Unit 5: Calculus

Topic 5.1: Introduction to Differentiation Questions

Practice 8 exam-style questions for IB Math AA SL Topic 5.1. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.

1Find2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
The gradient function of a curve is f'(x) = 4x − 1. Find the gradient of the curve at x = 2.
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2Explain2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
Explain the difference between the gradient of a straight line and the gradient of a curve.
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3Interpret2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
The temperature T (°C) of a cooling drink after t minutes has dT/dt = −1.5 at t = 4. Interpret this value in context.
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4Find3 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
A function has f'(x) = 2x + 6.
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5Find2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
The gradient function of a curve is f'(x) = 6 − 2x. Find the value of x where the gradient is 0, and state what kind of point this is.
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6Determine2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
A population P (thousands) grows so that dP/dt = 0.8 at t = 10 years. A second population has dP/dt = 0.3 at the same time. Which is growing faster, and by how much (per year)?
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7Determine2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
A curve has gradient function f'(x) = 3x² − 12. Determine whether the curve is increasing or decreasing at x = 1.
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8Explain2 marks
2026Aimnova practice — 5.1.1
The gradient function of a curve is f'(x) = x² + 1. Explain why the curve is increasing for every value of x.
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