How to Ace the HSC Maths Exams
Tips for Success in HSC Maths Advanced, Extension 1, Extension 2, and Maths Standard
Our team works with students worldwide, and we know that different testing and courses are found in various areas and regions. In New South Wales, we find HSC (Higher School Certificate) Maths. Students across the region spend copious amounts of time preparing for the HSC Maths exams. This article will help you prepare for your course with some of the best tips for preparing for HSC Maths exams.
HSC Maths Subjects
Before we start, let’s outline which HSC Maths you could be studying. No matter which course you are studying, this article is for you; the tips in this article have been compiled with the help of students at various levels. It is important to know the difference between the courses. Also, we will be posting articles delving specifically into the finer details of each course. We’ll begin with the four courses available and a few topics they include. Here are the four courses approved and appointed by the Board of Studies.
The first course is HSC Maths Advanced
Formerly known as HSC Maths 2U. This course’s lessons include various aspects of probability, geometrical applications of calculus, integration, logarithmic and exponential functions, trigonometric functions, and motion.
The second course is HSC Maths Extension 1
Formerly known as HSC Maths 3U. In this course, students gain a thorough understanding and ability in various aspects of mathematics, including many that can be used in the real world. Some lessons include mathematical induction, further calculus, inverse functions, counting techniques, and circle geometry.
HSC Maths Extension 2
Formerly and also known as HSC Maths 4U, it is the third course. In this course, students see math as a living art that is intellectually exciting and relevant in real life. Topics include sketching graphs in-depth, complex numbers, conics, mechanics, and volumes.
HSC Maths Standard 2
HSC General Maths is the fourth course and has been exclusively designed for students with various abilities and differences in knowledge and understanding. This course embraces that math is deeply embedded in modern society. Lessons in HSC Maths General 2 include credit and borrowing, interpreting data sets, surface areas, probability, modelling linear relationships, and more.
Studying for HSC Maths exams
While it might seem that no matter which school you attend, the quality of the lessons and the course outcomes would be equal, this isn’t always the case. Every school has strengths and weaknesses, and the quality of the course relies on several factors. Your experience with the course hinges upon various factors, as well.
Studying for HSC Maths exams can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. The key is preparing well ahead of time, and in this article, we’re going to outline some of the things you can do now to ensure success on exam day.
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Cramming is not an advisable way to study. This can lead to big problems on test day! Instead, study over the course of the year to familiarize yourself with as much information as possible over the year while giving your brain time to soak up everything.
Learn a lesson from past papers
High-scoring students agree: using their past papers for guidance has been crucial to their scores. Go through your past papers to determine your problem points, then practice them.
Show all your work
Showing all of your work for each problem can save your score, even if your final answer is wrong. Learn to work through each formula and problem step by step.
Hone in your test-taking skills
Sharpening test-taking skills can increase your exam score. Learn to read questions 2-3 times to ensure you won’t miss out on small details. If you are in a rush, your answers could be wrong. Work on strategies for multiple-choice questions, such as calculating the answer before seeing if it’s an option on a multiple-choice question. The answers are often similar, so be careful! Don’t spend too much time on multiple-choice questions. Come back to the difficult ones. For free-response questions, read all the parts and focus on the keywords. Draw out the topics being mentioned and make your answer as extensive as needed in proportion to the value of the answer.
Understand the exam structure
Get a thorough understanding of the HSC maths exam’s structure ahead of time. Each test has two sections. In HSC Maths Extension 1, the first section is multiple choice, and the second is a free answer. There are many questions about the preliminary course material. Extension 2’s exam includes about 30% of topics from the “Harder Mathematics Extension 1 Topics” section.
Be familiar with your resources
Learn the instruments and resources at your disposal. Get to know the calculator you’ll be using – and make sure it’s an approved one! Also, learn to use the “Formulae and Data Sheet” for Maths General 2 or the “Reference Sheet” for the other HSC Maths courses.
Hire a tutor
Prepping for HSC Maths exams can no doubt be stressful. When time is short, and you don’t know where to start, a tutor can provide the support and structure you need. A tutor will work with you to strengthen your study and test-taking skills while helping you get ready for your exam.
Preparing for your HSC Maths exam can be stressful, but with the right resources, strategies, and people in your corner, you’ll be able to rest easy after exam day!
Access HSC Mathematics Courses
Algebra Algebraic Fractions Arc Binomial Expansion Capacity Chain Rule Common Difference Common Ratio Differentiation Double-Angle Formula Equation Exponent Exponential Function Factorise Functions Geometric Sequence Geometric Series Index Laws Inequality Integration Kinematics Length Conversion Logarithm Logarithmic Functions Mass Conversion Measurement Perfect Square Perimeter Prime Factorisation Probability Product Rule Proof Pythagoras Theorem Quadratic Quadratic Factorise Ratio Rational Functions Sequence Sketching Graphs Surds Time Transformation Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Properties Volume
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