Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17M.1.sl.TZ2.9 |
Level | SL only | Paper | 1 | Time zone | TZ2 |
Command term | Find | 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.
Find the value of \({u_5}\).
Find the smallest value of \(n\) for which \({u_n}\) is less than \({10^{ - 3}}\).
Markscheme
\(\frac{1}{2}{\text{ }}(0.5)\) (A1) (C1)
[1 mark]
\(18 \times {\left( {\frac{1}{2}} \right)^4}\) (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]
\(18 \times {\left( {\frac{1}{2}} \right)^{n - 1}} < {10^{ - 3}}\) (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]