Math SL Study Guide - IBAcademy
Math SL Study Guide - IBAcademy
M AT H E M AT I C S SL
2017.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Prior knowlegde 7
2. Algebra 11
3. Functions 21
4. Vectors 29
6. Differentiation 45
7. Integration 57
8. Probability 65
9. Statistics 75
3
INTRODUCTION
This guide contains everything you should know for your final exam. The guide is
broken into chapters by syllabus topic. Each chapter starts with a Cheat Sheet,
summarising the chapter contents. You may find this useful when working with
exercises. The chapter is then broken in to subtopics which first explain the theory
before showing you a step by step approach to answering relevant questions. Finally
there is a calculator section, explaining how to effectively use your calculator to answer
questions. Throughout the guide there are helpfull hints from the former IB students
who now teach with IB Academy.
Our Mathematics Standard Level revision course builds on this guide with interactive
lectures, exam-style exercise and effective feedback; helping to put the theory into
practice and helping you achieve your best possible result. See our website for more
details.
IB Academy Team
5
PRIOR KNOWLEGDE 1
Before you start make sure you have a firm grasp of the following. Many marks are lost
through errors in these fundamentals.
1.1 Number
Numbers can be grouped in to a number of sets. From the diagram you see that all
rational numbers are also real numbers; i.e. Q is a subset of R.
R real numbers
Q rational numbers
1 251 Z integers
3 267 . . . , 4, 3, 2, 1, . . .
N naturals
. . . , 1, 2, 3, 4, . . .
0, 1, 2, 3, . . .
p
p 10
2
2
irrational numbers
1.2 Signs
+ and signs describe positive and negative numbers. Remember they work the
opposite way with negative intergers. In maths two wrongs do make a right.
1 1=1+1=2 1 1=1
7
PRIOR KNOWLEGDE BIDMAS
1.3 BIDMAS
I Indecies powers
6
42 + 5 (9 1) =
4
6
B ! = 42 + 5 (8) =
4
6
I ! = 16 + 5 8 =
4
30
D/M ! = 16 + 8=
4
= 16 + 7.5 8 =
= 16 + 60 =
A/S ! = 76
If we have two unknows, for example x and y, and two equations, then we can solve for
x and y simulateously.
(
(1) y = 3x + 1
(2) 2y = x 1
8
PRIOR KNOWLEGDE Solving simulatenous equations 1
Elimination Substitution
Multiply an equation and then sub- Rearange and then substitute one in to
tract it from the other in order to another.
eliminate one of the unknows.
Graph
Graph both lines on your gdc. Where they intersect will be the solution to the equation.
y = 3x + 1
2y = x 1
8
> 3
<x =
5
> 4
:y =
5
Note that this method is also great when you have to solve more complex equations.
9
PRIOR KNOWLEGDE Geometry
1.5 Geometry
Area of parallelogram A= bh
1
Area of a triangle A = (b h)
2
1
Area of a trapezium A = (a + b)h
2
Area of a circle A = r2
Circumference of a circle C = 2r
1
Volume of a pyramid V = (area base vertical height)
3
Volume of a cuboid (rectangular prism) V =lwh
Volume of a cylinder V = r2 h
10
ALGEBRA 2
Table of contents & cheatsheet
un = n th term = u1 + (n 1)d x1 = x x0 = 1
n xm
Sn = sum of n terms = 2u1 + (n 1)d x m x n = x m+n = xm n
2 xn
n n
with u1 = a = 1st term, d = common difference. (x m ) = x mn (x y) = x n y n
1 1
x 1= x n=
x xn
Geometric: / common ratio 1 p p p
x2 = x x x=x
un = n th term = u1 r n 1 p p p 1 p
xy = x y xn = n x
u1 (1 r n ) m p m 1
Sn = sum of n terms = n
x n = xm x n = p
(1 r ) n
xm
u1
S1 = sum to infinity = , when 1< r <1
1 r Logarithms
Sigma notation
Let a x = b , isolate x from the exponent:
A shorthand to show the sum of a number of terms in a
sequence. loga a x = x = loga b
Last value of n
Let loga x = b , isolate x from the logarithm:
X
10
3n 1 Formula a loga x = x = a b
n=1
1 1 n=1
+
n n n n r r
(a + b )n = an + a 1
b + + a b + + bn 1 2 1 n=2
1 r + +
1 3 3 1 n=3
n n n n 1 n n 2 2
= a + a b+ a b + ... + + +
0 1 2 1 4 6 4 1 n=4
+ + + +
1 5 10 10 5 1 n=5
11
ALGEBRA Sequences
2.1 Sequences
DB 1.1 Use the following equations to calculate the n th term or the sum of n terms.
with
Often the IB requires you to first find the 1st term and/or common difference.
Finding the first term u1 and the common difference d from other
terms.
In an arithmetic sequence u10 = 37 and u22 = 1 find the common difference and the
first term.
3. Use d to find u1 1 21 ( 3) = u1
u1 = 64
12
ALGEBRA Sequences 2
To find the common ratio, divide any term of an arithmetic sequence by the
second term (u2 )
term that precedes it, i.e. e.g. 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, . . . r = 2
first term (u1 )
1
and 25, 5, 1, 0.2, . . . r =
5
Use the following equations to calculate the n th term, the sum of n terms or the sum to
infinity when 1 < r < 1. DB 1.1
again with
Similar to questions on Arithmetic sequences, you are often required to find the 1st term
and/or common ratio first.
Sigma notation is a way to represent the summation of any sequence this means that it
can be used for both arithmetic or geometric series. The notation shows you the formula
that generates terms of a sequence and the upper and lower limits of the terms that you
want to add up in this sequence.
Last value of n
X
10
3n 1 Formula
n=1
First value of n
X
10
e.g. 3n 1 = (3 1) 1 + (3 2) 1 + (3 3) 1 + + (3 10) 1 = 155
n=1
| {z } | {z } | {z } | {z }
n=1 n=2 n=3 n=10
13
ALGEBRA Sequences
Finding the first term u1 and common ratio r from other terms.
X
5 X
1
(Geometric series) = 3798, (Geometric series) = 4374.
1 1
X
7
Find (Geometric series) =?
1
5. Substitute in to 2. 4374(1 r) 1 r5
3798 =
1 r
6. Solve for r 3798 = 4374 1 r5
3798
=1 r5
4374
211
r5 = 1
s 243
p
5 5 32
r=
243
2
r=
3
7. Use r to find u1 2
u l = 4374 1
3
u l = 1458
14
ALGEBRA Exponents and logarithms 2
Exponents always follow certain rules. If you are doing any mathematical operation
(+, , or ) with numbers that have exponents, use the following rules to determine
what happens with the powers.
.
x1 = x 61 = 6
Example
x0 = 1 70 = 1
x m x n = x m+n 45 46 = 411
xm 35
= xm n
= 35 4 = 31 = 3
xn 34
2
(x m )n = x mn 105 = 1010
(x y)n = x n y n (2 4)3 = 23 43 and (3x)4 = 34 x 4
1
11 1
1 3 4
x = 5 = and =
x 5 4 3
1 1 1
x n= 3 5= =
xn 35 243
When doing mathematical operations (+, , or ) with fractions in the exponent you
will need the following rules. These are often helpful when writing your answers in
simplest terms.
p p
.
1 1
Example
x2 = x 22 = 2
p p p p
x x=x 3 3=3
p p p p p p p p
xy = x y 12 = 4 3 = 4 3 = 2 3
1 p 1 p
3
xn = n x 53 = 5
m p
n 2 1
x n = xm 3 5=p 5
32
15
ALGEBRA Exponents and logarithms
Logarithms are the inverse mathematical operation of exponents, like division is the
inverse mathematical operation of multiplication. The logarithm is often used to find the
DB 1.2 variable in an exponent.
ax = b , x = loga b
This formula shows that the variable x in the power of the exponent becomes the subject
of your log equation, while the number a becomes the base of your logarithm.
Below are the rules that you will need to use when performing calculations with
logarithms and when simplifying them. The sets of equations on the left and right are
the same; on the right we show the notation that the DB uses while the equations on the
left are easier to understand.
x = loga a = 1
With the 4th rule you can change the base of a log.
loga 0 = x is always undefined (because a x 6= 0).
When you see a log with no base, it is referring to a logarithm with a base of 10
(e.g. log 13 = log10 13).
Solve 2 x = 13.
3. Solve log 13
x=
log 2
16
ALGEBRA Binomial expansion 2
For the following three examples use that p = loga 5 and q = loga 2.
Example
But what about ln and e? These work exactly the same; e is just the number 2.71828 . . .
(infinitely too long to write out) and ln is just loge .
ln a + ln b = ln(a b )
a
ln a ln b = ln
b
n ln a = ln a n
ln e = 1
eln a = a
e.g. x 2 + 6x + 9
17
ALGEBRA Binomial expansion
binomial, you have to determine the coefficient and the powers for each term, as shown by
the binomial expansion formula.
n n n
n n n r r
(a + b ) = a + a 1
b + + a b + + bn
1 r
n n n n 1 n n 2 2
= a + a b+ a b + ...
0 1 2
The powers decrease by 1 for a and increase by 1 for b for each subsequent term.
There are two ways to find the coefficients: with Pascals triangle or the binomial
coefficient function (nCr).
Pascals triangle
1 n=0
1 1 n=1
+
1 2 1 n=2
+ +
1 3 3 1 n=3
+ + +
1 4 6 4 1 n=4
+ + + +
1 5 10 10 5 1 n=5
Pascals triangle is an easy way to find all the coefficients for your binomial expansion. It
is particularly useful in cases where:
1. the power is not too high (because you have to write it out manually);
2. if you have to find all the terms in a binomial expansion.
18
ALGEBRA Binomial expansion 2
n n!
=
r r !(n r )!
Use the nCr function on your calculator! In the 1st term of the
expansion r = 0, in the
2nd term r = 1, . . .
19
ALGEBRA Binomial expansion
3. Put them together 5 42 1 3 2 2
x + 5x + 10x +
3 x 4 x
2 2 2 5
10x 2 + 5x +
x x x
4. Simplify 80 80 32
x5 10x 3 + 20x +
using laws of exponents x x3 x5
20
FUNCTIONS 3
Table of contents & cheatsheet
Definitions
Function a mathematical relationship where each input has a single output. It is oft en written as f (x) where x is the input
Domain all possible x values, the input. (the domain of investigation)
Range possible y values, the output. (the range of outcomes)
Coordinates uniquely determines the position of a point, given by (x, y)
Quadratic functions y = ax 2 + b x + c = 0
y y
a>0
21
FUNCTIONS Types of functions
We can use graphs to show multiple outputs of y for inputs x, and therefore visualize the
relation between the two. Two common types of functions are liner functions and
quadratic functions.
Determine the midpoint, distance and gradient using the two points P1 (2, 8)
Example
and P2 (6, 3)
x1 + x2 y1 + y2 2+6 8+3
Midpoint: , = , = (4, 5.5)
2 2 2 2
p p p p
Distance: (x2 x1 )2 + (y2 y1 )2 = (6 2)2 + (3 8)2 = (4)2 + (5)2 = 41
y
y2 y1 3 8 5 9 P1 (2, 8)
Gradient: m = =m= = 8
x2 x1 6 2 4 7
6
5 5
Parallel line: x + 3 4 P2 (6, 3)
4 3
4 2
Perpendicular line: x +7 1
5
1234567x
22
FUNCTIONS Types of functions 3
y y
a>0
O x O x
a<0
a > 0, positive quadratic a < 0, negative quadratic
Quadratic functions y = a x2 + b x + c = 0
The roots of an equation are the x-values for which y = 0, in other words the
x-intercept(s).
23
FUNCTIONS Types of functions
Solve: 3x 2 8x + 4 = 0
By completing the square you can find the value of the vertex (the minimum or
maximum). For the exam you will always be asked explicitly.
4x 2 2x 5=0
2. Divide by a 1 5
x2 x=
2 4
0 12
3. x coeficient 2 1
Calculate
B 2C
2 B C = 1
@ 2 A 16
Other forms: y = a(x h)2 + k vertex (h, k) and y = a(x p)(x q), x intercepts:
( p, 0)(q, 0).
24
FUNCTIONS Types of functions 3
A single function can have multiple asymptotes: horizontal, vertical and in rare cases
diagonal. Functions that contain the variable (x) in the denominator of a fraction will
always have asymptotes, as well as exponential and logarithmic functions.
Vertical asymptotes
Horizontal asymptotes
Horizontal asymptotes are the value that a function tends to as x become really big or
really small; technically: to the limit of infinity, x ! 1. When x is large other parts of
the function not involving x become insignificant and so can be ignored.
x
.
Example
25
FUNCTIONS Rearranging functions
1
3.2.1 Inverse functions, f (x)
f (x) = 2x 3 + 3, find f 1
(x)
2. Solve for x y 3 = 2x 3
y 3
) = x3
s 2
3 y 3
) =x
2
1
s
3. x f (x) and y x
Replace with with 3 x 3
= f 1 (x)
2
(f g )(x) means f of g of x
To find the composite function above substitute the function of g (x) into the x of f (x).
Let f (x) = 2x + 3 and g (x) = x 2 . Find (f
.
(f g )(x): replace x in the f (x) function with the entire g (x) function
(2 g (x)) + 3 = 2x 2 + 3
(g f )(x): replace x in the g (x) function with the entire f (x) function
2
f (x) = (2x + 3)2
26
FUNCTIONS Rearranging functions 3
3 2 1 1 2 3 x
1
2
3
3 2 1 1 2 3 x
1
2
3
3 2 1 1 2 3 x
1
2
3
27
VECTORS 4
Table of contents & cheatsheet
Definitions
0 1 0 1 0 1
Vector a geometric object with magnitude (length) and 1 0 0
direction, represented by an arrow. B C B C B C
Base vector i~ = @0A, ~j = @1A, k~ = @0A.
Collinear points points that lie on the same line 0 0 1
Unit vector vector with magnitude 1
29
VECTORS Working with vectors
Vectors are a geometric object with a magnitude (length) and direction. They are
represented by an arrow, where the arrow shows the direction and the length represents
the magnitude.
You can use vectors as a geometric algebra, expressing other vectors in terms of u~ and v.
~
For example
P~R = u~ + v~ Q~S = u~ + v~ ~ = 1 ( u~ + v)
QN ~
2
1
u~
P u~ Q P u~ Q P u~ 2 Q
1
v~
N N 2
v~ v~
S M R S M R S M R
This may seem slightly counter-intuitive at first. But if we add in some possible figures
you can see how it works. If u~ move 5 units to the left and v~ moves 1 unit to the right
(-left ) and 3 units down.
Then P~R = u~ + v~ = 5 units to the left 1 unit to the left and 3 units down = 4 units to
the left and 3 units down.
30
VECTORS Working with vectors 4
Formally the value of a vector is defined by its direction and magnitude within a 2D or
3D space. You can think of this as the steps it has to take to go from its starting point to
its end, moving only in the x, y and z axis.
Here i~ is moving 1 unit in the x-axis, ~j 1 unit in the y-axis and k~ 1 unit in the z-axis.
a~ = 3i + 2 j + 0k = 3i + 2 j
When we work with vectors we carry out the mathematical operation in each axis
separately. So x-values with x-values and so on.
However it must be remembered that vector notation does not give us the actual length
(magnitude) of the vector. To find this we use something familiar.
31
VECTORS Equations of lines
Length of a~:
a~ y p
a| =
|~ x2 + y2
p p
= 32 + 22 = 13
x
Sometimes you will be asked to work with unit vectors. These are vector with a
magnitude of 1. We can convert all vectors to unit vectors like so: Determine the unit
vector ab in the direction of any vector a~
a~ 3 ~ 2 ~ 1 3
b
a= =p i+p j=p
a|
|~ 13 13 13 2
Note the position vector can go to any where on the line. So in this example we could
also use ( 3, 0) or (1, 4). Equally the direction vector can be scaled. So we could used
(2, 2), (30, 30), . . .
Because of this parallel lines will have direction vectors with the same ratio but not
necessarily in exact numbers.
Parallel lines: direction vector of L1 = direction vector of L2 constant
Questions often deal with point and or multiple lines. It is worth making a sketch to
help understand the question.
32
VECTORS Equations of lines 4
Find the equation of the line passing through points P = (1, 3, 2) and Q = (0, 1, 4).
Does point R = ( 2, 9, 1) lie on the line?
P
Direction vector
Q Note this can go either way from Q
Position vector to P of P to Q.
Position vector
0 1 0 1
1. Write points as position vectors 1 0
~ @ A
P= 3 ,Q=~ @ 1A
2 4
0 1 0 1
2. Direction vector 0 1 1
= vector between points @ 1 3A = @ 4A
4 2 2
0 1 0 1
3. ~ 1 1
Choose P~ or Q as position vector
@ A
r = 3 +t @ 4A
2 2
0 1 0 1 0 1
4. ~ and the line r . 2 1 1
Equate R
If there is no contradiction, @ 9 A = @ 3 A + t @ 4A
R lies on r 1 2 2
) 2=1 t )t =3
) 9 = 3 4t ) 9 6= 3 12
) R does not lie on the line.
2. Solve s = 2, t = 1
0 1 0 1
3. Substitute back into r1 or r2 2 3(2) 4
@ 1+2 A=@ 3 A
4(2) 8
33
VECTORS Dot (scalar) product
DB 4.2 The dot product of two vectors c~ d~ can be used to find the angle between them.
Let
0 1 0 1
c1 d
B C ~ B 1C
c~ = @c2 A d = @d2 A
c3 d3
c~ d~ = |~
c ||d~| cos
c~ d~ = c1 d1 + c2 d2 + c3 d3
2.
p
Find c~ d~ in terms of magnitudes c~ d~ = 22 + 32 + ( 1)2
p p p
82 + 12 + 32 cos = 14 74 cos
p p
3. Equate and solve for 16 = 14 74 cos
16
) cos = p p
14 74
) = 60.2
34
TRIGONOMETRY AND 5
CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS
Table of contents & cheatsheet
opposite
hypotenuse
n
te
adjacent
hy
cos = CAH
hypotenuse Use this rule when you know: 3 sides or 2 sides and
opposite the angle between them.
adjacent tan = TOA
adjacent 1
Area of a triangle: Area = a b sin C
2
Use this rule when you know: 3 sides or 2 sides and
the angle between them.
Three-figure bearings
Direction given as an angle of a full circle. North is 000 and the angle is expressed in the clockwise direction from North.
So East is 090, South is 180 and West 270.
35
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Basic trigonometry
This section offers an overview of some basic trigonometry rules and values that will
recur often. It is worthwhile to know these by heart; but it is much better to understand
how to obtain these values. Like converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit; you can
remember some values that correspond to each other but if you understand how to
obtain them, you will be able to convert any temperature.
2 2
3 3 90 3
4 120 60 4
5 135 45
6 6
150 30
radians = degrees
180 0 0
180
360 2
180
degrees = radians
270
3
2
segment
1 chord
Area of a sector = r 2
2
Arc length = r
sector
in radians, r = radius.
arc
36
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Basic trigonometry 5
opposite
sin = SOH se
hypotenuse nu
te
opposite
adjacent p o
cos = CAH hy
hypotenuse
opposite
tan = TOA
adjacent
adjacent
5
3 13
5
4 12
The IB loves asking questions about these special triangles which have whole numbers
for all the sides of the right triangles.
30
2 p
3 p
2 45 1
60
45
1 1
Note: these triangles can help you in finding the sin, cos and tan of the angles that you
should memorize, shown in table 5.2. Use SOH, CAH, TOA to find the values.
37
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Basic trigonometry
a
B B
a
b
A
a
c C
b
b
a
1
Area of a triangle: Area = a b sin C
2
Use this rule when you know:
a
c C
b
b
a
38
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Basic trigonometry 5
Find C.
C = 180 40 73 = 67
Find b.
a b
=
sin A sin B
7 b
=
sin 40 sin 73
27
b= sin 73 = 40.169 40.2 cm
sin 40
Find c.
c a
=
sin C sin A
27
c= sin 67 = 38.7 cm
sin 40
km z
6.5
35 x
10 km
Find z .
z 2 = 6.52 + 102 2 6.5 10 cos 35
) z 2 = 35.7602
) z = 5.98 km
Find x.
6.5 5.98
=
sin x sin 35
) sin x = 0.6235
) x = sin 1 (0.6235) = 38.6
39
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Basic trigonometry
000
N Three-figure bearings can be used
to indicate compass directions on
maps. They will be given as an
angle of a full circle, so between 000
270 W E 90
and 360. North is always marked
as 000. Any direction from there
can be expressed as the angle in the
S clockwise direction from North.
180
In questions on
three-figure bearings,
.
SW: 45 between South and West = 225 N40E: 40 East of North = 040
Example
1. Draw a sketch C
N
120
W E
A
B
S
AC 2 = AB 2 + BC 2 2 AB BC cos
AC 2 = 202 + 302 2 20 30 cos 60
1
AC 2 = 400 + 900 2 20 30
p p2
AC = 400 + 900 600 = 700
40
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Circular functions 5
Unit circle
sine = 1 The unit circle is a circle with a
radius of 1 drawn from the origin
of a set of axes. The y-axis
corresponds to sine and the x-axis
cosine = 1 cosine = 1 to cosine; so at the coordinate (0, 1)
it can be said that cosine = 0 and
sine = 1, just like in the sin x and
cos x graphs when plotted.
sine = 1
The unit circle is particularly useful to find all the solutions to a trigonometric equation
within a certain domain. As you can see from their graphs, functions with sin x, cos x or
tan x repeat themselves every given period; this is why they are also called circular
functions. As a result, for each y-value there is an infinite amount of x-values that could
give you this output. This is why questions will give you a set domain that limits the
range of x-values you should consider in your calculations or represent on your sketch
(e.g. 0 x 360).
pos
iti
v
ea
ng
sin 30 = sin 150 cos 30 = cos 330 tan 150 = tan 330
Example
30 30 30
41
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Circular functions
1 p p 1
tan 0 p 1 3 1 3 1 p 0
3 3
sin x tan x
y 90 90
y
90 180 270 360
1
0 x
1
3 2 x
2 2
cos x
y
90 180 270 360
1
-
2 2
0 x
1
3 2
2 2
42
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Circular functions 5
5.2.3 Transformations
Besides the transformations in the functions chapter, trigonometric functions have some
transformations with their own particular names. For a trigonometric function, the
vertical stretch on a graph is determined by its amplitude, the horizontal stretch by its
period and an upward/downward shift by its axis of oscillation.
an amplitude a;
360 2
a period of or ;
b b
a horizontal shift of +c to the left, in degrees or radians;
Transformations of y = cos x.
Example
43
TRIGONOMETRY AND CIRCULAR FUNCTIONS Circular functions
In order to solve trigonometric equations, you will sometimes need to use identities.
Identities allow you to rewrite your equation in a way that will make it easier to solve
DB 3.2 & 3.3 algebraically.
sin sin
tan = cos =
cos tan
sin = cos tan
1. Identify which identity from the databook Here we could use either
to use. Note you are always aiming to get sin2 + cos2 = 1 or
an equation with just, sin, cos or tan. cos2 sin2 = cos 2. We should use
the first so that we get an equation with
just sin.
44
DIFFERENTIATION 6
Table of contents & cheatsheet
6.5. Applications 54
6.4. Sketching graphs 52 Kinematics
Gather information before sketching:
Derivative represents the rate of change, integra-
tion the reverse.
Intercepts x-intercept: f (x) = 0
y-intercept: f (0)
ds dv
=v =a
Turning points minima: f 0 (x) = 0and f 00 (x) < 0 dt dt
maxima: f 0 (x) = 0 and f 00 (x) > 0 s v a
point of inflection: f 00 (x) = 0
Optimization
Asymptotes vertical: x-value when the function divides by 0
horizontal: y-value when x ! 1 Set up simultaneous equations:
1. Use DB1.1 to find the formula for the
Plug the found x-values into f (x) to determine the y-values. area / volume
2. Use the text to set up remaining equa-
tion(s)
45
DIFFERENTIATION Polynomials
6.1 Polynomials
As you have learnt in the section on functions, a straight line graph has a gradient. This
gradient describes the rate at which the graph is changing and thanks to it we can tell
how steep it will be. In fact gradients can be found for any function - the special thing
about linear functions is that their gradient is always the same (given by m in
y = mx + c). For polynomial functions the gradient is always changing. This is where
calculus comes in handy; we can use differentiation to derive a function using which we
can find the gradient for any value of x.
Using the following steps, you can find the derivative function ( f 0 (x)) for any
polynomial function ( f (x)).
e.g. y = 3x 2 , y = 121x 5 + 7x 3 + x
2/3 2/3
or y = 4x + 2x
dy
Principles y = f (x) = a x n ) = f 0 (x) = na x n 1
.
dx
f 0 (x) + g 0 (x) = na x n 1
+ mb xm 1
46
DIFFERENTIATION Polynomials 6
6.1.1 Rules
With more complicated functions, in which several functions are being multiplied or
divided by one another (rather than just added or substracted), you will need to use the
product or quotient rules. DB 6.2
u v u 0 uv 0
Quotient rule when functions are divided: y = , then: y 0 =
v v2
du dv
v u
dy dx dx
which is the same as =
dx v2
Chain rule function inside another function: y = g (u) where u = f (x), then:
dy dy du
=
dx du dx
2. Find u 0 and y 0 du dy
u0 = = sin x ; y0 = = 2u
dx du
3. Fill in formula dy dy du
=
dx du dx
= 2u( sin x)
= 2 sin x cos x
47
DIFFERENTIATION Tangent and normal equation
Tangent a straight line that touches a curve at one single point. At that
point, the gradient of the curve is equal to the gradient of the tangent.
1
slope of normal =
slope of tangent
For any questions with tangent and/or normal lines, use the steps described in the
following example.
48
DIFFERENTIATION Turning points 6
1. Local maxima
2. Local minima
3. Points of inflection
If you take the derivative of a derivative function (one you have already derived) you get
the second derivate! In mathematical notation, the second derivative is written as y 00 ,
d2 y
f 00 (x) or . We can use this to determine whether a point on a graph is a maximum, a
dx 2
minimum or a point of inflection as demonstrated in the following Figure 6.1.
49
DIFFERENTIATION Turning points
Figure 6.1: Graph that shows a local maximum, a local minimum and points of inflection
Notice how the points f (x) y Local minumum
of inflection of f (x) are
minima and maxima
Local maximum
in f 0 (x) and thus Point of inflection
equal 0 in f 00 (x)
f 0 (x) y f 0 (x) = 0
f 0 (x) = 0
f 0 (x) = anything but
is a local max/min of
f 0 (x)
50
DIFFERENTIATION Turning points 6
The function f (x) = x 3 + x 2 5x 5 is shown. Use the first and second derivative to
find turning points: the minima, maxima and points of inflection (POI).
2.5
5 2.5 2.5 5
2.5
7.5
51
DIFFERENTIATION Sketching graphs
1. Intercepts,
3. Asymptotes
Sketching a function.
x2
Sketch the function f (x) =
x2 16
1. Note down all information:
32x
2. Turning points: 2. Turning point: f 0 (x) = ,
min/max: f 0 (x) = 0 x2 162
x = 0 (0, 0) (Found with quotient rule).
inflection: f 00 (x) = 0
f 0 = 0 when x = 0.
52
DIFFERENTIATION Sketching graphs 6
x= 4
f (x) x =4
horizontal
asymptote y =1
1
4 0 4 x
x and y intercept,
turning point
1
4 0 4 x
53
DIFFERENTIATION Applications
6.5 Applications
6.5.1 Kinematics
Kinematics deals with the movement of bodies over time. When you are given one
function to calculate displacement, velocity or acceleration you can use differentiation or
integration to determine the functions for the other two.
Displacement, s Z
ds
v dt
dt ds
Velocity, v =
dt Z
dv
a dt
dt Acceleration,
dv d2 s
a= =
dt dt 2
The derivative represents the rate of change, i.e. the gradient of a graph. So, velocity is
the rate of change in displacement and acceleration is the rate of change in velocity.
A diver jumps from a platform at time t = 0 seconds. The distance of the diver above
2
water level at time t is given by s (t ) = 4.9t + 4.9t + 10, where s is in metres.
Find when velocity equals zero. Hence find the maximum height of the diver.
54
DIFFERENTIATION Applications 6
6.5.2 Optimization
The sum of height and base of a triangle is 40 cm. Find an expression for its area in
terms of x , its base length. Hence find its maximum area.
55
INTEGRATION 7
Table of contents & cheatsheet
Z 1
n x n+1 Integrate normally and multiply by
x dx = +C n 6= 1 coefficient of x
n+1
Integration by substitution
Z
f g (x) g 0 (x) dx
By determining a definite integral for a function, you can find Note: the area below the x-axis gives a negative value
the area beneath the curve that is between the two x-values for its area. You must take that value as a positive value
indicated as its limits. to determine the area between a curve and the x-axis.
y f (x) Sketching the graph will show what part of the function
Z b lies below the x-axis.
Acurve = f (x) dx
a a b x
Using definite integrals you can also find the areas enclosed With g (x) as the top function (furthest from the x-
between curves. axis). For the area between curves, it does not matter
y what is above/below the x-axis.
Zb f (x)
Abetween = g (x) f (x) dx
a a x
b g (x)
Volume of revolution
57
INTEGRATION Indefinite integral and boundary condition
Integration is essentially the opposite of derivation. The following equation shows how
to integrate a function:
Z
x n+1
x n dx = +C, n 6= 1
n+1
As you can see, every time you integrate the power on your variable will increase by 1
(this is opposite of what happens when you derive, then it always decreases). Whenever
you integrate you also always add +C to this function. This accounts for any constant
that may have been lost while deriving. As you may have noticed, whenever you do
derivation any constants that were in the original function, f (x), become 0 in the
derivative function, f 0 (x). In order to determine the value of C , you need to fill in a
point that lies on the curve to set up an equation in which you can solve for C .
(Note: this is the same thing you need to do when finding the y-intercept, C , for a linear
function see Functions: Linear functions).
Standard integration.
Z Z Z
1. Separate summed parts 2 2
(optional)
12x 2 dx = 12x dx + 2 dx
Z Z
2. Integrate 2
f (x) = 12x dx + 2 dx =
12 3
x 2x + C
3
3. Fill in values of x and f (x) to find C Since f ( 1) = 1,
3
4( 1) 2( 1) + C = 1
C =3
So: f (x) = 4x 3 2x + 3
58
INTEGRATION Indefinite integral and boundary condition 7
Z Z
e3x 4 dx cos(5x 2) dx
Coefficient of x = 3, so Coefficient of x = 5, so
R 3x 4 1 R 1
e dx = e3x 4 + C cos(5x 2) dx = sin(5x 2) + C
3 5
Integrate by substitution
Z
3
Find 3x 2 e x dx
2. du du
Find the derivative u0 = = 3x 2
dx dx
Z Z
3. du u du
Substitute u and into the integral e dx = e u du = e u + C
dx dx
(this way dx cancels out)
Z
4. Substitute u back to get a function with x 3
eu + C = ex + C
59
INTEGRATION Definite integral
If there are limit values indicated on your integral, you are looking to find a definite
integral. This means that these values will be used to find a numeric answer rather than a
function.
This is done in the following way, where the values for a and b are substituted as x-values
into your indefinite integral:
Z b Z
f (x) dx = F (b ) F (a) where F= f (x) dx
a
Be careful, the order you substitute a and b into the indefinite integral is relevant for
your answer:
Zb Za
f (x) dx = f (x) dx
a b
1. Z 7 7
Find the indefinite integral
(without +C ) 12x 2 2 dx = 4x 3 2x
3
3
2. F (b ) F (a)
Fill in: = 4(7)3 2(7) 4(3)3 2(3)
(integral x = b ) (integral x = a)
= 1256
60
INTEGRATION Definite integral 7
7.2.1 Area
y
By determining a definite integral for a DB 6.5
or
Z c
Acurve = f (x) dx
a
61
INTEGRATION Definite integral
Let y = x3 4x 2 + 3x
Find the area from x = 0 to x = 3.
1 2 3 x
1
2
3.
Z 1
Setup integrals and integrate
Left: x3 4x 2 + 3x dx =
0
1
1 4 4 3 3 2
= x x + x
4 3 2 0
1 4 3
= + (0)
4 3 2
5
=
12
Z 3
Right: x3 4x 2 + 3x dx =
1
1 4 4 3 3 2 3
= x x + x
4 3 2 1
1 4 4 3 3 2
= (3) (3) + (3)
4 3 2
1 4 4 3 3 2
(1) (1) + (1)
4 3 2
8
=
3
62
INTEGRATION Definite integral 7
Besides finding areas under and between curves, integration can also be used to calculate
the volume of the solid that a curve would make if it were rotated 360 around its axis
this is called the volume of revolution. DB 6.5
Z b Z b
2
V = y dx V= y 2 dx
a a
y y
f (x)
a b x a b x
p
.
Z 4p 4
2 3 2 3 2 3 14
A= x dx = x 2 = (4) 2 (1) =
2
1 3 1 3 3 3
This area is rotated 360 (= 2) around the x-axis. Find the volume of the solid.
Z 4p Z 4 4
2 1 2 1 2 1 2 15
V = x dx = x dx = x = (4) (1) =
1 1 2 1 2 2 2
63
PROBABILITY 8
Table of contents & cheatsheet
Conditional probability used for successive events that come after one another (as in tree diagrams).
P (A \ B)
The probability of A, given that B has happened: P (A|B) = .
P (B)
Probabilities for successive events can be expressed through tree diagrams. In general, if you are dealing with a question that
asks for the probability of:
one event and another, you multiply
one event or another, you add
8.3. Distributions 70
Expected values
X
E(X ) = xP (X = x)
On calculator:
Binomial distribution with parameters n and p it should
be used for situations with only 2 outcomes and lots of Binompdf(n,p,r) P(x=r)
trials Binomcdf(n,p,r) P(Xr)
n r n r
P (X = x) = P 1 p Mean np
r
Varience npq
n n!
where = nCr = , n = number of trials,
r r !(n r )!
p = probability of success, r = number of success.
total area = 1
Notation: X N (, 2)
x
Transform to standard N: Z =
On calculator: normal cdf (lower bound, upper bound, mean (= ), standard deviation (= ))
65
PROBABILITY Single events (Venn diagrams)
Apple=0.6 Banana=0.4
As apples cannot be bananas this is mutually exclusive, therefore P (A[ B) = P (A) + P (B)
and P (A \ B) = 0. It is also an exhaustive event as there is no other options apart from
apples and bananas. If I bought some oranges the same diagram would then be not
In independent events exhaustive (oranges will lie in the Sample Space). This is not mutually exclusive as both
P (A \ B) = apples and bananas are yellow fruits. Here we are interested in the intersect P (A \ B) of
P (A) P (B). It will
often be stated in apples and yellow fruit, as a yellow apple is in both sets
questions if events are P (A \ B) = P (A) + P (B) P (A [ B).
independent.
.
A Yellow apples B
66
PROBABILITY Single events (Venn diagrams) 8
A B
This is a union of two sets: apple and yellow fruit. When an exhaustive
event, as here, the
probability of the union
The union of events A and B is: is 1.
when A happens;
when B happens;
when both A and B happen P (A [ B) = P (A) + P (B) P (A \ B).
A B
Yellow apples
Yellow
Apples
fruits
This is conditional probability in a single event. Do not use the formula in the
0.2 1
formula booklet. Here we are effectively narrowing the sample space = = .
(0.2 + 0.4) 3
67
PROBABILITY Multiple events (tree Diagrams)
You can think of it like removing the non yellow apples from the fruit bowl before
choosing.
P (A \ B)
Conditional probability P (A|B) = .
P (B)
Probabilities for successive events can be expressed through tree diagrams. In general, if
you are dealing with a question that asks for the probability of:
68
. PROBABILITY Multiple events (tree Diagrams) 8
Two disks are randomly drawn without replacement from a stack of 4 red and 5
Example
8 R B and R: =
5 9 8 72
9 B
4 5 4 20
B B and B: =
8 9 8 72
What is the probability to draw one red and one blue disk?
P (one red and one blue)
P (R) and P (B) or P (B) and P (R)
P (R) P (B) P (B) P (R) It is common for
conditional proability
20 20 40 5 questions to relate to
+ = =
72 72 72 9 previous answers.
What is the probability of picking a blue disc given that at least one red disk is
picked?
5
P (a blue disk) 10
P (blue disk | at least one red disk) = = 9 =
P (at least one red disk) 13 13
18
Another way of dealing with multiple events is with a sample space diagram or a
probability distribution.
69
PROBABILITY Distributions
Probability distributions.
8.3 Distributions
70
PROBABILITY Distributions 8
We can use normal distributions to find the probability of obtaining a certain value or a
range of values. This can be found using the area under the curve; the area under the
bell-curve between two x-values always corresponds to the probability for getting an
x-value in this range. The total area under the normal distribution bell-curve is always 1;
this is because the total probability of getting any x-value adds up to 1 (or, in other
words, you are 100% certain that your x-value will lie somewhere on the x-axis below
the bell-curve).
total area = 1
71
PROBABILITY Distributions
All nails longer than 2.4 cm (5.5%) and shorter than 1.8 cm (8%) are rejected. What is
the mean and standard deviation length?
2. Draw a sketch!
1.8 2.4 x
3. Write standardized equation of the form 1.8
P (Z < . . .) P Z< = 0.08
2.4
P Z< = 0.055
2.4
P Z< =1 0.055
= 0.945
2.4
= 1.5982
) = 2.08, = 0.200
72
PROBABILITY Distributions 8
1. Sketch!
Indicate:
The mean = 100 g
Lower bound = 100 g
Upper bound = 130 g
And shade the area you are looking to
find.
1. Sketch!
8% = 0.08
73
PROBABILITY Distributions
Find the expected value of pears that weigh less than 105 g
1. Sketch!
Set lower and upper bounds:
Lower bound = 100 g
Upper bound = 130 g
74
STATISTICS 9
Table of contents & cheatsheet
Population the entire group from which statistical data is Frequency the number of times an event occurs in an
drawn (and which the statistics obtained represent). experiment
Sample the observations actually selected from the popu- Cumulative frequency the sum of the frequency for a
lation for a statistical test. particular class and the frequencies for all the the
Random Sample a sample that is selected from the classes below it
population with no bias or criteria; the observations Histogram Cumulative frequency
are made at random.
Discrete finite or countable number of possible values
(e.g. money, number of people)
Continuous infinite amount of increments
(e.g. time, weight)
Note: continuous data can be presented as discrete data,
e.g. if you round time to the nearest minute or weight to Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Box and whisker plot
the nearest kilogram.
75
STATISTICS Descriptive statistics
The mean, mode, and median, are all way of measuring averages. Depending on the
distribution of the data, the values for the mean, mode, and median can differ slightly or
a lot. Therefore, the mean, mode, and median are all useful for understanding your data
set.
x 3 6 7 13
Example data set: 6, 3, 6, 13, 7, 7 in a table:
frequency 1 2 2 1
P P
the sum of the data x fx
Mean the average value, x = = = P
no. of data points n f
3 + 6 + 6 + 7 + 7 + 13 1 3 + 2 6 + 2 7 + 1 13
e.g. x = = =7
6 1+2+2+1
Median the middle value when the data set is ordered low to high. Even
number of values: the median is the average of the two middle values.
1
Find for larger values as n + .
2
e.g. data set from low to high: 3, 6, 6, 7, 7, 13
6+7
median = = 6.5
2
P
2 f (x x2 )
Variance = calculator only
n
p
Standard deviation = variance calculator only
Use the midpoint as the x-value in all calculations. So for 1020 cm use
15 cm.
For 1020 cm, 10 is the lower boundary, 20 is the upper boundary and
the width is 20 10 = 10.
76
STATISTICS Descriptive statistics 9
Adding a constant to all the values in a data set or multiplying the entire data set by a
constant influences the mean and standard deviation values in the following way:
30, 75, 125, 55, 60, 75, 65, 65, 45, 120, 70, 110.
Find the range, the median, the lower quartile, the upper quartile and the
interquartile range.
First always rearrange data into ascending order: 30, 45, 55, 60, 65, 65, 70, 75, 75, 110, 120, 125
1. The range:
125 30 = 95 cm
2. The median: there are 12 values so the median is between the 6th and 7th value.
65 + 70
= 67.5 cm
2
3. The lower quartile: there are 12 values so the lower quartile is between the 3rd
and 4th value.
55 + 60
= 57.5 cm
2
4. The upper quartile: there are 12 values so the lower quartile is between the 9th
and 10th value.
75 + 110
= 92.5 cm
2
5. The IQR
92.5 57.5 = 35 cm
77
STATISTICS Statistical graphs
Cumulative frequency the sum of the frequency for a particular class and
the frequencies for all the the classes below it
Age 17 18 19 20 21
No. of students 21 45 93 61 20
Cumulative freq. 21 66 159 220 240
78
STATISTICS Statistical graphs 9
Box and whisker plots neatly summarize the distribution of the data. It gives information
about the range, the median and the quartiles of the data. The first and third quartiles are
at the ends of the box, the median is indicated with a vertical line in the interior of the
box, and the maximum and minimum points are at the ends of the whiskers.
Outliers will be any points lower than Q1 1.5 IQR and larger than
Q3 + 1.5 IQR (IQR =interquartile range)
12
10
Lenght (cm)
20 40 60 80 100 120
Number of fish
79
STATISTICS Statistical graphs
.
Example
Age 2030 3040 4050 5060 6070 7080 8090 90100 100110 110120
Frequency 2 3 5 7 11 5 6 9 1 1
Cumulative f. 2 5 10 17 28 33 39 48 49 50
Plot on cumulative frequency chart. Remember to use the midpoint of the date, e.g.,
25 for 2030.
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115
55
50
45
40
35 Q1 25% of 50 = 12.5 ! 48
30
Q2 50% of 50 = 25 ! 62
25
20 Q3 75% of 50 = 37.5 ! 83
15
10
5
Q1 Q2 Q3
0 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 105 115
20 48 62 83 120
80
STATISTICS Bi-variate analysis 9
Bi-variate analysis is a method of assessing how two (bi) sets of data (variables) correlate
to one another. We use persons correlation to put a number to this relationship
Interpretation of r -values:
r -value 0 |r | 0.25 0.25 |r | 0.50 0.50 |r | 0.75 0.75 |r | 1
correlation very weak weak moderate strong
Scatter diagrams
However it is important to
remember this maxim:
Correlation does not mean
causation.
x
No correlation r = 0
Just because two variable have a
y
relationship it does not mean they
cause one another. For example Ice
cream sales show a strong
correlation to the number deaths
by drowning. Therefore we might
falsely state ice cream consumption
x causes drowning. But it is more
plausible that both are caused by
Weak negative correlation 1< r <0 warm weather leading to more
y desire for ice cream and swimming
and are just correlated.
81