Sequences and Sums [141 marks]

The first three terms of a geometric sequence are u1 = 0.64, u2 = 1.6, and u3 = 4.

[2 marks]
1a. Find the value of r.

Markscheme
valid approach (M1)
u1
eg , 4,
u2 1.6
1.6 = r(0.64)

r = 2.5 (= 52 ) A1 N2

[2 marks]

[2 marks]
1b. Find the value of S6.

Markscheme
correct substitution into S6 (A1)
6
0.64(2.5 − 1)
eg 2.5− 1

S6 = 103.74 (exact), 104 A1 N2

[2 marks]

1c. Find the least value of n such that Sn > 75 000. [3 marks]

Markscheme
METHOD 1 (analytic)

valid approach (M1)

0.64(2.5n− 1) 0.64(2.5n− 1)
eg 2.5− 1
> 75 000, 2.5− 1
= 75 000

correct inequality (accept equation) (A1)

eg n > 13.1803, n = 13.2

n = 14 A1 N1

METHOD 2 (table of values)

both crossover values A2

eg S13 = 63577.8, S14 = 158945

n = 14 A1 N1

[3 marks]

Total [7 marks]

In an arithmetic sequence u10 = 8, u11 = 6.5.

[1 mark]
2a. Write down the value of the common difference.
 Markscheme
d = −1.5 A1 N1

[1 mark]

[3 marks]
2b. Find the first term.

Markscheme
METHOD 1

valid approach (M1)

eg u10 = u1 + 9d, 8 = u1 − 9(−1.5)

correct working (A1)

eg 8 = u1 + 9d, 6.5 = u1 + 10d, u1 = 8 − 9(−1.5)

u1 = 21.5 A1 N2

METHOD 2

attempt to list 3 or more terms in either direction (M1)

eg 9.5, 11, 12.5, … ; 5, 3.5, 2, … …

correct list of 4 or more terms in correct direction (A1)

eg 9.5, 11, 12.5, 14

u1 = 21.5 A1 N2

[3 marks]

2c. Find the sum of the first 50 terms of the sequence. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct expression (A1)
50
50
∑
eg
2
(2(21.5) + 49(−1.5)) , 502 (21.5 − 52), k=1 21.5 + (k − 1)(−1.5)

sum = −762.5 (exact) A1 N2

[2 marks]

Total [6 marks]

Ramiro walks to work each morning. During the first minute he walks 80 metres. In each subsequent minute he walks 90% of the [7 marks]
3.
distance walked during the previous minute.

The distance between his house and work is 660 metres. Ramiro leaves his house at 08:00 and has to be at work by 08:15.

Explain why he will not be at work on time.

Markscheme
METHOD 1

recognize that the distance walked each minute is a geometric sequence (M1)

eg r = 0.9, valid use of 0.9

recognize that total distance walked is the sum of a geometric sequence (M1)

Sn, a( 1 −r )
−rn
eg
1
correct substitution into the sum of a geometric sequence (A1)

eg 80 ( 1 )
−0.9 n

1−0.9

any correct equation with sum of a geometric sequence (A1)

eg 80 ( )
0.9n− 1 66
0.9− 1
= 660, 1 − 0.9 = n
80

attempt to solve their equation involving the sum of a GP (M1)

eg graph, algebraic approach

n = 16.54290788 A1

since n > 15 R1

he will be late AG N0

Note: Do not award the R mark without the preceding A mark.

METHOD 2

recognize that the distance walked each minute is a geometric sequence (M1)

eg r = 0.9, valid use of 0.9

recognize that total distance walked is the sum of a geometric sequence (M1)

1−r
)
n
eg Sn , a(
1−r

correct substitution into the sum of a geometric sequence (A1)

eg 80 ( 1 )
−0.9 n

1−0.9

attempt to substitute n = 15 into sum of a geometric sequence (M1)

eg S15

correct substitution (A1)

eg 80 ( )
0.915− 1
0.9− 1

S15 = 635.287 A1

since S < 660 R1

he will not be there on time AG N0

Note: Do not award the R mark without the preceding A mark.

METHOD 3

recognize that the distance walked each minute is a geometric sequence (M1)

eg r = 0.9, valid use of 0.9

recognize that total distance walked is the sum of a geometric sequence (M1)

)
1−rn
eg Sn , a(
1−r

listing at least 5 correct terms of the GP (M1)

15 correct terms A1

80,72,64.8,58.32,52.488,47.2392,42.5152,38.2637,34.4373,30.9936,27.8942,25.1048,22.59436,20.3349,18.3014
attempt to find the sum of the terms (M1)

eg S15, 80 + 72 + 64.8 + 58.32 + 52.488 + … + 18.301433

S15 = 635.287 A1

since S < 660 R1

he will not be there on time AG N0

Note: Do not award the R mark without the preceding A mark.

[7 marks]
 In an arithmetic sequence, the first term is 2 and the second term is 5.

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

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)

eg d = u2 − u1, 5 − 2

d=3 A1 N2

[2 marks]

Find the eighth term. [2 marks]

4b.

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)

eg u8 = 2 + 7 × 3, listing terms

u8 = 23 A1 N2

[2 marks]

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

Markscheme
correct approach (A1)
8 8
eg S8 = (2 + 23), listing terms, (2(2) + 7(3))
2 2

S8 = 100 A1 N2

[2 marks]

Total [6 marks]

The first two terms of a geometric sequence un are u1 = 4 and u2 = 4.2.

5a. (i) Find the common ratio. [5 marks]

(ii) Hence or otherwise, find u5.

 Markscheme
(i) valid approach (M1)
u2
eg r = , 4
u1 4.2

r = 1.05 (exact) A1 N2

(ii) attempt to substitute into formula, with their r (M1)

eg 4 × 1.05 , 4 × 1.05 × 1.05 …

n

correct substitution (A1)

eg 4 × 1.054, 4 × 1.05 × 1.05 × 1.05 × 1.05

u5 = 4.862025 (exact), 4.86 [4.86, 4.87] A1 N2

[5 marks]

Another sequence vn is defined by vn = an k, where a, k ∈ R , and n ∈ Z+ , such that v1 = 0.05 and v2 = 0.25. [5 marks]
5b.
(i) Find the value of a.

(ii) Find the value of k.

Markscheme
(i) attempt to substitute n = 1 (M1)

eg 0.05 = a × 1 k

a = 0.05 A1 N2

(ii) correct substitution of n = 2 into v2 A1

eg 0.25 = a × 2 k

correct work (A1)

eg finding intersection point, k = log2 ( ) , log

0.25 log5
0.05 2

2.32192
k = log25 (exact), 2.32 [2.32, 2.33] A1 N2

[5 marks]

Find the smallest value of n for which vn > un . [5 marks]

5c.
 Markscheme
correct expression for un (A1)
n− 1
eg 4 × 1.05

EITHER

correct substitution into inequality (accept equation) (A1)

n− 1
eg 0.05 × n k > 4 × 1.05

valid approach to solve inequality (accept equation) (M1)

eg finding point of intersection, n = 7.57994 (7.59508 from 2.32)

n = 8 (must be an integer) A1 N2

OR

table of values

when n = 7, u7 = 5.3604, v7 = 4.5836 A1

when n = 8, u8 = 5.6284, v8 = 6.2496 A1

n = 8 (must be an integer) A1 N2

[4 marks]

Total [14 marks]

The sides of a square are 16 cm in length. The midpoints of the sides of this square are joined to form a new square
and four triangles (diagram 1). The process is repeated twice, as shown in diagrams 2 and 3.

Let
xn denote the length of one of the equal sides of each new triangle.

Let
An denote the area of each new triangle.

6a. The following table gives the values of

[4 marks]
xn and
An, for
1 ⩽ n ⩽ 3. Copy and complete the table. (Do not write on this page.)

n 1 2 3

xn 8 4

An 32 16
 Markscheme
valid method for finding side length (M1)

eg
1 2
82 + 82 = c2 , 45 − 45 − 90 side ratios, 8√2, 2
s = 16, x2 + x2 = 82

correct working for area (A1)

eg
1
2
×4×4

n 1 2 3

xn 8 √32 4

An 32 16 8
A1A1 N2N2
[4 marks]

6b. The process described above is repeated. Find [4 marks]

A6 .

Markscheme
METHOD 1
recognize geometric progression for
An (R1)
eg
un = u1 rn−1
r = 12 (A1)
correct working (A1)
eg
5
32( 12 ) ; 4, 2, 1, 12 , 1
4
, …
A6 = 1 A1 N3

METHOD 2
attempt to find
x6 (M1)
eg
5
1
8( √2 ) , 2√2, 2, √2, 1, …
x6 = √2 (A1)
correct working (A1)
eg
2
1
2
(√2)
A6 = 1 A1 N3
[4 marks]

6c. Consider an initial square of side length [7 marks]

k cm. The process described above is repeated indefinitely. The total area of the shaded regions is
k cm2 . Find the value of
k.
 Markscheme
METHOD 1
recognize infinite geometric series (R1)
eg
a
Sn = 1−r
, |r| < 1
area of first triangle in terms of
k (A1)
eg
2
( )
1 k
2 2

attempt to substitute into sum of infinite geometric series (must have

k) (M1)
eg
2
( )
1 k
2 2 k
,
1− 12 1− 12

correct equation A1
eg
2
( )
1 k
2 2
k2
= k, k = 8

1− 12 1
2

correct working (A1)

eg
k2 = 4k
valid attempt to solve their quadratic (M1)
eg
k(k − 4), k = 4 or k = 0
k = 4 A1 N2
METHOD 2
recognizing that there are four sets of infinitely shaded regions with equal area R1
area of original square is
k2 (A1)
so total shaded area is
k2
4
(A1)
correct equation
k2
4
=k A1
k2 = 4k (A1)
valid attempt to solve their quadratic (M1)
eg
k(k − 4), k = 4 or k = 0
k = 4 A1 N2
[7 marks]

The sums of the terms of a sequence follow the pattern

S1 = 1 + k, S2 = 5 + 3k, S3 = 12 + 7k, S4 = 22 + 15k, … , where k ∈ Z.

7a. Given that [4 marks]

u1 = 1 + k, find
u2 , u3 and
u4 .
 Markscheme
valid method (M1)
eg
u2 = S2 − S1 , 1 + k + u2 = 5 + 3k
u2 = 4 + 2k, u3 = 7 + 4k, u4 = 10 + 8k A1A1A1 N4
[4 marks]

7b. Find a general expression for [4 marks]

un.

Markscheme
correct AP or GP (A1)
eg finding common difference is
3, common ratio is
2
valid approach using arithmetic and geometric formulas (M1)
eg
1 + 3(n − 1) and
rn−1 k
un = 3n − 2 + 2n−1 k A1A1 N4

Note: Award A1 for

3n − 2, A1 for
2n−1 k.

[4 marks]

The first three terms of a infinite geometric sequence are

m − 1, 6, m + 4, where
m ∈ Z.

8a. Write down an expression for the common ratio, [2 marks]

r.

Markscheme
correct expression for
r A1 N1
eg
6 +4
r= m−1
, m6
[2 marks]

[2 marks]
8b. Hence, show that
m satisfies the equation
m2 + 3m − 40 = 0.
 Markscheme
correct equation A1
eg
6 m+4 6 m−1
m−1
= 6
, m+4 = 6
correct working (A1)
eg
(m + 4)(m − 1) = 36
correct working A1
eg
m2 − m + 4m − 4 = 36, m2 + 3m − 4 = 36
m2 + 3m − 40 = 0 AG N0
[2 marks]

8c. Find the two possible values of [3 marks]

m.

Markscheme
valid attempt to solve (M1)
eg
−3±√9+4×40
(m + 8)(m − 5) = 0, m = 2
m = −8, m = 5 A1A1 N3
[3 marks]

8d. Find the possible values of [3 marks]

r.

Markscheme
attempt to substitute any value of
m to find
r (M1)
eg
6
−8−1
, 5+4
6
r = 32 , r = − 23 A1A1 N3
[3 marks]

8e. The sequence has a finite sum. [3 marks]

State which value of

r leads to this sum and justify your answer.
 Markscheme
r = − 23 (may be seen in justification) A1
valid reason R1 N0
eg
−2
|r| < 1, − 1 < 3
<1

Notes: Award R1 for

|r| < 1 only if A1 awarded.

[2 marks]

[3 marks]
8f. The sequence has a finite sum.
Calculate the sum of the sequence.

Markscheme
finding the first term of the sequence which has
|r| < 1 (A1)
eg
−2
−8 − 1, 6 ÷ 3

u1 = −9 (may be seen in formula) (A1)

correct substitution of
u1 and their
r into
u1
1−
, as long as
r
|r| < 1 A1
eg
−9 −9
S∞ = ,
1−(− 23 )
5
3

S∞ = − 27
5
(= −5.4) A1 N3

[4 marks]

An arithmetic sequence is given by

5,
8,
11, ….

9a. (a) Write down the value of [7 marks]

d.
(b) Find
(i)
u100 ;
(ii)
S100 .
(c) Given that
un = 1502 , find the value of
n.
 Markscheme
(a)
d=3 A1 N1
[1 mark]

(b) (i) correct substitution into term formula (A1)

e.g.
u100 = 5 + 3(99) ,
5 + 3(100 − 1)
u100 = 302 A1 N2
(ii) correct substitution into sum formula (A1)
eg
100
S100 = 2
(2(5) + 99(3)) ,
100
S100 = 2
(5 + 302)
S100 = 15350 A1 N2
[4 marks]

(c) correct substitution into term formula (A1)

eg
1502 = 5 + 3(n − 1) ,
1502 = 3n + 2
n = 500 A1 N2
[2 marks]

Total [7 marks]

9b. Write down the value of [1 mark]

d.

Markscheme
d=3 A1 N1
[1 mark]

9c. Find
[4 marks]

(i)
u100 ;
(ii)
S100 .
 Markscheme
(i) correct substitution into term formula (A1)
e.g.
u100 = 5 + 3(99) ,
5 + 3(100 − 1)
u100 = 302 A1 N2
(ii) correct substitution into sum formula (A1)
eg
100
S100 = 2
(2(5) + 99(3)) ,
100
S100 = 2
(5 + 302)
S100 = 15350 A1 N2
[4 marks]

9d. Given that

[2 marks]
un = 1502 , find the value of
n.

Markscheme
correct substitution into term formula (A1)
eg
1502 = 5 + 3(n − 1) ,
1502 = 3n + 2
n = 500 A1 N2
[2 marks]

Total [7 marks]

10. The sum of the first three terms of a geometric sequence is

[6 marks]
62.755, and the sum of the infinite sequence is
440. Find the common ratio.
 Markscheme
correct substitution into sum of a geometric sequence A1
eg
62.755 = u1 ( 1−rr ) ,
1− 3

u1 + u1 r + u1 r2 = 62.755
correct substitution into sum to infinity A1
eg
u1
1−r
= 440
attempt to eliminate one variable (M1)
eg substituting
u1 = 440(1 − r)
correct equation in one variable (A1)
eg
62.755 = 440(1 − r) ( 1−rr ) ,
1− 3

440(1 − r)(1 + r + r2 ) = 62.755

evidence of attempting to solve the equation in a single variable (M1)
eg sketch, setting equation equal to zero,
62.755 = 440(1 − r3 )
19
r = 0.95 = 20
A1 N4

[6 marks]

11a. The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are5 , 6.7 , 8.4 .
[2 marks]

Find the common difference.

Markscheme
valid method (M1)
e.g. subtracting terms, using sequence formula
d = 1.7 A1 N2
[2 marks]

11b. The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are5 , 6.7 , 8.4 . [2 marks]

Find the 28th term of the sequence.

Markscheme
correct substitution into term formula (A1)
e.g.
5 + 27(1.7)
28th term is 50.9 (exact) A1 N2
[2 marks]
11c. The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are
[2 marks]
5,
6.7 ,
8.4 .
Find the sum of the first 28 terms.

Markscheme
correct substitution into sum formula (A1)
e.g.
28
S28 = 2 (2(5) + 27(1.7)) ,
28
2
(5 + 50.9)
S28 = 782.6 (exact) [
782,
783] A1 N2
[2 marks]

The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are 36, 40, 44,….

12a. (i) Write down the value of d . [3 marks]

(ii) Find
u8 .

Markscheme
(i)
d=4 A1 N1
(ii) evidence of valid approach (M1)
e.g.
u8 = 36 + 7(4) , repeated addition of d from 36
u8 = 64 A1 N2
[3 marks]

12b. (i) Show that [3 marks]

Sn = 2n2 + 34n .
(ii) Hence, write down the value of
S14 .

Markscheme
(i) correct substitution into sum formula A1
e.g.
Sn = n2 {2 (36) + (n − 1)(4)} ,
n
2
{72 + 4n − 4}
evidence of simplifying
e.g.
n
2
{4n + 68} A1

Sn = 2n2 + 34n AG N0
(ii)
868 A1 N1
[3 marks]
13a. The first term of a geometric sequence is 200 and the sum of the first four termsis 324.8. [4 marks]

Find the common ratio.

Markscheme
correct substitution into sum of a geometric sequence (A1)
e.g.
200 ( 1−rr ) ,
1− 4

200 + 200r + 200r2 + 200r3

attempt to set up an equation involving a sum and 324.8 M1
e.g.
200 ( 1−rr ) = 324.8 ,
1− 4

200 + 200r + 200r2 + 200r3 = 324.8

r = 0.4 (exact) A2 N3
[4 marks]

13b. The first term of a geometric sequence is 200 and the sum of the first four termsis 324.8.
[2 marks]

Find the tenth term.

Markscheme
correct substitution into formula A1
e.g.
u10 = 200 × 0.49
u10 = 0.0524288 (exact),
0.0524 A1 N1
[2 marks]

In an arithmetic sequence,
u1 = 2 and
u3 = 8 .

14a. Find d .
[2 marks]

Markscheme
attempt to find d (M1)
e.g.
u3 −u1
2
,
8 = 2 + 2d
d=3 A1 N2
[2 marks]

14b. Find [2 marks]

u20 .
 Markscheme
correct substitution (A1)
e.g.
u20 = 2 + (20 − 1)3 ,
u20 = 3 × 20 − 1
u20 = 59 A1 N2
[2 marks]

14c. Find
[2 marks]
S20 .

Markscheme
correct substitution (A1)
e.g.
20
S20 = 2
(2 + 59) ,
20
S20 = 2
(2 × 2 + 19 × 3)
S20 = 610 A1 N2
[2 marks]

In an arithmetic sequence
u1 = 7 ,
u20 = 64 and
un = 3709 .

15a. Find the value of the common difference. [3 marks]

Markscheme
evidence of choosing the formula for 20th term (M1)
e.g.
u20 = u1 + 19d
correct equation A1
e.g.
64 = 7 + 19d ,
64−7
d = 19
d=3 A1 N2
[3 marks]

15b. Find the value of n . [2 marks]

 Markscheme
correct substitution into formula for
un A1
e.g.
3709 = 7 + 3(n − 1) ,
3709 = 3n + 4
n = 1235 A1 N1
[2 marks]

Consider the arithmetic sequence 3, 9, 15,

… , 1353 .

16a. Write down the common difference.

[1 mark]

Markscheme
common difference is 6 A1 N1
[1 mark]

16b. Find the number of terms in the sequence.

[3 marks]

Markscheme
evidence of appropriate approach (M1)
e.g.
un = 1353
correct working A1
e.g.
1353 = 3 + (n − 1)6 ,
1353+3
6

n = 226 A1 N2
[3 marks]

16c. Find the sum of the sequence. [2 marks]

Markscheme
evidence of correct substitution A1
e.g.
226(3+1353)
S226 = 2
,
226
2
(2 × 3 + 225 × 6)
S226 = 153228 (accept 153000) A1 N1
[2 marks]
 An arithmetic sequence,
u1 , u2 , u3 … , has
d = 11 and
u27 = 263 .

17a. Find [2 marks]

u1 .

Markscheme
evidence of equation for
u27 M1
e.g.
263 = u1 + 26 × 11 ,
u27 = u1 + (n − 1) × 11 ,
263 − (11 × 26)
u1 = −23 A1 N1
[2 marks]

17b. (i) Given that [4 marks]

un = 516 , find the value of n .
(ii) For this value of n , find
Sn .

Markscheme
(i) correct equation A1
e.g.
516 = −23 + (n − 1) × 11 ,
539 = (n − 1) × 11
n = 50 A1 N1
(ii) correct substitution into sum formula A1
e.g.
50(−23+516)
S50 = 2
,
50(2×(−23)+49×11)
S50 = 2

S50 = 12325 (accept 12300) A1 N1

[4 marks]

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