1

TIPS FOR MATHEMATICS S PAPER 1

Chapter 1 NUMBER AND SETS
Absolute value ||
|| {




|| {
( (
( (


||

|| ||||
| | || ||
| |
| | || ||
|

|
||
||

where ||
Inequalities involving
absolute values.
| |

| |

Exponents

if

Surds
*answers with
denominators in surds
are considered as not
simplified.
an expression containing a root with an irrational
solution,

Rationalising the denominator means getting rid
of the surds

is the conjugate surd of
and vice versa.

*When solving equation by squaring
both sides of the equation, the
solutions needed to be checked to get
the correct answers.
example:

Logarithms

Laws of logarithms

remember that
if 0< a < 1,

, so inequality sign
must be reversed when both sides of an
inequality is divided by it.
Changing base of logarithms

Complex number
z = a + bi

a = real part
b= imaginary part

i =

i
2
= -1

(a + bi)( a - bi)=a
2
+b
2
since i = and
i
2
= -1
(a + bi) is the conjugate of
( a - bi)and vice versa.


**Equation involving complex numbers can be
solved by equalizing real and imaginary parts
from both sides of the equation.









Argand diagram to represent complex
number point or vector.
2


modulus-argument
form of the complex
number

Modulus of z , ||

arg z =

When (

), determine whether u lies

in the second or fourth quadrant.

( (

u is in radians
- u
*measure clockwise or anticlockwise
from the positive x-axis
negative u indicates that the angle is
measured in the clockwise direction.
Sets Algebraic laws of sets.

(
( (
( (
( ( (
( ( (
De Morgans laws
(

Using definitions,


( (
( (


(

represents or
represents and
Chapter 2 Polynomials p(x)


Factors of p(x) Given p(a)=0 hence (x a) is the factor of p(x).


Zeros of p(x) and a is the zero of p(x)


Roots of an equation. For the equation p(x) = 0, if p(a) = 0,
Hence a is the root of the equation.

Factorisation The process of expressing p(x) in terms of its
factors.
p(x)= (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)
if p(x)= (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)= 0
x = a, x = b, x = c, are roots of
p(x)= 0.

Remainder Theorem When a polynomial, p(x) is divided by x a, the
remainder is p(a).
When a polynomial, p(x) is divided by ax + b,
the remainder is p(

).
* must know how to do long division
to find q(x) & remainder
p(x) =(x a)q(x) + remainder
q(x) = quotient.

Factor Theorem If p(a)= 0, then (x- a) is a factor of p(x) To factorise p(x), use trial and error to
find the first factor, then use long
division // expanding and comparing
coefficients.
3

Completing the square
of a quadratic
equation.
can be used to show
whether a quadratic
polynomial is always
positive or negative.
(

*(

+
*to complete the square, the coefficient of x
2

must be 1.
if a>0 and q>0, then (

, f(x)
always positive for all values of x.
If a<0 and q<0 then (

, f(x)
always negative for all values of x.

if a > 0, f(x) has a minimum value q
when x = - p

if a < 0, f(x) has a maximum value q
when x = - p

Quadratic equation,
f(x)=0
*must know how to
derive formula.

use quadratic formula to find roots of
equation when it cannot be factorised.
* formula derived by method of
completing the square.
Discriminant

to determine the properties of its roots

f(x) always positive or negative .
















Roots and coefficients
of f(x).

*Relationship
between roots &
coefficients of a
quadratic equation.

must know how to
derive sum and
product of roots.
Let o and | be roots of the equation

hence (x - o)(x - |) = 0

(
Comparing 1 and 2.
Sum of roots , o + | = -

Product of roots, o| =

Useful identities:

( (

( (

*When solving equation by squaring both sides
of the equation, the solutions needed to be tested
in the original equation.
example



Inequalities
a. quadratic
b. cubic

a. use a sketch graph or number line
methods
b. factorised and sketch graph
to find solution or range of values.

4

To solve inequalities
in the form of
f(x) > g(x)
Sketch the graph of f(x) and g(x), find
intersection points to solve.

Inequalities involving
modulus sign
Squaring method is used when both sides are
positive for both equations and inequalities.

When quadratic inequality cannot be factorised,
then use method of completing the square.

|(| (
|(| (
(

[(]

|(|
[(]

|(|
Inequality involving
(
(


get rid of denominator by multiplying both sides
with [(]

.

Partial fractions The process of expressing rational function as sum of two or more simpler fractions.
Rational function (
(
( (

Proper fraction Degree of f(x) is less than g(x)


Improper fraction Degree of f(x) is equal or greater than g(x)


Rules
1. Check that
(
(
is a proper fraction, if not do long division.
2. Check that the denominator g(x) is factorised completely.
3. For each linear factor, ax+b in the denominator, there exists a partial fraction in
the form

4. For each quadratic factor ax
2
+bx + c in the denominator, there exists a partial
fraction in the form

5. For each linear factor ax+b repeated n times in the denominator, there exists n
partial fractions of the form

Chapter 3 Sequences and Series
Sequence A list of numbers, stated in a particular order, each number can be derived from the
previous number according to a certain rule. eg: 1,2,3,4,5,
Series The sum of the terms of a sequence. eg: 1+2+3+4+5+
Arithmetic
Progression A.P
A sequence where each term differ from the previous term by a certain number (common
difference), d.
First term, a


The n
th
term , U
n
or T
n

T
n
= a + (n 1)d
Sum of n terms, S
n

( (

( where l is the n
th
term.

To prove a sequence is an AP show T
n
T
n-1
= constant = d
* if given three terms a,b, c b - a = c b or 2b = a + c

Given a sequence is an AP start from T
n
T
n-1
=T
n-1
T
n-2


Geometric
Progression G.P
A sequence where each term can be obtained from the previous term by multiplying by a
certain number (common ratio), r.

5

The n
th
term , U
n
or T
n

Sum of n terms, S
n

*must know how to derive S
n

can only be used when ||

*question involving expressing a recurring
decimal as a rational number eg 3.5252
To prove a sequence is a GP show

Given a sequence is a GP start from

* if given three terms a, b, c

ac = b
2

For AP and GP:
S
n
S
n-1
= T
n
, can be obtained if S
n
is given.
and d = T
n
T
n-1
or r =

Summation of a finite series (formula will be provided in examination)

( (

Method of differences
if the general term U
r
= f(r+1) f(r) , where f(r) is a function of r.

[( (]

( (

[( ( ]

( (

[( ( ]

( (
Whenever we see that

as
express as partial fraction

)
= 1
as

or divide the numerator and denominator
by the highest power of n.

Binomial expansion

write expansion
= with +
~ without +



if n is a positive integer,

(

6

if n is not a positive integer,
(

( ( (

* this series is valid only for || .
** change (

before expanding or (

in
terms of

, valid for ||

Chapter 4 Matrices
Matrix a set of number arranged in rows and
columns in a rectangular array and
enclosed by a pair of brackets

Elements numbers in a matrix

m x n matrix
also known as order
of matrix
a matrix with m rows and n columns
(

)

Square matrix equal number of rows and columns m = n
(


) (



)
Null or zero matrix All elements are zeros
( (

) (


)

Diagonal matrix All elements except those of the leading
diagonal are zeros.
(


) (



)
Identity matrix, I
*must be square
matrix
A diagonal matrix with elements in the
leading diagonal are 1s
AI = IA=A
(


) (



)

Symmetric matrix
*must be square
matrix
All elements are symmetrical about the
leading diagonal.
(


) (



)

Equal matrix Two matrices are equal if they have the
same order and if corresponding elements
are equal.


(



) (



)
hence:
a = 3, b = 4, c= 6
Multiplication of
matrices
( (

) (

Order of A Order of B
m x p p x n

Order of AB
m x n
If A is a matrix of order m x p and B is a
matrix of order p x n, then AB is a matrix
of order m x n.
Multiply each row of the first matrix A with
each column of the second matrix B.

The

of the product matrix AB is the

product of the i
th
row of the first matrix A and
the j
th
row of the second matrix, B


*the number of columns in A must be the
same as the number of rows in B.
Properties of Matrices A(BC) = (AB)C

Multiplication of matrices is associative.
A(B+C) = AB + AC Multiplication of matrices is distributive over
addition.
**AB BA Multiplication of matrices is not
commutative.
7

Transpose of a matrix,
A A
T
(A
T
)
T
=A
A matrix whose rows are the columns
and whose columns are rows of A
A
T
= A, then A is a symmetrical matrix
(



)

(



)

Determinant of
matrices ||

|| is not modulus of
A.
It is a real number
which can be positive
or negative.
The determinant of a 2 x 2 matrix
|| (


)
The determinant of a 3 x 3 matrix
(

)
||

|| |

|

|| ||||



Minor , M
i j


The minor of

, denoted M
ij
is the
determinant of the 2 x 2 matrix obtain by
deleting the i
th
row and j
th
column.

(



) the minor of 6 is

(2 x 0) (8 x3) = - 24

Cofactor, C
i j

The cofactor of 6 is
= (-1)
1+2
(-24) = 24

Inverse matrix of 2 x2 If A and B are square matrices such that
AB = BA = I, B is known as inverse of
A (B = A
-1
) and vice versa.

AA
-1
=A
-1
A = I
* if ||= 0 then A
-1
do not exists. and A is
known as a singular matrix.

||
(


)

given (


)

Matrix of cofactors Matrix that is formed with the cofactors
as its elements. (

)
Adjoint matrix of A,
adj A
Transpose of the matrix of cofactors
(

)
Inverse matrix 3 x 3 if || then

exists

||



System of linear
equations

If given M and N and ask to find MN
and MN = n I then M
-1
=

, then dont
have to use long formula to find M
-1
.

(

) (

) (

)



If A is a square matrix A
n
= AAAA

n times

A
m
A
n
= A
m+n

(A
m
)
n
= A
mn
8

Chapter 5 Coordinate Geometry
Distance between 2
points, d

(

Gradient of a line
segment, m

Ratio formulae

Given

internal division





( (

)
external division





( (

)

* if ask to find ratio then assume the ratio is
m:1 not m:n

midpoint of AB
( (

)


Straight lines y = mx +c, represents a straight line with
gradient m, cutting the y-axis at the point
(0, c).
* if parallel to y-axis, m = (undefined)
if parallel to x-axis, m = 0
y - y
1
= m( x x
1
) passing through
(x
1
, y
1
) a fixed point.
General equation is ax+by+c =0
Parallel lines Same gradients then m
1
= m
2

Perpendicular lines If two straight lines with gradients m
1

and m
2
are perpendicular, then m
1
m
2
= -1


Distance from a point
to a line ax+by+c =0
|

|
It is advisable to draw a rough sketch when
answering questions.
Curves
Circle Equation of a circle with centre (a, b) and
radius r units.
(

when O (0,0) is the centre.

*coefficient of x
2
and y
2
are the same and
no term in xy.
Centre = (-g, -f) and r =

If a circle with centre ( h,k) touches a line
ax +by + c = 0 then
|

|
Parabola
equal distance from a
fixed point ( the
focus) and fixed line
(the directrix)
*distance from focus
and directrix = a


















A (x
1
, y
1
)
B (x
2
,y
2
)
P (x, y)
m
n
A (x
1
, y
1
)
B (x
2
,y
2
)
P (x, y)
n
m
P(x,y)
.C(a,b)
x
2
= 4ay
F(0,a)
Vertex (0,0)
Directrix, y = -a
(x- h)
2
= 4a(y-k)
F(h,k+a)
Vertex (h,k)
Directrix, y = k -a
9

* if a<0 then the shape opens downward


x
2
=-4ay
* if a<0 then the shape opens downward

(x h)
2
= - 4a(y - k)









* if a <0 then the shape opens to the left

y
2
=- 4ax









*if a <0. then the shape opens to the left

(y - k)
2
= - 4a(x h)


Ellipse
sum of distances from
P to two fixed points
is a constant.

where b
2
= a
2
- c
2


*the centre is O(0,0) and if the centre
moves to (h,k) then

(

where c
2
= a
2
- b
2

*the centre is O(0,0) and if the centre moves
to (h,k) then

(

Hyperbola
the absolute value of
the difference of the
distances from P to
two fixed points, the
foci, is a constant.
|

y
2
= 4ax
F(0,a)
Vertex (0,0)
Directrix, x = -a
(y-k)
2
= 4a(x-h)
F(h+a, k)
Vertex (h,k)
Directrix, x = h - a
(0,b)
(0,-b)
(-a,0) (a,0)
(0,a)
(0,-a)
(-b,0) (b,0)
F(c,0)
c)
F(-c, 0)
vertex
(0,a)
(0,-a)
(b,0)
(-b,0)
focus
(c,0)
(0,b)
(0,-b)
(a,0)
(-a,0)
focus
(c,0)
focus
(-c,0)
focus
(0,-c)
10

b
2
= c
2
- a
2

centre (0,0)
foci (c,0), (-c,0)
vertices (a,0), (-a,0)

*the centre is O(0,0) and if the centre
moves to (h,k) then

(

foci (h c, k)
vertices (h a, k)

b
2
= c
2
- a
2


centre (0,0)
foci (0,c), (0,-c)
vertices (0,a), (0,-a)

*the centre is O(0,0) and if the centre moves
to (h,k) then

(

foci (h, k c )
vertices (h, k a )
Parametric equations


( ( Cartesian equation can be obtained by
eliminating the parameter t from the
parametric equations
Chapter 6 Functions
Function a one to one or many to one relationship
each element in set A is mapped to its image
in set B.
*the range of the function can be obtained
easily from the graph of the function within
the domain given.
Domain set A
Codomain set B
Range set of images which is a subset of B
*can be determined by sketching the
graph of the function with its given
domain the values of y.

Equality of function Two functions are equal if and only if
they have the same rule and the same
domain.

To test is f is a
function
the vertical line test







If any vertical line in the specified domain
cuts the graph at exactly one point then f is a
function.
To test if f is a one to
one function
the horizontal line test






f is a one to one function if and only if any
horizontal line cuts the graph at most one
point.

Operations on
functions
( ( ( (

(( ((
(

*(fg) is not composite function


(

) (
(
(

(

(



11

Onto function a function is an onto function if the range
of f = codomain of f


Algebraic functions Linear functions f(x) = mx + c






m > 0 m < 0

Quadratic functions f(x) = ax
2
+ bx + c






a > 0 a < 0
cubic functions
f(x) = ax
3
+ bx
2
+ cx + d






a > 0 a < 0
f(x) = kx
n
n =positive odd integer







k > 0 k < 0

Root function
(
where x

f(x) = kx
n
n =

(eg : f(x) = 3x
1/2
)
p = positive even integer >1






k > 0 k < 0
f(x) = kx
n
n =

(eg : f(x) = 3x
1/3
)
p = positive odd integer >1






k < 0 k < 0


Reciprocal function
f(x) = kx
n
n =negative odd integer
(eg : f(x) = 3x
-1
)







k > 0 k < 0
f(x) = kx
n
n =negative even integer
(eg : f(x) = 3x
- 4
)







k > 0 k < 0


Exponential functions

(

logarithmic functions
( (






Rational functions
(
(
(
(





*there are asymptotes where (


b
assume a=0
-b/a
12

Even function ( (







symmetrical about the y-axis





Odd function ( ( symmetrical about the origin
*the graph is unchanged under a 180
o

rotation about the orgin.





Graphs of y= f(x) and
|(|








* the negative part of the graph is reflected
upon the x-axis. No line or curve below the
x-axis.
Graphs of
(

(

(

(



- If f(x) = 0 when x =a, then

(
is not
defined for x=a and x = a is the vertical
asymptote of

(
.
- if f(x) cuts the y-axis at the point ( 0,a)
then

(
will cut the y-axis at the point
(0,

.
- As f(x) ,

(

- If f(x) has a maximum / minimum at
x=a than

(
has a minimum/ maximum
at x=a.
y = f(x)






y = - f(x) reflection of f(x) on
the x-axis.




y = f(-x) reflection of f(x) on
the y-axis.

Composite functions
(

Function gf(x) exists if and only if

D
f
R
f
D
g





D
gf
= D
f
gf


Function fg(x) exists if and only if

R
g





R
gf

(0, -a)
(0, -1/a)
13

Inverse function f
-1


*For f
-1
to exists, f
must be a one to one f.




Identify function
ff
-1
and f
-1
f


To every one to one function

there exists an inverse function

such that
(

(

ff
-1
(x) = x , xe domain of f
-1


and f
-1
f(x) = x, xedomain of f


since the domain is different hence
ff
-1
= f
-1
f


y=f(x) y=x
y=f
-1
(x)





(the graph of f
-1
is the reflection of the graph
f in the line y =x.
Domain of f
-1
= R
f
Range of f
-1
=D
f


y = x

(

if and only if

(


A function f is
continuous at x = a
if and only if

( (


Limits

[( (]

[((]

(
(

(
(

*it is wrong to substitute the symbol into
the function.
Chapter 7 Differentiation

derivative of
function f with respect
to x.
also the tangent of the
curve.

( (

is not dy

is the gradient of the tangent of the

curve.
14

Differentiation of
standard functions

**

( [

(]

**

((

**

(
(
)
(

(


**

(
**

**

{[(]}

[( (] (

(

Differentiation of
products of functions

[]

the product rule
u = f(x) and v = g(x)
Differentiation of
quotients of functions

the quotient rule
Differentiation of
composite functions

the chain rule **


Differentiation of
implicit functions
eg
xy + y
3
= x
2
y
To differentiate implicit functions,
1. differentiate both sides of the
equation with respect to x.
2. place all the terms with f(x) on one
side,
3. solve for f(x).

15

Differentiation of
parametric functions
x = f(t)
y = g(t)

Applications of
differentiations
1. Tangents and Normals

is the gradient of the tangent at a point, P

on the curve.
When the coordinates of P is given,
equation of the tangent and normal at P can
be found.

2. Increasing and decreasing functions
if y = f(x) is differentiable in the
interval (a, b) and

, then f(x) is
an increasing function.


if y = f(x) is differentiable in the interval
(a, b) and

, then f(x) is an decreasing

function.

3. Stationary points

Minimum point - 0 + ( signs of

Maximum point + 0 - ( signs of

4. point of inflexion, x = x
o

**

do not change signs for all values

of x near x
o
but

changes signs passing through x

o
.

point of inflexion






*there exists a point of inflexion between a
maximum point and a minimum point for a
continuous curve.
Do not waste time determining whether the
stationary point is maximum or minimum if
the question does not ask for it.
To state the stationary points or inflexion
point give the answer in the form (x, y).
5. Curve sketching
Find
- axis of symmetry
- asymptotes*
- intersections with the axes
- stationary points
- 15ehavior of curve as x

*For rational function,
(
(
,
a. horizontal asymptotes equating
the highest power of x to 0.
b. vertical asymptotes equating the
highest power of y to 0.
** y-intercept ( when x = 0) and x-intercept
(when y = 0)
6. Newton-Raphson method

* there exists a real root between
x = a and x = b if the signs of f(a)
and f(b) is different.
( one + the other -)
to find an approximate value for a root of a
non linear equation.

= n+ 1 approximation

X
16

7. Rate of change

> 0 y increases when t increases.

< 0 y decreases when t increases.

Chapter 8 Integration
Integration is the reverse operation of differentiation

( (
( (

Standard integrals

||

| |

(


(

( ( [( (]
( (


[(]

(
[(]

(
(

(

( ( (

( (

(
(
|(|

| |
17

Integration techniques

Always check to see if the
function is in the form of

(
(

(
(
|(|

[(]

(
to use
[(]

(
[(]

Integration by Substitution
( (

*common substitution
a. ( ax + b )
n
let u = ax + b

b.

let x = a sin u
c.

let x = a tan u
d.

let u = cos x or u = sin x

Integration by Partial
Fractions

* for rational function
(
(

which is not in the form of

(
(


Express a rational function as partial
fractions, then use the formula:

(
(
|(|

(( (

|


|
Integration by Parts

*u should be simpler after differentiation
and it must be possible to integrate the
function

to get v.

for

= x v = x
2


and u = ln x

* cant integrate ln x

Definite integrals
(

[(]

( (



Trapezium rule Divide the interval from a to b into n
trapezium,

Area under the curve = sum of all trapeziums

=

[(

]








a b

18

Applications of integration

Area of regions
(

Diagram 1



a b

Area is positive above the x-axis
if below the axis change the value to
positive.

Bounded by a curve, the x-axis, x=a
and x= b

(

b

a
Diagram 2

Area is positive to the right of the y-axis if
to the left of the axis change the value to
positive.

Bounded by a curve, the y-axis, y=a
and y= b

[( (]

y=f(x)
y= g(x)

Diagram 3


a b
Bounded by the two curves between x =a
and x = b.

* find the intersection points first.

in this interval f(x) is above g(x) or
f(x) > g(x)



Volume of Revolution

rotated 360
o
about the x-axis

refer to Diagram 1

rotated 360
o
about the y-axis

refer to Diagram 2

[(]

[(]

rotated 360
o
about the x-axis

refer to Diagram 3


in this interval f(x) is above g(x) or
f(x) > g(x)

Set by Cg Shi Pei Pei
with XTLC
SMKDBDS
Sept 2010