A Level Mathematics A OCR

This subject is broken down into 93 topics in 18 modules:

  1. Proof 1 topics
  2. Algebra and Functions 12 topics
  3. Coordinate Geometry in the x-y Plane 9 topics
  4. Trigonometry 9 topics
  5. Exponentials and Logarithms 7 topics
  6. Differentiation 7 topics
  7. Integration 9 topics
  8. Numerical Methods 4 topics
  9. Vectors 6 topics
  10. Statistical Sampling 1 topics
  11. Data Presentation and Interpretation 5 topics
  12. Probability 3 topics
  13. Statistical Distributions 3 topics
  14. Statistical Hypothesis testing 4 topics
  15. Quantities and units in mechanics 1 topics
  16. Kinematics 5 topics
  17. Forces and Newton's Laws 6 topics
  18. Moments 1 topics
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  • 93
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  • 32,519
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Mathematics A

Proof

Proof

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Proof

Direct and Indirect Proof

  • Understand the basics of Direct Proof. This involves proving the truth of a conjecture by logical deductions from accepted facts, using theorems and principles.
  • Familiarize yourself with Indirect Proof or Proof by Contradiction. This occurs when you assume the opposite of what you want to prove and then show that this assumption leads to a contradiction.

Proof in Algebra

  • Learn to prove Factor Theorem. A polynomial f(x) has a factor (x-a) if and only if f(a)=0.
  • Master the proof for Remainder Theorem: If a polynomial f(x) is divided by (x-a), the remainder is f(a).
  • Grasp the principle and proof for Difference of Two Squares. Where any expression of the form a² - b² can be factorised as (a + b) (a - b).

Proof in Geometry

  • Understand the application of Congruence and Similarity proofs in geometry, frequently used in triangle problems.
  • Know and master the application of Pythagorean Theorem and its proof. If a triangle is right-angled, the square of the length of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
  • Get comfortable with proofs involving Circle Theorems, such as the alternate segment theorem and tangent/radius theorem.

Proof by Exhaustion and Counter-Example

  • Understand how Proof by Exhaustion, also known as Proof by Case, which involves dividing the argument into a finite number of cases and proving each one individually.
  • Learn to refute a conjecture by using a Counter-Example. This is a single example showing that a universal claim does not always hold.

Disproof

  • Grasp the idea of Disproof by Counterexample. A single instance where a statement is false can disprove a universal truth claim.

Miscellaneous Proofs

  • Get acquainted with Proof by Mathematical Induction. This is a method of proving a proposition that holds true for all natural numbers.
  • Familiarize yourself with proofs involving the Binomial Theorem. This theorem provides an expression for the expansion of a binomial power in terms of its coefficients.
  • Understand the proof of The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. This theorem shows the relationship between differentiation and integration.

Course material for Mathematics A, module Proof, topic Proof

Mathematics A

Integration

Definite Integrals and Areas

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Definite Integrals and Areas

Definite Integrals and Area

  • Definite integral is an integral with specific limits of integration.
  • The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus states that if a function is continuous over the interval [a, b] and F is an antiderivative of f on [a, b], then the definite integral of f from a to b is F(b) - F(a).
  • This theorem connects the concept of the definite integral area problem with the antiderivative, or indefinite integral.
  • An integral from a to b of f(x) dx is equal to the area above the x-axis and below the graph of y = f(x) from x = a to x = b minus the area below the x-axis and above the graph of y = f(x) from x = a to x = b.

Integration Techniques for Calculating Area

  • You can use basic geometric shapes to calculate the area under simple functions.
  • When a function is complex or does not form a basic geometric shape, you can use numerical methods such as trapezium rule.
  • When integrating to find the area between two curves, always integrate the top function minus the bottom function.

Application of Areas and Volumes in Physical Problems

  • Definite integrals can be used to find displacement from velocity and velocity from acceleration, by treating the velocity or acceleration function as the rate of change of displacement or velocity respectively.
  • Volume of revolution about the x-axis or y-axis can be calculated using definite integrals.
  • The formula for volume of revolution about the x-axis is π ∫[a, b] [f(x)]^2 dx,
  • The formula for volume of revolution about the y-axis is 2π ∫[c, d] x f(x) dx, where [c, d] is the range of x for a given y range [a, b].
  • Remember the disc method and shell method for calculating volumes of revolution.
  • You may also use definite integrals to solve problems involving density, mass and force. These problems often involve setting up an integral to represent a physical quantity.

For more in-depth discussions and examples, always refer back to your course notes or textbook. Practice with a variety of problems to ensure you understand how to apply each concept.

Course material for Mathematics A, module Integration, topic Definite Integrals and Areas

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