CAIE P3 2018 November — Question 4 5 marks

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP3 (Pure Mathematics 3)
Year2018
SessionNovember
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicExponential Equations & Modelling
TypeRational exponential equation
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward exponential equation requiring standard algebraic manipulation (multiplying through, substituting y = e^x to get a quadratic, then taking logarithms). While it involves multiple steps for 5 marks, the technique is routine for P3 students with no conceptual difficulty or novel insight required—slightly easier than average.
Spec1.06g Equations with exponentials: solve a^x = b1.09c Simple iterative methods: x_{n+1} = g(x_n), cobweb and staircase diagrams

Showing all necessary working, solve the equation $$\frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{e^x + 1} = 4,$$ giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places. [5]

Question 4:
AnswerMarks Guidance
4Substitute and obtain 3-term quadratic 3u2 +4u−1=0, or
equivalentB1 ( )
e.g.3 ex 2 +4ex −1=0
AnswerMarks Guidance
Solve a 3 term quadratic for uM1 Must be an equation with real roots
( )
AnswerMarks Guidance
Obtain root 7 −2 /3, or decimal in [0.21, 0.22]A1 Or equivalent. Ignore second root (even if incorrect)
Use correct method for finding x from a positive value of exM1 Must see some indication of method: use of x=lnu
Obtain answer x = – 1.536 onlyA1 CAO. Must be 3 dp
5
AnswerMarks Guidance
QuestionAnswer Marks
Question 4:
4 | Substitute and obtain 3-term quadratic 3u2 +4u−1=0, or
equivalent | B1 | ( )
e.g.3 ex 2 +4ex −1=0
Solve a 3 term quadratic for u | M1 | Must be an equation with real roots
( )
Obtain root 7 −2 /3, or decimal in [0.21, 0.22] | A1 | Or equivalent. Ignore second root (even if incorrect)
Use correct method for finding x from a positive value of ex | M1 | Must see some indication of method: use of x=lnu
Obtain answer x = – 1.536 only | A1 | CAO. Must be 3 dp
5
Question | Answer | Marks | Guidance
Showing all necessary working, solve the equation
$$\frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{e^x + 1} = 4,$$
giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places. [5]

\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE P3 2018 Q4 [5]}}