# 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)

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.