Question 14 marks
Question
Find, in terms of a, the set of values of x satisfying the inequality 23x + a < 2x + 3a , where a is a positive constant. [4]
Mark scheme
1 State or imply non-modular inequality 22 ( 3x + a ) < ( 2 x + 3a ) , or B1 e.g. ( 6 x + 2a )2 = ( 2 x + 3a )2 or 32x2 + 12xa − 5a2 = 0 2 2 corresponding quadratic equation, or pair of linear equations 2(3x + a) = (2x + 3a) and − 2(3x + a) = (2x + 3a) Solve 3-term quadratic, or solve two linear equations for x M1 Apply general rules for solving quadratic equation by formula or by factors. Instead of x = {formula}, have {formula} = 0 and try to solve for a then M0 1 5 A1 Obtain critical values x = a and x = − a 4 8 5 1 A1 Do not condone ⩽ for < in the final answer. State final answer − a < x < a or − 0.625a < x < 0.25a Do not ISW. 8 4 5 1 5 1 SC Set a to value, (say a = 1), after initial B1 gained, then or x > − a and x < a or x > − a x < a 5 1 8 4 8 4 − <x< B1 maximum 2 out of 4. 8 4 Alternative method for question 1 1 B1 Obtain critical value x = a from a graphical method, or by solving a 4 linear equation or linear inequality 5 B2 Obtain critical value x = − a similarly 8 5 1 B1 Do not condone ⩽ for < in the final answer. State final answer − a < x < a or − 0.625a < x < 0.25a Do not ISW. 8 4 5 1 5 1 SC Set a to value, (say a = 1), after initial B1 gained, then or x > − a and x < a or x > − a x < a 5 1 8 4 8 4 − <x< B1 maximum 2 out of 4. 8 4 4