Introduction
This STEP support module includes some curve sketching, equation solving and an introduction to fractal. Previous assignments can be found here, but you can do this one without having done the others first.
STEP questions are difficult, they are supposed to be and you should expect to get stuck. However, as you tackle more and more STEP questions you will develop a range of problem solving skills (and spend less time "being stuck").
About this assignment
The assignment is published as a pdf file below. Each STEP Support assignment module starts with a warm-up exercise, followed by preparatory work leading to a STEP question. Finally, there is a warm-down exercise.
The warm up for this assignment asks you to sketch some graphs.
The main STEP question (2014 STEP 1 Question 3) involves a relationship between two integrals.
The final question introduces the Koch Snowflake fractal.
For more on fractals, see this Plus maths article. You can find out more about the fractal dimensions of coastlines here.
Hints, support and self evaluation
The “Hints and partial solutions for Assignment 18” file gives suggestions on how you can tackle the questions, and some common pitfalls to avoid, as well as some partial solutions and answers.
Here is a Worked Video Solution to the STEP question from this assignment.