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QLDMath MethodsQuick questions
Unit 2: Calculus
Quick questions on The derivative from first principles (QCE Math Methods Unit 2)
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is cancelling $h$ before factoring?Show answer
If $h$ appears as a sum like $f(x+h) - f(x) = 2xh + h^2$, you must factor $h$ first to cancel with the denominator.
What is forgetting the limit?Show answer
The derivative is the limit, not the difference quotient. Writing $f'(x) = 2x + h$ and stopping loses the final mark.
What is substituting $h = 0$ in the difference quotient before simplifying?Show answer
This gives $0/0$, which is undefined. Simplify first, then take the limit.
What is treating $ ^2$ as $x^2 + h^2$?Show answer
It is $x^2 + 2xh + h^2$. Expand all binomials carefully.
What is iA1?Show answer
A four-mark first-principles question on a polynomial up to degree $3$. The procedure is the marker's focus, not the final answer.
What is eA Paper 1?Show answer
Multiple choice or short response on identifying the difference quotient or the derivative of a simple polynomial.
What is eA Paper 2?Show answer
Used as the launching pad for the power rule and combined-rule applications in Year 12 Unit 3.
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