Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2007/ia/paper-1/5b/i/a/solution

For , the dot product equation says that the angle between and the oriented unit vector satisfies . Thus is fixed. More explicitly, using the orthogonal projection from the introductory solution,
Consequently the surface is one infinite nappe of a right circular cone, with apex at the origin, including the apex itself. The cone's axis points along , and its acute semi-angle is . Equivalently, is the cosine of the angle from the oriented axis. Squaring the original equation without retaining the sign of would incorrectly add the opposite nappe of a double circular cone. No base disk is included in this infinite lateral surface.

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