Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward quadratic inequality requiring rearrangement to standard form, factorisation of x² + 2x - 3 = (x+3)(x-1), and identification of the solution region -3 < x < 1. It's a standard C1 exercise testing basic technique with no problem-solving insight required, making it easier than average but not trivial since students must correctly interpret the inequality sign.
B3 for \(-3\) and \(1\) or; M1 for \(x^2 + 2x - 3 [< 0]\) or \((x + 1)^2 - / < 4\) and M1 for \((x + 3)(x - 1)\) or \(x= (-2 \pm 4)/2\) or for \((x + 1)\) and \(\pm 2\) on opp. sides of eqn or inequality; if \(0\), then SC1 for one of \(x < 1, x > -3\)
4 marks
$-3 < x < 1$ [condone $x < 1, x > -3$] | 4 marks | B3 for $-3$ and $1$ or; M1 for $x^2 + 2x - 3 [< 0]$ or $(x + 1)^2 - / < 4$ and M1 for $(x + 3)(x - 1)$ or $x= (-2 \pm 4)/2$ or for $(x + 1)$ and $\pm 2$ on opp. sides of eqn or inequality; if $0$, then SC1 for one of $x < 1, x > -3$
| | 4 marks |