HSC-EXT1 · Calculus

Calculus

HSC HSC Mathematics Extension 1 · 2024 NESA Syllabus

ME-C1ME-C2ME-C3
ME-C1

Rates of Change

Solve related rates problems; model and interpret motion using calculus.

Sample questions
  1. 1.A spherical balloon is inflated so that its radius increases at 2 cm/s. Find the rate of increase of volume when r = 5 cm.
Exam weighting

3–5 marks.

Common student mistakes
  • ·Forgetting the chain rule in related rates (dV/dt = dV/dr × dr/dt)
  • ·Incorrect sign for displacement vs distance
ME-C2

Further Integration

Integrate using substitution and partial fractions; apply integration by parts.

Sample questions
  1. 1.Use the substitution u = x² + 1 to find ∫ x(x² + 1)⁴ dx.
  2. 2.Find ∫ x·eˣ dx using integration by parts.
Exam weighting

4–6 marks.

Common student mistakes
  • ·Forgetting to adjust the differential when making a substitution (du = f'(x)dx)
  • ·Incorrect partial fraction decomposition setup
ME-C3

Differential Equations

Solve separable differential equations; model logistic growth; interpret slope fields.

Sample questions
  1. 1.Solve dy/dx = y(1 − y) given y(0) = 0.25. Describe the long-term behaviour.
Exam weighting

3–5 marks.

Common student mistakes
  • ·Not separating variables correctly before integrating
  • ·Confusing logistic growth curve shape with exponential growth

Other Extension 1 topics

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