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A Level H2 Math – Prerequisite Knowledge

A Level H2 Math is built upon knowledge learned from O Level Additional Math. The syllabus of H2 Math specifically state that knowledge of O Level Additional Math is assumed. Some schools go through these additional Math topic briefly in the first week of school, but don’t expect them to go into great detail.

In this article, let’s look at the topics from O Level Additional Math that students are expected to (already) know when taking H2 Math.

Quadratic Functions and Solving Non- Linear Simultaneous Equations

The first topic that most students learn in O Level Additional Math is solving non- linear simultaneous equations, and discriminant of quadratic functions. And yes, you are expected to know these if you take H2 math. Although there won’t be a question specifically asking you about discriminant, you may need to make use of discriminant as part of the question, in order to solve the question.

Indices and Surds

The four operations of surds and rationalizing surds is part of the assumed knowledge.

Polynomials and Partial Fractions

This is so often tested, particularly for partial fractions. You’ll need partial fractions to find the oblique asymptotes of graphs, for integration and more.

Power, Exponential, Logarithmic, and Modulus functions

Being able to manipulate and the rules of these functions are critical. You can be given exponential, logarithmic or modulus functions as part of the functions.

Coordinate Geometry

Coordinate geometry covered in O Level Additional Math is an important topic. In particular, finding the equation of a straight line is often used needed in many H2 Math questions.

Trigonometry

This is one of the topic that many students struggle with in H2 Math. Manipulation of trigonometry functions and proving of identity is often found in questions in many topics, e.g. integration , differentiation, sequences and series and so on.

As these topics from O Level additional Math is treated as prerequisite knowledge, they are often included in any topic that your school goes through, so do be familiar with them!