Sriyansh [118 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 6]
The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are u 1 , 5u 1 − 8 and 3u 1 + 8.

(a) Show that u 1 = 4. [2]

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.

EITHER

uses u 2 − u1 = u3 − u2 (M1)

(5u 1 − 8) − u 1 = (3u 1 + 8) − (5u 1 − 8)

6u 1 = 24 A1

OR

u 1 +u 3
uses u 2 =
2
(M1)

u 1 +(3u 1 +8)
5u 1 − 8 =
2

3u 1 = 12 A1

THEN

so u 1 = 4 AG

[2 marks]

(b) Prove that the sum of the first n terms of this arithmetic sequence is a square number. [4]

Markscheme

d = 8 (A1)
 uses S n M1
n
= (2u 1 + (n − 1)d)
2

A1
n
Sn = (8 + 8(n − 1))
2

2
= 4n

2
= (2n) A1

Note: The final A1 can be awarded for clearly explaining that 4n 2 is a square number.

so sum of the first n terms is a square number AG

[4 marks]

2. [Maximum mark: 14]

The following diagram shows the graph of y = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3.

(a) Describe a sequence of transformations that transforms the graph of y = √ x for

x ≥ 0 to the graph of y = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3. [3]

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.

for example,
 a reflection in the x-axis (in the line y = 0) A1

a horizontal translation (shift) 3 units to the left A1

a vertical translation (shift) down by 1 unit A1

Note: Award A1 for each correct transformation applied in a correct position in the sequence. Do
not accept use of the “move” for a translation.

Note: Award A1A1A1 for a correct alternative sequence of transformations. For example,

a vertical translation (shift) down by 1 unit, followed by a horizontal translation (shift) 3 units to
the left and then a reflection in the line y = −1.

[3 marks]

A function f is defined by f (x) = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3.

(b) State the range of f . [1]

Markscheme

range is f (x) ≤ −1 A1

Note: Correct alternative notations include ] − ∞, −1], (−∞, −1] or y ≤ −1.

[1 mark]

(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x), stating its domain. [5]

Markscheme

−1 − √ y + 3 = x M1

Note: Award M1 for interchanging x and y (can be done at a later stage).

 √y + 3 = −x − 1(= −(x + 1)) A1

2
y + 3 = (x + 1) A1

2
so f −1 (x) = (x + 1) − 3 (f
−1
(x) = x
2
+ 2x − 2) A1

domain is x ≤ −1 A1

Note: Correct alternative notations include ] − ∞, −1] or (−∞, −1].

[5 marks]

(d) Find the coordinates of the point(s) where the graphs of y = f (x) and

(x) intersect. [5]

−1
y = f

Markscheme

the point of intersection lies on the line y = x

EITHER

2
(x + 1) − 3 = x M1

attempts to solve their quadratic equation M1

2
−1±√ 1 −4(1)(−2)
for example, (x + 2)(x − 1) = 0 or x =
−1±3
(x = )
2 2

OR

−1 − √ x + 3 = x M1

2
2 2
(−1 − √x + 3) = x ⇒ 2√x + 3 + x + 4 = x

substitutes 2√x + 3 = −2(x + 1) to obtain −2(x + 1) + x + 4 = x

2

attempts to solve their quadratic equation M1

 2
−1±√ 1 −4(1)(−2)
for example, (x + 2)(x − 1) = 0 or x =
−1±3
(x = )
2 2

THEN

x = −2, 1 A1

as x ≤ −1, the only solution is x = −2 R1

so the coordinates of the point of intersection are (−2, − 2) A1

Note: Award R0A1 if (−2, − 2) is stated without a valid reason given for rejecting (1, 1).

[5 marks]

3. [Maximum mark: 5]
The quadratic equation (k − 1)x 2 + 2x + (2k − 3) = 0, where k ∈ R, has real

distinct roots.

Find the range of possible values for k. [5]

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.

attempts to find an expression for the discriminant, Δ, in terms of k (M1)

Δ = 4 − 4(k − 1)(2k − 3) (= −8k

2
+ 20k − 8) (A1)

−2±√ 4−4(k−1)(2k−3)
Note: Award M1A1 for finding x =
2(k−1)
.

attempts to solve Δ > 0 for k (M1)

 Note: Award M1 for attempting to solve Δ = 0 for k.

2
< k < 2 A1A1

1
Note: Award A1 for obtaining critical values k =
2
, 2 and A1 for correct inequality signs.

[5 marks]

4. [Maximum mark: 5]
1
It is given that log 10 a =
3
, where a > 0.

Find the value of

(a) log 10 (
1
); [2]
a

Markscheme

log 10 1 − log 10 a OR log 10 a

−1
= − log 10 a OR log 10 10
−
3
OR 10
x
=
1
1

10 3

(A1)

= −
1

3
A1

[2 marks]

(b) log 1000 a. [3]

Markscheme

1 1 x
log a 3
√
OR OR OR
10 1 x 3
log 1000 10 log 1000 1000 3
10 3
= 1000 (= (10 ) )
log 10 1000 3

(A1)
1 1
log 10 a 1 1

3
OR 3
log 1000 1000 3
OR log 1000 1000 9
OR 3x =
3
(A1)

=
1

9
A1
 [3 marks]

5. [Maximum mark: 17]

Consider the polynomial P (x) = 3x
3
+ 5x
2
+ x − 1.

(a) Show that (x + 1) is a factor of P (x). [2]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute −1 into P (x) OR use of synthetic division OR long division M1

3 2
3(−1) + 5(−1) + (−1) − 1 = 0 OR

OR Math input error A1

[2 marks]

(b) Hence, express P (x) as a product of three linear factors. [3]

Markscheme

attempt to divide P (x) by (x + 1) e.g. using long division or synthetic division (M1)

P (x) = (x + 1)(3x
2
+ 2x − 1) (A1)

2
= (x + 1)(x + 1)(3x − 1)(= (x + 1) (3x − 1)) A1

[3 marks]

Now consider the polynomial Q(x) = (x + 1)(2x + 1).

(c) Express 1
in the form A
+
B
, where A, B ∈ Z. [3]
Q(x) x+1 2x+1

Markscheme

1 A B
≡ + ⇒ 1 ≡ A(2x + 1) + B(x + 1)
(x+1)(2x+1) x+1 2x+1

attempt to equate both coefficients OR substitute two values eg −1 and − 12 (M1)

 2A + B = 0 and A + B = 1 OR 1 = −A and 1 =
1
B
2

A = −1 and B = 2 A1A1

Note: Award A1 for each value.

1 1 2
= +
(x+1)(2x+1) x+1 2x+1

[3 marks]

(d) Hence, or otherwise, show that

1
=
4
−
2
−
1
.
(x+1)Q(x) 2x+1 x+1
(x+1)
2
[2]

Markscheme

(x+1)(x+1)(2x+1)

=
1

(x+1)
(−
1

x+1
+
2x+1
2
) (A1)

1 2 1 1 2
= − 2
+
(2x+1)(x+1)
(= − 2
+ 2(−
x+1
+
2x+1
)) A1
(x+1) (x+1)

=
4

2x+1
−
2

x+1
−
1
2
AG
(x+1)

Note: Award A1A0 for follow through from incorrect values in part (c).

[2 marks]

(e) Hence, find ∫

1
d x.
2
(x+1) (2x+1)
[4]

Markscheme

4 2 1
attempt to integrate at least one term in ( 2x+1 −
x+1
− 2
) (M1)
(x+1)

4 2 1
∫( − − 2
) d x
2x+1 x+1 (x+1)

= 2 ln |2x + 1| − 2 ln |x + 1| +
x+1
1
(+c) A1A1
 Note: Award A1 for each correct term.

Award a maximum of M1A1A0A1 if modulus signs are omitted.

Condone the absence of +c.

[4 marks]

P (x) 1
Consider the function defined by f (x) =
(x+1)Q(x)
, where x ≠ −1, x ≠ −
2
.

(f ) Find

(f.i) lim f (x);

x→−1
[2]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

attempt to cancel factors and substitute x = −1 (M1)

2
(x+1) (3x−1) 3x−1 3(−1)−1
lim f (x) = lim ( 2
) = lim ( ) =
(x+1) (2x+1) 2x+1 2(−1)+1
x→−1 x→−1 x→−1

= 4 A1

METHOD 2

attempt to expand denominator, differentiate numerator and denominator twice and substitute
x = −1 (M1)

3 2 2
3x +5x +x−1 9x +10x+1 18x+10 18(−1)+10
lim f (x) = lim ( 3 2
) = lim ( 2
) = lim ( ) =
2x +5x +4x+1 6x +10x+4 12x+10 12(−1)+10
x→−1 x→−1 x→−1 x→−1

= 4 A1

[2 marks]

(f.ii) lim f (x).

[1]
x→∞

Markscheme

METHOD 1
 attempt to consider coefficients of x 3 or divide all terms by x 3

3
3x +… 3+terms which tend to 0
lim f (x) = lim ( 3
2x +…
) or lim (
2+terms which tend to 0
)
x→∞ x→∞ x→∞

3
=
2
A1

METHOD 2

attempt to cancel factors and consider coefficients of x or divide all terms by x

2 1
(x+1) (3x−1) 3−
3x−1
lim f (x) = lim ( 2
) = lim (
2x+1
) or lim (
x

1
)
x→∞ x→∞ (x+1) (2x+1) x→∞ x→∞ 2+
x

3
=
2
A1

METHOD 3

attempt to expand denominator, differentiate numerator and denominator three times

3 2 2
3x +5x +x−1 9x +10x+1 18x+10 18
lim f (x) = lim ( 3 2
) = lim ( 2
) = lim ( ) = lim ( )
2x +5x +4x+1 6x +10x+4 12x+10 12
x→∞ x→∞ x→∞ x→∞ x→∞

=
3

2
A1

Note: If the M1 has not been awarded in part (i) it can be awarded in part (ii).

[3 marks]

6. [Maximum mark: 5]
Solve 3 × 9 x + 5 × 3 x − 2 = 0. [5]

Markscheme

recognising a quadratic in 3 x (M1)

x 2 x
3 × (3 ) + 5 × 3 − 2 = 0

valid attempt to solve a quadratic equation (factorising, use of formula, completing square, or
otherwise) (M1)
 −5±√ 25+24
(3 × 3
x
− 1)(3
x
+ 2) = 0 OR 3
x
=
6
(or equivalent) (A1)

1
3
x
=
3
(or 3 x = −2) (A1)

x = −1 A1

Note: Award the final A1 if candidate’s answer includes x = −1 and x = log 3 (−2). Award A0

if other incorrect answers are given.

[5 marks]

7. [Maximum mark: 5]
Consider the functions f (x) = x + 2 and g(x) = x
2
− k
2
, where k is a real constant.

(a) Write down an expression for (g ∘ f ) (x). [2]

Markscheme

attempt to form (g ∘ f ) (x) (M1)

2
((g ∘ f )(x)) = (x + 2) − k
2
(= x
2
+ 4x + 4 − k )
2
A1

[2 marks]

(b) Given that (g ∘ f )(4) = 11 , find the possible values of k. [3]

Markscheme

substituting x = 4 into their (g ∘ f )(x) and setting their expression = 11 (M1)

2
= 11 OR 4
2 2 2
(4 + 2) − k + 4(4) + 4 − k = 11

k
2
= 25 OR −k
2
= − 25 (A1)

k = ±5 A1

[3 marks]
8. [Maximum mark: 6]
n
The binomial expansion of (1 + kx) is given by 1 + 12x + 28k 2 x 2 +. . . +k n x n
where n ∈ Z
+
and k ∈ Q.

Find the value of n and the value of k. [6]

Markscheme

attempt to apply binomial expansion (M1)

n
(1 + kx) = 1 +
n
C 1 kx +
n 2
C2 k x
2
+ … OR n
C 1 k = 12 OR n
C 2 = 28

nk = 12 (A1)

n(n−1) n!

2
= 28 OR (n−2)!2!
= 28 (A1)

n
2
− n − 56 = 0 OR n(n − 1) = 56

valid attempt to solve (M1)

(n − 8)(n + 7) = 0 OR 8(8 − 1) = 56 OR finding correct value in Pascal’s triangle

⇒ n = 8 A1

⇒ k =
3

2
A1

Note: If candidate finds n = 8 with no working shown, award M1A0A0M1A1A0.

If candidate finds n = 8 and k =

3

2
with no working shown, award M1A0A0M1A1A1.

[6 marks]

9. [Maximum mark: 18]

(a) Express −3 + √3i in the form re iθ , where r > 0 and −π < θ ⩽ π. [5]

Markscheme

attempt to find modulus (M1)

r = 2√ 3 (= √ 12) A1

attempt to find argument in the correct quadrant (M1)

√3
θ = π + arctan (−
3
) A1
 =
5π

6
A1

5πi 5πi

−3 + √ 3i = √ 12e 6 (= 2√ 3e 6 )

[5 marks]

Let the roots of the equation z 3 = −3 + √ 3i be u, v and w.

(b) Find u, v and w expressing your answers in the form re iθ , where r > 0 and

−π < θ ⩽ π. [5]

Markscheme

attempt to find a root using de Moivre’s theorem M1

1 5πi

12 6
e 18
A1

2π
attempt to find further two roots by adding and subtracting 3
to the argument M1
1 7πi

12 6
e
−
18 A1

1 17πi

12 6
e 18
A1

Note: Ignore labels for u, v and w at this stage.

[5 marks]

On an Argand diagram, u, v and w are represented by the points U, V and W respectively.

(c) Find the area of triangle UVW. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1
attempting to find the total area of (congruent) triangles UOV, VOW and UOW M1

1 1
1 2π
Area = 3(
2
) (12 6
) (12 6
)sin
3
A1A1

1 1

Note: Award A1 for (12 6

) (12 6
) and A1 for sin 2π
3
 1
3√ 3
= 4
(12 3
) (or equivalent) A1

METHOD 2

2 2
1 1 1 1

UV2 =
2π
(12 6
) + (12 6
) − 2 (12 6
) (12 6
)cos
3
(or equivalent) A1

UV = √ 3 (12 6
) (or equivalent) A1

attempting to find the area of UVW using Area = 1

2
× UV × VW × sin α for example M1

1 1
1 π
Area = 2
(√ 3 × 12 6
) (√ 3 × 12 6
)sin
3

1
3√ 3
= 4
(12 3
) (or equivalent) A1

[4 marks]

(d) By considering the sum of the roots u, v and w, show that

= 0. [4]
5π 7π 17π
cos + cos + cos
18 18 18

Markscheme

u+v+w= 0 R1
1
7π 7π 5π 5π 17π 17π
12 6
(cos (− ) + i sin (− ) + cos + i sin + cos + i sin ) = 0
18 18 18 18 18 18

A1

consideration of real parts M1

1
7π 5π 17π
12 6
(cos (− ) + cos + cos ) = 0
18 18 18

7π 17π
cos (−
18
) = cos
18
explicitly stated A1

cos
5π

18
+ cos
7π

18
+ cos
17π

18
= 0 AG

[4 marks]

10. [Maximum mark: 6]

On 1st January 2020, Laurie invests $P in an account that pays a nominal annual interest rate of 5.5 %,
compounded quarterly.

The amount of money in Laurie’s account at the end of each year follows a geometric sequence with
common ratio, r.

(a) Find the value of r, giving your answer to four significant figures. [3]

Markscheme

4
(1 +
5.5

4×100
) (M1)(A1)

1.056 A1

[3 marks]

(b) Laurie makes no further deposits to or withdrawals from the account.

Find the year in which the amount of money in Laurie’s account will become double
the amount she invested. [3]

Markscheme

EITHER

4n m
2P = P × (1 +
5.5

100×4
) OR 2P = P × (their (a)) (M1)(A1)

Note: Award (M1) for substitution into loan payment formula. Award (A1) for correct substitution.

OR

PV = ±1
FV = ∓1
I% = 5.5
P/Y = 4
C/Y = 4
n = 50.756… (M1)(A1)

OR

PV = ±1
FV = ∓2
I% = 100(their (a) − 1)
P/Y = 1
C/Y = 1 (M1)(A1)
 THEN

⇒ 12.7 years

Laurie will have double the amount she invested during 2032 A1

[3 marks]

11. [Maximum mark: 14]

The following diagram shows the graph of y = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3.

(a) Describe a sequence of transformations that transforms the graph of y = √x for

x ≥ 0 to the graph of y = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3. [3]

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.

for example,

a reflection in the x-axis (in the line y = 0) A1

a horizontal translation (shift) 3 units to the left A1

a vertical translation (shift) down by 1 unit A1

Note: Award A1 for each correct transformation applied in a correct position in the sequence. Do
not accept use of the “move” for a translation.
 Note: Award A1A1A1 for a correct alternative sequence of transformations. For example,

a vertical translation (shift) down by 1 unit, followed by a horizontal translation (shift) 3 units to
the left and then a reflection in the line y = −1.

[3 marks]

A function f is defined by f (x) = −1 − √ x + 3 for x ≥ −3.

(b) State the range of f . [1]

Markscheme

range is f (x) ≤ −1 A1

Note: Correct alternative notations include ] − ∞, −1], (−∞, −1] or y ≤ −1.

[1 mark]

(c) Find an expression for f −1 (x), stating its domain. [5]

Markscheme

−1 − √ y + 3 = x M1

Note: Award M1 for interchanging x and y (can be done at a later stage).

√y + 3 = −x − 1(= −(x + 1)) A1

2
y + 3 = (x + 1) A1

2
so f −1 (x) = (x + 1) − 3 (f
−1
(x) = x
2
+ 2x − 2) A1

domain is x ≤ −1 A1
 Note: Correct alternative notations include ] − ∞, −1] or (−∞, −1].

[5 marks]

(d) Find the coordinates of the point(s) where the graphs of y = f (x) and

(x) intersect. [5]

−1
y = f

Markscheme

the point of intersection lies on the line y = x

EITHER

2
(x + 1) − 3 = x M1

attempts to solve their quadratic equation M1

2
−1±√ 1 −4(1)(−2)
for example, (x + 2)(x − 1) = 0 or x =
−1±3
(x = )
2 2

OR

−1 − √ x + 3 = x M1

2
2 2
(−1 − √ x + 3) = x ⇒ 2√ x + 3 + x + 4 = x

substitutes 2√x + 3 = −2(x + 1) to obtain −2(x + 1) + x + 4 = x

2

attempts to solve their quadratic equation M1

2
−1±√ 1 −4(1)(−2)
for example, (x + 2)(x − 1) = 0 or x =
−1±3
(x = )
2 2

THEN

x = −2, 1 A1

as x ≤ −1, the only solution is x = −2 R1

so the coordinates of the point of intersection are (−2, − 2) A1

 Note: Award R0A1 if (−2, − 2) is stated without a valid reason given for rejecting (1, 1).

[5 marks]

12. [Maximum mark: 5]

Consider a geometric sequence with first term 1 and common ratio 10.

Sn is the sum of the first n terms of the sequence.

(a)
n

Find an expression for S n in the form a

b
−1
, where a, b ∈ Z
+
. [1]

Markscheme

n
10 −1
Sn =
9
A1

(a = 10, b = 9)

[1 mark]

(b)
n
10(10 −1)−9n
Hence, show that S 1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sn =
81
. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

S1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sn

2 n
10−1 10 −1 10 −1
=
9
+
9
+ … +
9
(A1)
2 3 n
2 3 n 9(10−1+10 −1+10 −1+…+10 −1)
10−1+10 −1+10 −1+…+10 −1
=
9
OR 81

attempt to use geometric series formula on powers of 10, and collect −1’s together M1
n
10(10 −1)
10 + 10
2
+ 10
3
+ … + 10
n
=
10−1
and −1 − 1 − 1 … = −n A1
n
n 10(10 −1)
10(10 −1)
9( )−9n
−n 10−1

=
10−1

9
OR 81
A1
 Note: Award A1 for any correct intermediate expression.

n
10(10 −1)−9n
=
81
AG

METHOD 2

attempt to create sum using sigma notation with S n M1

n n n
i
10 −1 1 i
Σ (= ( Σ 10 − Σ 1))
9 9
i=1 i=1 i=1

n n
i 10(10 −1)
Σ 10 =
9
A1
i=1

Σ 1 = n A1
i=1

n n
1 10(10 −1) 1 10(10 −1)−9n
=
9
(
9
− n) OR 9
(
9
) A1

n
10(10 −1)−9n
=
81
AG

[4 marks]

13. [Maximum mark: 7]

8
The coefficient of x 6 in the expansion of (ax 3 + b) is 448.

10
The coefficient of x 6 in the expansion of (ax 3 + b) is 2880.

Find the value of a and the value of b, where a , b > 0. [7]

Markscheme

product of a binomial coefficient, a power of ax 3 and a power of b seen (M1)

evidence of correct term chosen

for n = 8 : r = 2 (or r = 6) OR for n = 10 : r = 2 (or r = 8) (A1)

correct equations (may include powers of x) A1A1

 = 16),
2 6 2 6 2 6
8C 2a b = 448 (28a b = 448 ⇒ a b
2 8 2 8 2 8
10C 2a b = 2880 (45a b = 2880 ⇒ a b = 64)

attempt to solve their system in a and b algebraically or graphically (M1)

1
b = 2;a = A1A1
2

1
Note: Award a maximum of (M1)(A1)A1A1(M1)A1A0 for b = ±2 and/or a = ±
2
.

[7 marks]

14. [Maximum mark: 5]

The graph of y = f (x) for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6 is shown in the following diagram.

(a.i) Write down the value of f (2). [1]

Markscheme

f (2) = 6 A1

[1 mark]
(a.ii) Write down the value of (f ∘ f )(2). [1]

Markscheme

(f ∘ f )(2) = −2 A1

[1 mark]

(b) Let g(x) =

1
f (x) + 1 for −4 ≤ x ≤ 6. On the axes above, sketch the graph of
2

g.

[3]

Markscheme

M1A1A1

Note: Award M1 for an attempt to apply any vertical stretch or vertical translation, A1 for a correct
horizontal line segment between −4 and 0 (located roughly at y = 3),
A1 for a correct concave down parabola including max point at (2, 4) and for correct end points
at (0, 3) and (6, 0) (within circles). Points do not need to be labelled.

[3 marks]

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