C4 Revision Notes

Binomial expansions
General binomial expansion, for :

When the series is infinite, this is only valid if |x|<1

(a+x)n should be written as

Partial fractions
A proper algebraic fraction with a denominator which factorises can be decomposed into a sum of partial fractions. Following forms should be used:

e.g.

 e.g.

E.g

Trigonometry
Reciprocal trig functions: ; ;

Compound-angle formulae

Double-angle formulae

The r, formulae

Small-angle approximations

Keep in radians

Parametric Equations
To draw a graph from parametric equations, plot the points on the curve given by different values of the parameter. Eliminate the parameter to give the cartesian equation of the curve. Parametric equations of circles: - Circle centre (0,0) and radius r

- Circle centre (a,b) and radius r

Techniques for integration

Volumes of revolution About the x axis:

About the y axis:

Trapezium rule, with n strips of width h:

Note that this gives an overestimation of the area under the curve.

Vectors
Magnitude-direction form: Component form: (2 dimensions)
measured anticlockwise from horizontal

Position vector Vector

is from origin to point P

r denotes position vector of a general point

Vector equations
Vector equation of the line through A with direction u is given by:

Vector equation through points A and B is given by:

Equation of line through

in direction

is given by:

Vector form

Cartesian form

Angle between two vectors The angle between a and b is given by

Where in two dimensions

in three dimensions

 Cartesian equation of a plane perpendicular to

is:

Equation of the plane through the point with position vector a, and perpendicular to n, is given by (r-a).n=0.

Differential equations
A differential equation involves derivatives such as

First-order differential equation involves only a first derivative Some first-order differential equations can be solved by separating the variables In a general solution you leave the constant of integration in the solution, and in a particular solution you use additional information to calculate the constant of integration.

Example