Ai Ling Ong

Ai Ling, Ong featured in Mathematics.com.sg as a specialist O Level Math Coach

I would like to thank the owner of Mathematics.sg for featuring me in their website. Some parents have been calling me after searching online for Mathematics tuition, particularly O level Math Tuition or O level Math Tuition Teacher or Tutor.

Unfortunately, for those who are seeking individual one to one coaching, I am unable to accommodate as my slots have been taken up since 2008 through recommendations and referral from parents and students. But for those who still wish to be personally coached by me, you can still join me in our weekly coaching programme, A-Math Ultimate Leap Programme.

For those who are relatively new here, I guess you would be more interested to find out who is Ai Ling, Ong, what does she do and perhaps what this website, singaporeolevelmaths.com (since 2007, ranked #1 on Google & Yahoo for 'o level math tips') is all about.

For enquiries, please call me at 9685 7675 (Kindly leave me a voice mail or sms if you cannot get me)

E-Math: How To Multiply Matrix (Know Your Rs & Cs)

Another important Tip for students taking GCE O Level Elementary Mathe (E-Math):

Unlike multiplication of numbers, multiplication of matrix requires some prep work.

First, you have to check the feasibility of the 2 Matrices which you are multiplying together. You must know the order of each matrix i.e Number of Rows x Number of Columns (I always call it RC, Resident Committee, Remote Control etc...)
Next, you have to know the order of your answer before you go ahead and find the answers.

I am using the following question to illustrate How To Multiply Matrix step by step.

E-Math: Order of Matrix

Another Tip for students taking GCE O Level Elementary Math (E-Math):

Though order of Matrix is a rather small part of the chapter, it is still essential that you know how to list down the order of any matrix which will be used in operation of matrix.(Especially multiplication of matrix)

In this post, I will provide some tips on how to list down the order of any matrix which is the Number of Rows x Number of Columns.

A-Math Binomial Expansion: Finding Term Independent of x By A Shortcut Method

In the earlier post on free Math Exam Papers, we received very good response. Almost 200 copies were downloaded in less than 7 days. We have a subscriber requesting for step by step solution for the questions though we have provided the answer keys. I am sorry I am unable to provide the step by step solutions due to my busy schedule. However, subscribers can email me their workings I can assist and advice you on the incorrect workings. I hope this would be useful. Moreover, by providing the step by step solution will also not be useful as most students will perhaps take the easy way out to just "read" the solution and think that they understand them. Mastery of Mathematics is not by "reading" but it's the knowing and applying of the strategies.

I have picked up one question on Binomial Expansion (another tricky A-Math topic) for discussion. Specifically on finding Term Independent of x.

Allow me to discuss the common mistake that students make.

Most students will expand the expression term by term

Disadvantages:

Too time consuming
Higher tendency to make careless mistakes!

So the following step by step solution is what I taught my students during my A-Math Ultimate Leap Programme (For Sec 4s who still wish to join, call me @ 9685 7675. For Sec 3s, we are opening up the classes in March 2009! More info will be released in Feb. Keep reading this blog)

Features to take note:

General Term is applied (No memorization is required, just refer to the formula sheet if you aren't sure)
Constant (numbers) & variable (which is x in the question) are separated. (so that we can focus on the important part first)
Power of x is circled (in red) so that you focus all your attention on it. (Reduces careless mistakes too!)
Since this is a 4 marks question, 4 minutes is the working time to complete the solution. (Time management is part of examination techniques)

Skills required:

Understanding of Term Independent of x (i.e it's x to the power of 0 NOT x is zero!)
Usage of Binomial Formula
Basic application of Indice law (Observe that [pmath]{1}/{x^7}[/pmath] is rewritten as [pmath]x^-7[/pmath])

Evaluate the term which is independent of x in the expansion of .

So do you do your working in a similar manner or you have your own style? I would love to hear from you if you know how to do this question initially. If no, which part did you not understand?

A Goodie For You! Monthly Math Exam Papers Questions (With Answer Key Included)

Update (2011): Download of Maths Exam Papers is not available as of now.

Photo Credit:psd

In response to the poll conducted in Dec '08, we have launched our first value add service for 2009 to all your readers.

Free Monthly Math Exam Papers Questions & Answers

For those who want to receive Math Exam Paper Questions sent on a monthly basis, click here.

What you will expect:

4 sets of Math (Either Elementary Math or Additional Math) Exam Papers sent monthly with answer keys. (You can print it out and work on it)
Frequent updates on discussion of Math questions, Math tips & strategies which could be time-saving and reduce careless mistakes.

More consistent practice = more exposure = more marks!

For your information, almost 50 readers have subscribed for the free exam papers in a short 30 minutes.

PS: Did I mention you are getting all these exam papers with hundreds of questions for f*ree? :)

E-Math: 5 Features of Box and Whisker Plot You Must Know

Link to what was previously discussed in Statistics (an Elementary Math E-Math topic) in Drawing & Understanding of Cumulative Frequency, here are the 5 features for a Box & Whisker Plot (I guess you would know which part represents the box, and the portion which are the whiskers)

Minimum
Lower Quartile, Q1
Median
Higher Quartile, Q3
Maximum

Note the difference between these 2 terms:

Range = Max - Min
Interquartile Range (IQR) = Q3 - Q1