| Exam Board | SPS |
|---|---|
| Module | SPS SM (SPS SM) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Session | November |
| Topic | Arithmetic Sequences and Series |
| Type | Find term or common difference |
| Difficulty | Moderate -0.8 This is a straightforward arithmetic series question requiring only standard formula application. Part (a) uses S_n = n/2(2a + (n-1)d) with simple algebra, and part (b) solves two simultaneous linear equations. No problem-solving insight needed, just routine manipulation of well-known formulas—easier than average A-level questions. |
| Spec | 1.04h Arithmetic sequences: nth term and sum formulae |
An arithmetic series has first term $a$ and common difference $d$.
The sum of the first 29 terms is 1102.
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item Show that $a + 14d = 38$. (3 marks)
\item The sum of the second term and the seventh term is 13.
Find the value of $a$ and the value of $d$. (4 marks)
\end{enumerate}
\hfill \mbox{\textit{SPS SPS SM 2025 Q5}}