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305

22 Dec 2025

3 pages

CCEA Maths Detailed Notes on Key Topics 3

B

Bethyn King

@bethyn_k.04

This concise guide covers essential mathematics topics including transformations of... Show more

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STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

Lines, Circles and Binomial Expansion

Line-circle intersections are determined by solving their equations simultaneously. When b² - 4ac > 0, a line intersects a circle twice; when b² - 4ac = 0, the line is tangent to the circle; and when b² - 4ac < 0, there are no intersections.

Tangents and normals are essential concepts for circles. Remember that a tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact. If you need to find the length of a tangent from an external point to a circle, use the Pythagoras theorem with the distance from the point to the centre and the radius.

When working with binomial expansions, use factorial notation where n! means n factorial, and the binomial coefficient formula ⁿCᵣ = n!/r!(nr)!r!(n-r)!. This helps you expand expressions like a+ba+b using the binomial theorem.

Remember: In any circle problem, converting to the standard form xax-a² + yby-b² = r² helps you immediately identify the centre (a,b) and radius r!

The binomial expansion of 1+x1+x follows the pattern: 1 + nx + n(n1)/2!n(n-1)/2!x² + n(n1)(n2)/3!n(n-1)(n-2)/3!x³ + .... When expanding expressions like 1+x1+x, you can use this formula to quickly find the coefficients of each term.

STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

Transformations and Coordinate Geometry

Function transformations change how graphs look on the coordinate plane. When you add a constant to a function, like f(x) + a, the graph shifts vertically - upward for positive values, downward for negative values. For fx+ax + a, the graph moves horizontally - left for positive values, right for negative values.

With af(x), you're stretching the function vertically by factor a, and if a is negative, you're also reflecting it across the x-axis. For f(ax), the function stretches horizontally by a factor of 1/a, with negative values causing reflection across the y-axis.

In coordinate geometry, remember these essential formulas: gradient formula m = y2y1y₂-y₁/x2x1x₂-x₁, line equation y - y₁ = mxx1x - x₁, midpoint formula x1+x2x₁+x₂/2, y1+y2y₁+y₂/2), and distance formula (y2y1)2+(x2x1)2(y₂-y₁)² + (x₂-x₁)².

Pro tip: For circle equations, remember the standard form xax-a² + yby-b² = r², where (a,b) is the centre and r is the radius. This makes finding intersection points with lines much easier!

When working with circles, use the equation x² + y² = r² for circles centered at the origin, and xax-a² + yby-b² = r² for circles with center (a,b). You can expand this to the general form x² + y² - 2ax - 2by + a² + b² - r² = 0 when needed.

STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

The Remainder Theorem and Factorisation

The remainder theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by xax-a, the remainder equals f(a). This powerful shortcut helps you find remainders without long division. If f(a) = 0, then xax-a is a factor of f(x).

To determine if x+ax+a is a factor, evaluate fa-a. For instance, when checking if x+5x+5 is a factor of 3x² + 11x - 8, calculate f(-5). If the result isn't zero, it's not a factor. Similarly, for divisions by expressions like 2x12x-1, substitute x = 1/2 into f(x) to find the remainder.

When factorising polynomials, try evaluating f(x) at common values like -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 until you find a value that gives zero. This indicates a factor. For example, if f(1/2) = 0, then 2x+12x+1 is a factor. You can then use polynomial division to find the remaining factors.

Exam tip: In polynomial problems, when you're told that xax-a is a factor, it means f(a) = 0, which gives you an equation to help find unknown coefficients!

For complete factorisation of polynomials like 4x³ + 8x² - 11x - 15, identify one factor first likex+1like x+1, then use polynomial division to find the quadratic factor, and finally factorise the quadratic. This helps you sketch the graph by identifying where it crosses the x-axis (the roots of the polynomial).



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4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Maths

305

22 Dec 2025

3 pages

CCEA Maths Detailed Notes on Key Topics 3

B

Bethyn King

@bethyn_k.04

This concise guide covers essential mathematics topics including transformations of functions, coordinate geometry, and algebraic techniques. These concepts are crucial for your mathematics coursework and exams, giving you the tools to tackle both graphical and algebraic problems with confidence.

STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Lines, Circles and Binomial Expansion

Line-circle intersections are determined by solving their equations simultaneously. When b² - 4ac > 0, a line intersects a circle twice; when b² - 4ac = 0, the line is tangent to the circle; and when b² - 4ac < 0, there are no intersections.

Tangents and normals are essential concepts for circles. Remember that a tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact. If you need to find the length of a tangent from an external point to a circle, use the Pythagoras theorem with the distance from the point to the centre and the radius.

When working with binomial expansions, use factorial notation where n! means n factorial, and the binomial coefficient formula ⁿCᵣ = n!/r!(nr)!r!(n-r)!. This helps you expand expressions like a+ba+b using the binomial theorem.

Remember: In any circle problem, converting to the standard form xax-a² + yby-b² = r² helps you immediately identify the centre (a,b) and radius r!

The binomial expansion of 1+x1+x follows the pattern: 1 + nx + n(n1)/2!n(n-1)/2!x² + n(n1)(n2)/3!n(n-1)(n-2)/3!x³ + .... When expanding expressions like 1+x1+x, you can use this formula to quickly find the coefficients of each term.

STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Transformations and Coordinate Geometry

Function transformations change how graphs look on the coordinate plane. When you add a constant to a function, like f(x) + a, the graph shifts vertically - upward for positive values, downward for negative values. For fx+ax + a, the graph moves horizontally - left for positive values, right for negative values.

With af(x), you're stretching the function vertically by factor a, and if a is negative, you're also reflecting it across the x-axis. For f(ax), the function stretches horizontally by a factor of 1/a, with negative values causing reflection across the y-axis.

In coordinate geometry, remember these essential formulas: gradient formula m = y2y1y₂-y₁/x2x1x₂-x₁, line equation y - y₁ = mxx1x - x₁, midpoint formula x1+x2x₁+x₂/2, y1+y2y₁+y₂/2), and distance formula (y2y1)2+(x2x1)2(y₂-y₁)² + (x₂-x₁)².

Pro tip: For circle equations, remember the standard form xax-a² + yby-b² = r², where (a,b) is the centre and r is the radius. This makes finding intersection points with lines much easier!

When working with circles, use the equation x² + y² = r² for circles centered at the origin, and xax-a² + yby-b² = r² for circles with center (a,b). You can expand this to the general form x² + y² - 2ax - 2by + a² + b² - r² = 0 when needed.

STRAIGHTLINES AND CIRCLES
- twice Ø b²-4ac70
- once a 6²-4ac=0
- no times 0/
EXAMPLE Find the Co-ordinates of the point (3)
where the line y

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Remainder Theorem and Factorisation

The remainder theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by xax-a, the remainder equals f(a). This powerful shortcut helps you find remainders without long division. If f(a) = 0, then xax-a is a factor of f(x).

To determine if x+ax+a is a factor, evaluate fa-a. For instance, when checking if x+5x+5 is a factor of 3x² + 11x - 8, calculate f(-5). If the result isn't zero, it's not a factor. Similarly, for divisions by expressions like 2x12x-1, substitute x = 1/2 into f(x) to find the remainder.

When factorising polynomials, try evaluating f(x) at common values like -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 until you find a value that gives zero. This indicates a factor. For example, if f(1/2) = 0, then 2x+12x+1 is a factor. You can then use polynomial division to find the remaining factors.

Exam tip: In polynomial problems, when you're told that xax-a is a factor, it means f(a) = 0, which gives you an equation to help find unknown coefficients!

For complete factorisation of polynomials like 4x³ + 8x² - 11x - 15, identify one factor first likex+1like x+1, then use polynomial division to find the quadratic factor, and finally factorise the quadratic. This helps you sketch the graph by identifying where it crosses the x-axis (the roots of the polynomial).

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Maths

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user