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Question Booklet 2

SACE SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods 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

5 questions

50 marks

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

Recommended time: Approximately 65 minutes · Complete examination: 130 minutes across both question booklets

Read Question Booklet 2 online

Skill Align

Skill Align SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods - Pack 0 - Question Booklet 2

Questions 7-11 | 50 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
50 marks

SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods — examination conditions

This bookletQuestions 7–11 · 50 marks · approximately 65 minutes
Complete examinationQuestion Booklets 1 and 2 · 100 marks · 130 minutes
  • The supervising centre supplies the current official formula sheet as a separate resource. It is not bundled with this Skill Align practice paper.
  • Candidates 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.
  • Candidates may bring two unfolded A4 sheets, using all four sides, containing their own handwritten notes.
  • Show sufficient working and logical steps. Give numerical answers to three significant figures unless a question says otherwise.
  • Write in blue or black pen. A sharp dark pencil may be used for diagrams and graphs.
Calculator 1 brand/model: ____________________ Calculator 2 brand/model: ____________________

Question Booklet 2

Answer all questions 7-11. Show complete working and steps of logic. Give numerical answers to three significant figures unless otherwise instructed.

Question 7

9 marks
A wetland water level is modelled by H(t)=3+2sin(pi t / 6) for 0leq tleq12, where t is months after January. Use calculus to relate the water level and its rate of change.
(a) 2 marks
Find H'(t).
(b) 2 marks
Find the maximum water level and when it occurs.
(c) 3 marks
Find the greatest magnitude of the rate of change and the times when it occurs.
(d) 2 marks
Explain the difference between the signs of H'(0) and H'(6).

Question 8

10 marks
During a 12-hour daylight period, a solar array produces power at rate r(t)=4+3sin(pi t / 12) kilowatts. The rate graph supports a numerical and exact energy comparison.
Graph Preview
0369127654time (hours)power (kW)
(a) 2 marks
Calculate r(t) at t=0,3,6,9,12, to three decimal places.
(b) 3 marks
Use these ordinates and the trapezoidal rule to estimate the energy produced.
(c) 3 marks
Find the exact energy int_0¹²r(t),dt, then give a three-significant-figure value.
(d) 2 marks
Classify the trapezoidal estimate and justify the classification.

Question 9

10 marks
A condition affects 8% of a population. A screening test has sensitivity 0.92 and specificity 0.95. The pathway diagram distinguishes true and false positive results.
Diagram Preview
condition 0.08no condition 0.92positive 0.92positive 0.05
(a) 3 marks
Find the probability that a randomly selected person tests positive.
(b) 3 marks
Find P(text(condition)mid+), to three significant figures.
(c) 2 marks
In 10 000 screenings, how many false positives are expected?
(d) 2 marks
Explain why a positive result does not imply a 92% chance of having the condition.

Question 10

11 marks
An open tray is formed by cutting squares of side x centimetres from the corners of a 24text( cm) by 16text( cm) sheet and folding the sides. The plan diagram defines the dimensions.
Diagram Preview
Original 24 cm by 16 cm sheet x cm by x cm x cm by x cm x cm by x cm x cm by x cm remaining base (24 - 2x) cm by (16 - 2x) cm dashed lines are folded to form sides of height x cm 24 cm 16 cm
(a) 3 marks
Show that V(x)=x(24-2x)(16-2x) and state the physical domain.
(b) 3 marks
Find the stationary values of x in exact form and identify the physical one.
(c) 2 marks
Use the second derivative to classify the physical stationary point.
(d) 2 marks
Find the maximum volume to three significant figures.
(e) 1 mark
State one practical limitation of the model.

Question 11

10 marks
A random sample of 64 service times has mean 18.4 minutes and standard deviation 4.8 minutes. Use a normal confidence coefficient for the calculations.
(a) 2 marks
Find the estimated standard error of the sample mean.
(b) 3 marks
Construct a 95% confidence interval for the population mean service time.
(c) 2 marks
Assess the claim that the population mean exceeds 20 minutes.
(d) 3 marks
Using s=4.8 as a planning value, find the minimum sample size for a 95% margin of error no greater than 0.8 minutes.

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.

Copyright (c) 2026 Skill Align. Free for personal, non-commercial online viewing at https://skillalign.au. You may share the Skill Align page link. Except as permitted by law or with Skill Align's prior written permission, the pack itself must not be resold, copied, redistributed, republished, automatically extracted, or uploaded to a question bank.

Worked Solutions And Marking Guide

Question 7

(a) H'(t)=((pi) / (3))cos(pi t / 6).

Differentiate the sine term using the chain rule.

(b) The maximum is 5text( m) at t=3.

The sine term is 1 when pi t / 6=pi / 2, so t=3 and H=5.

(c) pi / 3approx1.05text( m / month), at t=0,6,12.

The magnitude is greatest when |cos(pi t / 6)|=1, giving the stated times.

(d) At t=0 the level is rising; at t=6 it is falling at the same instantaneous speed.

H'(0)=pi / 3 and H'(6)=-pi / 3.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the derivative of sine and the inner derivative pi / 6; simplifies to H'(t)=(pi / 3)cos(pi t / 6).

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part b (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: solves sin(pi t / 6)=1 on the stated interval; states H(3)=5text( m).

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part c (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: recognises that |H'(t)| is maximised when |cos(pi t / 6)|=1; finds t=0,6,12 in the domain; reports the maximum magnitude pi / 3approx1.05text( m / month).

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part d (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the positive sign at t=0 to identify rising water; uses the negative sign at t=6 to identify falling water.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Question 8

(a) 4.000, 6.121, 7.000, 6.121, 4.000.

Substitute the five times into the rate model.

(b) Approximately 69.7text( kWh).

With width 3, the estimate is frac32[4+2(6.121+7+6.121)+4]approx69.7.

(c) 48+((72) / (pi))approx70.9text( kWh).

An antiderivative is 4t-((36) / (pi))cos(pi t / 12). Evaluation gives 48+72 / pi.

(d) It is an underestimate because the rate curve is concave down over the interval.

For 0<t<12, r''(t)=-((pi²) / (48))sin(pi t / 12)<0, so the trapezoidal chords lie below the curve.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: evaluates the two endpoints and midpoint correctly; reports the symmetric five-ordinate list to three decimal places.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses trapezoid width h=3; applies endpoint weights 1 and interior weights 2; evaluates the estimate as 69.7text( kWh).

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part c (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses a correct antiderivative for the sine term; evaluates the bounds to obtain 48+72 / pi; reports 70.9text( kWh) to three significant figures.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part d (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: establishes that the rate graph is concave down on the daylight interval; concludes that the trapezoidal estimate is an underestimate.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.

Question 9

(a) P(+)=0.1196.

P(+)=0.08(0.92)+0.92(0.05)=0.0736+0.0460=0.1196.

(b) Approximately 0.615.

Bayes' rule gives 0.0736 / 0.1196approx0.615385.

(c) 460 false positives.

10000(0.92)(0.05)=460.

(d) The 92% is sensitivity conditioned on already having the condition; the required probability also depends on prevalence and false positives.

The conditioning direction differs, and the low prevalence makes false positives a substantial share of positive results.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: calculates the true-positive pathway 0.08(0.92)=0.0736; calculates the false-positive pathway 0.92(0.05)=0.0460; adds the disjoint pathways to obtain 0.1196.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the joint true-positive probability 0.0736; divides by the total positive probability 0.1196; reports the conditional probability as 0.615.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part c (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the false-positive probability 0.0460; multiplies by 10000 to obtain 460.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part d (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: distinguishes P(+midtext(condition)) from P(text(condition)mid+); explains the effect of prevalence or false positives.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Question 10

(a) V(x)=x(24-2x)(16-2x), for 0<x<8.

The height is x, and the base dimensions are 24-2x and 16-2x. Both must be positive.

(b) x=((20pm4sqrt7) / (3)); the physical value is ((20-4sqrt7) / (3))approx3.14.

V'=12x²-160x+384=4(3x²-40x+96). Solving gives the two roots; only the smaller lies in 0<x<8.

(c) It is a local maximum.

V''(x)=24x-160, which is negative at x=(20-4sqrt7) / 3.

(d) Approximately 541text( cm)^3.

Substitution of x=(20-4sqrt7) / 3 gives Vapprox540.829text( cm)^3.

(e) It ignores material thickness or loss at the folds.

The geometric model assumes perfect cuts and folds with negligible thickness.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: identifies the tray dimensions x, 24-2x and 16-2x; forms their product for the volume; states the physical domain 0<x<8.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: differentiates to obtain V'=12x²-160x+384; solves the quadratic to obtain (20pm4sqrt7) / 3; rejects the larger root using the physical domain.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part c (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: finds V''(x)=24x-160; shows that V''<0 at the physical stationary point.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.

Part d (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: substitutes the unrounded physical stationary value into V(x); reports 541text( cm)³ to three significant figures.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part e (1 mark)

Award the 1 available mark for the following observable evidence: states a relevant physical limitation of the tray model.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.

Question 11

(a) SE(bar X)=0.600 minutes.

SE(bar X)=s / sqrt n=4.8 / √64=0.6.

(b) Approximately (17.2,19.6) minutes.

18.4pm1.96(0.6)=(17.224,19.576), which rounds to (17.2,19.6).

(c) The data do not support the claim because the whole interval lies below 20 minutes.

The upper endpoint is approximately 19.6<20.

(d) n=139.

Require 1.96(4.8) / sqrt nleq0.8. Thus ngeq(1.96(4.8) / 0.8)²=138.298ldots, so round up to 139.

Detailed marking criteria

Part a (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses s / sqrt n; evaluates the standard error as 0.600 minutes.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part b (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: uses the 95% coefficient 1.96; forms 18.4pm1.96(0.6); reports (17.2,19.6) minutes to three significant figures.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part c (2 marks)

Award the 2 available marks for the following observable evidence: compares 20 with the confidence interval; states a population-level conclusion consistent with the comparison.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Part d (3 marks)

Award the 3 available marks for the following observable evidence: forms the margin-of-error inequality 1.96(4.8) / sqrt nleq0.8; obtains ngeq138.298ldots; rounds upward to the minimum integer 139.

Acceptable alternatives: Accept algebraically equivalent exact forms and any logically equivalent sequence of valid steps.; Accept a calculator-supported value that rounds to the stated answer using unrounded intermediate values.

Do not credit by itself: Do not award evidence that is only asserted when the prompt requires working, reasoning or interpretation.; Prematurely rounded intermediate values that change the final three-significant-figure result are not acceptable.

Diagnostic Checklist

TopicQuestionsMarksMarks LostAction
Further Differentiation and Applications Q7 9 ___ Rework Q7: practise trigonometric differentiation extrema steepest rate and contextual interpretation. Check every labelled part against the evidence-specific criterion and retain unrounded values until the final answer.
Integral Calculus Q8 10 ___ Rework Q8: practise trapezoidal rule exact integration approximation comparison and concavity. Check every labelled part against the evidence-specific criterion and retain unrounded values until the final answer.
Discrete Random Variables Q9 10 ___ Rework Q9: practise conditional probability total probability false positives and predictive value. Check every labelled part against the evidence-specific criterion and retain unrounded values until the final answer.
Further Differentiation and Applications Q10 11 ___ Rework Q10: practise optimisation domain cubic volume stationary point second derivative and limitation. Check every labelled part against the evidence-specific criterion and retain unrounded values until the final answer.
Sampling and Confidence Intervals Q11 10 ___ Rework Q11: practise standard error population mean confidence interval interpretation and sample size. Check every labelled part against the evidence-specific criterion and retain unrounded values until the final answer.

What is included

Question Booklet 1 questions (50 marks)

Question Booklet 2 questions (50 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 Mathematical Methods 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.