A particle X moves in a straight line. The displacement of X from O at time t s after leaving O is s m, where s = 0.3t 2 + 0.6t for 0 G t G 4 . (a) Find the velocity of X at t = 4 . 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There is no change in the velocity of X at t = 4 . The velocity of X at t = T is 14.2 ms -1 . (b) (i) Find the value of T. 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(ii) Find the total distance travelled by X between t = 0 and t = T . 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Mark scheme: 7(a) v = 0.6t + 0.6 B1 Allow un-simplified. Velocity at t = 4 is 3 m s−1 B1 2 7(b)(i) 1 3 *M1 3 2 where k 0 or 0.3 For attempt at integration of 0.3t 2 to kt 2 ( + c ) Answer must be of the form kt 3 2 + scores M0. Do not Use of v = at or v = k1 ( t − 4 ) penalise missing c. 3 DM1 Use of their 3 from part (a) and t = 4 to find c (for 2 + c leading to c = Their 3 = 0.2 ( 4 ) reference if correct then c = 1.4) 3 OR using correct limits of 4 and T in their equation for T =v 0.2t 2 + 1.4 3 3 2 2 v e.g. 0.2t = 0.2 T − 8 . 4 3 DM1 For equating to 14.2. Allow in terms of t 14.2 = 0.2T 2 + their 1.4 Dependent on both previous M marks 3 OR equivalent e.g. 14.2 − their 3 = 0.2 T 2 − 8 . T = 16 A1 Allow 16 or t = 16. 4 7(b)(ii) Distance travelled in first 4 seconds = 7.2 m B1 5 *B1FT For integrating their v from part (b)(i) correctly which s = 0.08t 2 + 1.4t 3 must be of the form t 2 + with , 0 – allow un-simplified. 5 5 DM1 Correct use of limits 4 and their 16 ( > 4) must be 2 + 1.4 16 − 2 + 1.4 4 16 ) 4 ) 0.08 ( 0.08 ( equivalent to F(their 16) – F(4). = 81.92 + 22.4 − 2.56 − 5.6 = 104.32 − 8.16 = 96.16 Distance = 103.36 m A1 2584 Condone 103 or better CWO, . Do not ISW if, 25 for example, 103.36 + 7.2 = 110.56. If constant of integration c found, then must be correct, that is c = −0.96 . If no integration seen than max B1 for 7.2 and B1 for 103 m or better. 4
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