Differentiation questions centre on meaning as much as mechanics: gradient functions, stationary-point classification (first or second derivative), tangents and normals, and optimisation with a constraint to eliminate a variable. Standard derivatives of polynomials, trig, exponential and log functions must be instant.
Traps include differentiating products or quotients term-by-term, forgetting the chain rule factor, and classifying stationary points from sign charts drawn backwards. Always ask what the derivative's sign means in context before finalising.
Study method: attempt five timed questions, log every miss with its topic code, redo misses from scratch within 48 hours, then re-attempt the topic a week later. Pair each hub with its drill link below and a fortnightly full mock.
Place this topic in the wider test with the syllabus checklist and Paper 1 vs Paper 2, learn the timing system in how to prepare, and check what scores mean in scores explained.