◈ Oracle PrepSign Up Free
A-LevelMathematicsAlgebra9709/12 · Oct/Nov 2014 · Q35 Marks

Find the first 3 terms, in ascending powers of x, in the expansion of (1 + x)⁵.

  1. (i)Find the first 3 terms, in ascending powers of x, in the expansion of (1 + x)⁵.[2]
  2. (ii)Use the answer to part (i) to find the value of the positive constant p.[3]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2014). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [2] (1+x)⁵ = 1 + 5x + 10x². Loses 1 for each error
  2. [1] (1+) 5(px + x²) + 10(px + x²)². Replace x by (px + x²) in their expansion
  3. [1] Coeff of x² = 5 + 10p². Considers 2 terms
  4. [1] = 95 → p = 3. co – no penalty for ±3

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Algebra, A-Level Mathematics (syllabus 9709). Structured question, 5 marks.
Source
A-Level Mathematics, Oct/Nov 2014 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 3.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Mathematics questions

AlgebraFeb/Mar 201710m

The polynomial p(x) is defined by p(x) = ax³ + bx² – 17x – a, where a and b are constants. It is given that (x + 2) i…

AlgebraFeb/Mar 20184m

Solve the inequality |5x + 2| > |4x + 3|.

AlgebraFeb/Mar 20188m

The polynomial p(x) is defined by p(x) = 4x³ + 4x² – 29x – 15.

Numerical methodsFeb/Mar 20185m

Use the trapezium rule with four intervals to find an approximation to ∫₀⁸ ln(x + 2) dx, giving your answer correct t…

Numerical methodsFeb/Mar 20189m

It is given that ∫₋ₐ²ᵃ 4e⁻²ˣ dx = 25, where a is a positive constant.

TrigonometryFeb/Mar 20189m

Show that cosec 2x + cot 2x = cotx.

← Browse all past-paper questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep