The GetYourTutors Blog: Your Guide to School Success in Dubai

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier syllabus, Calculus (Differentiation) allows us to analyze the rate of change of curves. The fundamental rule is: if y = ax^n, then the derivative dy/dx = anx^{n-1}. This technique is used for three main purposes: 1) Finding the Gradient of a curve at a specific point; 2) Locating Turning Points (Maximum/Minimum) by setting dy/dx = 0; and 3) Solving Kinematics problems, where differentiating displacement (s) gives velocity (v), and differentiating velocity gives acceleration (a).”

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier syllabus, Real-Life Graphs are used to model motion. Students must master two key types: 1) Distance-Time Graphs, where the gradient represents speed and a horizontal line means stationary; and 2) Velocity-Time Graphs, where the gradient represents acceleration and the area under the graph represents total distance travelled. Mastery involves calculating these values from complex, multi-stage graphs.”

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier exam, Solving Equations Graphically allows you to find solutions without complex algebra. By plotting two functions (e.g., a quadratic curve and a linear line) on the same axes, the x-coordinates of their intersection points represent the solutions. A common high-tariff question involves using a pre-drawn curve (e.g., y = x^2 + 3x ) to solve a related equation (e.g., x^2 + 3x – 5 = 0 ) by determining and drawing a suitable straight line.”

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier syllabus, students must move beyond straight lines to master five key families of Non-Linear Graphs: 1) Quadratics (y=ax^2+bx+c) which form parabolas with distinct turning points; 2) Cubics (y=x^3) with their characteristic ‘S’ shape; 3) Reciprocals (y=1/x) featuring asymptotes; 4) Exponentials (y=k^x) showing rapid growth; and 5) Trigonometric Graphs (sin, cos, tan) which represent periodic waves. Mastery involves sketching these shapes by identifying intercepts, asymptotes, and turning points.”

IGCSE Linear Graphs: y=mx+c, Parallel & Perpendicular Lines IGCSE Linear Graphs: y=mx+c, Parallel & Perpendicular Lines (H) Coordinate Geometry connects algebra and visuals. In the

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier syllabus, Function Notation replaces ‘y=’ with ‘f(x)=’ to describe mathematical relationships. Mastery involves three advanced skills: 1) Evaluating Functions (substituting inputs); 2) Composite Functions (fg(x)), which involves applying one function inside another (working right-to-left); and 3) Inverse Functions (f^{-1}(x)), which reverse the operation. Students must also understand Domain (valid inputs) and Range (possible outputs) to access top grades.”

“In the Edexcel IGCSE Higher Tier syllabus, finding the nth term is a critical skill. For Linear Sequences (constant difference), use the formula dn + c. For Quadratic Sequences (constant second difference), use the standard algebraic coefficients method: set 2a equal to the second difference, 3a+b equal to the first difference, and a+b+c equal to the first term to solve for the formula an^2 + bn + c.”