Maths Extension 1 Formula Sheet

The Ultimate Maths Extension 1 Formula Sheet: Your Guide to Success

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of the essential formulas for Maths Extension 1, equipping you with the tools necessary to tackle challenging problems and achieve academic success. We'll cover key areas, explain the formulas in a clear and accessible way, and provide examples to solidify your understanding. This isn't just a list; it's a roadmap to mastering Extension 1 mathematics. Remember that understanding the underlying concepts is just as crucial as memorizing formulas.

Introduction: Why a Formula Sheet Isn't Enough

While a formula sheet is invaluable for quick reference during exams, it's crucial to understand why each formula works. Blindly applying formulas without comprehension will limit your ability to solve complex or unfamiliar problems. This guide aims to bridge that gap, providing both the formulas and the necessary context for effective application.

1. Functions and their Graphs

This section covers various functions and their transformations. Understanding these transformations is crucial for sketching graphs and solving related problems.

• Transformations of Functions:

  • Vertical Translation: y = f(x) + k (shifts upwards by k units if k > 0, downwards if k < 0)
  • Horizontal Translation: y = f(x - h) (shifts to the right by h units if h > 0, to the left if h < 0)
  • Vertical Dilation: y = af(x) (stretches vertically by a factor of |a| if |a| > 1, compresses if 0 < |a| < 1; reflects across the x-axis if a < 0)
  • Horizontal Dilation: y = f(bx) (compresses horizontally by a factor of |b| if |b| > 1, stretches if 0 < |b| < 1; reflects across the y-axis if b < 0)

• Composite Functions: (f ∘ g)(x) = f(g(x)) This represents the function f applied to the function g. The order of operations is crucial.

• Inverse Functions: If a function is one-to-one (injective), it has an inverse. Finding the inverse involves swapping x and y and solving for y. The graph of an inverse function is a reflection of the original function across the line y = x.

• Common Functions and their Properties: You should be familiar with the graphs and properties of polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and their inverses.

2. Polynomials and their Properties

This section deals with polynomial equations, their roots, and related theorems.

• Remainder Theorem: When a polynomial P(x) is divided by (x - a), the remainder is P(a).

• Factor Theorem: (x - a) is a factor of P(x) if and only if P(a) = 0.

• Polynomial Division: Long division and synthetic division are used to divide polynomials.

• Roots of Polynomial Equations: Understanding the relationship between the roots and the coefficients of a polynomial is crucial. For example, for a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, the sum of roots is -b/a, and the product of roots is c/a. Similar relationships exist for higher-degree polynomials.

• Nature of Roots (Discriminant): For a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, the discriminant, Δ = b² - 4ac, determines the nature of the roots:

  • Δ > 0: Two distinct real roots
  • Δ = 0: Two equal real roots (repeated root)
  • Δ < 0: Two distinct complex roots

3. Calculus

This is a core component of Maths Extension 1. A solid understanding of differentiation and integration is essential.

• Differentiation:

  • Power Rule: d/dx (xⁿ) = nxⁿ⁻¹
  • Product Rule: d/dx [f(x)g(x)] = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x)
  • Quotient Rule: d/dx [f(x)/g(x)] = [f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)] / [g(x)]²
  • Chain Rule: d/dx [f(g(x))] = f'(g(x))g'(x)
  • Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions: You need to know the derivatives of sin x, cos x, tan x, and their reciprocals.
  • Applications of Differentiation: Finding stationary points (maximum, minimum, and inflection points), rates of change, and optimization problems.

• Integration:

  • Power Rule (Integration): ∫xⁿ dx = (xⁿ⁺¹)/(n+1) + C (where n ≠ -1)
  • Integration of Trigonometric Functions: You should know the integrals of sin x, cos x, and other trigonometric functions.
  • Definite Integrals: Calculating the area under a curve.
  • Applications of Integration: Finding areas, volumes, and other quantities.

4. Vectors

Vectors are geometrical objects with both magnitude and direction.

• Vector Addition and Subtraction: Vectors can be added and subtracted graphically (using the parallelogram rule or triangle rule) or algebraically (by adding or subtracting corresponding components).

• Scalar Multiplication: Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes its magnitude but not its direction.

• Dot Product: The dot product of two vectors is a scalar quantity: a · b = |a| |b| cos θ, where θ is the angle between the vectors. It can also be calculated algebraically using components.

• Cross Product: The cross product of two vectors is a vector quantity perpendicular to both original vectors. It's used to find the area of a parallelogram and other applications.

5. Complex Numbers

Complex numbers extend the real number system by including the imaginary unit i, where i² = -1.

• Representation of Complex Numbers: Complex numbers are represented in the form a + bi, where a and b are real numbers. They can also be represented in polar form (r(cos θ + i sin θ)) or exponential form (re^(iθ)).

• Complex Arithmetic: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of complex numbers.

• Argand Diagram: A graphical representation of complex numbers in a plane.

• Modulus and Argument: The modulus of a complex number is its distance from the origin in the Argand plane. The argument is the angle it makes with the positive real axis.

• De Moivre's Theorem: (cos θ + i sin θ)ⁿ = cos(nθ) + i sin(nθ) This is a powerful theorem used to find powers and roots of complex numbers.

6. Further Calculus

This section delves into more advanced calculus concepts often included in Extension 1.

• Implicit Differentiation: Differentiating equations where y is not explicitly defined as a function of x.

• Related Rates: Problems involving rates of change of related variables.

• Second Derivatives and Concavity: Using the second derivative to determine the concavity of a curve.

• Applications of Calculus in Geometry: Finding areas, volumes, and other geometrical properties.

7. Further Sequences and Series

This section explores more advanced concepts related to sequences and series.

• Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series: Understanding the formulas for the nth term and the sum of the first n terms for both arithmetic and geometric sequences.

• Infinite Geometric Series: Finding the sum of an infinite geometric series when the common ratio is between -1 and 1.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the best way to memorize these formulas?

  • A: The most effective method is to understand how the formulas are derived and applied. Regular practice and solving problems is key. Create flashcards or mind maps to aid memorization.

• Q: Are there any online resources to help me learn these concepts?

  • A: While I cannot provide external links, a search for "Maths Extension 1 tutorials" or specific topic searches will yield many helpful resources.

• Q: What if I get stuck on a problem?

  • A: Don't give up! Try breaking the problem down into smaller parts. Review the relevant concepts and examples. Ask your teacher or tutor for help.

Conclusion:

Mastering Maths Extension 1 requires a combination of understanding fundamental concepts, memorizing key formulas, and consistent practice. This formula sheet serves as a valuable tool, but remember that genuine comprehension is far more important than rote learning. By combining this resource with diligent study and problem-solving, you'll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges of Extension 1 mathematics and achieve your academic goals. Good luck!