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Date May 2017 Marks available 6 Reference code 17M.1.AHL.TZ1.H_8
Level Additional Higher Level Paper Paper 1 (without calculator) Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number H_8 Adapted from N/A

Question

Use the method of mathematical induction to prove that 4n+15n1 is divisible by 9 for nZ+.

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain minor differences in marking or structure.

let P(n) be the proposition that 4n+15n1 is divisible by 9

showing true for n=1     A1

iefor n=1, 41+15×11=18

which is divisible by 9, therefore P(1) is true

assume P(k) is true so 4k+15k1=9A, (AZ+)     M1

 

Note:     Only award M1 if “truth assumed” or equivalent.

 

consider 4k+1+15(k+1)1

=4×4k+15k+14

=4(9A15k+1)+15k+14     M1

=4×9A45k+18     A1

=9(4A5k+2) which is divisible by 9     R1

 

Note:     Award R1 for either the expression or the statement above.

 

since P(1) is true and P(k) true implies P(k+1) is true, therefore (by the principle of mathematical induction) P(n) is true for nZ+     R1

 

Note:     Only award the final R1 if the 2 M1s have been awarded.

 

[6 marks]

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Topic 1—Number and algebra » AHL 1.15—Proof by induction, contradiction, counterexamples
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Topic 1—Number and algebra

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