H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision

Functions & Curve Sketching 1

TOPIC 1: FUNCTIONS & CURVE SKETCHING 1

A function is a relation where every element in the domain gives

exactly one image. Graph of a function
A function is defined by its rule and domain.
e.g: f : x  2 x + 5, x>0
Rf = (5,∞)
rule values in the domain of f ( )
°(0,5)
Range of f, R f , is the set of all images under f. O

One-One Functions
Function f is one-one if whenever
= f(a ) f(=
b), then a b,

i.e. no two elements in Df give the same image.

The horizontal line test for one-one function:

If every horizontal line y = k cuts the graph of y = f( x) at most once, then f is one-one.

When f is NOT one-one, either show how horizontal line test fails or give counter-examples, i.e. find a and b
from Df such=
that f(a ) f(b), but a ≠ b.

Inverse Functions

• f has an inverse function, provided f is a one-one function.

• Graphs of are reflections of each other in the line

Point of intersection of also lies on .

Composite Functions
• Composite function gf exists provided R f ⊆ D g
• Domain of g f = Domain of f

• Range of g f has to be determined by either

(a) the graph of y = gf( x) for x ∈ D f , OR
(b) using range of f as the ‘new domain’ of g and find
the ‘new range’ of g from its graph.
1
• ff −= ( x ) x, x ∈ Df −1
The domains are different.
• f −1=
f( x) x, x ∈ Df

[Note: If you are quite comfortable with this topic, start from Q8. Do all from Q8 to Q21, especially Q19.]
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
1. Find the range of each of the functions:
(a) g : x  x 2 , − 4 < x ≤ 3 , (b) h : x  ln ( 2 + x ) , x > −2 .
Ans: (a) R g = [ 0,16 ) (b) R h = 
Reminder: The range of a function has to be given in the form of a set notation. An interval notation is
also a possible set notation.

2. Determine, with a reason, if the inverse of each of the following functions exists.
(a) f : x  e x + 2 , x > 0 , (b) g : x  x 2 , x ≤ 3 .
Reminder: Check your presentation for arguing a function is one-one and for when it is not one-one. In
both instances, the graph of y = f(x) needs to be sketched. Also, a horizontal line have to be sketched in
the case that the function is not one-one. In the case of showing a function is not one-one, refer to lecture
examples for an alternative method.

3. The functions f and g are defined by

f : x  x2 , x ∈  ,
g : x  ln x, x > 0 .
Determine whether the composite functions fg and gf exist.
Ans: fg exists but gf does not

4. Function g is defined by
4
g:x  , x ∈ , x > 0.
x
Find, in a similar form, the following functions,
(i) g2 (ii) g43 [Note: g2 denotes gg.]
4
Ans: (i) g 2 : x  x, x > 0 (ii) g 43 : x  , x > 0
x

5. The function f is defined by

f : x  ( x − 1)( x − 3), x ∈ , x ≥ k ,
where k is a constant.
(i) For k = 0, determine if f has an inverse.
(ii) For k = 4, show that f has an inverse and define f –1 in a similar manner.
(iii) Write down the smallest value of k such that f –1 exists.
Ans: (ii) f −1 : x  2 + x + 1, x ≥ 3 (iii) k = 2

6. The functions f and g are defined by

f : x  e x – 1, x ∈  and g : x  x − 1, x ∈ , x > 4.
(i) Determine if either fg or gf exists.
(ii) If any of the composite functions exists, define the function in a similar manner and find its exact
range.
x −1
Ans: (ii) fg : x  e − 1, x > 4 ; R fg = (e − 1, ∞)

7. The function h is defined as

h : x  x 2 − 6 x + 5, x ∈ , x ≤ 3.
On a single clearly labelled diagram, sketch the graphs of y = h(x), y = h–1(x) and y = hh–1(x). Find the
solution of the equation h(x) = h–1(x) in exact form.
7 − 29
Ans:
2
8. 2008 /MJC PROMO/Q8 (modified)
The function h is defined by
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
h : x  5 − ( x − 2) ,
2
x≤2.
(i) Show that h −1 exists. [2]
(ii) Sketch the graphs of y = h ( x ) , y = h −1 ( x ) and y = h −1h ( x ) on a single diagram. [4]
(iii) Find an expression for h −1 ( x ) . [3]
Ans: (iii) h −1 ( x ) =2 − 5 − x
Reminder: (ii) You need to use the same scale on the 2 axes. What is the domain of h −1h ?
(iii) Find out the difference between “define h −1 ” and “find h −1 ( x ) ”.

9. 2008/ YJC PROMO/Q8 (modified)

Two functions f and g are defined by
f : x  ( x − 1) − 4,
2
x≤a
g:x x + 4 , x ≥ −4 .
(i) Explain why f does not exist when a = 10.
−1
[1]
(ii) Find the largest value of a so that f −1 exists, and define f −1. [1]

For parts (iii), (iv) and (v), use the value of a you have obtained in part (ii).
(iii) Sketch, on a single diagram, the graphs of y = f ( x ) and y = f −1 ( x ) . [4]
(iv) Solve the equation f ( x ) = f ( x ) , giving your answer exactly.
−1
[3]
(v) Define gf in its simplest form. [2]
−1
Ans: (ii) f : x  1 − x + 4, x ≥ −4 , (iv) x = 2 , (v) gf : x  1 − x, x ≤ 1
3− 21

Reminder: (iv) Give a reason to reject one of the 2 answers.

10. 2004/ACJC PRELIM/P1/Q13 (modified)

The functions f and g are defined by
f : x  e-x + 2, x ≥ 0,
g : x  –ln(x + 1), x > −1 .
(i) Find the range of f.
(ii) Determine if f −1 exists, giving your reasons clearly.
(iii) Prove that gf exists and define it.
(iii) Find the range of gf.
Ans: (i) (2, 3]; (ii) exists; (iii) gf : x  –ln(e -x + 3), x ≥ 0 ; (iv) [1.39, 1.10)
Reminder: There are 2 methods to find the range of gf. In the first method, you use the domain of f to
sketch the graph of y = gf(x). In the second method, you use the range of f as the “new domain” of g to
sketch the graph of y = g(x). Which graph is easier to sketch?

11. 2006 /TPJC MID-YEAR/Q6

The functions f and g are defined by:
f : x  3 + ln(1 + 2 x), x > 0
g : x  1 + x2 , x ∈  .
(i) State the range of f. [1]
−1 −1
(ii) Define, in similar form, the inverse function f . Sketch the graphs of f and f on the same diagram.
State the relationship between the two graphs. [5]
(iii) Show that the composite function fg exists. Find fg in similar form, and find the range of fg. [4]
x −3
Ans: (i) (3, ∞) ; (ii) f : x  ½ (e − 1), x > 3 ; (iii) fg : x  3 + ln (3 + 2x ), x ∈  ; [3+ ln 3, ∞)
-1 2

Reminder: (ii) It is incorrect to say that the graphs of f and f −1 are symmetrical in the line y = x.
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
12. 2008/TJC PROMO/Q6 (modified)
The function f is defined by
2
f : x  e x +6 x −7 , x ≥ 1 .
(i) Find f −1 ( x ) and state its domain. [3]
The function g is defined by
 x for 0 ≤ x < 1,
g ( x) =  2
 x for x ≥ 1.
(ii) By sketching the graph of y = g ( x ) , show that g is a one-to-one function. [2]
−1
(iii) Show that the composite function g f exists. [2]
(iv) Determine the exact solution of the inequality g f ( x ) > e .
−1
[3]
Ans: (i) f −1 ( x ) =−3 + 16 + ln x , x ≥ 1 , (iv) x > 3 ( )
2 −1

13. 2017/HCI PROMO/Q6

The function f is defined by
f : x  ln ( x + 3) , x ∈ , −3 < x ≤ k , where k is a real constant.
(i) Explain why f −1 does not exist when k = 0. [1]
(ii) State the maximum value of k such that f −1 exist. [1]
Let k be the value found in part (ii) for the rest of this question.
(iii) Find f −1 ( x ) in similar form. [3]
(iv) The function g is defined by
g : x  a + e x , x ∈ [ − ln 2, ∞ ) , where a is a constant.
Show that the composite function gf exists and determine the range of gf in terms of a. [3]
Ans: (ii) − 2, (iii) f : x  e − 3, x ≥ 0 , (iv) Rgf = [ a + 1, ∞ )
−1 −x

14. 2012/ACJC MID-YEAR/Q4

The functions f and g are defined by
2− x
f :x , x ∈ , x < −2 ,
x+2
g : x  ln (1 − x ) , x ∈ , x < 1 .
(i) Sketch the graph of y = f(x). [1]
(ii) Show that f −1 exists and define f −1 . [3]
(iii) Show that the composite function gf exists. Define gf and find its range. [5]
(iv) Use differentiation to show that g′( x) < 0 . Explain the significance of this result. Hence solve the
inequality gf ( x) > g(x) , giving your answer in exact form. [4]
2 − 2x  2x  3 − 17
Ans: (ii) f −1 : x  , x < −1 (iii) gf : x  ln   , x < −2 , =
R gf ( ln 2, ∞ ) (iv) < x < −2
x +1  x+2 2
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
15. 2016/AJC PROMO/Q9
The function f is defined by f : x  x x − 2 , x ∈  .
(i) Sketch the graph of y = f ( x ) . If the domain of f is restricted to x ≤ m such that f −1 exists, state
the maximum value of m . [2]
Use the value of m in (i) for the rest of this question.
(ii) Find f −1 ( x ) and state the domain of f −1 . [4]
π
It is given that fg ( x ) = − tan 2 x , where x < . Find g ( x ) . [2]
2
 π π
1 1 − x , (iii) g ( x ) =
Ans: (i) maximum m = 1 , (ii) f −1 ( x ) =− 1 − sec x  since − x ≤ 
 2 2

16. 2016/HCI PROMO/Q6

The functions f and g are defined as
4a 2 − ( x − a )2 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 2a,
f :x 2
5a − ax for 2a < x ≤ 4a,
g : x  x + a, x ∈ , − a < x ≤ 2a , where a > 1 .
(i) Sketch the graph of y = f ( x ) for 0 ≤ x ≤ 4a . If the maximal domain of f is restricted to D = [α , β ]
such that the inverse function f −1 exists and the range of f remains unchanged, find the maximal
domain D. [3]
(ii) For the maximal domain D found in part (i), determine the value of t, in terms of a, such that
5
f −1 ( t ) = a . [2]
2
(iii) Show that the composite function fg exists and find the range of fg, expressing your answer in terms
of a. [3]
5
Ans: (i) D = [ a, 4a ] , (ii) t = a 2 ; (iii) R fg =  2a 2 , 4a 2 
2

17. 2016/RI PROMO/Q11

Do not use a calculator in answering this question.
The function f is defined by
1
f :x , x ∈ , x > 1.
x −1
(i) Find f −1 ( x) and write down the domain and range of f −1 . [4]
−1
(ii) Sketch on the same diagram the graphs of y = f ( x) and y = f ( x) , giving the equations of any
asymptotes. [3]
The function g with domain ( 0,∞ ) is defined such that the composite function gf exists and it is defined
by
( )
gf : x  ln x 2 − x , x ∈ , x > 1.
(iii) Find an expression for g(x). [2]
(iv) Use the fact that g is decreasing to solve the inequality gf ( x) > g( x) . [3]
1  x +1 1 5
Ans: (i) + 1 , (0, ∞) , (1, ∞) , (iii) ln  2  , (iv) x > +
x  x  2 2
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
18. 2017/DHS PROMO/Q5
The function f is defined by
1
f : x  2 − x + , x ∈ , x ≠ 0, x > k .
x
−1
Given that f exists, state the least value of k. [1]
Use this value of k for the rest of this question.
−1
(i) Without finding f , sketch the graphs of f and f −1 on the same diagram, showing clearly the
geometrical relationship between the two graphs. You should state the equations of any asymptotes
and any points of intersection with the x- and y- axes.
Hence find the exact solution of the equation f ( x) = f −1 ( x). [5]
(ii) The function g is defined by
g : x  x 2 − 4 x + h, x ∈ , where h is a real constant.
Determine the range of values of h such that fg exists. [2]
1+ 3
Ans.: Least value of k = 0, (i) x = , (ii) h > 4
2

19. 2018/CJC MYE/Q2

It is given that
 x 2 + 1 for 0 ≤ x < 3,
f ( x) = 
 4 − x for 3 ≤ x < 4,
and that f (=
x ) f ( x + 4 ) for all real values of x.
(i) Sketch the graph of y = f ( x ) for −2 ≤ x < 4 . [3]
(ii) Find f 2
( 2). [2]
Ans: (ii) 2

20. 2018/CJC CT1/Q6b

A curve C2 is given by the parametric equations x= t 3 + t , y =−et + 2e − t , −1 ≤ t ≤ 1 .
(i) Sketch C2 , indicating clearly where the curve crosses the x- and y-axes. [4]
(ii) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of C2 and the line y= x − 1 . [3]
Ans: (ii) (0.602, –0.398)
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Functions & Curve Sketching 1
21. GCE ‘A’ Levels H2 Maths 2010/II/Q4(modified)
1
The diagram below shows the graph of=y f (=
x) 2
, for x ∈ , x ≠ 1, x ≠ −1.
y x −1

y=0 O x
( 0, −1)
x = −1 x =1

(i) If the domain of f is further restricted to x  k , state with a reason the least value of k for which the
function f −1 exists. [3]

In the rest of the question, the domain of f is as originally defined.

The function g is defined as follows.
1
g:x  for x ∈ , x ≠ 2, x ≠ 3, x ≠ 4.
x−3
( x − 3)
2

(ii) Show that fg( x) = . [2]

(4 − x)( x − 2)
(iii) Solve the inequality fg( x) > 0. [3]
(iv) Find the range of fg. [3]
Ans: (i) Least value of k = 0 ; (iii) 2 < x < 3 or 3 < x < 4 ; (iv) R fg = ( −∞, −1) ∪ ( 0, ∞ )
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Equations & Inequalities
TOPIC 2: EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

1. 2010/RIJC MIDYEAR/Q3
The admission charges at a carnival are priced as $5 per child, $20 per adult and $10 per senior citizen.
On a particular day, 1900 people entered the carnival and a total of $28000 admission charges were
collected. The operator of the carnival also noted that if a discount of 14% on admission charge were to
be given to all senior citizens, the total admission charges collected will only decrease by 0.5%.

Find the number of children, adults and senior citizens that had attended the carnival on that day. [4]
Ans: 600, 1200 & 100

2. 2009/RIJC PROMO/Q2
(a) Using the method of completing the square, show that 4 x 2 − 4 x + 3 is always positive for all real
values of x. [1]
32 x − 243
Without using a graphic calculator, solve the inequality 2 >4. [4]
x + 7 x − 60
*(b) Sketch, on the same diagram, the graphs of y = x − 5 − 2 − 3 x and y= 7 − 4 x.
Hence or otherwise solve the inequality ln ( x − 5 − 2 − 3 x ) ≤ ln ( 7 − 4 x ) . [6]
7
*Part (b) is very challenging. Ans: (a) −12 < x < 5 (b) −1.5 < x <
4

3. 2006/IJC MIDYEAR/Q2
A circle has equation x 2 + y 2 + ax + by + c = 0.
It is given that the 3 points (2, 5), (4,-5) and (3, 6) lie on the circle. Find the values of a, b and c. [3]
43 5
Ans: a = − ,b= − ,c=8
3 3

4. 2006/TPJC PROMO/Q12(iv)
18 − 2 x 2
Solve, using a graphical method, the inequality > 6. [5]
4 − x2
Ans: −2.29 < x < −2 or − 2 < x < −1.22 or 1.22 < x < 2 or 2 < x < 2.29

5. 2016 MI/PU1/3
A brick manufacturer has a depot with a stock of 30 000 bricks. He receives orders from three builders P,
Q and R for a total of 30 000 bricks and the total order from builders P and R is twice that of builder Q.

(a) If the profit earned from each brick is $3 and the manufacturer earns $9 600 more in profit from builder
R compared to builder P, find the number of orders from each builder. [4]

(b) Instead of using the information in part (a), it is now given that the cost of transporting each brick to
builders P, Q and R from the depot is $0.04, $0.02 and $0.03 respectively. If there is a minimum order
of 1 000 bricks from each builder, what are the orders that the manufacturer should accept to keep the
cost of transportation a minimum?
Ans:= (a) p 8400,
= q 10000,
= r 11600
(b) 1000, 10000 and 19000 bricks to builders P, Q and R respectively
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Equations & Inequalities
6. HCI/2015/Promo/1
Three neighbours, Mrs Toh, Mrs Ng and Mrs Wee buy three different types of vegetables from a
supermarket. To promote a healthy lifestyle, a $1 rebate is given to a customer who buys more than 2.5
kilograms of any one type of vegetables from the supermarket. Mrs Wee belongs to the Pioneer
Generation and she holds a Pioneer Card which entitles her to a 3% discount of her purchases. The three
neighbours are unable to recall the individual prices per kilogram for each type of the vegetables but
they know the total amounts that they have to pay. The masses of the vegetables in kilogram and the
total amount the three neighbours have to pay are shown in the following table.

Mrs Toh Mrs Ng Mrs Wee

Kang Kong (kg) 1.5 2.0 0.5

Chye Sim (kg) 1.0 3.0 2.0

Nai Bai (kg) 2.0 0.5 1.1

Total amount paid ($) 12.70 12.60 9.70

Assuming that the price per kilogram for each type of vegetable to be paid by each of the neighbours is
the same, calculate the price per kilogram for each type of vegetables. [4]
=Ans: k 2.10,
= c 2.55,
= n 3.50

7. Sketch the graph of y = x + x − 1 . Deduce the set of values of x for which x + x − 1 > 1.
Ans: { x ∈  : x < 0 or x > 1}

8. 2006/RIJC MIDYEAR/Q5
A small cuboid has dimensions a × b × c units, as shown in the diagram.

a b
Three such cuboids can be arranged differently to form 3 larger cuboids, A, B and C, as shown in the
diagrams below. The sum of the edges of A, B and C are 76.4 units, 54 units and 107.6 units respectively.

B C
A

By using a system of linear equations involving a, b and c , find the volume of a small cuboid. [5]
Ans: 21.6 units3

9. 2006/NYJC PROMO/Q1
x +1
Sketch the graphs of y = 3 x + 2 + x − 1 and y = on the same diagram. [3]
x −1
2
Hence solve (3 x + 2)( x − 1) + x − 1 ≥ x + 1 , giving your answers to three significant figures. [1]
Ans: x ≤ 0.618 or x ≥ 1.37
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Equations & Inequalities
10. 2008/SRJC PROMO/Q8
Jiajia wants to raise funds for charity by selling homemade durian puffs, donuts and cookies. The time and
cost required to make a batch of each are as follows:
Time required (min) Cost ($)
1 batch of 10 durian puffs 45 5
1 batch of 10 donuts 25 3
1 batch of 20 cookies 20 2

Jiajia used $130 and spent 20 hours baking 50 batches in total. Calculate her maximum possible profit if
she sells 1 batch of 10 durian puffs for $12.50, 1 batch of 10 donuts for $10 and 1 batch of 20 cookies
for $10. [6]
Ans: $382.50

11. 2017/JJC PROMO/Q2

Given that k > 0 , solve the following inequalities, leaving your answers in terms of k .
1 x
(i) > 2 , [3]
x − k x +1
1 x
(ii) > 2 . [2]
x − k x +1
1
Ans: (i) x > k or x < − , (ii) x > k , i.e. x > k or x < −k
k

12. 2017/RIJC PROMO/Q1

The equation of a circle C is given by x 2 + y 2 + ax + by + c =0, where a, b and c are real constants. The
line y= x + 3 intersects C at the points where x = −3 and x = 2. Given further that the centre of C lies on
the line y =−2 x − 1, find the values of a, b and c. [4]
Ans: a == 6, b −10, c = 9

13. 2007/RIJC MIDYEAR/Q8

1 1
Solve the inequality > 2 x − 3 . Hence solve > ln( x2 ) − 3 . [6]
x−2 ln x − 2
5 5
Ans: x < 1 or 2 < x < ; 0 < x < e or e 2 < x < e 2
2

14. 2007/MJC MIDYEAR/Q5

x 2 ( x + 2)
(i) Solve the inequality ≤0. [3]
x4 − 1

(ii) Deduce the range of values of x that satisfies the inequality

x ( x +2 ) ≤ 0. [3]
2
x −1
Ans: (i) x ≤ −2 or − 1 < x < 1 (ii) 0 ≤ x < 1

x 1
15. (i) Find the range of values of x such that ≤− .
2x + 4 x
x
e 1
(ii) Deduce the range of values of x that satisfy x ≤− x.
2e + 4 e
Ans: −2 < x < 0 ; no solution
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Equations & Inequalities
16. 2008/SAJC PROMO/ Q3
Given that x is real, prove that 5 x 2 + 4 x + 3 is always positive.
4 + 3x − x 2
Hence, solve the inequality 2 ≥1. [4]
5x + 4 x + 3
4 + 3a n − a 2 n
Deduce the range of values of n such that ≥ 1 where 0 < a < 1 . Express your answer in
5a 2 n + 4 a n + 3
terms of ln a. [3]
1 1 ln 3
Ans: − ≤ x ≤ ; n ≥ −
2 3 ln a

17. DHS Promo 9758/2021/Q2

( x − a)
2
(i) On the same axes, sketch the graphs of =
y and y= x + a 2 , where a is a positive constant.
Label all axial intercepts clearly. [3]

(ii) Hence, or otherwise, solve the inequality ( x − a ) ≥ x + a 2 , leaving your answers in terms of a.
2

[3]
Ans: (ii) x ≤ 0 or x ≥ 2a + 1

18. ACJC Prelim 9758/2020/01/Q4

(i) Given that a < 0 and b < −1 , find the roots of the equation b x − a = x − ab , where a and b are
constants. [2]
(ii) If a < b < 0 ,
(a) write down a condition for b x − a = x − ab to have a negative real root. [1]

(b) using the same condition from (a), on the same axes, sketch the graphs of y= x − ab and
y b x−a .
= [2]

Hence solve the inequality b x − a ≥ x − ab . [1]

Deduce the set of values of x for which −b e x + a ≤ e x + ab . [2]

2ab 2ab  2ab 

Ans: (i) x = 0 or (ii)(a) b < − 1 (ii)(b) ≤ x ≤ 0 ; x ≤ ln  − 
b +1 b +1  b +1 

19. HCI JC2 Prelim 9758/2019/02/Q1

y 2( x − a ) 2 and=
On the same axes, sketch the graphs of= y 3a x − a , where a is a positive constant,
showing clearly all axial intercepts. [2]
2
(i) Solve the inequality 2( x − a ) ≥ 3a x − a . [4]
2
 a a
(ii) Hence solve 2  x −  ≥ 3a x − . [2]
 2 2
a 5a a
or x a or x ≥
Ans: (i) x ≤ − = or x
(ii) x ≤ − a= or x ≥ 2a
2 2 2
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
TOPIC 3: ARITHMETIC & GEOMETRIC PROGRESSIONS

General Series with S n

Arithmetic Progression Geometric Progression
given
un =a + (n − 1)d un = ar n −1
nth term a is the first term, a is the first term, u=
n S n − S n −1
d is the common difference r is the common ratio
n
Sum of S= [ 2a + (n − 1)d ]
n
2 a(1 − r n )
first Sn = Sn
n 1− r
n terms = [ a + un ]
2
Sum to Does not exist a S∞ exists provided
=S∞ , r <1
infinity (Sn → ∞ as n → ∞) 1− r S n → a constant as n → ∞
Test for un
a constant
un − un −1 = = a constant N.A.
AP/GP un −1

[Question 20 is a challenging question that you will need to attempt.]

1. If the 1st and 14th terms of an arithmetic sequence are 3 and 55 respectively, find the 22nd term.
Ans: 87

2. The nth term of a series is 2n−1 + 3 + 7 n . Find the sum of the first N terms.
N
N
Ans: 2 − 1 + (13 + 7 N )
2

3. The first, second and fifth terms of an arithmetic progression with distinct terms are consecutive terms of
a geometric progression. Show that r 2 − 4r + 3 = 0 , where r is the common ratio of the geometric
progression. Hence, or otherwise, prove that r = 3.

( −1) .
n

4. The sum of the first n terms of a sequence is given by Sn = 4 − n−1

4
(i) Show that the sequence is a geometric progression.
(ii) Find the sum to infinity, S∞, of the progression and the least value of n for which the magnitude of
the difference between Sn and S∞ is less than 0.0001.
Ans: (ii) S∞ = 4 , least n = 8

5. A man is offered a contract of work at a wage of $100 for the first week, with a wage increment of $0.20
in each subsequent week. Find the total wage for the man for the first 100 weeks.
Ans: $10990

6. Tom and Jerry each start a new job. Tom is paid $30,000 in the first year, and in every subsequent year,
his annual pay will increase by $1,500. Jerry is paid $25,000 in the first year, and in every subsequent
year, his annual pay will increase by 5%.
If they both start working at the beginning of 2013,
(i) what is the first year in which Jerry will be paid more than Tom?
(ii) at the end of which year will Jerry’s total income first exceed Tom’s total income?
Ans: (i) 2029 (ii) 2038
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
7. 2006/TPJC PROMO/Q10
(a) A geometric series has first term 16 and common ratio 0.8. The sum of the first n terms of the series
is denoted by S n and the sum to infinity is denoted by S. Calculate the least value of n for which
S − Sn < 2 .
(b) An arithmetic progression has first term a and common difference 8. The sum of the first n terms of
400
the progression is 400. Show that the nth term of the progression is + 4(n − 1) .
n
Given that the nth term is less that 100, show that 4n 2 − 104n + 400 < 0 , and hence find the largest
possible value of n.
Ans: (a) 17; (b) 21

8. 2006/SAJC PROMO/Q7
(a) The sum to n terms of a series is given by S= n 5n + n 2 . Find an expression for the nth term. Show
that the series is in arithmetic progression.
Hence find the sum of the first 100 odd numbered terms (i.e. the first term, third term, fifth term
etc.).
(b) A pendulum is swinging so that the distances of successive swings are in geometric progression.
The first swing from left to right is 7 cm, and the second swing from right to left is 6 cm. Find the
distance of the nth swing. Find the total distance the pendulum covers before it stops swinging.
n−1
6
Ans.: (a) 2n + 4; 20400 (b) 7   ; 49 cm
7

9. 2007/HCI MIDYEAR/Q7
(a) An engineer joins a company with a starting monthly salary of $5000. After 6 months, he gets an
increment of 40% of his pay. Subsequently, he gets an increment of 40% of his previous increment
every half-yearly. Show that the total salary he earns in his first year is $72000.
He decides to leave if his next increment becomes less than $20. How long will he stay in the
company? Give your answer to the nearest month.
(b) The sum of the first two terms of an arithmetic series is 56 and the eighth term of this series is 2.
Find the sum of the series from the eighth term to the eighteenth term inclusive.
Ans.: (a) 42 (b) −198

10. 2007/MJC MIDYEAR/Q8

The sum to n terms of an arithmetic progression A with common difference d is denoted by An . The sum
to n terms of a geometric progression G with common ratio r is denoted by Gn . It is known that An = Gn
for n = 1, 2 and 4, and r ≠ 1 , A1 ≠ 0 .
(i) Show that r satisfies the equation r 3 + r 2 − 5r + 3 =0 and hence find r.
1
(ii) In another geometric progression H, it has first term k and common ratio .
r
Determine whether the sum to infinity of H exists, and if it does, express it in terms of k.
3
Ans.: (i) −3 (ii) k
4
11. 2008/SAJC PROMO/Q4
A geometric series has first term 5 and common ratio 5x .
(i) Find the set of values of x for which the sum to infinity of the geometric series exists.
(ii) Find the smallest n such that the sum of the first n terms exceeds 98% of the sum to infinity
when x = – 0.1.
Ans.: (i) x < 0 ; (ii) smallest n = 25
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
12. 2008/CJC PROMO/Q2
n 2 3 1
The sum of first n terms of a series is S n =4 + n + n − 1 .
2 2
Find an expression, in the simplest form, for the nth term and hence show that the series is the sum of an
arithmetic progression and a geometric progression.
Ans: 3 ( 4n −1 ) + 3n − 1

13. 2008/ RIJC PROMO/ Q11

The nth term of a geometric progression is x n −1 ( x + 1) n , where x ≠ −1 , x ≠ 0 .
(i) Determine the set of values of x for which S, the sum to infinity exists.
1
(ii) Given x = , find
5
(a) the exact value of S,
(b) the least value of n for which S n − S is less than 10−6 , where S n is the
sum of the first n terms of the progression.
30
Ans.: (i) {x ∈  : −1.62 < x < 0.618, x ≠ −1, 0} ; (ii) (a) ; (b) 11
19

14. 2013/TPJC PRELIM/P2Q4

(a) Dini was given 10 stickers for her birthday. She then starts to buy stickers for a total period of 52
weeks. The number of stickers she buys each week is 2 more than the number she bought the
previous week.
(i) If she bought 70 stickers in the 26th week, find the number of stickers she would have at the
end of 52 weeks. [3]
(ii) If she can only afford to buy 420 stickers in the last 4 weeks, find the maximum number of
stickers she can buy in the first week. [3]
(b) The sum of the first n terms of a sequence is given by 2(3n+1 − 3) . By finding the nth term of the
sequence, or otherwise, show that this is a geometric progression, and state the values of the first
term and common ratio. Explain, whether this geometric progression converges. [6]
Ans: (a)(i) 3702 (ii) 6 (b) Since |r| = 3 > 1. The GP does not converge.

15. 2011/ AJC PROMO/ Q9

A geometric series has first term a and its sum to infinity is 5. The first and second terms of this geometric
series are the second and third terms of an arithmetic series respectively. Given that the sum of the first
ten even-numbered terms of the arithmetic series is − 8, show that a = 1.
Hence find the smallest value of n such that the product of the first n terms of the geometric series is less
than 10−10 .
Ans: least n = 15

16. 2013/VJC/PRELIM/P1/Q3
At the beginning of January 2010, Robert borrowed $200 000 from a bank that charges 0.4% interest at
the end of every month. Robert pays back $1500 at the beginning of every month, starting from February
2010. Show that the amount Robert still owes the bank at the end of n months is 376500 − 175000(1.004) n .
[3]
How much did he pay on his last instalment? [3]
Ans: $1373.97
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
17. 2016/SAJC PROMO/P1/Q6
Benjamin took a loan of $10,000 from the bank on 1 Jan 2016. The bank charges a monthly interest of 3%
of the amount owed at the end of each month. Benjamin pays the bank a fixed amount of $450 at the
beginning of each month, starting from 1 Feb 2016.
(i) Show that Benjamin would owe $9,695.50 on 1 March 2016, after repayment. [2]
(ii) On which date would Benjamin would be able to repay his loan in full? [4]

Timothy also borrowed the same amount of money from the bank on 1 Jan 2016, which charges the same
interest rate. Timothy is also paying a fixed amount, $x , at the beginning of each month starting from 1
Feb 2016. If Timothy would like to repay his loan by 1 Jan 2018, what is the least amount that Timothy
needs to pay per month? Give your answer to the nearest dollar. [3]
Ans: (ii) 1 March 2019, $591 per month

18. 2012/ACJC MIDYEAR/Q7

3 2n
Given that S n = u1 + u2 + u3 +  + un −1 + un =
2
( 3 − 1) , prove that un = 4(32n−1 ) . [2]
(i) Show that the sequence u1 , u2 , u3 ,... is a geometric progression. [2]
p 4n p
(ii) (
Find u1 + u3 + u5 +  + u2 n −3 + u2 n −1 , giving your answer in the form
q
3 − 1) , where
q
is a

fraction in its lowest terms, and p and q are integers to be determined. [3]
1 1 1
(iii) Given that , , ,... is also a geometric progression, explain why the sum to infinity exists and
u1 u2 u3
find it. [3]
(iv) Given that ln u1 , ln u2 , ln u3 , … is an arithmetic progression, evaluate
ln u11 + ln u12 + ln u13 +  + ln u30 to the nearest integer. [2]
3 4n 3
Ans: (ii)
20
( 3 − 1) ; (iii)
32
; (iv) 907

19. 2016/ACJC PROMO/Q11

For a health check, students are arranged in queues according to their classes from the shortest to the
tallest.
(a) In class 1A, Abbie is 112 cm tall, and is the shortest in the class. Her friend Jamie, who is 116.5 cm
tall, is 10th in line. Given that the students are equally spread out and that the top of the students'
heads form a straight line, find the height of Zoe, who is taller than Jamie and is 26th in line. [3]
(b) For any two successive students in class 1B, the horizontal distance between them is equal to the
height of the shorter of the two. The top of the students' heads also forms a straight line.
(i) By considering the diagram below where AD, BE and CF represent the heights of three
successive students in the line, show that the heights of the students in 1B form a geometric
progression. [2]
C

B
H
A
G

D E F
(ii) Ben is 110.55 cm tall and is second in the line. Terry is 120.93 cm tall and is 20th in the
line. If the tallest student is 133.62 cm tall, find the number of students in 1B. [4]
(c) Given that there are 37 students in 1A, determine which class has a greater average height. [3]
Ans: (a) 124.5 cm (b)(ii) 40 (c) 1B
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
20. 2017/CJC PROMO/Q11
In a country, households spend 65% of their income on average. To boost the country’s economy, the
government decides to pump in x million dollars within its country. This investment sets off a chain
reaction, allowing the income to undergo growth in stages as modelled below:
At the start of Stage 1, household income increases by x million dollars. Households can afford to spend
more, allowing the economy to grow. Based on the average expenditure of 65% of household income, the
growth amount is
0.65x million dollars.
At the end of Stage 1, the overall increase in income of the country is
x + 0.65 x million dollars.

At the start of Stage 2, the amount of x + 0.65 x million dollars generates more growth of
0.652x million dollars.
At the end of Stage 2, the overall increase in income of the country is
x + 0.65 x + 0.652 x million dollars.

The process continues indefinitely and creates a phenomenon called the multiplier effect in the country.
In this context, the multiplier is the ratio of the total change in the country’s income to the initial increase
of x million dollars.

(a) (i) Show that the growth amount in stage 5 due to the investment is 0.116x million dollars,
correct to 3 decimal places. [1]
(ii) By which stage will the growth amount due to the investment fall below 1% of the initial
investment? [2]
(iii) By the end of which stage will the overall increase in income due to the investment exceed
2.5 times of the initial investment? [3]
20
(iv) By considering an infinite geometric series, show that the size of the multiplier is . [1]
7
(b) It is proposed that to increase the multiplier effect, changes have to be made to the spending habits
of households through tax rebates. Determine the percentage of household income that should be
spent on average in order to achieve an overall increase of 3x million dollars by the end of stage 3.
Leave your answer to 1 decimal place. [3]
Ans: (aii) stage 11 (aiii) stage 4 (b) 81.1%

21. 2017/RIJC PROMO/Q3

(a) A piece of paper in the form of a semi-circle of radius r is cut into twelve sectors such that the
areas are in arithmetic progression, and the area of the biggest sector is three times that of the
smallest sector.
Find the exact area of the smallest sector in terms of r. [2]
(b) An arithmetic series A has first term a and common difference d, where a and d are non-zero. A
convergent geometric series G has common ratio r. The first three terms of G are equal to the first,
eleventh and seventeenth terms of A, respectively.
(i) Find r. [4]
(ii) Using your answer in part (i), find the exact ratio of the sum to infinity of G to the sum of
the first four terms of G. [2]
Ans.: (a)(ii)11, (a)(iii)4, (b) 81.1%
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
AP & GP
22. Ryan has playing cards which he stacks into pyramids. He will begin by stacking up cards to form a
pyramid with 1 level, followed by another pyramid with 2 levels and so forth. The pyramids with n levels
for different values of n are shown below:

Let Sn denotes the number of cards in a pyramid with n levels. It is given that S n = an 2 + bn + c for some
constants a, b and c.
(i) Give an expression of the number of additional cards needed to form a pyramid of nth level from
(n − 1) th level. Leave your expression in terms of a, b and n. [2]
(ii) Find the values of a, b and c. [2]
(iii) Hence prove that Sn is the sum of an arithmetic progression and state the common difference. [2]
(iv) One pyramid of each level from 1 to 23 is formed. Find the total number of cards required to form
these 23 pyramids. [1]
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Summation & MOD
TOPIC 4: SUMMATION AND METHOD OF DIFFERENCES

Summation of Series Method of Differences (MOD)

n n m −1

r ∑=
u ∑u − ∑u
r
=r m =r 1 =r 1
r To find by MOD, is first expressed as a

n n n difference of two or more component terms which

=r 1
∑ ( au r + bvr )= a ∑ ur + b∑ vr
=r 1 =r 1
can be cancelled away when the summation is
carried out, leaving behind a few terms.
where a, b are constants
n n n
Suppose can be expressed as ,
∑ (u v ) ≠ ∑ u ∑ v
=r 1
r r r
=r 1 =r 1
r

∑ c = cn, c is a constant
r =1
n
n(1 + n)
∑r =
r =1 2
( AP )
n

∑a
r =1
r
=a + a 2 +  + a n (a ≠ 1) ( GP )
- identify first term & common ratio
before summing with formula

In general, you can follow this three-step strategy as a general guide: Check whether
1. the given series is arithmetic or geometric. If so, apply the appropriate formulas.
2. the question provides a formula to be used. If so, see how best we can use that formula.
3. we are summing a “difference of similar-looking terms”. If so, we will use MOD.

n
1 n+1
1. Find ∑ (5
r =0
r −1
+ 3n ) in terms of n. Ans:
20
( 5 − 1) + 3n(n + 1)

N ( N + 1)( 2 N + 1)
N 2N

∑ r2 = , find ∑ (1 − 2r ) , leaving your answer in the form

2
2. (i) Given that
r =1 6 r =1

aN (bN 2 − 1) , where a and b are constants to be determined.

50 2N
(ii) Hence, evaluate ∑ (1 − 2r ) .
2
Ans: (i) 16 N 2 − 1 (ii) 148226
r = 25 3 

n
1 1
3. (i) Prove by the method of differences that ∑ r (r + 1) =
r =1
1−
n +1
.

1 1 1 1
(ii) Deduce the sum to infinity of the series + + + . Ans: (ii)
4× 5 5× 6 6× 7 4
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Summation & MOD
1 2 1 r 2 − r −1
4. (i) Show that − + = .
(r − 1)! r ! (r + 1)! (r + 1)!
n
r 2 − r −1 −n
(ii) Hence show that ∑
r =1 ( r + 1)!
=
( n + 1)!
.
∞
r 2 − r −1
(iii) Explain why the series ∑
r =1 ( r + 1)!
converges, and write down its value.
n
(r − 1) 2 − r
(iv) Find an expression, in simplified form, for ∑ r =1 ( r )!
.

n −1
Ans: (iii) 0 (iv) −1 −
n!

5. Given that sin(k + 2) x −=

sin kx 2sin x cos(k + 1) x , show that
n
1 x  3 1 x
∑=
cos(k + 1) x
k =0 2
cos ec sin  n +  x − , where sin ≠ 0.
2  2 2 2

6. 2008/ TJC PROMO/ Q2

n
1 20
Given that ∑ r 2 = n(n + 1)(2n + 1) , evaluate ∑ 3 − r 2
+ 2r −1  without using a graphic calculator.
r =1 6 r =1
Ans: 1045765
n
1
7. The nth term of a series is 2n −1 + 3n + 7 n 2 . Given that ∑r
r =1
2
=
6
n(n + 1)(2n + 1), find the sum of the first N

terms.
23
Hence, find the value of ∑(2
n =8
n −1
+ 3n + 7 n 2 ) .

3 N ( N + 1) 7 N ( N + 1)( 2 N + 1)
Ans: 2 N − 1 + + ; 8418512
2 6

8. 2008 / MJC PROMO/Q4

2n 2 + 2n − 1 N
2n 2 + 2n − 1
By expressing
n2 + n
in partial fractions, find ∑
n =1 n2 + n
.

1 1 1
Ans: 2 + − ; 2N + −1
n +1 n N +1

9. GCE ‘A’ Level H2 Math 2018/I/Q8

A sequence u1 , u2 , u3 , is such that u=
n +1 2un + An , where A is a constant and n ≥ 1.
(i) Given that u1 = 5 and u2 = 15 , find A and u3 .

It is known that the nth term of this sequence is given by

u=
n a ( 2n ) + bn + c,
Where a, b and c are constants.
(ii) Find a, b and c.
n
(iii) Find ∑u
r =1
r in terms of n. (You need not simplify your answer.)

5n
Ans: (i) A = 5 , u3 = 40 ; (ii) a = 7.5, b = –5, c = –5; (iii) 15 2 − 1 −
n
( ) 2
(3 + n)
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Summation & MOD
10. 2008/SRJC PROMO/Q9
1 1 1 
Show that can be expressed as 2 − .
1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n  n n +1
1 1 1 2
Hence, evaluate 1 + + + ... + and find the sum to infinity. Ans.: 2 − , 2
3 6 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n n +1

11. 2017/DHS Promo/Q7

4r + 2 E F G
(i) Show that = + + , where E, F and G are constants to be
(
r r −1 r −1 r r +1
2
)
determined.
n
4r + 2
(ii) Find an expression, in terms of n, for ∑ r (r
r =2
2
− 1)
.

n +1
4r − 2
(iii) Using part (ii), find ∑ r ( r − 1)( r − 2 ) .
r =6

7 3 1 19 3 1
3, F =
Ans.: (i) E = −2, G =
−1 , (ii) − − , (iii) − −
2 n n +1 20 n n + 1

12. 2008/ CJC PROMO/Q10

1 N
α n −1
By considering un − un −1 , where un = , find ∑ in terms of α and N, where α
1+α n n =1 (1 + α )(1 + α )
n n −1

is a positive constant and α ≠ 1 .

N
3n 3 1  1 1
Deduce that ∑ < . Ans.:  − 
n =1 (1 + 3 )(1 + 3 ) 4 1−α 1+α N
n n −1
2

13. 2010/AJC MIDYEAR/Q8

r 3r − 2
Given that f ( r ) = r , show that
f ( r ) − f ( r + 2 ) =r + 2 .
2 2
n
3r − 2 Bn + C
Hence, show that ∑
r =1 2 r
= A−
2n
, where A, B and C are constants to be determined.

Deduce
4 7 10
(a) the value of + + +
2 2 23 2 4
n
r 3n + 4 7 n+2
(b) an expression for ∑2
r =1
r
in terms of n. Ans.: 4 −
2 n ; (a) ; (b) 2 − n
2 2

14. 2009/JJC PRELIM/P1/Q7(b) (modified)

1 1 1
Prove that for all positive integers n, − = .
n ! (n + 1)! n ! + (n − 1)!
N
1
Hence evaluate ∑ in terms of N.
n =1 n !+ ( n − 1)!
N
1
(i) Deduce that ∑ < 2.
n =1 n !
N
1
(ii) Find ∑ .
n = 2 n !+ ( n + 1)!

1 1 1 1 1 1
Ans.: 1 − (ii) − + or −
( N + 1)! 6 ( N + 1)! ( N + 1)!+ N ! 6 ( N + 2)!
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Summation & MOD
15. 2014/RVHS PROMO/Q4
 r 
Prove that ln  r + = ln r − ln(r + 1) + ln(r + 2) .
 r +1 
Hence, find in terms of n,
 2  3  4  n −1 
ln  2 +  + ln  3 +  + ln  4 +  + ... + ln  n − 1 + ,
 3  4  5  n 
 (n + 1)! 
giving your answer in the form ln   , where k is a constant to be found.
 k 
(n + 1)! 
Ans.: ln  
 3n 

16. 2011/TJC PROMO/Q5

2x
Function f is defined by f ( x) = where x ∈ , x ≥ 0 .
x +1
6x + 4
(i) Show that 2f ( x + 1) − f ( x ) − f ( x − 1) = .
x ( x + 1)( x + 2 )
N
3r + 2
(ii) Hence by using the method of difference, find ∑ r ( r + 1)( r + 2 )
r =1
in terms of N.

N 2 ( N + 1)
Ans.: −1 + +
N +1 N +2

17. 2014/SRJC PROMO/Q9

4r +1 ( r − 1)
Given that f ( r ) = .
3( r + 2)
4r r 2
(i) Show that f ( r ) − f ( r − 1) = . [2]
( r + 1)( r + 2 )
n
4r r 2
(ii) Hence, find ∑ ( r + 1)( r + 2 )
r =1
in terms of n. [3]

4r −2 ( r − 1)
n 2

Using the result in (ii), find ∑ . [3]

r =3 r ( r + 1)
4n+1 ( n − 1) 2 4n−1 (n − 2)
Ans: (ii) + ;
3( n + 2) 3 3( n + 1)

18. 2016/RIJC PROMO/Q6

(i) Using the formulae for cos( A ± B ) , show that
cos( A − B) − cos( A + B) =
2sin A sin B .
Deduce that cos 2(k − 1)θ − cos 2=
kθ 2sin(2k − 1)θ sin θ [2]
n
(ii) Find a formula for ∑ sin(2k − 1)θ sin θ in terms of sin θ . [3]
k =1
2016  ( 2k + 1) π 
(iii) Hence, without using a calculator, find the value of ∑ sin  3
. [3]
k =0  
3
Ans.: (ii) sin 2 nθ (iii)
2
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Summation & MOD
19. 2017/RVHS PROMO/Q5
n
A sequence U1 , U 2 , U 3 ,... is defined by U n = .
en
n(1 − e) + 1
(i) Show that = U n+1 − U n . [1]
e n+1
n
 r (1 − e) + 1 
(ii) Hence find ∑ 
r =1 e r +1
 in terms of n.

[3]
20
(r − 1)(1 − e) + 1 
(iii) Using result in part (ii), find ∑   , expressing your answer as a single fraction in
r =5  er 
terms of e. [3]
n + 1 − en 20 − 4e16
Ans: (ii) (iii)
e n+1 e 20
20. 2019/ACJC PROMO/Q11
A research team would like to examine the growth of a certain bacteria in a controlled environment.
Beginning with a sample amounting to A0 of this bacteria, the researchers noted down the amount of
bacteria found in this environment at the end of each day, such that A1 represents the amount present at
the end of the first day and A2 for the second day.
(i) It was found that the amount of bacteria present at the end of k th day, denoted by Ak , relies on the
Ak Ak −1 + 360k 2 .
amount present at the end of the previous day, with the relationship=

Use this relation to find expressions for A1 , A2 and A3 , leaving each in terms of A0 . Hence, or
otherwise, show that the amount of bacteria present at the end of n th
day, An is given by
An = A0 + an 3 + bn 2 + cn , where a, b and c are constants to be determined.
N
1
[You may use the result ∑r
r =1
2
=
6
N ( N + 1)( 2 N + 1) .] [5]

The research team later discovered an antibody to curb the growth of the bacteria. With the introduction
of the antibody, the amount of bacteria present (measured in cells per ml) in the new controlled
2n
environment, P (n) is given by=
P ( n) ∑ (450 − nr ) , where
r =1
n is a positive integer that denotes the
number of days from which the antibody is administered.

(ii) (a) Find the number of days after the antibody is administered before it effectively reduces the
number of bacteria present. [3]
(b) Calculate the total number of days required for the bacteria to be completely wiped out in the
controlled environment. [2]

Based on the chemical composition of the antibody, the team formulated a synthetic medication. During
the clinical trial where the synthetic medication is used, the amount of bacteria present (measured in cells
per ml) in the experimental controlled environment, Q(n) can be modelled by Q(n) = 1617 − 20 ( n − 7 ) ,
2

where n is a positive integer that denotes the number of days from which the medication is administered.

(iii) Assuming the initial amount of bacteria present in both controlled environments are the same,
comment with justification whether the antibody or the synthetic medication is more effective in
reducing the amount of bacteria present. [2]
=
Ans: (i) a 120,
= b 180,
= c 60 ; (iia) 13; (iib) 21; (iii) the synthetic medication is more effective
TOPIC 5: TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

1 Chain Rule dy dy du
If y is a function of u and u is a function of x, then = × .
dx du dx
2 Higher Derivatives Let y = f ( x) . We define
dy
(i) f '( x) = as the first derivative of y w.r.t x .
dx
d  dy  d 2 y
(ii)
= f ''( x) =   as the second derivative of y w.r.t
dx  dx  dx 2
x.

(n) d n y d  d n-1 y 
In general, the nth derivative is f = ( x) =  .
dx n dx  dx n −1 
2 n
d 2 y  dy  d n y  dy 
Note : ≠  , ≠  .
dx 2  dx  dx n  dx 
3 Implicit Differentiation When it is difficult to express y in terms of x e.g.
dy
28 , use this technique to find
x 2 − 2 xy + 4 y 2 = . Simply
dx
differentiate term by term, using Chain Rule whenever necessary,
d dy d dy
e.g. 4 y2 = × (4 y2 ) =
8y
dx dx dy dx
4 Differentiation of Parametric dy dy dt
Equations (t ), y g(t ) , then =
If x f=
= × .
dx dt dx
5 Differentiation of Trigonometrical d d
Functions [sin x ] = cos x [cosec x] = − cosec x cot x
dx dx
d d
[cos x] = − sin x [sec x ] = sec x tan x
dx dx
d d
[ tan x ] = sec2 x [cot x ] = − cosec2 x
6 Differentiation of Inverse
dx dx
d 1
= sin −1 x  , −1 < x < 1
Trigonometrical Functions dx  1 − x2
d −1
=cos −1 x  , −1 < x < 1
dx 1 − x2
d 1
=  tan −1 x  , x∈
dx 1 + x2

7 Differentiation of Logarithmic d 1
Functions [ln x ] =
dx x
8 Differentiation of Exponential d
Functions ( a x ) = a x ln a
dx
d
(e x ) = e x
dx

Tangents & Normals dy

• Equation of tangent at P : y − y1 = m( x − x1 ) where m=
dx x = x1

1
− (x − x )
• Equation of normal at P: y − y =
y
normal at P tangent at P

• P(x1, y1)
y = f(x) dy dy dt
• If x and y are parametric functions of t, then = ×
θ
x dx dt dx
O dy a
• If = , a tangent to the curve is parallel to
dx b
dy
(a) x – axis ⇒ =0 ⇒ a =0 .
dx
dy
(b) y– axis ⇒ is undefined ⇒ b = 0.
d
Rates of Change
dy
• is the rate of change of y with respect to x.
dx
dy dy
> 0 ⇒ y increases as x increases while < 0 ⇒ y decreases as x increases.
dx dx

dy dy dx
• If y = f( x) and x is a function of time, t , then = × (chain rule) is the rate of change of y with
dt dx dt
respect to time.

Maxima & Minima

dy
Stationary Points Sign of around P, Q, R, S:
dx
0
•
+ Q −

Turning Points 0 +
Points of • 0
+ − • −
inflexion P
(P, R) R
Maximum Minimum
(Q) (S) − 0+
•
S

changes changes does not change

1st derivative test
from + to − from − to + sign around the point
(see Q) (see S) (see P, R)

at S 2nd derivative test (non-conclusive if )

at Q
Worksheet
1. Differentiate the following with respect to x:
4
(a) (b) ln 1 − x 2 (c) xesec x
1 − 2x
sin x 2
(d) (e)  tan −1 (3 x)  (f) sin(cos x)
1 + cos x
3
x 1 6 tan −1 ( 3 x )
Ans: (a) 2 (1 − 2x ) 2 (b) −
−
(c) e sec x
(1 + x sec x tan x ) (d) (e) (f) − cos(cos x)sin x
1 − x2 1 + cos x 1 + 9 x2

2. As part of an Art Project, a student designed a letterbox in the form of a prism. The cross-section forms a
pentagon with two vertical sides of equal height, y cm, and slant edges of equal length, 5x cm. The
remaining faces are rectangles. A rectangular sheet of cardboard ABCD, of area 1500 cm2, is folded to
make the surface ABCD of the prism as shown in the diagram. The front, back and bottom surfaces are
made of another material.

5x C
5x
B
y
y
D 30
6x
A
If the length of the letterbox is 30 cm and the width is 6x cm,
(i) show that the volume, V cm3, enclosed by the letterbox is given =
by V 4500 x − 540 x 2 ,
(ii) determine the maximum value of V.
Ans: (ii) 9375

3. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve x 3 y 2 + x =

1 which is parallel to the y-axis.
Ans: x = 1

4. Sketch the curve with parametric equations

3
= x 3=t, y ,
t
The point P on the curve has parameter t = 2. The normal at P meets the curve again at point Q.
(i) Show that the normal at P has equation 2= y 8 x − 45.
1
(ii) Find the value of t at Q. Ans: (ii) t = −
8

5. An inverted conical container has a circular top with radius 10 cm and the height of the container is
20 cm. Water is being poured into the container at a rate of 2cm3 s-1 and is leaking out at a rate of 0.5cm3
s-1. At time t s, the water level is of height h cm and the circular top
10 cm
surface of the water has radius r cm.

(i) Express r in terms of h.

(ii) Find the rate of change of the height of the water level when
the volume of water in the container is 144 π cm3. r

h 20 cm
1
Ans: (i) r = h (ii) 0.0133
2

6. 2017/RIJC PROMO/P1/Q4
 dy
(a) Find in terms of x, simplifying your answers, when
dx
2x
(i) y= , [2]
x2 + 1
−1
(2 x)
(ii) y = e tan sec 2 x. [3]
2

(b) The curve has equation y = 3

(x 2
+2 x ). Show that d 2 y 1  dy 
= 2   + 2 y ln 3 . [3]
dx y  dx 
2 −1  1 
Ans: (a)(i) ; (a)(ii) 2e tan (2 x )
sec 2 x  tan x +
3
 1 + 4 x 2 
(x 2
+ 1) 2

2 2 3 dy
7. πe 2 , find
Given that 3 y − 2 x y + 5cosec 2 x = in terms of x and y.
dx
dy 5cos ec 2 x cot 2 x + 2 xy 3
Ans: =
dx 3 y (1 − x 2 y )

8. 2016/DHS PROMO/P1/Q7(i)
y

O x

The diagram shows the graph of a curve C with equation ye − y − 12 x = 0 for y ≥ 0 . The y-axis is an
asymptote to C.
dy
Find in terms of y. Hence find the equation of the tangent to C which is parallel to the y-axis.
dx
dy 1
Ans: = −y ; x = 2e −1
dx 2e (1 − y )
9. GCE ‘A’ Levels Maths J1978/1/Q6
4 3
The formulae for the volume of a sphere of radius r and for its surface area are V = πr and A = 4πr 2
3
respectively. Given that when r = 5 m, V is increasing at a rate of 10 m3s −1 , find the rate of increase of A
at this instant. Ans: 4

10. 2009/AJC PRELIM /P1Q6

A hexagon ABCDEF has fixed perimeter r cm. Its shape is such that BCD and AEF are equilateral
triangles, while ABDE is a rectangle. If the length of BC is s cm, show that the area of the hexagon is
 3  rs
given by  − 2  s 2 + cm 2 .
 2  2
Hence find, in terms of r, the maximum area of the hexagon, leaving your answer in exact form.

Ans:
(
r2 4 + 3 )
104
11. 2011/SAJC PRELIM/P1/Q12
(i) A curve has parametric equations
x= θ − sin θ , y = 1 − cos θ , for 0 < θ < 2π .
Find the equation of the tangent parallel to the x-axis. [3]
2π
(ii) The normal to the curve at the point with parameter , meets the x- and y-axes at P and Q
3
2 3π
respectively. Show that the equation of the normal is y = − 3x + .
3
Hence find the area of the triangle OPQ. [5]
dy
(iii) Given that θ is increasing at a rate of 2 radians per second, find the rate of change for of the
dx
π
curve at θ = . [3]
3
2 3π 2
Ans: (i) y = 2 (ii) (iii) −4 units/s
9

12. A curve has parametric equations x = a cos θ , y = a sin θ where a is a positive constant. Find the
coordinates of the point on the curve at which the normal is parallel to the line y = x .
 a a 
Ans:  ± ,± 
 2 2

13. The parametric equations of a curve are x = at 2 , y = at 5 where a is a constant. Find the equation of the
tangent at the point where t = 2 and find also the coordinates of the point where this tangent cuts the curve
again. Ans:= y 20 x − 48a , ( 2.09a, − 6.28a )
14. 2016/AJC PROMO/P1/Q10
4 3
[It is given that a sphere of radius r has volume πr .]
3

A toy is made up of two parts.

• A hemispherical top of radius r cm,
• A cylindrical base of radius r cm and height h cm.

The diagram shows the toy enclosed in a transparent right conical container of radius 5 cm and height
12 cm, with its base in contact with the circular base of the container, and its hemispherical top in contact
with the inner surface of the container. Given that r and h both vary,
13
(i) show that h= 12 − r ; [2]
5
(ii) using differentiation, find the values of r and h such that the toy has a maximum volume; [7]
(iii) sketch the graph showing the volume of the toy as the radius of the hemisphere varies. [3]
120 36
Ans: (ii) r = cm (or 4.14) and h = cm ( or 1.24cm)
29 29

15. ACJC Promo 9758/2020/Q11(i)(ii)

t 1 1
A curve C has parametric equations x = and y = sin −1 2t , for − < t < .
1 − 4t 2 2 2
dy
(i) Show that = 2(1 − 4t 2 ) and explain why the gradient is always positive for all points on the curve.
dx
[4]
(ii) Describe the behaviour of C as x → ±∞ . Sketch C, stating clearly the equations of any asymptotes
and the coordinates of any points of intersection with the axes. [3]

16. 2017/ MJC PROMO/Q5

Suppose the following facts are known about the function g and its derivatives:
π π π
g   = 1, g '   = 0, g ''   = −1 .
2 2 2
g( x )
Consider the function f ( x) = e .
π
(i) Using differentiation, show that f ( x) has a stationary point at x = and determine the nature of
2
this stationary point. [5]
π π
(ii) Given that g ( x ) is sin x, show that f ( x ) is increasing on the interval where − < x < . [2]
2 2
π
Ans.: (i) It is a maximum point at x =
2
17. 2007/ MJC PRELIM/P2/Q3
θ
A curve is defined parametrically by x = , y = ln ( 2θ 2 ) , where θ > 0 .
2
dy
Find , expressing your answer in terms of x. [2]
dx
(i) The tangent and normal to the curve at the point where x = 2 meet the x-axis at P and Q respectively.
Find the distance between P and Q in exact form. [4]
1
(ii) Determine the rate of change of xy when θ = and x increases at a constant rate of 0.1 unit per
3
second. [4]
dy 2
Ans: = ; 2ln 32 ; 0.0496
dx x

18. 2008/MJC PROMO/Q7

(a) A curve is given parametrically by the equations
=x 3t 2 − 6t , y 4t 3 − 5 .
=
Find the coordinates of the point on the curve where the normal is parallel to the x-axis. [3]

(b) A spherical balloon is being inflated, and at the instant when its radius is 10cm, its surface area is
increasing at a rate of 6.4 cm2 s–1. Find the rate of increase, at the same instant, of
(i) the radius,
(ii) the volume. [4]
2
Ans.: (a) (–3, –1); (b)(i) cm s −1 ; (ii) 32 cm3s −1
25π
19. SAJC Promo 9758/2021/Q10

A property developer wants to develop a triangular plot of land PQR as shown in the diagram below.
One section, NQM, is to be used for residential development and the other section, PNMR, is to be used
for commercial development where M is on RQ and N is on PQ.

It is given that NQ = x km, QM = y km, MN = z km, RQ = 1.5 km, PQ = 1.8 km, and a fixed angle
 π
α radians where α ∈  0 ,  .
∠NQM =
 2

M
1.5 km

km km

km α
N Q
P 1.8 km

(i) To achieve the requirements set out by the government on the use of the plot, the developer plans
the use such that the residential development and commercial development takes up the same area
each in the plot PQR.
1.8225
Show that z 2 = x2 + − 2.7 cos α . [4]
x2

The developer wants to build a fence on the boundary MN. To minimise the construction costs, he decides
that the boundary MN should be of minimum length.

(ii) Using differentiation, find the value of x which will minimise the length MN, giving your answers
correct to 3 decimal places. [7]
π
(iii) Given that ∠NQM = α =, sketch the graph showing the relationship of the square of the length
3
MN as the length of NQ varies. [3]
(ii) x = 1.162 m
20. 2017/NJC PROMO/Q5

The diagram above shows the top view of a part of a canal whose banks are a pair of concentric semi-
circles with radii 2 metres and 4 metres respectively, and common centre O. A group of students plans to
build a wooden rectangular raft PQRS. Denoting T as the midpoint of SR, the points P, Q and T touch the
banks of the canal at all times during the manoeuvre of the raft through this part of the canal. Denoting the
width and length of the raft by h metres and k metres respectively, show that the area of the raft can be
written as
2h a − bh − ch 2 ,
where a, b and c are real constants to be determined. [2]
Using differentiation, determine the dimensions of the largest possible raft they can build. [5]

Ans: h = 1.37 m and k = 4.30 m (to 3 s.f.)

H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion
TOPIC 6: SERIES EXPANSION

Binomial Expansion

If n ∉  + ,
n ( n − 1) 2 n ( n − 1) ... ( n − r + 1) r
(1 + x )
n
=1 + nx + x + ... + x + ... valid for x < 1
2! r!

1. The expansion is called the Binomial Series and it is an infinite series.

n
 bx 
To expand ( a + bx ) , convert it to a 1 +  first.
n
2. n

 a 
The expansion of [1 + f ( x) ] is valid only for x such that f ( x) < 1 .
n
3.

Maclaurin Expansion

x2 xn
f ( x)= f (0) + xf '(0) +f ''(0) + ... + f ( n ) (0) + ...
2! n!
where the nth derivative of f is denoted by f ( n ) ( x)

Maclaurin Expansion (standard series, found in MF26)

n ( n − 1) 2 n ( n − 1) ... ( n − r + 1) r
(1 + x )
n
1. =1 + nx + x + ... + x + ... ( x <1)
2! r!
x 2 x3 xr
2. e x =1 + x + + + ... + + ... (all x)
2! 3! r!
( −1) x 2 r +1
3 5 r
x x
3. sin x = x − + + ... + + ... (all x)
3! 5! ( 2r + 1)!
( −1) x 2 r + ...
r
x2 x4
4. cos x =1 − + + ... + (all x)
2! 4! ( 2 r )!
( −1) x r + ...
r +1
x 2 x3
5. ln (1 + x ) = x − + + ... + ( −1 < x ≤ 1 )
2 3 r

Small Angle Approximation

For any small angle, x measured in radians, x 3 and higher powers of x can be ignored giving

sin x ≈ x
x2
cos x ≈ 1 −
2
tan x ≈ x

When to use ‘=’ or ‘≈’?

( −1) x 2 r + ... [Read as: cos x is equal to the infinite series (with + … at the back)]
r
x2 x4
cos x =1 − + + ... +
2! 4! ( 2r )!
x2
cos x ≈ 1 − [Read as: cos x is approximately equal to the sum of the first few terms of the series, when the
2!
remaining terms of the infinite series are negligible.]
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion
1
1. Expand ( 4 + x ) 2 in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x 2 .
1 p
Use x = in your result to obtain an approximate value for 6 , leaving your answer in the form
6 q
11520 4703
where p and q are integers to be found. Ans: 6≈ or 6≈
4703 1920

2. ACJC/2008/Promo/Q1
2
Expand − 4 + x in ascending powers of x up to and including the term in x 2 . Find the range of x
2− x
x 17 x 2
for which the expansion is valid. Ans: −1 + + + ; −2 < x < 2
4 64

3. RVHS/2011/Promo/Q6
It is given that =
y 1 + sin x .
2
d2 y  dy 
(i) Show that 2 y 2
+ 2  + y2 = 1.
dx  dx 
(ii) Hence, find the Maclaurin’s series for y, up to and including the term in x 3 .
cos x 1 1
Deduce that, for small x , ≈ 1 − x − x2 .
1 + sin x 2 8
1 1 1
Ans: (ii) 1 + x − x 2 − x 3 + ...
2 8 48

4. ACJC/2012/Promo/Q12(a)
By using standard series expansions for e x and sin x , find the first three non-zero terms in the expansion
x3
of e x sin( x + π) . Ans: − x − x 2 − +
3

5. GCE ‘A’ Level/2008/1/Q6(a)

In the triangle ABC, AB = 1, BC = 3 and angle ABC = θ radians. Given that θ is a sufficiently small
angle, show that
1
AC ≈ ( 4 + 3θ 2 ) 2 ≈ a + bθ 2 ,
3
for constants a and b to be determined. Ans:=a 2,=b
4

6. GCE ‘A’ Levels Maths C N2001/P1/Q1

1 + x2
Expand in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term in x 2 .
(1 + 4 x)
Ans.: 1 − 2 x + 7 x 2 + ...

7. GCE ‘A’ Levels Maths C N1993/P1/Q3

6
 2
(a) Find the term independent of x in the expansion of  x 2 +  .
 x
1
(b) Find the coefficient of x 6 in the expansion in ascending powers of x of (4 + x 2 ) 2 .
1
Ans.: (a) 240 (b)
512
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion
8. 2006/AJC MIDYEAR/Q3
1
 3 + x 3
By using the binomial theorem, express   as a series in ascending powers of x up to and including
 3− x 
the term in x2. State the range of values of x for which the expansion is valid.
1 1
By putting x = , find an approximation for (10 ) 3 , giving your answer as a fraction in its lowest terms.
3
2 2 1570
Ans: 1 + x + x 2 , −3 < x < 3 ;
9 81 729

dy d2 y dy
9. Given that y = e 1+ x
, show that
dx
(
2 1+ x = )y and 4 (1 + x ) 2 + 2 =
dx dx
y.
By further differentiation of this result, or otherwise, show that the series expansion for y in ascending
 1 
powers of x up to the term in x3 is y = e 1 + x + kx 3 + ...  , where k is a constant to be found.
 2 
 1 1 
Ans: y = e 1 + x + x 3 + ... 
 2 48 

10. 2006/RIJC PROMO/Q14

−1
(i) Given that y = 1 + e tan x , show that
dy
(a) (1 + x 2 ) = y −1 ,
dx
d2 y dy
(b) (1 + x 2 ) 2 + ( 2 x − 1) = 0.
dx dx
Find the Maclaurin’s series for y, up to and including the term in x2.
1
(ii) Expand (1 + 6x ) 3 as a binomial series, up to and including the term in x2. State the set of values of
x for which this expansion is valid.
1
9
(iii) Using the two series found above, show that 1 + e tan x − (1 + 6 x ) 3 ≈ when x = 1 .
−1

2
1
Calculate the value of 1 + e tan x − (1 + 6 x ) 3 when x = 1 , giving your answer correct to 3 significant
−1
(iv)
figures. Explain why the value obtained in (iii) is a poor approximation.
1
Ans: ( i ) 2 + x + x 2 + , ( ii ) 1 + 2 x − 4 x 2 + ( iv ) 1.28
2

11. 2016/IJC/PROMO/Q8
(a) Show that, when x is sufficiently small for x3 and higher powers of x to be neglected,
cos x
≈ a + bx + cx 2 , where the values of a, b and c are to be determined.
1 − sin 2 x
dy
(b) (i) Given that = y 3 + 6e− x , show that y = −3e− x .
dx
By further differentiation of this result, find the Maclaurin series for √(3 + 6e− x ) up to and
including the term in x 2 .
(ii) The second and third terms in the Maclaurin series for y = √(3 + 6e − x ) are equal to the first
and second terms in the series expansion of e ax ln (1 + nx ) respectively. Using appropriate
expansions from the List of Formulae (MF26), find the constants a and n.
7 1 5
Ans: (a) 1 + 2 x + x 2 , (b)(i) y = 3 − x + x 2 ... , (b)(ii) n = −1 ; a = −
2 3 6
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion
12. 2017/TJC PROMO/Q5
dy d2 y
Given that=y ln (1 + sin x ) , find and . [2]
dx dx 2
d3 y  dy   d y 
2
Hence show that 3 = −    2  . [1]
dx  dx   d x 
By further differentiation of this result, find the Maclaurin series for y up to and including the term in x 4 .
[3]
 1 + x 
Hence, without further differentiation, deduce the Maclaurin series of ln   up to and including
 1 + sin x 
the term in x 4 , giving your answer in the form kx 3 (1 − x ) , where k is a constant to be determined. [2]
1 1 1 1 1
x − x 2 + x 3 − x 4 + ... ; x 3 (1 − x ) where k =
Ans: y =
2 6 12 6 6

13. 2011/RVHS PROMO/Q4

π 
In the triangle ABC, angle ABC =  − 2θ  radians, BC = 2 cm and AC= (1 + θ ) cm. Show that
4 
cos 2θ − sin 2θ
sin ∠BAC = . Given that θ is sufficiently small, express sin ∠BAC in the form
1+θ
1 + kθ + θ 2 where k is a constant to be determined. Ans: k = −3

14. 2008/SAJC PROMO/Q7

Given tan
= y ln (1 + x ) . Show that
dy
(i) (1 + x ) =cos 2 y ,
dx
d2 y dy
(ii) (1 + x ) 2 + (1 + sin 2 y ) = 0.
dx dx
Hence find the Maclaurin’s series for y up to and including the term in x 2 .
tan −1 ( ln (1 + x ) ) dx .
0.5
Using the series, find the approximate value for ∫ 0

x2
Ans: y =x − + ..... ; 0.104
2

15. 2010/DHS PROMO/Q7(a)

d3 y d2 y dy
Given that y = tan −1 x, show that (1 + x 2 )
3
+ 4 x 2
+2 = 0.
dx dx dx
Hence find the Maclaurin’s series for y in ascending powers of x, up to and including the term
in x3 .
π
Deduce the value of q where ≈ q 3, where q is a rational number.
6
1 3 8
Ans: y =−
x x + ; q =
3 27
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion
16. 2013/YJC PROMO/Q5
x
(i) Find the first three terms of the Maclaurin series for e 2 (1 + sin x ) .
[You may use standard results given in the List of Formulae.] [3]

(ii) It is given that the first two terms of this series are equal to the first two terms in the series expansion,
n
 2 
in ascending powers of x, of 1 + x  . Find n and show that the third terms in each of these series
 3 
are equal. [3]
2
3x 5 x 9 5
Ans: (i) 1 + + + ... , (ii) n = ,
2 8 4 8

17. 2016/ NJC PROMO/Q12 (Part)

A Lorenz curve is given by y = L ( x ) , where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 1 .
y represents the proportion of a country’s total wealth that is owned by the poorest 100x% of the country’s
population in terms of wealth.
2
C is a Lorenz curve with equation L1 ( x ) = sin −1 x .
π
(a) Find the percentage of total wealth owned by the poorest 20% of the population. [2]
(b) A power series is used to approximate L1 ( x ) .
(i) Find the series expansion of L1 ( x ) up to and including the term in x 3 . [4]
(ii) Hence, find the range of values of x such that the error of approximating L1 ( x ) using its series
expansion in part (b) (i) is less than or equal to 0.005. [3]
2 1
Ans: (a) 12.8% (3 s.f.), (bi) x+ x + ... ,
3
(bii) 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.605
π 3π

18. 2017/JJC PROMO/Q10

xy 2 + y 2, where y > 0 .
It is given that=
2
d2 y  dy  dy
(i) Show that (2 xy + 1) 2
+ 2x   + 4 y = 0.
dx  dx  dx
Hence find the Maclaurin series for y up to and including the term in x 2 . [5]
1
(ii) If the value of x is decreasing at a constant rate of units per second, find the exact rate of change
5
of y when the value of x is 1 unit. [3]
1
Ans: (i) y ≈ 2 − 4 x + 16 x 2 (ii) units per second
15
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Series Expansion

19. 2016/HCI PRELIM/P1/Q10

A

B C
y

1 π
In the triangle ABC, AB = x , BC = y , AC = , angle ABC = radians and angle ACB = θ radians
6 6
(see diagram).
x 2sin θ
(a) (i) Show that = . [3]
y cos θ + 3 sin θ
x
(ii) Given that θ is sufficiently small, express as a cubic polynomial in θ . [3]
y
(b) (i) Show that θ = sin −1 ( 3x ) . [1]
(ii) Find the Maclaurin series for θ , up to and including the term in x . 3
[5]
x 20 27 9
Ans: (aii) ≈ 2θ − 2 3θ 2 + θ 3 (bii) θ = 3 x + x 3 + ... = 3 x + x 3 + ...
y 3 3! 2

20. 2016/DHS PROMO/Q4

A
A

5
5

B
D C

The diagram above shows the base of a wading pool. ABC is an isosceles triangle with AB = AC = 5m
1
and angle BAC = θ radians. ACD is a right angled triangle with angle ADC = π radians. The base of
3
the pool costs $625 to tile. The unit cost of tiling is $w per square metre. Given that θ is a sufficiently
small angle, show that
( )
−1
w ≈ 50   1 + θ   ≈ a + bθ + cθ 2 ,
where a, b and c are exact constants to be determined.
50 3, b =
Ans: a = −150, c =
150 3
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Techniques of Integration
TOPIC 7: TECHNIQUES OF INTEGRATION

Standard Forms f( x)
*Given in formula list ∫ g( x) dx By Parts Substitution

dv du
f ' ( x)
dx ln f ( x ) + C
∫u x uv − ∫ v
d= dx Questions will
∫ f (= x)
dx dx
provide the
Recall IK - ∫ ID dx
• Use substitution
n +1
n f ( x )  integration by
∫ f ( x ) f ( x ) =
'
dx +C partial • Use L I A T E as a guide • Differentiate
n +1
fractions if to choose u. substitution
∫ e f ( x) =
( )
f x ' ( )
f x
dx e + C
polynomial
g( x) can be • Only one of 2 functions are • In one step,
1 1  x replace
*∫ =2 2
dx tan −1   + C factorised. integrable; choose the
x +a a a other as u. integrand,
limits and dx
1  x
*∫ = dx sin −1   + C
2
a −x 2
a • Both integrable and one • If limits are
1 1 x−a becomes a constant after not given,
*∫= dx ln +C • If g( x) is repeated differentiation –
2
x −a 2
2a x + a need to put x
quadratic and choose it as u. back into the
1 1 a+x cannot be
*∫= dx ln +C final answer.
2
a −x 2
2a a − x factorised,
* ∫ tan
= x dx ln sec x + C split • Both integrable but neither
numerator becomes a constant after
f ( x ) to repeated differentiation –
* ∫ cot
= x dx ln sin x + C
kg' ( x ) + m choose either as u.
and integrate • There is only one function
*∫
cosec x dx =
− ln cosec x + cot x
using and it can’t be integrated –
+C standard choose it as u and let
forms. dv
* ∫ sec x dx= ln sec x + tan x + C = 1.
dx
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Techniques of Integration
1. Find/Evaluate exactly, the following integrals, (using substitutions if given in brackets)
1 ⌠ 2x −1
(b) ⌠
3
(a) ∫ (1 − x ) dx
4
 dx (c)  dx
⌡ ( x + 1)
2 2
1 ⌡ 4x + 8x + 5
⌠ 1
(d) 
⌡ 16 − 9 x 2
dx (e) ∫x 1 − x 2 dx (f) ∫ sin 5 x sin 2 x dx
⌠ 1 ⌠ e− x
∫ ( sin x − 1)
2
(g)  dx (h)  dx (i) dx
⌡ cos 6 x − 1 ⌡ x
⌠ 1
∫ sin x e
2x
(j)  dx (k) dx
⌡ ( cos 4 x ) ( 3 + 5 tan 4 x )
2

 1  1
∫ x tan ∫ cos 2 x ln(sin x) dx ∫ ln( x + 1) dx
−1
(l)   dx (m) (n)
 x +1 0

⌠ 4 x − 2 dx
∫ xe ∫ cos
1− 2 x 2 2
(o) dx (p) 3 x dx (q) 
⌡ 4 − x2
π

∫ ln(2 − 3x) dx ∫ ∫ sec ( 4 x ) 3 + 5 tan ( 4 x ) dx

2
(r) (s) 4
cos5 x sin 2 x dx (t)
0
1
1 ⌠ x2
(u = e )
3
(u) ∫ (1 + e )( 2 + e ) dx x
(v) 
 2
dx ( x = tan θ )
⌡0 ( x + 1)
0 x x 2

⌠ 1 ⌠ tan x dx ⌠ 2x
(w)  dt (x)  (y)  dx ( u= 5 − 6x)
⌡ t (1 + ln t )
3 2 ⌡ cos3 x ⌡ 5 5 − 6x
ln 2 −x
⌠ e
(z)  dx
⌡0 1 + e − x

2. Use the given substitutions to find the following integrals.

4 x x2 π
(a) ∫1 1 + x dx , u = 1 + x (b) ∫ 9 − x 2 dx, x 3sin θ , when 0 ≤ θ < 2
=

3. (i) Express 2x – 1 as A(2x + 2) + B, where A and B are constants to be found.

3
⌠ 2x −1
(ii) Hence, evaluate  dx exactly.
⌡0 ( x + 1)
2

d x3
4. Write down (i) e ,
dx
∫x e
2 x3
(ii) dx.

∫x e
3
5 x
Hence find dx.

3
5. Without using a calculator, evaluate ∫ ( x − 1)( x − 3) dx .
0
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Techniques of Integration
6. (a) Find
(i) ∫ tan(2 x)sec(2 x)dx,
(ii) ∫ x tan(2 x)sec(2 x)dx.
π 1
(b) Use the substitution x = sec y, 0 < y <
2
, to find ∫x 2
x2 − 1
dx.

7. Find the values of the constants a and b such that 4 x + 10= a ( 2 x + 4 ) + b .

4 x + 10
Hence, or otherwise, find ∫x 2
+ 4 x + 13
dx.

8. 2017/DHS PROMO/Q8
d d 1√π
(a) Find
dx
( tan x 2 ) and
dx
( ln(sec x 2 ) ) . Hence evaluate ∫ 2 x 3 sec 2 ( x 2 ) dx exactly, simplifying
0

your answer. [4]

(b) (i) Solve the inequality x 2 + x − 6 < 0. [1]
(ii) Express x + x − 6 in the form A( x − 2) + B ( x − 2), for constants A and B to be determined.
2 2

Hence or otherwise, show that for any constant k such that 0 < k < 2,
4− k
∫ ( x − 2) x 1 (2 − k ) 4 .
2
+ x − 6 dx= 2
[4]
k

9. 2017/NJC PROMO/Q8
(a) Find
dx
e (
d ( x2 +1)
. )
( ) dx in terms of n, where n > 0.
n
∫
2
Hence obtain a formula for x3 e( x +1)
[4]
0
3
⌠ x 2e x
(b) Find  x3 dx. [2]
⌡ e −1
3x
e
(c) Use the substitution u= e x + 1 to find ⌠
 x dx. [4]
⌡ e +1

10. 2017/MI PROMO/Q9b

2
⌠ 17
Use partial fractions to evaluate  dx , giving your answers in the form aπ + ln b , where
⌡0 ( 2 x + 1) ( x + 4 )
2

a and b are constants to be determined. [6]

11. 2016/ACJC PROMO/Q9

2
1 ⌠ 1
(a) By using the substitution x = , find  dx , leaving your answer in exact form. [4]
t ⌡ 2 x x2 − 1
x +1 1 1 x+2
(b) Show that ⌠ 2
⌡ x + 4x + 7
=dx
2
ln x 2 + 4 x + 7 −( 3
tan −1
3
+c. ) [4]
1
x +1
Hence find ⌠
 2
dx exactly. [3]
⌡−2 x + 4 x + 7
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Techniques of Integration
π
π 3
12. Show that ∫0
3
cos 2 2 x dx= −
6 16
.
π
(i) Find the exact value of ∫ 3 x cos 2 2 x dx .
0

(ii) By means of the substitution 3u = sin x , show that

1
1 π3 2
∫ 0
2
4 3 ∫0
3u 2 1 − 3u 2 du = sin 2 x dx
1
and hence find the exact value of ∫0
2
3u 2 1 − 3u 2 du .

13. 2015/HCI PRELIM/P1/Q1

(a) Use the substitution =
u 2 x − 1 to find ∫ ( x − 1) 2 x − 1 dx . [3]
(b) Find ∫ sin 3 x sin x dx . [2]
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Complex Numbers
TOPIC 8: COMPLEX NUMBERS

1 Definition and Different Representations

Basic Definition: i 2 = −1.

A complex number z is represented by x + iy, x, y ∈  , where the real part, Re(z) = x and the imaginary
part, Im(z) = y (not iy). It can also be represented graphically by an Argand diagram.

Cartesian form Polar form

Im Im

y P(x, y)

Re
O x arg(z)

O Re

z
= x2 + y 2 ( z  0)
arg(z) = θ (where −π < θ  π )

y
Do not use arg( z ) = tan −1 .
x
Rather, find the basic angle first, then use the quadrant to determine if arg(z)
is (a) positive or negative, (b) positive or negative.

Given z = x + iy, suppose z = r and arg(z) = θ ,

Im
From the diagram, clearly
P(x, y) x
cos θ = , i.e. x = r cos θ
r
y
sin θ = , i.e. y = r sin θ
r r
y

O Re
x

Hence z = x + iy =r ( cos θ + isin θ ) =reiθ .

x + iy is the Cartesian form; r ( cos θ + isin θ ) =

reiθ are two versions of the polar form, while reiθ is
also known as the exponential or Euler form.
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Complex Numbers
2 Properties of modulus and argument
2
• z = zz *
• z* = z arg ( z *) = − arg ( z )
• z1 z2 = z1 z2 ( z1 z2 ) arg ( z1 ) + arg ( z2 )
arg=
Add or subtract integer multiples of
z1 z  z1  to ensure that the argument falls
• = 1   arg ( z1 ) − arg ( z2 )
arg=
within the interval of
z2 z2  z2 
arg ( z n ) = n arg ( z )
n
• zn = z

3 The four operations/conjugates

Given z1 =x1 + iy1 =r1 ( cos θ1 + isin θ1 ) =r1eiθ 1 and z2 =x2 + iy2 =r2 ( cos θ 2 + isin θ 2 ) =r2 eiθ 2 , and are
represented in an Argand diagram by points P1 and P2 respectively.

Cartesian Polar
z1 ± z2 = ( x1 + iy1 ) ± ( x2 + iy2 )
= ( x1 ± x2 ) + i ( y1 ± y2 )

( x1 iy1 )( x2 + iy2 )
z1 z2 =+ z1 z2 = ( r1eiθ 1 )( r2 eiθ 2 )
= ( x1 x2 − y1 y2 ) + i ( x1 y2 + x2 y1 ) (
i θ 1 +θ 2 )
= r1r2 e

z1* r1 ( cos θ1 − isin θ1 )

*
z1= x1 − iy1 =
= r1 ( cos ( −θ1 ) + isin ( −θ1 ) )
Note: It would be useful to know some properties of
conjugates, most of which can be derived easily. = r1ei( −θ 1 )

On the Argand diagram, points representing z1 and z1* are reflections of each other in the real axis.
z + z * = x + iy + x − iy = 2 x = 2 Re ( z )
z − z * = x + iy − x − iy = 2 yi = 2 Im ( z ) i
z1 z1 z2* z1 r1eiθ 1
= × =
z 2 z 2 z 2* z2 r2 eiθ 2
x1 + iy1 x2 − iy2 r1 i(θ 1 −θ 2 )
= × realise denominator = e
x2 + iy2 x2 − iy2 r2

=
( x1 x2 + y1 y2 ) + i ( x2 y1 − x1 y2 )
x2 2 + y2 2

4 The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra and the Conjugate Root Theorem

Let P(z) be a polynomial in z of degree n, i.e.

P(z) = a0 + a1z + a2z2 + … + an – 1zn – 1 + anzn.

(i) The equation P(z) = 0 always has n roots, not necessarily distinct or real.

(ii) If all the coefficients a0 , a1 , a2 , a3 , ... , an are real numbers

and if z is a non-real root of the equation P(z) = 0,
then z* is also a root of the equation.
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Complex Numbers
 3−i  10 + 5i
1. Without using G.C, solve the equation  z = , giving your answer in the form x + iy.
 1+ i  −1 + 2i

2. NJC 2009 CT2 Q10a

−10 + 10i
Solve for the complex number w in the form x + iy such that w * +2 w = . [2]
2−i

3. Given that the complex number −1 + i is a root of the equation 3 z 3 + z 2 − 4 z − 10 = 0, find the other
roots without using a graphing calculator.

4. 2016/CJC PROMO/Q4
Do not use a calculator in answering this question.
 3π 3π 
The complex numbers z and w are such=
that z 4  cos + isin  and w = 1 − i 3 . Let z ∗
 4 4 
w2
denotes the conjugate of z . Find the modulus r and the argument θ of , where r > 0 and
z∗
−π < θ ≤ π . [3]
n
w 2
Given that  ∗  is purely imaginary, find the possible values of n. [3]
z 

5. Given that the complex number i is a root of the equation z 3 + ( −2 − 3i ) z 2 + kz + ( 2 + i ) =0 , where k is a

complex number. Find the value of k. Hence, find all the roots of the equation.

(i) Show that ( z − w ) ( z − w* ) =z 2 − 2 Re ( w ) z + w .

2
6.
(ii) Without the use of GC, express f ( z ) =z 4 − 16 z 2 + 256 as a product of two quadratic factors with
real coefficients.

7. The complex number z has modulus 3 10 and argument tan−1(3). Find the real and imaginary parts of z.
The complex number w is given by w =−3 + i . Find w in surd form and show that arg ( w )= π − tan −1 k ,
where k is a constant to be determined.
26
 w
Find the modulus and argument of   , giving each answer exactly.
z
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Complex Numbers
8. ACJC JC2 Prelim 9758/2019/01/Q8
Do not use a calculator in answering this question.
(a) The complex numbers z and w satisfy the following equations
9,
w − 2z =
*
3w − wz =17 − 30i .
Find w and z in the form a + b i , where a and b are real and Re ( z ) < 0 . [4]
(b) (i) Given that − i is a root of the equation
( ) 0,
z 3 + kz 2 + 8 + 2 2 i z + 8 i =
where k is a constant to be determined, find the other roots, leaving your answers in exact
cartesian form x + y i , showing your working. [3]
(ii) ( )
Hence solve the equation iz 3 + kz 2 + 2 2 − 8 i z − 8 i =
0 , leaving your answers in exact
cartesian form. [2]
(iii) Let z0 be the root in (i) such that arg ( z0 ) > 0 . Find the smallest positive integer value of n
such that ( iz0 ) is a purely imaginary number.
n
[2]

Q9 2016/RIJC PROMO/Q8
π
1 + cos α + isin α , where 0 < α <
(a) The complex number z is given by z = .
2
 α  α α
(i) Show that z can be expressed as  2cos  cos + isin  . [2]
 2  2 2
(ii) Find zz * , where z * denotes the conjugate of z. [2]
π
(iii) Given that α = , without using a calculator, find the values of z 6 and arg( z 6 ) . Deduce
3
6
the value of z . [3]
i(u + v)
(b) The complex numbers u and v are such that is real. Show that u = v . [3]
(u − v)
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
TOPIC 9: TRANSFORMATION OF GRAPHS, CURVE SKETCHING 2, DEDUCED GRAPHS AND
CONICS

Important features of graphs

When sketching graphs, always label SIA:

1) Stationary points
(With GC, axial intercepts and stationary points can be easily located, but they need not be in exact values.
2) Intercepts
3) Asymptotes
(a) Vertical asymptotes
(b) Horizontal asymptotes
(c) Oblique asymptotes
(Asymptotes are an important part of a curve which must be shown with dotted lines and clearly labelled in a
sketch. Be aware that asymptotes are not shown when using a GC to sketch graphs.)

Use of GC to sketch graphs

What you see directly on the GC using the default settings, it may not be the correct graph.

1) Use yr to examine features like minimum, maximum points.

2) Asymptotes, if any, must be determined on your own; they are neither shown on the screen nor obtainable
from GC.
3) ZoomFit: Helps you to obtain the part of the graph for the pre-set Xmin and Xmax values.
It is a good habit to always use 0: Zoomfit to obtain the graph in the GC.
4) Sketching graphs of parametric equations
Note: Usually, there is no need to convert parametric equations to cartesian equation, unless required by the
question.
(a) Set p to reflect the given domain of the parameter. (Minimum value of parameter after
resetting GC is 0.)
(b) If trigonometric functions are involved, check M for the correct unit of angles (radian or degree.)

5) Given the graph of y = f ( x ) ,

(a) graph is increasing when f ' ( x ) > 0
(b) graph is decreasing when f ' ( x ) < 0
(c) graph is stationary when f ' ( x ) = 0

Consider the graph of y = f ( x) which has a stationary point at x = c . Observe that:

(i) For x < c , f '( x) < 0 (i.e. gradient of the

curve is negative). Graph is decreasing.
(ii) For x > c , f '( x) > 0 . (i.e. gradient of the
curve is positive). Graph is increasing.

O
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
Simple graphs & Curve sketching
f ( x)
1 Graphs of Rational Functions of the form y =
g( x)
For vertical asymptote(s), solve g ( x ) = 0 .

For horizontal or oblique asymptotes, always check whether the rational function is:
(a) Proper,
(b) Improper.

If proper, horizontal asymptote: y = 0.

f ( x)
If improper, express in proper fraction (via technique from long division or partial fractions) first.
g( x)
f ( x) k ( x)
Suppose = h ( x ) + , then horizontal/Oblique asymptote: y = h ( x ) .
g( x) g( x)

2 The exponential functions y = ex

Exponential functions are functions defined by

a x where a is a real constant and a > 0 . E.g.: y = e x
The graph of y = a x has an asymptote y = 0. y=0

3 The logarithmic functions

y = lg x
A logarithmic function is a function of the form log a x where
a > 0 and a ≠ 1 . E.g.: y = lg x
The graph of y = log a x, a > 0 and a ≠ 1 , has an asymptote x = 0.

x=0
4 Piecewise functions

A graph may consist of a series of curves defined differently over various intervals of x. We will sketch the curve
piece by piece, taking note of the end-point coordinates for each piece.
• represents a point that we are including

• represents a point that is not included.

You are required to give the coordinates of two points on each segment of the graph.

5 Periodic functions

A function f is said to be periodic if, for some non-zero constant a, we have f ( x + a ) =

f ( x ) for all values of x.

6 Parametric equations
In general, for the parametric equations,
= ( t ) and y g ( t ) , the point with parameter t means the point
x f=
( f (t ), g(t ) ) on the curve.
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
Transformation of Graphs on y = f(x)
In general when a > 0 :

Replacement Transformation Description Effect on the point (h, k)

Replace y by ( y − a ) y−a= f ( x) Translation of a units in the y-coordinates of all points
positive y-direction on graph increased by a
units i.e. (h, k + a)
Replace y by ay ay = f ( x) Stretch, parallel to y-coordinates of all points
1 1
y-axis, by factor , on graph multiplied by
a a
x-axis invariant k
i.e. (h, )
a
Replace y by − y −y =f ( x) Reflection in the y-coordinates of all points
x-axis on graph multiplied by –1
i.e. (h, −k )
Replace x by ( x − a ) y f ( x − a)
= Translation of a units in the x-coordinates of all points
positive x direction on graph increased by a
units
i.e. (h+a, k)
Replace x by ax y = f ( ax ) Stretch, parallel to x-coordinates of all points
1 1
x-axis by factor , on graph multiplied by
a a
y-axis invariant h
i.e. ( , k)
a
Replace x by − x y= f (− x) Reflection in the x-coordinates of all points
y-axis on graph multiplied by –1
i.e. ( − h , k)

Deduced Graphs

1 Modulus Graphs

Graph of
y = f(x) to Effect on the graph

y = f ( x) 1. Keep the positive y portion

2. The negative y-portion of the graph of y = f(x) will be reflected in the x-axis.
3. y-coordinates of all points on graph are made positive.
1. Discard the portion of the graph of y = f(x) where x < 0.
y = f( x)
2. Retain the portion of the graph of y = f(x) where x ≥ 0 and reflect it in the y-axis.

Note: Graph is symmetrical about the y-axis (whether we let x = a or x = −a , we get

the same y-value). f ( − a =
) f ( a=
) y
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
2 Reciprocal Graphs

Graph of
y = f(x) to Effect on the graph

1. Portions above the x-axis should remain above; portions below remain below.
1
y= 2. If a portion of the graph originally increases, then the portion for the new graph
f ( x)
decreases.
3. Thus min point becomes max point, vice versa.
4. x-intercepts become vertical asymptotes, vice versa.
5. Oblique asymptotes becomes horizontal asymptote y = 0 .

3 Derivative Graphs

Graph of
Effect on the graph
y = f(x) to
1. The curve y = f ( x) is increasing (decreasing) for some x-interval ⇒ the curve
y = f '( x) is above (below) the x-axis for the same x-interval.

2. Gradient of y = f ( x) increases ⇒ y = f '( x) increases; vice versa.

3. ( a, b ) has gradient = 0 on y = f ( x) ⇒ ( a,0 ) on y = f '( x) .

4. x = a is a vertical asymptote on y = f ( x) ⇒ x = a is a vertical asymptote on

y = f '( x)
y = f '( x) .

5. y = b is a horizontal asymptote on y = f ( x) ⇒ y = 0 is a horizontal asymptote

on y = f '( x) .

6. =y px + q is an oblique asymptote on y = f ( x) ⇒ y = p is a horizontal

asymptote on y = f '( x) .
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
Conics

Always complete the square to obtain more information before sketching the curve.
The standard equations for the respective conic sections can be found in the table below.
Scales on both axes should be the same when sketching conics.

Parabola
Standard equation: Standard equation:
( x − h) = a ( y − k ) ( y − k ) = a ( x − h)
2 2

Vertex ( h, k ) ( h, k )
Graph (s) For a>0 For a<0 For a>0 For a<0
Label the key features x (h,k)
as shown in the graph
(h,k) x
(h,k) x
x (h,k)

Ellipse
Standard equation:
( x − h) 2 ( y − k ) 2
+ 1
=
a2 b2
Centre ( h, k )
Extreme points ( h, k + b ) , ( h, k − b ) , ( h + a , k ) , ( h − a , k )
Graph(s) For a>b For b>a
Label the key features (h, k + b)
as shown in the graph (h, k + b)

(h, k)
(h, k)
(h – a, k) (h + a, k)
(h – a, k) (h + a, k)
(h, k – b)

(h, k – b)

Circle
Standard Equation:
( x − h) + ( y − k )
2 2
a2
=
Centre ( h, k )
Radius A
Graph(s)
Label the key features
as shown in the graph a b ( x − h)
y= k −
a
(h, k)
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics

Hyperbola
Standard equation: Standard equation:
( x − h) 2 ( y − k ) 2 ( y − k ) 2 ( x − h) 2
− =1 − 1
=
a2 b2 b2 a2
Centre ( h, k ) ( h, k )
Vertices ( h + a, k ) , ( h − a, k ) ( h, k + b ) , ( h, k − b )
Asymptotes Equations of the asymptotes: Equations of the asymptotes:
(y − k) ( x − h) (y − k) ( x − h)
2 2 2 2

= =
b2 a2 b2 a2
b b
y − k =± ( x − h) y − k =± ( x − h)
a a
Graph (s) b ( x − h)
Label the key features y= k +
a
as shown in the graph b ( x − h)
y= k +
a
b ( x − h)
y= k −
a
b ( x − h)
y= k −
a

Note:
You can use Conics Graphing Application (via APPS) to sketch a conic section, but not for finding intersection
point(s) with another graph.

Example

Sketch the curve with equation

( x − 1)2 − ( y − 2 )2 1.
=
9 4

How to use GC to sketch?

1. Press Œ. Key in 2. To find the characteristics of conics 3. Sketch the graph.
respective values section, press ƒÍ . Answer:
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
y
1. Figure 1 shows the graph of y = f  1 x  .
2 
On separate axes, sketch the
graphs of (2,1)
1 
(i) y = f x − 2,
2 
x
(ii) y = f ( x + 1) ,
y=0 O 1
 1 
(iii) y = f− x  . Figure 1
 2 

x=0
2. Figure 1 shows the graph of y = f(x). Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of
(i) y = 3f ( x) , (ii) y = f (2 x) , (iii) =y f (2 x + 2) ,
(iv) y=f ( x), (v) y f (− x ) .
=

3. The curve
= y 4f ( x) − 5 has asymptotes y = 2 and x = −5 .
7
Write down the asymptotes of the curve y = f ( x ) . Ans: x = −5 and y =
4

4. Sketch, on the same axes, the graphs of y 2 + 4= x − 20 0 . Hence determine the

x + 2 y 0 and 4y 2 − x 2 + 8=
number of real roots of the equation −8 x − 8 y − x 2 − 20 =
0. Ans: 2

5. Sketch the curve with equation x 2 + 4 y 2 − 8 x + 12 =

0 . Deduce the graph of x 2 + y 2 − 8 x + 12 =
0 , stating
the transformation that is involved. (Hint: Your answer should have nothing to do with the digit 4.)

6. Sketch the graph of 9( x + 3) 2 + y 2 =

9 . Describe a single transformation that will map the curve onto a
circle. (How many ways can you think of ?)

7. Sketch the curve with equation x 2 − 2 x − y 2 − 2 y =

1 , stating the equations of the asymptotes and the axes
of symmetry. Ans: y = x – 2; y = – x; x = 1; y = – 1

8. 2006/SRJC MIDYEAR/Q3
A graph with the equation y = f ( x ) undergoes, in succession, the following
transformations:
A: A translation of 1 unit in the positive direction of the x-axis.
B: A stretch parallel to the x-axis, factor ½, y-axis invariant.
C: A reflection in the y-axis.
2
The equation of the resulting curve is y = 2 . Determine the equation y = f ( x ) .
2x + 2x + 1
4
Ans: y = 2
x +1
9. Sketch the graph of
= (
y x x2 − a2 ) where a > 0. On your diagram, indicate clearly the coordinates of the
stationary points, and the x-intercepts. Find the range of values of the constant k so that the equation
(
x x2 − a2 =)k 2 has 3 real distinct roots, giving your answer in terms of a.

2a 3 2a 3
Ans: − <k<
3 3 3 3
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
10. 2017/AJC PROMO/Q10b
32
A cubic curve is defined by the equation y = a x 3 + bx 2 + cx + , where a, b and c are real constants.
3
The curve passes through the point ( 1, 1 ) and has a stationary point at x = 2 . The curve undergoes the
following sequence of transformations:
I: A reflection in the x-axis.
1
II: A scaling by a factor of parallel to the x-axis.
2
The resulting curve passes through the point ( 2, −16 ) .
1
Find the values of a, b and c. Ans: (b) a = , b = 2 , c = −12
3

2x − 9
11. A curve C has equation y = .
( x − 2)( x + 3)
(i) State the equations of the asymptotes of C.
(ii) Determine the stationary points of C.
(iii) Prove, using an algebraic method, that y cannot lie between two certain values (to be determined).
(iv) Draw a sketch of C, making clear the main relevant features.
Ans: (i) y = 0; x = 2; x = – 3; (ii) (0.170, 1.49); (8.83, 0.107); (iii) y cannot take values between 0.107 and 1.49

7
12. Sketch the curve y = 2 x − 1 + . Hence use a graphical argument to determine the number of real roots
x−3
of the equation (2 x − 1)( x − 3) + 7 = x 2 − 9 . Ans: 0

t3
13. The parametric equations of a curve are x t2, =
= y + 3.
2
dy 3t
(i) Find in terms of t. Ans:
dx 4
(ii) Determine the stationary point of this curve. Ans: (0, 3)
(iii) Sketch the curve, showing its main relevant features.
3t
Ans: (i) ; (ii) (0,3)
4

14. 2017/NJC PROMO/Q9

k +2
The curve C has equation y = x + k + , where k is a real constant.
x−k
Find the range of values of k for which the curve C cuts the x-axis at two distinct points. [2]
It is given that k = 4.
(i) Sketch the curve C, stating the equations of its asymptotes and the exact coordinates of the turning
points. [5]
(ii) The two asymptotes of C intersect at point P. Verify that P lies on the line y = mx + ( 8 − 4m ) for
all real values of m. Hence, state the range of values of m for which the line y = mx + ( 8 − 4m )
does not cut the curve C. [2]
(iii) The curve Q has parametric equations
x = t + 4 + 6, y =a − t2,
where a is a real constant. Find a Cartesian equation of Q. Hence, state the range of values of a for
which the curves C and Q have exactly one point of intersection. [2]
Ans.: k < −1 or k > 2 , (ii) m ≤ 1 , (iii) a < 8 + 2 6 or a < 12.9.
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
15. 2016/AJC PROMO/Q6
2 x 2 − 5ax + 2a 2 + 1
A curve C has equation y = , x ≠ a.
x−a
(i) Find the equations of the asymptotes, giving your answers in terms of a . [2]
(ii) If curve C has no stationary points, find the range of values of a . [3]
(iii) Sketch curve C for a > 1 , stating clearly the equations of the asymptotes and the y-intercept of the
curve only. [3]
y 2 x − 3a and x = a , (ii) a < −1 or a > 1
Ans: (i) Asymptotes are =

16. 2008/SRJC PROMO/Q5

x2 + 3
(i) Find the equations of the asymptotes of the curve y = .
4x − 4
x2 + 3
(ii) Sketch the curve y = , labelling clearly the asymptotes and the coordinates of any points of
4x − 4
intersection with the axes.
1 1
Ans: Asymptotes are= y x + , x = 1 , (0, –0.75)
4 4

17. 2016/CJC PROMO/Q7

The graph of y = f ( x ) has turning points at A ( −1, − 1) and B (1, 3) , and asymptotes with equations
x = 0 and y= x + 1 as shown below.

Sketch, on separate diagrams, the graphs of

(i) y= −f ( x − 1) , [3]
1
(ii) y= , [3]
f( x)
(iii) y = f '( x ) , [3]
indicating clearly the coordinates of the points corresponding to A and B whenever applicable, and the
equations of any asymptotes.

18. Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the curve with equation y = x 3 ( x − 3)( x + 3) and sketch
the curve.
Ans: (0, 0), (2.32, - 45.2), (–2.32, 45.2)
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
19. 2016/DHS PROMO/Q10
y2 1
The curve C1 has equation − x2 =1 and the curve C2 has equation y= k − where k is a positive
4 x
constant. The horizontal asymptote of C2 is a tangent to C1.
(i) Sketch C1, giving the equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of any
turning points.
(ii) Explain why k = 2.
(iii) On the same diagram as C1, sketch C2 showing the coordinates of the points of intersection of C1
and C2.
It is given that if [ f ( x) ] ≤ g( x) , then − √ g( x) ≤ f ( x) ≤ √ g( x). Using this result and the graphs in
2
(iv)
2
 1
part (iii), solve the inequality  2 −  ≤ 4( x 2 + 1).
 x
Ans: (iv) x ≤ −1.07 or x ≥ 0.246

20. 2017/HCI PROMO/Q9

A curve C has equation y = f ( x) , where
x −1 a
f=
( x) + , x ∈ , x ≠ 1,
a x −1
with a being a constant such that −1 < a < 0.

(i) Find algebraically, the set of values that f ( x) can take. [3]
(ii) Sketch C, showing clearly the equations of any asymptotes and coordinates of any axial intercepts
and stationary points in terms of a. [4]
(iii) On separate diagrams, sketch the graph of
1
(a) y= , [3]
f ( x)
(b) y = f '( x), [2]
showing clearly in each case, the equations of any asymptotes and the coordinates of any axial
intercepts and stationary points in terms of a.
x a
(iv) Describe a sequence of transformations that transform the graph of y = f ( x) to =
y + . [2]
2a 2 x
Ans: (i) { y : y ∈ , y ≤ −2 or y ≥ 2}

21. 2012/HCI MIDYEAR/Q12

x 2 − 2ax − 3a 2
The equation of the curve C is y = , where a is a constant.
x +1
dy 1
(i) Find and deduce that if C has two stationary points, then − < a < 1 .
dx 3
(ii) It is given that the line y= x − 1 is an asymptote of C, find the value of a.

Using the value of a found in (ii),

(iii) draw a sketch of C, showing clearly any intercepts, asymptotes and stationary points,
(iv) show that the line y = mx + m − 2 , where m ∈  , passes through the point of intersection of the
asymptotes of C. Hence, find the set of values of m such that the equation
x 2 − ( x + 1)( mx + m − 2 ) =
0 has exactly two real roots
dy x 2 + 2 x − 2a + 3a 2
Ans.: (i) = ; (ii) a = 0 ; (iv) {m ∈  : m > 1}
dx ( x + 1) 2
H2 Mathematics (9758) Topical Revision
Transformation of Graphs, Curve Sketching 2, Deduced Graphs & Conics
22. 2017/TJC PROMO/Q7
x
(a) Sketch the curve C with equation y = 2
, indicating clearly the equation of the asymptote,
x − 2x + 2
coordinates of the turning points and the intersection with the axes.
2x
Describe a sequence of two transformations that maps C onto the graph= of y 2
−1 .
x − 4x + 8
(b) The diagram below shows the graph of y = f ( x ) . The curve cuts the x-axis at (1,0 ) and has
stationary points at ( −2,1) and ( 2, 4 ) . The lines x = 0 and y = 2 are asymptotes to the curve.

On separate diagrams, sketch the graphs of

1
(i) y= ,
f ( x)
(ii) y = f '( x ) ,
giving the equations of any asymptotes, and the coordinates of any turning points and points of
intersection with the axes, where possible.