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 -2.5−2.5.
Given that the kkth term of the sequence is zero, find the value of kk.
Let SnSn denote the sum of the first nn terms of the sequence.
Find the maximum value of SnSn.
Markscheme
attempt to use u1+(n-1)d=0u1+(n−1)d=0 (M1)
60-2.5(k-1)=060−2.5(k−1)=0
k=25k=25 A1
[2 marks]
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]