O LevelFurther MathsCambridge (CIE)Additional MathsRevision NotesCalculusDifferentiationConnected Rates of Change

Connected Rates of Change (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths) : Revision Note

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Connected Rates of Change

What are connected rates of change?

  • In situations involving more than two variables you can use the chain rule to connect multiple rates of change into a single equation

  • Look out for the word "rate"

    • This implies a derivative is involved

    • e.g. The height is increasing at a rate of 4 cm per second means fraction numerator d h over denominator d t end fraction equals 4

  • If the variable is decreasing then the rate will be negative

    • e.g. The height is decreasing at a rate of 4 cm per second means fraction numerator d h over denominator d t end fraction equals negative 4

 

Example of a connected rates of change problem

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • These problems can involve a lot of letters

    • be sure to keep track of what they all refer to

  • Be especially sure that you are clear about which letters are variables and which are constants

    • these behave very differently when differentiation is involved!

Worked Example

Conn Rates of Ch Example, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes
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Amber

Author: Amber

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Amber gained a first class degree in Mathematics & Meteorology from the University of Reading before training to become a teacher. She is passionate about teaching, having spent 8 years teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics both in the UK and internationally. Amber loves creating bright and informative resources to help students reach their potential.

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