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IB Math AI SL practice questions

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Question 1Number and Algebra

A geometric sequence has first term 3 and common ratio 2. What is the 6th term?

  1. 96 Correct answer.
  2. 48
  3. 192
  4. 64

Explanation

For a geometric sequence the nth term is u_n = u_1 * r^(n-1). Here u_6 = 3 * 2^5 = 3 * 32 = 96. The exponent is n-1, not n, because the first term already counts as one multiplication by zero factors of r.

Question 2Number and Algebra

An arithmetic sequence has first term 7 and common difference -3. What is the 20th term?

  1. -50 Correct answer.
  2. 67
  3. -53
  4. -47

Explanation

The nth term of an arithmetic sequence is u_n = u_1 + (n-1)d. Substituting gives u_20 = 7 + 19 * (-3) = 7 - 57 = -50. The multiplier is 19 because there are only 19 steps of d between the first and twentieth terms.

Question 3Number and Algebra

Which expression is the sum of the first 40 positive even integers 2 + 4 + 6 + ... + 80?

  1. 40 * 40
  2. 40 * 80
  3. 40 * 82
  4. 40 * 41 Correct answer.

Explanation

This is an arithmetic series with u_1 = 2, d = 2 and n = 40, so u_40 = 80. Using S_n = n(u_1 + u_n)/2 gives S_40 = 40(2 + 80)/2 = 40 * 41 = 1640. Equivalently the sum equals n(n+1) for the first n even integers.

Question 4Number and Algebra

The sum to infinity of a geometric series is 24 and its first term is 8. What is the common ratio?

  1. 3/2
  2. 2/3 Correct answer.
  3. 1/3
  4. 1/2

Explanation

A geometric series converges only when |r| < 1, and then S_infinity = u_1/(1 - r). Setting 8/(1 - r) = 24 gives 1 - r = 8/24 = 1/3, so r = 2/3. This value satisfies |r| < 1, so the sum to infinity genuinely exists.

Question 5Number and Algebra

A geometric series has first term 5 and common ratio 3. Find the smallest n for which the sum of the first n terms exceeds 10000.

  1. 6
  2. 9
  3. 7
  4. 8 Correct answer.

Explanation

Use S_n = u_1(r^n - 1)/(r - 1) = 5(3^n - 1)/2. Requiring S_n > 10000 gives 3^n - 1 > 4000, so 3^n > 4001. Since 3^7 = 2187 and 3^8 = 6561, the smallest integer n is 8.

Question 6Number and Algebra

How many terms are in the finite arithmetic sequence 4, 11, 18, ..., 95?

  1. 14 Correct answer.
  2. 12
  3. 15
  4. 13

Explanation

The nth term is 4 + 7(n-1). Setting 4 + 7(n-1) = 95 gives 7(n-1) = 91, so n-1 = 13 and n = 14. Checking: the 14th term is 4 + 7 * 13 = 95, as required.

Question 7Number and Algebra

Evaluate the sum of the geometric series 2 + 6 + 18 + ... + 1458.

  1. 2186 Correct answer.
  2. 1458
  3. 2187
  4. 6560

Explanation

Here u_1 = 2 and r = 3; solving 2 * 3^(n-1) = 1458 gives 3^(n-1) = 729 = 3^6, so n = 7. Then S_7 = 2(3^7 - 1)/(3 - 1) = 2(2187 - 1)/2 = 2186. The sum is one less than the next term 2187 because the first term is 2.

Question 8Number and Algebra

A population grows by 4% each year. If it is 50000 now, which expression gives the population after 10 years?

  1. 50000 * 1.04^10 Correct answer.
  2. 50000 * (1 + 0.4)^10
  3. 50000 * 0.04^10
  4. 50000 + 10 * 0.04 * 50000

Explanation

Repeated percentage growth is modelled by a geometric sequence with multiplier 1 + 4/100 = 1.04 per year. After 10 years the value is 50000 * 1.04^10, which is compound growth rather than simple growth. The exponent counts the number of yearly multiplications.

Question 9Number and Algebra

A car worth 20000 dollars depreciates by 12% per year. What is its value after 3 years, to the nearest dollar?

  1. 13629 Correct answer.
  2. 14049
  3. 12800
  4. 15200

Explanation

Depreciation by 12% per year leaves 88% of the value each year, so the multiplier is 0.88. The value after 3 years is 20000 * 0.88^3 = 20000 * 0.681472 = 13629.44, which rounds to 13629 dollars. The exponent 3 counts three yearly multiplications.

Question 10Number and Algebra

Convert 1500000 to scientific notation.

  1. 15 * 10^5
  2. 1.5 * 10^5
  3. 0.15 * 10^7
  4. 1.5 * 10^6 Correct answer.

Explanation

Scientific notation writes a number as a * 10^k with 1 <= |a| < 10 and k an integer. Here 1500000 = 1.5 * 1000000 = 1.5 * 10^6, and 1.5 lies in the required range. The exponent 6 counts the six places the decimal point moves left.

Question 11Number and Algebra

Compute 3.2 * 10^4 + 4.5 * 10^3, giving the answer in scientific notation.

  1. 3.65 * 10^3
  2. 7.7 * 10^4
  3. 7.7 * 10^3
  4. 3.65 * 10^4 Correct answer.

Explanation

Rewrite both numbers with the same power of ten: 3.2 * 10^4 + 0.45 * 10^4 = 3.65 * 10^4. Adding requires matching exponents before the coefficients can be combined. The result 36500 is already in correct scientific form as 3.65 * 10^4.

Question 12Number and Algebra

A quantity of 8.4 * 10^7 is divided by 2.1 * 10^3. What is the result in scientific notation?

  1. 4 * 10^10
  2. 4 * 10^4 Correct answer.
  3. 0.4 * 10^5
  4. 6.3 * 10^4

Explanation

Divide the coefficients and subtract the exponents: (8.4 / 2.1) * 10^(7-3) = 4 * 10^4. Since 4 lies between 1 and 10, this is already in scientific notation. Subtracting exponents follows from 10^7 / 10^3 = 10^4.

Question 13Number and Algebra

Using the approximation log base 10 of 2 is about 0.301, estimate log base 10 of 8.

  1. 2.408
  2. 0.602
  3. 0.903 Correct answer.
  4. 0.301

Explanation

Since 8 = 2^3, the power rule gives log 8 = 3 log 2 = 3 * 0.301 = 0.903. The power rule log(a^n) = n log a converts the exponent into a multiplier. This places log 8 close to log 10 = 1, which is consistent.

Question 14Number and Algebra

Solve for x: 5^(2x-1) = 125.

  1. x = 1
  2. x = 2 Correct answer.
  3. x = 1.5
  4. x = 3

Explanation

Write 125 as 5^3 so both sides have the same base: 5^(2x-1) = 5^3. Equating exponents gives 2x - 1 = 3, so 2x = 4 and x = 2. The base-5 exponential function is one-to-one, so equal powers of 5 must have equal exponents.

Question 15Number and Algebra

Solve for x: log base 2 of (x + 3) = 4.

  1. x = 1
  2. x = 16
  3. x = 13 Correct answer.
  4. x = 5

Explanation

Rewrite the logarithmic equation in exponential form: x + 3 = 2^4 = 16. Then x = 16 - 3 = 13. Substituting back gives log base 2 of 16 = 4, which confirms the solution.

Question 16Number and Algebra

Simplify (2 * 10^3)^3, giving the answer in scientific notation.

  1. 8 * 10^9 Correct answer.
  2. 6 * 10^9
  3. 2 * 10^9
  4. 8 * 10^6

Explanation

Apply the power to both factors: (2 * 10^3)^3 = 2^3 * (10^3)^3 = 8 * 10^9. The power rule for exponents multiplies the inner exponent by the outer one, so 3 * 3 = 9. The coefficient 8 is within the range 1 to 10.

Question 17Number and Algebra

A loan of 12000 dollars is taken at a nominal annual interest rate of 6% compounded monthly. Which expression gives the amount owed after 5 years?

  1. 12000 * (1 + 0.06/12)^5
  2. 12000 * (1 + 0.06/5)^(12*5)
  3. 12000 * (1 + 0.06/12)^(12*5) Correct answer.
  4. 12000 * (1 + 0.06)^5

Explanation

For compound interest the amount is A = P(1 + r/k)^(kt), where r is the nominal annual rate and k the number of compounds per year. With monthly compounding k = 12, giving 12000 * (1 + 0.06/12)^(12*5). Both the periodic rate and the number of periods must reflect monthly compounding.

Question 18Number and Algebra

The 3rd term of an arithmetic sequence is 11 and the 8th term is 31. What is the first term?

  1. 5
  2. 1
  3. 4
  4. 3 Correct answer.

Explanation

Subtracting the term equations gives u_8 - u_3 = 5d = 31 - 11 = 20, so d = 4. Then u_3 = u_1 + 2d = u_1 + 8 = 11, giving u_1 = 3. The gap between the 3rd and 8th terms is five common differences.

Question 19Number and Algebra

The 2nd term of a geometric sequence is 6 and the 5th term is 48. What is the common ratio?

  1. 2 Correct answer.
  2. -2
  3. 8
  4. 4

Explanation

Dividing gives u_5 / u_2 = r^3 = 48 / 6 = 8, so r = cube root of 8 = 2. There are three ratios between the 2nd and 5th terms, hence the cube root. Checking: u_2 = 6 means u_1 = 3, and the 5th term is 3 * 2^4 = 48.

Question 20Number and Algebra

Simplify (x^5 * x^-2) / x^4.

  1. x^11
  2. x^3
  3. x^7
  4. x^-1 Correct answer.

Explanation

Multiplying powers with the same base adds exponents: x^5 * x^-2 = x^3. Dividing then subtracts exponents: x^3 / x^4 = x^(3-4) = x^-1. This equals 1/x, which is a valid simplified form.

Question 21Number and Algebra

Evaluate the sum of the first 30 terms of the arithmetic series with u_1 = 5 and u_30 = 92.

  1. 1380
  2. 2910
  3. 1455 Correct answer.
  4. 1485

Explanation

The arithmetic sum formula is S_n = n(u_1 + u_n)/2. Substituting gives S_30 = 30(5 + 92)/2 = 15 * 97 = 1455. The factor n/2 = 15 is the average of the first and last terms multiplied by the number of terms.

Question 22Number and Algebra

A geometric series has first term 12 and common ratio -1/2. What is the sum to infinity?

  1. 6
  2. -8
  3. 24
  4. 8 Correct answer.

Explanation

The series converges because |-1/2| < 1, so S_infinity = u_1/(1 - r) = 12/(1 - (-1/2)) = 12/(3/2) = 8. The negative ratio is handled by the subtraction of a negative, which increases the denominator to 3/2.

Question 23Number and Algebra

The value of an investment doubles every 9 years. After how many years, to the nearest year, will it have grown by a factor of 5?

  1. 18
  2. 45
  3. 27
  4. 21 Correct answer.

Explanation

Model the value as V = V_0 * 2^(t/9). Setting 2^(t/9) = 5 gives t/9 = log 5 / log 2, so t = 9 * log 5 / log 2 = 9 * 2.322 = 20.9 years. Rounding gives 21 years, which lies between two and three doubling periods.

Question 24Number and Algebra

Which statement about the graph of y = 100 * (0.7)^x is correct?

  1. It shows exponential decay because the base 0.7 lies between 0 and 1. Correct answer.
  2. It shows exponential growth because the base is greater than 0.
  3. It shows exponential growth because 100 is positive.
  4. It is a straight line with gradient 0.7.

Explanation

In an exponential model y = a * b^x with a > 0, the behaviour depends on the base b. If 0 < b < 1 the function decreases as x increases, which is exponential decay; here b = 0.7. The constant 100 affects only the starting value, not the growth or decay pattern.

Question 25Number and Algebra

Simplify log base 3 of 54 minus log base 3 of 2.

  1. 3 Correct answer.
  2. log base 3 of 52
  3. 9
  4. 27

Explanation

The quotient rule gives log 54 - log 2 = log(54/2) = log base 3 of 27. Since 27 = 3^3, the value is 3. Subtracting logarithms with the same base corresponds to dividing the arguments.

Question 26Number and Algebra

A sequence is defined by u_1 = 3 and u_{n+1} = 2u_n + 1 for n ≥ 1. What is the value of u_4?

  1. 15
  2. 23
  3. 31 Correct answer.
  4. 27

Explanation

Apply the recurrence step by step: u_2 = 2(3) + 1 = 7, then u_3 = 2(7) + 1 = 15, then u_4 = 2(15) + 1 = 31. Each term depends on the immediately preceding term, so the recursion must be applied three times starting from u_1 = 3.

Question 27Number and Algebra

The first three terms of a sequence are 5, 10, 20, ... and the pattern continues in the same way. Which expression gives the nth term u_n?

  1. u_n = 5 + 5(n-1)
  2. u_n = 5(2)^n
  3. u_n = 5(2)^(n-1) Correct answer.
  4. u_n = 10(2)^(n-1)

Explanation

Each term is double the previous one, so the sequence is geometric with first term 5 and common ratio 2. The general term of a geometric sequence is u_n = u_1 r^(n-1), giving u_n = 5(2)^(n-1), which correctly returns 5 when n = 1.

Question 28Number and Algebra

An arithmetic sequence has u_1 = 7 and common difference d = 4. Find the smallest value of n for which u_n exceeds 200.

  1. 51
  2. 48
  3. 50 Correct answer.
  4. 49

Explanation

The general term is u_n = 7 + 4(n-1). Setting 7 + 4(n-1) > 200 gives 4(n-1) > 193, so n-1 > 48.25 and hence n > 49.25. The smallest integer satisfying this is n = 50, and checking gives u_50 = 203 while u_49 = 199.

Question 29Number and Algebra

A geometric sequence has u_1 = 80 and common ratio r = 1/4. What is the sum to infinity of the series 80 + 20 + 5 + ...?

  1. 320
  2. 80
  3. 106 2/3
  4. 320/3 Correct answer.

Explanation

Because |r| = 1/4 < 1, the series converges and the sum to infinity is S = u_1/(1 - r). Substituting gives 80/(1 - 1/4) = 80/(3/4) = 320/3, which is approximately 106.7.

Question 30Number and Algebra

Evaluate log_5(200) - log_5(8).

  1. log_25(25) = 1
  2. log_5(1600)
  3. log_5(25) = 2 Correct answer.
  4. log_5(192)

Explanation

The quotient law of logarithms states that log_a(m) - log_a(n) = log_a(m/n), so the expression equals log_5(200/8) = log_5(25). Since 5^2 = 25, this simplifies to 2.

Question 31Number and Algebra

Solve the equation 4^(x+1) = 8^(x-1).

  1. x = 7
  2. x = 3
  3. x = 2
  4. x = 5 Correct answer.

Explanation

Write both sides with base 2: 4^(x+1) = 2^(2x+2) and 8^(x-1) = 2^(3x-3). Equating exponents gives 2x + 2 = 3x - 3, so x = 5. Checking: 4^6 = 4096 and 8^4 = 4096, confirming the solution.

Question 32Number and Algebra

An investment earns interest at a nominal annual rate of 4.8% compounded quarterly. To the nearest quarter-year, how long does it take for the investment to increase in value by 60%?

  1. 10.00 years
  2. 24.00 years
  3. 9.50 years
  4. 9.75 years Correct answer.

Explanation

The quarterly rate is 0.048/4 = 0.012, so the growth factor per quarter is 1.012. Solving 1.012^n = 1.6 gives n = log(1.6)/log(1.012) ≈ 39.4 quarters, which is about 9.85 years and rounds to 9.75 years at the nearest quarter-year.

Question 33Functions

The function f is defined by f(x) = 3x − 5 for x ∈ ℝ. Find f(4).

  1. 7 Correct answer.
  2. 17
  3. 12
  4. 2

Explanation

Substituting x = 4 gives f(4) = 3(4) − 5 = 12 − 5 = 7. The order of operations means multiplication is performed before subtraction.

Question 34Functions

For the function g(x) = x² − 2x, what is the value of g(−3)?

  1. 3
  2. −15
  3. −3
  4. 15 Correct answer.

Explanation

g(−3) = (−3)² − 2(−3) = 9 + 6 = 15. Squaring a negative gives a positive, and subtracting a negative product adds.

Question 35Functions

The graph of y = f(x) has a y-intercept at (0, 4). What is the y-intercept of the graph of y = f(x) + 3?

  1. (0, 4)
  2. (0, 7) Correct answer.
  3. (0, 1)
  4. (3, 4)

Explanation

Adding 3 outside the function translates the whole graph vertically upwards by 3 units. The y-intercept therefore moves from (0, 4) to (0, 7).

Question 36Functions

A function is defined as h(x) = 5 for all real x. Which statement about h is correct?

  1. h has no inverse because it is not one-to-one Correct answer.
  2. h is its own inverse
  3. h is a one-to-one function
  4. h has an inverse because it is strictly increasing

Explanation

A constant function maps every input to the same output, so it fails the horizontal line test and is not one-to-one. An inverse function requires distinct inputs to give distinct outputs, so h has no inverse.

Question 37Functions

The function f(x) = 2x + k passes through the point (3, 11). What is the value of k?

  1. 11
  2. 5 Correct answer.
  3. 6
  4. 17

Explanation

Substituting x = 3 and f(x) = 11 gives 11 = 2(3) + k, so 11 = 6 + k and k = 5.

Question 38Functions

The domain of the function f(x) = √(x − 4) is

  1. x > 4
  2. x ≤ 4
  3. x ∈ ℝ
  4. x ≥ 4 Correct answer.

Explanation

The expression under a square root must be non-negative, so x − 4 ≥ 0, giving x ≥ 4. The value x = 4 is allowed because √0 = 0 is defined.

Question 39Functions

The function f is given by f(x) = x² + 1. Which of the following is the range of f?

  1. y ≥ 0
  2. y > 1
  3. y ∈ ℝ
  4. y ≥ 1 Correct answer.

Explanation

Since x² ≥ 0 for all real x, adding 1 gives f(x) ≥ 1, and the value 1 occurs at x = 0. So the range is y ≥ 1.

Question 40Functions

The function f(x) = 4x − 7 has an inverse f⁻¹. Find f⁻¹(9).

  1. 4 Correct answer.
  2. 29
  3. 9
  4. 2

Explanation

Set y = 4x − 7 and solve for x: x = (y + 7)/4. Then f⁻¹(9) = (9 + 7)/4 = 16/4 = 4.

Question 41Functions

The graph of y = f(x) is transformed to y = f(x − 2). How is the graph of y = f(x) moved?

  1. 2 units to the left
  2. 2 units to the right Correct answer.
  3. 2 units upwards
  4. 2 units downwards

Explanation

Replacing x by x − 2 shifts the graph horizontally by 2 units in the positive x-direction, that is, to the right. A change inside the function affects the x-coordinates in the opposite sense to the sign shown.

Question 42Functions

The functions f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x² are defined for x ∈ ℝ. Find (f ∘ g)(3).

  1. 37
  2. 49
  3. 19 Correct answer.
  4. 13

Explanation

The composite (f ∘ g)(x) means f(g(x)). Here g(3) = 9, then f(9) = 2(9) + 1 = 19.

Question 43Functions

A line passes through the points (2, 5) and (6, 13). Which equation represents this line?

  1. y = 2x + 5
  2. y = 4x − 3
  3. y = 0.5x + 4
  4. y = 2x + 1 Correct answer.

Explanation

The gradient is (13 − 5)/(6 − 2) = 8/4 = 2. Using the point (2, 5): 5 = 2(2) + c gives c = 1, so y = 2x + 1.

Question 44Functions

The function f(x) = x² − 6x + 5 is written in the form f(x) = (x − h)² + k. What are the coordinates of the vertex of y = f(x)?

  1. (3, −4) Correct answer.
  2. (−3, 14)
  3. (3, 4)
  4. (−3, −4)

Explanation

Completing the square gives x² − 6x + 5 = (x − 3)² − 9 + 5 = (x − 3)² − 4. The vertex is therefore at (h, k) = (3, −4).

Question 45Functions

The function f(x) = (x + 1)/(x − 3) is defined for x ≠ 3. Which statement describes its asymptotes?

  1. Vertical asymptote x = 3 only, with no horizontal asymptote
  2. Vertical asymptote x = −1 and horizontal asymptote y = 3
  3. Horizontal asymptote y = 0 and vertical asymptote x = 3
  4. Vertical asymptote x = 3 and horizontal asymptote y = 1 Correct answer.

Explanation

The denominator is zero at x = 3, giving a vertical asymptote there. For large |x| the ratio of leading coefficients is 1/1, so the horizontal asymptote is y = 1.

Question 46Functions

The function f(x) = 2ˣ is defined for x ∈ ℝ. Which statement about f is correct?

  1. f is decreasing and its range is y > 0
  2. f is increasing and its range is y > 0 Correct answer.
  3. f is increasing and its range is y ∈ ℝ
  4. f is increasing and its range is y ≥ 0

Explanation

For a base greater than 1 the exponential function is increasing. Powers of 2 are always positive but never reach 0, so the range is y > 0.

Question 47Functions

The graph of y = f(x) is shown to pass through the point (1, 6). The function is transformed to y = 2f(x) − 1. Which point lies on the new graph?

  1. (2, 11)
  2. (1, 12)
  3. (1, 5)
  4. (1, 11) Correct answer.

Explanation

The x-coordinate is unchanged by a vertical stretch and shift. The y-coordinate becomes 2(6) − 1 = 11, so the image point is (1, 11).

Question 48Functions

The functions f(x) = x + 3 and g(x) = 2x − 1 are defined on ℝ. Find the expression for (g ∘ f)(x).

  1. 2x − 4
  2. 2x + 2
  3. 2x + 5 Correct answer.
  4. 2x + 6

Explanation

(g ∘ f)(x) = g(f(x)) = g(x + 3) = 2(x + 3) − 1 = 2x + 6 − 1 = 2x + 5.

Question 49Functions

The function f(x) = x² − 4x is defined for x ≥ 2. Which of the following is f⁻¹(x)?

  1. √(x + 4)
  2. 2 − √(x + 4)
  3. 2 + √(x − 4)
  4. 2 + √(x + 4) Correct answer.

Explanation

Write y = x² − 4x = (x − 2)² − 4, so (x − 2)² = y + 4 and x = 2 ± √(y + 4). Since the domain restricts x ≥ 2, the positive root is taken, giving f⁻¹(x) = 2 + √(x + 4).

Question 50Functions

The function f(x) = x² + bx + c has its vertex at (2, −1). What is the value of c?

  1. 3 Correct answer.
  2. −5
  3. −1
  4. 5

Explanation

Vertex form gives f(x) = (x − 2)² − 1 = x² − 4x + 3, so b = −4 and c = 3. Equivalently, the axis of symmetry x = −b/2 = 2 gives b = −4, then f(2) = 4 − 8 + c = −1 gives c = 3.