PM Mathematics Tips
PM Mathematics Tips
by Bobby Ng for Writing Contest 2008
Brief IntroductionMathematics (is also known as Modern Maths)
and Additional Mathematics are categorized as thinking subjects
which you take your time thinking rather than memorizing facts. The
formula will be given at the front page of the examination paper.
Additional Maths is notably 4 times harder than Modern Maths. Its
like if students think Maths is shit, then take Add Maths. If you
get 90% marks in Maths, you may have potential to get 40% marks in
Add Maths. Its near to impossible for someone who get A1 in Add
Maths fail in Math. Well its not important. What Im going to
discuss at here is Mathematics.
SPM MathematicsIn SPM, mathematics is considered as compulsory
subject. You must pass this subject in order to get the
certificates along with Malay language. Malay language test takes a
lot of time and your hand hurts like hell after writing so many
words. Its not simple either. However, the percentage ofstudents
fail in Mathematics is higher than Malay Language in real SPM,
which is ridiculous. It is told that Mathematics is quite difficult
among Artstudents in seminar SPM, which I can't believe my eyes
either.
In my opinion, Mathematics is the easiest subject in SPM for
Science students. I believe PMR students can even do with their PMR
standard knowledge because some questions like volume of solid and
area and perimeter of a circle being test in SPM. Its not being
taught in SPM therefore you can only depend on your past knowledge
in Form 2. Although the questions are a lot easier than AddMaths,
There are still some pupils having difficulties in Maths.
I see some students leave the 'haven't done' answers after they
get the formulae to be applied in the questions, which they didnt
really answer the questions. Some of them dont understand the
questions needs. Therefore, exercises and guidance from teachers
are essential for improvement.
The questions are so direct and mostly the answers will less
likely to appear in decimal. You need a little bit of logic compare
to Addmaths . Besides that, even if you do well in monthly test,
you might end up tilting head during SPM examination hall. Its
because monthly tests dont follow the real format of SPM. Like
Intervention 1 for KL statethis year, there's no chance in hell
this question is coming out in real SPM.
Based on SPM Maths, it consists of 2 papers
Paper 1- 1 hors- 40 questions- 40 marks
Paper 2- 2 hours- working steps must be done- Section A= 52
marks= 11 questions- Section B= 48 marks= 5 questions (answer 4 of
out 5)
Every chapter will be tested in Paper 1. The questions will be
tested from Form 1 until Form 5. Since you have already mastered
the some basics in PMR, these shouldnt be a problem. Do past year
objective questions will strengthen your basic.
In paper 2, there are only certain chapters that will be tested
in SPM maths. Thats why I will concentrate more on paper 2. The
whole paper 2 format based on past year questions in random order
with brief tips below
Confirmed to be tested every yearPaper 2 (Section A)1) Volume of
solids (which was taught in form 2)- most of the formulae given are
for this question- make sure the formulae are used correctly-
combined solid is sum of volume of the solids- remaining solid is
the subtraction of bigger solid and smaller solid
2) Angles of elevation and depression-using trigonometry
rule
3) Mathematical reasoning- statement and and or- If p, then q.
If q, then p.
4) Simultaneous linear equation- equalize the same unknown and
take outExample : 4p - 2q = 15(2p + 4q = 19) x2 (times 2 to make
unknown 4p same)- dont use Add Math method, answers will be
different.
5) The straight line- y = mx + c- gradient, gradient.- What is
c? c (y-intercept) is the point where the line touches the
y-axis.
6) Quadratic expressions and equations- solve the equation is to
find the unknown- change the equation of the question into this
form- factorise by your own or using calculator- must state x = ?,
x = ?, there will be 2 answers
7) Matrices- will mostly ask inverse matrix- if youre not sure
about the answer, check if the whole outcome is identical to the
inverse matrix in the question.- the answer in a) is related to
b)
8) Area and perimeter of circles (same as number 1)- 2r
(perimeter or circumference) and r2 (area)- (angle/360 degree) x
the formulae above for the area or perimeter of certain part
9) Probability- is more of (number / total number).- the
formulae given are plain useless- final answer is never less than 0
or more than 1, 1 > answer > 0
10) Gradient and area under a graph- based on speed/ time graph=
distance is area of the graph= rate of change of velocity is
gradient of the graph= speed is based on the graph (seldom being
asked)- beware of total distance and total speed
Can be varied each year1) Sets (2004 and 2006)- shading based on
the questions (intersection or union)- beware of the complement
such as A
2) Graph of functions (2005 and 2007)- the inequalities (upper
line is >, lower line is
