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What if I simplify my answer? (Mark scheme only mentions 'unsimplified').

Hi all, just a quick one.

I've been going berserk with practice tests for the maths exams I've got coming up.

One question asked me to find the derivative and second derivative of a function. I did it, and simplified the answer.

I got it correct, but the mark scheme, for both derivatives, says for each, "correct unsimplified" for the final mark. (first derivative was 3 marks, second derivate 2 marks.)

The question paper doesn't mention anything at all about whether I'm allowed to simplify it or not. The question literally just says:

i) find dy/dx
ii) find d2y/dx2

So what's the deal?! I got both correct, but why the mark scheme only has this specific mention of 'unsimplified' - what's the difference anyway?!

For those with a deeper interest, it's AQA PC1 Jan'10, Q3a)
Here: http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-MPC1-W-QP-JAN10.PDF

Reply 1

Mr M

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