OCR MEI FP1 2011 June — Question 6 7 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleFP1 (Further Pure Mathematics 1)
Year2011
SessionJune
Marks7
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicProof by induction
TypeProve summation formula
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard proof by induction of a summation formula for cubes, which is a textbook exercise in FP1. While it requires understanding of the induction framework and algebraic manipulation, it follows a completely routine template with no novel insight needed. The algebra is straightforward compared to more complex induction proofs, making it slightly easier than average overall but typical for Further Maths content.
Spec4.01a Mathematical induction: construct proofs

6 Prove by induction that \(1 + 8 + 27 + \ldots + n ^ { 3 } = \frac { 1 } { 4 } n ^ { 2 } ( n + 1 ) ^ { 2 }\). Section B (36 marks)

Question 6:
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMark Guidance
When \(n=1\), \(\frac{1}{4}n^2(n+1)^2 = 1\), so true for \(n=1\)B1
Assume true for \(n=k\): \(\sum_{r=1}^{k} r^3 = \frac{1}{4}k^2(k+1)^2\)E1 Assume true for \(k\)
\(\Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{k+1} r^3 = \frac{1}{4}k^2(k+1)^2 + (k+1)^3\)M1 Add \((k+1)\)th term to both sides
\(= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2[k^2 + 4(k+1)]\)M1 Factor of \(\frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2\)
\(= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2[k^2+4k+4]\)
\(= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2(k+2)^2 = \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2((k+1)+1)^2\)A1 c.a.o. with correct simplification
But this is the given result with \(k+1\) replacing \(k\). Therefore if true for \(k\) it is true for \(k+1\).E1 Dependent on A1 and previous E1
Since true for \(n=1\), true for \(n=1,2,3\) and all positive integers.E1 Dependent on B1 and previous E1 and correct presentation
[7]
# Question 6:

| Answer | Mark | Guidance |
|--------|------|----------|
| When $n=1$, $\frac{1}{4}n^2(n+1)^2 = 1$, so true for $n=1$ | B1 | |
| Assume true for $n=k$: $\sum_{r=1}^{k} r^3 = \frac{1}{4}k^2(k+1)^2$ | E1 | Assume true for $k$ |
| $\Rightarrow \sum_{r=1}^{k+1} r^3 = \frac{1}{4}k^2(k+1)^2 + (k+1)^3$ | M1 | Add $(k+1)$th term to both sides |
| $= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2[k^2 + 4(k+1)]$ | M1 | Factor of $\frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2$ |
| $= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2[k^2+4k+4]$ | | |
| $= \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2(k+2)^2 = \frac{1}{4}(k+1)^2((k+1)+1)^2$ | A1 | c.a.o. with correct simplification |
| But this is the given result with $k+1$ replacing $k$. Therefore if true for $k$ it is true for $k+1$. | E1 | Dependent on A1 and previous E1 |
| Since true for $n=1$, true for $n=1,2,3$ and all positive integers. | E1 | Dependent on B1 and previous E1 and correct presentation |
| | **[7]** | |

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6 Prove by induction that $1 + 8 + 27 + \ldots + n ^ { 3 } = \frac { 1 } { 4 } n ^ { 2 } ( n + 1 ) ^ { 2 }$.

Section B (36 marks)\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI FP1 2011 Q6 [7]}}