CAIE P3 2010 June — Question 1 4 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2010
SessionJune
Marks4
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicExponential Equations & Modelling
TypeRational exponential equation
DifficultyModerate -0.8 This is a straightforward algebraic manipulation of an exponential equation requiring only cross-multiplication, collecting terms, and taking a logarithm. It's a routine single-step problem with no conceptual difficulty beyond basic exponential laws, making it easier than the average A-level question which typically requires multiple techniques or some problem-solving insight.
Spec1.06g Equations with exponentials: solve a^x = b

1 Solve the equation $$\frac { 2 ^ { x } + 1 } { 2 ^ { x } - 1 } = 5$$ giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

AnswerMarks Guidance
Attempt to solve for \(2^x\)M1
Obtain \(2^x = 6/4\), or equivalentA1
Use correct method for solving an equation of the form \(2^x = a\), where \(a > 0\)M1
Obtain answer \(x = 0.585\)A1
State an appropriate iterative formula, e.g. \(x_{n+1} = \ln(2^x + 6)/5 / \ln 2\)B1
Use the iterative formula correctly at least onceM1
Obtain answer \(x = 0.585\)A1
Show that the equation has no other root but \(0.585\)A1 [4]
[For the solution 0.585 with no relevant working, award B1 and a further B1 if 0.585 is shown to be the only root.]
Attempt to solve for $2^x$ | M1 |
Obtain $2^x = 6/4$, or equivalent | A1 |
Use correct method for solving an equation of the form $2^x = a$, where $a > 0$ | M1 |
Obtain answer $x = 0.585$ | A1 |
State an appropriate iterative formula, e.g. $x_{n+1} = \ln(2^x + 6)/5 / \ln 2$ | B1 |
Use the iterative formula correctly at least once | M1 |
Obtain answer $x = 0.585$ | A1 |
Show that the equation has no other root but $0.585$ | A1 | [4]
[For the solution 0.585 with no relevant working, award B1 and a further B1 if 0.585 is shown to be the only root.]
1 Solve the equation

$$\frac { 2 ^ { x } + 1 } { 2 ^ { x } - 1 } = 5$$

giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P3 2010 Q1 [4]}}