IB Mathematics HL

Test_1 - sequences, series, binomial theorem

GDC allowed on all questions

1. Find the sum of the multiples of 3 between 100 and 500.

2. A sample of radioactive material loses 8% of its mass every month. At this time, the sample
contains 800 grams.
(a) Write a function A  m  that expresses the amount, A, of grams of the sample in terms of the
number of months, m, from now.
(b) How many grams of the sample remain 2 years from now?

3. Represent each of the following series using sigma notation.

1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) 13  5  3   83 (b)     
2 4 6 8 10 12

If the coefficient of the x 2 term in the binomial expansion of  a  5 x  is 2000, then what is the
5
4.
value of a?

5. The first four terms of an arithmetic sequence are 2, a  b, 2a  b  7 and a  3b , where a and b
are constants. Find a and b.

6. A geometric series has a negative common ratio. The sum of the first two terms is 6, and the
sum to infinity is 8. Find the common ratio and the first two terms.

6
 1 
7. Find the term independent of x in the expansion of  2  2x  .
x 

8. The first three terms of an arithmetic sequence have a sum of 24. The first, second and sixth
terms of this arithmetic sequence are also consecutive terms of a geometric sequence. Find the
first six terms of the arithmetic sequence.

Find n if the coefficient of x 2 in the expansion of 1  2 x  is 112.

n
9.

Bonus Question:
1 1
For what values of x does the infinite series 1    have a sum?
x 1  x  1
2

© InThinking – IB Maths HL & SL 1

IB Mathematics HL

Test_1 - sequences, series, binomial theorem

ANSWERS

1. S133  39900

(a) A  m   800  0.92  (b)  108 grams

m
2.

13 6
1
3. (a)  8n  21
n 1
(b)  2n
n 1

4. a2

5. a  2, b   3

1
6. r   , a1  12, a2   6
2

7. 240

8. 2, 8,14, 20, 26, 32

9. n8

Bonus
x  2 or x  0

© InThinking – IB Maths HL & SL 2