SIXTH FORM PRE-COURSE WORK:

MATHS & FURTHER MATHS A LEVEL

The following work is set to help with your transition from GCSE to A Level.

Please complete the following TWO booklets and return your work on the first day of Year 12.

If you have any queries, please contact the Head of Department: gareth.jones@st-edwards.co.uk

ctd..
St Edward’s College
Maths Pre A Level Tasks
GCSE content

There are two tasks to

complete before you return
to school.
Name: __________________________
Task 1 is this booklet
(approx. 3 hrs-3.5hrs)
163 marks

Task 2 is an additional PDF

document of UKMT problem
solving surds and indies
questions
(approx. 1.5-2 hrs)

Please complete both tasks in advance, showing

full, detailed working for each question and bring it
with you on your first day in September.

Please mark your work in a different colour using

the mark scheme at the back of the booklets.

Comments: Successful completion both tasks is one of the

requirements for entry onto the A Level Maths
course.

On your first lesson of the course you will also be

given a NON CALCULATOR baseline assessment
which will also assess your suitability for the
course.

Page 1 of 47
Q1.Express in the form xa

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Q2.Show that can be written in the form

where c and d are integers.

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(Total 3 marks)

Q3.Simplify

Give your answer in the form where a, b and c are integers.

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Answer _________________________________________(Total 4 marks)

Page 2 of 47
 Q4.Simplify

Give your answer in the form where a and b are integers.

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Answer _________________________________________ (Total 3 marks)

Q5.A car and a lorry complete the same 240 mile journey without stopping.

The average speed of the car is x mph.

The average speed of the lorry is 12 mph slower than the car.

The lorry takes 1 hour longer than the car.

Use an algebraic method to work out the average speed of the car.

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Answer _______________________________ mph (Total 6 marks)

Page 3 of 47
Q6.Given that

Work out the value of x.

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x = __________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

x x+1
Q7.Given that 3 =9 work out the value of x.

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x = ______________________________________ (Total 2 marks)

Q8.(a) Work out as an improper fraction.

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Answer _________________________________________
(1)

(b) Work out as a power of 2

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Answer _________________________________________ (2)

(Total 3 marks)

Page 4 of 47
Q9.(a) Work out the value of 8−2
Circle your answer.

−16 64 −64

(1)

x
(b) Solve 4 =8

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x = ____________________________________________
(3)

(c) Simplify
Give your answer in the form a

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Answer _________________________________________
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

Q10.Expand and simplify (x − 4)(2x + 3y)2

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Answer _________________________________________ (Total 4 marks)

Page 5 of 47
Q11.w, x and y are three integers.

w is 2 less than x
y is 2 more than x

Prove that wy + 4 = x2
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(Total 3 marks)

Q12.(a) Solve =4

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w = ____________________________________________
(3)

(b) Solve 4x2 − 25 < 0

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Answer _________________________________________ (3)

Page 6 of 47
 (a) Solve =5

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y = ____________________________________________
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

Q13.Expand and simplify (t + 4)³

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Q14.Solve the simultaneous equations

x+y=4

y² = 4 x + 5
Do not use trial and improvement.

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)

Page 7 of 47
Q15.
Solve 5x − y = 5
2y − x2 = 11

You must show your working.

Do not use trial and improvement.

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 6 marks)

Page 8 of 47
Q16.A, B and C are points on the circle x2 + y2 = 36 as shown.

A is on the y-axis.
B is on the x-axis.
M is the midpoint of AB.
COM is a straight line.

(a) Show that the coordinates of A are (0, 6)

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(b) Work out the coordinates of B.

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Answer ( ___________ , ___________ )

(1)

(c) Show that the equation of the straight line passing through C, O and M is y=x
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(d) Work out the coordinates of C.

Give your answers in surd form.

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Answer ( ___________ , ___________ )(3)

(Total 7 marks)

Page 9 of 47
Q17.The area of this triangle is 14 cm2

Not drawn accurately

(a) Show that 2x2 – 5x – 26 = 0

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(3)

(b) Work out the value of x.

Give your answer to 2 significant figures.

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Answer _________________________________________
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Q18.
Solve x2 − x − 12 = 0
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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Page 10 of 47
Q19.
The Venn diagram shows information about a coin collection.

ξ = 120 coins in the collection

T = coins from the 20th century
B = British coins

A coin is chosen at random.

It is British.

Work out the probability that it is from the 20th century.

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 5 marks)

Page 11 of 47
Q20.

Write in the form where a is an integer.

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Answer _________________________________________(Total 4 marks)

Q21.Two numbers, a and b, are combined using the operation in the following way.

a b= 2a2 − 7a − b + b2

Work out all solutions of the equation x 3=0

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Answer _________________________________________ (Total 4 marks)

Page 12 of 47
Q22.(a) Write x2 − 10x + 29 in the form (x − a)2 + b

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)

(b) A sketch of y = x2 + cx + d is shown.

The turning point is (3, 5)

Work out the values of c and d.

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c = ________________ d = ________________
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Page 13 of 47
Q23.The expression simplifies to

Work out the value of b.

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b = ______________________________________
(Total 3 marks)

Q24.The diagram shows a right-angled triangle.

Prove algebraically that x:y=2:3

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(Total 6 marks)

Page 14 of 47
Q25.Use the quadratic formula to solve x2 + 2 x − 1 = 0
Give your answers to 2 decimal places.

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Answer ________________ and ________________ (Total 3 marks)

Q26.f(x) = 10 − x2 for all values of x.

g(x) = (x + 2a)(x + 3) for all values of x.

(a) Circle the correct value of f(−4)

26 −6 36 16 196

(1)

(b) Write down the range of f(x).

Answer _________________________________________
(1)

(c) g(0) = 24

Show that a = 4

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(1)

(d) Hence solve f(x) = g(x)

Show that a = 4

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(4)
(Total 7 marks)

Page 15 of 47
Q27.The line y = 3x + p and the circle x2 + y2 = 53 intersect at points A and B.

p is a positive integer.

(a) Show that the x-coordinates of points A and B satisfy the equation

10x2 + 6px + p2 − 53 = 0

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(3)

(b) The coordinates of A are (2, 7)

Work out the coordinates of B.

You must show your working.

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Answer ( _____________ , _____________ )

(5)
(Total 8 marks)

Page 16 of 47
Q28.

Work out the value of x if

Give your answer in the form of where a and b are integers.

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Answer x = ________________________________
(Total 4 marks)

Q29.(a) Simplify fully 5x2 × 3y4 × 2x × y3

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)

(b) Expand and simplify (x + 7)(x – 3)

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)

(c) Solve (x – 8)(x + 2) = 0

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Answer _________________________________________
(1)

(d) Factorise 8x2y + 6xy2

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

Page 17 of 47
Q30.The square and the rectangle have the same area.
All lengths are in centimetres.

Not drawn accurately

(a) Show that 36x2 – 65x + 25 = 0

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(2)

(b) 36x2 – 65x + 25 = 0

Work out the value of x.

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x = ____________________________________________
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

Page 18 of 47
Q31.Solve

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 5 marks)

Page 19 of 47
Q32.
Here is a sketch of y = x2 + bx + c
The curve intersects

the x-axis at (5, 0) and point P

the y-axis at (0, −10)

Work out the x-coordinate of the turning point of the graph.

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Answer _________________________________________
(Total 4 marks)

Page 20 of 47
Q33.(a) Factorise x2 − 9x + 20

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)

(b) Solve x2 − 9x + 20 = 0
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Answer _________________________________________
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

Q34.(a) Expand and simplify (x + 5)(x − 4)

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Answer _________________________________________
(2)

(b) Solve (x − 8)(x + 7) = 0

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Answer _________________________________________
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

Page 21 of 47
Q35.
2m = 32 and 9p = 3m

Work out the values of m and p

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m = ________________ p = ________________
(Total 4 marks)

Page 22 of 47
Mark schemes

Q1.

or a = –

B3
[3]

Q2.Alternative method 1

or ×
M1

or

or
M1dep

A1

Alternative method 2

or −
oe common denominator

eg −
M1

Page 23 of 47
 − or
oe common denominator and common surd in numerator

− or
M1dep

A1

Q3.

oe
stated or in correct place in expression or implied by
multiplier of 2 or 4
B1

oe
stated or in correct place in expression or implied by
multiplier of 2 or 4

B1

oe rationalisation of their denominator

M1

oe in the form where A is a positive integer

Page 24 of 47
 A1

Q4.

oe eg

B2
or
and

or
B1

or or
B3

Q5.

or

x − 12 = or x =
M1

and

x − 12 = and x =
M1dep

− =1

− 12 =
M1dep

240 x − 240( x − 12) = x ( x − 12)

240(t + 1) − 12 t(t + 1) = 240t

or 2880 = x 2 − 12 x
or t2 + t − 20 = 0

or x2 − 12x − 2880 = 0 oe
M1 dep

Page 25 of 47
 (x + 48)(x − 60)
(t + 5)(t − 4)

or correct use of formula

or correct use of formula

or (x − 6 )2 −36 −2880 = 0
M1

60
SC2 for 60 from trial and error
A1
[6]

Q6.
3x – (x – 5)
Condone omission of brackets
M1

2x + 5 = 17
M1

6
SC2 11
A1

Alternative 1

23x = 217 × 2x – 5
M1

3x = 12 + x
M1

6
SC2 11
A1

Alternative 2

Substitutes a value for x and evaluates correctly as a power of 2.

M1

Substitutes a different value for x and evaluates correctly as a power of 2 which is

closer to 17.
M1

Page 26 of 47
 SC2 11
A1
[3]

Q7.
(x =) 2(x + 1) or 2x + 1

or x (= x + 1)
oe May be seen as an index is (32)x + 1
or 91/2x
M1

–2
Correct answer is 2 marks even if working
nonsense or wrong.
A1
[2]

Q8.

(a)
oe improper fraction

B1

(b)
oe
M1

A1

Additional Guidance
[3]

Q9.

(a)
B1

(b) 22

or or

or
M1

Page 27 of 47
 A1

1
A1

(c) 1 seen or implied

M1

A1

2
A1
[7]

Q10.
Alternative method 1

4x2 + 6xy + 6xy + 9y2

oe Allow one error
Implied by 4x2 + 12xy + … or … + 12xy + 9y2
M1

4x2 + 6xy + 6xy + 9y2 or 4x2 + 12xy + 9y2

oe Fully correct
A1

4x3 + 6x2y + 6x2y + 9xy2

or 4x3 + 12x2y + 9xy2
or − 16x2 − 24xy − 24xy − 36y2
or − 16x2 − 48xy − 36y2
oe
ft correct multiplication of their expansion by x or by −4 if
their expansion for first M1 has at least 3 terms after
simplification
M1dep

4x3 + 12x2y + 9xy2 − 16x2 − 48xy − 36y2

ft M1A0M1 if their first expansion has at least 3 terms after
simplification
A1ft

Alternative method 2

2x2 + 3xy − 8x − 12y

oe Allow one error
eg 2x2 + 3xy − 8x + 12y
M1

2x2 + 3xy − 8x − 12y

oe Fully correct
A1

Page 28 of 47
 4x3 + 6x2y − 16x2 − 24xy or (+) 6x2y + 9xy2 − 24xy −36y2
oe ft correct multiplication of their expansion by 2x or by 3y if
their expansion for first M1 has at least 3 terms after
simplification
M1dep

4x3 + 12x2y + 9xy2 − 16x2 − 48xy − 36y2

ft M1A0M1 if their first expansion has at least 3 terms after
simplification
A1ft

Q11.
Alternative method 1

(w =) x − 2 and (y =) x + 2
Allow (x =) w + 2 and (x =) y − 2
M1

(x − 2)(x + 2) + 4
or
wy = (x − 2)(x + 2) and wy = x2 − 4
M1

= x2 − 4 + 4
and x2 − 4 + 4 = x2
All steps must be seen
SC1 correct numerical example with all steps shown
A1

Alternative method 2

(x =) w + 2 and (y =) w + 4
Allow (x=) w + 2 and (x =) y − 2
M1

(w)(w + 4) + 4
M1

= w2 + 4w + 4
and w2 + 4w + 4 = (w + 2)2
and (w + 2)2 = x2
All steps must be seen
SC1 correct numerical example with all steps shown
A1

Alternative method 3

(x =) y − 2 and (w =) y − 4
Allow (x =) w + 2 and (x =) y − 2
M1

(y)(y − 4) + 4
M1

Page 29 of 47
 = y2 − 4y + 4
and y2 − 4y + 4 = (y − 2)2
and (y − 2)2 = x2
All steps must be seen
SC1 correct numerical example with all steps shown
A1

Q12.
(a) 2w − 3 = 24
M1

2w = 24 + 3
or 2w = 27
M1dep

13.5
oe
A1

(b) x2 − <0
or 4x2 < 25
or (2x − 5)(2x + 5) < 0
M1

x2 <
or 2.5 or −2.5 seen
M1dep

−2.5 < x < 2.5

oe
A1

(c) 1 = 5(y − 6)

or 1 = 5y − 30
M1

1 + 30 = 5y
or 31 = 5y

or =y−6
M1dep

oe
A1
[9]

Page 30 of 47
Q13.
(t + 4)(t2 + 4t + 4t + 16)
oe Must be correct
M1

t3 + 4t2 + 4t2 + 16t + 4t2 + 16t + 16t + 64

ft From their (t + 4)(t2 + 4t + 4t + 16)
oe Must have at least 4 terms correct
M2 t3 + 3t2(4) + 3t (4)2 + 43 oe
M1

t3 + 12t2 + 48t + 64
A1
[3]

Q14.
(4 − x)2 = 4x + 5
M1

16 − 4x − 4x + x2 = 4x + 5
Allow one error but must be a quadratic in x
M1dep

x2 − 12x + 11 (= 0)
oe Must be 3 terms
A1

(x − 11)(x − 1) (= 0)

or
2
(x − 6) − 36 + 11 = 0 oe
M1

x = 11 and x = 1
Must have M3 to ft
x = 11 and y = −7 or x = 1 and y = 3
A1ft

x = 11 and y = −7 and

x = 1 and y = 3
A1

Alternative method
y2 = 4(4 − y) + 5
M1

y2 = 16 − 4y + 5
Allow one error but must be a quadratic in y
M1dep

y2 + 4y − 21 (= 0)
oe Must be 3 terms

Page 31 of 47
 A1

(y + 7)(y − 3) (= 0)

or
2
(y + 2) − 4 − 21 = 0 oe
M1

y = −7 and y = 3
Must have M3 to ft
x = 11 and y = −7 or
x = 1 and y = 3
A1ft

x = 11 and y = −7 and

x = 1 and y = 3
A1
[6]

Q15.
Alternative method 1

y = 5x − 5
M1

2(5x − 5) − x2 = 11 or
10x − 10 − x2 = 11
Eliminating a variable
oe
M1

x2 − 10x + 21 = 0
Collecting terms
A1

(x − 3)(x − 7) (= 0)
Correct and accurate method to solve their 3-term quadratic
equation

M1

x = 3 and x = 7
or
x = 3 and y = 10
or
x = 7 and y = 30
A1

x = 3, y = 10 and x = 7, y = 30
A1

Page 32 of 47
Alternative method 2

10x − 2y = 10
Equating coefficients
M1
10x − x2 = 21
Eliminating a variable
oe
M1
x2 − 10x + 21 = 0
Collecting terms
A1
(x − 3)(x − 7) (= 0)
Correct and accurate method to solve their 3-term quadratic
equation

M1

x = 3 and x = 7
or
x = 3 and y = 10
or
x = 7 and y = 30
A1
x = 3, y = 10 and x = 7, y = 30
A1

Alternative method 3

x=
M1

2y − = 11
Eliminating a variable
oe
M1

y2 − 40y + 300 = 0
Collecting terms
A1

(y − 10)(y − 30) (= 0)
Correct and accurate method to solve their 3-term quadratic
equation

M1

Page 33 of 47
 y = 10 and y = 30
or
x = 3 and y = 10
or
x = 7 and y = 30
A1

x = 3, y = 10 and x = 7, y = 30
A1
[6]

Q16.
(a) (02 +) 62 = 36

or (OA =) radius = 6

or
oe
B1

Additional Guidance

0 + 36 = 36
B0

(b) (6, 0)
B1

(c) Alternative method 1

or

gradient AB
M1

gradient OM × gradient AB = −1

and

gradient OM = 1 (and y = x)
must see correct working for M1
A1

Alternative method 2

or (3, 3)
coordinates of M
M1

gradient OM = 1 (and y = x)

Page 34 of 47
 or (0, 0) and (3, 3) (and y = x)
must see correct working for M1
A1

(d) x2 + x2 = 36 or 2x2 = 36

or y2 + y2 = 36 or 2y2= 36

or (−)6 cos 45° or (−)6 sin 45°

oe equation
M1

or

or or
M1

or

or
oe surd form
A1
[7]

Q18.
Alternative method 1

(x + a)(x + b)
where ab = ±12 or a + b = −1
M1

(x − 4)(x + 3)
A1

4 and −3
SC1
4 or −3 with no or one incorrect answer
A1

Alternative method 2

Page 35 of 47
 oe
allow one sign error
M1

oe
fully correct
M1

4 and −3
SC1
4 or −3 with no or one incorrect answer

Alternative method 3

...
M1

oe equation
A1

4 and −3
SC1
4 or −3 with no or one incorrect answer

Q19.
x(x − 15) + x + x − 2 + 32 = 120
M1

x2 − 13x − 90 = 0
A1

(x − 18)(x + 5) = 0
oe
(x + a)(x + b)
where ab = –90 and a + b = –13
M1

their 18 + their 18 − 2 or 34
M1

oe

Page 36 of 47
 SC2 for
A1
[5]

Q20.

Use of or

or = or =

eg or

eg or or
M1

One term simplified

ie

or
A1

Two terms simplified

ie

or
A1

or a = 21
A1
[4]

Q21.
2x2 − 7x − 3 + 32
M1

2x2 − 7x + 6
A1

(2x + a)(x + b) (= 0)
ab = ± their 6
Must be a quadratic in 2x2
Substitution in quadratic formula (if used) must be correct
for M1 eg for 2x2 − 7x + 6 (= 0)

Page 37 of 47
 M1

1.5 and 2
oe
SC3 for 2x2 − 7x + 3 (= 0)
leading to answers of 0.5 and 3
A1
[4]

Q22.
(a) (x − 5)2 or 2a = 10 or a = 5
or a2 + b = 29
M1

(x − 5)2 + 4
or a = 5 and b = 4
A1

(b) Alternative method 1

(x − 3)2 + 5
M1

x2 − 3x − 3x + 9 + 5
or x2 − 6x + 14
Correct expansion of their (x + m)2 + n
M1

c = − 6 and d = 14
A1

Alternative method 2

+d−
M1

= −3 and d − =5
Equates coefficients for their (x + a)2 + b
M1

hc = − 6 and d = 14
A1

Additional Guidance
9 + 3c + d = 5
M0
[5]

Page 38 of 47
Q23.
(x − 3)(x + 3)
Substitutes any value for x into both
expressions but not x = 0
M1

(x − 3)(x + 5)
Sets up a correct equation in b
M1dep

(b =) 2 or x 2 + 2x − 15
A1
[3]

Q24.
(8x − y)2 = (6x)2 + (x + y)2
oe
Allow (8x − y) (8x − y) and (x + y) (x + y)
Condone 6x2
M1

Expands (8x − y)2 to 4 terms with 3 correct from

64x2 − 8xy − 8xy + y2
oe
If going straight to 3 terms must be
64x2 − 16xy + ky2 (k ≠ 0) or
ax2 − 16xy + y2 (a ≠ 0)
M1

Expands (x + y)² to 4 terms with 3 correct from

x2 + xy + xy + y2
oe
If going straight to 3 terms must be
x2 + 2xy + ay2 (a ≠ 0) or
bx2 + 2xy + y2 (b ≠ 0)
M1

27x2 − 18xy (= 0) or 27x2 = 18xy

or better
e.g.1 9x2 − 6xy (= 0)
e.g.2 3x2 = 2xy
64x − 16y = 36x + x + 2y
or equivalent linear equation
e.g.1 64x − 16y − 36x = x + 2y
e.g.2 64x − 16y − x − 2y = 36x
A1

Any correct factorisation of

their px2 + qxy or correct division of
their px2 = qxy by a multiple of x
(p and q non zero)
e.g.1 9x (3x − 2y) (= 0)

Page 39 of 47
 e.g.2 3x (9x − 6y) (= 0)
e.g.3 27x = 18y
e.g.4 9x = 6y
Correct collection and correct simplification of terms for their
linear equation in x and y
e.g. 27x = 18y
To gain this mark there must have been some expansion of
brackets seen
M1

3x = 2y or or

or or or

or
Must see M1 M1 M1 A1
Do not allow if a contradictory statement is also seen
M1
[6]

Q25.

Allow one error

M1

or

or −1 ±
Fully correct
A1

0.41 and −2.41

SC2 for 0.41 or − 2.41
A1
[3]

Q26.
(a) −6
B1
(b) f(x) ≤ 10 or 10 ≥ f(x)
Condone y ≤ 10 or 10 ≥y
B1
(c) 6a = 24 (so a = 4)

Page 40 of 47
 B1 for 2a × 3 = 24
B1 for 24 = (0 + 8)(0 + 3)
8 × 3 = 24 ...on its own ... is B0
B1

(d) 10 − x² = (x + 8)(x + 3)
or
10 − x² = x² + 2ax + 3x + 6a
oe
M1

2x² + 11x + 14 (= 0)
oe allow one error
M1dep

(2 x + c)(x + d (= 0)
cd = 14 or c + 2d = 11
ft from their quadratic (factorising or correct substitution in
quadratic formula)
M1dep

−3.5 and −2
oe
A1
[7]

Q27.
(a) x2 + (3x + p)2 = 53
oe
M1

9x2+ 3xp + 3xp + p2

or 9x2 + 6xp + p2
Expands (3x + p)2 correctly
M1

x2 + (3x + p)2 = 53

and x2 + 9x2 + 3xp + 3xp + p2 = 53

and 10x2 + 6px + p2 − 53 = 0

or

x2 + (3x + p)2 = 53

and x2 + 9x2 + 6xp + p2 = 53

and 10x2 + 6px + p2 − 53 = 0

A1

(b) 7 = 3 × 2 + p or 7 = 6 + p
or p = 1

Page 41 of 47
 oe
Substitutes x = 2 into given equation
10(2)2 + 6p(2) + p2 − 53 = 0
or p2 + 12p − 13 = 0
or (p − 1)(p + 13)
or p = 1 (and p = −13)
M1

10x2 + 6x + 1 − 53 (= 0)
or 10x2 + 6x − 52 (= 0)
or 5x2 + 3x − 26 (= 0)
oe equation
Substitutes their p into given equation
M1dep

(5x + 13)(x − 2)

or

or
oe
Correct factorisation of their 3-term quadratic
or correct substitution in formula for their 3-term quadratic
or correct completion of square to expression for x
M1

(x =) −2.6
oe
A1

(−2.6, −6.8)
oe
A1

Q28.

M1

or better
M1

oe eg or 2x2 = 484
their 22 must be an integer
Dependent on the first M1

Page 42 of 47
 M1 dep

A1
[4]

Q29.
(a) 30x3y7
B1 for two correct terms
B2

(b) x2 – 3x + 7x – 21
Allow one error
M1

x2 + 4x – 21
A1

(c) 8 and –2

or x = 8 and x = –2
Any order
B1

(d) 2xy (4x + 3y)

B1 for a correct partial factorisation
x (8xy + 6y2)
y (8x2 + 6xy)
2 (4x2y + 3xy2)
2x (4xy + 3y2)
2y (4x2 + 3xy)
xy (8x + 6y)
B2
[7]

Q30.
(a) (6x – 5)2 = 5x
oe allow invisible brackets
ie 6x – 5 × 6x – 5 = 5x
M1

36x2 – 30x – 30x + 25 = 5x

oe
A1

(b) Alternative method 1

(ax ± c)(bx ± d)
ab = 36 and cd = 25 but not (6x – 5)(6x – 5)
M1

Page 43 of 47
 (4x – 5)(9x – 5)
A1

and seen

oe eg 1.25 and (0.55 minimum)

ft on (4x ± 5)(9x ± 5) only
A1ft

given as answer and shown to give a negative length

Strand (ii)
oe ft their values, evaluated correctly from their factorisation,
for x if a valid conclusion reached
Q1ft

Alternative method 2

Allow 1 error, but not wrong formula, eg + instead of ±, 2

instead of 2a or only dividing root by 2a.
M1

oe
A1

and seen

ft on –65 only for –b giving – and

(oe)
A1ft

given as answer and shown to give a negative length

Strand (ii)
oe ft their values for x if a valid conclusion reached
Q1ft
6(x + 3) or (–)2(x – 2)
or 6x + 18 or 2x – 4 or –2x + 4
or (x – 2)(x + 3)
M1

6x + 18 – 2x + 4

Page 44 of 47
 or 4x + 22
or x2 – 2x + 3x – 6
or x2 + x – 6
allow three correct terms after expansion
ignore RHS and denominator
allow three correct terms after expansion as denominator or
RHS
M1

x2 – 3x – 28 = 0
A1

(x – 7)(x + 4) (= 0)
correct method to solve their quadratic equation by
correct substitution into the quadratic formula
or correct completion of the square
or correct factorisation
M1

(x =) 7 and (x =) – 4
SC2 (x =) 7 or (x =) – 4
A1

Additional Guidance

Correct substitution into quadratic formula

[5]

Q32.
0 = 52 + 5b + c
or –10 = 02 + b(0) + c
or c = –10
oe
M1

b = –3
or x2 – 3x + c
or (y =) x2 – 3x – 10
oe
(x – 5)(x + k) and –5k = –10
M1dep

(x – 5)(x + 2)

Page 45 of 47
 or 2x – 3 = 0
or x-coordinate of P = –2
or two symmetrical coordinates
e.g. (1, –12) and (2, –12)

oe
Correctly factorises the 3-term quadratic expression or
correctly substitutes into quadratic formula for the 3-term
quadratic
Dep on M1 M1
M1dep

oe
Accept (1.5, –12.25)
A1
[4]

Q33.
(a) (x − 4)(x − 5)
B1 for (x − a)(x − b) where ab = 20
or a + b = −9
B2

(b) 4 and 5
ft their part (a) provided two brackets
B1ft
[3]

Q34.
(a) x2− 4x + 5x − 20
Allow one error
M1

x2 + x − 20
A1

(b) 8 and −7
B1
[3]

Q35.
m=5
B1

(32)p = 3m or 32p = 3m

or (32)p = 3their 5 or 32p = 3their 5

Page 46 of 47
or 35 = 243 or 3their 5

or 3their 5 correctly evaluated

9p or 9p = 3their 5

or 9p = 243 or 32p = 243

oe
M1

2p = m or 2p = their 5 or 9p =
oe
M1

p = 2.5
oe

ft for values of m and p where p=

A1ft
[4]

Page 47 of 47
 UKMT Indices & Surds Questions
(Answers follow after all the questions)

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 UKMT Indices & Surds Answers

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