FAST ADVANCE

MATHEMATICS
Complete Study Guide
Calculus · Algebra · Trigonometry · Geometry & Vectors

Definitions · Worked Examples · Topic Quizzes

This guide covers 50% of the Fast Advance Mathematics syllabus. Each chapter contains clear definitions,
step-by-step worked examples, and a short quiz to consolidate your understanding.
 Chapter 1: Calculus
Limits · Continuity · Differentiation · Integration

1.1 Limits
Definition: The limit of a function f(x) as x approaches a value c is the value L that f(x) gets arbitrarily
close to. We write: lim(x→c) f(x) = L. The limit exists only when the left-hand limit and right-hand limit are
equal.

lim(x→c) f(x) = L iff lim(x→c■) f(x) = lim(x→c■) f(x) = L

Key Limit Rules:

• Sum Rule: lim [f(x) + g(x)] = lim f(x) + lim g(x)
• Product Rule: lim [f(x) · g(x)] = lim f(x) · lim g(x)
• Quotient Rule: lim [f(x)/g(x)] = lim f(x) / lim g(x), provided lim g(x) ≠ 0
• Squeeze Theorem: If g(x) ≤ f(x) ≤ h(x) and lim g = lim h = L, then lim f = L

Worked Example:
Find lim(x→2) (x2 – 4) / (x – 2)
Step 1: Factor numerator: x2 – 4 = (x+2)(x–2)
Step 2: Cancel (x–2): = (x+2)
Step 3: Substitute x = 2: = 2+2 = 4

1.2 Continuity
Definition: A function f is continuous at x = c if three conditions hold: (1) f(c) is defined, (2) lim(x→c) f(x)
exists, and (3) lim(x→c) f(x) = f(c). Types of discontinuities include removable, jump, and infinite
discontinuities.

Worked Example:
Is f(x) = (x2–1)/(x–1) continuous at x=1?
f(1) is undefined (0/0) → discontinuity at x=1.
However, lim(x→1) f(x) = lim(x→1)(x+1) = 2, so it has a removable discontinuity.

1.3 Differentiation
Definition: The derivative of f(x) at x is the instantaneous rate of change, defined as: f'(x) = lim(h→0)
[f(x+h) – f(x)] / h. Geometrically, it is the slope of the tangent line to the curve at that point.

Differentiation Rules:

Power Rule d/dx [xn] = n·xn–1

Product Rule d/dx [u·v] = u'v + uv'

Quotient Rule d/dx [u/v] = (u'v – uv') / v2

Chain Rule d/dx [f(g(x))] = f'(g(x))·g'(x)

sin / cos d/dx[sin x] = cos x, d/dx[cos x] = –sin x

ex d/dx[ex] = ex

ln x d/dx[ln x] = 1/x

Worked Example:
Differentiate f(x) = 3x4 – 5x2 + 7
Apply Power Rule term by term:
f'(x) = 12x3 – 10x

1.4 Integration
Definition: Integration is the reverse of differentiation. The indefinite integral ∫f(x)dx gives a family of
functions F(x)+C such that F'(x)=f(x). The definite integral ∫[a to b] f(x)dx gives the net signed area
between the curve and the x-axis from x=a to x=b (Fundamental Theorem of Calculus).

Key Integration Rules:

• ∫xn dx = xn+1/(n+1) + C, n ≠ –1
• ∫ex dx = ex + C
• ∫(1/x) dx = ln|x| + C
• ∫sin x dx = –cos x + C
• ∫cos x dx = sin x + C
• Area under curve = ∫[a to b] f(x) dx (when f(x) ≥ 0)

Worked Example – Area under a curve:

Find the area under f(x) = x2 from x=0 to x=3
∫[0 to 3] x2 dx = [x3/3] from 0 to 3 = 27/3 – 0 = 9

QUIZ
Q1. What is lim(x→0) sin(x)/x?
A) 0
B) ∞
C) 1
D) Undefined
✔ Answer: C) 1 — a standard limit result.

Q2. Differentiate f(x) = 5x3 – 2x + 1.

A) 15x2 – 2
B) 5x2 – 2
 C) 15x2 + 1
D) 10x – 2
✔ Answer: A) 15x² – 2 — Power rule applied to each term.

Q3. Evaluate ∫(2x + 3)dx.

A) x2 + 3x + C
B) 2 + C
C) x2 + C
D) 2x2 + 3x + C
✔ Answer: A) x² + 3x + C

Q4. A function f is continuous at x=c if:

A) f(c) is defined only
B) the limit exists only
C) f(c) is defined, limit exists, and they are equal
D) the derivative exists
✔ Answer: C) All three conditions must hold.
Chapter 2: Algebra
Quadratic Equations · Matrices · Sequences & Series · Partial Fractions · Permutations & Combinations

2.1 Quadratic Equations

Definition: A quadratic equation is of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0 (a ≠ 0). It has at most two solutions
(roots). The discriminant ∆ = b2–4ac determines the nature of roots: ∆>0 → two distinct real roots, ∆=0 →
one repeated root, ∆<0 → two complex conjugate roots.

Quadratic Formula: x = (–b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / 2a

Worked Example:
Solve 2x2 – 5x + 3 = 0
a=2, b=–5, c=3 → ∆ = 25–24 = 1
x = (5 ± 1)/4 → x = 3/2 or x = 1

2.2 Matrices and Determinants

Definition: A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers arranged in rows and columns. Operations include
addition (element-wise), scalar multiplication, and matrix multiplication. The determinant of a 2×2 matrix
[[a,b],[c,d]] = ad – bc; for 3×3 matrices, cofactor expansion is used.

Key Formulae:
• det([[a,b],[c,d]]) = ad – bc
• Inverse of A (2×2): A–1 = (1/det A)·[[d,–b],[–c,a]]
• A·A–1 = I (identity matrix)
• Cramer's Rule: xi = det(Ai) / det(A)

Worked Example:
Find det([[3,2],[1,4]])
det = 3×4 – 2×1 = 12 – 2 = 10

2.3 Sequences and Series

Arithmetic Sequence (AP): Each term is obtained by adding a constant difference d. General term: an =
a + (n–1)d. Geometric Sequence (GP): Each term is multiplied by a constant ratio r. General term: an =
a·rn–1.

AP Sum: Sn = n/2 · (2a + (n–1)d) | GP Sum: Sn = a(1–rn)/(1–r), r≠1 | Infinite GP (|r|<1): S =

a/(1–r)

Worked Example:
 Find the sum of first 10 terms of AP: 3, 7, 11, 15, …
a=3, d=4, n=10
S10 = 10/2 · (6 + 36) = 5 × 42 = 210

2.4 Partial Fractions

Definition: Partial fraction decomposition breaks a rational expression P(x)/Q(x) (deg P < deg Q) into a
sum of simpler fractions. For each linear factor (ax+b) in the denominator, include A/(ax+b). For repeated
factors (ax+b)n, include A/(ax+b) + B/(ax+b)2 + …

Worked Example:
Decompose (3x+5)/[(x+1)(x+2)]
Set up: A/(x+1) + B/(x+2)
Multiply through: 3x+5 = A(x+2) + B(x+1)
x=–1: 2 = A(1) → A=2; x=–2: –1 = B(–1) → B=1
Result: 2/(x+1) + 1/(x+2)

2.5 Permutations and Combinations

Permutation: An ordered arrangement of r objects from n distinct objects. Combination: An unordered
selection of r objects from n. Order matters in permutations; it does not in combinations.

P(n,r) = n! / (n–r)! | C(n,r) = n! / [r!(n–r)!] | n! = n×(n–1)×…×1

Worked Example:
How many ways can 3 books be chosen from 8?
C(8,3) = 8!/(3!×5!) = (8×7×6)/(3×2×1) = 336/6 = 56

QUIZ
Q1. Solve x2 – 7x + 12 = 0.
A) x=3, x=4
B) x=–3, x=–4
C) x=6, x=2
D) x=1, x=12
✔ Answer: A) x=3 and x=4 (factors: (x–3)(x–4)=0)

Q2. What is det([[5,2],[3,1]])?

A) 11
B) –1
C) 1
D) –11
✔ Answer: B) –1 → 5×1 – 2×3 = 5–6 = –1

Q3. Sum of infinite GP with a=6, r=1/2:

A) 12
 B) 6
C) 3
D) 18
✔ Answer: A) 12 → S = 6/(1–1/2) = 6/(1/2) = 12

Q4. How many 4-letter arrangements from 6 distinct letters?

A) 15
B) 360
C) 24
D) 720
✔ Answer: B) 360 → P(6,4) = 6×5×4×3 = 360
 Chapter 3: Trigonometry
Fundamental Identities · Inverse Functions · Solution of Triangles

3.1 Fundamental Identities

Definition: Trigonometric identities are equations involving trig functions that hold for all valid values of
the variable. They are used to simplify expressions, solve equations, and prove other results.

Core Identities:

Pythagorean sin2θ + cos2θ = 1

1 + tan2θ = sec2θ

1 + cot2θ = csc2θ

Ratio tan θ = sin θ / cos θ, cot θ = cos θ / sin θ

Double Angle sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ

cos 2θ = cos2θ – sin2θ = 2cos2θ–1 = 1–2sin2θ

tan 2θ = 2 tan θ / (1 – tan2θ)

Sum/Diff sin(A±B) = sinA cosB ± cosA sinB

cos(A±B) = cosA cosB ■ sinA sinB

Worked Example:
Simplify: (1 – cos2θ) / sin θ
Use sin2θ + cos2θ = 1 → 1–cos2θ = sin2θ
= sin2θ / sin θ = sin θ

3.2 Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Definition: Inverse trig functions reverse the trig functions. If sin θ = x, then θ = sin–1(x) (also written
arcsin x). Principal value ranges: arcsin: [–π/2, π/2], arccos: [0, π], arctan: (–π/2, π/2).

Function Domain Range Example

arcsin(x) –1 ≤ x ≤ 1 [–π/2, π/2] arcsin(1/2) = π/6

arccos(x) –1 ≤ x ≤ 1 [0, π] arccos(0) = π/2

arctan(x) All reals (–π/2, π/2) arctan(1) = π/4

3.3 Solution of Triangles

Definition: Solving a triangle means finding all unknown sides and angles. Two fundamental laws are
used: the Sine Rule and the Cosine Rule.

Sine Rule: a/sin A = b/sin B = c/sin C

Cosine Rule: a2 = b2 + c2 – 2bc·cos A

Area of Triangle: Area = (1/2)·a·b·sin C

Worked Example:
In triangle ABC: a=7, b=10, C=60°. Find c.
Cosine Rule: c2 = 49 + 100 – 2(7)(10)cos60°
= 149 – 140×0.5 = 149 – 70 = 79
c = √79 ≈ 8.89

QUIZ
Q1. Which identity is correct?
A) sin2θ – cos2θ = 1
B) sin2θ + cos2θ = 1
C) tan2θ + 1 = sin2θ
D) cos2θ – sin2θ = 2
✔ Answer: B) The fundamental Pythagorean identity.

Q2. arctan(√3) = ?
A) π/6
B) π/3
C) π/4
D) π/2
✔ Answer: B) π/3 → tan(π/3) = √3

Q3. By the Sine Rule, if a=6, A=30°, B=45°, find b.

A) 6√2
B) 4√2
C) 6√3
D) 3√2
✔ Answer: A) 6√2 → b = 6·sin45°/sin30° = 6·(√2/2)/(1/2) = 6√2

Q4. Simplify sin2θ / (2sinθ).

A) sinθ
B) cosθ
C) 2cosθ
D) tanθ
✔ Answer: B) cosθ → sin2θ = 2sinθcosθ, divide by 2sinθ = cosθ
 Chapter 4: Geometry & Vectors
Straight Lines · Conic Sections · Dot and Cross Products

4.1 Straight Lines

Definition: A straight line in 2D is the set of all points satisfying a linear equation. Key attributes are slope
(gradient) m, y-intercept, and angle of inclination. Two lines are parallel if they have equal slopes;
perpendicular if m1·m2 = –1.

Key Formulae:
• Slope: m = (y2–y1) / (x2–x1)
• Slope-Intercept form: y = mx + c
• Point-Slope form: y – y1 = m(x – x1)
• Distance between two points: d = √[(x2–x1)2 + (y2–y1)2]
• Distance from point (x0,y0) to line ax+by+c=0: d = |ax0+by0+c| / √(a2+b2)

Worked Example:
Find the equation of line through (1,3) and (4,9).
m = (9–3)/(4–1) = 6/3 = 2
y – 3 = 2(x – 1) → y = 2x + 1

4.2 Conic Sections

Definition: Conic sections are curves formed by the intersection of a plane with a double cone. They
include the circle, parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola. The general second-degree equation is Ax2 + Bxy +
Cy2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0.

Conic Standard Equation Key Feature

Circle x2+y2=r2 (center at origin) Radius r

Parabola y2=4px (horizontal) Focus at (p,0)

Ellipse x2/a2 + y2/b2 = 1 (a>b) Foci at (±c,0), c2=a2–b2

Hyperbola x2/a2 – y2/b2 = 1 Foci at (±c,0), c2=a2+b2

Worked Example:
Find the foci of the ellipse x2/25 + y2/9 = 1
a2=25, b2=9 → c2=25–9=16 → c=4
Foci: (±4, 0)

4.3 Vector Dot and Cross Products

Dot Product (Scalar Product): For vectors a and b, a·b = |a||b|cosθ, where θ is the angle between them.
In component form: a·b = a1b1+a2b2+a3b3. Result is a scalar. Cross Product (Vector Product): a×b
gives a vector perpendicular to both a and b, with magnitude |a||b|sinθ. Only defined in 3D.

Dot Product: a·b = a■b■ + a■b■ + a■b■ | a⊥b iff a·b = 0

Cross Product magnitude: |a×b| = |a||b|sinθ | a×b = (a■b■–a■b■, a■b■–a■b■,

a■b■–a■b■)

Worked Examples:
a = (2,3,1), b = (1,–1,4)
Dot product: a·b = 2(1)+3(–1)+1(4) = 2–3+4 = 3
Cross product: a×b = (3·4–1·(–1), 1·1–2·4, 2·(–1)–3·1)
= (12+1, 1–8, –2–3) = (13, –7, –5)

QUIZ
Q1. What is the slope of a line perpendicular to y = 3x – 2?
A) 3
B) –3
C) –1/3
D) 1/3
✔ Answer: C) –1/3 → m■·m■=–1 → 3·m■=–1 → m■=–1/3

Q2. Which equation represents a parabola?

A) x2+y2=16
B) x2/4+y2/9=1
C) y=x2–3x+2
D) x2–y2=1
✔ Answer: C) y=x²–3x+2 is a parabola (single squared term).

Q3. For a=(1,2,3) and b=(4,5,6), find a·b.

A) 14
B) 32
C) 20
D) 28
✔ Answer: B) 32 → 1×4 + 2×5 + 3×6 = 4+10+18 = 32

Q4. Two vectors are perpendicular if their dot product is:

A) 1
B) –1
C) 0
D) ∞
✔ Answer: C) 0 → a·b = |a||b|cos90° = 0
 END OF FAST ADVANCE MATHEMATICS STUDY GUIDE

Good luck with your studies! Review each section, work through the examples, and test yourself with the
quizzes before your exam.