Edexcel FP3 Specimen — Question 1

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleFP3 (Further Pure Mathematics 3)
SessionSpecimen
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicInvariant lines and eigenvalues and vectors
TypeFind eigenvalues of 2×2 matrix
DifficultyModerate -0.5 This is a straightforward eigenvalue calculation for a 2×2 matrix requiring only the characteristic equation det(A - λI) = 0 and solving a quadratic. While it's a Further Maths topic, the mechanical procedure is routine with no conceptual challenges, making it slightly easier than an average A-level question overall.
Spec4.03h Determinant 2x2: calculation

Find the eigenvalues of the matrix \(\begin{pmatrix} 7 & 6 \\ 6 & 2 \end{pmatrix}\) (Total 4 marks)

Find the eigenvalues of the matrix $\begin{pmatrix} 7 & 6 \\ 6 & 2 \end{pmatrix}$

(Total 4 marks)

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel FP3  Q1}}