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Date November 2017 Marks available 9 Reference code 17N.1.SL.TZ0.S_10
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 1 (without calculator) Time zone Time zone 0
Command term Find Question number S_10 Adapted from N/A

Question

The following diagram shows [CD], with length b cm, where b>1. Squares with side lengths k cm, k2 cm, k3 cm, , where 0<k<1, are drawn along [CD]. This process is carried on indefinitely. The diagram shows the first three squares.

N17/5/MATME/SP1/ENG/TZ0/10.b

The total sum of the areas of all the squares is 916. Find the value of b.

Markscheme

recognizing infinite geometric series with squares     (M1)

egk2+k4+k6+, k21k2

correct substitution into S=916 (must substitute into formula)     (A2)

egk21k2=916

correct working     (A1)

eg16k2=99k2, 25k2=9, k2=925

k=35 (seen anywhere)     A1

valid approach with segments and CD (may be seen earlier)     (M1)

egr=k, S=b

correct expression for b in terms of k (may be seen earlier)     (A1)

egb=k1k, b=n=1kn, b=k+k2+k3+

substituting their value of k into their formula for b     (M1)

eg35135, (35)(25)

b=32     A1     N3

[9 marks]

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Topic 1—Number and algebra » SL 1.3—Geometric sequences and series
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