Differentiation

Section overview:

The PowerPoint below provides an overview of material in this topic, including explanations and examples - for the full experience, open in a new tab then download it. All exercise references are to the new specification Pearson textbook - you can access the digital version for free or buy your own for extra practice. 

Written summary notes are also given below for quick revision of key points, plus a selection of exam-style questions (with solutions) to test your understanding.

Remote learning:

Use the following resources when directed in order to build up the fundamental skills to make the most of your classroom learning. 

2) Differentiation remote learning (coordinate geometry applications and derivative graphs):

• Task 1: Complete and mark the worksheet 'Differentiation with coordinate geometry exam questions' - attach photos of your working to the remote learning Google Classroom post.

• Task 2: Work through tasks 1.1 and 1.2 of The Calculus Project phase 1 below - see phase 1 instructions.

• Task 3: Complete and mark the worksheet 'Sketching gradient functions' (based on The Calculus Project tasks) - attach photos of your working to the remote learning Google Classroom post. If you get stuck, please watch this video for some additional worked examples.

• Task 4: See Google Classroom post for Google Form review question.

If you are unsure about any of this work, please use the rest of the resources on this page or contact your teacher to fully develop your understanding on the topic before your next lesson.

The Calculus Project:

The following resources are designed to independently develop your geometric appreciation of A-level calculus alongside the classroom teaching. This is the most important part of A-level Maths, so it is vital you have a good understanding of it all!

Extra resources:

Use the videos below to support your understanding of the topic. The ones on the left are specific to the course, building up to demos of exam-style questions; the ones on the right are for your own amusement, although the alternative outlook may provide you with a deeper overall understanding and appreciation of the topic.

In particular, 'The Essence of Calculus' video series is dotted throughout the relevant topic pages in A-level Maths and Further Maths, or you can find the full playlist here. These videos demonstrate a deeper cut of some of the most important ideas within A-level, so they are well worth a watch!