Unit FP2: Further Pure Mathematics A2 2

Syllabus
2019
Section
—
Level
A2

FP2.1 - Inequalities

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Solve inequalities by critical intervals

An algebraic inequality is solved by finding every point where its truth value can change, then determining which intervals satisfy the original relation. Denominator zeros and modulus boundaries must be recorded before simplifying.

Form Safe algebraic route
rational inequality Move all terms to one side, combine them into N(x)/D(x)N(x)/D(x), and mark zeros of both NN and DD. Test the sign on each resulting interval.
∣F(x)∣<G(x)|F(x)|<G(x) Require G(x)>0G(x)>0, then solve −G(x)<F(x)<G(x)-G(x)<F(x)<G(x). For ≤\le, require G(x)≥0G(x)\ge0.
∣F(x)∣>G(x)|F(x)|>G(x) Where G(x)<0G(x)<0 the inequality is automatic; where G(x)≥0G(x)\ge0, solve F(x)>G(x)F(x)>G(x) or F(x)<−G(x)F(x)<-G(x). Use the analogous inclusive conditions for ≥\ge.
piecewise modulus Alternatively split at every zero of the expression inside ∣ ∣|\ |, replace it by the correct signed expression on each interval, and intersect each result with that interval.

For example, 1x−1>xx+2⟺−x2+2x+2(x−1)(x+2)>0.\frac1{x-1}>\frac{x}{x+2}\quad\Longleftrightarrow\quad\frac{-x^2+2x+2}{(x-1)(x+2)}>0. The numerator is zero at x=1±3x=1\pm\sqrt3; the denominator is zero at x=−2,1x=-2,1. A sign chart across these four ordered critical points gives −2<x<1−3or1<x<1+3.-2<x<1-\sqrt3\quad\text{or}\quad1<x<1+\sqrt3. The denominator points are excluded even though they separate sign intervals.

For the official model inequality ∣x2−1∣>2(x+1)|x^2-1|>2(x+1), the right side is negative when x<−1x<-1, so that whole interval works automatically. For x≥−1x\ge-1, solve x2−1>2(x+1)orx2−1<−2(x+1).x^2-1>2(x+1)\quad\text{or}\quad x^2-1<-2(x+1). These become (x−3)(x+1)>0(x-3)(x+1)>0 or (x+1)2<0(x+1)^2<0, giving x>3x>3. Hence the full solution is x<−1orx>3.x<-1\quad\text{or}\quad x>3.

Never multiply an inequality by an expression whose sign is unknown: the inequality direction might need to reverse. Keep exact critical values, test every interval, exclude every point where the original expression is undefined, and include a numerator or equality boundary only when the original inequality permits equality.

FP2.2 - Series

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Sum a finite series by cancellation

The method of differences rewrites each term as a difference of shifted expressions. When consecutive terms are displayed, the interior contributions cancel and only a small number of boundary terms remain.

Step Purpose
Decompose the summand Use partial fractions, or a supplied identity, to write the term as shifted copies such as ur−ur+mu_r-u_{r+m}.
Verify the identity Recombine the parts before summing so that constants, signs and shifts are correct.
Display boundary terms Write enough terms from the beginning and end to show exactly what cancels.
Collect survivors Keep the first mm positive terms and the final mm negative terms, then simplify.

∑r=pq(ur−ur+m)=∑j=0m−1up+j−∑j=1muq+j\sum_{r=p}^{q}(u_r-u_{r+m})=\sum_{j=0}^{m-1}u_{p+j}-\sum_{j=1}^{m}u_{q+j}

For the official model, partial fractions give 1r(r+1)=1r−1r+1.\frac1{r(r+1)}=\frac1r-\frac1{r+1}. Therefore ∑r=1n1r(r+1)=(1−12)+(12−13)+⋯+(1n−1n+1).\sum_{r=1}^{n}\frac1{r(r+1)}=\left(1-\frac12\right)+\left(\frac12-\frac13\right)+\cdots+\left(\frac1n-\frac1{n+1}\right). Every interior fraction cancels, leaving 1−1n+1=nn+1.1-\frac1{n+1}=\frac{n}{n+1}.

If a closed form S(n)=∑r=pnf(r)S(n)=\sum_{r=p}^{n}f(r) is already known, a later finite block is found by subtraction: ∑r=abf(r)=S(b)−S(a−1).\sum_{r=a}^{b}f(r)=S(b)-S(a-1). This preserves the correct first included term r=ar=a.

Do not claim cancellation without showing the shifted terms, and do not discard every middle-looking term when the shift is m>1m>1: exactly mm terms survive at each boundary. Check the starting index before using partial fractions whose denominators could be zero. This objective concerns finite series; an infinite limit requires separate convergence justification and is not asserted here.

FP2.3 - Further complex numbers

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Use Euler's relation to rewrite trigonometric functions

Euler's relation represents a rotation through a real angle θ\theta as a complex exponential: eiθ=cos⁡θ+isin⁡θe^{i\theta}=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta. Its real and imaginary parts are the coordinates of the corresponding point on the unit circle.

eiθ=cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ,e−iθ=cos⁡θ−isin⁡θe^{i\theta}=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta,\qquad e^{-i\theta}=\cos\theta-i\sin\theta

The second relation is obtained by replacing θ\theta with −θ-\theta and using that cosine is even while sine is odd. Adding the two equations eliminates the imaginary terms; subtracting them eliminates the cosine terms.

cos⁡θ=eiθ+e−iθ2,sin⁡θ=eiθ−e−iθ2i\cos\theta=\frac{e^{i\theta}+e^{-i\theta}}{2},\qquad \sin\theta=\frac{e^{i\theta}-e^{-i\theta}}{2i}

For example, e3iθ+e−3iθ=2cos⁡3θ,e^{3i\theta}+e^{-3i\theta}=2\cos3\theta, while e3iθ−e−3iθ=2isin⁡3θ.e^{3i\theta}-e^{-3i\theta}=2i\sin3\theta. These conversions let a trigonometric expression be handled with laws of indices and then converted back.

Keep the minus sign in e−iθe^{-i\theta} and the factor ii in the sine denominator. The quotient is real because the numerator eiθ−e−iθe^{i\theta}-e^{-i\theta} is purely imaginary. Euler's relation here concerns complex exponentials; it does not say that eiθe^{i\theta} is a real exponential.

Prove and apply De Moivre's theorem

De Moivre's theorem says that multiplying a complex number in polar form nn times multiplies its argument by nn and raises its modulus to the power nn. For every integer nn,(cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ)n=cos⁡(nθ)+isin⁡(nθ).(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^n=\cos(n\theta)+i\sin(n\theta).More generally, [r(cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ)]n=rn[cos⁡(nθ)+isin⁡(nθ)][r(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)]^n=r^n[\cos(n\theta)+i\sin(n\theta)].

For positive integers, the result follows by induction. The case n=1n=1 is immediate. If it holds for n=kn=k, multiplication by cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ\cos\theta+i\sin\theta and the angle-addition formulae give cos⁡((k+1)θ)+isin⁡((k+1)θ)\cos((k+1)\theta)+i\sin((k+1)\theta). For n=0n=0, both sides equal 11. For negative nn, take the reciprocal of the positive-power result; the reciprocal of cos⁡ϕ+isin⁡ϕ\cos\phi+i\sin\phi is cos⁡ϕ−isin⁡ϕ\cos\phi-i\sin\phi. This proves the theorem for every integer nn.

Required use Teaching move
Multiple-angle identity Expand (cos⁡θ+isin⁡θ)n(\cos\theta+i\sin\theta)^n, then equate real parts for cosine or imaginary parts for sine.
Power reduction Write powers using eiθe^{i\theta} and e−iθe^{-i\theta}, expand, then pair conjugate exponentials as cosines.
Roots of a complex number Include every argument ϕ+2kπ\phi+2k\pi before dividing by the root number.

For instance, equating imaginary parts when n=3n=3 gives sin⁡3θ=3sin⁡θcos⁡2θ−sin⁡3θ=3sin⁡θ−4sin⁡3θ.\sin3\theta=3\sin\theta\cos^2\theta-\sin^3\theta=3\sin\theta-4\sin^3\theta. In the reverse direction, Euler's forms give cos⁡2θ=1+cos⁡2θ2.\cos^2\theta=\frac{1+\cos2\theta}{2}. Thus the same theorem connects multiple angles with powers in both directions.

zm=R(cos⁡ϕ+isin⁡ϕ) ⟹ zk=R1/m(cos⁡ϕ+2kπm+isin⁡ϕ+2kπm),k=0,1,…,m−1z^m=R(\cos\phi+i\sin\phi)\ \Longrightarrow\ z_k=R^{1/m}\left(\cos\frac{\phi+2k\pi}{m}+i\sin\frac{\phi+2k\pi}{m}\right),\quad k=0,1,\ldots,m-1

The mm values have equal modulus R1/mR^{1/m} and arguments separated by 2π/m2\pi/m, so they form a regular mm-gon centred at the origin. Substitute one root into the original equation to check the modulus and multiplied argument.

De Moivre's theorem in this objective is proved for integer powers. When finding roots, do not use only one principal argument: the 2kπ2k\pi term is what produces all distinct roots. When equating parts, retain only terms with the correct real or imaginary parity and use one consistent angle unit.

Read loci and regions on an Argand diagram

On an Argand diagram, ∣z−a∣|z-a| is the distance from the point zz to the fixed point aa, while arg⁡(z−a)\arg(z-a) is the directed angle of the displacement from aa to zz. Translate each complex condition into distance or angle geometry before sketching.

Complex condition Geometric locus or region
∣z−a∣=b|z-a|=b, b>0b>0 Circle with centre aa and radius bb.
∣z−a∣=k∣z−b∣|z-a|=k|z-b|, k>0k>0 Fixed ratio of distances: an Apollonius circle if k≠1k\ne1; the perpendicular bisector of abab if k=1k=1.
arg⁡(z−a)=β\arg(z-a)=\beta Ray from aa in direction β\beta; the point aa is excluded because its argument is undefined.
arg⁡ ⁣(z−az−b)=β\arg\!\left(\frac{z-a}{z-b}\right)=\beta Points from which the segment joining aa and bb subtends the fixed directed angle β\beta; normally an arc through aa and bb, with both endpoints excluded.
∣z−a∣≤∣z−b∣|z-a|\le |z-b| The half-plane at least as close to aa as to bb, including the perpendicular-bisector boundary.
∣z−a∣≤b|z-a|\le b The closed disc with centre aa and radius bb.

For an exact equation, set z=x+iyz=x+iy and write each modulus as a squared distance. For example, ∣z∣=2∣z−3∣|z|=2|z-3| becomes x2+y2=4[(x−3)2+y2],x^2+y^2=4[(x-3)^2+y^2], so (x−4)2+y2=4.(x-4)^2+y^2=4. The locus is therefore the circle with centre (4,0)(4,0) and radius 22.

For an inequality, first draw its equality boundary, test a point not on that boundary to choose the correct side, and use a solid boundary for ≤\le or ≥\ge. For an argument condition, also respect the stated argument range so that the correct ray or arc is selected.

A modulus is a non-negative distance, not the complex number itself. Squaring a modulus equation is safe when both sides are non-negative, but expand coordinates before completing the square. An argument condition gives a directed angle and excludes every point that makes its numerator or denominator zero; do not replace a ray by a full straight line.

Map loci between the z-plane and w-plane

A transformation assigns each permitted point zz in the source plane a point ww in the image plane. To find the image of a locus, connect z=x+iyz=x+iy and w=u+ivw=u+iv through the transformation, substitute into the source condition, and simplify until the result is a condition on uu and vv.

Transformation Reliable route
w=z2w=z^2 Use u=x2−y2u=x^2-y^2 and v=2xyv=2xy, or use ∣w∣=∣z∣2|w|=|z|^2 and arg⁡w=2arg⁡z\arg w=2\arg z. Remember that zz and −z-z have the same image.
w=az+bcz+dw=\dfrac{az+b}{cz+d} Rearrange to z=b−dwcw−az=\dfrac{b-dw}{cw-a} when the inverse is defined, then impose the original locus condition.
Cartesian source condition Put w=u+ivw=u+iv, rationalise any denominator, equate real and imaginary parts, and complete the square or collect line terms.

For example, let w=z−1z+1,z≠−1.w=\frac{z-1}{z+1},\qquad z\ne-1. If zz lies on the imaginary axis, then z=iyz=iy for real yy, so ∣w∣=∣iy−1∣∣iy+1∣=1.|w|=\frac{|iy-1|}{|iy+1|}=1. The image lies on the unit circle. Solving z=(1+w)/(1−w)z=(1+w)/(1-w) shows that w=1w=1 has no finite preimage, so the image is the unit circle with that point excluded.

For a non-degenerate fractional linear transformation, ad−bc≠0ad-bc\ne0. If c≠0c\ne0, the source value z=−d/cz=-d/c is a pole and is excluded; the inverse also reveals any missing image value. Lines and circles commonly map to lines or circles, but the algebra and exclusions decide which one in a particular problem.

After obtaining the image equation, check it with one easy source point: transform that point directly and verify that its ww-coordinates satisfy the new equation. This catches sign errors introduced while rationalising or completing the square.

Do not transform only the equation and forget the domain. A denominator-zero source point is not mapped, and an inverse denominator can identify a point absent from the image. Under w=z2w=z^2, doubling an argument may require reduction to the required argument interval, and the mapping is two-to-one away from the origin.

FP2.4 - First order differential equations

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Solve and sketch separable first-order equations

A first-order equation is separable when it can be written as dydx=g(x)h(y),\frac{dy}{dx}=g(x)h(y), so every factor involving yy can be placed with dydy and every factor involving xx with dxdx. The constant of integration produces a family of solution curves; an initial condition selects one member.

Step Reason
Form the equation Translate a rate statement into dy/dxdy/dx and define every variable and constant.
Record equilibrium solutions If h(y)=0h(y)=0, constant curves may solve the equation and would be lost by division.
Separate and integrate Write 1h(y) dy=g(x) dx\dfrac{1}{h(y)}\,dy=g(x)\,dx, then include one arbitrary constant.
Apply the condition Substitute the given (x,y)(x,y) pair to obtain the particular solution.
Analyse before sketching Find the domain, asymptotes and stationary points; use the sign of dy/dxdy/dx for increasing or decreasing branches.

For dydx=x(1+y),y(0)=0,\frac{dy}{dx}=x(1+y),\qquad y(0)=0, first record the equilibrium solution y=−1y=-1. For the other solutions,∫11+y dy=∫x dx,\int\frac{1}{1+y}\,dy=\int x\,dx,so ln⁡∣1+y∣=x22+C⟹y=Aex2/2−1.\ln|1+y|=\frac{x^2}{2}+C\quad\Longrightarrow\quad y=Ae^{x^2/2}-1.The condition y(0)=0y(0)=0 gives A=1A=1, hence y=ex2/2−1y=e^{x^2/2}-1.

For the full family y=Aex2/2−1y=Ae^{x^2/2}-1, every curve is symmetric about the yy-axis and has dy/dx=0dy/dx=0 at x=0x=0. Curves with A>0A>0 lie above the equilibrium and have a minimum at x=0x=0; curves with A<0A<0 lie below it and have a maximum there. This qualitative information should agree with any plotted member.

Do not divide by a function of yy before checking where it is zero, because this can discard equilibrium solutions. Keep the integration constant until an initial or boundary condition is applied, and state the interval on which logarithms, denominators and the explicit solution are defined. A sketch must follow the solved curve and the differential equation's gradient signs, not a generic shape.

Solve a linear first-order equation with an integrating factor

A first-order linear equation must first be written in the standard form dydx+P(x)y=Q(x).\frac{dy}{dx}+P(x)y=Q(x). Its integrating factor is μ(x)=e∫P(x) dx.\mu(x)=e^{\int P(x)\,dx}. Because μ′=Pμ\mu'=P\mu, multiplying by μ\mu turns the entire left side into the product derivative ddx(μy)\dfrac{d}{dx}(\mu y).

ddx(μy)=μQ⟹y=∫μ(x)Q(x) dx+Cμ(x)\frac{d}{dx}(\mu y)=\mu Q\quad\Longrightarrow\quad y=\frac{\int \mu(x)Q(x)\,dx+C}{\mu(x)}

Step Check
Normalise Divide by the coefficient of dy/dxdy/dx; identify PP and QQ only afterwards.
Build μ\mu Integrate PP with the correct sign; a non-zero constant factor in μ\mu is immaterial.
Multiply every term Verify that the left side equals (μy)′(\mu y)'.
Integrate once Integrate μQ\mu Q, add CC, then divide by μ\mu.
Particularise and verify Apply the condition, then substitute or differentiate to check the result.

For dydx−2y=x,\frac{dy}{dx}-2y=x, we have P=−2P=-2 and μ=e−2x\mu=e^{-2x}. Thus (e−2xy)′=xe−2x.(e^{-2x}y)'=xe^{-2x}.Integration by parts gives e−2xy=−e−2x(x2+14)+C,e^{-2x}y=-e^{-2x}\left(\frac{x}{2}+\frac14\right)+C, so y=−x2−14+Ce2x.y=-\frac{x}{2}-\frac14+Ce^{2x}. If y(0)=34y(0)=\tfrac34, then C=1C=1.

The term containing CC is the homogeneous part of the family, while the remaining terms form one particular response to Q(x)Q(x). Their sum is still a solution because the equation is linear.

The integrating-factor formula applies after the equation is in standard linear form; PP and QQ may be functions of xx but not of yy. Multiplying only some terms, using ePe^{P} instead of e∫P dxe^{\int P\,dx}, or forgetting to divide the final expression by μ\mu breaks the product-derivative identity. Preserve the stated xx-domain when division or logarithms are involved.

Use a given substitution to reduce a first-order equation

A given substitution is useful when it converts a non-standard first-order equation into either a separable equation or a linear equation. The essential move is to differentiate the substitution with the chain rule, replace every occurrence of the old dependent variable consistently, and solve the resulting equation in the new variable.

Given form Differentiate as
v=y−g(x)v=y-g(x) dvdx=dydx−g′(x)\dfrac{dv}{dx}=\dfrac{dy}{dx}-g'(x)
v=ynv=y^n dvdx=nyn−1dydx\dfrac{dv}{dx}=ny^{n-1}\dfrac{dy}{dx}
v=y−nv=y^{-n} dvdx=−ny−n−1dydx\dfrac{dv}{dx}=-ny^{-n-1}\dfrac{dy}{dx}
y=F(v)y=F(v) dydx=F′(v)dvdx\dfrac{dy}{dx}=F'(v)\dfrac{dv}{dx}

After differentiating, substitute into the original equation and simplify until only xx, vv and dv/dxdv/dx remain. Identify the transformed equation as separable or linear, solve it by the corresponding earlier method, restore the integration constant, and finally replace vv to express the result in the requested variable and form.

Consider dydx+2y=xy3\frac{dy}{dx}+2y=xy^3 with the given substitution v=y−2v=y^{-2}. Since dvdx=−2y−3dydx,\frac{dv}{dx}=-2y^{-3}\frac{dy}{dx}, multiplying the original equation by −2y−3-2y^{-3} gives dvdx−4v=−2x.\frac{dv}{dx}-4v=-2x.This is linear. With integrating factor e−4xe^{-4x},ve−4x=∫−2xe−4x dx=e−4x(x2+18)+C,ve^{-4x}=\int-2xe^{-4x}\,dx=e^{-4x}\left(\frac{x}{2}+\frac18\right)+C,so v=x2+18+Ce4x,y2=1x2+18+Ce4x.v=\frac{x}{2}+\frac18+Ce^{4x},\qquad y^2=\frac{1}{\frac{x}{2}+\frac18+Ce^{4x}}.

The substitution may impose restrictions. Here v=y−2v=y^{-2} assumes y≠0y\ne0, so the original equation must be checked separately: y=0y=0 is also a solution and was excluded during the transformation. Do not stop at the equation in vv unless that is what was requested, and do not confuse this first-order reduction with the separate second-order workflow in FP2.5.

FP2.5 - Second order differential equations

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Solve a linear second-order differential equation

For a constant-coefficient equation ad2ydx2+bdydx+cy=f(x),a≠0,a\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}+b\frac{dy}{dx}+cy=f(x),\qquad a\ne0, the general solution is the sum of the complementary function (CF), which solves the homogeneous equation, and one particular integral (PI), which accounts for f(x)f(x): y=CF+PIy=\mathrm{CF}+\mathrm{PI}.

Roots of am2+bm+c=0am^2+bm+c=0 Complementary function
Distinct real m1,m2m_1,m_2 Aem1x+Bem2xAe^{m_1x}+Be^{m_2x}
Repeated real mm (A+Bx)emx(A+Bx)e^{mx}
Complex α±iβ\alpha\pm i\beta eαx(Acos⁡βx+Bsin⁡βx)e^{\alpha x}(A\cos\beta x+B\sin\beta x)

The auxiliary equation comes from trying y=emxy=e^{mx} in the homogeneous equation. Each independent root solution contributes an arbitrary constant, so a second-order equation has two constants before conditions are imposed.

Form of f(x)f(x) Trial form for the PI
kepxke^{px} λepx\lambda e^{px}
A+BxA+Bx λx+μ\lambda x+\mu
p+qx+cx2p+qx+cx^2 λx2+μx+ν\lambda x^2+\mu x+\nu
mcos⁡ωx+nsin⁡ωxm\cos\omega x+n\sin\omega x λcos⁡ωx+μsin⁡ωx\lambda\cos\omega x+\mu\sin\omega x

Differentiate the trial, substitute it into the full equation and compare coefficients to determine its unknowns. If any part of the trial is already in the CF, multiply the whole trial by xx; use another factor of xx if the overlap is repeated.

For the official resonance model y′′+4y=sin⁡2x,y''+4y=\sin2x, the auxiliary roots are ±2i\pm2i, so CF=Acos⁡2x+Bsin⁡2x.\mathrm{CF}=A\cos2x+B\sin2x. A trial Ccos⁡2x+Dsin⁡2xC\cos2x+D\sin2x duplicates the CF and contributes zero. Use an xx factor instead: yp=Kxcos⁡2xy_p=Kx\cos2x. Since (xcos⁡2x)′′+4xcos⁡2x=−4sin⁡2x(x\cos2x)''+4x\cos2x=-4\sin2x, K=−14K=-\tfrac14. Hence y=Acos⁡2x+Bsin⁡2x−14xcos⁡2x.y=A\cos2x+B\sin2x-\frac14x\cos2x.

Apply values of yy and y′y' only after CF and PI have been combined, producing two simultaneous equations for AA and BB. A final substitution into the differential equation checks both the PI coefficients and any resonance factor.

Do not use the auxiliary equation on the non-homogeneous right side, and do not call the CF alone the general solution when f(x)≠0f(x)\ne0. A repeated root requires the factor xx in the CF; overlap between the PI trial and the CF also requires an extra factor xx. Keep the frequency ω\omega, exponential rate pp and all derivative signs exact.

Reduce a second-order equation using a given substitution

A given substitution can turn a variable-coefficient second-order equation into the constant-coefficient type just solved. The decisive step is to transform both derivatives with the chain rule before simplifying; every derivative must be taken with respect to the variable displayed in its denominator.

Given substitution Required derivative relations
t=g(x)t=g(x) dydx=dydtg′(x)\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\dfrac{dy}{dt}g'(x) and d2ydx2=d2ydt2[g′(x)]2+dydtg′′(x)\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\dfrac{d^2y}{dt^2}[g'(x)]^2+\dfrac{dy}{dt}g''(x)
x=h(t)x=h(t) dydx=dy/dtdx/dt\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\dfrac{dy/dt}{dx/dt} and d2ydx2=yttxt−ytxtt(xt)3\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2}=\dfrac{y_{tt}x_t-y_tx_{tt}}{(x_t)^3}
y=q(x)v(x)y=q(x)v(x) y′=q′v+qv′y'=q'v+qv' and y′′=q′′v+2q′v′+qv′′y''=q''v+2q'v'+qv''

Differentiate the supplied relation, replace y′y', y′′y'' and every explicit occurrence of the old variable, then cancel common non-zero factors using the stated domain. Check that the resulting equation is exactly the claimed constant-coefficient form. Solve it as CF + PI in the new variable, and finally back-substitute both the variable and any dependent-variable relation.

For x2y′′+3xy′−3y=2ln⁡x,x>0,x^2y''+3xy'-3y=2\ln x,\qquad x>0, take the given substitution t=ln⁡xt=\ln x. Then y′=1xyt,y′′=1x2(ytt−yt),y'=\frac1x y_t,\qquad y''=\frac1{x^2}(y_{tt}-y_t), so the equation becomes ytt+2yt−3y=2t.y_{tt}+2y_t-3y=2t. Its auxiliary roots are 11 and −3-3. A PI at+bat+b gives a=−23a=-\tfrac23 and b=−49b=-\tfrac49, hence y=Aet+Be−3t−23t−49.y=Ae^t+Be^{-3t}-\frac23t-\frac49. Returning to xx gives y=Ax+Bx−3−23ln⁡x−49,x>0.y=Ax+Bx^{-3}-\frac23\ln x-\frac49,\qquad x>0.

The transformed equation and the final answer can be checked independently: substitute the derivative relations into the original equation for the first check, then replace the final yy and its xx-derivatives in the original equation for the second.

Do not replace xx in the coefficients while leaving derivatives in the old variable. For t=ln⁡xt=\ln x the condition x>0x>0 is essential; for a square-root substitution, track the stated branch and domain. Constants AA and BB remain arbitrary through back-substitution, but the same letter must not be used ambiguously for both a coefficient and a new variable.

FP2.6 - Maclaurin and Taylor series

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Calculate and organise higher derivatives

The nnth derivative of y=f(x)y=f(x) is written f(n)(x)f^{(n)}(x) or dnydxn\dfrac{d^ny}{dx^n}. Higher derivatives are found by differentiating successively, but patterns, recurrences and a derivative table prevent repeated algebra from becoming unmanageable.

Function Useful nnth derivative pattern
ekxe^{kx} knekxk^ne^{kx}
sin⁡(kx)\sin(kx) knsin⁡ ⁣(kx+nπ2)k^n\sin\!\left(kx+\dfrac{n\pi}{2}\right)
(ax+b)p(ax+b)^p anp(p−1)⋯(p−n+1)(ax+b)p−na^np(p-1)\cdots(p-n+1)(ax+b)^{p-n}
ln⁡(ax+b)\ln(ax+b), n≥1n\ge1 (−1)n−1(n−1)!an(ax+b)n\dfrac{(-1)^{n-1}(n-1)!a^n}{(ax+b)^n}

For y=ln⁡(2+x)y=\ln(2+x),y′=12+x,y′′=−1(2+x)2,y′′′=2(2+x)3.y'=\frac1{2+x},\qquad y''=-\frac1{(2+x)^2},\qquad y'''=\frac2{(2+x)^3}.The powers, alternating signs and factorial factors give y(n)=(−1)n−1(n−1)!(2+x)n,n≥1.y^{(n)}=\frac{(-1)^{n-1}(n-1)!}{(2+x)^n},\qquad n\ge1. Substituting n=1,2,3n=1,2,3 checks the general expression.

When a function satisfies a differential relation, differentiating that relation can be shorter than starting again from the original function. Keep every product-rule term: differentiating x,y′′x,y'' gives y′′+x,y′′′y''+x,y'''. Values of lower derivatives at a point can then determine a required higher derivative there.

The order belongs to the whole derivative: d3y/dx3d^3y/dx^3 is not (dy/dx)3(dy/dx)^3. Reapply product and chain rules at every stage, simplify before looking for a pattern, and verify a claimed nnth-derivative formula against the first two or three cases. State any restriction inherited from logarithms or denominators.

Derive and use Maclaurin series

A Maclaurin series is a Taylor series centred at 00. Its coefficients are chosen so that the polynomial and the function have the same successive derivatives at x=0x=0:f(x)=f(0)+f′(0)x+f′′(0)2!x2+⋯+f(n)(0)n!xn+⋯ .f(x)=f(0)+f'(0)x+\frac{f''(0)}{2!}x^2+\cdots+\frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!}x^n+\cdots.

If f(x)=a0+a1x+a2x2+⋯f(x)=a_0+a_1x+a_2x^2+\cdots, then setting x=0x=0 gives a0=f(0)a_0=f(0). Differentiate once and set x=0x=0 to get a1=f′(0)a_1=f'(0); differentiating rr times gives f(r)(0)=r!arf^{(r)}(0)=r!a_r. Hence ar=f(r)(0)/r!a_r=f^{(r)}(0)/r!.

Function Maclaurin expansion
exe^x 1+x+x22!+x33!+⋯1+x+\dfrac{x^2}{2!}+\dfrac{x^3}{3!}+\cdots
sin⁡x\sin x x−x33!+x55!−⋯x-\dfrac{x^3}{3!}+\dfrac{x^5}{5!}-\cdots
cos⁡x\cos x 1−x22!+x44!−⋯1-\dfrac{x^2}{2!}+\dfrac{x^4}{4!}-\cdots
ln⁡(1+x)\ln(1+x) x−x22+x33−x44+⋯x-\dfrac{x^2}{2}+\dfrac{x^3}{3}-\dfrac{x^4}{4}+\cdots, for ∣x∣<1|x|<1

The logarithmic expansion follows because for r≥1r\ge1, drdxrln⁡(1+x)∣x=0=(−1)r−1(r−1)!.\left.\frac{d^r}{dx^r}\ln(1+x)\right|_{x=0}=(-1)^{r-1}(r-1)!. Standard series may then be adapted and combined. For example,ln⁡1+x1−x=ln⁡(1+x)−ln⁡(1−x)=2x+2x33+O(x5).\ln\frac{1+x}{1-x}=\ln(1+x)-\ln(1-x)=2x+\frac{2x^3}{3}+O(x^5). Even powers cancel, so only the needed terms should be retained.

Divide each derivative value by the matching factorial, write terms in ascending powers, and distinguish the number of non-zero terms from the highest power requested. A truncated series is a local approximation, not an identity for every xx; preserve the relevant domain, especially ∣x∣<1|x|<1 for the displayed logarithmic series.

Expand a function with a Taylor series

A Taylor series expands f(x)f(x) about a chosen centre x=ax=a in powers of the displacement h=x−ah=x-a:f(x)=f(a)+f′(a)h+f′′(a)2!h2+f′′′(a)3!h3+⋯ .f(x)=f(a)+f'(a)h+\frac{f''(a)}{2!}h^2+\frac{f'''(a)}{3!}h^3+\cdots.The coefficients therefore describe the function's value and successive local changes at aa, not at 00.

Step Action
Set the centre Write h=x−ah=x-a and keep all final powers in hh.
Build a derivative table Evaluate f(a),f′(a),…,f(n)(a)f(a),f'(a),\ldots,f^{(n)}(a) through the requested power.
Insert factorials Use f(r)(a)hr/r!f^{(r)}(a)h^r/r! for each term.
Simplify and truncate Give ascending powers through the stated order and use an ellipsis or remainder notation.

For the official example f(x)=sin⁡xf(x)=\sin x about a=πa=\pi, let h=x−πh=x-\pi. The derivative values aref(π)=0,f′(π)=−1,f′′(π)=0,f′′′(π)=1.f(\pi)=0,\quad f'(\pi)=-1,\quad f''(\pi)=0,\quad f'''(\pi)=1.Therefore, up to and including h3h^3,sin⁡x=−(x−π)+(x−π)36+O ⁣((x−π)4).\sin x=-(x-\pi)+\frac{(x-\pi)^3}{6}+O\!\left((x-\pi)^4\right). Directly using sin⁡(π+h)=−sin⁡h\sin(\pi+h)=-\sin h confirms the signs.

Do not insert derivatives evaluated at 00 unless the centre is 00. The coefficient of (x−a)r(x-a)^r is f(r)(a)/r!f^{(r)}(a)/r!, not merely the derivative value. If a question asks through (x−a)3(x-a)^3, include zero coefficients only when they clarify the structure, and do not replace the requested shifted powers by expanded powers of xx.

Find a local series solution of a differential equation

The Taylor-series method solves a differential equation locally by using the equation and its derivatives to generate y(a),y′(a),y′′(a),…y(a),y'(a),y''(a),\ldots at the expansion centre. A term through (x−a)n(x-a)^n requires derivative values through y(n)(a)y^{(n)}(a).

Step Purpose
Use the given conditions Record y(a)y(a) and the supplied lower derivatives.
Evaluate the equation at aa Solve for the next derivative value.
Differentiate the equation Generate each further derivative, keeping all product-rule terms.
Evaluate again at aa Substitute values already found before moving to the next order.
Assemble the Taylor polynomial Use y(r)(a)(x−a)r/r!y^{(r)}(a)(x-a)^r/r! and stop at the requested power.

For the official modely′′+xy′+y=0,y(0)=1,y′(0)=0,y''+xy'+y=0,\qquad y(0)=1,\quad y'(0)=0,the original equation at 00 gives y′′(0)=−1y''(0)=-1. Differentiating once givesy′′′+2y′+xy′′=0,y'''+2y'+xy''=0,so y′′′(0)=0y'''(0)=0. Differentiating again givesy′′′′+3y′′+xy′′′=0,y''''+3y''+xy'''=0,so y′′′′(0)=3y''''(0)=3. Hence, through x4x^4,y=1- rac{x^2}{2!}+\frac{3x^4}{4!}+O(x^5)=1-\frac{x^2}{2}+\frac{x^4}{8}+O(x^5).

Equivalently, substitute y=a0+a1x+a2x2+⋯y=a_0+a_1x+a_2x^2+\cdots and its differentiated series into the equation, then equate coefficients. The derivative-at-the-centre method is usually shorter when initial values are supplied explicitly.

Each differentiation changes product terms: for example, (xy′)′=y′+xy′′(xy')'=y'+xy''. Do not stop after finding derivatives; factorial denominators are still required when forming the series. The truncated polynomial is a local series solution to the requested order, not a claim that the omitted remainder is zero.

FP2.7 - Polar coordinates

Syllabus
2019
Topic
—
Level
A2

Interpret and sketch polar curves

A polar point (r,θ)(r,\theta) lies a distance r≥0r\ge0 from the pole in the direction measured by θ\theta from the initial line. Cartesian and polar descriptions are connected byx=rcos⁡θ,y=rsin⁡θ,r2=x2+y2.x=r\cos\theta,\qquad y=r\sin\theta,\qquad r^2=x^2+y^2.At the pole r=0r=0, the angle is not unique.

Polar equation Structure to recognise
θ=α\theta=\alpha Ray from the pole at angle α\alpha when r≥0r\ge0.
r=psec⁡(α−θ)r=p\sec(\alpha-\theta) Straight line xcos⁡α+ysin⁡α=px\cos\alpha+y\sin\alpha=p.
r=ar=a Circle centred at the pole, radius aa.
r=2acos⁡θr=2a\cos\theta Circle centre (a,0)(a,0), radius aa.
r=kθr=k\theta Spiral whose radius changes linearly with angle.
r=a(1±cos⁡θ)r=a(1\pm\cos\theta) Cardioid; the sign determines its orientation.
r=a(3+2cos⁡θ)r=a(3+2\cos\theta) Limacon with a≤r≤5aa\le r\le5a when a>0a>0.
r=acos⁡2θr=a\cos2\theta Rose-type curve; locate permitted intervals, zeros and extrema.
r2=a2cos⁡2θr^2=a^2\cos2\theta Lemniscate; real points require cos⁡2θ≥0\cos2\theta\ge0.

To sketch reliably, first state the permitted θ\theta interval. Test symmetry by replacing θ\theta with −θ-\theta or π−θ\pi-\theta, solve r=0r=0 for passages through the pole, find maximum and minimum rr, and calculate a small table at exact angles. Plot in increasing θ\theta so the order of loops or arcs is clear.

Cartesian conversion can confirm the shape. For example,r=2acos⁡θ⟹r2=2arcos⁡θ,r=2a\cos\theta\quad\Longrightarrow\quad r^2=2ar\cos\theta,so x2+y2=2ax⟹(x−a)2+y2=a2.x^2+y^2=2ax\quad\Longrightarrow\quad (x-a)^2+y^2=a^2.This proves that the polar curve is the circle described in the table.

Curves drawn over the same ray intersect where their admissible radii are equal. Solve r1(θ)=r2(θ)r_1(\theta)=r_2(\theta), retain angles in the stated range, and substitute back for the exact radius. The pole may be a shared point even when it arises from different angle values.

Under the stated convention r≥0r\ge0, discard angle intervals that make an unsquared radius negative unless the question explicitly defines a signed-radius plotting convention. Do not treat tan⁡θ=y/x\tan\theta=y/x alone as a quadrant check, and do not assume one period traces every curve exactly once; use symmetry, zeros and the supplied interval.

Find polar areas and axis-parallel tangents

A narrow polar sector of angle dθd\theta has area approximately 12r2dθ\tfrac12r^2d\theta. Therefore the area swept once as θ\theta runs from α\alpha to β\beta isA=12∫αβr2 dθ.A=\frac12\int_{\alpha}^{\beta}r^2\,d\theta.The limits must describe the actual boundary rays or curve intersections of the required region.

Step Check
Find boundary angles Solve intersections or use the stated rays; keep only admissible values.
Identify the swept region Check whether one integral gives it directly or whether a second polar area or a triangle must be subtracted.
Square before integrating Expand r2r^2 and use exact trigonometric identities.
Evaluate in radians Retain exact values of π\pi and radicals until the end.

For the upper half of the cardioid r=a(1+cos⁡θ)r=a(1+\cos\theta), 0≤θ≤π0\le\theta\le\pi,A=a22∫0π(1+2cos⁡θ+cos⁡2θ) dθ.A=\frac{a^2}{2}\int_0^\pi(1+2\cos\theta+\cos^2\theta)\,d\theta.Using cos⁡2θ=12(1+cos⁡2θ)\cos^2\theta=\tfrac12(1+\cos2\theta) givesA=a22(π+π2)=3πa24.A=\frac{a^2}{2}\left(\pi+\frac\pi2\right)=\frac{3\pi a^2}{4}.

dxdθ=r′cos⁡θ−rsin⁡θ,dydθ=r′sin⁡θ+rcos⁡θ,dydx=dy/dθdx/dθ\frac{dx}{d\theta}=r'\cos\theta-r\sin\theta,\qquad \frac{dy}{d\theta}=r'\sin\theta+r\cos\theta,\qquad \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy/d\theta}{dx/d\theta}

Required tangent Condition
Parallel to the initial line dy/dθ=0dy/d\theta=0 and dx/dθ≠0dx/d\theta\ne0.
At right angles to the initial line dx/dθ=0dx/d\theta=0 and dy/dθ≠0dy/d\theta\ne0.

For r=2acos⁡θr=2a\cos\theta, at θ=π/4\theta=\pi/4 we have r=2ar=\sqrt2a. Alsodydθ=2acos⁡2θ=0,dxdθ=−2asin⁡2θ=−2a≠0.\frac{dy}{d\theta}=2a\cos2\theta=0,\qquad \frac{dx}{d\theta}=-2a\sin2\theta=-2a\ne0.Thus the tangent is parallel to the initial line at (r,θ)=(2a,π/4)(r,\theta)=(\sqrt2a,\pi/4), the top point (a,a)(a,a) of the circle.

The area formula counts a region once only when the chosen interval traces its boundary once. If dx/dθdx/d\theta and dy/dθdy/d\theta are both zero, the simple horizontal/vertical test is inconclusive and the local curve needs separate analysis. Never divide by dx/dθdx/d\theta before checking whether it is zero, and use radians in integration.