Edexcel Paper 2 Specimen — Question 10 4 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModulePaper 2 (Paper 2)
SessionSpecimen
Marks4
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicGeometric Sequences and Series
TypeSum to infinity from S_n ratio
DifficultyStandard +0.8 This question requires students to equate formulas for S_∞ and S_n, manipulate the resulting equation algebraically to isolate r^6, then recognize that taking the sixth root yields r = ±1/√k. While the setup is standard, the algebraic manipulation and final form require careful handling of powers and roots beyond routine exercises.
Spec1.04i Geometric sequences: nth term and finite series sum1.04j Sum to infinity: convergent geometric series |r|<1

10. In a geometric series the common ratio is \(r\) and sum to \(n\) terms is \(S _ { n }\) Given $$S _ { \infty } = \frac { 8 } { 7 } \times S _ { 6 }$$ show that \(r = \pm \frac { 1 } { \sqrt { k } }\), where \(k\) is an integer to be found.

Question 10:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Attempts \(S_\infty = \frac{8}{7}\times S_6 \Rightarrow \frac{a}{1-r}=\frac{8}{7}\times\frac{a(1-r^6)}{1-r}\)M1 Substitutes correct formulae for \(S_\infty\) and \(S_6\)
\(\Rightarrow 1 = \frac{8}{7}\times(1-r^6)\)M1 Proceeds to equation in \(r\) only
\(\Rightarrow r^6 = \frac{1}{8} \Rightarrow r = \ldots\)M1 Solves using correct method
\(\Rightarrow r = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) (so \(k=2\))A1 Proceeds to \(r=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\) giving \(k=2\)
# Question 10:

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Attempts $S_\infty = \frac{8}{7}\times S_6 \Rightarrow \frac{a}{1-r}=\frac{8}{7}\times\frac{a(1-r^6)}{1-r}$ | M1 | Substitutes correct formulae for $S_\infty$ and $S_6$ |
| $\Rightarrow 1 = \frac{8}{7}\times(1-r^6)$ | M1 | Proceeds to equation in $r$ only |
| $\Rightarrow r^6 = \frac{1}{8} \Rightarrow r = \ldots$ | M1 | Solves using correct method |
| $\Rightarrow r = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ (so $k=2$) | A1 | Proceeds to $r=\pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ giving $k=2$ |

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10. In a geometric series the common ratio is $r$ and sum to $n$ terms is $S _ { n }$

Given

$$S _ { \infty } = \frac { 8 } { 7 } \times S _ { 6 }$$

show that $r = \pm \frac { 1 } { \sqrt { k } }$, where $k$ is an integer to be found.\\

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel Paper 2  Q10 [4]}}