Many students don’t like the topic in A-Math known as ‘Kinematics’. My guess is that it is linked closely to Physics which is a subject not favourited by many too.

To be able to understand Kinematics, I always get my students to be familiar with what I call a ‘Kinematics Vocabulary List’. [Click here to download a printable note]

I hope you find this list useful. I would like to hear from you how you find Kinematics in Differentiation & Integration. Do you like it or dislike it? Leave me a comment.

differentiation · integration · kinematics

This is my first video using flipvideo.

I know the ‘whiteboard’ section is slightly shaky and blur; I’ll improve in my next video.

I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment!

Click here for direct access.

differentiation · ln

Photo Credit: mysza831

One of the applications of Differentiation is to determine the type of stationary point. This application is common in maximum and minimum problems.

There are two ways to go about finding the type of stationary point. The more frequently used method is through Second Derivative (Watch the video here). (d^2y/dx^2)

However, I’m not going to discuss on that method. Instead I want to share with you on the less popular method which is First Derivative. The reason: I have observed that last 2 years, questions appearing in the GCE ‘O’ level Additional Mathematics were less commonly seen, least expected and definitely more nerve breaking for candidates who aren’t prepared.

Let’s take a look at how First Derivative is applied. (more…)

differentiation · maximum minimum

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?

chain rule · differentiation · quotient rule · shortcut

A-Math Workshop · differentiation · integration