SACE Stage 2 General Mathematics study plan

Compute simple and compound interest, including compounding periods other than annual, and verify each result with a second method (formula and spreadsheet or table)

Construct and interpret reducing-balance loan and investment schedules, tracking interest charged, payment made, and closing balance each period

Solve for an unknown (principal, rate, term, or payment) by rearranging the compound interest and annuity formulas, and check the answer by substitution

Sketch and interpret linear cost, revenue, and break-even graphs, identifying gradient and intercepts in context

Write a one-page formula sheet in your own words covering interest, annuities, and straight-line depreciation

Model depreciation using both straight-line and reducing-balance methods, and compare the two on the same asset over 5 years

Calculate the future value and present value of an annuity and explain in writing why present value is smaller than the sum of payments

Apply inflation and effective annual rate conversions to compare two investment offers and justify a recommendation

Build a spreadsheet or table model of a 5-year loan with a fixed monthly repayment and identify total interest paid

Explain, using a worked example, the effect of changing the repayment frequency on total interest

Fit linear, quadratic, and exponential models to supplied data sets by hand and by technology, and state the equation with its domain of validity

Interpret the parameters of an exponential model (initial value and growth or decay factor) in the context of the data

Generate terms of arithmetic and geometric sequences from recurrence relations and closed forms, and convert between the two representations

Solve recurrence problems involving growth, decay, and simple financial contexts, showing the first four terms and the long-term behaviour

Identify where a linear model is inappropriate and justify choosing a non-linear model instead

Distinguish population from sample and identify sources of bias in three given sampling scenarios

Classify variables by type and choose an appropriate display (histogram, boxplot, scatterplot, or two-way table) for each

Compute and interpret mean, median, standard deviation, and five-number summary, and compare two distributions using these statistics

Interpret the correlation coefficient and the line of best fit, and explain why correlation does not establish causation

Set up a recurrence model for a simple population or decay process and compare its predictions with observed data

Carry out the full statistical investigation process on a data set: pose a question, collect or select data, analyse, and draw a conclusion with limitations

Construct and interpret normal distribution probabilities and z-scores, and apply the empirical rule to a context

Represent a network with a vertex-edge diagram and an adjacency matrix, and convert between the two

Identify connected graphs, trees, and spanning trees, and count or verify degrees and edges using the handshake lemma

Explain in writing how a poorly chosen sample could change the conclusion of your investigation

Find a minimum spanning tree using Kruskal's algorithm and verify the total weight by a second traversal

Find a shortest path using Dijkstra's algorithm, showing the label at each vertex after every step

Determine critical path and earliest and latest start times for a small activity network, and state the float of each activity

Perform matrix addition, subtraction, and multiplication by hand, and interpret the entries of a product matrix in a network or transition context

Use a transition matrix to project a state two steps ahead and interpret the result

Complete a timed mixed-topic paper of 15 questions under exam conditions and mark it against the solutions

Record every error by domain and classify each as a knowledge gap, a method error, or a misread

Re-teach your two weakest topics from scratch using your own notes, then redo the missed questions without notes

Rehearse setting out full solutions, including stating formulas, substituting, and giving answers with units and context

Check your formula sheet against the syllabus and add any missing entries

Complete a second timed mock paper and compare domain-level accuracy with the week 7 log

Close remaining gaps by redoing the specific question types still below target accuracy

Summarise each domain onto a single revision card containing key formulas, method steps, and one worked example

Practise interpreting answers in context, ensuring every final answer states units and meaning

Plan exam timing: allocate minutes per section and rehearse the order in which you will attempt questions