VCE Specialist Mathematics

An open-content textbook

PDF generated using the open source mwlib toolkit. See http://code.pediapress.com/ for more information.
PDF generated at: Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:08:46 UTC
Contents
Articles
VCE Specialist Mathematics 1
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Authors 2
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 1 and 2: Specialist Mathematics 2
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics 2
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry 4
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Circular Functions 8
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Complex Numbers 10
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Relations and Regions in the
Complex Plane 10
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Differential Calculus 11
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Integral Calculus 11
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Formulae 12
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice SACS 14
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice Exams 16
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Common Exam Mistakes 17
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Common Math Hacks 18

References
Article Sources and Contributors 19

Article Licenses
License 20
VCE Specialist Mathematics 1

VCE Specialist Mathematics

The purpose of this text is to produce a reliable and free textbook, specifically tailored toward the needs of students
studying VCE Specialist Mathematics in an attempt to gain the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The
eventual aim is to provide a practical alternative to standard textbooks, complete with exercises and worked
examples.

Table of Contents
/Authors/

/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/

• Coordinate Geometry
• Circular Functions
• Complex Numbers
• Relations and Regions in the Complex Plane
• Differential Calculus
• Integral Calculus
• Differential Equations
• Kinematics
• Vectors
• Vector Calculus
• Mechanics

Appendices: Units 3 and 4

• Formulae
• Practice SACS
• Practice Exams
• Common Math Hacks
• Common Exam Mistakes

Resources

Internal
• VCE Mathematical Methods
• VCE Chemistry

External
• VCAA: Specialist Mathematics [1]
• The Art of Problem Solving [2] - Is math class too easy for you? Looking for a greater challenge?

References
[1] http:/ / www. vcaa. vic. edu. au/ vce/ studies/ mathematics/ specialist/ specialmathindex. html
[2] http:/ / www. artofproblemsolving. com/
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Authors 2

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Authors

• There are 1 registered users who have contributed to this wiki textbook since 2010-03-28 08:57
• Please feel free to add yourself to the author list, when you contribute
• List and edit counts are correct as of 2010-04-02 08:06
Adrignola
First authorship: 2010-03-28 15:03
Contributions: (_ edits, _ pages)

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 1 and 2:

Specialist Mathematics
Overview

Assessment
Internally assessed by the institution for an N mark.

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics
Overview

Assessment

Totals
• 14% of of Study Score: Unit 3 SACS
• 20% of of Study Score: Unit 4 SACS
• 66% of of Study Score: End of Year Exams (2)

Unit 3 SACS

Outcome 1: 5.25% of Study Score

• Analysis task 1: 2.45% of Study Score
• Analysis task 2: 2.8% of Study Score
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics 3

Outcome 2: 5.25% of Study Score

• Analysis task 1: 2.8% of Study Score
• Analysis task 2: 2.45% of Study Score

Outcome 3: 3.5% of Study Score

• Analysis task 1: 1.75% of Study Score
• Analysis task 2: 1.75% of Study Score

Unit 4 SACS

Outcome 1: 10% of Study Score

• Application Task: 5% of Study Score
• Tests: 5% of Study Score

Outcome 2: 6.7% of Study Score

• Application Task: 6.7% of Study Score

Outcome 3: 3.3% of Study Score

• Application task: 1.7% of Study Score
• Tests: 1.6% of Study Score

End of Year Exams

Exam 1: Tech-Free: 22% of Study Score

• 1 hr: 22% of Study Score

Exam 2: Tech-Active: 44% of Study Score

• 2 hrs: 44% of Study Score
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry 4

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry
Preface
Formal Definition: Coordinate (algebraic) geometry is a branch of mathematics which combines techniques of
abstract algebra, especially commutative algebra, with the language and the problems of geometry.
Translation: Understanding the math behind the various features that appear on a graph, allowing one to rapidly,
and accurately, draw complex graphs (with points of interest).

Properties of Graphs

Asymptotes

Definition
Asymptotes are values which the graph approaches but does not touch. An asymptote is itself a graph and is
categorized as follows:
• Vertical; A constant value (graph) on the horizontal axis (e.g. ).
• Horizontal; A constant value (graph) on the vertical axis (e.g. ).
• Oblique (i.e. not Vertical or Horizontal); A non-constant graph (e.g. ).

Comprehension

1. Take a function .

2. As
3. The numerator (a function or a number, as is shown here: ) is divided by an extremely small number. Hence
making the fraction an extremely large number.
4. To understand why this happens grab any number, and divide it by an extremely small number (e.g. )

5. The value of overshadows the rest of the graph, namely the .

6. Hence making an oblique (non-constant) asymptote, as it is approached by, but never actually touched by

the graph due to the addition of to every y value. This is in addition to the limit provided when
which is not included in this graph, but must be if it exists on others (e.g. after polynomial division).
7. As
8. The numerator (a function or a number, as is shown here: ) is divided by an extremely large number. Hence
making the fraction an extremely small number.
9. To understand why this happens grab any number, and divide it by an extremely large number (e.g. )

10. The value of overshadows the rest of the graph, namely the .
11. Hence making the oblique (non-constant) asymptote, as it is approached by, but never actually
touched by the graph due to the addition of to every y value.
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry 5

Circles, Ellipses and Hyperbolas

Definition

Ellipses
General formula:

General Notes:
• Point defines the ellipses center.
• Points defines the ellipses domain, and horizontal endpoints - i.e. horizontal stretch.
• Points defines the ellipses range, and vertical endpoints - i.e. vertical stretch.

Circles
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• Point defines the circles center.
• Points defines the circles domain - i.e. stretch.
• Points defines the circles range - i.e. stretch.
• A circle is a subset of an ellipse, such that .

Hyperbolas
General formulae:

General Notes:
• Point defines the hyperbolas center.
• Points defines the hyperbolas domain, .
• The switch in positions of the fractions containing x and y, indicate the type of hyperbola - i.e. vertical or
horizontal. The hyperbola is horizontal in the first, and negative in the second of the General hyperbolic formulae
above.
• Graphs defines the hyperbolas domain .
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry 6

Comprehension
Is unnecessary for these types of graphs, as the rules listed above are all that are needed. However the ability to
recognize these graphs, in varying forms, is required and can be achieved via practice or can be found in Coordinate
Geometry section of Common Math Hacks.

Partial Fractions

Graphing Examples

General Steps
1. Note the limits caused by a divide by 0.
2. If possible (check the highest power of bottom and top), break up the complex function via polynomial division
or partial fractions.
3. If numerator's power is the denominators power, utilize partial fractions.
4. Otherwise if the numerator's power is the denominators power, utilise polynomial division.
5. Add the resultant graphs, through the addition of ordinates method, to quickly determine what the graph looks
like.
6. Determine the asymptotes (Vertical, Horizontal, Oblique (i.e. a graph)).
7. Determine other points of interest (Turning points (differentiation), Intercepts (let , or )).
8. Draw the Graph using the above properties.

Partial Fractions

1. Take a function:

2. Notice that if , hence , you get a divide by 0. Hence or

.

3. Break up the function into partial fractions, and you arrive at .

4. Add the resultant graphs, through the addition of ordinates method, to quickly determine what the graph looks
like.

5. Notice that as . The fractional part, , overshadows

the rest of the equation, namely . Hence a horizontal asymptote occurs when .

6. Notice that as . The fractional part, , overshadows the

rest of the equation, namely . Hence a horizontal asymptote occurs when .

7. Notice that as . Now the oblique (i.e. graph), ,

overshadows the rest of the equation, namely . Hence the oblique asymptote occurs when

.
8. Determine points of interest:

1. When , hence there are no x-intercepts (C is the complex field) in the real plane.

2. When .
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry 7

3. When
9. Draw the graph.

Polynomial Division

1. Take a function:

2. Notice that if , you get a divide by 0. Hence or or

3. Break up the function, and divide through, using polynomial division, and you arrive at

.
4. Add the resultant graphs, through the addition of ordinates method, to quickly determine what the graph looks
like.

5. Notice that as . The fractional part, , overshadows the rest of the

equation, namely . Hence the horizontal asymptote occurs when .

6. Notice that as . Now the oblique (i.e. graph), , overshadows

the rest of the equation, namely . Hence the oblique asymptote occurs when .
7. Determine points of interest:
1. When , hence there are no x-intercepts (C is the complex field) in the real plane.
2. When , hence there are no y-intercepts ( indicates that the previous statement is undefined.)

3. When

8. Draw the graph.

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Circular Functions 8

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Circular Functions
Preface
Formal Definition: In mathematics, the trigonometric functions (also called circular functions) are functions of an
angle. They are used to relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of the sides of a triangle.
Translation: Understanding the various functions that can be applied to and taken from (graphs) the unit circle, and
includes recognizing and using the various algebraic identities to manipulate trigonometric functions and equations.

Graphing Functions

Sin
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".

• A period is equal to

• The domain, unless restricted, is

• The range is equal to , as the range of , see unit circle.
• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.
• Easily sketched by applying graphic transformations, from VCE Mathematical Methods

Cos
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".
• The domain, unless restricted, is , as

• A period is equal to , as the factor of n

• The range is equal to , as the range of , see unit circle.

• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.
• Easily sketched by applying graphic transformations, from VCE Mathematical Methods
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Circular Functions 9

Tan
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".

• A period is equal to

• The domain, , as , indicating the asymptotes.

• The range, unless restricted, is , as the range of , see unit circle.

• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.
• Easily sketched by applying graphic transformations, from VCE Mathematical Methods

Arcsin
Also known as or

Arccos
Also known as or

Arctan
Also known as or

Examples

Graphing Functions

General Method
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Complex Numbers 10

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Complex Numbers
Preface
Formal Definition: A complex number is a number comprising a real and imaginary part ( ), where x
and y are real numbers, and i is the standard imaginary unit with the property , a property
that has led the the discovery of the fundamental theorem of algebra. The complex number field ( ) is a
superset of the real number field.
Translation: i represents numbers that don't exist, and acts as a convenient placeholder, thus allowing one to get the
roots of any polynomial. The fundamental theorem of algebra states that any polynomial as the same number of
roots, as its highest power. All complex numbers are examples of vectors on a different plane, commonly called an
Argand diagram.

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Relations and Regions in
the Complex Plane
Preface
Formal Definition: In mathematics, the complex plane, z-plane, Argand diagrams are a geometric representation of
the complex numbers established by the real axis and the orthogonal imaginary axis. It can be thought of as a
modified Cartesian plane, with the real part of a complex number represented by a displacement along the x-axis,
and the imaginary part by a displacement along the y-axis.
Translation: All complex numbers are vectors, they have direction, magnitude, and can be displayed using
Cartesian-like coordinates on a modified Cartesian plane, or can be manipulated in polar form. Common formations
are rays (angles), circles, ellipses, and other common Cartesian graphs.
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Differential Calculus 11

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Differential Calculus
Preface
Formal Definition: In mathematics, differential calculus is a subfield of calculus concerned with the study of how
functions change when their inputs change. The primary object of study in differential calculus is the derivative. A
closely related notion is the differential. The derivative of a function at a chosen input value describes the behavior
of the function near that input value. For a real-valued function of a single real variable, the derivative at a point
equals the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the function at that point. In general, the derivative of a function at
a point determines the best linear approximation to the function at that point.
Translation: Its all about gradients, tangents, normals, finding turning points, and the nature of turning points - fast.

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Integral Calculus
Preface
Formal Definition: Integration is an important concept in mathematics and, together with differentiation, is one of
the two main operations in calculus. Given a function ƒ of a real variable x and an interval [a, b] of the real line, the
definite integral is defined informally to be the net signed area of the region in the xy-plane bounded by the graph of
ƒ, the x-axis, and the vertical lines x = a and x = b.

Translation: Its all about finding the equation of higher level graphs and the areas of lower level ones - fast.
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Formulae 12

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Formulae
Preface
This is a list of all formulae needed for Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics.

Formulae

Ellipses, Circles and Hyperbolas

Ellipses
General formula:

General Notes:
• Point defines the ellipses center.
• Points defines the ellipses domain, and horizontal endpoints - i.e. horizontal stretch.
• Points defines the ellipses range, and vertical endpoints - i.e. vertical stretch.

Circles
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• Point defines the circles center.
• Points defines the circles domain - i.e. stretch.
• Points defines the circles range - i.e. stretch.
• A circle is a subset of an ellipse, such that .

Hyperbolas
General formulae:

General Notes:
• Point defines the hyperbolas center.
• Points defines the hyperbolas domain, .
• The switch in positions of the fractions containing x and y, indicate the type of hyperbola - i.e. vertical or
horizontal. The hyperbola is horizontal in the first, and negative in the second of the General hyperbolic formulae
above.
• Graphs defines the hyperbolas domain .
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Formulae 13

Trignometric Functions

Sin
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".

• A period is equal to

• The domain, unless restricted, is

• The range is equal to , as the range of , see unit circle.
• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.

Cos
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".
• The domain, unless restricted, is , as

• A period is equal to , as the factor of n

• The range is equal to , as the range of , see unit circle.

• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.

Tan
General formula:
•
General Notes:
• General formula achieved isolating the coefficient of x (n), i.e. the "lonely x rule".

• A period is equal to

• The domain, , as , indicating the asymptotes.

• The range, unless restricted, is , as the range of , see unit circle.

• The horizontal translation of is reflected in the x-intercepts.
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Formulae 14

Arcsin
Also known as or

Arccos
Also known as or

Arctan
Also known as or

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Practice SACS
Preface
This page serves to collate and organize as many content-released SACs as possible, in addition to their solutions.

2006

2006
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2007

2007
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2008
VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice SACS 15

2008
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2009

2009
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2010

2010
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice Exams 16

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Practice Exams
Preface
This page serves to collate and organize as many content-released practice exams as possible, in addition to their
solutions.

2006

2006
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2007

2007
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2008

2008
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice Exams 17

2009

2009
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

2010

2010
Author(s) Institution(s) Paper(s) Paper Solution(s)

Author Institution Paper Solution

Author Institution Paper Solution

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Common Exam Mistakes
Preface
This page serves to categorize and organize common exam mistakes, found in both the assessors reports, and in
general usage.

Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Common Math Hacks 18

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4:

Specialist Mathematics/Common Math Hacks
Preface
This page serves to categorize and organize commonly used mathematical hacks, which allow their users to complete
questions faster, and with a greater deal of accuracy.

Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics

Coordinate Geometry

Ellipses, Hyperbolas
The values and can be fractional, as can be seen by taking the following equation:

• where

Equations found in questions may not be in the general form, and may need to be transformed via the complete the
square method::

Circles
Equations found in questions may not be in the general form, and may need to be transformed via the complete the
square method, in conjunction with extricating all variables from under root symbols; an example follows:
Article Sources and Contributors 19

Article Sources and Contributors

VCE Specialist Mathematics  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1948428  Contributors: Adrignola, Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Authors  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1970718  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal, Thenub314

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 1 and 2: Specialist Mathematics  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749363  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749364  Contributors: Adrignola, Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Coordinate Geometry  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749366  Contributors: Adrignola,
Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Circular Functions  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749367  Contributors: Adrignola,
Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Complex Numbers  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749421  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Relations and Regions in the Complex Plane  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749430
 Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Differential Calculus  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749434  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Integral Calculus  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749437  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Formulae  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749530  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice SACS  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749526  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Practice Exams  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749527  Contributors: Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Common Exam Mistakes  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749529  Contributors:
Nazariuskappertaal

VCE Specialist Mathematics/Units 3 and 4: Specialist Mathematics/Common Math Hacks  Source: http://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?oldid=1749528  Contributors: Adrignola,
Nazariuskappertaal
Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 20

License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
http:/ / creativecommons. org/ licenses/ by-sa/ 3. 0/