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A-LevelMathematicsProbability and statisticsMay/June 2021Paper 5 Q47 Marks

To gain a place at a science college, students first have to pass a written test and then a practical test. Each student is allowed a maximum of two attempts at the written test. A student is only allowed a second attempt if they fail the first attempt. No student is allowed more than one attempt at the practical test. If a student fails both attempts at the written test, then they cannot attempt the practical test. The probability that a student will pass the written test at the first attempt is 0.8. If a student fails the first attempt at the written test, the probability that they will pass at the second attempt is 0.6. The probability that a student will pass the practical test is always 0.3.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Mathematics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Probability and statistics in A-Level Mathematics (syllabus code 9709). It is worth 7 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Mathematics May/June 2021 examination, Paper 5 Variant 1.

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