Skip to content

Course home

3.7 Recurrence Relations

3.7 Recurrence Relations

EasyMedium
123456789101112131415161718192021222324
Question 22

The depth of water in a tidal sensor tank, dnd_ndn​ mm, measured at the start of each hour nnn, is modeled by the recurrence relation

dn+1=P−Qdn d_{n+1} = P - Q d_n dn+1​=P−Qdn​

where PPP and QQQ are constants and d1=6d_1 = 6d1​=6.

a.

Find expressions in terms of PPP and QQQ for (i) d2d_2d2​ (ii) d3d_3d3​

[2]
b.

Given that ∑n=13dn=60\sum_{n=1}^{3} d_n = 60∑n=13​dn​=60 and P=5Q+8P = 5Q + 8P=5Q+8

Show that Q2−4Q−38=0Q^2 - 4Q - 38 = 0Q2−4Q−38=0.

[4]
c.

Hence find the smaller possible value of d2d_2d2​, giving your answer in the form a−ba - \sqrt{b}a−b​ where aaa and bbb are integers.

[4]
Markscheme

3.7 Recurrence Relations Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Maths
  3. /3.7 Recurrence Relations

35 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths 3.7 Recurrence Relations. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

Question bank