P1 — Pure Mathematics 1
1Algebra & Functions
Laws of indices
For any real numbers $a>0$ and rationals $m,n$: $a^m a^n = a^{m+n}$, $\dfrac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}$, $(a^m)^n = a^{mn}$, $a^0 = 1$, $a^{-n} = \dfrac{1}{a^n}$, $a^{1/n} = \sqrt[n]{a}$.
Surds
A surd is an irrational root such as $\sqrt{2}$. Simplify by extracting square factors: $\sqrt{50} = 5\sqrt{2}$. Rationalise the denominator by multiplying top and bottom by the conjugate: $\dfrac{1}{a+\sqrt{b}} = \dfrac{a-\sqrt{b}}{a^2 - b}$.
Expanding brackets and factorising
Expand using distributivity; factorise by pulling out common factors or grouping. Recognise: $a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)$; $a^2 \pm 2ab + b^2 = (a \pm b)^2$.
2Quadratics
Quadratic formula
Completing the square
Rewrite $ax^2 + bx + c$ as $a(x + p)^2 + q$ where $p = \dfrac{b}{2a}$ and $q = c - ap^2$. Useful for finding the vertex $(-p,\; q)$ and solving without the formula.
Discriminant
$\Delta = b^2 - 4ac$. If $\Delta > 0$: two real roots. If $\Delta = 0$: one repeated root. If $\Delta < 0$: no real roots (curve doesn't cross the x-axis).
3Equations & Inequalities
Simultaneous equations
Two linear equations — solve by elimination or substitution. One linear, one quadratic — substitute the linear into the quadratic and solve.
Linear inequalities
Solve like equations, but flip the inequality sign when multiplying/dividing by a negative number.
Quadratic inequalities
Factorise, sketch the parabola, and read off which region satisfies the inequality. E.g. $x^2 - 5x + 6 > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; (x-2)(x-3) > 0 \;\Rightarrow\; x < 2$ or $x > 3$.
4Graphs & Transformations
Standard shapes
Cubic $y = ax^3 + \ldots$: 1-2 turning points, opposite end behaviours. Reciprocal $y = \dfrac{k}{x}$: two branches, asymptotes at $x=0$ and $y=0$. Modulus $y = |f(x)|$: reflect any negative $y$-values in the x-axis.
Transformations of $y=f(x)$
| Form | Effect |
|---|---|
| $y = f(x) + a$ | translate by $\binom{0}{a}$ |
| $y = f(x + a)$ | translate by $\binom{-a}{0}$ |
| $y = af(x)$ | stretch parallel to y-axis by factor $a$ |
| $y = f(ax)$ | stretch parallel to x-axis by factor $\tfrac{1}{a}$ |
| $y = -f(x)$ | reflect in x-axis |
| $y = f(-x)$ | reflect in y-axis |
5Coordinate Geometry
Gradient and equation
Gradient between $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$: $m = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$. Point-gradient form: $y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$. Standard form: $ax + by + c = 0$.
Parallel and perpendicular
Two lines are parallel iff their gradients are equal. Perpendicular iff $m_1 m_2 = -1$.
Distance and midpoint
Distance: $d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$. Midpoint: $\left( \dfrac{x_1 + x_2}{2},\; \dfrac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)$.
6Circles
Equation
Expanded form $x^2 + y^2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0$ has centre $(-g, -f)$ and radius $\sqrt{g^2 + f^2 - c}$.
Tangent and chord properties
- The radius drawn to a tangent point is perpendicular to the tangent.
- The perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects the chord.
- An angle in a semicircle is a right angle (Thales).
7Algebraic Methods
Polynomial (long) division
Divide $P(x) = (\text{divisor})(\text{quotient}) + \text{remainder}$. Set up like numeric long division; keep like powers aligned.
Factor theorem
If $P(a) = 0$ then $(x - a)$ is a factor of $P(x)$. Use to find one root, then divide down.
Remainder theorem
The remainder when $P(x)$ is divided by $(x - a)$ is $P(a)$.
8Binomial Expansion
The coefficients come from Pascal's triangle. For $(1 + x)^n$: $1 + nx + \dfrac{n(n-1)}{2!}x^2 + \dfrac{n(n-1)(n-2)}{3!}x^3 + \ldots$
9Trigonometry
Definitions and identities
In a right triangle: $\sin\theta = \dfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{hyp}}$, $\cos\theta = \dfrac{\text{adj}}{\text{hyp}}$, $\tan\theta = \dfrac{\text{opp}}{\text{adj}}$.
Sine and cosine rules
Solving trig equations
Find all solutions in the given interval by using the principal value then adding/subtracting periods ($2\pi$ or $\pi$) or using symmetry (CAST diagram).
10Differentiation
First principles
Power rule
$\dfrac{d}{dx}(x^n) = nx^{n-1}$. Linearity: $\dfrac{d}{dx}(af + bg) = af' + bg'$.
Tangents, normals, stationary points
Gradient of curve at point = value of derivative at that point. Tangent has same gradient; normal has gradient $-1/f'(x_0)$. Stationary point: $f'(x) = 0$; second derivative or sign analysis classifies max/min/inflection.
11Integration
Reversing differentiation
Definite integrals and area
$\displaystyle \int_a^b f(x)\,dx = F(b) - F(a)$, the (signed) area between the curve and x-axis from $x=a$ to $x=b$. Area below the axis counts as negative.
12Vectors (2D)
A 2D vector $\mathbf{a} = \binom{a_1}{a_2}$ has magnitude $|\mathbf{a}| = \sqrt{a_1^2 + a_2^2}$. Unit vector: $\hat{\mathbf{a}} = \dfrac{1}{|\mathbf{a}|}\mathbf{a}$. Position vector of $P$ from origin: $\overrightarrow{OP} = \mathbf{p}$. Vector from $A$ to $B$: $\overrightarrow{AB} = \mathbf{b} - \mathbf{a}$.