Differential equations
Find and use an integrating factor to solve differential equations of form dy/dx + P(x)y = Q(x) and recognise when it is appropriate to do so. Find both general and particular solutions to differential equations. Use differential equations in modelling in kinematics and in other contexts. Solve differential equations of form y″ + ay′ + by = 0 where a and b are constants by using the auxiliary equation. Solve differential equations of form y ″+ a y ′+ b y = f(x) where a and b are constants by solving the homogeneous case and adding a particular integral to the complementary function (in cases where f(x) is a polynomial, exponential or trigonometric function). Understand and use the relationship between the cases when the discriminant of the auxiliary equation is positive, zero and negative and the form of solution of the differential equation. Solve the equation for simple harmonic motion x¨ = −ω2x and relate the solution to the motion. Model damped oscillations using second order differential equations and interpret their solutions. Analyse and interpret models of situations with one independent variable and two dependent variables as a pair of coupled first order simultaneous equations and be able to solve them, for example predator-prey models.
Full topic guide: the detailed syllabus page with worked examples and common mistakes lives at studyvector.co.uk/a-level/further-maths/core-pure/differential-equations.
Topic preview: Differential equations
Sample stems from the StudyVector question bank (AQA · Edexcel · OCR) — not generic filler text.
More questions are being linked to this topic. You can still start adaptive practice after you create a free account.
Coverage and provenance
What this page is based on
StudyVector does not present unsupported question coverage as complete. Read how questions are selected and reviewed.
Topic explanation
Differential Equations belongs to Core Pure in A-Level Further Mathematics. The reliable way to revise it is to learn the trigger condition, write the first method line clearly, and practise enough variations that you can spot when the standard method needs adapting. For Further Maths, pay special attention to proof, notation, and whether a result follows from earlier parts of the question.
Differential equations is easiest to revise when it is treated as a precise exam behaviour, not a loose note-taking category. In A-Level Further Mathematics, the goal is to recognise how the topic appears in a question, identify the command word, and decide what evidence, method, or vocabulary earns marks. StudyVector keeps this page tied to AQA · Edexcel · OCR language where coverage is available, then routes practice towards the same topic so revision moves from explanation into retrieval.
A strong revision session starts with a short recall check. Write down the rule, definition, process, or method linked to Differential equations before looking at any notes. Then answer one exam-style prompt and compare your answer with the mark-scheme logic: did you make a clear point, support it with the right step, and avoid drifting into a nearby topic? This matters because many lost marks come from almost-correct answers that do not match the expected structure.
Use this guide as the first layer: understand the topic, look at the worked examples, complete the mini quiz, then move into full practice. The full StudyVector practice loop is designed to capture whether mistakes are caused by knowledge, method, language, or timing. That distinction is important. If the error is factual, you need reteaching. If the error is method-based, you need a worked retry. If the error is wording, you need command-word calibration. That is how Differential equations becomes a controlled revision target rather than another page in a folder.
Lost marks → repair task
Why marks are usually lost here
These are the error patterns StudyVector looks for after an attempt. The goal is not a generic explanation; it is one repair move and one follow-up question.
Unit, formula, or method slip
Examiner move: Select the correct method and keep units, substitutions, signs, and rounding visible.
Repair drill: Redo the calculation or method line slowly, naming the formula before substituting values.
Missing chain of reasoning
Examiner move: Show the link between point, method, evidence, and conclusion instead of jumping to the final line.
Repair drill: Write the missing because/therefore step, then retry one isomorphic question.
Timing breakdown
Examiner move: Match answer length to marks and avoid over-writing low-mark questions.
Repair drill: Set a one-mark-per-minute cap and write a compact version before expanding.
Mini quiz
Use these checks before full practice. They test topic recognition, exam technique, and whether you can connect the explanation to a marked response.
1. What should you check first when a Differential equations question appears in A-Level Further Mathematics?
- A.The command word and the exact topic focus
- B.The longest paragraph in your notes
- C.A memorised answer from a different topic
2. Which revision action gives the strongest evidence that Differential equations is improving?
- A.Rereading the explanation twice
- B.Answering a timed exam-style question and reviewing lost marks
- C.Highlighting every key phrase in the topic notes
Sample questions
Topic-specific public question previews are still being reviewed. We keep them off public pages until the topic match is safe.
Exam tips
- Read the command word carefully — "explain" needs reasons; "state" expects a short fact.
- For Differential equations, show structured working even when you are practising multiple choice — it builds accuracy under time pressure.
- Mark yourself against the mark scheme style: one clear point per mark, in logical order.
- Come back to this topic after a day or two; short spaced reviews beat one long cram.
Worked examples
Example 1
Modelled exam response
For a Differential Equations question, first classify the problem: what information is given, what form should the answer take, and which rule from Core Pure applies? Write the method line, carry out each transformation cleanly, then substitute or check the result against the original condition. This creates a mark-scheme-friendly answer even when the arithmetic is demanding.
Example 2
Identify the task before answering
Question type: a Differential equations prompt asks for a clear response in A-Level Further Mathematics. Step 1: underline the command word. Step 2: name the exact part of Differential equations being tested. Step 3: decide whether the mark scheme wants a definition, method, explanation, comparison, or calculation. Why it works: most weak answers fail before the content starts because they answer the topic generally rather than the exact exam task.
Example 3
Turn feedback into a repair task
Suppose your answer shows partial understanding but loses marks for precision. First, rewrite the missing mark as a short target: "I need to state the mechanism, unit, reason, or evidence explicitly." Then answer one similar question without notes. Finally, compare the second attempt with the first and check whether the same mark was recovered. Why it works: Differential equations improves faster when feedback creates a specific retry, not another passive reading session.
Next revision routes from this subject
Good topic pages should lead naturally into the next useful page. Use these links to stay inside the same strand or jump into the next topic area without starting your search again.
Stay in the same topic area
Explore the wider subject map
Targeted practice plan
- Attempt one standard Differential Equations problem and annotate every theorem, identity, or earlier result you use.Source ID: question_bank:0027af3e-34dd-4d79-91a6-548601eb8e6e · universal · question_bank:0027af3e-34dd-4d79-91a6-548601eb8e6e
- Attempt one harder Core Pure problem where the first method is not obvious; write two possible routes before solving.Source ID: question_bank:0061327a-fd48-4eb3-9575-b088d4900634 · universal · question_bank:0061327a-fd48-4eb3-9575-b088d4900634
- After marking, rewrite the solution in the fewest rigorous steps that still justify every transition.Source ID: question_bank:006e3a5a-5252-4eb6-b1a7-887ccfd14931 · universal · question_bank:006e3a5a-5252-4eb6-b1a7-887ccfd14931
Board-specific sources available
- question_bank:0027af3e-34dd-4d79-91a6-548601eb8e6e · StudyVector question bank row 0027af3e…8e6e · universal · medium
- question_bank:0061327a-fd48-4eb3-9575-b088d4900634 · StudyVector question bank row 0061327a…0634 · universal · easy
- question_bank:006e3a5a-5252-4eb6-b1a7-887ccfd14931 · StudyVector question bank row 006e3a5a…4931 · universal · hard
Exact IDs are used only when the row already names a real source. Related IDs mean StudyVector has a matching board and subject paper in the local corpus; they are not treated as official origin proof.
Common mistakes
- Starting calculations before identifying the exact form of the question.
- Skipping algebraic or numerical working that the mark scheme would credit.
- Not checking whether the final answer needs units, exact form, a diagram interpretation, or a stated conclusion.
Exam board notes
AQA, Edexcel and OCR differ in wording and calculator/non-calculator balance. Use this as a method lesson, then check your board specification and past-paper style for exact demand.
FAQs
How do I get better at Differential Equations?
Practise in short sets: one easy recognition question, one standard method question, and one mixed question. After each attempt, mark the first line and the final check separately.
What loses marks in Differential Equations?
Most lost marks come from wrong method selection, missing intermediate steps, or an answer that is mathematically correct but not in the requested form.
More on StudyVector
Full practice set
The complete adaptive question bank for this topic — personalised to your weak areas — is available after you sign in. Your session can start on this topic immediately.