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Consider the quadratic number pattern: 3 ; 7 ; 12 ; .. - NSC Mathematics - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 1

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Consider the quadratic number pattern: 3 ; 7 ; 12 ; ... 3.1.1 Show that the general term of this number pattern is given by $T_n = \frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n$. ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the quadratic number pattern: 3 ; 7 ; 12 ; .. - NSC Mathematics - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 1

Step 1

3.1.1 Show that the general term of this number pattern is given by $T_n = \frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n$

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Answer

To show that the general term is Tn=12n2+52nT_n = \frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n, we can analyze the pattern by finding the first and second differences of the terms:

  • Given the sequence: 3, 7, 12
  • First differences: 4 (7-3), 5 (12-7)
  • Second differences: 1 (5-4)

We see that the second differences are constant, which suggests a quadratic formula of the form Tn=an2+bn+cT_n = an^2 + bn + c. Using the known terms:

  • T1=3a(1)2+b(1)+c=3T_1 = 3 \Rightarrow a(1)^2 + b(1) + c = 3
  • T2=7a(2)2+b(2)+c=7T_2 = 7 \Rightarrow a(2)^2 + b(2) + c = 7
  • T3=12a(3)2+b(3)+c=12T_3 = 12 \Rightarrow a(3)^2 + b(3) + c = 12

From these equations, we can derive values for aa, bb, and cc. Solving this gives:

  • a=12,b=5/2a = \frac{1}{2}, b = 5/2 and clearly c=0c = 0. Thus, Tn=12n2+52nT_n = \frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n.

Step 2

3.1.2 What number must be added to $T_n$ so that $T_n = 13 527$?

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Answer

Given that Tn=12n2+52nT_n = \frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n and we want Tn=13527T_n = 13 527,

Set up the equation:

12n2+52n=13527\frac{1}{2}n^2 + \frac{5}{2}n = 13 527

This simplifies to:

n2+5n27054=0n^2 + 5n - 27 054 = 0

Using the quadratic formula:

n=b±b24ac2a=5±524(1)(27054)2(1)n = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} = \frac{-5 \pm \sqrt{5^2 - 4(1)(-27054)}}{2(1)}

Calculating gives:

  • The roots will yield an nn value of either 161 or -167. Since nn must be positive, we take n=161n = 161.

Now, calculate T161T_{161}:

  • T161=12(161)2+52(161)=13363T_{161} = \frac{1}{2}(161)^2 + \frac{5}{2}(161) = 13 363.

Therefore, the number to be added is: 1352713363=16413 527 - 13 363 = 164.

Step 3

3.2.1 Calculate the value of $n$ if $T_n = 41$.

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Answer

Using the equation for the arithmetic sequence, Tn=a+(n1)dT_n = a + (n-1)d We know T1=8a=8T_1 = 8 \Rightarrow a = 8, and T2=11d=3T_2 = 11 \Rightarrow d = 3. Thus, we have: Tn=8+(n1)3T_n = 8 + (n - 1)3 For Tn=41T_n = 41: 41=8+(n1)341 = 8 + (n - 1)3 Solving for nn:

  • 418=(n1)333=(n1)3n1=11n=12.41 - 8 = (n - 1)3 \Rightarrow 33 = (n - 1)3 \Rightarrow n - 1 = 11 \Rightarrow n = 12.

Step 4

3.2.2(a) Write down the value of $P_4$.

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Answer

To find P4P_4, we substitute into Pn=a+(n1)dP_n = a + (n-1)d. We established earlier:

  • P1=2P_1 = 2, hence a=2a = 2 and d=13d = \frac{1}{3} from previous calculations. Thus: $$P_4 = a + (4 - 1)d = 2 + 3\left(\frac{1}{3}\right) = 2 + 1 = 3.$

Step 5

3.2.2(b) Calculate the value of the first term of the new arithmetic sequence.

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Answer

From the relation of the arithmetic sequence,

  • We found a=2a = 2 and d=13d = \frac{1}{3}, hence the first term: P1=a=2.P_1 = a = 2. Thus, the first term of the new arithmetic sequence is 2.

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