I was part of the SPM 2015 batch when I sat for the Add Maths exam.
I remember spending the past few weeks cramming every chapter into my head, and having given up on trying to cover all the topics, I decided I would focus on just the few chapters that I fully understood. That would at least help me answer most of the topics, right?
Unfortunately, the effort backfired on me.
While it was my idea to focus on certain topics, and I was content with my SPM Add Maths results afterwards, I couldn't help but think:
"If only I had understood the format for SPM Add Maths, I could've answered most of the questions."
Speaking from experience, it can be a real problem if you are not familiar with the SPM format for additional mathematics. But if you get familiar with each chapter and know which topics to expect for the papers, having those directions would help you a great deal when you are studying in class and doing your revisions.
Let's get to know what Add Maths is...
What is the use of additional mathematics?
Not everyone is going to venture into a mathematical field of study, anyway - so why study additional mathematics at all? Many students studying at the SPM level say that they cannot grasp the importance of the subject to everyday life. However, when studied well and in-depth, additional mathematics can actually be one of the most rewarding subjects in school and beyond.
You will be exposed to a larger amount of subject content as compared to standard Mathematics. Interestingly, Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world offering Add Maths as both a subject and written paper to be taken in school - that's because it is recognised to help students learn and implement vital mathematical concepts, instead of merely developing an awareness of mathematics.
When students know how to implement these concepts, they can then easily generate and interpret solutions in a mathematical format. This is a crucial skill for solving real-world problems, which is why having sat for SPM Add Maths is considered a qualification at the global level.
Having a widely-recognised qualification will then allow you to make advanced applications of Add Maths in real-life and professional fields. It's not all engineers and mathematicians: even accountants, economists and medical scientists derive from concepts in Add Maths to solve issues relevant to our current affairs.
While students learn specific topics regarding additional mathematics in school, interestingly enough, its extensive uses benefit them beyond the confines of just learning a new subject. This guide here will tell you everything you need to know about additional mathematics in Malaysia.
How do I learn Form 4 Add Maths?
While we can't provide you with all the answers to your Form 4 Add Maths questions, we can tell you what to expect in the syllabus. To get to know the format of SPM 2022 Add Math, we must first look at what you are going to learn for two years' worth of additional mathematics.
Functions and Quadratic Functions
Get to know basic notations for functions in your first chapter, such as domain, objects, range and images. Look out for composite functions and inverse functions, too. When that's done, your next chapter will teach you the general form of quadratic functions and how to form them.
Equations Systems, and Indices, Surds and Logarithms
Learn about simultaneous equations in Chapter Three, before progressing on to laws and equations involving indices and logarithms. Read up about rational and irrational numbers, too.
Progressions and Linear Law
Do you know the characteristics and n terms in arithmetic and geometric progressions? After this fifth chapter, check out linear law and non-linear equations, as well as how to apply them.
Coordinate Geometry and Vectors
This next chapter is all about lines: division of line segments, parallel and perpendicular lines, and loci. In Chapter Eight, see the differences between vector and scalar quantities, and how arithmetic operations are applied to vectors.
Solution of Triangles and Index Numbers
What are the sine and cosine rules? Once you've mastered Area of Triangles, you can move on to the final chapter which covers index numbers and composite indexes.
You may want to know that Coordinate Geometry and Vectors are the essential chapters that will come out in Paper 2 of your SPM 2022 Add Math. Learn from popular reference papers in SPM Add Maths because you can familiar with this format through practice with a past paper.
What is Additional Mathematics in Form 5?
If you've built a solid foundation of additional mathematics in Form 4, we can promise a smoother learning process for the chapters in Form 5. Let's see what format to expect in your final year of Add Maths.
Circular Measure and Differentiation
Your first Form 5 chapter looks at circles: radian, arc length and area. In your Differentiation chapter, read up on limits and their relation to differentiation, first and second derivatives, and how to apply this knowledge.
Integration, and Permutations and Combinations
Do you know the difference between definite and indefinite integrals? After working out this opposite of differentiation (integration), learn about how to arrange numbers or objects in order (permutations) and how to make selections from these groups (combinations).
Probability Distributions and Trigonometric Functions
Look at random variables, normal distributions and binomial distributions in Chapter 5. Then, move on to positive, negative and special angles in trigonometry.
Linear Programming and Kinematic Linear Motion
In Chapter 9, learn about linear inequalities and how to solve linear programming problems through graphs. Lastly, knowing the concepts of displacement, velocity and acceleration will help you apply differentiation and integration to these concepts.
What about the updated marking scheme for SPM Add Maths?
In addition to learning from any SPM past paper, it would be helpful to memorise the essential additional mathematics formulas. Remember that the formulas you've learned from a specific chapter will not just apply in one topic but throughout other topics, too.
Is there a written paper for SPM Add Maths?
Now that you're aware of the format for Form 4 and Form 5 Add Maths, let's move on to the mark scheme for SPM 2022 Add Math. Indeed there are examinations to sit for after you've studied the topics in Add Maths, most notably the SPM examination that assesses your knowledge of the subject. Let's look at the format for your SPM Add Maths papers.
Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the SPM Add Maths examination consist purely of subjective-response questions. In other words, you won't be given any answers to choose from (as seen in the old format for SPM Add Maths Paper 1), but you are allocated time to generate your own answers. You will also have to show your workings to prove your understanding and method of deduction.
What topics should you focus on to answer Paper 1 and Paper 2 in SPM Add Maths?
Paper 1 will cover all chapters in your Form 4 and Form 5 syllabus except the Solution of Triangles, Index Numbers, Linear Programming and Kinematic Linear Motion chapters. However, these four chapters will show up in Section C of your Paper 2, so be sure to master at least two of these chapters so you can answer the compulsory 2 out of 4 questions in that written paper!
Students often associate Paper 1 with more direct additional mathematics questions, whereas Paper 2 is generally considered the application or HOTS paper. Another way to think of it is Paper 1 doesn't beat around the bush; Paper 2 enjoys providing test takers with trick questions. You can also find out the best way to answer your Paper 2 in SPM Add Maths.
When you are familiar with each written paper, you can improve your skills in Add Maths.
How do I study for Add Maths
Let's face it. Not only are there complex formulas to be understood in Add Maths, but a lot of mathematical vocabulary you'll need to get acquainted with in order to get good at the subject. If what you want is to refine your mastery of the subject, why not take your next steps with an experienced tutor?
Did you know you can choose a tutor from our Superprof catalogue of over 300 tutors? These are the teachers and educators who are passionate about teaching you additional mathematics in Malaysia. You heard that right: instead of going to a tuition centre and learning Add Maths the conventional way, you can be the person to choose your preferred tutor and mode of learning.
What does this mean?
With Superprof, you can choose between having an in-person class or a virtual lesson with your additional mathematics tutor. Apart from experiencing one-on-one learning, you can also look for tutors who are offering group classes if you prefer a class environment. It's easy to tune your learning experience to fit your needs with Superprof, isn't it?
Sign up with Superprof today and enjoy your first Add Maths class for free.
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