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Date May 2021 Marks available 5 Reference code 21M.1.SL.TZ1.3
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 1 (without calculator) Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Find Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

Consider an arithmetic sequence where u8=S8=8. Find the value of the first term, u1, and the value of the common difference, d.

Markscheme

METHOD 1 (finding u1 first, from S8)

4u1+8=8          (A1)

u1=-6          A1

u1+7d=8  OR  42u1+7d=8  (may be seen with their value of u1)          (A1)

attempt to substitute their u1          (M1)

d=2          A1

 

METHOD 2 (solving simultaneously)

u1+7d=8          (A1)

4u1+8=8  OR  42u1+7d=8  OR  u1=-3d          (A1)

attempt to solve linear or simultaneous equations          (M1)

u1=-6, d=2          A1A1

 

[5 marks]

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Topic 1—Number and algebra » SL 1.2—Arithmetic sequences and series
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Topic 1—Number and algebra

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