Edexcel FP1 2011 January — Question 9 5 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleFP1 (Further Pure Mathematics 1)
Year2011
SessionJanuary
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicProof by induction
TypeProve recurrence relation formula
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward proof by induction with a given formula for a recurrence relation. Students must verify the base case (n=1), assume for n=k, then prove for n=k+1 by substituting into the recurrence relation. The algebra is routine (expanding 4^{k+1}, factoring, simplifying fractions) with no conceptual surprises. Slightly easier than average since the formula is provided and the algebraic manipulation is mechanical.
Spec1.04e Sequences: nth term and recurrence relations4.01a Mathematical induction: construct proofs

9. A sequence of numbers \(u _ { 1 } , u _ { 2 } , u _ { 3 } , u _ { 4 } , \ldots\) is defined by $$u _ { n + 1 } = 4 u _ { n } + 2 , \quad u _ { 1 } = 2$$ Prove by induction that, for \(n \in \mathbb { Z } ^ { + }\), $$u _ { n } = \frac { 2 } { 3 } \left( 4 ^ { n } - 1 \right)$$

Question 9:
\(u_{n+1} = 4u_n + 2\), \(u_1 = 2\) and \(u_n = \frac{2}{3}(4^n - 1)\)
AnswerMarks Guidance
WorkingMark Guidance
\(n=1\): \(u_1 = \frac{2}{3}(4^1-1) = \frac{2}{3}(3) = 2\), so \(u_n\) is true when \(n=1\)B1 Check that \(u_n = \frac{2}{3}(4^n-1)\) yields 2 when \(n=1\)
Assume for \(n=k\), \(u_k = \frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)\) is true for \(k \in \mathbb{Z}^+\). Then \(u_{k+1} = 4u_k + 2 = 4\left(\frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)\right)+2\)M1 Substituting \(u_k = \frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)\) into \(u_{n+1}=4u_n+2\)
\(= \frac{8}{3}(4)^k - \frac{8}{3} + 2\)M1 An attempt to multiply out brackets by 4 or \(\frac{8}{3}\)
\(= \frac{2}{3}(4)(4)^k - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{3}4^{k+1} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{3}(4^{k+1}-1)\)A1 \(\frac{2}{3}(4^{k+1}-1)\)
Conclusion: true for \(n=k+1\), and since true for \(n=1\), true for all positive integers by inductionA1 Require 'True when \(n=1\)', 'Assume true when \(n=k\)' and 'True when \(n=k+1\) then true for all \(n\) o.e.'
Total: 5 marks
## Question 9:

$u_{n+1} = 4u_n + 2$, $u_1 = 2$ and $u_n = \frac{2}{3}(4^n - 1)$

| Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---------|------|----------|
| $n=1$: $u_1 = \frac{2}{3}(4^1-1) = \frac{2}{3}(3) = 2$, so $u_n$ is true when $n=1$ | B1 | Check that $u_n = \frac{2}{3}(4^n-1)$ yields 2 when $n=1$ |
| Assume for $n=k$, $u_k = \frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)$ is true for $k \in \mathbb{Z}^+$. Then $u_{k+1} = 4u_k + 2 = 4\left(\frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)\right)+2$ | M1 | Substituting $u_k = \frac{2}{3}(4^k-1)$ into $u_{n+1}=4u_n+2$ |
| $= \frac{8}{3}(4)^k - \frac{8}{3} + 2$ | M1 | An attempt to multiply out brackets by 4 or $\frac{8}{3}$ |
| $= \frac{2}{3}(4)(4)^k - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{3}4^{k+1} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2}{3}(4^{k+1}-1)$ | A1 | $\frac{2}{3}(4^{k+1}-1)$ |
| Conclusion: true for $n=k+1$, and since true for $n=1$, true for all positive integers by induction | A1 | Require 'True when $n=1$', 'Assume true when $n=k$' and 'True when $n=k+1$ then true for all $n$ o.e.' |

**Total: 5 marks**

---
9. A sequence of numbers $u _ { 1 } , u _ { 2 } , u _ { 3 } , u _ { 4 } , \ldots$ is defined by

$$u _ { n + 1 } = 4 u _ { n } + 2 , \quad u _ { 1 } = 2$$

Prove by induction that, for $n \in \mathbb { Z } ^ { + }$,

$$u _ { n } = \frac { 2 } { 3 } \left( 4 ^ { n } - 1 \right)$$

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel FP1 2011 Q9 [5]}}