June 2025 Paper 2 Q9

EdexcelCurrent spec8 marksLogs & ExponentialsModelling

9.

In this question you must show all stages of your working.

Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.

A new type of car is released for sale.

The total number of this type of car sold, \(N\), in a particular region, \(t\) months after the cars were released for sale, is modelled by the equation\[N = 5000 - 5000\mathrm{e}^{-0.075t} \qquad t \geqslant 0\]

Use the equation of the model to answer parts (a), (b), (c) and (d).

(a) Find the total number of cars sold in the first 3 months. (2)

Given that \(N = 3000\) when \(t = T\)

(b) find the value of \(T\) giving the answer to 2 decimal places. (3)
(c) Find the rate of increase in the total number of cars sold when \(t = 3\), giving the answer to 3 significant figures. (2)

After a marketing campaign, the total number of cars sold is expected to rise and have an upper limit of 6500

(d) Using this information, suggest one refinement to the model. (1)