A Level Further Mathematics Edexcel

This subject is broken down into 173 topics in 11 modules:

  1. Core Pure Mathematics 1 39 topics
  2. Further Pure Mathematics 2 16 topics
  3. Core Pure Mathematics 2 37 topics
  4. Further Pure Mathematics 1 15 topics
  5. Further Statistics 1 6 topics
  6. Further Statistics 1* 7 topics
  7. Further Statistics 2 7 topics
  8. Further Mechanics 1 11 topics
  9. Further Mechanics 2 6 topics
  10. Decision Mathematics 1 22 topics
  11. Decision Mathematics 2 7 topics
Study this subject in the Adapt App →
  • 11
    modules
  • 173
    topics
  • 59,236
    words of revision content
  • 7+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

A preview of A Level Further Mathematics Edexcel in the Adapt app

Adapt is a revision planning app with full content coverage and unlimited past paper questions for 1,200+ GCSE and A Level subjects.

Study this subject in the Adapt app →

Further Mathematics

Further Pure Mathematics 2

Complex Numbers and Circle Geometry

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Complex Numbers and Circle Geometry

Complex Numbers

  • A complex number is any number that can be written in the form a + bi where a and b are real numbers, and i is the imaginary unit, which satisfies the equation i² = -1.

  • The real part of a complex number a + bi is a, and the imaginary part is b.

  • Complex numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided much like real numbers, but with the added step of simplifying terms containing .

  • The conjugate of a complex number a + bi is the number a - bi. Conjugates are used to find the real part of fractions involving complex numbers and the modulus of a complex number.

  • The modulus or absolute value of a complex number, denoted by |z|, is given by √(a² + b²), where a and b are the real and imaginary parts of z.

  • The argument of a complex number z = a + bi, denoted by arg(z), is the angle between the positive real axis and the line segment joining the origin (0,0) to the point representing z on the complex plane. It is found using the formula arg(z) = tan⁻¹(b/a).

  • The exponential form of a complex number is z = re^(iθ), where r is the modulus of z and θ is the argument of z. It is useful when multiplying and dividing complex numbers.

Circle Geometry

  • A circle is the locus of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point called the centre.

  • The equation of a circle with centre at (h, k) and radius r is given by (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r². If the centre of the circle is at the origin (0,0), the equation simplifies to x² + y² = r².

  • Tangents to a circle at point P are lines that touch the circle at P but do not intersect the circle anywhere else. The tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

  • The chord of a circle is a line segment which joins any two points on the circle.

  • A line segment, drawn from the centre of the circle to the midpoint of a chord, bisects the chord and is perpendicular to it.

  • If PQ is a chord of a circle and A is the point on the chord such that AP: AQ = m : n (m ≠ n), then OP² = r² - mn/r(m + n)AQ². This is often referred to as the Intercept Theorem.

  • When a chord of a circle and a tangent at one end of the chord are extended to meet at a point outside the circle, the alternate segment theorem states that the angle between the tangent and the chord is equal to the angle in the alternate segment (formed by the chord).

Course material for Further Mathematics, module Further Pure Mathematics 2, topic Complex Numbers and Circle Geometry

Further Mathematics

Core Pure Mathematics 2

Boundary conditions

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Boundary conditions

  • Boundary conditions refer to the values that a function or its derivatives take on the boundary of the domain of definition. They are used to solve differential equations with specific initial or final conditions.
  • These are of two types: "initial conditions", used generally for first order differential equations (requires one condition); and "boundary conditions", used primarily for second order differential equations (requires two conditions).
  • Boundary conditions are essential to determining unique solutions to a differential equation as they specify the function's behaviour at the boundaries of the domain of interest.
  • Understanding boundary conditions in differential equations is crucial as it imparts the skill to model real-world problems accurately. For instance, they aid in defining models for fluid flow, electric circuits, heat conduction, and more.
  • It's important to discern the order of the differential equation since it dictates the number of boundary conditions required. The order of a differential equation equals the highest power of the derivative present in the equation.
  • Boundary conditions can either be homogeneous or inhomogeneous. Homogeneous boundary conditions imply that the function or its derivative is zero at the boundaries, while inhomogeneous boundary conditions denote any non-zero value.
  • Solving differential equations using boundary conditions involves using the general solution of the differential equation and applying the boundary conditions to calculate the constants.
  • When using boundary conditions in second order differential equations, be able to identify when 'separation of variables' is likely to be the most effective method to use.
  • Interpret the physical or geometrical meaning of boundary conditions when analyzing situations related to wave or heat mechanisms.
  • Frequently, complex real-world problems might require modelling with partial differential equations and corresponding boundary conditions, used to capture phenomena that depend on multiple variables.
  • Practice solving various forms of differential equations using initial and boundary conditions to consolidate understanding and increase problem-solving flexibility.

Course material for Further Mathematics, module Core Pure Mathematics 2, topic Boundary conditions

Can I trust Adapt’s expertise?

Adapt is already used by over 600,000 students and trusted by over 3,000 schools. Our exam-specific content and assessments are meticulously crafted by expert teachers and examiners. To date, 4,710 students have studied for their A Level Further Mathematics Edexcel exams on the Adapt App.

Find out more about the Adapt app →

Planner

An always up-to-date revision timetable.

A personalised, flexible revision timetable that stays up-to-date automatically.

Content

All the exam resources, in one place.

Over 20,000 topics broken down into manageable lessons with teacher-written, exam-specific lessons.

Assessment

Past-paper questions, with instant feedback.

Unlimited past paper questions with instant examiner feedback on how to improve.

Progress

Track progress, together.

Progress tracking to stay motivated, with real-time updates to the Parent Portal.

Download the app today to start revising for free.