## Topics coming out for A Maths Paper 2

Recently, the A Maths Paper 2 just finished (today), and the A Maths Paper 2 is hot on its heels, coming tomorrow!

Usually, topics tested in Paper 1 will most likely not come out again in Paper 2, so students doing their last minute revision can use this fact to focus their revision.

Topics that came out in Paper 1:

1. Binomial Theorem
2. Trigonometry (Addition Formula, find exact value)
3. Rate of change
4. Partial Fractions
5. Linear Law
6. Prove Trigonometry
7. Coordinate Geometry
8. Integrate & Differentiate Trigonometric Functions
9. Discriminant (b^2-4ac)
10. Stationary Points
11. Tangent/Normal

Topics likely to come out in Paper 2:

1. Indices/Surds
2. Polynomials
3. Exponential / Logarithmic Equations
4. R-formula
5. Sketching of Trigonometric Graphs
6. Circles
7. Proofs in plane geometry
8. Integration as the reverse of differentiation
9. Area under curve
10. Kinematics

All the best for those who are taking the A Maths Paper 2 exam tomorrow. 🙂

## Challenging Binomial Question; O Level A Maths Group Tuition

In the expansion of $\displaystyle (x^2-\frac{1}{2x^4})^n$, in descending powers of $x$, the seventh term is independent of $x$. Find the value of $n$ and the value of this term.

Solution:

$\displaystyle\begin{array}{rcl} T_{r+1}&=&{n \choose r}(x^2)^{n-r}(-\frac{1}{2}x^{-4})^r\\ &=& {n\choose r}x^{2n-2r}(-\frac{1}{2})^r (x^{-4r})\\ &=& {n\choose r}(-\frac{1}{2})^r x^{2n-6r} \end{array}$

$r=6$ since it is the seventh term (recall $T_{r+1}$)

$2n-6r=0$ (independent of $x$ means power is 0)

$2n-36=0$

$n=18$

${18\choose 6}\times (-\frac{1}{2})^6 =290 \frac{1}{16}$ (Ans)