Hi,
I was told by my student that a student must clear this test before being allowed to register for 'A' level exams. I'd thought I start this thread as a help venue for the struggling 130+ students taking H2 Maths :)
Often, the style of the re-exam will be similar to the previous exam and (hopefully) the questions are easier as well. I am making this observation based on AJC's promo and re-promo exams of 2010 and 2009.
Let's first analyse, in general, the questions in the block test paper. Notice that
- there were 3 questions on differentiation (total marks: 26), i.e., Q1, Q3 and Q6;
- there were 2 questions on integration (total marks: 17), i.e., Q7 and Q9;
- there was 1 question on DE (total marks: 7), i.e., Q10;
- there were 3 questions on vectors (total marks: 30), i.e., Q2, Q4 and Q11;
- there were 2 questions on complex numbers (total marks: 20), i.e., Q5 and Q8.
Next, we analyse, in detail, the topics and specific concepts assessed.
Q1 Differentiation techniques, determining turning points of a curve defined parametrically, maxima.
Q2 Length between two points, equation of a line, length of projection, foot of perpendicular from point to line, image of a point in the line, equation of a plane containing two lines.
Q3 Equation of the normal, whether the normal meets the curve again.
Q4 Equation of a line, intersection between two lines, angle between lines leading to the shortest distance between a point and the line.
Q5 Converting modulus/argument form to cartesian form, roots of a polynomial equation, nth roots of a complex number.
Q6 Maclaurin's expansion by repeated differentiation followed by a deduction.
Q7 Integration by standard results, integration by partial fractions, integration by substitution.
Q8 Converting exponential form to cartesian form by considering the various modulus/argument results, loci followed by intersection between them, find min/max argument.
Q9 Area (find exactly) and volume (find by use of GC).
Q10 Solving DE by substitution, sketching of solution curves.
Q11 Relationship between planes (line of intersection and obtaining the conditions for the planes to intersect in a common line).
Now what you need to do given the very short time left:
1. Re-do the questions, making very sure that you become extremely competent (can do) in and familiar (can complete within time constraint) with the mathematical problem-solving steps.
2. Re-look at relevant tutorial questions or revision package questions that assess similar concepts as we have analysed in detail.
3. Clarify doubts with your subject tutor (really go stick to him/her like a leech, haha!) in school or with Sgforums as much as you can.
4. Continue to have faith in your ability to pass the coming exam so as to go
on with 'A' level exam eventually.
5. Manage your stress level properly and keep to a proper diet (regular meals, of good nutritional value) and exercise (to take the strain away momentarily) routine where possible.
Thanks and jiayou!
Cheers,
Wen Shih
Hi,
Here is a practice paper (rather than an Easter egg) for you to prepare for the test :)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/53707071/Practice-Paper-on-Calculus-Vectors-Complex-Numbers
I'd encourage you to clarify doubts with your school tutors. Thanks!
Cheers,
Wen Shih