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

Posting results of the subject combination would be released next week for many schools. It is a transitional period of the Secondary 2 to Secondary 3 (Grade 8 to Grade 9), from juniors, they become seniors of the schools.

Today, I'm going to talk about how you can prep yourself (mentally & physically) for an "additional" math subject, assuming you have selected to take up Additional Math as one of your 'O' level subject. If you are thinking of the consequences of not taking A-Math, you may want to read about it here.

Myths of A-Math (My seniors said A-Math ...)

A-Math is very tough, very difficult, very hard to understand, always fail, very different from Elementary Math (E-Math).., lots of formula to remember ... don't understand the concepts

Truths of A-Math

• Just like E-Math, you just need to know the right strategies and constantly apply them.
• It all boils down to linking up the basic concepts and sometimes cross topics (there are some topics which will require you to bring in the tools you have learnt previously)
• There would be new topics which you will see it 1st time in your life, pay more attention to them. After all,just like when we meet someone new, we need more time to warm up to them compared to old friends ;-)
• There are cross-over between E and A Math. So learning A-Math is advantageous to you as some of the basic concepts are already taught in E-Math

Topics You Must Prep Yourself (before school starts)

1. Simultaneous Equations
2. Similar Triangles
3. Algebraic Rules
4. Quadratic Graphs & Equations

By familiarizing yourself on these topics, you will have a smoother transition of having another Math subject.

I would love to hear from the Sec 4s (2009) on 'What advice would you give your seniors on preparing for A-Math?' Leave your comments in the section below. I'm sure your juniors would appreciate your opinions.

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

Ai Ling Ong

Hi, I'm Ai Ling Ong. I enjoy coaching students who have challenges with understanding and scoring in 'O' Level A-Maths and E-Maths. I develop Math strategies, sometimes ridiculous ideas to help students in understanding abstract concepts the fast and memorable way. I write this blog to share with you the stuff I teach in my class, the common mistakes my students made, the 'way' to think, analyze... If you have found this blog post useful, please share it with your friends. I will really appreciate it! :)