📘

Overview of Essential Maths Concepts

May 20, 2025

Maths 2025 Notes

Products and Factors

Binomial

  • Algebraic expression with 2 terms
    • Example: 4a + 9, + 5x

Binomial Product

  • Expression with 2 or more binomials multiplying together
    • Example: (4a + 9)(5a - 3)

Expand

  • Rewrite an expression without grouping
    • Example: 5(3a - 10) = 15a - 50

Factorise

  • Rewrite expression with grouping by taking out the highest common factor
    • Example: 5 + 125x = 5x(x + 25)

Perfect Square

  • A square number or expression representing one

Quadratic Expression

  • Highest power of variable is 2

Quadratic Trinomial

  • Quadratic expression with 3 terms

Important Points:

  • BODMAS is crucial in solving and factorizing algebraic expressions.
  • Only like terms can be added or subtracted.
  • Terms with indices can only be multiplied or divided with like terms.
  • Use HCF for factorizing coefficients.
  • FOIL method: Multiply first, outside, inside, last terms.

Trigonometry

Triangle Sides

  • Opposite Side: Directly opposite a given angle in a right-angled triangle.
  • Adjacent Side: Directly adjacent to a given angle in a right-angled triangle.
  • Hypotenuse: Longest side of a right-angled triangle, opposite the 90-degree angle.

Angle Concepts

  • Angle of Elevation: Angle of looking up from the horizon.
  • Angle of Depression: Angle of looking down from the horizontal.

Bearing

  • Angle showing direction from one location to another.

Important Points:

  • Pythagoras Theorem: a² + b² = c²
  • Hypotenuse is always opposite the right angle.
  • Trigonometry applies only to right-angled triangles.

Bearings

  • True Bearings: Measured from true north, written with 3 digits.
  • Compass Bearings: Based on angle from North or South.

Equations

Key Concepts

  • Consecutive Numbers: 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.
  • Equation: Mathematical statement that two quantities are equal.
  • Formula: Rule written as an algebraic expression.
  • Inverse Operation: Opposite used in solving equations; e.g., inverse of multiplication is division.
  • Linear Equation: Involves a variable not raised by a power.
  • Quadratic Equation: Involves a squared variable.

Simplifying Surds

  • Square Root: Simplify by finding factors where one is a perfect square.
  • Cube Root: Simplify similarly but with a perfect cube.

Important Points:

  • Always substitute the variable with your answer to verify correctness.
  • Use inverse trig ratios (sin-1, cos-1, tan-1) for unknown angles.

Numeracy and Calculations

Financial Concepts

  • Cost Price: Retailer cost price.
  • GST: 10% tax added to the original price.
  • Loss and Profit: Amounts lost or made when selling items.
  • Principal: Amount of money invested or borrowed.
  • Recurring Decimal: Decimal with repeating digits.

Important Points:

  • Percentages are reversible (x% of y = y% of x).
  • Simplifying ratios and rates is crucial.
  • Unitary method is effective for finding amounts through percentages.

Earning Money

Financial Terms

  • Allowable Deduction: Part of income not taxed.
  • Annual Leave Loading: Extra payment based on 17.5% of 4 weeks leave.
  • Income Tax: Tax based on gross income.
  • Net Pay: Pay after deductions.
  • Overtime Pay: Higher rate for time beyond normal hours.

Important Concepts

  • Simple Interest Formula: I = Prn where I = Interest, P = Principal, r = interest rate, n = years.
  • Salary vs. Wage: Salary is fixed annually; wage depends on hours worked.
  • Commission and Royalties: Calculated as a percentage of sales or use of work.

These notes cover essential concepts in algebra, trigonometry, and financial mathematics, providing a structured overview of key formulae and methods used in solving mathematical problems.