PastPaper.question 1 · Short Response
6.16 PastPaper.marksAn arithmetic sequence has first term \(u_1 = a\) and common difference \(d = 2\). A geometric sequence has first term \(v_1 = a\) and common ratio \(r = \frac{4}{5}\). Given that the sum of the first 4 terms of the arithmetic sequence is equal to the sum to infinity of the geometric sequence, find the value of \(a\).
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PastPaper.workedSolution
The sum of the first 4 terms of the arithmetic sequence is given by the formula \(S_n = \frac{n}{2}(2u_1 + (n-1)d)\). Substituting the given values yields \(S_4 = \frac{4}{2}(2a + 3(2)) = 4a + 12\). The sum to infinity of the geometric sequence is given by the formula \(S_{\infty} = \frac{v_1}{1-r}\). Substituting the given values yields \(S_{\infty} = \frac{a}{1 - \frac{4}{5}} = 5a\). Setting these two sums equal to each other gives the equation \(4a + 12 = 5a\). Solving for \(a\) gives \(a = 12\).
PastPaper.markingScheme
M1 for attempting to use the arithmetic sum formula with \(n = 4\) and \(d = 2\). A1 for obtaining \(4a + 12\). M1 for attempting to use the geometric sum to infinity formula with \(r = \frac{4}{5}\). A1 for obtaining \(5a\). M1 for equating the two expressions and attempting to solve for \(a\). A1 for finding \(a = 12\).