exponential and logarithm [113

marks]

The temperature T °C of water t minutes after being poured into a cup can be
modelled by T = T0 e−kt where t ≥ 0 and T0 , k are positive constants.
The water is initially boiling at 100 °C. When t = 10, the temperature of the water
is 70 °C.

1a. Show that T0 = 100. [1 mark]

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.
when t = 0, T = 100 ⇒ 100 = T0 e0 A1
so T0 = 100 AG
[1 mark]

1b. Show that k = 1 ln 10 . [3 marks]

10 7
 Markscheme
correct substitution of t = 10, T = 70 M1
7
70 = 100e−10k or e−10k = 10
EITHER
7
−10k = ln 10
A1
7
ln 10
= − ln 10
7
or − ln 7
10
= ln 10
7
A1

OR
e10k = 10
7
A1
10
10k = ln 7
A1

THEN
1
k= 10
ln 10
7
AG

[3 marks]

1c. Find the temperature of the water when t = 15. [2 marks]

Markscheme
substitutes t = 15 into T (M1)
T = 58. 6 (°C) A1
[2 marks]

1d. Sketch the graph of T versus t, clearly indicating any asymptotes with [4 marks]
their equations and stating the coordinates of any points of intersection
with the axes.
 Markscheme

a decreasing exponential A1
starting at(0, 100) labelled on the graph or stated A1
T → 0 as t → ∞ A1
horizontal asymptote T = 0 labelled on the graph or stated A1
Note: Award A0 for stating y = 0 as the horizontal asymptote.
[4 marks]

1e. Find the time taken for the water to have a temperature of 50 °C. Give [4 marks]
your answer correct to the nearest second.

Markscheme
1
100e−kt = 50 where k = 10
ln 10
7
A1

EITHER
uses an appropriate graph to attempt to solve for t (M1)
OR
1 1 10
manipulates logs to attempt to solve for t e.g. ln 2 =(− 10 ln 7
)t (M1)
t= ln2 = 19. 433 … A1
1 10
ln
10 7

THEN
temperature will be 50 °C after 19 minutes and 26 seconds A1
[4 marks]
1f. The model for the temperature of the water can also be expressed in the [3 marks]
t
form T = T0 a 10 for t ≥ 0 and a is a positive constant.
Find the exact value of a .

Markscheme
METHOD 1
t
substitutes T0 = 100, t = 10 and T = 70 into T = T0 a 10 (M1)
10
70 = 100a 10 A1
7
a= 10
A1

METHOD 2
t
1
100a 10 = 100e−kt where k = 10
ln 10
7
EITHER
1
e−k = a 10 ⇒ a = e−10k (M1)
OR
10
( - 101 ln )t
a = (e )
10 t
7 (M1)

THEN

a = e− ln 7 (= eln 10 ) A1
10 7

7
a= 10
A1

[3 marks]

Consider the function f(x)= ax where x, a ∈ R and x > 0, a > 1.

The graph of f contains the point ( 23 , 4).

2a. Show that a = 8. [2 marks]

 Markscheme
2
f( 23 )= 4 OR a 3 = 4 (M1)
3 3
a = 4 2 OR a = (22 ) 2 OR a2 = 64 OR √
3 a =2 A1
a=8 AG

[2 marks]

2b. Write down an expression for f −1 (x). [1 mark]

Markscheme
f −1 (x)= log8 x A1

Note: Accept f −1 (x)= loga x.

Accept any equivalent expression for f −1 e.g. f −1 (x)= ln x .
ln8

[1 mark]

Find the value of f −1 (√32).

2c. [3 marks]
 Markscheme
correct substitution (A1)
1
log8 √32 OR 8x = 32 2

correct working involving log/index law (A1)

5
1 5 1
2 log 8 32 OR 2 log 8 2 OR log8 2 = 3
OR log2 2 2 OR log2 8 = 3 OR
5
5
ln2 2
ln23
OR 2 3x = 2 2

f −1 (√32)= 5
6
A1

[3 marks]

Consider the arithmetic sequence log 8 27 , log8 p , log8 q , log8 125 , where
p > 1 and q > 1.

2d. Show that 27, p, q and 125 are four consecutive terms in a geometric [4 marks]
sequence.
 Markscheme
METHOD 1
equating a pair of differences (M1)
u2 − u1 = u4 − u3 (= u3 − u2 )
log8 p − log8 27 = log8 125 − log8 q
log8 125 − log8 q = log8 q − log8 p
p
log8 ( 27 )= log8 ( 125
q
) , log8 ( 125
q
)= log8 ( qp ) A1A1

125
and 125
p q
27
= q q
= p
A1

27, p, q and 125 are in geometric sequence AG

Note: If candidate assumes the sequence is geometric, award no marks

for part (i). If r = 53 has been found, this will be awarded marks in part (ii).

METHOD 2
expressing a pair of consecutive terms, in terms of d (M1)
p = 8d × 27 and q = 82d × 27 OR q = 82d × 27 and 125 = 83d × 27
two correct pairs of consecutive terms, in terms of d A1
8d×27 82d×27 83d×27
27
= = (must include 3 ratios) A1
8d×27 82d×27
all simplify to 8d A1
27, p, q and 125 are in geometric sequence AG

[4 marks]

2e. Find the value of p and the value of q. [5 marks]

 Markscheme
METHOD 1 (geometric, finding r)
u4 = u1 r3 OR 125 = 27(r)3 (M1)
5
r= 3
(seen anywhere) A1

p= 27r OR 125q
= 53 (M1)

p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

METHOD 2 (arithmetic)
u4 = u1 + 3d OR log8 125 = log8 27 + 3d (M1)

d = log8 ( 53 ) (seen anywhere) A1

log8 p = log8 27 + log8 ( 53 ) OR log8 q = log8 27 + 2 log8 ( 53 )

(M1)
p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

METHOD 3 (geometric using proportion)

recognizing proportion (M1)
pq = 125 × 27 OR q 2 = 125p OR p2 = 27q
two correct proportion equations A1
attempt to eliminate either p or q (M1)
125×27 125×27
q 2 = 125 × q
OR p2 = 27 × p
p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

[5 marks]

1
3. Solve the equation log3 √x = 2log2 3
+ log3 (4x3 ), where x > 0. [5 marks]
 Markscheme
attempt to use change the base (M1)
log3 2
log3 √x = 2 + log3 (4x3 )
attempt to use the power rule (M1)
log3 √x = log3 √2 + log3 (4x3 )
attempt to use product or quotient rule for logs, ln a + ln b = ln ab
(M1)

log3 √x = log3 (4√2x3 )

Note: The M marks are for attempting to use the relevant log rule and may
be applied in any order and at any time during the attempt seen.

√x = 4√2x3
x = 32x6
1
x5 = 32
(A1)
1
x= 2 A1

[5 marks]

2
Consider the function f(x)= e−x − 0. 5, for −2 ≤ x ≤ 2.

4a. Find the values of x for which f(x) = 0. [2 marks]

Markscheme
x = −0. 832554 … , x = 0. 832554 …
x = −0. 833, x = 0. 833 A1A1

[2 marks]
4b. Sketch the graph of f on the following grid. [3 marks]

Markscheme

A1A1A1

Note: Award A1 for approximately correct shape. Only if this mark

is awarded, award A1 for approximately correct roots and maximum point and
A1 for approximately correct endpoints.
Allow −1 < x ≤ −0. 8, 0. 8 ≤ x < 1 for roots, x = 0, 0. 4 ≤ y ≤ 0. 6
for maximum and x = ±2, − 0. 6 ≤ y ≤ −0. 4 for endpoints.

[3 marks]
 All living plants contain an isotope of carbon called carbon-14. When a plant dies,
the isotope decays so that the amount of carbon-14 present in the remains of the
plant decreases. The time since the death of a plant can be determined by
measuring the amount of carbon-14 still present in the remains.
The amount, A, of carbon-14 present in a plant t years after its death can be
modelled by A = A0 e−kt where t ≥ 0 and A0 , k are positive constants.
At the time of death, a plant is defined to have 100 units of carbon-14.

5a. Show that A0 = 100. [1 mark]

Markscheme
100 = A0 e0 A1
A0 = 100 AG
[1 mark]

The time taken for half the original amount of carbon-14 to decay is known to be
5730 years.

5b. Show that k = ln2 . [3 marks]

5730
 Markscheme
correct substitution of values into exponential equation (M1)
1
50 = 100e−5730k OR e−5730k = 2

EITHER
1
−5730k = ln 2 A1
1 1
ln 2 = − ln 2 OR − ln 2 = ln 2 A1

OR
e5730k = 2 A1
5730k = ln 2 A1

THEN
k= ln2 AG
5730

Note: There are many different ways of showing that k = 5730 ln2 which involve

showing different steps. Award full marks for at least two correct algebraic
steps seen.
[3 marks]

5c. Find, correct to the nearest 10 years, the time taken after the plant’s [3 marks]
death for 25% of the carbon-14 to decay.
 Markscheme
if 25% of the carbon-14 has decayed, 75% remains ie, 75 units remain (A1)
ln2
75 = 100e− 5730 t

EITHER
using an appropriate graph to attempt to solve for t (M1)

OR
manipulating logs to attempt to solve for t (M1)
ln2 t
ln 0. 75 = − 5730
t = 2378. 164 …

THEN
t = 2380 (years) (correct to the nearest 10 years) A1
[3 marks]

Let f(x)= a log3 (x − 4), for x > 4, where a > 0.

Point A(13, 7) lies on the graph of f .

6a. Find the value of a . [3 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
attempt to substitute coordinates (in any order) into f (M1)
eg a log3 (13 − 4)= 7 , a log3 (7 − 4)= 13 , a log 9 = 7
finding log 3 9 = 2 (seen anywhere) (A1)
eg log 3 9 = 2 , 2a = 7
7
a= 2 A1 N2
[3 marks]

(5, 0)
6b. Thex-intercept of the graph of f is (5, 0). [3 marks]
On the following grid, sketch the graph of f .

Markscheme

A1A1A1 N3

Note: Award A1 for correct shape of logarithmic function (must be increasing

and concave down).
Only if the shape is correct, award the following:
A1 for being asymptotic to x = 4
A1 for curve including both points in circles.
[3 marks]
 Jean-Pierre jumps out of an airplane that is flying at constant altitude. Before
opening his parachute, he goes through a period of freefall.
Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed during the time of freefall, S, in m s−1 , is modelled by
the following function.
S(t)= K − 60(1. 2−t ), t ≥ 0
where t, is the number of seconds after he jumps out of the airplane, and K is a
constant. A sketch of Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed against time is shown below.

Jean-Pierre’s initial vertical speed is 0 m s−1 .

7a. Find the value of K. [2 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure. It appeared in a paper that
permitted the use of a calculator, and so might not be suitable for all forms of
practice.
0 = K − 60(1. 20 ) (M1)

Note: Award (M1) for correctly substituted function equated to zero.

(K =) 60 (A1) (C2)

[2 marks]

7b. In the context of the model, state what the horizontal asymptote [1 mark]
represents.
 Markscheme
the (vertical) speed that Jean-Pierre is approaching (as t increases) (A1)
(C1)
OR
the limit of the (vertical) speed of Jean-Pierre (A1) (C1)

Note: Accept “maximum speed” or “terminal speed”.

[1 mark]

7c. Find Jean-Pierre’s vertical speed after 10 seconds. Give your answer in [3 marks]
km h−1 .

Markscheme
(S =) 60 − 60(1. 2−10 ) (M1)

Note: Award (M1) for correctly substituted function.

(S =) 50. 3096 … (m s−1 ) (A1)(ft)

Note: Follow through from part (a).

181 (kmh−1 ) (181. 114 … (kmh−1 )) (A1)(ft) (C3)

Note: Award the final (A1)(ft) for correct conversion of their speed to km h−1
.

[3 marks]

1
R
 Consider the series ln x + p ln x + 13 ln x + …, where x ∈ R, x > 1 and
p ∈ R, p ≠ 0.

Consider the case where the series is geometric.

8a. Show that 1 [2 marks]

p=± .
√3

Markscheme
EITHER
attempt to use a ratio from consecutive terms M1
1
ln x
pln x
ln x
= 3
pln x
OR 13 ln 1
x =(ln x)r2 OR p ln x = ln x( 3p )

1
Note: Candidates may use ln x1 + ln xp + ln x 3 … and consider the powers
of x in geometric sequence
1
p
Award M1 for 1 = 3
p
.

OR
1
r = p and r2 = 3
M1

THEN
1 1
p2 = 3
OR r=± A1
√3
1
p=± AG
√3

1 1
Note: Award M0A0 for r2 = 3
or p2 = 3
with no other working seen.

[2 marks]

8b. Given that p > 0 and S∞ = 3 + √3, find the value of x. [3 marks]
 Markscheme
ln x
1 (= 3 + √3) (A1)
1−
√3

3 √3
ln x = 3 − + √3 − OR ln x = 3 − √3 + √3 − 1 (⇒ ln x = 2)
√3 √3
A1
x = e2 A1

[3 marks]

Now consider the case where the series is arithmetic with common difference d.

8c. Show that p = 23 . [3 marks]

Markscheme
METHOD 1
attempt to find a difference from consecutive terms or from u2 M1
correct equation A1
p ln x − ln x = 13 ln x − p ln x OR 1
3
ln x = ln x + 2(p ln x − ln x)

1
Note: Candidates may use ln x1 + ln xp + ln x 3 + … and consider the
powers of x in arithmetic sequence.
1
Award M1A1 for p−1= 3
−p

2p ln x = 43 ln x (⇒ 2p = 43 ) A1
2
p= 3
AG

METHOD 2
u 1+ u 3
attempt to use arithmetic mean u2 = 2 M1
1
ln x+ ln x
p ln x = 2
3
A1

2p ln x = 43 ln x (⇒ 2p = 43 ) A1
2
p= 3
AG

METHOD 3
attempt to find difference using u3 M1
1
3
ln x = ln x + 2d (⇒ d = − 13 ln x)

u2 = ln x + 12 ( 13 ln x − ln x) OR p ln x − ln x = − 13 ln x A1

p ln x = 23 ln x A1
2
p= 3
AG

[3 marks]

ln ∈Q
8d. Write down d in the form k ln x, where k ∈ Q. [1 mark]

Markscheme
d = − 13 ln x A1

[1 mark]

8e. The sum of the first n terms of the series is −3 ln x. [6 marks]

Find the value of n.
Markscheme
METHOD 1
Sn = n [2
2 ln x +(n − 1)×(− 13 ln x)]
attempt to substitute into Sn and equate to −3 ln x (M1)
n [2
2 ln x +(n − 1)×(− 13 ln x)]= −3 ln x
correct working with Sn (seen anywhere) (A1)
n [2 ln x − n ln x + 1 ln n ( n−1 )
2 3 3
x] OR n ln x − 6
ln x OR
n (ln x +( 4− n
)ln x)
2 3

correct equation without ln x A1

n( 7 n ( n−1 )
2 3 − n3 )= −3 OR n − 6
= −3 or equivalent

Note: Award as above if the series 1 + p + 13 + … is considered leading to

n( 7 − n3 )= −3.
2 3

attempt to form a quadratic =0 (M1)

n2 − 7n − 18 = 0
attempt to solve their quadratic (M1)
(n − 9)(n + 2)= 0
n=9 A1

METHOD 2
listing the first 7 terms of the sequence (A1)
ln x + 23 ln x + 13 ln x + 0 − 13 ln x − 23 ln x − ln x + …
recognizing first 7 terms sum to 0 M1
8th term is − 43 ln x (A1)

9th term is − 53 ln x (A1)

sum of 8th and 9th term = −3 ln x (A1)
n=9 A1

[6 marks]
9. The first term in an arithmetic sequence is 4 and the fifth term is [5 marks]
log2 625.
Find the common difference of the sequence, expressing your answer in the form
log2 p, where p ∈ Q.

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
u5 = 4 + 4d = log2 625 (A1)
4d = log2 625 − 4
attempt to write an integer (eg 4 or 1) in terms of log2 M1
4d = log2 625 − log2 16
attempt to combine two logs into one M1
4d = log2 ( 625
16
)
d = 14 log2 ( 625
16
)
attempt to use power rule for logs M1
1
d = log2 ( 625
16
)4
d = log2 ( 52 ) A1

[5 marks]

Note: Award method marks in any order.

10. Solve the simultaneous equations [7 marks]

log2 6x = 1 + 2 log2 y
1 + log6 x = log6 (15y − 25).
 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
use of at least one “log rule” applied correctly for the first equation M1
log2 6x = log2 2 + 2 log2 y
= log2 2 + log2 y 2
= log2 (2y 2 )
⇒ 6x = 2y 2 A1
use of at least one “log rule” applied correctly for the second equation M1
log6 (15y − 25) = 1 + log6 x
= log6 6 + log6 x
= log6 6x
⇒ 15y − 25 = 6x A1
attempt to eliminate x (or y) from their two equations M1
2y 2 = 15y − 25
2y 2 − 15y + 25 = 0
(2y − 5) (y − 5) = 0
25 5
x= 12 , y = 2 , A1

or x = 253
,y=5 A1
Note: x, y values do not have to be “paired” to gain either of the final two A
marks.
[7 marks]

11. Solve (ln x)2 − (ln 2) (ln x) < 2(ln 2)2 . [6 marks]
 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

(ln x)2 − (ln 2) (ln x) − 2(ln 2)2 (= 0)

EITHER
ln 2±√(ln 2)2+8(ln 2)2
ln x = 2 M1

= ln 2±3 ln 2 A1
2
OR
(ln x − 2 ln 2) (ln x + 2 ln 2) (= 0) M1A1
THEN
ln x = 2 ln 2 or −ln 2 A1
1
⇒ x = 4 or x = 2 (M1)A1
Note: (M1) is for an appropriate use of a log law in either case, dependent on
the previous M1 being awarded, A1 for both correct answers.
solution is 12 <x<4 A1
[6 marks]

12. Show that log 2 x = 1 log x where r, x ∈ R+ . [2 marks]

r 2 r
 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
METHOD 1

(= 2 logr xr )
logr x log
logr2 x = logr r2
M1A1
r

logr x
= 2 AG
[2 marks]

METHOD 2
1
logr2 x = logx r2
M1
1
= 2 logx r
A1

logr x
= 2 AG
[2 marks]

13. Solve the equation log2 (x + 3) + log2 (x − 3) = 4. [5 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
log2 (x + 3) + log2 (x − 3) = 4
log2 (x2 − 9) = 4 (M1)

x2 − 9 = 24 (= 16) M1A1
x2 = 25
x = ±5 (A1)
x = 5 A1
[5 marks]

16 8 4
 The first three terms of a geometric sequence are ln x16 , ln x8 , ln x4 , for x > 0.

14. Find the common ratio. [3 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
correct use log xn = n log x A1
eg 16 ln x
valid approach to find r (M1)
un+1 ln x8
eg un
, ln x16
, 48 ln x,
ln x
ln x4 = ln x16 × r2
1
r= 2 A1 N2
[3 marks]

15. Find the solution of log 2 x − log 2 5 = 2 + log2 3. [4 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
log2 x − log2 5 = 2 + log2 3
collecting at least two log terms (M1)
eglog 2 x5 = 2 + log 2 3 or log 2 15
x =2

obtaining a correct equation without logs (M1)

x = 22
eg x5 = 12OR 15 (A1)
x = 60 A1
[4 marks]

16. Solve the equation 4x + 2x+2 = 3. [5 marks]

 Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
attempt to form a quadratic in 2x M1
(2x )2 + 4 ∙ 2x − 3 = 0 A1

(= −2 ± √7)
−4±√16+12
2x = 2 M1

2x = −2 + √7 (as − 2 − √7 < 0) R1

x = log2 (−2 + √7) (x = )

ln(−2+√7)
ln 2
A1

Note: Award R0 A1 if final answer is x = log2 (−2 + √7).

[5 marks]

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