Sequence Series Logarithms [61 marks]

1.
[Maximum mark: 6]
EXN.1.SL.TZ0.4
The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence are 𝑢1 , 5𝑢1 − 8 and 3𝑢1 + 8.
(a)
Show that 𝑢1 = 4.
[2]
Markscheme
* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics senior examiners to
aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the new MAA course. There may be
minor differences in formatting compared to formal exam papers.
EITHER
uses 𝑢2 − 𝑢1 = 𝑢3 − 𝑢2 (M1)
(5𝑢1 − 8) − 𝑢1 = (3𝑢1 + 8) − (5𝑢1 − 8)
6𝑢1 = 24 A1

OR
𝑢1 +𝑢3
uses 𝑢2 = 2
(M1)

𝑢1 + (3𝑢1 + 8)
5𝑢1 − 8 =
2
3𝑢1 = 12 A1

THEN
so 𝑢1 = 4 AG

[2 marks]
(b)
Prove that the sum of the first 𝑛 terms of this arithmetic sequence is a square number.
[4]
Markscheme
𝑑=8 (A1)
𝑛
uses 𝑆𝑛 = 2 (2𝑢1 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑 ) M1
𝑛
𝑆𝑛 = 2 (8 + 8(𝑛 − 1)) A1

= 4𝑛2
= (2𝑛)2 A1

Note: The final A1 can be awarded for clearly explaining that 4𝑛2 is a square number.

so sum of the first 𝑛 terms is a square number AG

[4 marks]

2.
[Maximum mark: 15]
22M.1.SL.TZ1.8
1
Consider the series ln 𝑥 + 𝑝 ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑥 + ⋯, where 𝑥 ∈ ℝ, 𝑥 > 1 and 𝑝 ∈ ℝ, 𝑝 ≠ 0.
3

Consider the case where the series is geometric.

Now consider the case where the series is arithmetic with common difference 𝑑.
(a.i)
1
Show that 𝑝 = ± .
√3

[2]
Markscheme
EITHER
attempt to use a ratio from consecutive terms M1
 1
𝑝 ln 𝑥 ln 𝑥 1 1
= 𝑝3 ln 𝑥 OR ln 𝑥 = (ln 𝑥 )𝑟 2 OR 𝑝 ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 (3𝑝)
ln 𝑥 3

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 = 𝑝3 .

OR
1
𝑟 = 𝑝 and 𝑟 2 = M1
3

THEN
1 1
𝑝2 = 3 OR 𝑟 = ± A1
√3

1
𝑝=± AG
√3

1 1
Note: Award M0A0 for 𝑟 2 = or 𝑝2 = with no other working seen.
3 3

[2 marks]
(a.ii)

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

𝑥 = e2 A1

[3 marks]
(b.i)
 2
Show that 𝑝 = 3.

[3]
Markscheme
METHOD 1
attempt to find a difference from consecutive terms or from 𝑢2 M1
correct equation A1
1 1
𝑝 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 = 3 ln 𝑥 − 𝑝 ln 𝑥 OR ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 + 2(𝑝 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 )
3

1
Note: Candidates may use ln 𝑥 1 + ln 𝑥 𝑝 + ln 𝑥 3 + ⋯ and consider the powers of 𝑥 in
arithmetic sequence.
1
Award M1A1 for 𝑝 − 1 = 3 − 𝑝

4 4
2𝑝 ln 𝑥 = 3 ln 𝑥 (⇒ 2𝑝 = 3) A1
2
𝑝=3 AG

METHOD 2
𝑢1 +𝑢3
attempt to use arithmetic mean 𝑢2 = M1
2
1
ln 𝑥+ ln 𝑥
𝑝 ln 𝑥 = 3
A1
2

4 4
2𝑝 ln 𝑥 = 3 ln 𝑥 (⇒ 2𝑝 = 3) A1
2
𝑝=3 AG

METHOD 3
attempt to find difference using 𝑢3 M1
1 1
ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 + 2𝑑 (⇒ 𝑑 = − ln 𝑥)
3 3
 1 1 1
𝑢2 = ln 𝑥 + 2 (3 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥) OR 𝑝 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 = − 3 ln 𝑥 A1
2
𝑝 ln 𝑥 = 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 −3 ln 𝑥.
Find the value of 𝑛.
[6]
Markscheme
METHOD 1
𝑛 1
𝑆𝑛 = [2 ln 𝑥 + [𝑛 − 1] × [− ln 𝑥]]
2 3

attempt to substitute into 𝑆𝑛 and equate to −3 ln 𝑥 (M1)

𝑛 1
[2 ln 𝑥 + [𝑛 − 1] × [− ln 𝑥]] = −3 ln 𝑥
2 3

correct working with 𝑆𝑛 (seen anywhere) (A1)

𝑛 𝑛 1 𝑛(𝑛−1) 𝑛 4−𝑛
[2 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 + ln 𝑥] OR 𝑛 ln 𝑥 − ln 𝑥 OR (ln 𝑥 + ( ) ln 𝑥)
2 3 3 6 2 3

correct equation without ln 𝑥 A1

𝑛 7 𝑛 𝑛(𝑛−1)
( − 3 ) = −3 OR 𝑛 − = −3 or equivalent
2 3 6
 1 𝑛 7 𝑛
Note: Award as above if the series 1 + 𝑝 + 3 + ⋯ is considered leading to 2 (3 − 3 ) = −3.

attempt to form a quadratic = 0 (M1)

𝑛2 − 7𝑛 − 18 = 0
attempt to solve their quadratic (M1)
(𝑛 − 9)(𝑛 + 2) = 0

𝑛=9 A1

METHOD 2
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
4
8th term is − 3 ln 𝑥 (A1)
5
9th term is − 3 ln 𝑥 (A1)

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

𝑛=9 A1

[6 marks]

3.
[Maximum mark: 5]
21M.1.SL.TZ1.3
Consider an arithmetic sequence where 𝑢8 = 𝑆8 = 8. Find the value of the first term, 𝑢1 ,
and the value of the common difference, 𝑑.
[5]
Markscheme
METHOD 1 (finding 𝐮1 first, from 𝐒8 )
4(𝑢1 + 8) = 8 (A1)
𝑢1 = −6 A1
𝑢1 + 7𝑑 = 8 OR 4(2𝑢1 + 7𝑑 ) = 8 (may be seen with their value of 𝑢1 ) (A1)
attempt to substitute their 𝑢1 (M1)
𝑑=2 A1

METHOD 2 (solving simultaneously)

𝑢1 + 7𝑑 = 8 (A1)
4(𝑢1 + 8) = 8 OR 4(2𝑢1 + 7𝑑 ) = 8 OR 𝑢1 = −3𝑑 (A1)
attempt to solve linear or simultaneous equations (M1)
𝑢1 = −6, 𝑑 = 2 A1A1

[5 marks]

4.
[Maximum mark: 5]
EXN.1.SL.TZ0.2
Solve the equation 2 ln 𝑥 = ln 9 + 4. Give your answer in the form 𝑥 = 𝑝𝑒 𝑞 where 𝑝, 𝑞 ∈
ℤ+ .
[5]
Markscheme
* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics senior examiners to
aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the new MAA course. There may be
minor differences in formatting compared to formal exam papers.

METHOD 1
2 ln 𝑥 − ln 9 = 4
uses 𝑚 ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 𝑚 (M1)
ln 𝑥 2 − ln 9 = 4
𝑎
uses ln 𝑎 − ln 𝑏 = ln (M1)
𝑏
 𝑥2
ln =4
9
𝑥2
= 𝑒4 A1
9

𝑥 2 = 9𝑒 4 ⇒ 𝑥 = √9𝑒 4 (𝑥 > 0) A1
𝑥 = 3𝑒 2 (𝑝 = 3, 𝑞 = 2) A1

METHOD 2
expresses 4 as 4 ln 𝑒 and uses ln 𝑥 𝑚 = 𝑚 ln 𝑥 (M1)
2 ln 𝑥 = 2 ln 3 + 4 ln 𝑒 (ln 𝑥 = ln 3 + 2 ln 𝑒) A1
uses 2 ln 𝑒 = ln 𝑒 2 and ln 𝑎 + ln 𝑏 = ln 𝑎𝑏 (M1)
ln 𝑥 = ln (3𝑒 2 ) A1
𝑥 = 3𝑒 2 (𝑝 = 3, 𝑞 = 2) A1

METHOD 3
expresses 4 as 4 ln 𝑒 and uses 𝑚 ln 𝑥 = ln 𝑥 𝑚 (M1)
ln 𝑥 2 = ln 32 + ln 𝑒 4 A1
uses ln 𝑎 + ln 𝑏 = ln 𝑎𝑏 (M1)
ln 𝑥 2 = ln (32 𝑒 4 )

𝑥 2 = 32 𝑒 4 ⇒ 𝑥 = √32 𝑒 4 (𝑥 > 0) A1
so 𝑥 = 3𝑒 2 (𝑥 > 0) (𝑝 = 3, 𝑞 = 2) A1

[5 marks]

5.
[Maximum mark: 15]
22N.1.SL.TZ0.8
Calculate the value of each of the following logarithms:
It is given that log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 = 3, where 𝑎, 𝑏 ∈ ℝ+ , 𝑎𝑏 ≠ 1.

(a.i)
 1
log2 16.

[2]
Markscheme
valid approach to find the required logarithm (M1)
1 1
2𝑥 = OR 2𝑥 = 2−4 OR = 2−4 OR log2 1 − log2 16
16 16
1
log2 16 = −4 A1

[2 marks]
(a.ii)
log9 3.

[2]
Markscheme
valid approach to find the required logarithm (M1)
1 log3 3
9𝑥 = 3 OR 32𝑥 = 3 OR 3 = 92 OR
log3 9

1
log9 3 = 2 A1

[2 marks]
(a.iii)
log√3 81.

[3]
Markscheme
𝑥 log3 81
(√3) = 81 OR (A1)
log3 √3

𝑥
𝑥 4
(3)2 = 34 OR = 4 OR 1 (A1)
2
2

𝑥=8 A1
[3 marks]
(b.i)
Show that log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2.

[4]
Markscheme
Note: There are many valid approaches to the question, and the steps may be seen in
different ways. Some possible methods are given here, but candidates may use a
combination of one or more of these methods.

In all methods, the final A mark is awarded for working which leads directly to the AG.

METHOD 1
(𝑎𝑏)3 = 𝑎 (A1)
attempt to isolate 𝑏 or a power of 𝑏 (M1)
correct working (A1)
𝑎 1
𝑏 = 𝑎3 𝑏2 OR 𝑏3 = 𝑎−2 OR 𝑏 −1 = (𝑎𝑏)2 OR 𝑏3 = 𝑎2
1
𝑏 = 𝑎2 𝑏2 OR 𝑏 = (𝑎𝑏)−2 OR 3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 OR −log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = 2 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏
A1
log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 AG

METHOD 2
(𝑎𝑏)3 = 𝑎 (A1)
taking logarithm to base 𝑎𝑏 on both sides (M1)
log𝑎𝑏 (𝑎𝑏)3 = log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 OR log𝑎𝑏 𝑎3 𝑏3 = log𝑎𝑏 𝑎

correct application of log rules leading to equation in terms of log𝑎𝑏 (A1)

3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 + 3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 OR 3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 OR log𝑎𝑏 𝑏3 = log𝑎𝑏 𝑎−2

2
2 2
log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = log𝑎𝑏 𝑎−3 OR log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = − 3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 OR log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = − 3 (3) A1

log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 AG
Note: Candidates may substitute log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 = 3 at any point in their working.

METHOD 3
log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 = 3

writing in terms of base 𝑎 (M1)

log𝑎 𝑎
(= 3)
log𝑎 𝑎𝑏

correct application of log rules (A1)

log𝑎 𝑎 1 2
(= 3) OR (= 3) OR 3 log𝑎 𝑏 = −2 OR log𝑎 𝑏 = −
log𝑎 𝑎+log𝑎 𝑏 1+log𝑎 𝑏 3

writing log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 in terms of base 𝑎 (A1)

log𝑎 𝑏
log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 =
log𝑎 𝑎 + log𝑎 𝑏

correct working A1
2 2
− (− )
log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = 3
2 OR 1
3
1− ( )
3 3

log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 AG

METHOD 4
log𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 = 1 A2

log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 + log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = 1 (A1)

3 + log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = 1 A1

log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 = −2 AG

[4 marks]
(b.ii)
3
√𝑎
Hence find the value of log𝑎𝑏 .
√𝑏
[4]
Markscheme
applying the quotient rule or product rule for logs
3 3
√𝑎 √𝑎 1
log𝑎𝑏 = log𝑎𝑏 3√𝑎 − log𝑎𝑏 √𝑏 OR log𝑎𝑏 = log𝑎𝑏 3√𝑎 + log𝑎𝑏 (A1)
√𝑏 √𝑏 √𝑏

correct working (A1)

1 1
= 3 log𝑎𝑏 𝑎 − 2 log𝑎𝑏 𝑏 OR log𝑎𝑏 𝑎𝑏 − log𝑎𝑏 √𝑏
1 1
= 3 ⋅ 3 − 2 (−2) (A1)

=2 A1

Note: Award A1A0A0A1 for a correct answer with no working.

[4 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.
2
The graph of 𝑓 contains the point (3 , 4).

Consider the arithmetic sequence log8 27 , log8 𝑝 , log8 𝑞 , log8 125 , where 𝑝 > 1 and 𝑞 >
1.
(a)
Show that 𝑎 = 8.
[2]
Markscheme
2
2
𝑓 (3) = 4 OR 𝑎3 = 4 (M1)
3 3
𝑎 = 42 OR 𝑎 = (22 )2 OR 𝑎2 = 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 ) = log8 𝑥 A1

Note: Accept 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = log𝑎 𝑥.

ln 𝑥
Accept any equivalent expression for 𝑓 −1 e.g. 𝑓 −1 (𝑥 ) = .
ln 8

[1 mark]
(c)

Find the value of 𝑓 −1 (√32).

[3]
Markscheme
correct substitution (A1)
1
log8 √32 OR 8𝑥 = 322

correct working involving log/index law (A1)

5
5 5
1 5 1 ln 22
log8 32 OR log8 2 OR log8 2 = 3 OR log2 2 2 OR log2 8 = 3 OR OR 23𝑥 = 22
2 2 ln 23
5
𝑓 −1 (√32) = 6 A1

[3 marks]
(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)
𝑢2 − 𝑢1 = 𝑢4 − 𝑢3 (= 𝑢3 − 𝑢2 )
log8 𝑝 − log8 27 = log8 125 − log8 𝑞

log8 125 − log8 𝑞 = log8 𝑞 − log8 𝑝

𝑝 125 125 𝑞
log8 ( ) = log8 ( ) , log8 ( ) = log8 ( ) A1A1
27 𝑞 𝑞 𝑝

𝑝 125 125 𝑞
= and =𝑝 A1
27 𝑞 𝑞

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

METHOD 2
expressing a pair of consecutive terms, in terms of 𝑑 (M1)
𝑝 = 8𝑑 × 27 and 𝑞 = 82𝑑 × 27 OR 𝑞 = 82𝑑 × 27 and 125 = 83𝑑 × 27
two correct pairs of consecutive terms, in terms of 𝑑 A1
8𝑑 ×27 82𝑑 ×27 83𝑑 ×27
= = 82𝑑 ×27 (must include 3 ratios) A1
27 8𝑑 ×27

all simplify to 8𝑑 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)
𝑢4 = 𝑢1 𝑟 3 OR 125 = 27(𝑟)3 (M1)
5
𝑟 = 3 (seen anywhere) A1
 125 5
𝑝 = 27𝑟 OR =3 (M1)
𝑞

𝑝 = 45, 𝑞 = 75 A1A1

METHOD 2 (arithmetic)
𝑢4 = 𝑢1 + 3𝑑 OR log8 125 = log8 27 + 3𝑑 (M1)
5
𝑑 = log8 (3) (seen anywhere) A1
5 5
log8 𝑝 = log8 27 + log8 (3) OR log8 𝑞 = log8 27 + 2 log8 (3) (M1)

𝑝 = 45, 𝑞 = 75 A1A1

METHOD 3 (geometric using proportion)

recognizing proportion (M1)
𝑝𝑞 = 125 × 27 OR 𝑞 2 = 125𝑝 OR 𝑝2 = 27𝑞
two correct proportion equations A1
attempt to eliminate either 𝑝 or 𝑞 (M1)
125×27 125×27
𝑞 2 = 125 × OR 𝑝2 = 27 ×
𝑞 𝑝

𝑝 = 45, 𝑞 = 75 A1A1

[5 marks]

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