ECZ 2018 · O-Level Paper 2 · Question 5 — Sequences and Series

Question from ECZ 2018 · O-Level Paper 2 · Question 5

(a) Simplify b - aa2 - b2.[2]

Verified working — step 1

Factor the denominator: a2 - b2 = (a - b)(a + b).

(b) The first three terms of a geometric progression are k + 4, k and 2k - 15 where k is a positive constant.

(b(i)) Find k.[3]

Verified working — step 1

In a GP the ratio between consecutive terms is equal: kk + 4 = 2k - 15k.

(b(ii)) List the first three terms of the progression.[2]

Verified working — step 1

Substitute k = 12 into the three expressions.

(b(iii)) Calculate the sum to infinity.[2]

Verified working — step 1

Common ratio r = 1216 = 34, and |r| < 1.

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Original examination question © Examinations Council of Zambia. Worked solution and commentary © G12 Titan — not to be reproduced without permission.

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