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Edexcel A-level Further Maths revision notes

Further calculus

Section CP-5
Both years
Both years: this holds AS subject content and content the exam board adds beyond it for the full A-level.
6 specification points

Notes and three levels of exam-style practice for each registered specification point in this section.

Checked against Edexcel 9FM0 section CP-5

Checked against Edexcel 9FM0 section CP-5. Review basis: the qualification registry sourced from the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Further Mathematics (9FM0) specification; registry verification recorded 17 July 2026.

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In the exam: Formulae booklet provided · calculator allowed in every paper

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CP-5.1

Derive formulae for and calculate volumes of revolution.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Rotating a thin strip perpendicular to an axis produces a disc or washer. About the xx-axis, summing cross-sectional areas gives V=πy2dxV=\pi\int y^2\,dx; about the yy-axis, V=πx2dyV=\pi\int x^2\,dy.
  • For a region between curves, subtract the squared inner radius from the squared outer radius before integrating.
  • These formulae follow by taking the limit of a sum of thin cylindrical volumes.
  • Cartesian or parametric equations may be used: under a parametrisation, include the appropriate derivative such as dx/dtdx/dt.
  • A sketch should identify the rotated region, axis, limits and radii before the integral is formed, and the exact answer needs cubic units.
A strip rotated about the x-axis forms a thin disc of radius y and width dx.
Worked example

The region under y=3xy=3-x from x=0x=0 to x=3x=3 is rotated about the xx-axis. Find the exact volume.

  1. 1.The disc radius is y=3xy=3-x.
  2. 2.V=π03(3x)2dxV=\pi\int_0^3(3-x)^2\,dx.
  3. 3.Integrating gives π[(3x)3/3]03\pi[-(3-x)^3/3]_0^3.

Answer: V=9πV=9\pi cubic units.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of integrating the radius instead of the cross-sectional area πr2\pi r^2.
  • Don't fall into the trap of subtracting the outer squared radius from the inner squared radius in a washer.
  • Don't fall into the trap of using dxdx for rotation about the yy-axis without first rewriting the radius consistently.

Exam tip

A volume-of-revolution setup should show the axis, outer and inner radii, limits and factor π\pi before evaluation.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

The region bounded by y=x2+1y=x^2+1, the xx-axis, the yy-axis and the line x=1x=1 is rotated through 2π2\pi radians about the xx-axis. Determine the exact volume generated.

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

The region bounded by x=y2+1x=y^2+1, the yy-axis, y=0y=0 and y=2y=2 is rotated through 2π2\pi radians about the yy-axis. Find the exact volume.

(4)

(Total for Question 1 is 4 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

The finite region between y=xy=\sqrt{x} and y=x2y=x^2 is rotated through 2π2\pi radians about the yy-axis. Determine the exact volume of the solid formed.

(5)

(Total for Question 1 is 5 marks)

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CP-5.2

Evaluate improper integrals where either the integrand is undefined at a value in the range of integration or the range of integration extends to infinity.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • An improper integral is defined through a limit. Replace an infinite endpoint by a finite variable and then let that variable tend to infinity; replace a singular endpoint by a variable approaching from within the interval.
  • If the integrand is undefined at an interior point, split the integral there and evaluate both one-sided limits independently. The integral converges only when every required limit is finite.
  • An antiderivative is evaluated before the limit is taken, and direct substitution of an undefined endpoint is invalid.
  • Divergent pieces cannot be combined through formal cancellation to manufacture a finite value.
  • A complete solution states whether the integral converges and, if so, gives its limiting value.
Worked example

Determine whether 1x3dx\int_1^\infty x^{-3}\,dx converges and evaluate it.

  1. 1.Write limb1bx3dx\lim_{b\to\infty}\int_1^b x^{-3}\,dx.
  2. 2.An antiderivative is 1/(2x2)-1/(2x^2).
  3. 3.The expression is limb(1/21/(2b2))\lim_{b\to\infty}(1/2-1/(2b^2)).

Answer: The improper integral converges to 1/21/2.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of substituting \infty into an antiderivative as though it were a number.
  • Don't fall into the trap of failing to split an integral at a singular point inside the interval.
  • Don't fall into the trap of calling the whole integral convergent when only one of two one-sided limits is finite.

Exam tip

For 'evaluate an improper integral', display the defining limit and finish with an explicit convergence statement.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

Evaluate 11x2dx\displaystyle \int_1^\infty\dfrac{1}{x^2}\,dx.

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

Evaluate 041xdx\displaystyle \int_0^4\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}}\,dx.

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

Evaluate 01x(1+x)dx\displaystyle \int_0^\infty\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x}(1+x)}\,dx, showing explicitly how both improper endpoints are handled.

(6)

(Total for Question 1 is 6 marks)

CP-5.3

Understand and evaluate the mean value of a function.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • The mean value of an integrable function ff on [a,b][a,b] is 1baabf(x)dx\dfrac1{b-a}\int_a^bf(x)\,dx. Geometrically, it is the signed height of a rectangle of width bab-a whose signed area equals the definite integral.
  • The function may take negative values, so the mean can also be negative.
  • Evaluate the definite integral first and divide by the full interval length, not by an endpoint.
  • Averaging f(a)f(a) and f(b)f(b) is valid for a linear function but not in general.
  • In applications, include the quantity's units: integration multiplies output units by input units, and division by the interval length restores the original output units.
The mean-value rectangle has the same signed area as the region under the curve on the interval.
Worked example

Find the mean value of f(x)=2x+1f(x)=2x+1 on 1x41\le x\le4.

  1. 1.The interval length is 41=34-1=3.
  2. 2.14(2x+1)dx=[x2+x]14=18\int_1^4(2x+1)\,dx=[x^2+x]_1^4=18.
  3. 3.Divide the integral by the interval length.

Answer: The mean value is 18/3=618/3=6.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of dividing the definite integral by bb instead of by bab-a.
  • Don't fall into the trap of averaging only the endpoint values for a non-linear function.
  • Don't fall into the trap of replacing signed area by total geometric area when the function crosses the axis.

Exam tip

Write the factor 1/(ba)1/(b-a) before integrating so the interval-length division is not lost.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

Find the mean value of f(x)=x2f(x)=x^2 on the interval 0x30\leq x\leq3.

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

Determine the exact mean value of f(x)=1x+1f(x)=\dfrac{1}{x+1} on 0xe10\leq x\leq e-1.

(4)

(Total for Question 1 is 4 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

Find the exact mean value of f(x)=xexf(x)=xe^{-x} on 0x20\leq x\leq2.

(5)

(Total for Question 1 is 5 marks)

CP-5.4

Integrate using partial fractions.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • Make a rational function proper by polynomial division whenever the numerator degree is at least the denominator degree. A distinct linear factor contributes a constant numerator; a repeated linear factor needs a term for every power.
  • An irreducible quadratic factor such as ax2+cax^2+c requires a linear numerator Bx+CBx+C.
  • After finding the constants, integrate term by term.
  • Linear denominators give logarithms with the chain-rule factor; a numerator proportional to the derivative of a quadratic also gives a logarithm, while the remaining constant-over-quadratic term gives an inverse tangent after scaling.
  • The decomposition should be checked by recombination, and logarithmic arguments from linear factors require absolute values.
Worked example

Find x+3x(x2+4)dx\int\dfrac{x+3}{x(x^2+4)}\,dx.

  1. 1.Write x+3x(x2+4)=Ax+Bx+Cx2+4\dfrac{x+3}{x(x^2+4)}=\dfrac A x+\dfrac{Bx+C}{x^2+4}.
  2. 2.Comparison gives A=3/4A=3/4, B=3/4B=-3/4 and C=1C=1.
  3. 3.Integrate the logarithmic terms and use dx/(x2+4)=12arctan(x/2)\int dx/(x^2+4)=\tfrac12\arctan(x/2).

Answer: 34lnx38ln(x2+4)+12arctan(x/2)+C\dfrac34\ln|x|-\dfrac38\ln(x^2+4)+\dfrac12\arctan(x/2)+C.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of omitting one of the terms required by a repeated linear factor.
  • Don't fall into the trap of using a constant numerator over an irreducible quadratic when a linear numerator is required.
  • Don't fall into the trap of forgetting the derivative factor when integrating a logarithmic partial fraction.

Exam tip

Write the complete decomposition before solving coefficients; missing a term makes every later constant incorrect.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

Find 3x+5(x+1)(x+2)dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{3x+5}{(x+1)(x+2)}\,dx.

(4)

(Total for Question 1 is 4 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

Find 2x+5(x+1)2dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{2x+5}{(x+1)^2}\,dx.

(4)

(Total for Question 1 is 4 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

Find x2+1x(x2+4)dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{x^2+1}{x(x^2+4)}\,dx.

(6)

(Total for Question 1 is 6 marks)

CP-5.5

Differentiate inverse trigonometric functions.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • The standard derivatives are d(arcsinx)/dx=1/1x2d(\arcsin x)/dx=1/\sqrt{1-x^2}, d(arccosx)/dx=1/1x2d(\arccos x)/dx=-1/\sqrt{1-x^2} and d(arctanx)/dx=1/(1+x2)d(\arctan x)/dx=1/(1+x^2).
  • For an argument u(x)u(x), multiply by u(x)u'(x) through the chain rule and replace every occurrence of the inner variable consistently.
  • Products and quotients involving inverse trigonometric functions still require their usual differentiation rules.
  • Domain restrictions matter when square roots or inverse functions are present.
  • The notation arcsinx\arcsin x means the inverse sine function, not the reciprocal of sine; similarly, the negative sign in the derivative of arccosine must be retained.
Worked example

Differentiate y=arctan(3x2)y=\arctan(3x^2).

  1. 1.Set u=3x2u=3x^2, so u=6xu'=6x.
  2. 2.Use d(arctanu)/dx=u/(1+u2)d(\arctan u)/dx=u'/(1+u^2).
  3. 3.Substitute u=3x2u=3x^2 and simplify.

Answer: dydx=6x1+9x4\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\dfrac{6x}{1+9x^4}.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of omitting the derivative of the inner function in a composite inverse-trigonometric expression.
  • Don't fall into the trap of losing the negative sign when differentiating arccosx\arccos x.
  • Don't fall into the trap of interpreting inverse-function notation as a reciprocal trigonometric function.

Exam tip

Identify the inner argument first, write its derivative, and substitute both into the appropriate standard inverse-trigonometric derivative.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

Differentiate y=arcsin(2x)y=\arcsin(2x) with respect to xx.

(2)

(Total for Question 1 is 2 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

Differentiate y=arctan(x12)y=\arctan\left(\dfrac{x-1}{2}\right).

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

Given y=xarccosx1x2y=x\arccos x-\sqrt{1-x^2} for 1<x<1-1<x<1, show that dydx=arccosx\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\arccos x.

(5)

(Total for Question 1 is 5 marks)

CP-5.6

Integrate functions of the form (a^2 - x^2)^(-1/2) and (a^2 - x^2)^(-1) and be able to choose trigonometric substitutions to integrate associated functions.

Notes
Evidence from your answers: none yet
Your confidence:

A self-report of how sure you feel. It does not measure mastery. Evidence from your answers reaches secure after the latest Tier 2/3 attempt is correct, with three correct distinct drills across at least two dates and two practice sources.

Explanation

  • For a>0a>0, dx/a2x2=arcsin(x/a)+C\int dx/\sqrt{a^2-x^2}=\arcsin(x/a)+C and $\int dx/(a2−x2)=\dfrac1{2a}\ln\left|\dfrac{a+x}{a-x}\right|+C$. A square root containing a2x2a^2-x^2 suggests x=asinθx=a\sin\theta, because the Pythagorean identity changes the root to acosθa\cos\theta on a suitable interval and dx=acosθdθdx=a\cos\theta\,d\theta.
  • Associated integrals may then require a trigonometric identity before integration.
  • The rational form 1/(a2x2)1/(a^2-x^2) can instead be resolved into linear partial fractions.
  • After integrating in θ\theta, use a right triangle or identities to return completely to xx, including the constant of integration.
  • Differentiating the result checks the scale factors and signs.
A right triangle for the substitution x equals a sine theta.
Worked example

Use x=3sinθx=3\sin\theta to evaluate 9x2dx\int\sqrt{9-x^2}\,dx.

  1. 1.dx=3cosθdθdx=3\cos\theta\,d\theta and 9x2=3cosθ\sqrt{9-x^2}=3\cos\theta.
  2. 2.The integral becomes 9cos2θdθ9\int\cos^2\theta\,d\theta.
  3. 3.Using cos2θ=(1+cos2θ)/2\cos^2\theta=(1+\cos2\theta)/2 gives 9θ/2+9sin2θ/4+C9\theta/2+9\sin2\theta/4+C.
  4. 4.Return to xx using θ=arcsin(x/3)\theta=\arcsin(x/3) and sin2θ=2x9x2/9\sin2\theta=2x\sqrt{9-x^2}/9.

Answer: 92arcsin(x/3)+x29x2+C\dfrac92\arcsin(x/3)+\dfrac x2\sqrt{9-x^2}+C.

Common mistakes

  • Don't fall into the trap of replacing the square root by acosθa\cos\theta but omitting dx=acosθdθdx=a\cos\theta\,d\theta.
  • Don't fall into the trap of leaving the antiderivative in terms of θ\theta instead of converting back to xx.
  • Don't fall into the trap of using x=atanθx=a\tan\theta for the form a2x2a^2-x^2 and creating a less suitable identity.

Exam tip

State the substitution, transformed differential and transformed square root on separate lines before simplifying the integral.

Tier 1 · Easy

ORIGINAL

1.

Find 125x2dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{25-x^2}}\,dx.

(2)

(Total for Question 1 is 2 marks)

Tier 2 · Standard

ORIGINAL

1.

Find 19x2dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{1}{9-x^2}\,dx.

(3)

(Total for Question 1 is 3 marks)

Tier 3 · Hard

ORIGINAL

1.

Using the substitution x=4sinθx=4\sin\theta, find x216x2dx\displaystyle \int\dfrac{x^2}{\sqrt{16-x^2}}\,dx.

(6)

(Total for Question 1 is 6 marks)

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