Udupi: Learning to play with numbers can make mathematics one of the easiest subjects. From proving theorems to drawing diagrams, paying attention to small details can help students move towards the goal of scoring full marks.

Confidence is the first step to success. Students should first remove the negative thought that mathematics is difficult. Developing a positive attitude such as “I can solve this problem” is important. In the examination hall, students should read the questions calmly without panic and write the exam with confidence. Regular daily practice can help achieve the goal of full marks in the final result.

Preparation strategy

Students can easily score 64 marks out of 80 (80%) if they practise the four model question papers provided by the examination board, three preparatory exam papers and the LBA question bank.

For 16-mark application-based questions, questions may be asked by modifying those from the LBA question bank. Students should seek guidance from teachers regarding this.

For one-mark questions, practising the LBA question bank, model question papers and preparatory exam papers can help students easily score at least 12 to 15 marks. This has already been proven in preparatory examinations.

Smart study based on blueprint

Understanding the question paper blueprint issued by the examination board is an easy way to score better marks. The blueprint explains the marks allotted to each chapter, the number of questions and the pattern of questions. Studying according to this blueprint can help students achieve good marks.

For a five-mark question, studying a single chapter is sufficient — “Surface Areas and Volumes.” If students learn all the formulas in this chapter well, they can easily calculate the surface area or volume of combined solid figures. This question also has an internal choice.

For four-mark questions (4 questions), the chapters are: Triangles (four theorems), Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables (graph method), Arithmetic Progressions, and Some Applications of Trigonometry. There will be internal choices between theorem-based questions and questions from Arithmetic Progressions or Applications of Trigonometry.

For three-mark questions (9 questions), the chapters include Polynomials, Quadratic Equations, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, Circles (theorems), Areas Related to Circles, Statistics, and Probability. Except for circle theorems, statistics and seven other chapters will have internal choices for four questions.

For two-mark questions (8 questions), questions come from seven chapters: Real Numbers (2 questions), Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Coordinate Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, and Circles. Two questions will have internal choices.

For one-mark questions (16 questions), students must study 11 chapters except Some Applications of Trigonometry, Circles, and Areas Related to Circles. Among the remaining chapters, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, and Surface Areas and Volumes together contribute 10 questions (two from each chapter). These should be practised thoroughly.

Eleven student-friendly topics to secure marks

By practising the following points well, students can easily score 30 marks in mathematics.

Four theorems from triangles and two theorems from circles.

Solving pair of linear equations in two variables using the graph method.

Finding the mean or mode of grouped data.

Finding the zeroes of a quadratic polynomial and verifying the relationship between coefficients, or forming a quadratic polynomial when the sum or product of zeroes is given.

Proving that a number is irrational.

Problems related to the relationship between the product of two numbers and their HCF and LCM.

Solving pair of linear equations using the elimination method.

Finding the n-th term or the sum of the first n terms of an arithmetic progression using formulas.

Finding the roots of quadratic equations by factorisation or analysing the nature of roots using the discriminant.

Writing trigonometric ratios based on the sides of a right-angled triangle.

Finding the distance between two points using the distance formula or solving problems based on the section formula.

Important steps to score better marks

Do not just read mathematics; practise by writing.

Revise and practise important questions every day.

Marks for steps, so do not panic

Even if the final answer in mathematics is wrong, marks are awarded for the formula written and the steps followed. Students should not leave any question unanswered and should at least write the relevant formula.

While solving problems, steps should be written clearly one below the other. This improves the presentation of the answer sheet and helps in scoring better marks.

Students should prepare a list of all the theorems, important formulas and key points from each chapter and revise them daily.

For area, square units must be written, and for volume, cubic units must be mentioned. If units are not written, half a mark may be deducted.

Geometrical diagrams should be large and clear, and pencils used for drawing should be sharp.

Students should read the entire question paper first and answer the questions they know well before attempting others.

Easy one-mark and two-mark questions should be completed quickly, so that more time can be spent on difficult questions. The last 15 minutes should be reserved for revising the answers.