Parametric Differentiation (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Maths) : Revision Note

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Parametric Differentiation

How do I find dy/dx from parametric equations? 

  • Ensure you are familiar with Parametric Equations – Basics first

Notes para_diff, AS & A Level Maths revision notes

 

  • This method uses the chain rule and the reciprocal property of derivatives

    • fraction numerator d y over denominator d x end fraction equals space fraction numerator d y over denominator d t end fraction cross times fraction numerator d t over denominator d x end fraction

    • fraction numerator d t over denominator d x end fraction space equals space 1 space divided by fraction numerator d x over denominator d t end fraction

  • Equivalently, fraction numerator d y over denominator d x end fraction equals space fraction numerator d y over denominator d t end fraction divided by fraction numerator d x over denominator d t end fraction

  • fraction numerator d y over denominator d x end fraction will be in terms of t – this is fine

    • Questions usually involve finding gradients, tangents and normals

  • The chain rule is always needed when there are three variables or more – see Connected Rates of Change

How do I find gradients, tangents and normals from parametric equations? 

  • To find a gradient …

    • STEP 1: Find dx/dt and dy/dt

    • STEP 2: Find dy/dx in terms of t

    Using either dy/dx = dy/dt ÷ dx/dt

    or dy/dx = dy/dt × dt/dx where dt/dx = 1 ÷ dx/dt

    • STEP 3: Find the value of t at the required point

    • STEP 4: Substitute this value of t into dy/dx to find the gradient 

      Notes para_grad, AS & A Level Maths revision notes
  • to then go on to find the equation of a tangent …

    • STEP 5: Find the y coordinate

    • STEP 6: Use the gradient and point to find the equation of the tangent

Notes para_tan, AS & A Level Maths revision notes
  • To find a normal...

    • STEP 7: Use perpendicular lines property to find the gradient of the normal m1 × m2 = -1

    • STEP 8: Use gradient and point to find the equation of the normal y - y1 = m(x - x1)

What else may I be asked to do?

  • Questions may require use of tangents and normals as per the coordiante geometry sections

    • Find points of intersection between a tangent/normal and x/y axes

    • Find areas of basic shapes enclosed by axes and/or tangents/normal

  • Find stationary points (dy/dx = 0)

Notes para_stat, AS & A Level Maths revision notes
  • You may also be asked about horizontal and vertical tangents

    • At horizontal (parallel to the x-axis) tangents, dy/dt = 0

    • At vertical (parallel to y-axis) tangents, dx/dt = 0

 

Notes para_hor_ver_tang, AS & A Level Maths revision notes

Just for fun …

  • Try plotting the graph from the question below using graphing software

  • Plenty of free online tools do this – for example Desmos and Geogebra

  • Try changing the domain of t to -π/3 ≤ t ≤ π/3

Worked Example

Example soltn_a, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes
Example soltn_b, AS & A Level Maths revision notes
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Paul

Author: Paul

Expertise: Maths Content Creator (Previous)

Paul has taught mathematics for 20 years and has been an examiner for Edexcel for over a decade. GCSE, A level, pure, mechanics, statistics, discrete – if it’s in a Maths exam, Paul will know about it. Paul is a passionate fan of clear and colourful notes with fascinating diagrams.

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