Mathematics A-Level
concave curves
What concave curves means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for WJEC.
Definition of concave curves
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain concave curves in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: WJEC
A curve is concave on an interval if d²y/dx² ≤ 0, meaning the gradient is decreasing and chords lie below or on the curve.
Topics that use concave curves
- Differentiation (A2 Unit 3: Pure Mathematics B) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- algebraic simplification
- Chain rule
- compound angle expansion
- connected rates of change
- convex curves
- differential equations formulation
- differentiation from first principles
- exponential differentiation
Using concave curves in the exam
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