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HKDSE Maths (Core) study materials
HKDSE Maths (Core) study resources

HKDSE Maths (Core) study guide

HKDSE Maths (Core) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) Mathematics Compulsory Part is one of the four Senior Secondary core subjects in the HKDSE, which is administered by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). HKDSE subjects fall into three categories: Category A Senior Secondary subjects, Category B Applied Learning subjects and Category C Other Languages subjects. Mathematics Compulsory Part sits in Category A, alongside the other core subjects Chinese Language, English Language and Citizenship and Social Development. It is taken by senior secondary candidates in Hong Kong, and it is the mathematics qualification that local universities, higher education institutions and employers generally read alongside a candidate's other HKDSE results. In 2021 the Curriculum Development Council and the HKEAA's Public Examinations Board jointly endorsed proposals to optimise the four Senior Secondary core subjects, including Mathematics Compulsory Part, and these optimising measures apply to the 2024 HKDSE and beyond, having been implemented from Secondary 4 in the 2021/22 school year. Candidates should therefore study against the optimised curriculum rather than older arrangements. Topics on this exam: Compulsory Part (Mathematics). The HKDSE Maths (Core) study guide has 1 section and about 565 words.

01

Compulsory Part (Mathematics): Core Rules, Worked Example and Traps

The Compulsory Part is the common core of HKDSE Mathematics, assessed in Paper 1 (conventional questions, 65%, 2 h 15 min) and Paper 2 (multiple choice, 35%, 1 h 15 min). It is organised into three strands: Number and Algebra, Measures, Shape and Space, and Data Handling. Questions are cumulative: a quadratic-model question can require completing the square and interpreting the vertex; a 3D trigonometry question can combine the sine formula, the cosine formula, and Pythagoras' theorem. Paper 1 rewards clear method marks; Paper 2 rewards exact answers and quick elimination.

565 words, about 3 min

More study resources for HKDSE Maths (Core)

  • Practice questionsIf the quadratic equation x² + kx + 9 = 0 has equal roots, find the value of k, given that k 0.
  • FlashcardsQuadratic formula. For ax² + bx + c = 0 with a ≠ 0, the roots are x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)]/(2a).
  • Cheat sheetQuadratic formula: for ax² + bx + c = 0 (a ≠ 0), x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / (2a); the discriminant Δ = b² − 4ac gives two distinct real roots (Δ 0), one repeated real root (Δ = 0), or no real roots (Δ < 0).
  • Key termsQuadratic equation. An equation that can be written as ax² + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero.
  • Study planClassify every question in a 40-question mixed set by Paper 1 (long-form, working required) versus Paper 2 (multiple choice) format and by topic, then rank the topics by how many marks you lost on a cold diagnostic attempt.
  • Common mistakesCandidates practise MC-style mental arithmetic and treat Paper 1 like a short-answer test; they do not realise method marks are awarded separately from the answer mark, so an unsupported answer can earn zero even when correct.
  • Exam-day guideBring the admission form/entry proof issued to you and the original identity document it names (typically your HKID or a passport accepted by the authority).