Sequences and Series Paper 1

Practice [94 marks]

The first two terms of an infinite geometric sequence are u1 = 18 and u2 = 12sin 2 θ , where 0 < θ
< 2π , and θ ≠ π.

1a. Find an expression for r in terms of θ. [2 marks]

Markscheme
valid approach (M1)
u2 u1
eg u1 , u2

12 sin2 θ
(= 2 sin )
2
r= 18 3
θ
A1 N2

[2 marks]

1b. Find the possible values of r. [3 marks]

Markscheme
recognizing that sin θ is bounded (M1)
eg 0≤ sin 2 θ ≤ 1, −1 ≤ sinθ ≤ 1, −1 < sinθ < 1
2
0<r≤ 3
A2 N3

Note: If working shown, award M1A1 for correct values with incorrect inequality sign(s).
If no working shown, award N1 for correct values with incorrect inequality sign(s).
[3 marks]

1c. Show that the sum of the infinite sequence is 54 [4 marks]

.
2+cos (2θ)
 Markscheme
correct substitution into formula for infinite sum A1
18
eg 2θ
1− 2 sin3

evidence of choosing an appropriate rule for cos 2 θ (seen anywhere) (M1)

eg cos 2θ = 1 − 2 sin 2 θ
correct substitution of identity/working (seen anywhere) (A1)
18 54 18
eg , ,
1− 23 ( ) )
1−cos 2θ 1−cos 2θ 3−2 sin2 θ
2
3−2( 2 3

correct working that clearly leads to the given answer A1

18×3 54
eg
2+(1−2 sin2 θ)
, 3−(1−cos 2θ)
54
AG N0
2+cos(2θ)

[4 marks]

1d. Find the values of θ which give the greatest value of the sum. [6 marks]
 Markscheme
METHOD 1 (using differentiation)
dS∞
recognizing dθ
= 0 (seen anywhere) (M1)
dS∞
finding any correct expression for dθ
(A1)
0−54×(−2 sin 2 θ)
eg , −54(2 + cos 2 θ)−2 (−2 sin 2 θ)
(2+cos 2 θ)2

correct working (A1)

eg sin 2 θ = 0
any correct value for sin −1(0) (seen anywhere) (A1)
eg 0, π, … , sketch of sine curve with x-intercept(s) marked both correct values for 2 θ
(ignore additional values) (A1)
2θ = π, 3 π (accept values in degrees)
π 3π
both correct answers θ = 2
, 2 A1 N4

Note: Award A0 if either or both correct answers are given in degrees.

Award A0 if additional values are given.

METHOD 2 (using denominator)

recognizing when S ∞ is greatest (M1)
eg 2 + cos 2 θ is a minimum, 1−r is smallest
correct working (A1)
2
eg minimum value of 2 + cos 2 θ is 1, minimum r = 3

correct working (A1)

2
eg cos 2 θ = −1, 3
sin2 θ = 23 , sin2 θ = 1
EITHER (using cos 2 θ)
any correct value for cos −1(−1) (seen anywhere) (A1)
eg π, 3 π, … (accept values in degrees), sketch of cosine curve with x-intercept(s) marked
both correct values for 2 θ (ignore additional values) (A1)
2θ = π, 3 π (accept values in degrees)
OR (using sin θ)
sinθ = ±1 (A1)
sin−1(1) = π
2
(accept values in degrees) (seen anywhere) A1

THEN
π 3π
both correct answers θ = 2
, 2 A1 N4

Note: Award A0 if either or both correct answers are given in degrees.

Award A0 if additional values are given.
[6 marks]

An arithmetic sequence has = log ( ) and = log ( ), where > 1 and , > 0.
 An arithmetic sequence has u1 = logc (p) and u2 = logc (pq), where c > 1 and p, q > 0.

2a. Show that d = logc (q). [2 marks]

Markscheme
valid approach involving addition or subtraction M1
eg u2 = logc p + d, u1 − u2
correct application of log law A1
eg logc (pq) = logc p + logc q, logc ( )
pq
p

d = logc q AG N0
[2 marks]

2b. 20 [6 marks]
∑
Let p = c2 and q = c3 . Find the value of n=1 un .
 Markscheme
METHOD 1 (finding u1 and d)
recognizing ∑ = S20 (seen anywhere) (A1)
attempt to find u1 or d using logc ck = k (M1)
eg logc c, 3 logc c, correct value of u1 or d
u1 = 2, d = 3 (seen anywhere) (A1)(A1)
correct working (A1)
eg S20 = 202
(2 × 2 + 19 × 3) , S20 = 20
2
(2 + 59) , 10 (61)
20
∑
n=1 un = 610 A1 N2

METHOD 2 (expressing S in terms of c)

recognizing ∑ = S20 (seen anywhere) (A1)
correct expression for S in terms of c (A1)
eg 10 (2 logc c2 + 19 logc c3 )

logc c2 = 2, logc c3 = 3 (seen anywhere) (A1)(A1)

correct working (A1)
20 20
eg S20 = 2
(2 × 2 + 19 × 3) , S20 = 2
(2 + 59) , 10 (61)
20
∑
n=1 un = 610 A1 N2

METHOD 3 (expressing S in terms of c)

recognizing ∑ = S20 (seen anywhere) (A1)
correct expression for S in terms of c (A1)
eg 10 (2 logc c2 + 19 logc c3 )
correct application of log law (A1)
eg
2 logc c2 = logc c4 , 19 logc c3 = logc c57 , 10 (logc (c2 ) + logc (c3 ) ) , 10 (logc c4 + logc c57 ) , 10
2 19

correct application of definition of log (A1)

eg logc c61 = 61, logc c4 = 4, logc c57 = 57
correct working (A1)
eg S20 = 202
(4 + 57) , 10 (61)
20
∑
n=1 un = 610 A1 N2
[6 marks]

The following diagram shows [AB], with length 2 cm. The line is divided into an infinite
3a. The following diagram shows [AB], with length 2 cm. The line is divided into an infinite [5 marks]
number of line segments. The diagram shows the first three segments.

The length of the line segments are p cm, p2 cm, p3 cm, …, where 0 < p < 1.
2
Show that p = 3
.

Markscheme
infinite sum of segments is 2 (seen anywhere) (A1)
2 3 u1
eg p + p + p + … = 2, 1−r
=2
recognizing GP (M1)
u1 u1(rn−1)
eg ratio is p, 1−r
, un = u1 × rn−1 , r−1

correct substitution into S∞ formula (may be seen in equation) A1

p
eg 1−p

correct equation (A1)

p
eg 1−p
= 2, p = 2 − 2p
correct working leading to answer A1
eg 3p = 2, 2 − 3p = 0
2
p= 3
(cm) AG N0

[5 marks]

3b. The following diagram shows [CD], with length b cm, where b > 1. Squares with side [9 marks]
lengths k cm, k2 cm, k3 cm, …, where 0 < k < 1, are drawn along [CD]. This
process is carried on indefinitely. The diagram shows the first three squares.

9
The total sum of the areas of all the squares is 16
. Find the value of b.
 Markscheme
recognizing infinite geometric series with squares (M1)
k2
eg k2 + k4 + k6 + … , 1−k2
9
correct substitution into S∞ = 16
(must substitute into formula) (A2)
k2 9
eg 1−k2
= 16

correct working (A1)

9
eg 16k2 = 9 − 9k2 , 25k2 = 9, k2 = 25
3
k= 5
(seen anywhere) A1

valid approach with segments and CD (may be seen earlier) (M1)

eg r = k, S∞ = b
correct expression for b in terms of k (may be seen earlier) (A1)
∞
∑
eg b = k
1−k
, b = n=1 kn , b = k + k2 + k3 + …
substituting their value of k into their formula for b (M1)
3 ( 35 )
eg 5
,
1− 35 ( 25 )

3
b= 2
A1 N3

[9 marks]

In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 8 and the second term is 5.

4a. Find the common difference. [2 marks]

Markscheme
subtracting terms (M1)
eg 5 − 8, u2 − u1
d = −3 A1 N2
[2 marks]

4b. Find the tenth term. [2 marks]

 Markscheme
correct substitution into formula (A1)
eg u10 = 8 + (10 − 1)(−3), 8 − 27, − 3(10) + 11
u10 = −19 A1 N2
[2 marks]

4c. Find the sum of the first ten terms. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct substitution into formula for sum (A1)
10
eg S10 = 2
(8 − 19), 5 (2(8) + (10 − 1)(−3))
S10 = −55 A1 N2
[2 marks]

The first three terms of a geometric sequence are ln x16 , ln x8 , ln x4 , for x > 0.

5a. Find the common ratio. [3 marks]

Markscheme
correct use log xn = n log x A1
eg 16 ln x
valid approach to find r (M1)
un+1 ln x8 4 ln x
eg un , ln x16 , 8 ln x , ln x4 = ln x16 × r2
1
r= 2
A1 N2

[3 marks]

∞
5b. [5 marks]
∑
Solve k=1 2 5−k ln x = 64.
 Markscheme
recognizing a sum (finite or infinite) (M1)
4 3
eg 2 ln x + 2 ln x, a
1−r
, S∞ , 16 ln x + …
valid approach (seen anywhere) (M1)
1
eg recognizing GP is the same as part (a), using their r value from part (a), r = 2

correct substitution into infinite sum (only if |r| is a constant and less than 1) A1
4
2 ln x ln x16
eg , , 32 ln x
1− 12 1
2

correct working (A1)

eg ln x = 2
x = e2 A1 N3
[5 marks]

In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 3 and the second term is 7.

6a. Find the common difference. [2 marks]

Markscheme
attempt to subtract terms (M1)
eg d = u2 − u1 , 7 − 3
d=4 A1 N2
[2 marks]

6b. Find the tenth term. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)
eg u10 = 3 + 9(4)
u10 = 39 A1 N2
[2 marks]

6c. Find the sum of the first ten terms of the sequence. [2 marks]
 Markscheme
correct substitution into sum (A1)
10
eg S10 = 5(3 + 39), S10 = 2
(2 × 3 + 9 × 4)
S10 = 210 A1 N2
[2 marks]

The first two terms of an infinite geometric sequence, in order, are

2log2 x, log2 x, where x > 0.

7a. Find r. [2 marks]

Markscheme
evidence of dividing terms (in any order) (M1)
μ2 2log2x
eg μ1
, log x
2

1
r= 2
A1 N2

[2 marks]

7b. Show that the sum of the infinite sequence is 4log2 x. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct substitution (A1)
2log2x
eg
1− 12

correct working A1
2log2x
eg 1
2

S∞ = 4log2 x AG N0
[2 marks]

The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence, in order, are

log2 x, log2 ( x2 ) , log2 ( x4 ), where x > 0.

7c. Find d, giving your answer as an integer. [4 marks]

 Markscheme
evidence of subtracting two terms (in any order) (M1)
eg u3 − u2 , log2 x − log2 x2
correct application of the properties of logs (A1)

eg log2 ( x ) , log2 ( x2 ×
x
1
2
x
), (log2 x − log2 2) − log2 x

correct working (A1)

eg log2 12 , − log2 2

d = −1 A1 N3
[4 marks]

Let S12 be the sum of the first 12 terms of the arithmetic sequence.

7d. Show that S12 = 12log2 x − 66. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct substitution into the formula for the sum of an arithmetic sequence (A1)
12
eg 2
(2log2 x + (12 − 1)(−1))
correct working A1
12
eg 6(2log2 x − 11), 2
(2log2 x − 11)
12log2 x − 66 AG N0
[2 marks]

7e. Given that S12 is equal to half the sum of the infinite geometric sequence, find x, [3 marks]
giving your answer in the form 2p , where p ∈ Q.

Markscheme
correct equation (A1)
eg 12log2 x − 66 = 2log2 x
correct working (A1)

eg 10log2 x = 66, log2 x = 6.6, 266 = x10 , log2 ( x 2 ) = 66

12

x = 26.6 (accept p = 66
10
) A1 N2

[3 marks]

Consider the following sequence of figures.

 Consider the following sequence of figures.

Figure 1 contains 5 line segments.

8a. Given that Figure n contains 801 line segments, show that n = 200. [3 marks]

Markscheme
recognizing that it is an arithmetic sequence (M1)
eg 5, 5 + 4, 5 + 4 + 4, … , d = 4, un = u1 + (n − 1)d, 4n + 1
correct equation A1
eg 5 + 4(n − 1) = 801
correct working (do not accept substituting n = 200) A1
796
eg 4n − 4 = 796, n − 1 = 4

n = 200 AG N0
[3 marks]

8b. Find the total number of line segments in the first 200 figures. [3 marks]

Markscheme
recognition of sum (M1)
eg S200 , u1 + u2 + … + u200 , 5 + 9 + 13 + … + 801
correct working for AP (A1)
200 200
eg 2
(5 + 801), 2
(2(5) + 199(4))
80 600 A1 N2
[3 marks]

9. Three consecutive terms of a geometric sequence are x − 3, 6 and x + 2. [6 marks]

Find the possible values of x.
 Markscheme
METHOD 1
valid approach (M1)
6
eg r = x−3 , (x − 3) × r = 6, (x − 3)r2 = x + 2
correct equation in terms of x only A1
6
eg x−3
= x+2
6
, (x − 3)(x + 2) = 62 , 36 = x2 − x − 6
correct working (A1)
eg x2 − x − 42, x2 − x = 42
valid attempt to solve their quadratic equation (M1)
eg factorizing, formula, completing the square
evidence of correct working (A1)
1±√169
eg (x − 7)(x + 6), 2

x = 7, x = −6 A1 N4
METHOD 2 (finding r first)
valid approach (M1)
6
eg r = x−3 , 6r = x + 2, (x − 3)r2 = x + 2
correct equation in terms of r only A1
6
eg r
+ 3 = 6r − 2, 6 + 3r = 6r2 − 2r, 6r2 − 5r − 6 = 0
evidence of correct working (A1)
5±√25+144
eg (3r + 2)(2r − 3), 12
3
r = − 23 , r = 2
A1

substituting their values of r to find x (M1)

eg (x − 3) ( 23 ) = 6, x = 6 ( 32 ) −2
x = 7, x = −6 A1 N4
[6 marks]

10. An arithmetic sequence has the first term ln a and a common difference ln 3. [6 marks]
The 13th term in the sequence is 8 ln 9. Find the value of a.
 Markscheme
Note: There are many approaches to this question, and the steps may be done in any
order. There are 3 relationships they may need to apply at some stage, for the 3rd, 4th and
5th marks. These are
equating bases eg recognising 9 is 32

log rules: ln b + ln c = ln(bc), ln b − ln c = ln( bc ),

exponent rule: ln bn = n ln b.
The exception to the FT rule applies here, so that if they demonstrate correct application of
the 3 relationships, they may be awarded the A marks, even if they have made a previous
error. However all applications of a relationship need to be correct. Once an error has been
made, do not award A1FT for their final answer, even if it follows from their working.
Please check working and award marks in line with the markscheme.

correct substitution into u13 formula (A1)

eg ln a + (13 − 1) ln 3
set up equation for u13 in any form (seen anywhere) (M1)
eg ln a + 12 ln 3 = 8 ln 9
correct application of relationships (A1)(A1)(A1)
a = 81 A1 N3
[6 marks]
Examples of application of relationships
Example 1
correct application of exponent rule for logs (A1)
eg ln a + ln 312 = ln 98
correct application of addition rule for logs (A1)
eg ln(a312 ) = ln 98
substituting for 9 or 3 in ln expression in equation (A1)
eg ln(a312 ) = ln 316 , ln(a96 ) = ln 98
Example 2
recognising 9 = 32 (A1)
1
eg ln a + 12 ln 3 = 8 ln 32 , ln a + 12 ln 9 2 = 8 ln 9
one correct application of exponent rule for logs relating ln 9 to ln 3 (A1)
eg ln a + 12 ln 3 = 16 ln 3, ln a + 6 ln 9 = 8 ln 9
another correct application of exponent rule for logs (A1)
4 2
eg ln a = ln 3 , ln a = ln 9

In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 2 and the second term is 5.

 In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 2 and the second term is 5.

11a. Find the common difference. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)
eg d = u2 − u1 , 5 − 2
d=3 A1 N2
[2 marks]

11b. Find the eighth term. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)
eg u8 = 2 + 7 × 3, listing terms
u8 = 23 A1 N2
[2 marks]

11c. Find the sum of the first eight terms of the sequence. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)
8
eg S8 = 2
(2 + 23), listing terms, 82 (2(2) + 7(3))
S8 = 100 A1 N2
[2 marks]
Total [6 marks]

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