Question 4 will be complex numbers

This question is regarded as one of the nicer questions due to its predictability and short topic length.

These questions involve the imaginary number, i. Solving these equations is just like solving algebraic equations with the x being replaced by i and i², where i² = -1.

You must be able to:

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers.
• Know how to get the conjugate of a complex number.
• Draw and label an Argand diagram.
• Find the modulus of a complex number.
• Solve complex equations, involving roots and the quadratic formula.

Question 5 will be sequences and series

This section involves the ability to recognise if the sequence or series is an arithmetic one or a geometric one and then applying the correct formula. Good algebra and learning the relevant formulae are a must for this question.

You must be able to find the common difference (d) and the common ration (r) in the sentence. Know the formulae for the nth term and the sum of the first nth terms for both geometric sequences and series.

Question 6, 7 and 8

These three questions on the paper are usually based on differentiation and incorporate functions and graphs.

Question 7 has been consistently dedicated to differentiation, with a general pattern with how it is asked. Part (a) is usually on basic differentiation, part (b) tests your ability to use the Product, Quotient and Chain rules. Part (c) is dedicated to the application of differentiation, usually comprising a question on speed and acceleration.

The importance of the Product, Quotient and Chain rules cannot be over emphasised. The first step is recognising them, once you know which rule is required, remember that both the Product and Quotient are found on page 42 of your log book in the exam. Copy these formulae into your answer book to start clocking up the marks. You must commit the Chain Rule to memory.

If asked to differentiate from first principles, as is frequently asked in questions 7 or 8, you must follow the standard steps found in your maths book. Learn these steps off by heart as it is a nice area to pick up 20 marks in. See last year's Q8 (b).

The finding of max and min turning points is the area of the differentiation question most disliked by students and appears frequently in question 6 and 8. The key to finding turning points is to find the slope of a tangent to a curve (i.e. simply differentiate) then let the derivative equal 0. Then solve to find x and y values.

On the graphs and functions side of things, be able to draw the four types of graphs, linear, quadratic, reciprocal and cubic. Take time drawing these graphs and ensure you use graph paper or marks will be docked! Last year left out drawing a graph, so be prepared for it this year.

Now, knowing the layout of paper I and what can be asked, it is up to you to pick the topics you prefer and to concentrate completely on them. Know which questions you are going to aim for and put the practise into them. This means practise question after question using past exam papers. Unlike other subjects, you cannot just sit and read maths, you need to pick up a pencil and really work through them, making mistakes and then correcting your mistakes and trying again. The trick really is to just 'try, try and try again'.

In June you will have your maths paper I completed on the Friday and you will have up until the following Monday to prepare for paper II. This does not mean leaving your study until that weekend, as that plan will never work out. This time between exams you should be revising what you already have learned and warming up for the Monday morning exam. So, you should get your plan of attack for paper II ready now.