# JC 1 has started. What’s next (H1 Math)

The purpose of H1 math is to provide students with sufficient foundation skills to pursue courses that falls under the social science category such as economics,  business, etc.

There is no prerequisite for O level additional mathematics as some of the topics from add. math in O level will be carried forward to H1 math before the students proceed to the A level syllabus.

The main focus for H1 math is at probability and statistics which will be required for courses such as business. In terms of pure math, the bulk will come from differentiation and integration with a bit of other topics such as graphing, inequalities, exponential and logarithmic functions.

So should I take H1 or H2?

One simple answer is: Are you going to pursue science related course in university? Yes: Take H2.

In fact most JCs will offer H2 math as long as the student is in the Science stream. There will be cases whereby a student is allocated to Science stream yet without O level Add. Math background. This is when things get tough as the students are expected to go self – learn Add. math stuff along the way as the school go through the H2 syllabus at a very fast pace.

Regardless of H1 and H2, math is an abstract topic at A level and many students find it difficult. It is important to have a good start at the beginning of the year and be consistent throughout.

Time to consider getting professional help to boost the mathematical skills.

I offer small group tuition and 1 to 1 tuition. Contact me @ 81502027 for more details.

# JC 1 has started. What’s next? (H2 Math)

Congratulations on clearing the O levels and successfully posted to a JC / MI.

*Credits to CJC.

In this post I will share what a new JC 1 student should expect in the next 2 or 3 years for for H2 Mathematics.

From 2016 onwards, most JC will offer the new H2 Math syllabus and also a new subject (actually it is just a revival of the old syllabus): H2 Further Mathematics. In a gist, there will be a reduction in the content for 2016 H2 Math but probably an increase in the difficulty, especially in the area of applying concepts to real life problems.

You may refer to the new syllabus at the SEAB website.

New H2 Math syllabus

Many parents/ students do not have a clear idea the importance of O level Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and how are they serve as the pre-requisite to H2 Mathematics.

*credits to http://www.openschoolbag.com.sg*

## 1. Graphing Techniques

O level:

Students should recognise graphs such as $\displaystyle y={{x}^{2}}-5$$\displaystyle y=\frac{1}{x}$$\displaystyle y={{5}^{x}}$, etc. They are allowed to plot several points and sketch a graph by connecting the points.

A level:

Students now have the graphic calculator to sketch the graph. Hence they will be tasked to sketch more complicated graphs (without plotting of points). Examples are:

$\displaystyle y=\frac{{{{x}^{2}}-3x+1}}{{x+5}}$,$\displaystyle {{x}^{2}}-3{{y}^{2}}+2x-4y=1$.

Even though students have the graphic calculator, relying on it too much for basic graphs learnt at O level will probably lead to wastage of time in exam. If a student is familiar with basic graphs, he can probably sketch it within seconds, rather than spending 1 min pressing the graphic calculator with adjustment of various settings. Also students will need to be very familiar with completing the square technique too.

Further more students at A level will learn graphing transformations which relies alot more on theory rather than graphic calculator.

## 2. Differentiation (tangent / normal)

O Level (additional math):

Students are required to find equations of tangent and normal using (explicit) differentiation. The procedure is usually straightforward and “algebra – lite”

Eaxmple: Find the equation of the tangent $\displaystyle y=x\ln x$ at the point $\displaystyle x=2$.
A Level:

Students are often required to find equations of tangents and normal using parametric equation (new). The procedure is usually quite algebra intensive.

Example: Find the equation of the normal of the curve C with equations

$\displaystyle x=t+\frac{1}{t};\mathop{{}}_{{}}^{{}}y=t-\frac{1}{t}$ at the point with parameter p, simplifying your answer as much as possible.

## 3. Probability

O Level:

Students are required to solve probability problems using Venn diagram, tree diagram with basic rules.
A level:

Students will go deepeer in this topic, using the union, intersection and conditional probability formula. Further more they will do special probability distributions such as Binomial and Normal distributions.

## Conclusion:

I hope this post allows you to have a clearer idea that A level is not a separate subject from O level but it is an advancement. Therefore having a strong O level background (including Additional Math) is a requirement for students taking H2 Mathematics.

What if you or your child did not score A1 or A2 for both O level mathematics?

My suggestion is that you may want to get professional help as soon as possible to start the year well. Imagine having to cope with the ultra fast pace of A level math yet at the same time you need to re-learn O level mathematics? Honestly I think it is super difficult.

## Where to find help?

You may want to consider getting help from teachers who are familiar with the A level system and is experienced. I offer coaching services to students taking A level.

1 to 1 tuition or small group.

Contact me at 81502027 for more details.

# Lack of basic concepts can be damaging

A snapshot of what I experienced when I do revision with my H1 student on integration.

I did not expect this mistake to happen, it was a good learning experience for both the tutor and student.