What’s new
in high school
maths?
Main content of high school
maths?
Common challenges for students in high school
maths?
Main outcomes for high school
maths?
Most important concepts to ensure your child understands
in high school maths?
If you chose to get a tutor, study habits and content
to focus on in high school
maths?
Main challenges involved in tutoring a high school maths
student?
Some good ideas on how to help your child in high school
maths?
What’s new in high school maths?
Dealing with numbers of all types and sizes including using
scientific notations and working with index laws. Consumer arithmetic will cover simple interest, compound
interest, discounts and depreciation. Theoretical probability is also a new topic here. Transition from
numbers to algebraic expressions and words. Linear and quadratic equations as well as linear inequalities.
Coordinate geometry of line graphs, parabolas and hyperbolas. Cumulative frequency tables, polygons and
curves as well as solving for mean, median, mode, range and standard deviation. Measurements of perimeters,
areas, surface areas and volumes of solid shapes and composite figures. Trigonometry of angles and triangles
as well as construction of proofs. Trigonometric ratios and functions. Calculus (differentiation and
integration) and its application in other areas of maths and real world problems.
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Main content of high school maths
The content of high school maths is so wide
that it is hard to pinpoint the main contents. However, key areas include working with numbers and algebraic
expressions, consumer arithmetic, statistical analyses, coordinate geometry, trigonometry of solid shapes and
trigonometric functions as well as constructions of proofs. Core to high school maths are all aspects of
calculus and its applications.
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Common challenges for students in high school Maths
Students generally find high school maths to be broad. However,
the syllabus divides the content over the years in a way where new concepts should build on good foundations.
The commonest challenges in high school maths are algebraic expressions and quadratic equations at the
beginning; Euclidean and Euler geometry as well as construction of proofs and geometrical arguments for
angles and triangles later. Towards the end, calculus, its applications as well as trigonometric
functions are usually found to be challenging.
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Main outcomes for high school maths
At the end of high school maths, students should be capable of
simplifying algebraic expressions and solving quadratic equations and polynomials. They must also be
able to do financial calculations and master the collection, interpretation and presentation of data. In
addition, it is required that students be versed in measurements and construction of solid shapes and figures
in 2- and 3-dimensions. They are expected to identify and solve for angles and triangles, establish proofs
through deductive reasoning and be familiar with trigonometric ratios and functions. Calculus must similarly
be mastered as well as its various applications.
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Most important concepts to ensure your child understands in
year 12 Maths
Important concepts to ensure your child understands in high school
include algebraic expressions, quadratic and polynomial equations, statistical methods and basic principles
of probability, trigonometric functions and geometry of lines, curves, solid shapes and composite figures.
Lastly, calculus is absolutely essential.
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If hiring a tutor, what study habits and content to
focus on in high school maths?
When getting a tutor for your child’s high school maths needs,
make sure you hire a capable tutor who can give the time and challenge to spur your child to learning as well
as helping them develop independently. Maths at this level requires a total commitment on the part of
your child. A habit of independent learning will help your child learn faster and this habit can only be
cultivated by gradually weaning the child of outside help. This will be achieved when you have a tutor who
helps develop the mental capacity and aptitude for maths as well as make the learning sessions fun and
interactive.
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Main challenges involved in tutoring a high school maths
student
High school maths can be convoluted by the interconnectedness of
its parts. Students who are not able to bring together what they have learnt from different parts of the
course will experience the most difficulty. Some topics can be especially challenging. These include
coordinate geometry, trigonometry and calculus.
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Some good ideas on how to help your child in high school
maths
Help your child learn faster by hiring a tutor. By
helping with real world problems your child can be more confident and learn to actively seek
to learn maths. There is no substitute for solving more exercises and providing individual attention.
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