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A-LevelMathematicsAlgebra9709/12 · May/June 2024 · Q13 Marks

The coefficient of x² in the expansion of (1 – 4x)⁶ is 12 times the coefficient of x² in the expansion of (2+ax)⁵. Find the value of the positive constant a.

  1. The coefficient of x² in the expansion of (1 – 4x)⁶ is 12 times the coefficient of x² in the expansion of (2+ax)⁵. Find the value of the positive constant a.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] 240[x²] or 80a² [x²]
  2. [M1] Their 240 equated to 12 × their 80a² which must contain a².
  3. [A1] 0.5 OE Condone ± 0.5

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About this question

Topic
Algebra, A-Level Mathematics (syllabus 9709). Structured question, 3 marks.
Source
A-Level Mathematics, May/June 2024 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 1.

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