Moderate -0.5 This is a straightforward algebraic manipulation question requiring students to rearrange a rational equation by cross-multiplying and collecting terms. While it involves multiple steps (cross-multiply, expand, collect x terms, factorise, divide), these are standard C1 techniques with no conceptual difficulty or problem-solving insight required, making it slightly easier than average.
Question 2:
2 | y (x − 2) = (x + 3)
xy − 2y = x + 3 or ft [ft from earlier
errors if of comparable difficulty – no
ft if there are no xy terms]
xy − x = 2y + 3 or ft
x=]2y+3
[
o.e. or ft
y−1
alt method:
5
y=1+
x−2
5
y−1=
x−2
5
x−2=
y−1
5
x=2+
y−1 | M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1
M1 | for multiplying by x − 2; condone
missing brackets
for expanding bracket and being at
stage ready to collect x terms
for collecting x and ‘other’ terms on
opposite sides of eqn
for factorising and division
for either method: award 4 marks only if
fully correct | 4