SPS SPS SM (SPS SM) 2024 October

Question 1 3 marks
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The power output, \(P\) watts, of a certain wind turbine is proportional to the cube of the wind speed \(v\)ms\(^{-1}\). When \(v = 3.6\), \(P = 50\). Determine the wind speed that will give a power output of 225 watts. [3]
Question 2 7 marks
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Solve the inequalities
  1. \(3 - 8x > 4\), [2]
  2. \((2x - 4)(x - 3) < 12\). [5]
Question 3 6 marks
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The first three terms of an arithmetic series are \(9p\), \(8p - 3\), \(5p\) respectively, where \(p\) is a constant. Given that the sum of the first \(n\) terms of this series is \(-1512\), find the value of \(n\). [6]
Question 4 7 marks
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The quadratic equation \(kx^2 + (3k - 1)x - 4 = 0\) has no real roots. Find the set of possible values of \(k\). [7]
Question 5 11 marks
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A line has equation \(y = 2x\) and a circle has equation \(x^2 + y^2 + 2x - 16y + 56 = 0\).
  1. Show that the line does not meet the circle. [3]
    1. Find the equation of the line through the centre of the circle that is perpendicular to the line \(y = 2x\). [4]
    2. Hence find the shortest distance between the line \(y = 2x\) and the circle, giving your answer in an exact form. [4]
Question 6 6 marks
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The mass of a substance is decreasing exponentially. Its mass is \(m\) grams at time \(t\) years. The following table shows certain values of \(t\) and \(m\).
\(t\)051025
\(m\)200160
  1. Find the values missing from the table. [2]
  2. Determine the value of \(t\), correct to the nearest integer, for which the mass is 50 grams. [4]
Question 7 6 marks
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A student was asked to solve the equation \(2(\log_3 x)^2 - 3 \log_3 x - 2 = 0\). The student's attempt is written out below. \(2(\log_3 x)^2 - 3 \log_3 x - 2 = 0\) \(4\log_3 x - 3 \log_3 x - 2 = 0\) \(\log_3 x - 2 = 0\) \(\log_3 x = 2\) \(x = 8\)
  1. Identify the two mistakes that the student has made. [2]
  2. Solve the equation \(2(\log_3 x)^2 - 3 \log_3 x - 2 = 0\), giving your answers in an exact form. [4]
Question 8 8 marks
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In this question you must show detailed reasoning. It is given that the geometric series $$1 + \frac{5}{3x-4} + \left(\frac{5}{3x-4}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{5}{3x-4}\right)^3 + \ldots$$ is convergent.
  1. Find the set of possible values of \(x\), giving your answer in set notation. [5]
  2. Given that the sum to infinity of the series is \(\frac{2}{3}\), find the value of \(x\). [3]