LC Ordinary Maths study guide
LC Ordinary Maths · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Ordinary Level is the standard-tier maths subject taken by Irish senior-cycle students, and it is also relevant to mature students, repeat candidates and anyone who needs a recognised school-leaving maths qualification for work, apprenticeships or further study. Ordinary Level sits between Foundation and Higher Level, so the algebra and calculus are gentler than Higher Level but the syllabus is still broad: you will meet functions and graphs, differentiation and integration, co-ordinate geometry of the line and circle, probability and statistics, trigonometry including the sine and cosine rules, and financial maths such as compound interest and annuities. The LC Ordinary Maths study guide has 7 sections and about 2,247 words.
01Algebra
Algebra at Ordinary Level examines your ability to manipulate expressions, solve equations and inequalities, work with indices and logarithms, and translate a written problem into an equation. Questions often combine skills, so a sign slip in one line can cost several marks.
345 words, about 2 min02Functions and Calculus
Functions and Calculus tests how well you read and sketch functions and apply differentiation and integration to rates, tangents, maxima, minima and areas. Ordinary Level questions are usually structured: find the derivative, set it to zero, then interpret.
339 words, about 2 min03Number and Coordinate Geometry
Number and Coordinate Geometry covers numerical skills - percentages, ratio, scientific notation - and the algebra of the line and the circle on the coordinate plane. The geometry questions reward clear substitution and exact signs.
372 words, about 2 min04Probability and Statistics
Probability and Statistics tests uncertainty and data. You must use probability rules, tree diagrams and expected value, and describe data with summary statistics.
297 words, about 1 min05Geometry and Trigonometry
Geometry and Trigonometry covers right-angled and non-right-angled triangles, the trigonometric ratios, the sine and cosine rules, area, and radian measure for arcs and sectors. Diagrams are often not to scale, so use the given measurements.
311 words, about 2 min06Sequences, Series and Financial Mathematics
Sequences, Series and Financial Mathematics tests patterns, sums, and money growth. Arithmetic sequences add a constant difference; geometric sequences multiply by a constant ratio.
271 words, about 1 min07Synthetic Geometry and Constructions
Synthetic Geometry and Constructions is the deductive side of geometry: congruent and similar triangles, circle theorems, and straight-edge-and-compass constructions. You must quote the theorem or test you use and show construction arcs clearly.
312 words, about 2 min