An A Level/AS Maths exam typically has 9-10 questions, with a total of 75 marks. That's an average of 8-9 marks per question. There are between 8-11 topics in each module, meaning there is going to be roughly one question on each topic. So, there may only be one opportunity to get all that knowledge... Continue Reading →
What is the point of logarithms?
Lets say a scientist is studying the growth of a colony of bacteria. She has a hunch that the number of bacteria is given by the following: n = 10kt, where n is the number of bacteria in the colony, t is the time in minutes and k is a constant. She does an experiment... Continue Reading →
More on quadratics
Why does the general method Factorising quadratics, work? We are trying to factorise a general quadratic ax²+bx+c [1] into the form (dx+e)(fx+g). Multiplying this out gives: dx(fx+g)+e(fx+g) [2] dfx²+dgx+efx+eg [3] dfx²+(dg+ef)x+eg [4] If a = df, b = dg+ef and c = eg, then equation [1] is same as equation [4]. So ac can be... Continue Reading →
Factorising quadratics
When factorising quadratics of the form x²+bx+c, the usual procedure is to write it like this: (x+..)(x+..) and then think of 2 numbers which multiply together to give c and add up to give b. So, for example: x²+x-12 factorises to (x+4)(x-3), because 4 * -3 = -12 and 4-3=1. Possible combinations which multiply together... Continue Reading →
Revision Technique
An effective revision technique can make all the difference. Here are my handy hints: Get yourself organised with a folder or notebook for each subject. Condense your notes into well ordered, easy to read and colourful notelets. Don't put too much information on each notelet, they should contain key facts to jog your memory. Highlight... Continue Reading →
Southville Maths Tutor 