Extension 1 Maths

When skipping a question, leave a massive note and don't forget!

Double check that I have answered all parts of the question. Might be one mark at the end.

USE RADIANS AND DEGREES CORRECTLY

ALWAYS READ QUESTION AGAIN TO SEE IF IT'S BEEN ANSWERED!!
ALWAYS SIMPLIFY TO THE MOST EXTENT, IF TWO FRACTIONS, COMBINE INTO ONE,
DON'T SKIP WHEN SUBSTITUTING VALUES
Remember to look at previous parts of question (i.e. part a). It might seem unrelated, but it might indeed be related to
part b.
Can the method of part 1 be repeated to figure out next part?
Trig must be in radians when differentiating, otherwise convert.

Indices and Logs

Don't skip steps. Rmb that if y = log(xa), then y/a = log(x), not y a = log(x)
When solving for x, and the x is inside absolute value or log, REMEMBER to double check as it might not lie in
domain.

Inequalities
When multiplying a variable, consider both positive and negative cases.
When obtaining solution of inequalities from graphs, always confirm algebraically

Trig function

Integrating cos2x, forgetting to take half to the front

Remember half angle of cos2x involves cos4x, don't write cos2x again by accident.
When sketching label intercepts first (easier to do), then take middle value as max/min
When finding solutions, be sure to check domain, if x is between 0 and 2pi, make suitable changes, e.g. if it's x+
2pi/3, then x+2pi/3 would be between 2pi/3 and 8pi/3. Don't use general solutions unless it's necessary.
For sinx=cosx or cos2x=cosx, etc. Firstly, try to solve by trig identities before resorting to general solutions which is
very cumbersome.
When using auxiliary angle method, and =tan-1(strange number), then always provide approximation of that tan
inverse value. I.e. =tan-1(3/4)53o8'. Then proceed with the problem using that approximation. Don't use
tan-1(3/4) in place of the approximation.
For auxiliary angle method, double check whether it's TRIG FUNCTION(+) or (-). Hence making sure resulting
range and operations are applied correctly.
Remember cos(-/2 + A) = sin ( - A) = sin(A)

General Solution
Remember that auxiliary angle method can be used.
Don't mix up cos double angle expansion with sin double angle expansion when using auxiliary.

3D trig
Whenever defining the base of triangles from O, define them in terms of htan(90-), where is the angle given.
Since h/cot() = htan(90-)
When finding angle subtended from the base of the cliff in the horizontal triangle, draw a top view with north
parallel lines. Centre angle will be from the sum of the alternate angles on parallel lines.
If two or three adjacent triangles, can cos rule be done in the larger triangle, then one of the smaller ones using the
same angle? Can equate and lead to interesting results.

Loan Repayments
When substituting 5 years for n, and n is in months, substitute 60, not 5.

Coordinate Geometry
For parametric of a circle x and y intercepts at 4, parametric is (4sin, 4cos), 4 not 2. There is no need to square
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 For parametric of a circle x and y intercepts at 4, parametric is (4sin, 4cos), 4 not 2. There is no need to square
root it again as 4 is already the square root of 16
Division of intervals, make sure that if external, make both signs in top and bottom negative OR subst negative m or
n.
Division of intervals. Double check the direction. I.e. CP means (x1, y1) is C not P.

Geometry
Take note of potential congruent triangles
Don't underestimate similar triangles. Take note, especially when their flipped, stacked on a not so obvious
vertices.

Circle Geometry
Congruent triangles and arc properties especially!
Don't forget to use exterior angle of triangles, and exterior angles of cyclic quad rules.
If there is an external point in the diagram to the circle, constructing tangents from that external point to the circle
may help. Especially if problems involve centres, or lengths (tangent secant rule).
Product of intercepts is (AX)(BX)=(CX)(DX), no matter what.
If tangent, try windsurfer. Don't just look at it, use pencil and try to label some angles.
Quote which triangle, when using exterior angle equal to sum of opposite interior angles.
When finding relationship between sides, i.e. 1/a = 1/b - 1/c, try sine rule. Anything squared or square root, try cos
rule. Aim to make (side-angle) relationships the easiest by searching for the simplest angles.
Note converse to the angle in a semi-circle theorem!! The midpoint of the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle is
equidistant from all vertexes.

Growth and Decay

Substitute k value from calculator memory to double check. Don't risk straight calculation from working.
When eln(a) x t, this does NOT equal at; t is independent of the ln function.
Rate of growth is units/time. I.e. 210 elephants/year. Or percentage, 10%/year
When drawing the curve, MUST determine asymptote, and draw it in!!

Polynomial
When adding or subtracting root equations given to find the exact value, DOUBLE CHECK the operation performed,
and double check substitution.
Double check when using remainder theorem to find variables in polynomial.

Newton's method
Move everything on one side and treat this as a function.

Graphing

Drawing f'(x), maximums and minimums are of f(x) are x-intercepts

When f''(x)<0, this is a maximum, concave DOWN.
Find point of inflexions on graphs, and include them in sketch.
Always state asymptote, even if it's only to one side of the graph. (i.e. asymptote for left branch of function is y=0).

Integration
Remember to substitute WITHOUT skipping ANY steps, no matter how stupid. This way, avoid stupid sign errors,
etc.
Always check by differentiating back.
Don't forget 1/a in front of tan inverse integration/differentiation. Use integration table to check.

Volumes
Remember to put in front of the integral and carry it all the way through working.
Place units3 at end, don't accidentally write units2.

Series and sequences

When given a long massive sum and its result, and asked to prove without explicitly being asked to use induction.
Check whether it's a GP? If it is, apply formula for total sum and see whether it's the answer.
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Check whether it's a GP? If it is, apply formula for total sum and see whether it's the answer.

Probability
Treat questions deliberately and slowly, considering and even writing down all cases and double check logic.

Inverse Functions and Inverse Trigonometry

REMEMBER that for inverse trig functions, y-axis is angle in radians and x-axis is real numbers.

Note domain first. Remember to take into account exclusions when writing domain.
If domain restriction on dy/dx, i.e. dy/dx not for x=1, -1. Then must test separately to prove certain
property involving those excluded points. I.e. constant function.
Double check resulting quadrant for answer. tan-1(2) + tan-1(3) = tan-1(-1), but note that LHS is in 2nd quadrant,
therefore, RHS = -/4 + k = 3/4 where k=1 [since 2nd Q], not -/4
Hard subst values to make sure all domains are taken care of.
When specifying domain, also remember domain restriction due to square root or log.
Since sin and tan inverse are odd, the negative can be brought out from within to make simplification easier.
Double check if answer is in domain of inverse trig, tan-1[tan(3/4)] = -/4
When making triangle, tan is opposite over adjacent, not the other way around.
When there's an absolute value within the inverse trig function, both cases must be considered. Any derivatives to
be obtained must be found for both cases.
If inside the inverse trig function, the domain is discontinuous, i.e. /x, D:{x: x>-, x<}, then treat the

derivative separately.
Sin-1[sqrt(1-x)], the x can be 1, since sin-1(0) has a solution. This is unlike after differentiating, domain isn't
inclusive anymore as the sqrt moves to the denominator and denominator cannot be 0.
If complicated derivative involving fraction in original function, remember to square the denominator.
For tan inverse, don't write domain for all real x straight away, look at denominator, there might be some
exclusion for x. I.e. tan-1(1/x), x isn't 0.
If two matching inverse functions bound an area, we can take the integral of the top function minus y=x,
then multiply the result by 2.
Cos-1(0) = /2, not 0.
When integrating 1/(x2+42), the 4 is already the sqrt of 16. There is no need to take another square root
and write a=2 for 1/a, instead, a=4.
Don't forget for solids of revolution.
Double check that the area found is indeed the are required. If inverted axis, the area found might be the
complimentary area (i.e. other side). Therefore, does rectangle area need to be considered then
subtracted to find right area?
If tan and constructing triangles, don't accidentally subst sin or cos.

Rate of change
When substituting, do everything deliberately and slowly
To find maximum or minimum, always differentiate finding zero, THEN differentiate again, using second derivative
to prove
Are there any similar triangles?? In cones, apex of cone is shared angle, or just random similar triangles?
Retain same units throughout.
For questions on rate of change for Volume, radius, surface area of sphere for instance, three properties may signal
a double application of chain rule
Don't change variables for equations, try only use chain rules without modification to the derivatives
obtained.
When doing rates of change questions, note condition!!
I.e. what is dV/dt when r=5cm or t=2s
Don't forget to square root,
h2 =., h=sqrt(), dh/d*=
R

Velocity and Acceleration as a function of x

Consider question, do they want a(x), or v(x), or anything else? Double check.
Don't keep solution as simply v2 = , if they want it as a v(x) relationship.
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 Don't keep solution as simply v2 = , if they want it as a v(x) relationship.

Square root it and use the conditions to determine whether it's positive or negative.
If given v(x), and need to obtain a(x), square, divide two then differentiate in terms of x
i.e. v = f(x), v2/2 = f(x)2/2, d/dx both sides, LHS is acceleration.
Remember when doing rockets, that they have the initial velocity of something. Don't forget to include
this as conditions to find the constant of integration. Don't simply subst x=R, v=0 accidentally.
Remember when finding escape velocity of rocket, V>11200km/h, not equal to.
When v=sqrt(e-2x), remember that you can remove the square root along with the 2 in the power of e.
When square rooting v2, take the + or - that satisfies the given condition.
If given initial horizontal velocity, don't accidentally subst this into displacement x, rather subst into v/x
dot.

Simple Harmonic Motion

Crest to trough = 2m doesn't mean amplitude is 2m, but only 1 m.
Remember that v2 = n2(a2-x2), don't mix up the a and n, when asking for amplitude, don't give n2 by
accident. It can be confused with x=asin(nt+) where a is at the front.
Check quadrants, the equation may be set up such that a is negative. In which case, values of t in the 3rd
quadrant will yield negative answers which instead, must be positive.
More often or not, angles in radians, remember to change mode on calculator before
When doing tide questions, always check whether I am indeed answering the question, did I set t=0 as a
certain time, if so, add it on.
Remember with cos, there are two solutions, and 2-
Remember that the period is from high tide to low then to high again. Don't just count half a period
by accident.
When differentiating x=cos23t, dx/dt=2cos3t x-3sin3t = -6sin3tcos3t, don't forget when chain
differentiating the sin3t to bring out the 3.
Don't forget to divide or times the
If speed moving at 2ms-1, and substituting into v(x). Remember to consider both 2 and -2.
If the question says: Particle starts at its extreme positive position, or at origin, then that's a buzzword for
writing down x(t) and setting up appropriately.
Will particle pass through origin? Subst in x=0, must show all working: 0-0-32=-32.
State v2 > or = to 0. Therefore no solutions. Doesn't pass through zero.
Find amplitude of motion by finding extremes of motion.

Probability
Look for key words, 'at least', 'no more than', which would suggest converse.
If converse is required, then do the previous parts of the question provide this converse?

Binomial
If 6th term, subst in r=5 as index number, since index has r=0 as well.

Common Mistakes Page 4