Differences between A Math and E Math
If you are a Secondary 2 student this year, and taking A. (Additional) Math next year, you must be wondering what is the difference between A. Math and E. Math? And will I be able to do well in A. Math?
Generally, students who score distinctions in Sec 2 Math (which is actually elementary math) are able to score well in A Math too. That's because the success of A Math depends heavily on the students' algebraic abilities, which is mostly learned in Sec 2. And next are their cognitive skill set - your ability to remember the concepts learned, identity the concepts tested and apply them well in the question.
Let's take a look at this example which shows the difference between E Math and A Math on the same topic: Simultaneous Equations.
From the example above, we notice some differences. In A Math,
Let's look at another example. Topic: Quadratic Equation
From the second example, we can see that the question is not as straight forward.
Higher-order thinking skills and deeper understanding of formula has to be present in order to answer an A Math question. Although memorization of steps through numerous practices can sometimes help students to answer some questions, this approach becomes impossible to memorize all when more topics and varieties are being taught. Hence, understanding underlying concepts remains the most important part in A Math that students have to be taught in order to score.
Let us summarize the differences between A Math and E Math. A Math:
After all these explanations, it may seem that A Math is an extremely hard-to-score subject. It's not so. In fact, many students would have heard from the seniors saying that "Hey, actually A Maths is easier than E Maths!" Why such statement? Because, with the correct techniques and aids to summarize and categorize the necessary concepts and steps of each topic, students need only to drill on different exposures and they can easily ace the subject!
At BlueTree Secondary, we not only teach students concepts and application, we also provide the necessary powerful aids: guide notes, structured worksheets and exposure questions to help our students in achieving their academic goals. Join us in a trial class to experience all these!
To join us for a trial class,
Call / watsapp us at 88601298 to book a slot with us.
Generally, students who score distinctions in Sec 2 Math (which is actually elementary math) are able to score well in A Math too. That's because the success of A Math depends heavily on the students' algebraic abilities, which is mostly learned in Sec 2. And next are their cognitive skill set - your ability to remember the concepts learned, identity the concepts tested and apply them well in the question.
Let's take a look at this example which shows the difference between E Math and A Math on the same topic: Simultaneous Equations.
 |
| EMath: workings are simpler, shorter and more straight forward. |
 |
| AMath: Workings require more in-depth understanding of algebraic rules, are longer and need more careful planning on the sequence of steps in order to avoid careless mistakes. |
- longer and more complicated workings
- more intensive usage of algebraic rules (such as special products and solve fractional equations)
- easier to make careless mistakes
- higher allocation of marks, which means if you have made a careless mistakes at the earlier part, you could end up losing many marks.
- question asked require more conceptual understanding (in this case, students need to know that they need to solve simultaneous equations in order to solve intersection points).
Let's look at another example. Topic: Quadratic Equation
 |
| EMath: Application of formula to solve equation |
 | |
| AMath: A pre-understanding of EMath formula is needed to apply to AMath questions. |
Higher-order thinking skills and deeper understanding of formula has to be present in order to answer an A Math question. Although memorization of steps through numerous practices can sometimes help students to answer some questions, this approach becomes impossible to memorize all when more topics and varieties are being taught. Hence, understanding underlying concepts remains the most important part in A Math that students have to be taught in order to score.
Let us summarize the differences between A Math and E Math. A Math:
- is more complex, as it involves the mixture of a few topics.
- is more algebra-intensive
- has higher mark weightage and is easier to lose marks through careless mistakes
- requires deeper understanding of underlying concepts
- is less related to real-world, which makes it difficult for students to comprehend and relate
After all these explanations, it may seem that A Math is an extremely hard-to-score subject. It's not so. In fact, many students would have heard from the seniors saying that "Hey, actually A Maths is easier than E Maths!" Why such statement? Because, with the correct techniques and aids to summarize and categorize the necessary concepts and steps of each topic, students need only to drill on different exposures and they can easily ace the subject!
At BlueTree Secondary, we not only teach students concepts and application, we also provide the necessary powerful aids: guide notes, structured worksheets and exposure questions to help our students in achieving their academic goals. Join us in a trial class to experience all these!
To join us for a trial class,
Call / watsapp us at 88601298 to book a slot with us.
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Thanks for sharing.
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