Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 -
Comprehensive Study Guide
Introduction
This comprehensive study guide covers the entire Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics
(0606) syllabus based on the Haese Mathematics textbook structure and Cambridge
examination requirements. The course builds upon IGCSE Mathematics and prepares students
for advanced study in mathematics and related fields.
Course Overview
Assessment Structure
Paper 1: Non-calculator, 2 hours, 80 marks (50% of total grade)
Paper 2: Calculator allowed, 2 hours, 80 marks (50% of total grade)
Grades Available: A* to E (no F or G grades available)
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580) content
Key Skills Development
Mathematical reasoning and logical thinking
Problem-solving in abstract contexts
Algebraic manipulation and calculation skills
Graph sketching and interpretation
Application of mathematical concepts to real-world problems
Topic 1: Functions
1.1 Understanding Functions
Key Concepts:
Function: A relation where each input has exactly one output
Domain: Set of all possible input values (x-values)
Range: Set of all possible output values (y-values)
One-to-One Function: Each output corresponds to exactly one input
Many-to-One Function: Some outputs correspond to multiple inputs
Function Notation:
f(x) = 2e^x
f: x ↦ lg x, for x > 0
f⁻¹(x) for inverse functions
fg(x) = f(g(x)) for composite functions
f²(x) = f(f(x)) (not used with trigonometric functions)
1.2 Inverse Functions
Finding Inverse Functions:
1. Replace f(x) with y
2. Swap x and y variables
3. Solve for y
4. Replace y with f⁻¹(x)
Example:
If f(x) = e^(2x), then f⁻¹(x) = (1/2)ln x
Graphical Relationship:
Function and its inverse are reflections of each other across the line y = x
1.3 Composite Functions
Key Points:
Order matters: fg(x) ≠ gf(x) in general
Domain of gf ⊆ Domain of f
Range of gf ⊆ Range of g
1.4 Modulus Functions
Understanding |f(x)|:
When f(x) ≥ 0: |f(x)| = f(x)
When f(x) < 0: |f(x)| = -f(x)
Graph transformation: reflect negative portions above x-axis
Exam Tip: Always consider both positive and negative cases when solving modulus equations.
Topic 2: Quadratic Functions
2.1 Standard Form and Transformations
Standard Forms:
f(x) = ax² + bx + c (general form)
f(x) = a(x - h)² + k (vertex form)
2.2 Finding Maximum/Minimum Values
Method 1: Completing the Square
1. Factor out coefficient of x²
2. Complete the square inside brackets
3. Expand and simplify
Method 2: Differentiation
1. Find f'(x) = 2ax + b
2. Set f'(x) = 0 to find x-coordinate of turning point
3. Substitute back to find y-coordinate
2.3 The Discriminant
For ax² + bx + c = 0:
Discriminant Δ = b² - 4ac
Δ > 0: Two distinct real roots
Δ = 0: One repeated real root
Δ < 0: No real roots (complex roots)
Applications:
Line intersections with curves
Tangent conditions
Solving quadratic inequalities
2.4 Problem-Solving Shortcuts
Quick Factorization Check:
If coefficients are integers, try factors of the constant term
Use sum and product of roots: sum = -b/a, product = c/a
Exam Technique: Always check your quadratic solutions by substitution.
Topic 3: Factors of Polynomials
3.1 Remainder and Factor Theorems
Remainder Theorem:
When polynomial P(x) is divided by (x - a), remainder = P(a)
Factor Theorem:
(x - a) is a factor of P(x) if and only if P(a) = 0
3.2 Solving Cubic Equations
Strategy:
1. Use factor theorem to find one linear factor
2. Divide polynomial to get quadratic factor
3. Solve quadratic using standard methods
Finding Rational Roots:
Test factors of constant term ÷ factors of leading coefficient
Topic 4: Equations, Inequalities and Graphs
4.1 Modulus Equations and Inequalities
Solving |ax + b| = c:
Case 1: ax + b = c
Case 2: ax + b = -c
Solving |ax + b| < c:
-c < ax + b < c
Solving |ax + b| > c:
ax + b > c OR ax + b < -c
4.2 Substitution Techniques
Common Substitutions:
For equations with e^x and e^(-x): let y = e^x
For equations with ln terms: let y = ln(something)
For fractional powers: let y = x^(1/n)
Topic 5: Simultaneous Equations
5.1 Linear and Non-Linear Systems
Methods:
Substitution: Solve one equation for a variable, substitute into the other
Elimination: Add or subtract equations to eliminate a variable
Advanced Types:
One linear, one quadratic
Both non-linear
Systems involving reciprocals
Topic 6: Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
6.1 Laws of Logarithms
Essential Laws:
log_a(xy) = log_a(x) + log_a(y)
log_a(x/y) = log_a(x) - log_a(y)
log_a(x^n) = n·log_a(x)
log_a(a) = 1
log_a(1) = 0
Change of Base:
log_a(x) = log_b(x)/log_b(a)
6.2 Exponential Equations
Solving a^x = b:
x = log_a(b) = ln(b)/ln(a)
Common Techniques:
Express both sides with same base when possible
Take logarithms of both sides
Use substitution for complex expressions
Topic 7: Straight-Line Graphs
7.1 Linear Transformations
Converting to Linear Form:
y = Ax^n → log y = log A + n log x
y = Ab^x → log y = log A + x log b
7.2 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Key Results:
Parallel lines: same gradient (m₁ = m₂)
Perpendicular lines: m₁ × m₂ = -1
Topic 8: Coordinate Geometry of the Circle
8.1 Circle Equations
Standard Form: (x - a)² + (y - b)² = r²
General Form: x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Centre: (-g, -f)
Radius: √(g² + f² - c)
8.2 Line-Circle Intersections
Discriminant Analysis:
Δ > 0: Line intersects circle at two points
Δ = 0: Line is tangent to circle
Δ < 0: Line does not intersect circle
Topic 9: Circular Measure
9.1 Radian Measure
Key Conversions:
180° = π radians
1 radian = 180°/π ≈ 57.3°
Arc Length and Area:
Arc length: s = rθ (θ in radians)
Sector area: A = (1/2)r²θ
Topic 10: Trigonometry
10.1 Six Trigonometric Functions
Definitions:
sin θ, cos θ, tan θ (primary functions)
csc θ = 1/sin θ, sec θ = 1/cos θ, cot θ = 1/tan θ
10.2 Fundamental Identities
Pythagorean Identities:
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
1 + cot²θ = csc²θ
10.3 Graphs and Transformations
General Forms:
y = a sin(bx + c) + d
y = a cos(bx + c) + d
y = a tan(bx + c) + d
Parameters:
a: amplitude
b: affects period (Period = 2π/b for sin/cos, π/b for tan)
c: horizontal shift
d: vertical shift
10.4 Solving Trigonometric Equations
Strategy:
1. Use identities to simplify
2. Consider the domain carefully
3. Use unit circle or graphs to find all solutions
Topic 11: Permutations and Combinations
11.1 Fundamental Concepts
Permutations (Order Matters):
P(n,r) = n!/(n-r)!
Combinations (Order Doesn't Matter):
C(n,r) = n!/[r!(n-r)!]
11.2 Problem-Solving Approach
Questions to Ask:
1. Does order matter?
2. Are repetitions allowed?
3. Are there restrictions?
Topic 12: Series
12.1 Binomial Theorem
(a + b)ⁿ = Σ(k=0 to n) C(n,k) aⁿ⁻ᵏ bᵏ
General Term: C(n,r) aⁿ⁻ʳ bʳ
12.2 Arithmetic Progressions
nth term: aₙ = a + (n-1)d
Sum of n terms: Sₙ = n/2[2a + (n-1)d] = n/2(a + l)
12.3 Geometric Progressions
nth term: aₙ = arⁿ⁻¹
Sum of n terms: Sₙ = a(1-rⁿ)/(1-r) for r ≠ 1
Sum to infinity: S∞ = a/(1-r) for |r| < 1
Topic 13: Vectors in Two Dimensions
13.1 Vector Operations
Addition/Subtraction:
Parallelogram rule
Triangle rule
Scalar Multiplication:
ka scales vector by factor k
Direction unchanged if k > 0, reversed if k < 0
13.2 Position Vectors and Applications
Key Concepts:
Position vectors from origin
Unit vectors: magnitude = 1
Resultant vectors in context problems
Topic 14: Calculus
14.1 Differentiation
Standard Derivatives:
d/dx(xⁿ) = nx^(n-1)
d/dx(sin x) = cos x
d/dx(cos x) = -sin x
d/dx(tan x) = sec²x
d/dx(eˣ) = eˣ
d/dx(ln x) = 1/x
Chain Rule: d/dx[f(g(x))] = f'(g(x)) × g'(x)
Product Rule: d/dx[f(x)g(x)] = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x)
Quotient Rule: d/dx[f(x)/g(x)] = [f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)]/[g(x)]²
14.2 Applications of Differentiation
Finding Stationary Points:
1. Set f'(x) = 0
2. Solve for x-values
3. Use second derivative test:
f''(x) > 0: minimum
f''(x) < 0: maximum
f''(x) = 0: inconclusive
Optimization Problems:
1. Define variables clearly
2. Write objective function
3. Find constraints
4. Differentiate and solve
14.3 Integration
Standard Integrals:
∫xⁿ dx = x^(n+1)/(n+1) + C (n ≠ -1)
∫(1/x) dx = ln|x| + C
∫sin x dx = -cos x + C
∫cos x dx = sin x + C
∫sec²x dx = tan x + C
∫eˣ dx = eˣ + C
Definite Integration:
∫[a to b] f(x) dx = [F(x)]ᵇₐ = F(b) - F(a)
14.4 Kinematics
Key Relationships:
Velocity = ds/dt
Acceleration = dv/dt = d²s/dt²
v² = u² + 2as (constant acceleration)
Examination Techniques
Paper 1 (Non-Calculator) Strategies
1. Exact Values: Work with surds, fractions, and π
2. Algebraic Manipulation: Show all steps clearly
3. Time Management: Spend roughly 1.5 minutes per mark
Paper 2 (Calculator) Strategies
1. Use Calculator Efficiently: Learn advanced functions
2. Check Answers: Use alternative methods when possible
3. Approximations: Follow accuracy requirements strictly
General Exam Tips
1. Read Questions Carefully: Identify command words (show, find, solve)
2. Show Working: Even with calculators, demonstrate method
3. Check Units: Especially in applied problems
4. Sketch Diagrams: Helps visualize problems
5. Review Answers: Check for reasonableness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Sign Errors: Especially with negative numbers and algebra
2. Domain Issues: Remember restrictions on functions
3. Radian/Degree Confusion: Check angle units
4. Integration Constants: Don't forget +C for indefinite integrals
5. Discriminant Errors: Be careful with b² - 4ac calculations
Practice Questions
Functions
1. Given f(x) = 2x + 1 and g(x) = x², find fg(x) and state its domain.
Quadratic Functions
2. Find the range of f(x) = x² - 4x + 7 for x ∈ [0, 5].
Trigonometry
3. Solve 2sin²θ + 3cosθ = 3 for 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π.
Calculus
4. Find the maximum value of f(x) = xe^(-x) for x ≥ 0.
Coordinate Geometry
5. Find the equation of the tangent to the circle x² + y² = 25 at the point (3, 4).
Conclusion
Success in Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics requires:
Solid understanding of fundamental concepts
Regular practice with past papers
Mastery of both algebraic manipulation and calculator techniques
Ability to apply mathematics to unfamiliar contexts
Clear mathematical communication skills
Remember that this subject builds the foundation for advanced mathematics study, so focus on
understanding concepts rather than just memorizing procedures.
The key to success is consistent practice, careful attention to mathematical reasoning, and
developing confidence in problem-solving across all topic areas.
