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Sequences & Series

Practice exam-style IB Math AA questions for Sequences & Series, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

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Question 1
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

A

In a geometric sequence, u3=18u_3=18 and u6=486u_6=486. the common ratio rr and the first term u1u_1.

[4]
Question 2
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Easy
Non Calculator

A machine is bought for $1024. Its value depreciates by 25%25\% at the end of each year.

A

Write an expression for the value, VnV_n, of the machine after nn years.

[2]
B

the value of the machine after 44 years.

[2]
C

the total loss in value over the first 44 years.

[1]
Question 3
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

A printer produces 12001200 pages in January. Each month it produces 8585 more pages than in the previous month.

A

the number of pages produced in December of the same year.

[2]
B

the total number of pages produced during the year.

[2]
C

A cartridge can print 1850018500 pages. the month in which the cumulative number of pages first exceeds the capacity of one cartridge.

[2]
Question 4
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An arithmetic sequence has fourth term 1111. The sum of the first 1010 terms is 145145.

A

two equations involving the first term u1u_1 and the common difference dd.

[2]
B

u1u_1 and dd.

[3]

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Question 5
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the sum

∑k=3n(4k−5)=168\sum_{k=3}^{n}(4k-5)=168

where nn is an integer greater than 33.

A

Write ∑k=3n(4k−5)\sum_{k=3}^{n}(4k-5) in factorised form in terms of nn.

[2]
B

nn.

[2]
Question 6
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An infinite geometric series has first term 1212 and sum to infinity 88.

A

the common ratio rr.

[2]
B

the sum of the first 44 terms of the series.

[2]
Question 7
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The recurring decimal 0.24‾0.\overline{24} can be written as an infinite geometric series.

A

Write 0.24‾0.\overline{24} as an infinite geometric series, identifying the first term and common ratio.

[2]
B

express 0.24‾0.\overline{24} as a fraction in its simplest form.

[2]
Question 8
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

An arithmetic sequence has u4=27.5u_4=27.5 and u11=62.5u_{11}=62.5.

A

the common difference.

[2]
B

the first term of the sequence.

[2]
C

the least value of nn for which Sn>900S_n>900.

[2]

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Question 9
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The third term of a positive geometric sequence is 7272 and the seventh term is 1818.

A

the common ratio.

[2]
B

the first term.

[1]
C

the sum of the first 1010 terms.

[2]
Question 10
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

An infinite geometric series has first term 1818 and sum to infinity 1212.

A

the common ratio and the next two terms of the series.

[3]
B

the least number of terms required so that the partial sum is within 0.050.05 of the sum to infinity.

[2]
Question 11
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Consider the arithmetic series

∑k=3m(4k+1)\sum_{k=3}^{m}(4k+1)

where mm is an integer greater than 33.

A

the number of terms in the series.

[1]
B

the first term and the last term of the series.

[2]
C

Given that the sum is 420420, mm.

[3]
Question 12
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A geometric sequence has first term u1u_1 and common ratio rr. It is known that

u2+u3=12u_2+u_3=12

and

u5+u6=−96u_5+u_6=-96
A

the values of rr and u1u_1.

[3]
B

the sum of the first 88 terms of the sequence.

[2]

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Question 13
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

For a sequence {un}\{u_n\}, the sum of the first nn terms is given by

Sn=pn2+qnS_n=pn^2+qn

where pp and qq are constants. It is known that u5=17u_5=17 and S8=100S_8=100.

A

an expression for unu_n in terms of pp, qq and nn.

[2]
B

the values of pp and qq.

[3]
C

write unu_n in the form an+ban+b, where a,b∈Za,b\in\mathbb{Z}.

[1]
Question 14
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The first three terms of an infinite geometric sequence are x+6x+6, x+2x+2 and x+1x+1, respectively.

A

xx.

[2]
B

the common ratio.

[1]
C

the sum to infinity of the sequence.

[2]
Question 15
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A deposit of $65536 is invested for one year at a nominal annual interest rate of 25%25\%. Option A compounds the interest annually. Option B compounds the interest quarterly.

A

the value of the investment after one year under Option A.

[1]
B

the value of the investment after one year under Option B.

[3]
C

the exact amount by which Option B exceeds Option A after one year.

[1]
Question 16
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A quantity QQ is measured at equal time intervals. At times t=0,1,2,3t=0,1,2,3, the values of QQ are 48,55,61,6848,55,61,68, respectively. An arithmetic model is to be used for prediction.

A

the three consecutive first differences.

[1]
B

Use the mean of these first differences to write an arithmetic model for QQ in terms of tt.

[2]
C

Use the model to the value of QQ when t=6t=6, and on this prediction.

[2]

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Question 17
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An infinite geometric series has first term kk and common ratio k−2k-2, where kk is a real number.

A

the set of values of kk for which the series is convergent.

[2]
B

Given that the sum to infinity of the series is 44, kk.

[3]
Question 18
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

An investment of 4200 euros earns interest at a nominal annual rate of 3.6%3.6\%, compounded monthly. Inflation is modelled at 2.1%2.1\% per year.

A

the value of the investment after 55 years.

[2]
B

the real value of this amount, in today's euros, after 55 years.

[2]
C

the number of complete years after which the nominal value first exceeds 6000 euros.

[2]
Question 19
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

For an arithmetic sequence, S5=80S_5=80 and S12=330S_{12}=330, where SnS_n is the sum of the first nn terms.

A

an expression for unu_n in terms of nn.

[4]
B

the least value of nn for which un>100u_n>100.

[2]
Question 20
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A student deposits 150 dollars into a savings account at the end of each month. The account pays interest at a nominal annual rate of 4.8%4.8\%, compounded monthly. The first deposit is made one month from now.

A

the amount in the account immediately after the 3636th deposit.

[3]
B

the minimum whole number of dollars that must be deposited at the end of each month to have at least 10000 dollars immediately after the 6060th deposit, with the same interest rate.

[3]

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Question 21
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

An infinite geometric series has first term aa and common ratio rr, where ∣r∣<1|r|<1. The sum to infinity is 1010. The sum of the terms in even positions is 33.

A

the values of aa and rr.

[4]
B

the least value of nn for which the sum of the first nn terms is greater than 9.99.9.

[2]
Question 22
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A charity receives donations according to the model

Dn=250(0.94)nD_n=250(0.94)^n

where DnD_n is the donation, in dollars, received in week n+1n+1, for n=0,1,2,…n=0,1,2,\ldots.

A

an expression for the total amount received from week 11 to week n+1n+1.

[2]
B

the first week by which the total amount received exceeds 3500 dollars.

[3]
Question 23
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An arithmetic sequence has first term aa and common difference 33. The sum of the first 1212 terms is 330330.

A
I.

an expression for u12u_{12} in terms of aa.

[1]
II.

a=11a=11.

[3]
B
I.

an expression for SnS_n, the sum of the first nn terms, in the form n2(pn+q)\dfrac{n}{2}(pn+q), where p,q∈Zp,q\in\mathbb{Z}.

[3]
II.

the least value of nn for which Sn>300S_n>300.

[3]
Question 24
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

Consider the arithmetic sequence defined by uk=2k+pu_k=2k+p, where pp is a constant. It is given that the fourth term is 1717.

A
I.

the value of pp.

[2]
II.

the common difference of the sequence.

[1]
B
I.

∑k=1n(2k+9)=n(n+10)\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^{n}(2k+9)=n(n+10).

[3]
II.

the value of nn if ∑k=1n(2k+9)=144\displaystyle \sum_{k=1}^{n}(2k+9)=144.

[3]

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Question 25
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

The distances, in kilometres, ridden by a cyclist on successive training days form a geometric sequence. The distance ridden on day 22 is 2424 km and the distance ridden on day 55 is 8181 km. The common ratio is positive.

A
I.

the common ratio.

[3]
II.

the distance ridden on day 11.

[2]
B
I.

the total distance ridden during the first 66 days.

[3]
II.

on the suitability of this model for a long training programme.

[2]
Question 26
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An investment has initial value $4096 and increases by 25%25\% at the end of each year. A piece of equipment has initial value $15625 and depreciates by 20%20\% at the end of each year. Let InI_n and EnE_n be their values after nn years.

A
I.

expressions for InI_n and EnE_n.

[2]
II.

I3I_3.

[2]
B
I.

In=EnI_n=E_n when n=3n=3.

[3]
II.

the total gain in value of the investment during the first 33 years.

[2]
III.

which value is greater after 44 years, giving a reason.

[1]
Question 27
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

An infinite geometric series has first term 6x−26x-2 and common ratio x3\dfrac{x}{3}, where x∈Rx\in\mathbb{R}. Its sum to infinity is 66.

A
I.

the condition on xx for the series to be convergent.

[2]
II.

the value of xx.

[3]
B
I.

the first term and common ratio of the series.

[2]
II.

the sum of the first 44 terms of the series.

[2]
Question 28
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Medium
Non Calculator

A geometric sequence has first term 33 and common ratio rr, where r>1r>1. Let SnS_n denote the sum of the first nn terms. Given that Sn=45S_n=45 and S2n=765S_{2n}=765, rr and nn.

A

rn=16r^n=16.

[2]
B

rr.

[2]
C

nn.

[2]

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Question 29
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A new outdoor theatre is built in rows. The first row has 2222 seats and each successive row has 44 more seats than the previous row. For safety reasons, every fifth row has 66 seats removed for access spaces.

A
I.

the number of seats in row 1818, before any seats are removed.

[1]
II.

the total number of seats in the first 1818 rows, before any seats are removed.

[3]
B

Before any seats are removed, the minimum number of rows required for the theatre to have more than 25002500 seats.

[2]
C

For 3131 rows, the actual number of seats after the access spaces have been made.

[2]
D

whether 3131 is still the minimum number of rows needed to have at least 25002500 seats after access spaces have been made. your answer.

[4]
Question 30
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A video is uploaded to a website. During the first hour it receives 12001200 views. During each subsequent hour, the number of views is modelled as 35%35\% greater than during the previous hour.

A
I.

the number of views during the fourth hour.

[2]
II.

an expression for the number of views during the nnth hour.

[2]
B

the total number of views during the first 1212 hours.

[3]
C

Using your GDC, the first hour by the end of which the total number of views exceeds 10000001000000.

[3]
D

After hour 88, the website reduces the promotion of the video. From hour 99 onwards, the number of views each hour is 12%12\% greater than the previous hour. the total number of views during the first 2424 hours under this changed model. If you did not obtain an expression for unu_n in part (a)(ii), use un=1200(1.35)n−1u_n=1200(1.35)^{n-1} for the first 88 hours.

[3]
Question 31
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

A pendulum moves through an arc length of 2.82.8 metres on its first swing. Each subsequent swing has arc length 72%72\% of the previous swing.

A
I.

the arc length of the third swing.

[1]
II.

an expression for the arc length of the nnth swing.

[2]
B

the total arc length travelled by the pendulum if it continues indefinitely.

[2]
C

the least number of complete swings after which the remaining total arc length is less than 0.050.05 metres.

[3]
D

After the pendulum is coated with a different material, the first swing remains 2.82.8 metres but the total arc length travelled indefinitely is 88 metres. the new common ratio and then the least number of complete swings needed to travel at least 99%99\% of the total arc length.

[3]
Question 32
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

The water level of a reservoir is recorded at the same time each week for five weeks. The data are not perfectly arithmetic, but an arithmetic model is to be used for prediction.

Week m

Water level [m]

0

12.3

1

12.9

2

13.6

3

14.1

4

14.8

A
I.

The recorded levels, in metres, for weeks 00 to 44 are 12.3,12.9,13.6,14.1,14.812.3, 12.9, 13.6, 14.1, 14.8. the four consecutive first differences.

[2]
II.

Use the mean of these differences to write an arithmetic model for the water level LmL_m in week mm, where m=0m=0 corresponds to the first recorded week.

[2]
B

Use the model to the water level in week 1010.

[2]
C

the sum of the modelled water levels from week 00 to week 1111 inclusive.

[3]
D

Give three reasons why using this model to the water level in week 4040 may be unreliable.

[3]

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Question 33
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Medium
Calculator Permitted

Two machines produce components each day. On day nn, machine A produces

An=80+6(n−1)A_n=80+6(n-1)

components and machine B produces

Bn=50(1.08)n−1B_n=50(1.08)^{n-1}

components.

A

the number of components produced by each machine on day 1010.

[2]
B

Using your GDC, the first day on which machine B produces more components than machine A.

[3]
C

Give one reason why the geometric model for machine B may become unrealistic for large values of nn.

[1]
Question 34
SL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
SL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

The positive numbers aa, bb and 1212 are consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence. The positive numbers aa, bb and 1616 are consecutive terms of a geometric sequence.

A
I.

bb satisfies b2−32b+192=0b^2-32b+192=0.

[3]
II.

the possible pairs (a,b)(a,b).

[3]
B
I.

For each possible pair, the common ratio of the geometric sequence.

[2]
II.

One of these geometric sequences has a sum to infinity. it and this sum.

[4]
Question 35
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

For a sequence {un}\{u_n\}, the sum of the first nn terms is Sn=An2+BnS_n=An^2+Bn, where AA and BB are constants. It is given that u3=11u_3=11 and S6=72S_6=72.

A
I.

un=A(2n−1)+Bu_n=A(2n-1)+B.

[3]
II.

AA and BB.

[3]
B
I.

unu_n in terms of nn.

[1]
II.

the positive integer mm for which ∑k=m2muk=85\displaystyle \sum_{k=m}^{2m}u_k=85.

[4]
Question 36
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A geometric sequence has first term 22 and common ratio rr, where r>1r>1. Let SnS_n denote the sum of the first nn terms. It is known that Sn=80S_n=80 and that the sum of the next nn terms is 64806480.

A

Part (a)

I.

rn=81r^n=81.

[2]
II.

Write an expression for SnS_n in terms of rr and nn.

[2]
B

Part (b)

I.

rr.

[3]
II.

nn.

[2]
III.

the nnth term of the sequence.

[2]

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Question 37
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A savings account pays interest at 50%50\% per year, compounded annually. A fixed amount DD is deposited at the end of each year. Interest is credited immediately before each end-of-year deposit; therefore, each deposit first earns interest during the year following its deposit. Immediately after the fourth deposit is made, the account contains $2600.

A
AI.

immediately after the fourth deposit, the amount in the account is D(1+32+(32)2+(32)3)D\left(1+\dfrac32+\left(\dfrac32\right)^2+\left(\dfrac32\right)^3\right).

[3]
AII.

DD.

[2]
B
BI.

Write an expression, in terms of DD and mm, for the amount immediately after the mmth deposit.

[3]
BII.

the amount immediately after the sixth deposit.

[3]
Question 38
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

A quantity QQ is recorded at equal time intervals t=0,1,2,3,4t=0,1,2,3,4. The recorded values are 50,57,63,70,7650,57,63,70,76. An arithmetic model is to be formed using the mean of the consecutive differences.

A
I.

the four consecutive differences and their mean.

[3]
II.

an arithmetic model QtQ_t for the value at time tt, using Q0=50Q_0=50.

[2]
B
I.

the sum of the modelled values from t=0t=0 to t=5t=5.

[3]
II.

the first integer value of tt for which the model predicts Qt>100Q_t>100, and on the prediction.

[2]
Question 39
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A family starts a university fund. They deposit 25002500 dollars into an account at the end of each quarter. The account pays a nominal annual interest rate of 5.2%5.2\%, compounded quarterly. The first deposit is made at the end of the first quarter.

A
I.

the quarterly multiplier for the account.

[1]
II.

the value of the fund immediately after the 2424th deposit is 2500(1+1.013+1.0132+⋯+1.01323)2500(1+1.013+1.013^2+\cdots+1.013^{23})

[4]
B

the value of the fund immediately after the 2424th deposit.

[3]
C

the quarterly deposit, to the nearest dollar, that would give a fund value of 8000080000 dollars immediately after 2424 deposits, with the same interest rate.

[3]
D

Inflation is modelled at 2.4%2.4\% per year. the real value, in today’s dollars, of the fund from part (b) after 66 years.

[3]
Question 40
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Two graduates are offered different salary contracts. Contract A pays 4200042000 dollars in the first year and increases by 18001800 dollars each year. Contract B pays 3800038000 dollars in the first year and increases by 6%6\% each year.

A
I.

the salary in the fifth year under Contract A.

[2]
II.

the salary in the fifth year under Contract B.

[2]
B

the total amount earned under each contract during the first 88 years.

[4]
C

Using your GDC, the first year in which the annual salary under Contract B is greater than the annual salary under Contract A.

[2]
D

the first year by the end of which the total amount earned under Contract B is greater than the total amount earned under Contract A.

[2]

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Question 41
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A geometric sequence has first term aa and common ratio rr, where a>0a>0 and r>1r>1. The sum of the first three terms is 2121. The sum of the fourth, fifth and sixth terms is 168168.

A
I.

r3=8r^3=8.

[3]
II.

aa and rr.

[2]
B

the least value of nn for which the sum of the first nn terms exceeds 5000050000.

[3]
C

For this sequence define Tn=Snun+1T_n=\frac{S_n}{u_{n+1}}, where SnS_n is the sum of the first nn terms. Tn=1−2−nT_n=1-2^{-n}, and the least value of nn for which TnT_n is within 0.0010.001 of its limiting value.

[4]
Question 42
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A retirement account initially contains 4000040000 dollars. At the end of each year, the account earns interest at an annual rate of 4.5%4.5\%, and then 25002500 dollars is withdrawn. Let VnV_n be the value of the account immediately after the nnth withdrawal.

A
I.

V1V_1 and V2V_2.

[2]
II.

Vn=40000(1.045)n−2500(1.045)n−10.045V_n=40000(1.045)^n-2500\frac{(1.045)^n-1}{0.045}

[3]
B

Using your GDC, the first withdrawal after which the value of the account is negative.

[3]
C

the greatest annual withdrawal, to the nearest dollar, that could be made indefinitely without the initial account value being exceeded by the present value of all future withdrawals.

[3]
D

Inflation is modelled at 2%2\% per year. the real value, in today’s dollars, of the 2929th withdrawal of 25002500 dollars.

[2]
Question 43
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

An open-air theatre is built in horizontal rows. The number of seats in each row is modelled by an arithmetic sequence. A plan of the theatre shows that row 33 contains 3232 seats and row 88 contains 5252 seats. Let unu_n be the number of seats in row nn, and let SnS_n be the total number of seats in the first nn rows.

Row number nn

Seats unu_n

1

3

32

8

52

A
I.

the first term u1u_1 and the common difference dd.

[3]
II.

Sn=2n2+22nS_n=2n^2+22n.

[2]
B
I.

The theatre is to contain at least 20002000 seats. the least number of complete rows required.

[3]
II.

the total number of seats in the first 2727 rows.

[1]
C

A second theatre has the same first row but its common difference is kk, where kk is a positive integer. The first 2727 rows contain exactly 21062106 seats. whether a positive integer kk exists. whether the number of seats in row 2727 can be found.

[4]
Question 44
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

In an art installation, a beam of light reflects from a sequence of small mirrors. The intensity of the light patch after each reflection is modelled by a geometric sequence. The second light patch has intensity 1818 units and the fourth light patch has intensity 10.12510.125 units. Let InI_n be the intensity of the nnth light patch.

A
I.

the common ratio rr and the first intensity I1I_1.

[3]
II.

an expression for InI_n.

[2]
B
I.

the total intensity of the first 88 light patches.

[2]
II.

the total possible intensity if the reflections continue indefinitely.

[2]
C

The installation is adjusted so that the first intensity remains 2424 units but the common ratio becomes qq, where 0<q<10<q<1. The total possible intensity is required to be less than 120120 units, while the fourth patch must have intensity at least 88 units. the possible values of qq.

[3]

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Question 45
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A sculpture is built in layers. Let SnS_n be the total number of blocks used after nn layers. An artist proposes the formula Sn=3n2+5nS_n=3n^2+5n for n∈Z+n\in\mathbb{Z}^+. Let unu_n be the number of blocks used in layer nn.

A
I.

an expression for unu_n in terms of nn.

[3]
II.

why the sequence {un}\{u_n\} is arithmetic.

[2]
B

the first layer for which more than 200200 blocks are used in that layer.

[2]
C

by mathematical induction that the sum of the first nn layer sizes, where un=6n+2u_n=6n+2, is Sn=3n2+5nS_n=3n^2+5n for all n∈Z+n\in\mathbb{Z}^+.

[5]
Question 46
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A student investigates recurring decimals by writing them as infinite geometric series.

Block

Specific example

General form

Ratio to previous

Non-recurring part

0.40.4

a10\frac{a}{10}

—

1st recurring block

0.0370.037

bc1000\frac{bc}{1000}

1100\frac{1}{100}

2nd recurring block

0.000370.00037

bc100000\frac{bc}{100000}

1100\frac{1}{100}

3rd recurring block

0.00000370.0000037

bc10000000\frac{bc}{10000000}

1100\frac{1}{100}

A
I.

Write 0.437‾0.4\overline{37} as an infinite geometric series.

[3]
II.

express 0.437‾0.4\overline{37} as a fraction in its simplest form.

[2]
B

A decimal has one non-recurring digit aa followed by a two-digit recurring block bcbc, where a,b,ca,b,c are digits and bb and cc are not both zero. the value of the decimal 0.abc‾0.a\overline{bc} is 99a+bc990\frac{99a+bc}{990}, where bcbc denotes the two-digit integer 10b+c10b+c.

[3]
C

all digits aa, bb and cc such that 0.abc‾=7150.a\overline{bc}=\frac{7}{15} and bb and cc are not both zero.

[3]
Question 47
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A rechargeable sensor gains charge in repeated equal time intervals. During the first interval it gains 2828 units of charge. During each subsequent interval it gains 82%82\% of the charge gained in the previous interval. The sensor initially has no charge.

A
I.

the charge gained during interval nn.

[2]
II.

an expression for the total charge after nn intervals.

[2]
B
I.

the limiting charge of the sensor according to this model.

[2]
II.

the least number of intervals needed for the sensor to reach at least 95%95\% of its limiting charge.

[2]
C

A different sensor has first-interval charge gain aa and ratio rr, where 0<r<10<r<1. It has limiting charge 160160 units and reaches exactly 4040 units after the first interval. aa and rr, and whether it reaches 95%95\% of its limiting charge faster or slower than the original sensor.

[4]
Question 48
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

An infinite geometric sequence has first term aa and common ratio rr, where ∣r∣<1|r|<1. The sum of the infinite geometric series is 88. The sum of the squares of all the terms is 1616.

A
I.

a=8(1−r)a=8(1-r).

[2]
II.

rr and aa.

[4]
B
I.

the sum of the terms in odd positions.

[2]
II.

the sum of the first 44 terms of the original series.

[2]

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Question 49
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator
HL • Paper 1
Hard
Non Calculator

Consider the infinite geometric series
∑k=1∞(2−a)ak−1\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}(2-a)a^{k-1}
where a∈Ra\in\mathbb{R}.

A
AI.

the set of values of aa for which the series is convergent.

[2]
AII.

Given that the sum to infinity is 55, aa.

[3]
B
BI.

the difference between the sum to infinity and the sum of the first nn terms is 5(34)n5\left(\dfrac34\right)^n.

[2]
BII.

nn if this difference is 405256\dfrac{405}{256}.

[2]
Question 50
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A person borrows 220000220000 dollars to buy an apartment. Interest is charged monthly at a nominal annual rate of 4.2%4.2\%, compounded monthly. Equal repayments of RR dollars are made at the end of each month.

A
I.

the monthly multiplier for the loan.

[1]
II.

the amount owed after 1010 years if no repayments are made.

[3]
B

the amount owed immediately after the nnth repayment is 220000(1.0035)n−R(1.0035)n−10.0035220000(1.0035)^n-R\frac{(1.0035)^n-1}{0.0035}

[4]
C

the monthly repayment RR required to repay the loan exactly after 2525 years.

[3]
D

After 6060 repayments have been made, the nominal annual interest rate changes to 5.4%5.4\%, compounded monthly. The monthly repayment remains the value found in part (c). the number of further monthly repayments required to repay the loan, and how many months longer this is than originally planned. If you did not obtain a value for RR, use R=1186R=1186.

[4]
Question 51
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

An infinite geometric series has first term aa and common ratio rr, where a>0a>0 and −1<r<1-1<r<1. The sum to infinity is 2424, and the sum of the first three terms is 2727.

A
I.

r3=−18r^3=-\frac{1}{8}.

[3]
II.

aa and rr.

[2]
B

the sum to infinity of the terms in the odd positions.

[3]
C

the least value of nn for which the sum of the first nn terms is within 0.010.01 of the sum to infinity.

[2]
D

A second infinite geometric series has first term 3636 and common ratio qq. the set of values of qq for which its sum to infinity is between 2020 and 3030.

[2]
Question 52
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A company models the number of units sold each week after launching a new product. For the first 1212 weeks, weekly sales are modelled by an arithmetic sequence An=a+(n−1)dA_n=a+(n-1)d, where AnA_n is the number of units sold in week nn. It is known that the total sales in the first 66 weeks are 66006600 units and the total sales in the first 1212 weeks are 1608016080 units. From week 1313 onwards, weekly sales are modelled by a geometric sequence. The first term of this geometric sequence is equal to the sales in week 1212.

A
I.

two equations in aa and dd using the information about the first 66 and first 1212 weeks.

[2]
II.

these equations to aa and dd.

[3]
B

the number of units sold in week 1212.

[2]
C

The total expected sales from week 1313 onwards is 1.51.5 times the total sales during the first 1212 weeks. the common ratio of the geometric sequence from week 1313 onwards.

[3]
D

the week by which cumulative sales first exceed 90%90\% of the total expected sales over all weeks. If you did not obtain a value for rr, use r=0.926r=0.926 for this part.

[4]

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Question 53
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For real values of xx, consider the infinite geometric series ∑k=1∞(x−2)(x−34)k−1\sum_{k=1}^{\infty}(x-2)\left(\frac{x-3}{4}\right)^{k-1}

A
I.

the values of xx for which the series is convergent.

[3]
II.

For values of xx found in part (a)(i), the sum to infinity is 4(x−2)7−x\frac{4(x-2)}{7-x}

[2]
B

the value of xx for which the sum to infinity is 66.

[2]
C

For the value of xx found in part (b), the least number of terms needed for the partial sum to be within 0.020.02 of the sum to infinity.

[3]
D

For x=1x=1, the sum of the first 88 terms and why this is greater than the sum to infinity.

[2]
Question 54
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A graduate opens a savings account with an initial deposit of 30003000 dollars. The account pays interest at a nominal annual rate of 5.4%5.4\%, compounded monthly. At the end of each month the graduate deposits a further 250250 dollars. Let AnA_n be the amount in the account immediately after the nnth monthly deposit.

Timeline stage

Value / unit

Opening deposit

$3000 dollars

Nominal annual interest rate

5.4%5.4\% per year

Compounding frequency

monthly

Monthly deposit

$250 dollars

Deposit timing

end of each month

After month nn

nn monthly deposits have been made

After 60 months

60 monthly deposits have been made; 5 years elapsed

After 72 months

72 monthly deposits have been made; 6 years elapsed

5-year inflation factor

(1.021)5(1.021)^{5}

Inflation model

2.1%2.1\% per year

A
I.

the monthly growth factor qq.

[1]
II.

An=3000qn+250(qn−1q−1)A_n=3000q^n+250\left(\frac{q^n-1}{q-1}\right).

[3]
B
I.

the amount in the account immediately after 55 years.

[2]
II.

the least value of nn for which the amount first exceeds 2000020000 dollars.

[3]
C

The graduate wants to have at least 3000030000 dollars immediately after 7272 months, with the same initial deposit and interest rate. the minimum monthly deposit, to the nearest dollar, required at the end of each month.

[3]
D

Inflation is modelled at 2.1%2.1\% per year. Using the 250250 dollar monthly deposit model, the real value, in today's dollars, of the amount after 55 years.

[3]
Question 55
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A reservoir contains a pollutant. Two proposed clean-up models are being compared. Model A removes an arithmetic sequence of amounts: 140,155,170,…140,155,170,\ldots kilograms on successive days. Model B removes a geometric sequence of amounts: 120,144,172.8,…120,144,172.8,\ldots kilograms on successive days. Let AnA_n and BnB_n be the amounts removed on day nn by models A and B respectively.

Model

Day 1 amount [kg]

Day 2 amount [kg]

Model A

140

155

Model B

120

144

A
I.

formulae for AnA_n and BnB_n.

[2]
II.

the first day on which Model B removes more pollutant than Model A on that day.

[2]
B
I.

expressions for the total amounts removed in the first nn days by each model.

[3]
II.

the first day by which Model B has removed more pollutant in total than Model A.

[2]
C

The reservoir initially contains 50005000 kilograms of pollutant. , for each model, the first day by which the model predicts that all pollutant has been removed. on the validity of the geometric model for large nn.

[5]
Question 56
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A designer creates a logo from an infinite sequence of similar right triangles. The first triangle has area 18 cm218\ \text{cm}^2. Each subsequent triangle has side lengths multiplied by a constant factor rr, where 0<r<10<r<1. Therefore the areas form a geometric sequence.

A
I.

why the common ratio of the area sequence is r2r^2.

[2]
II.

the area of the nnth triangle.

[2]
B
I.

the total area of the infinite logo is 181−r2\frac{18}{1-r^2}.

[2]
II.

The total area must not exceed 32 cm232\ \text{cm}^2. the largest possible value of rr.

[3]
C

Using r=74r=\frac{\sqrt{7}}{4}, the least number of triangles needed so that their combined area is at least 31 cm231\ \text{cm}^2.

[4]

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Question 57
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A teacher compares two salary offers over an 88-year contract. Offer A starts at 4800048000 dollars and increases by 22002200 dollars each year. Offer B starts at 4600046000 dollars and increases by 4.2%4.2\% each year. Salary is paid at the end of each year. Let AnA_n and BnB_n denote the salary in year nn under offers A and B respectively.

A
I.

expressions for AnA_n and BnB_n.

[2]
II.

Using the expressions from part (a)(i), the first year, if any during the 88-year contract, in which Offer B gives a higher salary. your answer algebraically rather than from the graph.

[2]
B
I.

the total earnings over the 88 years under each offer.

[3]
II.

which offer gives the greater total earnings over 88 years, and by approximately how much.

[2]
C

Inflation is modelled at 2.5%2.5\% per year. Take today to be immediately after the year 11 salary is paid. For Offer B, the real value, in today's dollars, of the year 88 salary. on whether the year 88 salary has increased in real terms compared with the first salary of Offer B.

[5]
Question 58
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A mosaic artist makes square frames using unit tiles. Frame nn is made by surrounding an empty square hole with a one-tile-wide border. The outside side length of frame nn is 2n+32n+3 tiles and the inside side length is 2n+12n+1 tiles. Let unu_n be the number of tiles in frame nn.

A
I.

un=8n+8u_n=8n+8.

[3]
II.

the common difference of the sequence {un}\{u_n\}.

[2]
B

Starting with frame 1, the artist makes one frame of each successive size. the greatest NN such that frames 1 through NN can be made using 22002200 tiles.

[4]
C

by induction that ∑n=1N(8n+8)=4N2+12N\sum_{n=1}^{N}(8n+8)=4N^2+12N for all N∈Z+N\in\mathbb{Z}^+.

[4]
Question 59
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

For each real number xx, consider the infinite geometric series

(x+2)+(x+2)(x−13)+(x+2)(x−13)2+⋯(x+2)+(x+2)\left(\frac{x-1}{3}\right)+(x+2)\left(\frac{x-1}{3}\right)^2+\cdots

Let S(x)S(x) be its sum to infinity, when it exists.

A
I.

the first term and common ratio of the series.

[2]
II.

the values of xx for which the series converges.

[2]
B

, for −2<x<4-2<x<4, S(x)=3(x+2)4−xS(x)=\frac{3(x+2)}{4-x}.

[3]
C
I.

the value of xx for which S(x)=15S(x)=15.

[2]
II.

all values of xx in the convergence interval for which S(x)>0S(x)>0.

[3]
Question 60
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 3
Hard
Calculator Permitted

A loan of 180000180000 dollars is repaid by equal monthly payments of PP dollars made at the end of each month. The interest rate is a nominal annual rate of 6%6\%, compounded monthly. Let LnL_n be the outstanding loan balance immediately after the nnth payment.

Month nn

Start balance / $

After interest / $

After payment LnL_n / $

1

180000

180000q180000q

180000q−P180000q-P

2

180000q−P180000q-P

180000q2−Pq180000q^2-Pq

180000q2−P(1+q)180000q^2-P(1+q)

3

180000q2−P(1+q)180000q^2-P(1+q)

180000q3−P(q+q2)180000q^3-P(q+q^2)

180000q3−P(1+q+q2)180000q^3-P(1+q+q^2)

4

180000q3−P(1+q+q2)180000q^3-P(1+q+q^2)

180000q4−P(q+q2+q3)180000q^4-P(q+q^2+q^3)

180000q4−P(1+q+q2+q3)180000q^4-P(1+q+q^2+q^3)

A
I.

the monthly interest factor qq.

[1]
II.

Ln=180000qn−P(qn−1q−1)L_n=180000q^n-P\left(\frac{q^n-1}{q-1}\right).

[4]
B
I.

the monthly payment required to repay the loan exactly after 2525 years.

[3]
II.

Using this payment rounded to the nearest dollar, the total amount paid over 2525 years and the total interest paid.

[2]
C

Instead, the borrower pays 13001300 dollars per month. the number of complete payments needed to repay the loan, and the size of the final smaller payment made one month after the last complete payment.

[5]

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Proofs

Systems of Equations