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A-LevelMathematicsAlgebra9709/22 · May/June 2021 · Q25 Marks

The solutions of the equation 5|x| = 5 – 2x are x = a and x = b, where a < b. Find the value of |3a – 1| + |7b – 1|.

  1. The solutions of the equation 5|x| = 5 – 2x are x = a and x = b, where a < b. Find the value of |3a – 1| + |7b – 1|.[5]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] Solve 5x = 5-2x to obtain x = 5/7
  2. [M1] Attempt solution of linear equation where signs of 5x and 2x are the same
  3. [A1] Obtain x = -5/3
  4. [M1] Substitute their values correctly
  5. [A1] Obtain |-6|+|4| and hence 10
  6. Alternative method for Question 2
  7. [B1] State or imply non-modulus equation 25x² = (5−2x)²
  8. [M1] Attempt solution of 3-term quadratic equation
  9. [A1] Obtain 5/7 and -5/3
  10. [M1] Substitute their values correctly
  11. [A1] Obtain |-6|+|4| and hence 10

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About this question

Topic
Algebra, A-Level Mathematics (syllabus 9709). Structured question, 5 marks.
Source
A-Level Mathematics, May/June 2021 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 2.

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