Graphical Functions: Exam Areas

Graphical function option is one of the easiest and most rewarding option in the second paper of Ordinary Level Maths Exam. There are just few things tested on the graph, some of which are too basic.

The major areas tested on the topic are
1. Function Table - filling up gaps
2. Drawing the graph using the function table
3. Finding a gradient of the curve by drawing a tangent at any given point.
4. Drawing a line that cuts the graph, given the equation
5. Finding the roots of the equations
6. Area under a curve
7. Translation of a curve.

There are few things to note on each question.

In the next few post, I will discuss how to easily attempt each question and garner highest possible score.

Which Section B options do you think are cheaper than this? 

New Tricks For Paper 2

New Tricks for MATHS Paper 2 

The new way of answering paper 2 poses some challenges and benefits to candidates. As we discussed before that Zimsec follows the footprints of Cambridge standards, the new paper structure is now more similar to syllabus D of Cambridge. 

The new paper provides candidates with answer spaces like the first paper. This might have been caused by the need to upgrade assessment methods and adoption of e-marking. The paper structure remains the same, with section A having compulsory 6 questions and 3 options in section B.

The second paper is well know for the complexity of its questions and how it tests principles. The most popular topics in Paper 2 include Loci, Graphical topics like Statistics, linear Programming, algebraic functions, transformation. Bearing and Vectors in Two dimensions are also part of the set. The most avoided topics by both teachers and students are Mensuration and Transformation. Unfortunately Transformation is now part of the first paper.

What are the implication of the new structure?

1. Reduced Complexity of the question.

The most complex questions were on Graphs where the candidates were required to draw a graph on a full page given the scale and function table. The answering space now limits the complexity of the questions. They must suit questions to allow simple and short graphical answers that fit into the drawn graphs and scales. 

What to expect:

- interpretation of a graphical function

Candidates are likely to be tested on the meaning, equation or identification of graph features. A graphical function will be provided and then candidates required to identify items like type of transformations,  calculation of the gradient and percentiles and quartiles.

2. Simple locus. Some parts drawn

Like the Loci usually tested in paper 1, the paper 2 question is likely to be tested in parts. A base line can be already drawn for the candidates, making it easy to know the direction of angles and sides. The only challenge is when bearing is included in the question.

Shorter measurements and scales are likely to be tested.

3. Non-graphical Questions likely to be Complex

Since questions on graph will take a large space, the simplification of questions results in fewer marks being provided. This pushes more marks to non-graphical questions. They are likely to be complex to compensate the marks. 

Sections B questions are likely to be a mixture of graphs and non-graphical questions. More focus need to be on calculations part of the topics or compensatory topics like variation, matrices, quadratic equations and similarity.