Exam questions · Maths · Vectors, Constructions and Loci
Loci
- 6 exam questions
- 19 marks
- 9 quick checks
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1 Draw [2 marks]
Draw the locus of all the points that are 3 cm from a point \(P\).
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Model answer
The locus is a circle with centre \(P\) and radius 3 cm.
Mark scheme
- A circle — M1
- With centre \(P\) and radius 3 cm — A1
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2 Shade [4 marks]
The diagram shows a rectangular garden \(ABCD\), drawn to a scale of 1 cm to 1 m. A bush must be planted so that it is closer to \(AB\) than to \(AD\), and less than 6 m from \(A\). Show how to find the region where the bush could be planted. (4 marks)
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Model answer
Bisect the angle at \(A\), which makes a \(45^\circ\) line from \(A\). The region closer to \(AB\) is below this line. Draw an arc of radius 6 cm with centre \(A\). The region is inside the arc, below the bisector, and inside the rectangle.
Mark scheme
- Angle bisector at \(A\), with arcs — M1
- Side nearer \(AB\) chosen — A1
- Arc of radius 6 cm centred on \(A\) — M1
- The correct region shaded, inside the rectangle — A1
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3 Draw [3 marks]
\(A\) and \(B\) are two points 6 cm apart. Describe the locus of the points that are the same distance from \(A\) and from \(B\), and say how far from \(A\) it crosses the line \(AB\).
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Model answer
The locus is the perpendicular bisector of \(AB\). It crosses \(AB\) at its midpoint, which is 3 cm from \(A\).
Mark scheme
- The perpendicular bisector — M1
- Of the line AB — A1
- 3 cm from A — B1
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4 Draw [3 marks]
\(PQ\) is a line of length 5 cm. Describe the locus of the points that are 2 cm from the line \(PQ\), and work out the length of the straight parts of it.
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Model answer
The locus is two straight lines, 2 cm from \(PQ\) on each side and parallel to it, joined by semicircles of radius 2 cm round \(P\) and \(Q\). Each straight part is 5 cm long, so the straight parts total \(2 \times 5 = 10\) cm.
Mark scheme
- Two parallel lines 2 cm from PQ — M1
- Semicircles at both ends — A1
- 10 cm — B1
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5 Shade [4 marks]
\(P\) and \(Q\) are two points 6 cm apart. Shade the region of points that are closer to \(P\) than to \(Q\) and are less than 4 cm from \(Q\). (4 marks)
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Model answer
Construct the perpendicular bisector of \(PQ\), which is 3 cm from each point, and draw a circle of radius 4 cm around \(Q\). The region is inside the circle and on the \(P\) side of the bisector.
Mark scheme
- Perpendicular bisector of PQ with arcs — M1
- The \(P\) side chosen — A1
- Circle of radius 4 cm centred on \(Q\) — M1
- The correct region shaded — A1
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6 Work out [3 marks]
\(A\) and \(B\) are 8 cm apart. Is there a point that is closer to \(B\) than to \(A\) and less than 3 cm from \(A\)? Explain your answer.
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Model answer
No. The points that are closer to \(B\) than \(A\) are more than 4 cm from \(A\), because the perpendicular bisector is 4 cm from \(A\). A point less than 3 cm from \(A\) is inside a circle that does not reach the bisector.
Mark scheme
- No — B1
- The bisector is 4 cm from \(A\) — M1
- The circle of radius 3 cm does not reach it — A1
Quick check
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1
What is the locus of points 3 cm from a point \(P\)?
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A: A circle with centre \(P\) and radius 3 cm
All points the same distance from \(P\) form a circle.
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2
What is the locus of points that are the same distance from two points \(A\) and \(B\)?
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D: The perpendicular bisector of \(AB\)
Every point on the perpendicular bisector is equidistant from \(A\) and \(B\).
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3
What is the locus of points that are the same distance from two lines that meet at a point?
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C: The bisector of the angle between the lines
The angle bisector is equidistant from both arms.
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4
On a drawing, which region is “less than 3 cm from \(P\)”?
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B: Inside the circle of radius 3 cm around \(P\)
Less than 3 cm means closer than the circle, so inside it.
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5
What is the locus of points 2 cm from a line segment?
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A: Parallel lines 2 cm on each side with semicircular ends
Near the ends, the points 2 cm away form semicircles.
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6
\(A\) and \(B\) are two points. Which side of the perpendicular bisector is “closer to \(A\) than \(B\)”?
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D: The side containing \(A\)
Points nearer to \(A\) are on \(A\)'s side of the bisector.
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7
On a scale drawing with 1 cm for 1 m, a tree must be within 4 m of a post. What do you draw?
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C: A circle of radius 4 cm around the post
4 m is 4 cm on the drawing.
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8
A rectangle \(ABCD\) has \(A\) at the bottom left and \(B\) to its right. Which line separates the points closer to \(AB\) from those closer to \(AD\)?
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B: The bisector of angle \(A\)
The angle bisector at \(A\) is the same distance from \(AB\) and \(AD\).
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9
\(A\) and \(B\) are 8 cm apart. Is there a point closer to \(B\) than \(A\) that is less than 3 cm from \(A\)?
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A: No
The bisector is 4 cm from \(A\), and a circle of radius 3 cm around \(A\) does not reach it.