An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jun 2024 (V2) Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from Cambridge.
Paper 2 (Extended Short-Answer & Structured Questions)
Answer all questions. Electronic calculators should be used where appropriate. Non-exact numerical answers should be given to 3 significant figures or 1 decimal place for angles.
25 Question · 47 marks
Question 1 · Short Answer
3 marks
Clara buys a box of 80 notebooks for $120. She sells all of the notebooks for $2.10 each. Calculate Clara's percentage profit.
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M1 for \(80 \times 2.10\) [= 168] or profit of 48 seen M1 for \(\frac{\text{their } 168 - 120}{120} \times 100\) or \(\frac{\text{their profit}}{120} \times 100\) A1 for 40
Question 2 · Short Answer
3 marks
A straight ladder of length 6.5 m leans against a vertical wall. The bottom of the ladder is on horizontal ground, 2.5 m from the base of the wall. Calculate the height, in metres, that the ladder reaches up the wall.
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Worked solution
Using Pythagoras' theorem:
\(\text{Height}^2 + 2.5^2 = 6.5^2\)
\(\text{Height}^2 = 42.25 - 6.25\)
\(\text{Height}^2 = 36\)
\(\text{Height} = \sqrt{36} = 6\)
Marking scheme
M1 for \(6.5^2 - 2.5^2\) M1 for \(\sqrt{6.5^2 - 2.5^2}\) or \(\sqrt{36}\) A1 for 6
Question 3 · Short Answer
2 marks
Factorise completely.
\[15a^2b - 20ab^2\]
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Worked solution
Find the highest common factor of \(15a^2b\) and \(20ab^2\), which is \(5ab\).
Divide both terms by \(5ab\):
\(\frac{15a^2b}{5ab} = 3a\)
\(\frac{20ab^2}{5ab} = 4b\)
So, \(15a^2b - 20ab^2 = 5ab(3a - 4b)\).
Marking scheme
B2 for \(5ab(3a - 4b)\) final answer or B1 for \(5(3a^2b - 4ab^2)\) or \(a(15ab - 20b^2)\) or \(b(15a^2 - 20ab)\) or \(ab(15a - 20b)\) or \(5ab(\text{two-term expression})\)
Question 4 · Short Answer
1 marks
Write 0.000305 in standard form.
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Worked solution
To write 0.000305 in standard form \(A \times 10^n\), where \(1 \le A < 10\):
Move the decimal point 4 places to the right to get 3.05.
Since the decimal point was moved to the right, the index is negative: \(n = -4\).
So, \(3.05 \times 10^{-4}\).
Marking scheme
B1 for \(3.05 \times 10^{-4}\)
Question 5 · Short Answer
1 marks
Find the value of \(p\) when \(\frac{3^8}{3^p} = 3^2\).
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Worked solution
Using the laws of indices:
\(\frac{3^8}{3^p} = 3^{8-p}\)
So, \(3^{8-p} = 3^2\)
\(8 - p = 2\)
\(p = 6\)
Marking scheme
B1 for 6
Question 6 · Short Answer
2 marks
These are the first four terms of a sequence:
\[18, 14, 10, 6\]
Find the \(n\)th term of this sequence.
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Worked solution
The sequence is arithmetic with a first term of 18 and a common difference of \(-4\) (since \(14 - 18 = -4\)).
B2 for \(-4n + 22\) or \(22 - 4n\) oe final answer or B1 for \(-4n + c\) or \(kn + 22\) (\(k \neq 0\))
Question 7 · Short Answer
2 marks
The mass, \(m\) kilograms, of a suitcase is 18 kg, correct to the nearest 0.5 kg. Calculate the lower bound of \(m\).
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Worked solution
The degree of accuracy is 0.5 kg.
Half of the degree of accuracy is \(0.5 \div 2 = 0.25\) kg.
Lower bound = \(18 - 0.25 = 17.75\) kg.
Marking scheme
M1 for \(18 - 0.25\) or \(0.5 \div 2\) A1 for 17.75
Question 8 · Short Answer
2 marks
A universal set \(\mathcal{E} = \{x : x \text{ is an integer and } 1 \le x \le 10\}\).
\(P = \{1, 3, 5, 7, 9\}\)
\(Q = \{2, 3, 5, 7\}\)
Find \(\text{n}(P \cap Q)\).
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Worked solution
First find the intersection of sets \(P\) and \(Q\):
\(P \cap Q = \{3, 5, 7\}\)
The number of elements in \(P \cap Q\) is 3.
Marking scheme
M1 for identifying the set \(P \cap Q = \{3, 5, 7\}\) or listing these elements A1 for 3
Question 9 · Short Answer
1 marks
Write the number 42 098 000 in words.
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Worked solution
42 098 000 written in words is forty-two million ninety-eight thousand.
Marking scheme
B1 for forty-two million ninety-eight thousand (allow minor spelling errors, but place value must be correct).
Question 10 · Short Answer
1 marks
Find the value of the reciprocal of 0.8.
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Worked solution
The reciprocal of 0.8 is: $$\frac{1}{0.8} = \frac{10}{8} = 1.25$$
Marking scheme
B1 for 1.25 or \frac{5}{4} or 1\frac{1}{4}.
Question 11 · Short Answer
2 marks
Write these numbers in order, starting with the smallest. $$\frac{5}{8} \quad 8.2 \times 10^{-1} \quad \frac{9}{11} \quad 81.5\%$$
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Worked solution
Convert each number to a decimal to compare: - \(\frac{5}{8} = 0.625\) - \(8.2 \times 10^{-1} = 0.82\) - \(\frac{9}{11} \approx 0.818\) - \(81.5\% = 0.815\)
Comparing the decimals: \(0.625 < 0.815 < 0.818 < 0.82\).
Therefore, the correct order is: $$\frac{5}{8} < 81.5\% < \frac{9}{11} < 8.2 \times 10^{-1}$$
Marking scheme
M1 for converting at least two of the numbers correctly to decimals or percentages for comparison. A1 for the fully correct order as given.
Question 12 · Short Answer
3 marks
Leo has $600. He spends \(\frac{1}{5}\) of this money on a ticket, and some of this money on food. He now has $315 left. Work out the fraction of the $600 he spends on food.
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Worked solution
1. Find the amount spent on the ticket: $$\frac{1}{5} \times 600 = \$120$$
2. Find the total amount left after spending on the ticket and food is $315.
3. Calculate the total spent on ticket and food: $$600 - 315 = \$285$$
4. Calculate the amount spent on food: $$285 - 120 = \$165$$
5. Write this as a fraction of the total $600 and simplify: $$\frac{165}{600} = \frac{33}{120} = \frac{11}{40}$$
Marking scheme
M1 for finding the cost of the ticket ($120) or total spent ($285). M1 for finding the amount spent on food ($165) or for writing \frac{165}{600} oe. A1 for \frac{11}{40} or equivalent fraction in its simplest form.
Question 13 · Short Answer
2 marks
Work out the vector \(\mathbf{a} - 2\mathbf{b}\) when: $$\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \quad \mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}$$ Give your answer as a column vector.
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B1 for either component correct in the final vector. B1 for both components correct in the final vector.
Question 14 · Short Answer
1 marks
Write 0.0070845 correct to 2 significant figures.
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Worked solution
The first significant figure is the 7 in the thousandths place. The second significant figure is the 0 in the ten-thousandths place. Looking at the next digit, which is 8 (since 8 >= 5), we round the 0 up to 1.
Thus, correct to 2 significant figures, the number is 0.0071.
Marking scheme
B1 for 0.0071.
Question 15 · Short Answer
2 marks
A right-angled triangle has a hypotenuse of length 11 cm and an adjacent side of length 6.4 cm to an angle \(x^{\circ}\).
Calculate the value of \(x\).
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Worked solution
Using the cosine ratio in the right-angled triangle: $$\cos(x) = \frac{\text{Adjacent}}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{6.4}{11}$$
M1 for \(\cos(y) = \frac{9}{15}\) or better A1 for 53.1
Question 19 · Short Answer
2 marks
Factorise completely. \[24ab - 16b^2\]
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Worked solution
Find the highest common factor of both terms, which is \(8b\). Factorise this out of the expression: \[24ab - 16b^2 = 8b(3a - 2b)\]
Marking scheme
B1 for partial factorisation: \(2(12ab - 8b^2)\), \(b(24a - 16b)\), or \(4b(6a - 4b)\) B2 for \(8b(3a - 2b)\) completely correct
Question 20 · Short Answer
2 marks
A coat normally costs $84. In a sale, the price is reduced by 15%. Calculate the sale price of the coat.
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Worked solution
The price is reduced by 15%, which means the sale price is 85% of the normal price: \[84 \times \left(1 - \frac{15}{100}\right) = 84 \times 0.85 = 71.40\] The sale price is $71.40.
Marking scheme
M1 for \(84 \times 0.15\) or \(84 \times 0.85\) or better A1 for 71.40 (or 71.4)
Question 21 · Short Answer
2 marks
These are the first four terms of a sequence. \[31, \quad 25, \quad 19, \quad 13\] Find the \(n\)th term of this sequence.
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Worked solution
The sequence is linear (arithmetic) with a first term of \(a = 31\) and a common difference of \(d = 25 - 31 = -6\). Using the formula for the \(n\)th term: \[a + (n - 1)d = 31 + (n - 1)(-6) = 31 - 6n + 6 = 37 - 6n\]
Marking scheme
B1 for \(-6n + k\) (where \(k\) is any constant) or \(31 - 6(n - 1)\) B2 for \(37 - 6n\) or equivalent final answer
Question 22 · Short Answer
2 marks
\(\mathcal{E} = \{x : x \text{ is an integer and } 1 \le x \le 10\}\) \(A = \{x : x \text{ is a prime number\}}\) \(B = \{x : x \text{ is a factor of } 12\}\) Find \(\text{n}(A \cap B)\).
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Worked solution
First, identify the elements of each set within the universal set: - \(\mathcal{E} = \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10\}\) - \(A = \{2, 3, 5, 7\}\) - \(B = \{1, 2, 3, 4, 6\}\)
Find the intersection set \(A \cap B\): \(A \cap B = \{2, 3\}\)
The number of elements is: \(\text{n}(A \cap B) = 2\).
Marking scheme
B1 for listing elements of \(A\) and \(B\) correctly, or for finding \(A \cap B = \{2, 3\}\) B1 for 2
Question 23 · Short Answer
1 marks
Write \(0.000305\) in standard form.
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Worked solution
To write in standard form, represent the number as \(a \times 10^n\), where \(1 \le a < 10\). Move the decimal point 4 places to the right: \[0.000305 = 3.05 \times 10^{-4}\]
Marking scheme
B1 for \(3.05 \times 10^{-4}\)
Question 24 · Short Answer
2 marks
A cylinder has a radius of 4 cm and a height of 11 cm. Calculate the volume of the cylinder, giving your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
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Worked solution
The volume \(V\) of a cylinder is given by the formula: \[V = \pi r^2 h\] Substitute the given values: \[V = \pi \times 4^2 \times 11 = 176\pi \approx 552.920\text{ cm}^3\] Rounding to 1 decimal place gives \(552.9\text{ cm}^3\).
Marking scheme
M1 for \(\pi \times 4^2 \times 11\) A1 for 552.9
Question 25 · Short Answer
2 marks
Factorise completely.
$$24y^2 - 16y$$
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Worked solution
Find the highest common factor of the numerical coefficients $24$ and $16$, which is $8$.
Find the highest common factor of the variable terms $y^2$ and $y$, which is $y$.
Therefore, the highest common factor of both terms is $8y$.
Dividing each term by $8y$ gives: $$\frac{24y^2}{8y} = 3y$$
$$\frac{-16y}{8y} = -2$$
Combining these gives the fully factorised expression: $$8y(3y - 2)$$
Marking scheme
B2 for $8y(3y - 2)$ final answer
or B1 for a correct partial factorisation, such as $8(3y^2 - 2y)$, $y(24y - 16)$, $2y(12y - 8)$, $4y(6y - 4)$, or $8y(3y - 2)$ seen and then spoilt.
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Paper 4 (Extended Structured Problem Solving & Proofs)
Answer all questions. Show all necessary working clearly. Formulae sheets are not provided; candidates must recall relevant mensuration and trigonometry formulae.
24 Question · 71.36000000000001 marks
Question 1 · Medium Answer
3 marks
A water pump pumps water at a rate of \(1.8 \times 10^4\) litres per hour. Calculate the time taken, in seconds, to fill a tank of capacity \(15\text{ m}^3\). Give your answer in standard form.
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Worked solution
Convert the capacity of the tank to litres: \(15\text{ m}^3 = 15 \times 1000 = 15\,000\text{ litres}\).
Convert the pumping rate to litres per second: \(1.8 \times 10^4\text{ litres/hour} = 18\,000\text{ litres/hour}\). \(18\,000 \div 3600 = 5\text{ litres/second}\).
Calculate the time taken in seconds: \(\text{Time} = 15\,000 \div 5 = 3000\text{ seconds}\).
Write in standard form: \(3 \times 10^3\).
Marking scheme
M1 for converting capacity to litres (\(15\,000\)) or rate to \(\text{m}^3\text{/h}\) (\(18\)). M1 for dividing their capacity by their rate (e.g., \(15\,000 \div 5\) or equivalent). A1 for \(3 \times 10^3\) (or \(3.0 \times 10^3\)).
Question 2 · Medium Answer
3 marks
In triangle \(PQR\), \(PQ = 8.4\text{ cm}\), \(QR = 5.5\text{ cm}\) and angle \(PQR = 42^\circ\). Calculate the length of \(PR\).
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Worked solution
Use the Cosine Rule to find the length of \(PR\): \(PR^2 = PQ^2 + QR^2 - 2 \cdot PQ \cdot QR \cdot \cos(PQR)\) \(PR^2 = 8.4^2 + 5.5^2 - 2(8.4)(5.5)\cos(42^\circ)\) \(PR^2 = 70.56 + 30.25 - 92.4 \cdot 0.74314\) \(PR^2 = 100.81 - 68.666\) \(PR^2 = 32.144\) \(PR = \sqrt{32.144} \approx 5.6696\text{ cm}\).
Correct to 3 significant figures, \(PR = 5.67\text{ cm}\).
Marking scheme
M1 for correct substitution into the Cosine Rule: \(8.4^2 + 5.5^2 - 2 \cdot 8.4 \cdot 5.5 \cdot \cos(42)\). A1 for \(PR^2 = 32.1\dots\) or better. A1 for \(5.67\) (accept \(5.669\dots\)).
Question 3 · Medium Answer
3 marks
Find the \(n\)th term of the sequence: \(3, 8, 15, 24, 35, \dots\)
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Worked solution
Analyze the differences between successive terms: Terms: \(3, 8, 15, 24, 35\) First differences: \(5, 7, 9, 11\) Second differences: \(2, 2, 2\)
Since the second differences are constant and equal to \(2\), the quadratic term is \(an^2\) where \(a = 2 \div 2 = 1\). Subtract \(n^2\) from each term: \(3 - 1^2 = 2\) \(8 - 2^2 = 4\) \(15 - 3^2 = 6\) \(24 - 4^2 = 8\) \(35 - 5^2 = 10\)
The remaining sequence is \(2, 4, 6, 8, 10, \dots\), which has a linear term of \(2n\). Thus, the \(n\)th term is \(n^2 + 2n\).
Marking scheme
M1 for identifying the second difference is constant (\(2\)) or setting up the simultaneous equations for \(an^2+bn+c\). M1 for establishing the quadratic coefficient is \(1\) or finding the remaining linear sequence is \(2n\). A1 for \(n^2 + 2n\).
M1 for simplifying inside the bracket to \(64x^6y^3\) or evaluating at least two powers incorrectly but applying power index correctly. M1 for evaluating \(64^{-2/3} = \frac{1}{16}\). A1 for \(\frac{1}{16x^4y^2}\) or equivalent with negative indices (e.g. \(\frac{1}{16}x^{-4}y^{-2}\)).
Question 5 · Medium Answer
3 marks
A box contains 5 red pens and 4 blue pens. Two pens are taken at random from the box, without replacement. Calculate the probability that at least one of the pens is red.
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Worked solution
Total number of pens in the box = \(5 + 4 = 9\).
Calculate the probability that both pens are blue: \(P(\text{both blue}) = \frac{4}{9} \times \frac{3}{8} = \frac{12}{72} = \frac{1}{6}\).
Subtract this probability from 1 to find the probability of at least one red pen: \(P(\text{at least one red}) = 1 - P(\text{both blue}) = 1 - \frac{1}{6} = \frac{5}{6}\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding the probability of drawing two blue pens: \(\frac{4}{9} \times \frac{3}{8}\). M1 for subtracting their \(P(\text{both blue})\) from 1, or for a fully correct sum of three products: \(\frac{5}{9}\times\frac{4}{8} + \frac{4}{9}\times\frac{5}{8} + \frac{5}{9}\times\frac{4}{8}\). A1 for \(\frac{5}{6}\) (or equivalent fraction, or \(0.833\) or better).
Question 6 · Medium Answer
3 marks
In triangle \(OAB\), \(OA = \mathbf{a}\) and \(OB = \mathbf{b}\). \(M\) is the point on \(AB\) such that \(AM : MB = 1 : 3\). Find the position vector of \(M\) in terms of \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\), in its simplest form.
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Find the position vector of \(M\), which is \(\overrightarrow{OM}\): \(\overrightarrow{OM} = \overrightarrow{OA} + \overrightarrow{AM} = \mathbf{a} + \frac{1}{4}(-\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}) = \frac{3}{4}\mathbf{a} + \frac{1}{4}\mathbf{b}\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding \(\overrightarrow{AB} = \mathbf{b} - \mathbf{a}\) (seen or implied). M1 for using a correct route for \(\overrightarrow{OM}\), such as \(\mathbf{a} + \frac{1}{4}\overrightarrow{AB}\) or \(\mathbf{b} - \frac{3}{4}\overrightarrow{AB}\). A1 for \(\frac{3}{4}\mathbf{a} + \frac{1}{4}\mathbf{b}\) or equivalent simplest form.
Question 7 · Medium Answer
3 marks
Find the equation of the line perpendicular to \(3x - 2y = 8\) that passes through the point \((6, -1)\). Give your answer in the form \(y = mx + c\).
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Worked solution
Find the gradient of the given line: \(3x - 2y = 8 \implies 2y = 3x - 8 \implies y = \frac{3}{2}x - 4\). So, the gradient of the given line is \(m_1 = \frac{3}{2}\).
The perpendicular gradient is: \(m_2 = -\frac{1}{m_1} = -\frac{2}{3}\).
Use the perpendicular gradient and point \((6, -1)\) to find the equation of the line: \(y - (-1) = -\frac{2}{3}(x - 6)\) \(y + 1 = -\frac{2}{3}x + 4\) \(y = -\frac{2}{3}x + 3\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding gradient of given line is \(\frac{3}{2}\) or equivalent. M1 for finding the perpendicular gradient of \(-\frac{2}{3}\) and substituting \((6, -1)\) into a linear equation. A1 for \(y = -\frac{2}{3}x + 3\) or equivalent.
Question 8 · Medium Answer
3 marks
In a group of 45 students, 28 study History (\(H\)), 18 study Geography (\(G\)) and 8 study both. Calculate the number of students who study neither History nor Geography.
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Worked solution
First calculate the number of students who study History and/or Geography: \(n(H \cup G) = n(H) + n(G) - n(H \cap G)\) \(n(H \cup G) = 28 + 18 - 8 = 38\).
Subtract this from the total number of students to find those who study neither: \(\text{Neither} = 45 - 38 = 7\).
Marking scheme
M1 for writing down \(20\) (History only) and/or \(10\) (Geography only) or drawing a Venn diagram with at least one correct region. M1 for a complete method: \(45 - (20 + 8 + 10)\) or \(45 - (28 + 18 - 8)\). A1 for \(7\).
Question 9 · Medium Answer
3 marks
A planet has a mass of \(4.8 \times 10^{24}\text{ kg}\). A smaller planet has a mass of \(1.6 \times 10^{21}\text{ kg}\). Calculate how many times larger the mass of the first planet is compared to the second. Give your answer in standard form.
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Worked solution
To find how many times larger the mass of the first planet is compared to the second, we divide the first mass by the second mass: \(\frac{4.8 \times 10^{24}}{1.6 \times 10^{21}}\)
Dividing the coefficients: \(\frac{4.8}{1.6} = 3\)
Subtracting the exponents of 10: \(10^{24 - 21} = 10^3\)
Combining these gives: \(3 \times 10^3\)
Marking scheme
M1 for \(\frac{4.8 \times 10^{24}}{1.6 \times 10^{21}}\) A1 for 3000 A1 for \(3 \times 10^3\) (final answer in standard form)
Question 10 · Medium Answer
3 marks
The length of a rectangular field is measured as \(85\text{ m}\), correct to the nearest \(5\text{ m}\). The width is measured as \(40\text{ m}\), correct to the nearest \(1\text{ m}\). Calculate the upper bound for the perimeter of the field.
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Worked solution
First, find the upper bound for the length and the width.
The length is measured correct to the nearest \(5\text{ m}\), so the error interval is \(\pm 2.5\text{ m}\). Upper bound for length, \(L_{\text{upper}} = 85 + 2.5 = 87.5\text{ m}\).
The width is measured correct to the nearest \(1\text{ m}\), so the error interval is \(\pm 0.5\text{ m}\). Upper bound for width, \(W_{\text{upper}} = 40 + 0.5 = 40.5\text{ m}\).
The perimeter of a rectangle is given by \(P = 2(L + W)\). The upper bound for the perimeter is: \(P_{\text{upper}} = 2(L_{\text{upper}} + W_{\text{upper}}) = 2(87.5 + 40.5) = 2 \times 128 = 256\text{ m}\).
Marking scheme
B1 for upper bound of length \(87.5\) or upper bound of width \(40.5\) seen M1 for \(2 \times (\text{their } L_{\text{upper}} + \text{their } W_{\text{upper}})\) A1 for \(256\)
Question 11 · Medium Answer
3 marks
Factorise completely: \(15x^2 y - 60y\).
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Worked solution
First, find the common factors of the terms \(15x^2 y\) and \(-60y\). The common factor is \(15y\). Factorising out \(15y\): \(15y(x^2 - 4)\)
Next, factorise the expression inside the bracket. This is a difference of two squares: \(x^2 - 4 = (x - 2)(x + 2)\)
So, the completely factorised expression is: \(15y(x - 2)(x + 2)\)
Marking scheme
M1 for \(15y(x^2 - 4)\) or \(y(15x^2 - 60)\) or \(15(x^2y - 4y)\) M1 for recognition of difference of two squares, e.g., \((x-2)(x+2)\) A1 for \(15y(x-2)(x+2)\) oe
Question 12 · Medium Answer
3 marks
A ladder of length \(6.5\text{ m}\) leans against a vertical wall. The base of the ladder is \(2.5\text{ m}\) from the wall on horizontal ground. Calculate the angle the ladder makes with the ground.
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Worked solution
Let \(\theta\) be the angle the ladder makes with the ground.
The ladder represents the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle, and the distance from the base of the ladder to the wall is the adjacent side to angle \(\theta\).
Using the cosine ratio: \(\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{Adjacent}}{\text{Hypotenuse}} = \frac{2.5}{6.5}\) \(\theta = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{2.5}{6.5}\right)\) \(\theta \approx 67.380...\)
Correct to 1 decimal place, the angle is \(67.4^\circ\).
Marking scheme
M1 for \(\cos(\theta) = \frac{2.5}{6.5}\) or \(\sin(\theta) = \frac{\sqrt{6.5^2 - 2.5^2}}{6.5}\) M1 for \(\theta = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{2.5}{6.5}\right)\) A1 for \(67.4\) or \(67.38...\)
Question 13 · Medium Answer
3 marks
Solve the equation: \(\frac{3}{x-4} + \frac{2}{x} = 1\).
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Worked solution
Multiply each term of the equation by the common denominator \(x(x-4)\): \(3x + 2(x-4) = 1x(x-4)\)
Expand the brackets: \(3x + 2x - 8 = x^2 - 4x\)
Combine like terms: \(5x - 8 = x^2 - 4x\)
Rearrange into a quadratic equation of the form \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\): \(x^2 - 9x + 8 = 0\)
Factorise the quadratic: \((x - 1)(x - 8) = 0\)
Thus, \(x = 1\) or \(x = 8\).
Marking scheme
M1 for \(3x + 2(x-4) = x(x-4)\) oe M1 for \(x^2 - 9x + 8 = 0\) A1 for \(1\) or \(8\) (both required)
Question 14 · Medium Answer
3 marks
These are the first five terms of a sequence: \(2, 9, 20, 35, 54\)
Find the \(n\)th term of this sequence.
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Worked solution
Let the terms be \(u_1 = 2\), \(u_2 = 9\), \(u_3 = 20\), \(u_4 = 35\), \(u_5 = 54\).
Find the first differences: \(9 - 2 = 7\) \(20 - 9 = 11\) \(35 - 20 = 15\) \(54 - 35 = 19\) The first differences are \(7, 11, 15, 19\).
Find the second differences: \(11 - 7 = 4\) \(15 - 11 = 4\) \(19 - 15 = 4\) The second differences are constant and equal to \(4\).
Since the second differences are constant, the sequence is quadratic and of the form \(an^2 + bn + c\), where: \(2a = 4 \implies a = 2\).
Now, subtract the \(2n^2\) term from the original sequence to find the linear part: For \(n=1\): \(2 - 2(1)^2 = 0\) For \(n=2\): \(9 - 2(2)^2 = 1\) For \(n=3\): \(20 - 2(3)^2 = 2\) For \(n=4\): \(35 - 2(4)^2 = 3\) For \(n=5\): \(54 - 2(5)^2 = 4\)
The remaining terms form the sequence \(0, 1, 2, 3, 4\), which is a linear sequence of the form \(dn + e\) with common difference \(1\) and first term \(0\), which simplifies to \(n - 1\).
Combining both parts, the \(n\)th term is: \(2n^2 + n - 1\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding second difference of 4, leading to \(2n^2\) M1 for subtracting \(2n^2\) from terms of sequence to get \(0, 1, 2, 3...\) A1 for \(2n^2 + n - 1\) oe
Question 15 · Medium Answer
3 marks
Given the vectors \(\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}\), calculate the magnitude of \(2\mathbf{a} + 3\mathbf{b}\).
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Next, calculate the magnitude of the resulting vector \(\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}\): \(\left| 2\mathbf{a} + 3\mathbf{b} \right| = \sqrt{3^2 + 7^2} = \sqrt{9 + 49} = \sqrt{58} \approx 7.6157...\)
To 3 significant figures, the magnitude is \(7.62\).
Marking scheme
M1 for \(2\mathbf{a} + 3\mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}\) (or finding individual components) M1 for \(\sqrt{3^2 + 7^2}\) (Pythagoras on their components) A1 for \(7.62\) or \(\sqrt{58}\) (accept \(7.615...\))
Question 16 · Medium Answer
3 marks
A bag contains 5 red balls and 3 blue balls. Two balls are taken at random from the bag, one after another, without replacement. Calculate the probability that both balls are of different colours.
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Worked solution
The total number of balls in the bag is \(5 + 3 = 8\). We want the probability of getting two balls of different colours. This can happen in two ways: 1. Red first, then Blue (RB) 2. Blue first, then Red (BR)
Case 1: Red then Blue Probability of Red on 1st pick: \(\frac{5}{8}\) Probability of Blue on 2nd pick: \(\frac{3}{7}\) (since there is no replacement, 7 balls remain) \(P(\text{RB}) = \frac{5}{8} \times \frac{3}{7} = \frac{15}{56}\).
Case 2: Blue then Red Probability of Blue on 1st pick: \(\frac{3}{8}\) Probability of Red on 2nd pick: \(\frac{5}{7}\) \(P(\text{BR}) = \frac{3}{8} \times \frac{5}{7} = \frac{15}{56}\).
M1 for \(\frac{5}{8} \times \frac{3}{7}\) or \(\frac{3}{8} \times \frac{5}{7}\) M1 for addition of two different product scenarios, e.g., \(\left(\frac{5}{8} \times \frac{3}{7}\right) + \left(\frac{3}{8} \times \frac{5}{7}\right)\) A1 for \(\frac{15}{28}\) or equivalent fraction or \(0.536\)
Question 17 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
A rectangular sheet of paper has length \(2.5 \times 10^2\text{ mm}\) and width \(1.6 \times 10^2\text{ mm}\).
Calculate the area of the sheet of paper in square meters.
Give your answer in standard form.
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Worked solution
1. Find the area in square millimeters: \(\text{Area} = (2.5 \times 10^2) \times (1.6 \times 10^2) = 4.0 \times 10^4\text{ mm}^2\).
3. Express in standard form: \(4 \times 10^{-2}\) (or \(4.0 \times 10^{-2}\)).
Marking scheme
M1 for calculating the area in \(\text{mm}^2\) as \(40000\) oe M1 for dividing by \(10^6\) to convert to \(\text{m}^2\) A1 for \(4 \times 10^{-2}\) or \(4.0 \times 10^{-2}\) in standard form
Question 18 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
In triangle \(ABC\), \(AB = 7.4\text{ cm}\), \(BC = 9.2\text{ cm}\) and angle \(ABC = 115^\circ\).
Calculate the length of \(AC\), giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.
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Worked solution
Use the Cosine Rule to find the length of \(AC\): \(AC^2 = AB^2 + BC^2 - 2(AB)(BC)\cos(ABC)\) \(AC^2 = 7.4^2 + 9.2^2 - 2(7.4)(9.2)\cos(115^\circ)\) \(AC^2 = 54.76 + 84.64 - 136.16(-0.422618)\) \(AC^2 = 139.4 + 57.5438\) \(AC^2 = 196.9438\) \(AC = \sqrt{196.9438} \approx 14.0336\text{ cm}\)
To 3 significant figures, \(AC = 14.0\text{ cm}\).
Marking scheme
M1 for correct substitution into the Cosine Rule: \(7.4^2 + 9.2^2 - 2(7.4)(9.2)\cos(115^\circ)\) A1 for \(AC^2 = 196.9...\) or better A1 for \(14.0\) (accept \(14\))
Question 19 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
These are the first five terms of a sequence:
\[4, \quad 11, \quad 22, \quad 37, \quad 56\]
Find an expression, in terms of \(n\), for the \(n\)th term of this sequence.
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Worked solution
Find the differences between consecutive terms: First differences: \(7, 11, 15, 19\) Second differences: \(4, 4, 4\)
Since the second differences are constant and equal to 4, the sequence is quadratic of the form \(an^2 + bn + c\), where \(2a = 4 \implies a = 2\).
The resulting linear sequence \(2, 3, 4, 5, 6\) has the \(n\)th term \(n + 1\).
Therefore, the \(n\)th term of the original sequence is \(2n^2 + n + 1\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding constant second difference of 4 to identify a quadratic term of \(2n^2\) M1 for subtracting \(2n^2\) and finding the linear part \(n + 1\) A1 for \(2n^2 + n + 1\) (or equivalent)
Question 20 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
Lin invests $4500 in an account paying compound interest at a rate of \(2.8\%\) per year.
Calculate the total interest earned at the end of 5 years.
Give your answer correct to the nearest dollar.
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Worked solution
1. Calculate the final value of the investment after 5 years using the compound interest formula: \(A = P(1 + r)^n\) \(A = 4500(1 + 0.028)^5\) \(A = 4500(1.028)^5\) \(A \approx 4500 \times 1.1480626 \approx 5166.28\)
2. Calculate the total interest earned by subtracting the principal from the final value: \(\text{Interest} = A - P = 5166.28 - 4500 = 666.28\)
3. Round to the nearest dollar: \(\text{Interest} = 666\).
Marking scheme
M1 for correct substitution into compound interest formula: \(4500 \times 1.028^5\) A1 for finding total value \(5166.28\) or interest \(666.28\) A1 for \(666\) (rounded to nearest integer)
Question 21 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
Write as a single fraction in its simplest form:
\[\frac{3}{x-2} - \frac{2}{x+3}\]
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Worked solution
Express both fractions with a common denominator of \((x-2)(x+3)\):
Thus, the single fraction in its simplest form is:
\[\frac{x+13}{(x-2)(x+3)}\]
Marking scheme
M1 for writing with a common denominator \((x-2)(x+3)\) oe M1 for correct expansion of the numerator: \(3x + 9 - 2x + 4\) A1 for \(\frac{x+13}{(x-2)(x+3)}\) or \(\frac{x+13}{x^2+x-6}\)
Question 22 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
In a group of 30 students, 18 play tennis, 15 play basketball and 5 play neither sport.
One of these students is chosen at random.
Find the probability that this student plays tennis but does not play basketball.
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Worked solution
Let \(T\) be the set of students playing tennis and \(B\) be the set of students playing basketball.
1. Find the number of students playing at least one of the sports: \(n(T \cup B) = 30 - 5 = 25\).
2. Find the number of students playing both sports using the intersection formula: \(n(T \cap B) = n(T) + n(B) - n(T \cup B)\) \(n(T \cap B) = 18 + 15 - 25 = 8\).
3. Find the number of students playing tennis but not basketball: \(n(T \text{ only}) = n(T) - n(T \cap B) = 18 - 8 = 10\).
4. Calculate the probability: \(P(\text{plays tennis but not basketball}) = \frac{10}{30} = \frac{1}{3}\).
Marking scheme
M1 for finding the number of students playing both sports: \(18+15-25 = 8\) M1 for finding the number of students playing tennis only: \(18 - 8 = 10\) A1 for \(\frac{1}{3}\) (or equivalent fraction, e.g. \(\frac{10}{30}\), or decimal \(0.333\))
Question 23 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
The function \(g\) is defined as \(g(x) = \frac{2}{x+1}\) for \(x \neq -1\).
Find the inverse function \(g^{-1}(x)\).
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Worked solution
Set \(y = g(x)\) and rearrange to solve for \(x\):
\[y = \frac{2}{x+1}\]
Multiply by \(x+1\):
\[y(x+1) = 2\]
Divide by \(y\):
\[x+1 = \frac{2}{y}\]
Subtract 1:
\[x = \frac{2}{y} - 1\]
Replace \(x\) with \(g^{-1}(x)\) and \(y\) with \(x\):
M1 for setting up the equation \(y = \frac{2}{x+1}\) and multiplying by \(x+1\) oe M1 for rearranging to make \(x\) the subject: \(x = \frac{2}{y} - 1\) oe A1 for \(\frac{2}{x} - 1\) or \(\frac{2-x}{x}\)
Question 24 · Medium Answer
2.92 marks
A sector of a circle has radius \(12\text{ cm}\) and arc length \(8\pi\text{ cm}\).
Calculate the area of the sector.
Give your answer in terms of \(\pi\).
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Worked solution
1. Find the angle of the sector, \(\theta\), in degrees: \(\text{Arc Length} = \frac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi r\) \[8\pi = \frac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi \times 12\] \[8\pi = \frac{24\pi\theta}{360}\] \[8 = \frac{\theta}{15} \implies \theta = 120^\circ\]
2. Calculate the area of the sector: \(\text{Area} = \frac{\theta}{360} \times \pi r^2\) \[\text{Area} = \frac{120}{360} \times \pi \times 12^2\] \[\text{Area} = \frac{1}{3} \times 144\pi = 48\pi\text{ cm}^2\]
Alternative Method: Using the formula for area of a sector directly from arc length \(L\) and radius \(r\): \(\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} r L = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 \times 8\pi = 48\pi\text{ cm}^2\).
Marking scheme
M1 for setting up a correct equation for arc length to find \(\theta\): \(8\pi = \frac{\theta}{360} \times 24\pi\) oe, or using direct formula \(\frac{1}{2} r L\) M1 for calculating \(\theta = 120^\circ\) or substitution into sector area formula A1 for \(48\pi\)
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