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Date May 2021 Marks available 3 Reference code 21M.2.SL.TZ2.3
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 2 Time zone Time zone 2
Command term Find Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

An arithmetic sequence has first term 6060 and common difference -2.52.5.

Given that the kkth term of the sequence is zero, find the value of kk.

[2]
a.

Let SnSn denote the sum of the first nn terms of the sequence.

Find the maximum value of SnSn.

[3]
b.

Markscheme

attempt to use u1+(n-1)d=0u1+(n1)d=0            (M1)

60-2.5(k-1)=0602.5(k1)=0

k=25k=25                          A1

 

[2 marks]

a.

METHOD 1

attempting to express SnSn in terms of nn            (M1)

use of a graph or a table to attempt to find the maximum sum            (M1)

=750=750                A1

 

METHOD 2


EITHER

recognizing maximum occurs at n=25n=25           (M1)

S25=252(60+0), S25=252(2×60+24×-2.5)S25=252(60+0), S25=252(2×60+24×2.5)          (A1)


OR

attempting to calculate S24S24          (M1)

S24=242(2×60+23×-2.5)S24=242(2×60+23×2.5)          (A1)


THEN

=750=750                A1

 

[3 marks]

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Topic 1—Number and algebra » SL 1.2—Arithmetic sequences and series
Show 82 related questions
Topic 2—Functions » SL 2.6—Quadratic function
Topic 1—Number and algebra
Topic 2—Functions

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