HSC Mathematics Standard 2 study guide
HSC Mathematics Standard 2 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Mathematics Standard 2 is a Stage 6 (Years 11–12) NSW mathematics course, one of the courses published on the NSW Curriculum website maintained by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). NESA describes itself as the body that sets syllabuses, assessments, teaching and school standards for all schools in NSW, and the HSC is described on the NESA site as a world-class credential that helps young adults on the path to work, training and further education. The HSC Mathematics Standard 2 study guide has 5 sections and about 1,657 words.
01Algebra: Formulas, Equations and Linear Relationships
Algebra in Standard 2 is about using formulas and linear models rather than symbolic manipulation. You need to substitute values into formulas, rearrange a formula to make a variable the subject, solve linear equations, and read and build linear relationships of the form y = mx + b, where m is the gradient and b the y-intercept.
347 words, about 2 min02Measurement: Perimeter, Area, Volume and Error
Measurement questions require selecting the correct formula and working consistently in one unit system. Know perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, circles and composite shapes; volume and surface area of prisms, cylinders, pyramids and spheres; and the relationships between units of length, area and volume.
316 words, about 2 min03Financial Mathematics: Interest, Depreciation and Annuities
Financial mathematics covers simple interest, compound interest, appreciation and depreciation, and loans and investments modelled by recurrence relations or annuity formulas. You need the simple interest formula I = Prn, the compound interest formula A = P(1 + r)ⁿ, and the idea that r must be expressed as a decimal rate per compounding period.
315 words, about 2 min04Statistical Analysis: Data, Spread and Bivariate Relationships
Statistical analysis requires summarising data and interpreting what the summaries mean. Know how to classify data as categorical or numerical, and how to display it appropriately.
320 words, about 2 min05Networks: Graphs, Paths and Minimum Spanning Trees
Network questions use graphs made of vertices (nodes) and edges (arcs). You need the language of networks: degree of a vertex, paths, walks, circuits, connected and disconnected graphs, bridges, loops and weighted edges.
359 words, about 2 min