SPS SPS SM 2025 October — Question 7 7 marks

Exam BoardSPS
ModuleSPS SM (SPS SM)
Year2025
SessionOctober
Marks7
TopicLaws of Logarithms
TypeTwo unrelated log parts: both solve equations
DifficultyStandard +0.3 Both parts are standard substitution problems: (a) uses u=y³ to get a quadratic, then cube roots; (b) uses u=3^x to get a quadratic in u. These are textbook exercises requiring straightforward algebraic manipulation with no novel insight, making them slightly easier than average A-level questions.
Spec1.02f Solve quadratic equations: including in a function of unknown1.06g Equations with exponentials: solve a^x = b

In this question you must show detailed reasoning. Solve the following equations.
  1. \(y^6 + 7y^3 - 8 = 0\) [3]
  2. \(9^{x+1} + 3^x = 8\) [4]

In this question you must show detailed reasoning.

Solve the following equations.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item $y^6 + 7y^3 - 8 = 0$ [3]

\item $9^{x+1} + 3^x = 8$ [4]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS SM 2025 Q7 [7]}}