If you're like a lot of students sitting for SPM, additional mathematics can feel like a mountain that's hard to climb. Learning is one thing, but we can all agree that doing well in the subject is no easy task.

One of the most common perceptions among Malaysian students toward additional mathematics (or Add Maths) is that it is one of the toughest subjects to learn in school. Not only are there complex topics to grasp, but when it's topped off with academic stress and peer pressure  - the learning experience indeed becomes less enjoyable and increasingly tiring.

We reckon that one way to start is by getting to know what the subject is all about: what to expect, what you're going to learn, and what you should prepare for. While we cannot promise you the best outcome, we can promise you the best guide in 2022 to taking SPM Add Maths in Malaysia. After all, getting good at something starts with having the courage to take those first steps!

Tackle additional mathematics
With peer pressure and academic stress, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with Add Maths. Time to learn how to pace yourself! (Image source: pexels.com)
The best Maths tutors available
Jun kai
5
5 (12 reviews)
Jun kai
RM150
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Andrew
5
5 (27 reviews)
Andrew
RM110
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sathianathan
5
5 (19 reviews)
Sathianathan
RM80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Banuki
4.9
4.9 (24 reviews)
Banuki
RM50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Niq
4.9
4.9 (14 reviews)
Niq
RM60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Yun hang
5
5 (14 reviews)
Yun hang
RM75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Bryan
5
5 (13 reviews)
Bryan
RM125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Suganisha
4.9
4.9 (9 reviews)
Suganisha
RM30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Jun kai
5
5 (12 reviews)
Jun kai
RM150
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Andrew
5
5 (27 reviews)
Andrew
RM110
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sathianathan
5
5 (19 reviews)
Sathianathan
RM80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Banuki
4.9
4.9 (24 reviews)
Banuki
RM50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Niq
4.9
4.9 (14 reviews)
Niq
RM60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Yun hang
5
5 (14 reviews)
Yun hang
RM75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Bryan
5
5 (13 reviews)
Bryan
RM125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Suganisha
4.9
4.9 (9 reviews)
Suganisha
RM30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

What are the topics in additional mathematics?

When you are sitting for your SPM Add Maths, there will be two exam papers for you to answer. These are SPM Add Maths Paper 1 and Paper 2. Each written paper will test you on your knowledge of additional mathematics topics that you've learned in your upper secondary years. Let's look at them but also take note of the marking scheme for additional mathematics in Malaysia 2022.

Form 4 Add Maths

  • Chapter 1: Functions
  • Chapter 2: Quadratic Functions
  • Chapter 3: Systems of Equations
  • Chapter 4: Indices, Surds and Logarithms
  • Chapter 5: Progressions
  • Chapter 6: Linear Law
  • Chapter 7: Coordinate Geometry
  • Chapter 8: Vectors
  • Chapter 9: Solution of Triangles
  • Chapter 10: Index Numbers

Form 5 Add Maths

  • Chapter 1: Circular Measure
  • Chapter 2: Differentiation
  • Chapter 3: Integration
  • Chapter 4: Permutations and Combinations
  • Chapter 5: Probability Distributions
  • Chapter 6: Trigonometric Functions
  • Chapter 7: Linear Programming
  • Chapter 8: Kinematic Linear Motion

Although there are different topics covered in each chapter, they are all essentially related to each other. Hence, a great way to get a better grasp of these topics is by understanding how certain techniques and concepts in additional mathematics work or relate to each other. This is called relational understanding, or the ability to apply these techniques and concepts across different contexts.

As such, it's imperative that you build a solid understanding of the earlier chapters in your Add Maths syllabus as it will help you answer questions in the later chapters. Is there anything else you would like to find out about the format for SPM Add Maths 2022?

What is the pass mark for additional mathematics?

You may have heard of the petition a few years back to lower the passing mark of additional mathematics for SPM students. While we don't know if any changes have been made to the results that year, we do know that the usual passing mark for your SPM Add Maths is 40 marks (out of 100 marks), at least according to the mark scheme.

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 constitute a different amount of marks and are also structured differently. You will have to answer two sections in your SPM Add Maths Paper 1. Bahagian A will take up a total of 64 marks, and Bahagian B will make up 14 marks. Take note that you should answer all the questions in Bahagian A and just two questions in Bahagian B.

That means you can earn a total of 80 marks in your Paper 1 for additional mathematics. On the other hand, SPM Add Maths Paper 2 consists of three sections. You need to answer all the questions in Bahagian A to earn a total of 50 marks. However, you are requested to answer only three questions in Bahagian B and just 2 questions in Bahagian C.

It's 30 marks for Bahagian B and 20 marks in Bahagian C in Paper 2. With a total of 100 marks, Paper 2 indeed carries more weightage in the mark scheme as compared to Paper 1. Interestingly, Paper 2 is often considered the tougher exam paper to complete out of the two. Would you like to know some tips to score your Add Mathematics Paper 2 2022?

SPM Add Maths exam
Ensure you have all the stationery you need, along with your calculator, before you enter the exam hall! (Image source: pexels.com)
The best Maths tutors available
Jun kai
5
5 (12 reviews)
Jun kai
RM150
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Andrew
5
5 (27 reviews)
Andrew
RM110
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sathianathan
5
5 (19 reviews)
Sathianathan
RM80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Banuki
4.9
4.9 (24 reviews)
Banuki
RM50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Niq
4.9
4.9 (14 reviews)
Niq
RM60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Yun hang
5
5 (14 reviews)
Yun hang
RM75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Bryan
5
5 (13 reviews)
Bryan
RM125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Suganisha
4.9
4.9 (9 reviews)
Suganisha
RM30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Jun kai
5
5 (12 reviews)
Jun kai
RM150
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Andrew
5
5 (27 reviews)
Andrew
RM110
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Sathianathan
5
5 (19 reviews)
Sathianathan
RM80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Banuki
4.9
4.9 (24 reviews)
Banuki
RM50
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Niq
4.9
4.9 (14 reviews)
Niq
RM60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Yun hang
5
5 (14 reviews)
Yun hang
RM75
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Bryan
5
5 (13 reviews)
Bryan
RM125
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Suganisha
4.9
4.9 (9 reviews)
Suganisha
RM30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

How do you prepare for SPM Add Maths?

Your teachers aren't wrong when they say all you have to do to get better at additional mathematics is to keep practising. One way to do that is to use any past paper in SPM Add Maths as practice. We emphasise past year papers and reference papers in additional mathematics since they use the same format that you will later see in your actual SPM Add Maths written paper.

Resources are abundant out there where you can get physical copies of Add Maths past papers, or you can even download them from the Internet. A popular way to get access to official papers is by purchasing them through shopping websites such as Shopee and Carousell. Bookstores such as Popular Malaysia also sell SPM Add Maths reference papers at a good deal for students.

It's wise to first survey the best papers to prepare for SPM Add Maths. Start by asking your subject teacher which papers are best to practise with and make a note of that so you can look out for them in bookstores. In addition, check out reviews on the best practice papers. Students often leave these recommendations on shopping websites (Shopee, Carousell, etc).

Once you've bought a past paper or two to start practising with, avoid rushing yourself into completing several papers in one day. Honing your critical thinking and analytical skills works best when you are focused and have the energy to study, so don't worry if you can only make it through just a few questions at first. With practice (and rest!), you will improve upon these skills in no time.

Check out where you can find the best add maths reference papers in 2022.

How to become a pro in additional mathematics

To assist you in your preparation for SPM Add Maths, or even just to get better at the subject, it's time to ask yourself these questions to see if you are well-prepared for Add Maths.

Are you focusing in class?

When you pay attention in your additional mathematics lesson, you can achieve a better understanding of the subject. Start by removing unwanted distractions, such as talking to your peers or doing other classwork during the lesson. Direct your attention toward what is being taught. Did you know asking your teacher Add Maths questions helps you increase your knowledge of the subject?

Are you doing practice exercises?

Not just with a past paper, but even simple practice exercises in your additional mathematics workbook can help you get familiar with important formulas and equations. Although you will be given certain formulas to work within your actual exam paper, you will need to know how to apply them first. Look up practice exercises that use algebra, calculus, geometry, trigonometry and statistics formulas.

Do you keep to a study schedule?

Finally, how good are you at organising your time for study? Doing practice exercises from time to time and paying attention in class is great, but it's even better to keep it consistent. Plan out and set aside specific times on your weekdays (or even weekends) to do more practice exercises or learn with an Add Maths tutor who can help you in areas you aren't familiar with.

Add Maths study plan
Plan out time for study and keep your practice consistent. (Image source: unsplash.com)

Where to find the best Add Maths tutor

You will best prepare for Add Maths when you start learning with a good tutor.

If you're looking for an experienced tutor in your area, 0r even if you'd like to learn from the comfort of home, you should check out Superprof tutors who are teaching additional mathematics. Your convenience is ensured because you choose between in-person or online lessons. You can even opt for group classes or one-on-one private lessons.

With over 300 Superprof tutors teaching Add Maths in Malaysia, you can easily find the tutor who meets your needs. Start by keying in "additional mathematics" into the Superprof Private Tutors search bar to see the available Add Maths tutors in Malaysia. You can also set a comfortable Price Range for yourself by adjusting the Preferences at the top left of the page.

Response Time Preferences are also available if you'd like to find a tutor who can respond to you within the day. Another cool feature about the Superprof page is that you can get to know your tutor even before you've had your first lesson. View your tutor's profile to learn about their teaching style or read student reviews. You can even drop them a message to let them know your learning expectations.

Finally, if you sign up with Superprof now, you can have your first additional mathematics lesson for free! Why wait when you can become a pro at Add Maths starting today?

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

5.00 (2 rating(s))
Loading...

Ayleah

A lover of both psychology and food - Ayleah simplifies even the most complex ideas to make all things learning accessible to everyone. Read about interesting topics in Malaysia from a counsellor's perspective!