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differentiation

A-Math: Kinematics Vocabulary List on Displacement, Velocity & Acceleration (Includes a printable note)

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.

A-Math-KinematicsVocabList

A-Math: Type of Stationary Point through First Derivative


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. [Read more...] about A-Math: Type of Stationary Point through First Derivative

A-Math: Differentiation Shortcut Lies In Pausing & Simplifying

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:

differentiation-qn

Very often, I notice students will jump into Quotient rule whenever a fraction is given. Just like this student here:

differentiation-qn-quotient-rule

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:

differentiation-qn-simplified

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?

Differentiation & Integration Mastery Workshop (Includes Kinematics too!)

Update: Click here for early bird registration.

Dear Students,

Do you know that Differentiation & Integration are 2 very important sections for O Level A-Math? Based on 2008 GCE O Level Additional Mathematics Papers, the weightage of Differentiation & Integration is almost 30%!

We received feedback from students and parents that due to time constraint, many schools rush through these 2 very important topics, leaving many students totally lost in their understanding. This coupled with the fact that Differentiation & Integration are totally new concepts for all A-Math students, made matter worst.
So with less than 7 weeks to GCE O Levels are you equipped with the tools and strategies to score in Differentiation & Integration or are you facing problems in understanding the concepts?

4 Days Differentiation & Integration Mastery Workshop

5, 12, 19, 26 Sep 2009, 2 - 6pm, YMCA Orchard (Tentative venue)


(Click on image for clearer view)

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • Comprehensive 100% coverage of Differentiation & Integration
  • Understand abstract concepts in an easy to relate manner
  • Learn and Apply strategies ('approved' short-cuts) on real examination questions
  • Time management enforced during every workshop
  • Pre & Post review assessment for checking level of understanding

Scope of the workshop:
Skills In Differentiation:

  • Basic Techniques of Differentiation
  • Differentiation involving trigonometrical functions
  • Differentiation involving exponential & ln functions

Applications In Differentiation:

  • Equations of Tangent & Normal
  • Connected Rate of Changes
  • Increasing & Decreasing Functions
  • Maxima & Minima Problems

Skills In Integration:

  • Basic Techniques of Integration
  • Integration involving trigonometrical functions
  • Integration involving exponential & ln functions

Applications In Integration:

  • Hence question (reversed differentiation)
  • Equation of curve
  • Area under the curve
  • Kinematics

Registration will open on 21st Aug 2009.(Update: Click here for early bird registration.)
This is the last workshop for O level students.

(Click on image for clearer view)