Edexcel CP1 Specimen — Question 3 9 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleCP1 (Core Pure 1)
SessionSpecimen
Marks9
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicComplex Numbers Arithmetic
TypeGiven two complex roots, find all roots
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a slightly-above-average A-level question requiring knowledge that complex roots come in conjugate pairs for polynomials with real coefficients, then finding the quadratic factor and solving. The steps are systematic: use conjugate root theorem, expand (z-(3+2i))(z-(3-2i)) to get z²-6z+13, divide the quartic by this quadratic, solve the resulting quadratic, and plot four points on an Argand diagram. While it requires multiple techniques, each step follows standard procedures taught in Core Pure 1 with no novel insight needed.
Spec4.02g Conjugate pairs: real coefficient polynomials4.02k Argand diagrams: geometric interpretation

3. $$\mathrm { f } ( z ) = z ^ { 4 } + a z ^ { 3 } + 6 z ^ { 2 } + b z + 65$$ where \(a\) and \(b\) are real constants.
Given that \(z = 3 + 2 \mathbf { i }\) is a root of the equation \(\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0\), show the roots of \(\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0\) on a single Argand diagram.

Question 3:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
\(z=3-2i\) is also a rootB1 Identifies complex conjugate as another root
\((z-(3+2i))(z-(3-2i))=\ldots\) or Sum of roots \(=6\), Product of roots \(=13\)M1 Uses conjugate pair and correct method to find quadratic factor
\(=z^2-6z+13\)A1 Correct quadratic
\((z^4+az^3+6z^2+bz+65)=(z^2-6z+13)(z^2+cz+5)\Rightarrow c=\ldots\)M1 Uses quartic and quadratic to identify value of \(c\)
\(z^2+2z+5=0\)A1 Correct 3TQ
\(z^2+2z+5=0\Rightarrow z=\ldots\)M1 Solves second quadratic
\(z=-1\pm2i\)A1 Correct second conjugate pair
\(3\pm2i\) plotted correctly and labelledB1 First conjugate pair plotted correctly and labelled
\(-1\pm2i\) plotted correctly and labelledB1ft Follow through on their second conjugate pair
(9 marks)
## Question 3:

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| $z=3-2i$ is also a root | B1 | Identifies complex conjugate as another root |
| $(z-(3+2i))(z-(3-2i))=\ldots$ or Sum of roots $=6$, Product of roots $=13$ | M1 | Uses conjugate pair and correct method to find quadratic factor |
| $=z^2-6z+13$ | A1 | Correct quadratic |
| $(z^4+az^3+6z^2+bz+65)=(z^2-6z+13)(z^2+cz+5)\Rightarrow c=\ldots$ | M1 | Uses quartic and quadratic to identify value of $c$ |
| $z^2+2z+5=0$ | A1 | Correct 3TQ |
| $z^2+2z+5=0\Rightarrow z=\ldots$ | M1 | Solves second quadratic |
| $z=-1\pm2i$ | A1 | Correct second conjugate pair |
| $3\pm2i$ plotted correctly and labelled | B1 | First conjugate pair plotted correctly and labelled |
| $-1\pm2i$ plotted correctly and labelled | B1ft | Follow through on their second conjugate pair |

**(9 marks)**

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3.

$$\mathrm { f } ( z ) = z ^ { 4 } + a z ^ { 3 } + 6 z ^ { 2 } + b z + 65$$

where $a$ and $b$ are real constants.\\
Given that $z = 3 + 2 \mathbf { i }$ is a root of the equation $\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0$, show the roots of $\mathrm { f } ( z ) = 0$ on a single Argand diagram.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel CP1  Q3 [9]}}