Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Examination techniques Study guide 1

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 1 Be familiar with the format of the HSC Mathematics General examination paper. There are two sections:  Section 1 – objective response questions  Section 2 – short answer questions Read through the entire HSC General Mathematics paper. Do section 2 before section 1. Section 2 can be completed in any order as each answer is written in a separate booklet. Do the question that you find the easiest first. Make sure that each part is correctly labelled. 2

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 2 Show your working. Students who present a wrong answer with no working will receive zero marks. When using a formula show the numbers that have been substituted. Do not liquid paper out any working. Put a cross through any work that has been replaced. Do not round off in the middle of a calculation. Always use the exact answer and round at the final step. 3

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 3 Read and answer the question. Underline the key terms and identify what is required. After calculating a solution double check that the question has been answered and it is reasonable. Be prepared to explain your answers in words. Students also need to recognise that parts of a question are often related. The answer to the first part might be required to answer the second part. 4

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 4 Draw diagrams and graphs using a pencil and a ruler. Ensure your diagrams are large and clear with appropriate scales for the axes. Students need to be prepared to draw statistical graphs, trigonometric diagrams, algebraic relationships and tree diagrams. 5

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 5 Be familiar with your calculator. Use the parentheses and bracket keys to ensure the correct order of operations. Make sure the calculator has been set to degrees and it can be used to determine the side length or an angle of a triangle. Students also need to be familiar with the statistical functions on the calculator to determine the mean and standard deviation. 6

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 6 Work out the answers to the multiple-choice questions in section 1. Do not select the most likely answer unless you have no idea how to calculate the answer. Marks are not deducted for an incorrect answer so students should attempt every question in section 1. Ignore any unrealistic answer and have a guess at the answers that look reasonable. 7

Cambridge University Press  G K Powers 2013 Hint 7 Try to stick to the allocated time. Each question in section 2 should take approximately 20 minutes. Do not get bogged down on any questions. Use any remaining time to check work 8