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Date May 2017 Marks available 1 Reference code 17M.1.sl.TZ2.9
Level SL only Paper 1 Time zone TZ2
Command term Write down Question number 9 Adapted from N/A

Question

Consider the geometric sequence \({u_1} = 18,{\text{ }}{u_2} = 9,{\text{ }}{u_3} = 4.5,{\text{ }} \ldots \).

Write down the common ratio of the sequence.

[1]
a.

Find the value of \({u_5}\).

[2]
b.

Find the smallest value of \(n\) for which \({u_n}\) is less than \({10^{ - 3}}\).

[3]
c.

Markscheme

\(\frac{1}{2}{\text{ }}(0.5)\)     (A1)     (C1)

[1 mark]

a.

\(18 \times {\left( {\frac{1}{2}} \right)^4}\)     (M1)

 

Note:     Award (M1) for their correct substitution into the geometric sequence formula. Accept a list of their five correct terms.

 

\(1.125{\text{ }}\left( {1.13,{\text{ }}\frac{9}{8}} \right)\)     (A1)(ft)     (C2)

 

Note:     Follow through from their common ratio from part (a).

 

[2 marks]

b.

\(18 \times {\left( {\frac{1}{2}} \right)^{n - 1}} < {10^{ - 3}}\)     (M1)(M1)

 

Notes:     Award (M1) for their correct substitution into the geometric sequence formula with a variable in the exponent, (M1) for comparing their expression with \({10^{ - 3}}{\text{ }}\left( {\frac{1}{{1000}}} \right)\).

Accept an equation.

 

\(n = 16\)     (A1)(ft)     (C3)

 

Note:     Follow through from their common ratio from part (a). “\(n\)” must be a positive integer for the (A1) to be awarded.

 

[3 marks]

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Topic 1 - Number and algebra » 1.8
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