Edexcel P2 2021 October — Question 2 5 marks

Exam BoardEdexcel
ModuleP2 (Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2021
SessionOctober
Marks5
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicArithmetic Sequences and Series
TypeRecurrence relation: find specific terms
DifficultyModerate -0.5 This is a straightforward recurrence relation question requiring iterative calculation of terms using the given formula and initial value. It involves basic arithmetic and substitution with no conceptual difficulty beyond understanding the notation, making it slightly easier than a typical A-level question which would require more problem-solving or multiple techniques.
Spec1.04e Sequences: nth term and recurrence relations

2. A sequence is defined by

Question 2:
Part (a)
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Attempts to substitute \(u_2 = 6k+3\) in \(u_3 (= ku_2 + 3)\)M1 Allow if "+3" missing once only; may be implied by correct answer; incorrect answer with no substitution is M0
\(u_3 = k(6k+3)+3\)A1 OR \(u_3 = 6k^2+3k+3\) but isw after correct answer seen
Part (b)
AnswerMarks Guidance
Answer/WorkingMark Guidance
Uses \(\sum_{n=1}^{3} u_n = 117 \Rightarrow 6+6k+3+k(6k+3)+3=117\)M1 Sets \(u_1 + u_2 + u_3 = 117\) to produce equation in just \(k\)
\(6k^2+9k-105=0 \Rightarrow k = \ldots\)dM1 Solves a 3TQ by any valid method to find at least one value for \(k\)
\(k = \frac{7}{2}\)A1 \(k = \frac{7}{2}\) ONLY
# Question 2:

## Part (a)

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Attempts to substitute $u_2 = 6k+3$ in $u_3 (= ku_2 + 3)$ | M1 | Allow if "+3" missing once only; may be implied by correct answer; incorrect answer with no substitution is M0 |
| $u_3 = k(6k+3)+3$ | A1 | OR $u_3 = 6k^2+3k+3$ but isw after correct answer seen |

## Part (b)

| Answer/Working | Mark | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Uses $\sum_{n=1}^{3} u_n = 117 \Rightarrow 6+6k+3+k(6k+3)+3=117$ | M1 | Sets $u_1 + u_2 + u_3 = 117$ to produce equation in just $k$ |
| $6k^2+9k-105=0 \Rightarrow k = \ldots$ | dM1 | Solves a 3TQ by any valid method to find at least one value for $k$ |
| $k = \frac{7}{2}$ | A1 | $k = \frac{7}{2}$ ONLY |

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2. A sequence is defined by

\hfill \mbox{\textit{Edexcel P2 2021 Q2 [5]}}