IMPORTANT KEY CONCEPTS OF IGCSE MATHS 0580

The language in exam papers

You must read exam questions carefully, and answer only what they ask.
You will get no marks for writing a really good answer to the wrong question!
Here some terms used in exam papers, and their meanings with examples.
Calculate
This means ' find the numerical answer to ... .'
You will normally need to use a calculator.
Evaluate
This means 'find the value of... .'
You should round the number as specified in the question.
If it doesn't say check the front of the exam paper.
It usually says round answers to 3 significant figures.

Simplify
This may refer to fractions or algebra.
You need to give the fraction or algebraic expression in its simplest form.
For algebra you may need to collect like terms, and for fractions you may
need to divide by a common factor.

Expand
You need to remove the brackets by multiplying the bracket by the factor
on the outside.
Factorise
This is the opposite of 'expand'.
You need to bring out a common factor and give an answer with brackets.
Solve
This often refers to an equation.
You need to find the value of unknown letter.
Construct
This refers to a loci or geometry question.
You need to use a ruler, pencil and compass to draw the required line.
'Plotting a locus' means 'draw a locus (line)'.
Plot
This means draw a point on a graph.

Show that...
The best way to think about this is to work out the answer as if you weren't
given the answer in the question. when you get the result you have been
asked for, state 'as required' or 'result shown'.
If you don't get the result try again - the exam paper isn't normally wrong!
Explain
Write a short sentence to give an explanation. Remember to keep it to the
point and to use appropriate mathematical vocabulary.

Estimate
*You must not use a calculator for this question! It is usually best to round
the numbers to 1 significant figure to make the answer easier to work out.

Shade the region required...

This often refers to a Venn diagram or an inequality question. Use a pencil
to shade the required area.
Note this is different to being asked to 'leave the required region unshaded'.
In this case, leave the required area blank and shade the rest.

Rearrange
This often refers to an algebraic expression. You need to rearrange the
formula so that it begins with the required letter.

Describe fully
This often refers to a transformation question. You need to give detailed
answer making sure you mention every part. For a rotation, give the angle,
centre and direction. For an enlargement, give the scale factor and centre.
For reflection, give the mirror line. For translation, give the vector.
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Indices

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 In similarity use cross multiplication
method to find similar sides, area or
volume.

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