Sequences [119 marks]

1. [Maximum mark: 5] 24M.1.AHL.TZ1.5

Consider a geometric sequence with first term 1 and common ratio 10.

Sn is the sum of the first n terms of the sequence.

(a)
n

Find an expression for S n in the form a

b
−1
, where
a, b ∈ Z
+
. [1]

Markscheme

n
10 −1
Sn =
9
A1

(a = 10, b = 9)

[1 mark]

(b) Hence, show that

n
10(10 −1)−9n
S1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sn =
81
. [4]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

S1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sn

2 n

=
10−1

9
+
10 −1

9
+ … +
10

9
−1
(A1)

2 3 n

=
10−1+10 −1+10 −1+…+10

9
−1
OR
2 3 n
9(10−1+10 −1+10 −1+…+10 −1)

81

attempt to use geometric series formula on powers of 10, and collect −1’s
together M1
 n
10(10 −1)
10 + 10
2
+ 10
3
+ … + 10
n
=
10−1
and
−1 − 1 − 1 … = −n A1
n
n 10(10 −1)
10(10 −1)
9( )−9n
−n 10−1

OR A1
10−1
=
9 81

Note: Award A1 for any correct intermediate expression.

n
10(10 −1)−9n
=
81
AG

METHOD 2

attempt to create sum using sigma notation with S n M1

n n n
i
10 −1 1 i
Σ (= ( Σ 10 − Σ 1))
9 9
i=1 i=1 i=1

n n
i 10(10 −1)
Σ 10 =
9
A1
i=1

Σ 1 = n A1
i=1

n n
1 10(10 −1) 1 10(10 −1)−9n
=
9
(
9
− n) OR 9
(
9
) A1

n
10(10 −1)−9n
=
81
AG

METHOD 3

let P(n) be the proposition that

n
10(10 −1)−9n
S1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sn =
81
 considering P(1):
1
1 10(10 −1)−9(1)
LHS = S 1 =
10 −1

9
= 1 and RHS =
81
= 1 and
so P(1) is true R1
k
10(10 −1)−9k
assume P(k) is true i.e. S 1 + S2 + S3 + … + Sk =
81

M1

Note: Do not award M1 for statements such as “let n = k” or “n = k is

true”. Subsequent marks after this M1 are independent of this mark and can
be awarded.

considering P(k + 1) :

k
10(10 −1)−9k k+1
10 −1
S 1 + S 2 + S 3 + … + S k+1 = +
81 9

k+1 k+1
10 −10−9k+9(10 )−9
=
81
A1

k+1
10(10 −1)−9(k+1)
=
81

P(k + 1) is true whenever P(k) is true and P(1) is true, so P(n) is

true R1

(for all integers n ≥ 1)

Note: To obtain the final R1, the first R1 and A1 must have been awarded.

[4 marks]

2. [Maximum mark: 16] 24M.1.AHL.TZ2.10

Consider the arithmetic sequence a, p, q … , where a, p, q ≠ 0.

(a) Show that 2p − q = a. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to find a difference (M1)

d = p − a, 2d = q − a, d = q − p OR
p = a + d, q = a + 2d, q = p + d

correct equation A1

a+q
p − a = q − p OR q − a = 2(p − a) OR p =
2
(or
equivalent)

2p − q = a AG

[2 marks]

Consider the geometric sequence a, s, t … , where a, s, t ≠ 0.

(b) Show that s 2 = at. [2]

Markscheme

attempt to find a ratio (M1)

OR
s 2 t t 2
r = , r = , r = s = ar, t = ar , t = sr
a a s

correct equation A1

2
(
s

a
) =
a
t
OR s

a
=
t

s
(or equivalent)

s
2
= at AG
 [2 marks]

The first term of both sequences is a.

It is given that q = t = 1.

(c) Show that p >

1
. [2]
2

Markscheme

EITHER

2p − 1 = s
2
(or equivalent) A1

(s
2
> 0) ⇒ 2p − 1 > 0 OR s = √2p − 1 ⇒ 2p − 1 > 0
2

OR (and s 2 > 0) R1
s +1
p =
2

OR

2p − 1 = a and s A1
2
= a

a+1
(s 2 > 0, so) a > 0 ⇒ 2p − 1 > 0 OR p
2
and a > 0 R1

⇒ p >
1

2
AG

Note: Do not award A0R1.

[2 marks]

Consider the case where a = 9, s > 0 and q = t = 1.

(d) Write down the first four terms of the

(d.i) arithmetic sequence; [2]

Markscheme

9, 5, 1, −3 A1A1

Note: Award A1 for each of 2nd term and 4th term

[2 marks]

(d.ii) geometric sequence. [2]

Markscheme

9, 3, 1,
1

3
A1A1

Note: Award A1 for each of 2nd term and 4th term

[2 marks]

The arithmetic and the geometric sequence are used to form a new arithmetic
sequence u n .

The first three terms of u n are u 1 = 9 + ln 9, u 2 = 5 + ln 3, and

u 3 = 1 + ln 1.

(e.i) Find the common difference of the new sequence in terms of

ln 3. [3]

Markscheme

attempt to find the difference between two consecutive terms (M1)

 d = u 2 − u 1 = 5 + ln 3 − 9 − ln 9 OR
d = u 3 − u 2 = 1 + ln 1 − 5 − ln 3

ln 9 = 2 ln 3 OR ln 1 = 0 OR
= − ln 3) (seen anywhere) (A1)
1 −1
ln 3 − ln 9 = ln (= ln 3
3

d = −4 − ln 3 A1

[3 marks]

(e.ii) 10
Show that ∑ i=1 = −90 − 25 ln 3. [3]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

attempt to substitute first term and their common difference into S 10

(M1)

10

2
(2(9 + ln 9) + 9(−4 − ln 3)) OR
(2(9 + 2 ln 3) + 9(−4 − ln 3)) (or equivalent) A1
10

= 5(−18 − 5 ln 3) (or equivalent in terms of ln 3) A1

10

Σ u i = −90 − 25 ln 3 AG
i=1

METHOD 2

u 10 = 9 + ln 9 + 9(−4 − ln 3)(= −27 + ln 9 − 9 ln 3)

attempt to substitute first term and their u 10 into S 10 (M1)

10

2
(2(9 + ln 9) + 9(−4 − ln 3)) OR
10

2
(9 + ln 9 − 27 + ln 9 − 9 ln 3) OR
 10

2
(2(9 + 2 ln 3) + 9(−4 − ln 3)) OR
10
(9 + ln 9 − 27 − 7 ln 3) (or equivalent) A1
2

= 5(−18 − 5 ln 3) (or equivalent in terms of ln 3) A1

10

Σ u i = −90 − 25 ln 3 AG
i=1

[3 marks]

3. [Maximum mark: 7] 23N.1.SL.TZ1.4

The sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic sequence is given by
− qn, where p and q are positive constants.
2
Sn = pn

It is given that S 5 = 65 and S 6 = 96.

(a) Find the value of p and the value of q. [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

attempt to form at least one equation, using either S 5 or S 6 (M1)

65 = 25p − 5q (13 = 5p − q) and 96 = 36p − 6q

(16 = 6p − q) (A1)

valid attempt to solve simultaneous linear equations in p and q and by

substituting or eliminating one of the variables. (M1)

p = 3 , q = 2 A1A1

Note: If candidate does not explicitly state their values of p and q, but gives
− 2n , award final two marks as A1A0.
2
S n = 3n
 METHOD 2

attempt to form at least one equation, using either S 5 or S 6 (M1)

65 =
5

2
(2u 1 + 4d) (26 = 2u 1 + 4d) and
96 = 3(2u 1 + 5d) (32 = 2u 1 + 5d) (A1)

valid attempt to solve simultaneous linear equations in u 1 and d by

substituting or eliminating one of the variables. (M1)

u 1 = 1, d = 6 A1

n 2
Sn = (2 + 6(n − 1)) = 3n − 2n
2

p = 3 and q = 2 A1

Note: If candidate does not explicitly state their values of p and q, do not
award the final mark.

[5 marks]

(b) Find the value of u 6 . [2]

Markscheme

u6 = S6 − S5 OR substituting their values of u 1 and d into

u6 = u1 + 5d

6
OR substituting their value of u 1 into 96 =
2
(u 1 + u 6 ) (M1)

(u 6 =)96 − 65 OR (u 6 =)1 + 5 × 6 OR 96 = 3(1 + u 6 )

= 31 A1

[2 marks]
4. [Maximum mark: 14] 23M.1.AHL.TZ1.10
Consider the arithmetic sequence u 1 , u 2 , u 3 , … .

The sum of the first n terms of this sequence is given by S n = n

2
+ 4n.

(a.i) Find the sum of the first five terms. [2]

Markscheme

recognition that n = 5 (M1)

S 5 = 45 A1

[2 marks]

(a.ii) Given that S 6 = 60, find u 6 . [2]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

recognition that S 5 + u6 = S6 (M1)

u 6 = 15 A1

METHOD 2

recognition that 60 =
6

2
(S 1 + u 6 ) (M1)

60 = 3(5 + u 6 )

u 6 = 15 A1
 METHOD 3

substituting their u 1 and d values into u 1 + (n − 1)d (M1)

u 6 = 15 A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find u 1 . [2]

Markscheme

recognition that u 1 = S1 (may be seen in (a)) OR substituting their u 6

into S 6 (M1)

OR equations for S 5 and S 6 in terms of u 1 and d

1 + 4 OR 60 =
6

2
(U 1 + 15)

u1 = 5 A1

[2 marks]

(c) Hence or otherwise, write an expression for u n in terms of n. [3]

Markscheme

EITHER

valid attempt to find d (may be seen in (a) or (b)) (M1)

d = 2 (A1)
 OR

valid attempt to find S n − S n−1 (M1)

n
2
+ 4n − (n
2
− 2n + 1 + 4n − 4) (A1)

OR

equating n 2 + 4n =
n

2
(5 + u n ) (M1)

2n + 8 = 5 + u n (or equivalent) (A1)

THEN

u n = 5 + 2(n − 1) OR u n = 2n + 3 A1

[3 marks]

Consider a geometric sequence, v n , where v 2 = u1 and v 4 = u6 .

(d) Find the possible values of the common ratio, r. [3]

Markscheme

2
recognition that v 2 r 2 = v4 OR (v 3 ) = v2 × v4 (M1)

r
2
= 3 OR v 3 = (±)5√ 3 (A1)

r = ±√ 3 A1

Note: If no working shown, award M1A1A0 for √3.

 [3 marks]

(e) Given that v 99 < 0, find v 5 . [2]

Markscheme

recognition that r is negative (M1)

45
v 5 = −15√ 3 (= − ) A1
√3

[2 marks]

5. [Maximum mark: 18] 22M.1.AHL.TZ1.10

1
Consider the series ln x + p ln x +
3
ln x + …, where x ∈ R, x > 1

and p ∈ R, p ≠ 0.

Consider the case where the series is geometric.

(a.i) Show that p = ±

1
. [2]
√3

Markscheme

EITHER

attempt to use a ratio from consecutive terms M1

1
p ln x ln x

ln x
=
3

p ln x
OR 1

3
ln x = (ln x)r
2
OR p ln x = ln x(
1

3p
)
 1

Note: Candidates may use ln x 1 + ln x

p
+ ln x 3 + … and consider

the powers of x in geometric sequence

1
p
Award M1 for 1
=
3

p
.

OR

1
r = p and r
2
=
3
M1

THEN

p
2
=
1

3
OR r = ±
1
A1
√3

p = ±
1
AG
√3

Note: Award M0A0 for r 2 =

1

3
or p 2 =
1

3
with no other working seen.

[2 marks]

(a.ii) Hence or otherwise, show that the series is convergent. [1]

Markscheme

EITHER

1 1
since, |p| = and < 1 R1
√3 √3

OR

1
since, |p| = and −1 < p < 1 R1
√3
 THEN

⇒ the geometric series converges. AG

Note: Accept r instead of p.

Award R0 if both values of p not considered.

[1 mark]

(a.iii) Given that p > 0 and S ∞ = 3 + √ 3, find the value of x. [3]

Markscheme

ln x
1
(= 3 + √ 3) (A1)
1−
√3

3 √3
ln x = 3 − + √3 − OR
√3 √3

ln x = 3 − √ 3 + √ 3 − 1 (⇒ ln x = 2) A1

x = e
2
A1

[3 marks]

Now consider the case where the series is arithmetic with common difference d.

(b.i) Show that p =

2
. [3]
3

Markscheme

METHOD 1
attempt to find a difference from consecutive terms or from u 2 M1

correct equation A1

p ln x − ln x =
1

3
ln x − p ln x OR
1
ln x = ln x + 2(p ln x − ln x)
3

Note: Candidates may use ln x 1 + ln x p + ln x 3

+ … and consider

the powers of x in arithmetic sequence.

Award M1A1 for p − 1 =

1

3
− p

2p ln x =
4

3
ln x (⇒ 2p =
4

3
) A1

p =
2

3
AG

METHOD 2

u 1 +u 3
attempt to use arithmetic mean u 2 =
2
M1

1
ln x+ ln x
p ln x =
2
3
A1

4 4
2p ln x =
3
ln x (⇒ 2p =
3
) A1

2
p =
3
AG

METHOD 3

attempt to find difference using u 3 M1

1 1
ln x = ln x + 2d (⇒ d = − ln x)
3 3
 u 2 = ln x +
1

2
(
1

3
ln x − ln x) OR p ln x − ln x = −
1

3
ln x

A1

p ln x =
2

3
ln x A1

2
p =
3
AG

[3 marks]

(b.ii) Write down d in the form k ln x, where k ∈ Q. [1]

Markscheme

1
d = −
3
ln x A1

[1 mark]

(b.iii) The sum of the first n terms of the series is ln( 1

3
).
x

Find the value of n. [8]

Markscheme

METHOD 1

n 1
Sn = ⌊2 ln x + (n − 1) × (− ln x)⌋
2 3

1
attempt to substitute into S n and equate to ln( x 3
) (M1)

n 1 1
⌊2 ln x + (n − 1) × (− ln x)⌋ = ln( 3
)
2 3 x

1
ln(
x
3
) = − ln x (= ln x
3 −3
) (A1)
= −3 ln x (A1)

correct working with S n (seen anywhere) (A1)

n n 1 n(n−1)

2
⌊2 ln x −
3
ln x +
3
ln x⌋ OR n ln x −
6
ln x OR
n 4−n
(ln x + ( ) ln x)
2 3

correct equation without ln x A1

n 7 n n(n−1)

2
(
3
−
3
) = −3 OR n −
6
= −3 or equivalent

Note: Award as above if the series 1 + p + 1

3
+ … is considered

leading to n

2
(
7

3
−
n

3
) = −3.

attempt to form a quadratic = 0 (M1)

2
n − 7n − 18 = 0

attempt to solve their quadratic (M1)

(n − 9)(n + 2) = 0

n = 9 A1

METHOD 2

1
ln(
x
3
) = − ln x (= ln x
3 −3
) (A1)

= −3 ln x (A1)

listing the first 7 terms of the sequence (A1)

2 1 1 2
ln x + ln x + ln x + 0 − ln x − ln x − ln x + …
3 3 3 3

recognizing first 7 terms sum to 0 M1

 8
th term is − 4
ln x (A1)
3

9
th term is − 5
ln x (A1)
3

sum of 8th and 9th term = −3 ln x (A1)

n = 9 A1

[8 marks]

6. [Maximum mark: 15] 21N.1.SL.TZ0.8

Consider the function f (x) = a
x
where x, a ∈ R and x > 0, a > 1.

The graph of f contains the point ( 23 , 4).

(a) Show that a = 8. [2]

Markscheme

OR (M1)
2
f( ) = 4 a 3 = 4
3

3
3

a = 4 2 OR a = (2 )
2 2
OR a
2
= 64 OR 3
√a = 2 A1

a = 8 AG

[2 marks]

(b) Write down an expression for f −1 (x). [1]

Markscheme
 f
−1
(x) = log 8 x A1

Note: Accept f −1 (x) = log a x.

Accept any equivalent expression for f −1 e.g. f −1 (x) .

ln x
=
ln 8

[1 mark]

(c)
Find the value of f −1 (√32). [3]

Markscheme

correct substitution (A1)

1

log 8 √ 32 OR 8
x
= 32 2

correct working involving log/index law (A1)

5
1 5 1

2
log 8 32 OR 2
log 8 2 OR log 8 2 =
3
OR log 2 2 2
OR
5
5

OR OR
ln 2 2
3x
log 2 8 = 3 3
2 = 2 2
ln 2

f
−1
(√ 32) =
5

6
A1

[3 marks]

Consider the arithmetic sequence

log 8 27 , log 8 p , log 8 q , log 8 125 , where p > 1 and q > 1.

(d.i) Show that 27, p, q and 125 are four consecutive terms in a
geometric sequence. [4]
Markscheme

METHOD 1

equating a pair of differences (M1)

u 2 − u 1 = u 4 − u 3 (= u 3 − u 2 )

log 8 p − log 8 27 = log 8 125 − log 8 q

log 8 125 − log 8 q = log 8 q − log 8 p

p q
log 8 (
27
) = log 8 (
125

q
), log 8 (
125

q
) = log 8 (
p
) A1A1

p q

27
=
125

q
and 125

q
=
p
A1

27, p, q and 125 are in geometric sequence AG

Note: If candidate assumes the sequence is geometric, award no marks

for part (i). If r =
5

3
has been found, this will be awarded marks in part (ii).

METHOD 2

expressing a pair of consecutive terms, in terms of d (M1)

× 27 and q = 8 OR × 27 and
d 2d 2d
p = 8 × 27 q = 8
3d
125 = 8 × 27

two correct pairs of consecutive terms, in terms of d A1

d 2d 3d

(must include 3 ratios) A1

8 ×27 8 ×27 8 ×27
= d
= 2d
27 8 ×27 8 ×27

all simplify to 8 d A1

27, p, q and 125 are in geometric sequence AG

 [4 marks]

(d.ii) Find the value of p and the value of q. [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1 (geometric, finding r)

3
u4 = u1 r
3
OR 125 = 27(r) (M1)

r =
5

3
(seen anywhere) A1

p = 27r OR 125

q
=
5

3
(M1)

p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

METHOD 2 (arithmetic)

u 4 = u 1 + 3d OR log 8 125 = log 8 27 + 3d (M1)

5
d = log 8 (
3
) (seen anywhere) A1

5
log 8 p = log 8 27 + log 8 (
3
) OR
log 8 q = log 8 27 + 2 log 8 (
5

3
) (M1)

p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

METHOD 3 (geometric using proportion)

recognizing proportion (M1)

pq = 125 × 27 OR q
2
= 125p OR p
2
= 27q
 two correct proportion equations A1

attempt to eliminate either p or q (M1)

q
2
= 125 ×
125×27

q
OR p
2
= 27 ×
125×27

p = 45, q = 75 A1A1

[5 marks]

7. [Maximum mark: 9] 21N.2.SL.TZ0.6

The sum of the first n terms of a geometric sequence is given by
n
r
2 7
Sn = Σ
3
(
8
) .
r=1

(a) Find the first term of the sequence, u 1 . [2]

Markscheme

u1 = S1 =
2

3
×
7

8
(M1)

=
14

24
(=
12
7
= 0. 583333 …) A1

[2 marks]

(b) Find S ∞ . [3]

Markscheme

r =
7

8
(= 0. 875) (A1)

u1
substituting their values for u 1 and r into S ∞ =
1−r
(M1)
 =
14

3
(= 4. 66666 …) A1

[3 marks]

(c) Find the least value of n such that S ∞ − S n < 0. 001. [4]

Markscheme

attempt to substitute their values into the inequality or formula for S n

(M1)

n 7 7 n
r (1−( ) )
14 2 7

3
− Σ
3
(
8
) < 0. 001 OR Sn =
12

7
8

r=1 (1− )
8

attempt to solve their inequality using a table, graph or logarithms

(must be exponential) (M1)

Note: Award (M0) if the candidate attempts to solve S ∞ − u n < 0. 001.

correct critical value or at least one correct crossover value (A1)

63. 2675 … OR S ∞ − S 63 = 0. 001036 … OR

S ∞ − S 64 = 0. 000906 …

OR S ∞ − S 63 − 0. 001 = 0. 0000363683 … OR
S ∞ − S 64 − 0. 001 = 0. 0000931777 …

least value is n = 64 A1

[4 marks]
8. [Maximum mark: 5] 21M.1.SL.TZ1.3
Consider an arithmetic sequence where u 8 = S 8 = 8. Find the
value of the first term, u 1 , and the value of the common difference, d. [5]

Markscheme

METHOD 1 (finding u 1 first, from S 8 )

4(u 1 + 8) = 8 (A1)

u 1 = −6 A1

u 1 + 7d = 8 OR 4(2u 1 + 7d) = 8 (may be seen with their value of

u1 ) (A1)

attempt to substitute their u 1 (M1)

d = 2 A1

METHOD 2 (solving simultaneously)

u 1 + 7d = 8 (A1)

4(u 1 + 8) = 8 OR 4(2u 1 + 7d) = 8 OR u 1 = −3d (A1)

attempt to solve linear or simultaneous equations (M1)

u 1 = −6, d = 2 A1A1

[5 marks]

9. [Maximum mark: 5] 20N.1.AHL.TZ0.H_5

The first term in an arithmetic sequence is 4 and the fifth term is
log 2 625.
 Find the common difference of the sequence, expressing your answer
in the form log 2 p, where p ∈ Q.
[5]

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

u 5 = 4 + 4d = log 2 625 (A1)

4d = log 2 625 − 4

attempt to write an integer (eg 4 or 1) in terms of log 2 M1

4d = log 2 625 − log 2 16

attempt to combine two logs into one M1

625
4d = log 2 ( )
16

1 625
d = log 2 ( )
4 16

attempt to use power rule for logs M1

1
625 4
d = log 2 ( )
16

5
d = log 2 (
2
) A1

[5 marks]

Note: Award method marks in any order.

10. [Maximum mark: 8] 20N.2.SL.TZ0.S_6

An infinite geometric series has first term u 1 = a and second term

− 3a, where a > 0.

1 2
u2 = a
4

(a) Find the common ratio in terms of a. [2]

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

evidence of dividing terms (in any order) (M1)

1 2
u1 a −3a
eg u2
,
4

r =
1

4
a − 3 A1 N2

[2 marks]

(b) Find the values of a for which the sum to infinity of the series
exists. [3]

Markscheme

recognizing | r | < 1 (must be in terms of a) (M1)

eg
1 1
a − 3 < 1, − 1 ≤ a − 3 ≤ 1, − 4 < a − 12 < 4
4 4

8 < a < 16 A2 N3

[3 marks]

(c) Find the value of a when S ∞ = 76. [3]

Markscheme
 correct equation (A1)

eg a
1
= 76 , a = 76(4 −
1

4
a)
1−( a−3)
4

(= 15. 2) (exact) A2 N3
76
a =
5

[3 marks]

11. [Maximum mark: 5] 19N.2.AHL.TZ0.H_1

A geometric sequence has u 4 = −70 and u 7 = 8.75. Find the

second term of the sequence. [5]

Markscheme

= −70, u 1 r (M1)
3 6
u1 r = 8.75

r
3
=
8.75

−70
= −0.125 (A1)

⇒ r = −0.5 (A1)

valid attempt to find u 2 (M1)

for example:
−70
u1 = = 560
−0.125

u 2 = 560 × −0.5

= −280 A1

[5 marks]

12. [Maximum mark: 7] 19M.2.SL.TZ1.S_7

The first terms of an infinite geometric sequence, u n , are 2, 6, 18, 54, …

The first terms of a second infinite geometric sequence, v n , are 2, −6, 18, −54, …
The terms of a third sequence, w n , are defined as w n = un + vn .

225 m

The finite series, ∑ wk , can also be written in the form ∑ 4r

k
.
k=1 k=0

(a) Write down the first three non-zero terms of w n . [3]

Markscheme

attempt to add corresponding terms (M1)

n−1 n−1
eg 2 + 2, 6 + (−6), 2(3) + 2(−3)

correct value for w 5 (A1)

eg 324

4, 36, 324 (accept 4 + 36 + 324) A1 N3

[3 marks]

(b.i) Find the value of r. [2]

Markscheme

valid approach (M1)

eg 4 × r
1
= 36, 4 × 9
n−1

r = 9 (accept ∑ 4 × 9
k
; m may be incorrect) A1 N2
k=0

[2 marks]

(b.ii) Find the value of m. [2]

Markscheme
 recognition that 225 terms of w n consists of 113 non-zero terms (M1)

113 112

eg ∑, ∑, 113
1 0

m = 112 (accept ∑ 124 × r

k
; r may be incorrect) A1 N2
k=0

[2 marks]

13. [Maximum mark: 5] 18N.2.AHL.TZ0.H_1

Consider a geometric sequence with a first term of 4 and a fourth term of −2.916.

(a) Find the common ratio of this sequence. [3]

Markscheme

* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

u4 = u1 r
3
⇒ −2.916 = 4r
3
(A1)

solving, r = −0.9 (M1)A1

[3 marks]

(b) Find the sum to infinity of this sequence. [2]

Markscheme

S∞ =
1−(−9)
4
(M1)
=
40

19
(= 2.11) A1

[2 marks]

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