The School Bell SG — Timely updates for students and parents

  • Overview Of The Sec 1 G3 Math Syllabus: Excel In Your Studies

    The G3 Secondary 1 Mathematics syllabus focuses on building a strong foundation in three main strands: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Statistics and Probability. Here is a summary of the key topics covered:

    Number and Algebra

    1. Numbers and Operations:
      • Prime factorization, HCF, LCM, and operations with integers, rational, and real numbers.
      • Concepts like rounding, estimation, and representing numbers on a number line.
    2. Ratio, Proportion, and Percentages:
      • Simplification of ratios, percentage calculations, and solving real-world problems involving ratios and percentages.
    3. Rate and Speed:
      • Understanding and calculating average and constant speed, and unit conversions.
    4. Algebraic Expressions and Formulae:
      • Simplification, evaluation, and translation of real-world situations into algebraic expressions.
      • Pattern recognition and formulation of algebraic expressions for sequences.
    5. Functions and Graphs:
      • Understanding Cartesian coordinates, linear functions, and graph plotting.
    6. Equations and Inequalities:
      • Solving linear equations and basic fractional equations, and formulating equations for problem-solving.

    Geometry and Measurement

    1. Angles, Triangles, and Polygons:
      • Properties of angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons.
      • Understanding symmetry and constructing geometric figures.
    2. Mensuration:
      • Calculations involving area, perimeter, volume, and surface area for composite shapes, prisms, and cylinders.

    Statistics and Probability

    1. Data Handling and Analysis:
      • Collecting, classifying, and interpreting data using bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and tables.
      • Understanding the advantages and limitations of different forms of statistical representation.

    Real-World Applications

    The syllabus emphasizes solving problems in real-world contexts, such as travel planning, financial calculations, and interpreting data, providing a practical understanding of mathematics.

  • Unlocking the Secrets of the Discriminant: Master Quadratic Equations with Tutor Ivan

    (a) Find the smallest value of the integer \(a\)for which \(a x^2+5 x+2\) is positive for all values of \(x\).

    (b) Find the smallest value of the integer \(b\) for which \(-5 x^2+b x-2\) is negative for all values of \(x\).

    (a) Since \(a x^2+5 x+2\) is positive for all values of \(x\), \(a>0\) and \(y=a x^2+5 x+2\) has no \(x\)-intercepts.

    Positive for all values of \(x\) means that if we were to draw a graph of the quadratic function, all the \(y \) coordinates of the points on the graph will be positive. In other words, the graph will not intersect the x axis, since the coordinate of any point on the x axis is \(0\). Also the graph has a minimum turning point

    The discriminant tells us whether the graph of a quadratic function intersects the x axis. Since the graph does not intersect the x axis, discriminant \(<0\)

    $$ \begin{aligned} (5)^2-4(a)(2) & <0 \\ 25-8 a & <0 \\ a & >3 \frac{1}{8}
    \end{aligned}
    $$
    the smallest integer value of \(a\) is 4 .

    (b) Since \(-5 x^2+b x-2\) is negative for all values of \(x\), \(y=-5 x^2+b x-2\) has no \(x\)-intercepts and has a maximum turning point.
    Discriminant \(<0\)
    \( b^2-4(-5)(-2)<0\)
    \(b^2-40<0\)
    \(b^2-(\sqrt{40})^2<0\)

    \(-\sqrt{40}<b<\sqrt{40}\)
    the smallest integer value of \(b\) is \(\mathbf{- 6}\).

  • Master Binomial Theorem: Essential Strategies to Excel in A Math

    Master Binomial Theorem: Essential Strategies to Excel in A Math

    Question

    In the binomial expansion of \(\left(x+\frac{k}{x}\right)^7\), where \(k\) is a positive constant, the coefficients of \( x^3 \) and \(x\)are the same.

    (i) Find the value of \(k\).

    (ii) Using the value of \(k\) found in part (i), find the coefficient of \(x^7\) in the expansion of \(\left(1-5 x^2\right)\left(x+\frac{k}{x}\right)^7\).

    Recognise that \(x\) is present in both terms within the brackets, this is a clue to use the general term $${T}_{r+1}={n \choose r} a^{n-r} b^r$$

    $$\begin{aligned} & T_{r+1} \text { in }\left(x+\frac{k}{x}\right)^7 \\ & =\binom{7}{r}(x)^{7-r}\left(\frac{k}{x}\right)^r \\ & =\binom{7}{r}(x)^{7-r}(k)^r(x)^{-r} \\ & =\binom{7}{r} k^r(x)^{7-2 r}\end{aligned}$$

    To be able to simplify the \({T}_{r+1}\) term correctly requires good grasp of indices

    For term in \(x^3, 7-2 r=3\)
    \(
    r=2
    \)

    Term in \(x^3=\binom{7}{2} k^2(x)^3\)
    \(
    =21 k^2 x^3
    \)

    For term in \(x, 7-2 r=1\)
    \(
    r=3
    \)

    Term in \(x=\binom{7}{3} k^3(x)^1\) \(=35 k^3 x\)