CAIE P3 2008 June — Question 1 4 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2008
SessionJune
Marks4
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicModulus function
TypeSolve k|linear| compared to |linear|
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This requires solving an inequality involving two modulus expressions, necessitating systematic case analysis across multiple critical points (x = 2 and x = -1/2), careful algebraic manipulation in each region, and combining solution sets. More demanding than routine single-modulus problems but follows standard technique for P3 level.
Spec1.02l Modulus function: notation, relations, equations and inequalities

1 Solve the inequality \(| x - 2 | > 3 | 2 x + 1 |\).

AnswerMarks Guidance
State or imply non-modular inequality \((x-2)^2 > (3(2x+1))^2\), or corresponding quadratic equation, or pair of linear equations \((x-2) = \pm(2x+1)\)B1
Make reasonable solution attempt at a 3-term quadratic, or solve two linear equationsM1
Obtain critical values \(x = -1\) and \(x = -\frac{1}{7}\)A1
State answer \(-1 < x < -\frac{1}{7}\)A1 [4 marks]
OR
AnswerMarks Guidance
Obtain the critical value \(x = -1\) from a graphical method, or by inspection, or by solving a linear equation or inequalityB1
Obtain the critical value \(x = -\frac{1}{7}\) similarlyB2
State answer \(-1 < x < -\frac{1}{7}\)B1 [Do not condone \(\leq\) for \(<\); accept \(-\frac{5}{35}\) and \(-0.14\) for \(-\frac{1}{7}\).]
State or imply non-modular inequality $(x-2)^2 > (3(2x+1))^2$, or corresponding quadratic equation, or pair of linear equations $(x-2) = \pm(2x+1)$ | B1 |

Make reasonable solution attempt at a 3-term quadratic, or solve two linear equations | M1 |

Obtain critical values $x = -1$ and $x = -\frac{1}{7}$ | A1 |

State answer $-1 < x < -\frac{1}{7}$ | A1 | [4 marks]

**OR**

Obtain the critical value $x = -1$ from a graphical method, or by inspection, or by solving a linear equation or inequality | B1 |

Obtain the critical value $x = -\frac{1}{7}$ similarly | B2 |

State answer $-1 < x < -\frac{1}{7}$ | B1 | [Do not condone $\leq$ for $<$; accept $-\frac{5}{35}$ and $-0.14$ for $-\frac{1}{7}$.]

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1 Solve the inequality $| x - 2 | > 3 | 2 x + 1 |$.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P3 2008 Q1 [4]}}