Edexcel GCE: Calculators May NOT Be Used For These Questions
Edexcel GCE: Calculators May NOT Be Used For These Questions
Edexcel GCE: Calculators May NOT Be Used For These Questions
com
Paper Reference(s)
6663/01
Edexcel GCE
Core Mathematics C1
Advanced Subsidiary
Inequalities
Calculators may NOT be used for these questions.
A booklet ‘Mathematical Formulae and Statistical Tables’ might be needed for some questions.
The marks for the parts of questions are shown in round brackets, e.g. (2).
Advice to Candidates
You must ensure that your answers to parts of questions are clearly labelled.
1
C1 Algebra – Inequalities PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
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(a) Express f(x) in the form (x + p)2 + q, where p and q are constants to be found in
terms of k.
(3)
Given that k = 1,
(c) sketch the graph of y = f(x), showing the coordinates of any point at which the
graph crosses a coordinate axis.
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
___________________________________________________________________________
2
C1 Algebra – Inequalities PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(a) 4x – 3 > 7 – x
(2)
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k 2 − 5k + 4 > 0.
(3)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3
C1 Algebra – Inequalities PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
___________________________________________________________________________
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8. The width of a rectangular sports pitch is x metres, x > 0. The length of the pitch is 20 m
more than its width. Given that the perimeter of the pitch must be less than 300 m,
Given that the area of the pitch must be greater than 4800 m2,
___________________________________________________________________________
4
C1 Algebra – Inequalities PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(a) 6x – 7 < 2x + 3,
(2)
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___________________________________________________________________________
10 + x 2 > x( x − 2) .
(Total 3 marks)
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5
C1 Algebra – Inequalities PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
Using b2 – 4ac < 0 for no real roots, i.e. “4k2 –11k – 3”< 0,
to establish inequalities involving their two
critical values m and n M1
(even if the inequalities are wrong, e.g. k < m, k < n).
1
– < k < 3 (See conditions below) Follow through
4
their critical values. A1ft 4
The final A1ft is still scored if the answer m< k < n
follows k <m, k < n.
Note
1st M: Forming and solving a 3-term quadratic in k (usual rules..
see general principles at end of scheme). The quadratic must
come from “b2 – 4ac”, or from the “q” in part (a).
2nd A1ft: m< k < n, where m< n, for their critical values m and n.
Other possible forms of the answer
(in each case m< n):
(i) n > k >m
(c)
3
(b) (2x + 3)(x – 4) = 0, ‘Critical values’ are – and 4 M1, A1
2
3
– < x< 4 M1 A1ft 4
2
Note
2nd M1 for choosing the “inside region” for their critical values
4. (a) b2 – 4ac > 0 ⇒ 16 – 4k(5 – k) > 0 or equiv., e.g. 16 > 4k(5 – k) M1A1
Note
M1 for attempting to use the discriminant of the initial equation
(> 0 not required, but substitution of a, b and c in the correct
formula is required).
If the formula b2 – 4ac is seen, at least 2 of a, b and c must be
correct.
If the formula b2 – 4ac is not seen, all 3 (a, b and c) must
be correct.
This mark can still be scored if substitution in b2 – 4ac is within
the quadratic formula.
This mark can also be scored by comparing b2 and 4ac (with
substitution).
However, use of b2 + 4ac is M0.
1st A1 for fully correct expression, possibly unsimplified, with >
symbol. NB must appear before the last line, even if this is
simply in a statement such as b2 – 4ac > 0 or ‘discriminant
positive’.
Condone a bracketing slip, e.g. 16 – 4 × k × 5 – k if subsequent
work is correct and convincing.
2nd A1 for a fully correct derivation with no incorrect working seen.
Condone a bracketing slip if otherwise correct and convincing.
Using b 2 – 4ac > 0 :
Only available mark is the first M1 (unless recovery is seen).
Note
1st M: Could also be, for example, comparing or equating b2 and 4ac.
Must be considering the given quadratic equation.
There must not be x terms in the expression, but there must be a k term.
1st A:Correct expression (need not be simplified) and correct inequality sign.
Allow also –32 – 4 × 2 × –(k + 1) < 0.
Special cases:
1. Where there are x terms in the discriminant expression, but then
division by x2 gives an inequality/equation in k.
(This could score M0 A0 M1 A1).
2. Use of instead of < loses one A mark only, at first occurrence, so an
17
otherwise correct solution leading to k − scores M1 A0 M1 A1.
8
N.B. Use of b = 3 instead of b = –3 implies no A marks.
[4]
x
Choosing “outside” region M1
1
x > 3 or x < A1 ft 4
2
1st M1 Attempting to factorise 3TQ x= …
2nd M1 Choosing the outside region
1
2nd A1 f.t. f.t. their critical values N.B.(x > 3, x > is
2
M0A0)
For p < x < q where p > q penalise the final A1 in (b)
1 1
(c) x > 3 or <x< B1f.t. B1f.t. 2
4 2
f.t. their answers to (a) and (b)
1st B1 a correct f.t. leading to an infinite region
2nd B1 a correct f.t. leading to a finite region
Penalise ≤ or ≥ once only at first offence.
e.g. (a) (b) (c) Mark
1 1 1
x> <x<3 < x < 3 B0 B1
4 2 2
1 1
x> x >3, x > x>3 B1 B0
4 2
[8]
1
9. (a) 6x – 2x < 3 + 7 x<2 M1 A1 2
2
1
(b) (2x 1)(x 5) Critical values and 5 M1 A1
2
1
<x<5 M1 A1 ft 4
2
1 1
(c) <x<2 B1 ft 1
2 2
[7]
2x2 – 4x + x – 2 > 2x + 10 M1 A1
2x2 – 5x – 12 > 0 A1 ft
(2x + 3)(x – 4) > 0 (or solving M1 A1) M1 A1 ft
x< −3,x>4 M1 A1 7
2
[7]
1. Most handled the linear inequality in part (a) very well with only occasional errors in
rearranging terms. The responses to part (b) though were less encouraging. It was
surprising how many multiplied out the brackets and then tried factorising again (often
incorrectly) or used the formula to find the critical values rather than simply writing
them down as was intended. Those who found the critical values did not always go on
to solve the inequality and those who did often gave their answer as x < –1, x < 3.5.
Those who sketched a graph of the function were usually more successful in
establishing the correct interval.
Part (c) was answered well by many of those who had correct solutions to parts (a) and
(b) and some successfully followed through their incorrect answers to gain the mark
here. Some did not seem to realise that the intersection of the two intervals was required
and simply restated their previous answers making no attempt to combine them.
Drawing a number line was helpful for some candidates.
2. This was a demanding question on which few candidates scored full marks. In part (a),
many found the algebra challenging and their attempts to complete the square often led
to mistakes such as x2 + 4kx = (x + 2k)2 – 4k .
Rather than using the result of part (a) to answer part (b), the vast majority used the
discriminant of the given equation. Numerical and algebraic errors were extremely
common at this stage, and even those who obtained the correct condition 4k2 – 11k – 3
< 0 were often unable to solve this inequality to find the required set of values for k.
The sketch in part (c) could have been done independently of the rest of the question, so
it was disappointing to see so many poor attempts. Methods were too often
overcomplicated, with many candidates wasting time by unnecessarily solving the
equation with k = 1. Where a sketch was eventually seen, common mistakes were to
have the curve touching the x-axis or to have the minimum on the y-axis.
3. Part (a) provided a simple start for the majority of the candidates and apart from a few
arithmetic errors most scored full marks.
In part (b) the quadratic expression was factorised and the critical values were usually
found correctly however many candidates were unable to identify the solution as a
3
closed region. Many just left their answer as x < − and 4 x <, others chose the outside
2
regions and some just stopped after finding the critical values. Candidates who
successfully answered part (b) often answered part (c) correctly as well although some
repeated their previous working to achieve this result.
The use of a sketch in part (b) and a number line in part (c) was effective and is a highly
recommended strategy for questions of this type.
4. Candidates who understood the demands of this question usually did well, while others
struggled to pick up marks. In part (a), those who correctly used the discriminant of the
original equation often progressed well, but it was sometimes unclear whether they
knew the condition for different real roots. An initial statement such as “b2 – 4ac > 0
for different real roots” would have convinced examiners. Irrelevant work with the
discriminant of k2 – 5k + 4 was sometimes seen.
In part (b) by the vast majority of candidates scored two marks for finding the correct
critical values, although it was disappointing to see so many resorting to the quadratic
formula. It was surprising, however, that many did not manage to identify the required
set of values of k. The inappropriate statement “1 > k > 4” was sometimes given as the
final answer, rather than “k < 1 or k > 4”.
5. The quality of answers to this question was better than to similar questions in previous
years.
Most used the discriminant to answer part (a) and, apart from occasional slips with
signs, were able to establish the inequality correctly. A few realised that the
discriminant had to be used but tried to apply it to k2 – 4k – 12. In part (b) the majority
were able to find the critical values of – 2 and 6 but many then failed to find the correct
inequalities with x > – 2 and x > 6 being a common incorrect answer. Some candidates
still thought that the correct regions could be written as 6 < k < – 2 but there were many
fully correct solutions seen often accompanied by correct sketches.
6. Although candidates who produced a totally correct solution to this question were in the
minority, most knew that the use of the discriminant was needed.
The correct inequality, (–2)2 + 4(2)(k + 1) < ,0 or equivalent, was generally seen only
from the better candidates. A very common error was to take c to be (k + 1) instead of –
(k + 1).
Sometimes b2 =4ac was used rather than b2 < 4ac, giving access to only 2 of the 4
available marks. Algebraic manipulation was quite poor in this question, with many
sign and bracketing mistakes being seen.
Weaker candidates sometimes tried solving the equation with various values of k, or
rearranged to give 2x2 – 3x –1 = k and proceeded to solve 2x2 – 3x –1 = 0 , making no
progress.
7. Part (a) was usually correct but there were some sign errors and a common mistake was
to follow 8x>2 with x > 4. In part (b) the critical values were usually found without
difficulty although even here some used the formula. Those who drew a sketch often
went on to establish the correct regions easily but sometimes they expressed them in an
inappropriate form such as 0.5>x >3. Others made the usual errors of choosing the
inside region, 0.5 < x < 3 or simply giving the answer as x > 0.5, x > 3.
Part (c) proved to be a good discriminator and whilst a good number of students were
able to combine their answers from parts (a) and (b) successfully, a large number gave
incomplete or incorrect solutions or tried to start from scratch and got lost in a mix of
algebra and inequalities. The use of a simple number line would have helped some but
others thought 0.25 > 0.5 and so missed the finite region.
9. Apart from algebraic slips, solutions to the linear equality in part (a) were usually good.
The quadratic inequality in part (b), however, caused many problems. While the vast
majority were able to solve the equation to find the critical values 12 and 5, solutions
1
such as x < 2
, x < 5 were common. There was evidence in some cases of the use of an
appropriate sketch to determine the required set of values, but incorrect use of inequality
signs often led to loss of marks. Answers to part (c) were also disappointing, and here a
sketch would certainly have helped some candidates to decide upon the correct
intersection of their solutions to parts (a) and (b). Many candidates seemed unaware that
such an intersection was required.