OCR Further Pure Core AS Specimen — Question 7 9 marks

Exam BoardOCR
ModuleFurther Pure Core AS (Further Pure Core AS)
SessionSpecimen
Marks9
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Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicComplex Numbers Argand & Loci
TypeRoots of polynomial equations
DifficultyChallenging +1.2 This is a Further Maths question requiring students to find the roots of a cubic (which factor nicely), plot them on an Argand diagram, and verify they lie on a circle by calculating their moduli. While it involves multiple steps and Further Maths content, the polynomial factors straightforwardly and the verification is computational rather than requiring deep insight. It's moderately above average difficulty due to the Further Maths context and multi-step nature, but not exceptionally challenging.
Spec4.02j Cubic/quartic equations: conjugate pairs and factor theorem

7 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.
It is given that \(\mathrm { f } ( \mathrm { z } ) = \mathrm { z } ^ { 3 } - 13 z ^ { 2 } + 65 z - 125\).
The points representing the three roots of the equation \(\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0\) are plotted on an Argand diagram.
Show that these points lie on the circle \(| z | = k\), where \(k\) is a real number to be determined.

Question 7:
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
\(f(5)=0\)M1 DR
\(\Rightarrow f(x)=(x-5)(x^2+bx+c)\)A1 OR M1 divide \(x^3-13x^2+65x-125\) by \((x-5)\); A1 obtain \((x-5)(x^2-8x+25)\)
\(\Rightarrow f(x)=(x-5)(x^2-8x+25)\)B1
Attempt to solve their quadraticM1
\(x=4\pm3i\); roots are \(5\), \(4+3i\) and \(4-3i\)A1 FT
Attempt to find moduli; \(5 =5\)
\(4+3i =\sqrt{4^2+3^2}=5\)
\(4-3i =\sqrt{4^2+3^2}=5\)
Distance from origin for all roots is 5 units, so all roots lie on \(z =k\) where \(k=5\)
## Question 7:

| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| $f(5)=0$ | M1 | DR |
| $\Rightarrow f(x)=(x-5)(x^2+bx+c)$ | A1 | **OR M1** divide $x^3-13x^2+65x-125$ by $(x-5)$; **A1** obtain $(x-5)(x^2-8x+25)$ |
| $\Rightarrow f(x)=(x-5)(x^2-8x+25)$ | B1 | |
| Attempt to solve their quadratic | M1 | |
| $x=4\pm3i$; roots are $5$, $4+3i$ and $4-3i$ | A1 | FT |
| Attempt to find moduli; $|5|=5$ | M1 | |
| $|4+3i|=\sqrt{4^2+3^2}=5$ | A1 | FT |
| $|4-3i|=\sqrt{4^2+3^2}=5$ | A1 | FT |
| Distance from origin for all roots is 5 units, so all roots lie on $|z|=k$ where $k=5$ | E1 | FT |

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7 In this question you must show detailed reasoning.\\
It is given that $\mathrm { f } ( \mathrm { z } ) = \mathrm { z } ^ { 3 } - 13 z ^ { 2 } + 65 z - 125$.\\
The points representing the three roots of the equation $\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0$ are plotted on an Argand diagram.\\
Show that these points lie on the circle $| z | = k$, where $k$ is a real number to be determined.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR Further Pure Core AS  Q7 [9]}}