Predictions for the calculator paper

Dear all,

I hope the first paper went well, it seemed like a good paper with lots of very do-able questions.

I’ve been thinking about the second paper and what topics are likely to come up. The following list is what I think might (and I want to stress the word ‘might’) be in the second paper.  I have included 25 topics as there are usually around 25 questions. Remember that this list is a GUESS and that is all. Do not restrict your revision to just these topics.

Number:

1. Fractions – adding, multiplying etc
2. Surds – rationalising the denominator
3. Calculations using bounds
4. Recurring decimals – a long shot for the calc paper – usually on the non calc
5. The reciprocal
6. Percentages – compound interest or repeated % change and reverse %
7. Ratios – sharing in a ratio
8. Rules for powers (indices)

Algebra:

1. A page of equations – the basics through to the quadratic formula
2. Simultaneous equations
3. Nth term patterns
4. Proof

Angles:

1. On parallel lines – learn the names of the rules
2. In polygons – learn the 360 degrees and the triangles rules
3. Bearings – measure clockwise from north – use the parallel lines

Shapes and Space:

1. Circles – Areas, circumferences, arc lengths and sector areas.
2. Dimensional Analysis – Identify volume, areas and lengths.
3. Similar shapes – particularly volume, area and lengths on similar shapes
4. Pythagoras and Trigonometry
5. Areas of shapes such as the triangle, trapezium and parallelogram and volumes and surface areas of solids such as cylinders, pyramids spheres etc
6. Vectors

Handling Data

1. Averages: mean, mode, median, range of data in tables including grouped data
2. Scatter graphs – lines of best fit
3. Stem and leaf or Box plots – I’m guessing there’ll be one not both
4. Sampling – stratified sampling

Best of luck in your revising and remember to come and ask for help if you need it!