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Date November Example questions Marks available 6 Reference code EXN.2.AHL.TZ0.8
Level Additional Higher Level Paper Paper 2 Time zone Time zone 0
Command term Prove Question number 8 Adapted from N/A

Question

Prove by contradiction that log25 is an irrational number.

Markscheme

* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics senior examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the new MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared to formal exam papers.

assume there exist p,q where q1 such that log25=pq         M1A1

 

Note: Award M1 for attempting to write the negation of the statement as an assumption. Award A1 for a correctly stated assumption.

 

log25=pq5=2pq        A1

5q=2p         A1

 

EITHER

5 is a factor of 5q but not a factor of 2p        R1

 

OR

2 is a factor of 2p but not a factor of 5q        R1

 

OR

5q is odd and 2p is even        R1

 

THEN

no p,q (where q1) satisfy the equation 5q=2p and this is a contradiction        R1

so log25 is an irrational number        AG

 

[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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