Preface to Second Edition

Understanding Mechanics has proved to be a popular text with students of A-level Mathematics. Syllabuses are varied at this level. But the aim has been to cover all topics that could appear on single Mathematics Papers, at the same time as providing an extension into several Further Mathematics topics.

Recent changes to syllabuses have brought about the need for this new edition, and there are two particular emphases in modern syllabuses that have been dealt with. One of these is on the use of vectors, and for this reason we have introduced vectors right at the beginning of the book. The other emphasis in of the use of modeling. Students are required to understand the relationship between real-life situations and mathematical models. They need to understand the limitations of many common assumptions so that they can evaluate their own assumptions when setting up mathematical models to solve problems. We have provided some commentary to help with this.

In each chapter the theory sections are followed by a number of worked examples which are typical of, and lead to the questions in the exercises. By reading the theory sections and following the worked examples, the reader should be able to make considerable progress with the exercise that follows. After the introductory vector work, each chapter closes with a comprehensive selection of recent examination questions, allowing the student to evaluate and apply the skills learnt in the preparatory sections. These exercises are carefully graded, progressing to some quite demanding questions at the end.

We are grateful to the following examination boards for permission to use their questions specimen questions are denoted by spec. the answers provided for these questions are the sole responsibility of the authors.

University of examinations and Assessment Council ULEAC.

University of Cambridge Local examinations syndicate UCLES.

University of Oxford delegacy of local examinations UODLE.

Oxford and Cambridge Schools examination Board OCSEB.

Midland examining Group MEG.

Associated examining board AEB.

Welsh Joint education committee WJEC.

Northern Ireland Council for his curriculum examinations and assessment NICCEA.

Southern Universities Joint Board SUJB.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge the help of four experienced teachers who helped with the writing of the new text: Julian Berry Bloxham School , Dr Dominic Jordan University of Keele. Robert Smedley Liverpool Hope University College. And Garry Wiseman Radley College. Special thanks are due to Garry Wiseman, who also played a central editorial role in melding the new and existing material together.