IGCSE/GCSE/O & A Level/IB/University Student Forum

Qualification => Subject Doubts => GCE AS & A2 Level => Math => Topic started by: Kgatlhi on October 08, 2010, 07:15:10 pm

Title: Calculus
Post by: Kgatlhi on October 08, 2010, 07:15:10 pm

please explain

1. the use of differentiation in proving if a function is increasing or decreasing

2. the use of the second derivative in "determining the nature of stationary points"

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: elemis on October 09, 2010, 05:24:09 am

I'll answer no. 2.

Once you differentiate the equation of a curve set the the differentiated equation equal to zero and solve for x.

The two or more values of x are the stationary points.

Differentiate the equation once more and input these values of x into the new derivative (the 2nd derivative as it is known)

If the answer you get is greater than zero it is a minimum point

If the answer you get is less than zero it is a maximum point

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: Deadly_king on October 09, 2010, 05:47:30 am

Quote from: Kgatlhi on October 08, 2010, 07:15:10 pm

please explain

1. the use of differentiation in proving if a function is increasing or decreasing

2. the use of the second derivative in "determining the nature of stationary points"

Qu 1.

Differentiation results in the gradient of the function at each specific points.

So if gradient is positive ---> Increasing function

Negative gradient ----> Decreasing function

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: islu_jf on October 09, 2010, 07:38:41 pm

Is there alot of people giving the exam?

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: islu_jf on October 09, 2010, 07:41:38 pm

and i can't find the maths AS pp here.. plz help where can i find them?

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: elemis on October 10, 2010, 11:39:28 am

Quote from: islu_jf on October 09, 2010, 07:41:38 pm

and i can't find the maths AS pp here.. plz help where can i find them?

I'm doing my AS Levels.

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: islu_jf on October 10, 2010, 11:57:09 am

um doing my A2 right now bt i ddnt get good grades in my AS maths and Chem.. i got 2 C so um repeating them.. Maths ths month and Chem in June..
My school dsnt have teaches yet so um screwed !! sorry.. bt um freaking out.. i need help.. like big time..

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: elemis on October 10, 2010, 11:58:09 am

Quote from: islu_jf on October 10, 2010, 11:57:09 am

um doing my A2 right now bt i ddnt get good grades in my AS maths and Chem.. i got 2 C so um repeating them.. Maths ths month and Chem in June..
My school dsnt have teaches yet so um screwed !! sorry.. bt um freaking out.. i need help.. like big time..

I can help you if you want. Start posting doubts and I'll explain. ;)

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: islu_jf on October 10, 2010, 12:02:28 pm

thanks man
and i will bcoz thats my only way.. bt now um doing maths AS till 18th of Oct..
aftr that il be askng questions..  :)
Thanks

Title: Re: Calculus
Post by: elemis on October 10, 2010, 12:07:39 pm

Quote from: islu_jf on October 10, 2010, 12:02:28 pm

thanks man
and i will bcoz thats my only way.. bt now um doing maths AS till 18th of Oct..
aftr that il be askng questions..  :)
Thanks

Oh, okay. We'll still be here to help out :D