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E-Maths

Sec 2 to Sec 3: How To Prepare Yourself For Elementary Math


I have earlier written an article on Sec 2 to Sec 3: How To Prepare Yourself For Additional Math

For those who aren't taking additional math, how can you prep yourself this holiday? (Note: I ain't telling you to burn your holidays mugging. Nope! But I mean to say have some work time and play time!)

I remember I was given quite a bit of holiday assignments during Nov/Dec holidays. Read in Facebook comments, this is still the ongoing trend in schools. Finish those work fast (No motivation? Get friends to complete the work together )and you can play for the rest of the days! Do not be like majority of the folks who wait till the end of the holidays, only to realize school is starting in a few days time that they start knowing that homework is due.

What I personally suggest for prep for Sec 3 Elementary Math is to ensure that your Sec 1&2 foundation topics are built upon on solid ground (These topics are tested in 'O' levels and every often schools do not have the time to revise thoroughly during term time)

Some of the foundation topics are listed below:

  • Making subject formula
  • Algebraic expansion rules
  • Algebraic factorization
  • Properties of Angles
  • Mensuration (New syllabus e-math has formula provided in exams)
  • Similarity & Congruency
  • Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode)
  • Equation of lines

These topics involve some fundamental applications which will be revisited again in Upper Sec.

Some of the Major Sec 3 Topics you would be expecting include:

  • Indices (*new)
  • Quadratic Equations (*new+very important)
  • Congruency and Similarity (*revision+application)
  • Graphs (*new+add on from Sec 1/2)
  • Properties of Circle(*new)
  • Trigonometry (*new+very important+high weightage in E-Math & A-Math)
  • Co-ordinate Geometry (requires basics from Equations of lines from Sec 2)
  • Arc Length & Sector Areas (used to be A-Math topic but included in E-Math now)
  • Quartiles & Percentiles (Statistics)
  • Matrices (*new)

(Those highlighted ones are the topics which are heavily weighted and you must pay more attention in following through. They are also fundamentals you would need in A-Math as well)

You may want to familizarize yourself with the 'O' level E-Math formula provided but in school tests and exams, some schools choose not to provide.

(Click on image for larger view or you may even want to print out a copy and stick on your desk for easy reference)

What Has My Left Palm Got To Do With Math?


Palm Reading for my Destiny? Nope.

I was recently doing graph topics with some students. And some were complaining how much they have to memorize until I revealed to them some of the Underground Secrets on Mastery Of Graphs. They were amazed and amused.

expographhand.jpg

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Click on pictures for clearer view

Our palms have the exponential graph y=e^x embedded on them! Now you have 1 less graph to take care of. Just ensure you keep your hands nice and clean so that the palm lines stay on for you forever.

When the need to draw y=e^x arises, flip that palm up :)

Warning: You ought to do it tactfully in case the invilgator suspects you of cheating. Haha

I will be writing on more secrets on Mastery of Graphs. If you like these secrets, subscribe to singaporeolevelmaths for free to be posted of more updates.

Formulae Usage On Simple And Compound Interest


We have discussed about Simple And Compound Interest using 2 case studies previously based on concepts understanding. Now we have introduced formulaes which will make your calculation faster and easier :)

To find the Total Amount based on Simple Interest, this is the formuale you can use:
A_n=P(1+\frac{r}{100}n)

An : Total Amount after n years

P: Original Principal Amount

r: Simple Interest Rate

n: Number of Years

To find the Total Amount based on Compound Interest, this is the formuale you can use:
A_n=P(1+\frac{r}{100})^n<br>

An : Total Amount after n years

P: Original Principal Amount

r: Compound Interest Rate

n: Number of Years

Apply these formulaes to the case studies we have discussed, did you get the same answer?

Congrats!Now you have 2 different approaches, the formulae way or the conventional way to solve all Interest questions.

Keep using the strategies learnt so that you get better and better.

Simple Interest And Compound Interest


Given a choice between the 2 different types of interest, which will you choose? This is taught under Elementary Mathematics (E-Math)

Before you make the smart choice, let's examine the differences between these 2 different types of interest through an example.

CASE OF SIMPLE INTEREST

alwaysLovely deposited $1000 into Bank A for 2 years which pays a simple interest of 10% p.a.( per annum --> per year). How much will she get at the end of 2 years?

1 year -->10% , 2 years --> 20%

Total interest earned for 2 years = 1000 * 20% = $200

Total amount = $1000 + $200 = $1200

CASE OF COMPOUND INTEREST

alwaysLovely deposited $1000 into Bank B for 2 years which pays a compound interest of 10% p.a. How much will she get at the end of 2 years?

Interest earned in Year 1 = 1000 * 10% = $100

Principal Amount for Year 2 = $1000 + $100 = $1100

Interest earned in Year 2 = 1100 * 10% = $110 /*Interest is calculated based on the new principal amount*/

Total amount received for 2 years = $1000 + $100 + $110 = $1210

So which is better, Bank A or Bank B ?

Check out the next post on Formulae Usage on Simple And Compound Interest which will reduce your time to reach your correct answer.

E-Maths Note: Quadratic Equations & Graphs Series Revisit


I have discussed about Quadratic Equations and Graphs previously in Features of Quadratic Equations and Graphs , Different representations of quadratic equations and their significance

This is really an important topic for students taking E-Math (elementary math) , more so for A-Math (additional math) as well.

Be sure that you know the basic of recognizing if a given equation is quadratic, how the quadratic equation looks like, the 5 main features of a quadratic graph, the different methods to solve a quadratic equation.

For students taking A-Math, you would definitely need to know more about the discriminant, sum or product of roots.

I would be elaborating more on methods to solve a quadratic equation and tips on discriminant so be sure you follow the blog by subscribing to the feed here.