Differentiation

  • Bend
    problem

    Bend

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    What is the longest stick that can be carried horizontally along a narrow corridor and around a right-angled bend?
  • Exponential Trend
    problem

    Exponential trend

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Find all the turning points of y=x^{1/x} for x>0 and decide whether each is a maximum or minimum. Give a sketch of the graph.
  • Slide
    problem

    Slide

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    This function involves absolute values. To find the slope on the slide use different equations to define the function in different parts of its domain.
  • Quick Route
    problem

    Quick route

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    What is the quickest route across a ploughed field when your speed around the edge is greater?
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    problem

    Bird-brained

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    How many eggs should a bird lay to maximise the number of chicks that will hatch? An introduction to optimisation.
  • Generally Geometric
    problem

    Generally geometric

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Generalise the sum of a GP by using derivatives to make the coefficients into powers of the natural numbers.
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    problem

    Ramping it up

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Look at the calculus behind the simple act of a car going over a step.
  • Impedance can be complex!
    problem

    Impedance can be complex!

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    Put your complex numbers and calculus to the test with this impedance calculation.
  • Least of All
    problem

    Least of all

    Age
    16 to 18
    Challenge level
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    A point moves on a line segment. A function depends on the position of the point. Where do you expect the point to be for a minimum of this function to occur.