Mathematics A-Level
First principles
What First principles means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for WJEC.
Definition of First principles
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Reference: WJEC
The limiting definition f′(x)=lim as h→0 of [f(x+h)−f(x)]/h, derived from the gradient of a shrinking chord.
Topics that use First principles
- Differentiation (AS Unit 1: Pure Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- algebraic preparation
- Derivative
- derivative sign analysis
- differentiation from first principles
- linear operator
- Normal
- second derivative
- sketching gradient functions
Using First principles in the exam
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