CAIE P3 2010 June — Question 1 4 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2010
SessionJune
Marks4
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicModulus function
TypeSolve |linear| > |linear|
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward modulus inequality requiring case-by-case analysis based on critical points x = -1 and x = 3. Students must consider three intervals, square both sides (or use sign analysis), and solve resulting linear inequalities—a standard technique taught explicitly in P3 with no novel insight required beyond methodical application.
Spec1.02l Modulus function: notation, relations, equations and inequalities

Solve the inequality \(|x - 3| > 2|x + 1|\). [4]

AnswerMarks Guidance
State or imply non-modular inequality \((x-3)^2 > (2x+1)^2\), or corresponding quadratic equation, or pair of linear equations \((x-3) = \pm 2(x+1)\)B1
Make reasonable solution attempt at a 3-term quadratic, or solve two linear equationsM1
Obtain critical values \(-5\) and \(\frac{1}{3}\)A1
State answer \(-5 < x < \frac{1}{3}\)A1 [4]
OR:
AnswerMarks Guidance
Obtain the critical value \(x = -5\) from a graphical method, or by inspection, or by solving a linear equation or inequalityB1
Obtain the critical value \(x = \frac{1}{3}\) similarlyB2
State answer \(-5 < x < \frac{1}{3}\)B1 [4]
[Do not condone \(\leq\) for \(<\); accept 0.33 for \(\frac{1}{3}\).]
State or imply non-modular inequality $(x-3)^2 > (2x+1)^2$, or corresponding quadratic equation, or pair of linear equations $(x-3) = \pm 2(x+1)$ | B1 | —

Make reasonable solution attempt at a 3-term quadratic, or solve two linear equations | M1 | —

Obtain critical values $-5$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ | A1 | —

State answer $-5 < x < \frac{1}{3}$ | A1 | [4]

**OR:**

Obtain the critical value $x = -5$ from a graphical method, or by inspection, or by solving a linear equation or inequality | B1 | —

Obtain the critical value $x = \frac{1}{3}$ similarly | B2 | —

State answer $-5 < x < \frac{1}{3}$ | B1 | [4]

| [Do not condone $\leq$ for $<$; accept 0.33 for $\frac{1}{3}$.] | — | —

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Solve the inequality $|x - 3| > 2|x + 1|$. [4]

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