NSC Mathematics Paper 1 Mastery Study Sheet
Data-Based Mark Breakdown (2020–2024 Trend Analysis)
Total Marks: 150 | Target: 120 (80%)
🧩 Question 1: Algebra (±27 marks)
Most predictable and highest-return section.
Sub-question Topic Estimated Marks
1.1.1 Solve by factorization 2
1.1.2 Quadratic formula (2 decimal places) 3–4
1.1.3 Quadratic inequality 3–4
1.1.4 Exponential equation (substitution) 4–5
1.1.5 Surd/radical equation 3–4
1.2 Simultaneous equations (1 linear, 1 non-linear) 5–6
1.3 Number pattern / number theory 3–4
Total 27 marks
Focus Tips:
Always write steps clearly when solving quadratics.
Remember domain restrictions for surds and exponential bases.
Review solving simultaneous equations by substitution and squaring.
📈 Question 2: Sequences & Series (±14 marks)
Sub-question Topic Estimated Marks
2.1.1 Arithmetic: Find a term or sum 2–3
2.1.2 Arithmetic: Sigma notation / extended series 3–4
2.2.1 Quadratic: Find a specific term 2–3
2.2.2 Quadratic: Find the general term (Tn) 4–5
Total 14 marks
Focus Tips:
Memorize arithmetic & geometric formulae.
Practice deriving (Tn) for quadratic patterns using differences.
🔷 Question 3: Sequences & Geometry (±10 marks)
Sub-question Topic Estimated Marks
3.1 Geometric: Find a radius or term 2
3.2 Geometric: Find sum of areas/terms 3–4
3.3 Geometric: Solve for (n) 3–4
Total 10 marks
📊 Question 4: Functions (±9 marks)
Usually exponential or hyperbolic.
Sub-question Topic Estimated Marks
4.1 Find base/parameter (e.g. (a)) 2
4.2 State the range 1
4.3 Sketch the graph (show intercepts, asymptotes) 3
4.4 Transformation/reflection of a point 3
Total 9 marks
🪞 Question 5: Functions (±10 marks)
Usually, hyperbola or combined functions.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
5.1 Find a parameter (e.g. (p)) 1
5.2 Find asymptote 2
5.3 Find another parameter (e.g. (a)) 2
5.4 Find where ( f (x)≥ 0) 3
5.5 Describe transformation 2
Total 10 marks
🧮 Question 6: Functions & Calculus (±15 marks)
Parabolas and optimization problems.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
6.1 Find turning point 3
6.2 Find equation of a line 3
6.3 Find maximum length/area (optimization) 4
6.4 Find value for line tangent to curve 5
Total 15 marks
💰 Question 7: Financial Mathematics (±14 marks)
Always formula-based.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
7.1 Compound interest (once-off) 3
7.2 Depreciation (straight-line/reducing balance) 2–3
7.3.1 Loan/Annuity: Total interest 2
7.3.2 Loan/Annuity: Early settlement / extra payment 5–6
Total 14 marks
Key Formulas:
( A=P ( 1+ i )n)
−n
(P= A (1+i) )
n
(1+ i) −1
(F=x )
i
🔺 Question 8: Differential Calculus (±18 marks)
Core calculus section.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
8.1.1 Differentiate using basic rules 2
8.1.2 Slightly harder differentiation 3–4
8.2 Equation of tangent 3
8.3.1 First principles 5
8.3.2 Restrict domain for inverse 1
8.3.3 Equation of inverse 3
Total 18 marks
📉 Question 9: Calculus & Graphs (±8 marks)
Analysis of cubic graphs.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
9.1 Where (f) is decreasing 2
9.2 (x)-intercepts of (f ' (x)) 2
9.3 Where (f) is concave up 2
9.4 Find vertical shift ((k )) 2
Total 8 marks
⚙️Question 10: Application of Calculus (±8 marks)
Word-based optimization and integration.
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
10.1 Find max/min speed or volume 3
10.2 Find total distance/area (integration) 5
Total 8 marks
🎲 Question 11: Probability (±9 marks)
Estimated
Sub-question Topic
Marks
11.1 Draw Venn diagram 3
11.2 Probability of at least two subjects 2
11.3 Test for independent events 4
Total 9 marks
🔢 Question 12: Counting Principles (±8 marks)
Sub-question Topic Estimated Marks
12.1 Codes with repetition allowed 2
12.2 Codes with restrictions 4
12.3 % Increase in number of codes 2
Total 8 marks
🎯 Mark Acquisition Plan
Estimated Target
Priority Tier Questions Focus
Marks Marks
Tier 1 (Core 1, 2, 7, 11,
72 68/72 (95%) Formula-based, predictable, must master
Focus) 12
Tier 2 (High 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, Graphs, functions, calculus—conceptual
70 50/70 (71%)
Value) 9 understanding
Tier 3
10 8 2/8 (25%) Bonus marks if time allows
(Advanced)
120/150
Total 150 Distinction Target ✅
(80%)
🧠 Study Strategy
Phase 1: Master Tier 1 (daily drills & past paper repetition)
Phase 2: Strengthen Tier 2 (graph sketching, calculus interpretations)
Phase 3: Touch Tier 3 (worded calculus problems once weekly)
Exam Strategy:
1. Start with Tier 1 questions — quick confidence & high accuracy.
2. Move to Tier 2 questions — pace yourself for consistency.
3. Attempt Tier 3 last — maximize leftover time for partial marks.
🧾 Key Formula Summary
−b ± √ b2−4 ac
Quadratic Formula: x=
2a
(
Arithmetic: ( T n=a+ ( n−1 ) d ) ∧ S n=
2
n
( 2 a+ ( n−1 ) d ) )
n
r −1
Geometric: ( T n=ar (n−1 )) ∧(S n=a )
r−1
Exponential Growth/Decay: ( A=P(1 ±i )n)
Derivative Rules: Power, Product, Quotient, Chain
Optimization: Set derivative = 0 for stationary points
Probability: (P( A ∪ B)=P( A)+ P(B)−P( A ∩ B))
(
Counting: nPr =
n!
)
( n−r ) !
∧( nCr=
n!
r ! (n−r) !
)
🏁 Final Advice
Show all steps clearly — marks are awarded for method.
Highlight keywords (“maximum”, “sum”, “inequality”) in the question.
Work neatly and check signs (especially in calculus & algebra).
Time per mark: ±45 seconds — pace yourself accordingly.
Result Goal:
✅ Secure 68+ marks from Tier 1
✅ Add 50+ marks from Tier 2
✅ Earn at least 2 marks from Tier 3
🎯 Final Target = 120/150 (80%)
