IGCSEAdditional MathsCIERevision NotesCalculusDifferentiationConnected Rates of Change

Connected Rates of Change (CIE IGCSE Additional Maths)

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Connected Rates of Change

What are connected rates of change?

In situations involving more than two variables you can use the chain rule to connect multiple rates of change into a single equation
Look out for the word "rate"
- This implies a derivative is involved
- e.g. The height is increasing at a rate of 4 cm per second means $\frac{d h}{d t} = 4$
If the variable is decreasing then the rate will be negative
- e.g. The height is decreasing at a rate of 4 cm per second means $\frac{d h}{d t} = - 4$

Example of a connected rates of change problem

Exam Tip

These problems can involve a lot of letters
- be sure to keep track of what they all refer to
Be especially sure that you are clear about which letters are variables and which are constants
- these behave very differently when differentiation is involved!

Worked example

Conn Rates of Ch Example, A Level & AS Level Pure Maths Revision Notes

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Author: Amber

Amber gained a first class degree in Mathematics & Meteorology from the University of Reading before training to become a teacher. She is passionate about teaching, having spent 8 years teaching GCSE and A Level Mathematics both in the UK and internationally. Amber loves creating bright and informative resources to help students reach their potential.