How to get your best mark in HSC Mathematics

HSC maths courses explore the power and beauty of mathematics and its real-life applications, drawing on students’ previous learning to solve problems.

Cheryl Rix, Hornsby Girls High School, Mathematics teacher and HSC marker

Top dos and don’ts for Mathematics

• Be 100 per cent familiar with the formulae on the NESA HSC reference sheet. Know when to use each formula and practise questions using them, always showing substitutions.
• Carefully note what the question is asking. All the information is in the question and the allocated marks provide some guidance on the complexity of the solution.
• Show all your working in clear and logical steps and label all important points on graphs.
• Don’t use the answer provided in a “show” question and work backwards. Instead begin with the information provided in the question and demonstrate your method to reach the answer provided.
• Don’t rush your work. Take care with simple mathematical operations.