SPS SPS FM 2020 October — Question 5 6 marks

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS FM (SPS FM)
Year2020
SessionOctober
Marks6
TopicSine and Cosine Rules
TypeAlgebraic side lengths
DifficultyModerate -0.3 This is a straightforward application of the cosine rule to find x (solving a quadratic equation), followed by using the standard area formula (1/2)ab sin C. Both parts are routine A-level techniques with no conceptual challenges, making it slightly easier than average but still requiring proper algebraic manipulation.
Spec1.05b Sine and cosine rules: including ambiguous case1.05c Area of triangle: using 1/2 ab sin(C)

\includegraphics{figure_5} The diagram shows triangle \(ABC\), with \(AB = x\) cm, \(AC = (x + 2)\) cm, \(BC = 2\sqrt{7}\) cm and angle \(CAB = 60°\).
  1. Find the value of \(x\). [4]
  2. Find the area of triangle \(ABC\), giving your answer in an exact form as simply as possible. [2]

\includegraphics{figure_5}

The diagram shows triangle $ABC$, with $AB = x$ cm, $AC = (x + 2)$ cm, $BC = 2\sqrt{7}$ cm and angle $CAB = 60°$.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Find the value of $x$. [4]

\item Find the area of triangle $ABC$, giving your answer in an exact form as simply as possible. [2]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS FM 2020 Q5 [6]}}