| Exam Board | Edexcel |
|---|---|
| Module | AEA (Advanced Extension Award) |
| Year | 2008 |
| Session | June |
| Marks | 5 |
| Paper | Download PDF ↗ |
| Topic | Arithmetic Sequences and Series |
| Type | Largest or extreme value of sum |
| Difficulty | Standard +0.8 This AEA question requires finding when a decreasing arithmetic series transitions from positive to negative terms, involving solving a quadratic inequality and interpreting the maximum of a quadratic function. While the arithmetic series formula is standard, recognizing that the maximum occurs just before terms become negative requires problem-solving insight beyond routine application, making it moderately challenging but not exceptionally difficult for AEA level. |
| Spec | 1.04h Arithmetic sequences: nth term and sum formulae1.04i Geometric sequences: nth term and finite series sum |
The first and second terms of an arithmetic series are 200 and 197.5 respectively.
The sum to $n$ terms of the series is $S_n$.
Find the largest positive value of $S_n$.
[5]
\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel AEA 2008 Q1 [5]}}