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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 ,   k 2  cm ,   k 3  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 9 16 . Find the value of b .

Markscheme

recognizing infinite geometric series with squares     (M1)

eg k 2 + k 4 + k 6 + ,   k 2 1 k 2

correct substitution into S = 9 16 (must substitute into formula)     (A2)

eg k 2 1 k 2 = 9 16

correct working     (A1)

eg 16 k 2 = 9 9 k 2 ,   25 k 2 = 9 ,   k 2 = 9 25

k = 3 5 (seen anywhere)     A1

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

eg r = k ,   S = b

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

eg b = k 1 k ,   b = n = 1 k n ,   b = k + k 2 + k 3 +

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

eg 3 5 1 3 5 ,   ( 3 5 ) ( 2 5 )

b = 3 2     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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