Edexcel FP2 — Question 1 5 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleFP2 (Further Pure Mathematics 2)
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicSequences and series, recurrence and convergence
TypePartial fractions then method of differences
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a standard telescoping series question requiring routine partial fractions followed by recognizing cancellation patterns. Part (a) is straightforward A-level algebra, and part (b) is a textbook application of telescoping sums. While it requires multiple steps (5 marks total), the techniques are well-practiced and no novel insight is needed, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec4.05c Partial fractions: extended to quadratic denominators4.06b Method of differences: telescoping series

  1. Express \(\frac{2}{(2r + 1)(2r + 3)}\) in partial fractions. [2]
  2. Using your answer to (a), find, in terms of \(n\), $$\sum_{r=1}^n \frac{2}{(2r + 1)(2r + 3)}$$ [3]
Give your answer as a single fraction in its simplest form.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Express $\frac{2}{(2r + 1)(2r + 3)}$ in partial fractions. [2]
\item Using your answer to (a), find, in terms of $n$,
$$\sum_{r=1}^n \frac{2}{(2r + 1)(2r + 3)}$$ [3]
\end{enumerate}

Give your answer as a single fraction in its simplest form.

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel FP2  Q1 [5]}}