18M.2.SL.TZ1.S_1

pestleMathematicsAASLPaper 218M· sl-5-3-differentiating-polynomials-n-e-zsource ↗

Let f(x) = ln x − 5x , for x > 0 .

Solve f '(x) = f "(x).

Markscheme / solution

METHOD 1 (using GDC)

valid approach (M1)

0.558257

x = 0.558 A1 N2

Note: Do not award A1 if additional answers given.

METHOD 2 (analytical)

attempt to solve their equation f '(x) = f "(x) (do not accept $\frac{1}{x} - 5 = - \frac{1}{{{x^2}}}$ ) (M1)

eg $5{x^2} - x - 1 = 0,\,\,\frac{{1 \pm \sqrt {21} }}{{10}},\,\,\frac{1}{x} = \frac{{ - 1 \pm \sqrt {21} }}{2},\,\, - 0.358$

0.558257

x = 0.558 A1 N2

Note: Do not award A1 if additional answers given.

[2 marks]

Examiners’ report

[N/A]