28
A-Math: Differentiation Shortcut Lies In Pausing & Simplifying
2 Comments | Posted by alwaysLovely in A-Math
Differentiation is a big thing in fact major chapter for all Secondary 4 ‘O’ level students.
Read all about the basics Differentiation techniques here. (Examples included) I would like to share one question from my A-Math Ultimate Leap Programme (weekly coaching class) which has 2 different approaches to solve it.
Example:
Very often, I notice students will jump into Quotient rule whenever a fraction is given. Just like this student here:
May I suggest that you pause for 3 seconds to think about the approach. Ask yourself ‘Is there anything I can simplify?’
Here’s another student who pauses:
Notice this student spends his time simplifying before applying chain rule in differentiation.
I hope you enjoy this example. Both students are correct in their answers, which one do you prefer more? A or B?
Related Posts:
- Integration Mixed With Differentiation
- Differentiation Basic Techniques
- A-Math: Type of Stationary Point through First Derivative
- Application of Differentiation – Maximum/Minimum & Rate of Change
- O level A-Math: Collection of Differentiation Tips
2 Comments for A-Math: Differentiation Shortcut Lies In Pausing & Simplifying
:) | February 6, 2010 at 12:47 am
Nguy?n ??c Tùng | February 7, 2010 at 8:17 pm
There is another way to solve this problem.
I have been leart it in my school.
But when I solved this problem in that way. It was very long and hard.
The example of student A, I think is the best.
I like it.















I wasn’t even aware of the shortcut.
My teacher just taught v differentiate(u) – (u) differentiate(v)divided by v^2
It was a a long process as i still have to take time to factor out. I realised Student B’s method is much shorter, and will ensure better accuracy of the answers. The example really helped a lot ! :)
Reply