American actress and maths writer, Danica McKellar once said, "Math proficiency is the gateway to a number of incredible careers that students may never have considered."
You'll be surprised to learn that many in-demand careers use mathematics daily. If you have watched movies like The Imitation Game and Hidden Figures, you will know that mathematics plays a huge role in paving new histories and groundbreaking discoveries.
As a Form 4 or Form 5 student this year, you might have started to think about your future career too. Why don't you invest your time and dedication to master Mathematics, a subject that'll lead you to endless possibilities?
In this article, we will review all the modules throughout your Form 4 and Form 5 Maths syllabus and discuss the significance of learning them.
What Are The Main Objectives Of The Latest KSSM SPM Mathematics Syllabus?
The SPM Mathematics syllabus has undergone several revisions over the years and as of 2024, every student will get to study 18 core chapters.
The core syllabus is designed with many things in mind, among them to cultivate strong Maths proficiency while offering a comprehensive maths education to every student in Malaysia.
Here are five examples of the main objectives under the KSSM SPM Mathematics syllabus:
Objective 1: To build a strong foundation of mathematical concepts, rules, principles in the fields of numbers and operations, geometry, algebra, statistics and probability and discrete mathematics.
Objective 2: To form a strong capacity to relate what was taught in various mathematical calculations.
Objective 3: To train students to adapt, interpret, apply and also evaluate the given situation in the context of mathematical concepts.
Objective 4: To enhance mathematical literacy and ensure specific learning outcomes such as collection and interpretation of data, representation and interpretation of data, estimation of data and many more.
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Objective 5: To maintain a consistent mathematical reasoning skill in terms of identifying a problem, communicating and making inferences.
From the above objectives, you can expect to master a wide range of Maths topics and concepts throughout the two years of studies.
Meanwhile, don't forget to check out the latest SPM Maths format and marking scheme.
What Topics and Sub-Topics Are Taught For Form 4 Mathematics?
You will study a total of 10 chapters for your Form 4 Mathematics syllabus.
- Chapter 1: Quadratic Functions and Equations in One Variable
In this chapter, you will learn about the general form of a quadratic expression and determine the values of various coefficients as well as the difference between a quadratic expression and a quadratic function.
- Chapter 2: Number Bases
In this chapter, you will learn various methods to convert a number to other bases (for example, convert a number in base ten to another base).
- Chapter 3: Logical Reasoning
In this chapter, you will study the significance of statements (true or false) and arguments (deductive and inductive).
- Chapter 4: Operations on Sets
In this chapter, you will study the intersection of sets, the union of sets as well as the combined operations on sets.
- Chapter 5: Network in Graph Theory
In this chapter, you will learn about the relationship between a network and a graph, and also the meaning of multiple edges and loops of a graph. You will also study the differences between weighted graphs and unweighted graphs.
- Chapter 6: Linear Inequalities in Two Variables
In this chapter. you will learn about the systems of linear inequalities in two variables and how to solve problems involving them (draw and shade the region for the system of linear inequalities).
- Chapter 7: Graphs of Motion
In this chapter, you will study the characteristics of distance-time graphs and speed-time graphs. You will also learn how to draw and interpret the relevant graphs based on the given equations of the variables.
- Chapter 8: Measures of Dispersion for Ungrouped Data
In this chapter, you will study various data representations of measures of dispersion such as stem-and-leaf plots, dot plots, and box plots. Other examples of concepts that you will learn include range, quartile, variance, and standard deviation.
- Chapter 9: Probability of Combined Events
Under this chapter, you will learn about combined events, dependent events and independent events, mutually exclusive events and non-mutually exclusive events, and the application of probability of combined events.
- Chapter 10: Consumer Mathematics: Financial Management
For the last chapter of Form 4 Mathematics, you will learn about the financial management process and what a personal financial plan entails. Furthermore, you will study the concepts of surplus/deficit, and also review the significance of setting short-term and long-term financial goals.
Discover various learning resources to enhance your SPM Maths grade consistently.
What Will You Learn For Form 5 Mathematics?
There are altogether eight chapters under the Form 5 Mathematics syllabus.
- Chapter 1: Variation
In this chapter, you will study and learn how to solve problems involving direct variation, inverse variation and combined variation.
- Chapter 2: Matrices
In this chapter, you will study the basic operation of matrices. You will learn to determine whether two matrices are equal, how to add and subtract matrices, how to multiply a matric by a number and many more.
- Chapter 3: Consumer Mathematics: Insurance
In this chapter, you will learn about risk and insurance coverage. You will learn about the differences between life insurance and general insurance and the risks under their protection. You will also learn how to calculate a premium for various types of insurance. Isn't that amazing?
- Chapter 4: Consumer Mathematics: Taxation
In this chapter, you will learn about the various types of taxes (road tax, income tax, property assessment tax etc), the consequences of tax evasion, and how to perform calculations involving various taxes.
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- Chapter 5: Congruency, Enlargement and Combined Transformations
In this chapter, you will study the differences between congruent and non-congruent shapes based on sides and angles, learn how to determine the image and object of enlargement and explain the meaning of combined transformation and tessellation.
- Chapter 6: Ratios and Graphs of Trigonometric Functions
In this chapter, you will study the values and graphs of sine, cosine and tangent functions. You will learn how to determine the angle when the values of sine, cosine and tangent are given and solve problems involving the sine, cosine and tangent.
- Chapter 7: Measures of Dispersion for Grouped Data
In this chapter, you will learn about the different types of data representation through histogram and frequency polygon, the ogive, and the box plot.
- Chapter 8: Mathematical Modeling
For the last chapter of Form 5 Mathematics, you will learn the various steps to complete a mathematical modelling process and how to solve real-life problems which involve various functions such as the linear function, quadratic function and exponential function.
What Is The Significance Of Learning All The Covered Mathematics Concepts For SPM Maths?
After reviewing the learning outcomes of all the 18 chapters under the SPM Maths syllabus, the next question awaits.
How do we get to apply all these topics and concepts in real life?
Direct Application In Daily Life
The concept of logical reasoning is widely seen in our everyday problem-solving process because it enhances our critical and analytical thinking skills.
On the other hand, topics such as measures of dispersion and probability help us make better and more informed decisions through the study of statistics and risk management.
You'll also notice that there are a few chapters that centre around consumer mathematics such as insurance, taxation and financial management. This proves that our SPM Mathematics syllabus goes beyond mere formulas and equations, but also equips us to be more financially literate especially as we transition to a working adult one day.
Open Doors To A Career in Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM)
Like it or not, Maths is the lingua franca of most of the careers in the STEM industry.
Some examples such as the concept of number bases play a key role in the field of computer science and other areas that use information technology.
Also, do you know that engineers apply the graphs of trigonometric functions when they construct a concert hall or a cinema to ensure sound can be properly produced?
These same functions can be used to calculate different values of energy like a tidal wave. It can even used to detect potential disasters and issue early warnings, like in the case of an impending tsunami.
Don't forget to go through various SPM Maths past year papers during your revision period.
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How Can You Master All The Topics Of The SPM Maths Syllabus With A Superprof Tutor?
Let's be honest. 18 CHAPTERS is a lot to take in.
Sometimes, you may even forget what you have learnt during Form 4 once the new year begins because you are now trying to figure out the topics that are taught during Form 5. And let's not forget, you have other subjects to study for your SPM too!
The good news is, you don't have to take this route all by yourself.
Having an experienced Maths tutor will enable you to have the best of both worlds — comprehensive revision and personalised reinforcement.
At Superprof, you can find a reliable Maths tutor to guide you through all 18 chapters while offering you targeted exercises for some of your weaker topics.
Not only that, you get to choose to learn face-to-face or online in just a few clicks when you access the Superprof Malaysia homepage.
Having said that, students and educators love Superprof because of its lessons' affordability and flexibility. You can pre-set the maximum budget of your preferred hourly rate as you browse through the profiles of Maths tutors. The learning schedule is up to you and your tutor.
Make the best out of these study tips to ace your SPM Maths papers.
We hope this article has offered you an overview of the SPM Mathematics syllabus. With the right guidance, you can build your confidence and competence in Maths.
May you embark on a journey of endless discoveries and possibilities as you excel in this subject. You got this!
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