What
Questions should I do?.
The
Problem with Paper 1 is the lack of "dead cert come up
every year type questions". This suits nobody except
some students who have dropped from higher maths. So what
is the best approach? This depends really on your ability
in Algebra .
So how do you know if
your algebra is good ?
Ask
yourself can you Solve:
(1)
Simultaneous equations
ie. equations of the form 3x + 4 y = 10 or 5x
- 7y = 3.
(2)
Quadratic Equations ie equations of the form 
and
get the answer correct every time (using
factors) . Or you must use the roots formula 
but
get the correct result every time . The
important words here are every time !
(3)
Solve simultaneous equations of the form 
(4)
Solve equations of the form 
.
If the answer is yes,to all 4 questions then Paper 1 will be no problem You
should attempt the following questions for a best result
Q2,Q3,Q4,Q5,Q7,Q6 and If you have time try Q1 and Q 8
. I know most people will tell you to start with Q1, but
I believe if you are good a Algebra flaunt it !
getting Q2 and Q3 done will give you great confidence
to continue .
Ok if the answers to the 4 questions above are yes to (1) and (2) but
no or maybe to (3) and (4) . Then you should try the following
approach.
Do Q7 Differential Calculus (first) the format for this
question has not changed in 6 years .
Do Q4 (complex numbers )
next again very predictable . Try
Q5 AP's and GP's) next very little knowledge required
here.
So
three down three to go , Q1
should be done next followed by Q2 and Q3 , you will at
least get the part a of these done
Advice
on how to maximise your Marks!
(1) Before going
into your exam have a plan of which questions you are
going to attempt and stick to it!
This
means that these questions must have been practiced off
the face of the Earth using previous exam papers It also
means that if formulae are required you must know them
!Use 1995-2000 don't bother with the sample papers they
are only there to make the books look bigger !
(2)
When you go into the exam write down the formulae you
need for this paper (only necessary if you have a bad
memory , but it does calm the nerves). Go straight to
the first question you intend doing and read it carefully.
now
try part (a) it usually takes 2-3 minutes (time allocated
is 5 minutes)
Ordinary
Level Paper 1
