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SECONDARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

PROGRAMME (SSIP) 2024

GRADE 11

SUBJECT: TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS

LEARNER NOTES

Sessions 1 - 5

(Page 1 of 31)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SESSION TOPIC PAGE

Information Sheet 3
1 Analytical Geometry 5
2 Algebra: Exponents & Surds 13
3 Algebra: Logarithms 19
4 Algebra: Equations & Inequalities 23
5 Revision Sessions 2 – 4 (Exam Type Questions) 27

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SESSION NO: 1

TOPIC: ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY

SECTION A: NOTES ON CONTENT

SUMMARY: ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY COVERED IN GRADES 10 & 11

• Below is a summary of the formulae used in Analytical Geometry and what

they are used for.

• The formulae are available on the INFORMATION SHEET that will be

attached to the end of an exam paper. (See Pg 3 – 4)

• Always check that the formulae you use are CORRECT!

For any points 𝑨(𝒙𝑨 ; 𝒚𝑨 ) and 𝑩(𝒙𝑩 ; 𝒚𝑩 ), with 𝑴(𝒙𝑴 ; 𝒚𝑴 ) the mid-point, on the
Cartesian plane:

1) Distance 𝐴𝐵 = √(𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐴 )2 + (𝑦𝐵 − 𝑦𝐴 )2

2) Gradient 𝑦𝐵 − 𝑦𝐴
𝑀𝐴𝐵 =
𝑥𝐵 − 𝑥𝐴

𝑥𝐴 +𝑥𝐵 𝑦𝐴 +𝑦𝐵 𝑥𝐴 +𝑥𝐵 𝑦𝐴 +𝑦𝐵

3) Mid-point 𝑀( ; ) or 𝑥𝑀 = ; 𝑦𝑀 = )
2 2 2 2

4) Straight line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐 or 𝑦 − 𝑦𝐴 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥𝐴 )

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5) To determine the equation of a line through one point and parallel or

perpendicular to another given line, the following applies:

➢ Parallel lines have equal gradients:

𝑙1 // 𝑙2 <=> 𝑀𝑙1 = 𝑀𝑙2

➢ Perpendicular lines have each the

reciprocal of another’s gradient:
𝑙1 ⊥ 𝑙2 <=> 𝑀𝑙1 × 𝑀𝑙2 = −1

6) Inclination 𝑚 = tan(𝜃)
Angle The angle between line and positive 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠,
measured in an anticlockwise direction

• You need to KNOW the properties of the quadrilaterals below very well:

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SECTION B: EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

In the given diagram, points A, B, C and D are the vertices of a rhombus. The coordinates of the
vertices A , B , C and D are (– 2 ; – 1) ; (2 ; 2) ; (5 ; 6) and (𝑥 ; 𝑦) respectively.
The diagonals AC and BD intersect each other at M.

1.1 Complete: The diagonals of a rhombus ……. each other at …….. (2)

1.2 Show, using Analytical Geometry methods, that the coordinates of the point M
3 5 (2)
are (2 ; 2)

1.3 Use the fact that M is the midpoint of BD to express the coordinates of M in terms
of𝑥x and 𝑦. (2)

1.4 Hence, determine the coordinates of D (3)

1.5 Determine the length of AC. Leave your answer in simplified surd form. (3)

1.6 Calculate the area of ∆ABC (4)

1.7 Hence, determine the area of rhombus ABCD. (2)

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QUESTION 2

The diagram below shows a side view of a slanted ladder KL against a vertical wall KZ.
K, L and Z lie in the same vertical plane.
The vertices of the right-angled triangle are 𝐾 (1 ; 7 ), 𝐿(−3; −1) and 𝑍(𝑎 ; 𝑏).
The angle formed by KL and the x-axis is  .

Determine:

2.1 The numerical values of a and b (2)

2.2 The length of KL (2)

2.3 The coordinates of the midpoint of KL (2)

2.4 The gradient of KL (2)

2.5 The size of  (rounded off to ONE decimal place) (2)

2.6 The equation of the straight line parallel to KL and passing through the point
(– 5 ; 1).
Write the equation in the form y = … (3)

2.7 Whether point ( − 4 ; − 2) lies on straight line parallel to KL (2)

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QUESTION 3

The building shown in the picture below, has sides in the form of quadrilaterals.
Quadrilateral ABDF models a side view of the building, in the Cartesian plane, with vertices
A (−2 ; 8 ) , B , D and F ( − 8 ; − 4 ).
∧
The acute angle formed by the x-axis and BD is 76 and D = α
FD is parallel to the x-axis.
(The diagram is NOT drawn to scale.)

Determine:

3.1 The size of  (1)

3.2 The length of AF (leave answer in simplified surd form) (2)

3.3 The gradient of BD (rounded off to the nearest integer) (2)

3.4 The coordinates of the midpoint of AF (2)

3.5 Hence, the equation of the perpendicular bisector of AF in the form y = ... (5)
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QUESTION 4

In the diagram below ∆PQR with vertices P (– 1 ; 2), Q(– 2 ; – 2) and R (3 ; 0) is

given.
y
5

P
2

O R x
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5

-1

-2
Q

-3

-4

-5

4.1 Calculate the angle that PQ makes with the positive 𝑥-axis. (3)

4.2 Determine the coordinates of M, the midpoint of PR. (2)

4.3 Determine the perimeter of ∆PQR to the nearest whole number. (5)

4.4 Determine an equation of the line parallel to PQ that passes through M. (3)
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SECTION C: HOWEWORK QUESTION

QUESTION 1

In the diagram, 𝐶 (– 4 ; 7), 𝐴(1 ; 4) and B ( s ; - 1) are vertices of ∆CAB. E is the

𝑥-intercept of line AE, which has equation y = −3x + 7 . M ( − 3 ; t ) is the midpoint
of BC.

1.1 Calculate the length of AC. (Leave answer in surd form ) (2)

1.2 Determine the values of s and t if M ( − 3 ; t ) is the midpoint of BC. (4)

1.3 Determine the equation of the line passing through point C and that
is parallel to AB, if B(–2 ; – 1). (4)

1.4 Calculate the size 𝛼. (2)

̂ E if 𝛼 = 59,04o
1.5 Calculate the size BA (4)
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SESSION NO: 2

TOPIC: ALGEBRA (EXPONENTS & SURDS)

SECTION A: NOTES ON CONTENT

EXPONENTS

• You need to learn the exponential laws in the table below, as they will be
used in answering questions on exponents.

• There are two things that you need to be able to do with exponents:

➢ Simplify (when working with exponential expressions)

➢ Solve (when working with exponential equations, (sums with an “=” in)

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• When working with exponential expressions, follow the guidelines below:

✓ To apply the laws, the base numbers must be the same

✓ When you have a single term expression (without + or – between the

terms), you should:

➢ Change the base numbers to their prime numbers

➢ Apply the laws

✓ When you are dealing with more than one term (+ and – will separate
terms), you should:

➢ Factorise!

• When an exponential equation is given:

✓ you will be asked to “solve for……”

In other words, you must determine the value of the unknown (e.g. x)

✓ Familiarize youself with the summary below to guide you on the

different methods to apply, depending on what is given:

Exponential equations
(….. a x or x fractions ……)

Single term = Single term With +’s and –‘s

* Factorize
(Common factor)
(Difference of squares)
(Trinomial)
x = the base number x = the exponent
*  both sides by an * Make the base numbers
exponent that will the same, then equate the
change the exponent exponents
of x to 1 (one) Eg. 2 2 x = 2 6
3
−
 − 13  1
Eg.  x  = (....)
−3

 

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SURDS

• 1 ; 4 ; 9 ; 25 ; 36 ….. are perfect squares, or square numbers.

• √25 = 5 because 5 × 5 = 25. It can be simplified because 25 is a perfect
square. Hence, √25 is a rational number, not a surd.
• A surd (e.g. √5 ) is an irrational number.
• Simplifying surds: → e.g. √75 = √𝟐𝟓 . 3 = 𝟓√3 (use a calculator!)

2
• Note the difference: → √3 × √3 = (√3) = 3 but √3 + √3 = 2√3
→ √7 × √2 = √7 × 2 = √14 but √7 + √2 ≠ √9

• Treat surds as ‘normal’ numbers → multiply e.g. √5(√5 + 3) = 5 + 3√5

→ add and subtract: like terms!

e.g. √2 − 6√5 + 8√2 + √5
= 9√2 − 5√5

→ factorise e.g. 𝑥√11 + 𝑦√11

= √11(𝑥 + 𝑦)

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SECTION B: PRACTICE QUESTIONS

EXERCISE 1

Simplify:

EXERCISE 2

Solve for x:

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EXERCISE 3

Simplify:

SECTION C: HOWEWORK QUESTIONS

EXERCISE 1

1. Simplify:

2. Simplify without the use of a calculator. Leave your answer in surd form.

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3. Solve for x:

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SESSION NO: 3

TOPIC: ALGEBRA (LOGARITHMS)

SECTION A: NOTES ON CONTENT

Definition of a logarithm: The exponent or power to which a base must be raised

to yield a given number.

1. Conversion from log-form to exponential-form and vice versa.

𝑦 = log 𝑎 𝑥 ⟺ 𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑥 if and only if 𝑎 > 0, 𝑎 ≠ 1.

2. The laws of logarithms:

Product rule

log 𝑎 𝑋𝑌 = log 𝑎 𝑋 + log 𝑎 𝑌

In this rule, the multiplication of two logarithmic values

is equal to the addition of their individual logarithms.

Division rule

𝑋
log 𝑎 = log 𝑎 𝑋 − log 𝑎 𝑌
𝑌

The division of two logarithmic values is equal to the

difference of each logarithm.

Exponential rule

log 𝑎 𝑥 𝑛 = 𝑛log 𝑎 𝑥

In the exponential rule, the logarithm of 𝑥 with a

rational exponent is equal to the exponent times its
logarithm.

Change of base rule

log𝑐 𝑏
log 𝑎 𝑏 =
log𝑐 𝑎

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Additional notes

log 𝑎 𝑎 = 1

log 𝑎 1 = 0

log 𝑎 𝑎 𝑥 = 𝑥

log 𝑥 = log10 𝑥

SECTION B: PRACTICE QUESTIONS

EXERCISE 1

Complete the table below:

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EXERCISE 2

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EXERCISE 3

SECTION C: HOWEWORK QUESTIONS

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SESSION NO: 4

TOPIC: ALGEBRA (EQUATIONS & INEQUALITIES)

SECTION A: NOTES ON CONTENT

SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS BY MEANS OF FACTORIZATION

• A quadratic, or second-degree equation, has a standard form of

𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐 are constant values and 𝑎 ≠ 0.

• Its solutions are called ‘roots’, and to find the roots we use the zero-product
principle which states:
If 𝑎 × 𝑏 = 0
Then 𝑎 = 0 or 𝑏 = 0

• Method to be used:
✓ Simplify the equation (e.g. remove brackets or fractions)
✓ Write the equation in standard form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
✓ Factorise the equation
✓ Apply the zero-product rule

• Tips and techniques for dealing with equations with fractions

✓ Find the lowest common denominator (LCD)
✓ Multiply each term in the equation with the LCD
✓ Simplify and rewrite the equation in standard form
✓ Solve for 𝑥, by means of factorization or the quadratic formula
✓ Check your solutions to make sure that they do not make the
denominators zero

SOLVING QUADRATIC EQUATIONS BY MEANS OF THE FORMULA

• The quadratic formula below can be found on the INFORMATION SHEET at

the end of a test or exam:

−𝑏±√𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
𝑥=
2𝑎

• The formula can be used to find the roots of any quadratic equation that is
written in the standard form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0.

• Substitute 𝑎 = the coefficient of 𝑥 2 , 𝑏 = the coefficient of 𝑥 and

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𝑐 = the constant term carefully into the formula

• Use your calculator, and round off only your final answer to the required
number of decimal places

QUADRATIC INEQUALITIES

• As is the case with equations, the method used to solve quadratic inequalities
differs from the method used to solve linear inequalities

• Quadratic inequalities will be given in one of the following forms:

• Method:
✓ First put all terms on one side of the inequality sign, and zero on the
other side of the inequality sign
✓ Factorise the side that is not zero
✓ Find the value for which each factor (bracket) is equal to zero, because
that is where it will change signs. These values are known as the
critical values
✓ Sketch a rough graph or use a sign table to determine the signs of the
expressions on either side of the critical values

SIMULTANEOUS EQUATIONS

• When you are given TWO equations with TWO variables, you can solve for
both the variables by solving the equations simultaneously

• When these equations are drawn on a set of axes, the INTERSECTION(S) of

the graphs will give you the value(s) of the variables

• We solve simultaneous equations algebraically as follows:

✓ Write down both equations and number them
(1) For the linear equation
(2) For the quadratic equation
✓ Make 𝑦 the subject of the formula in equation (1)
✓ Now substitute the new (1) into (2)
✓ Solve the equation by means of factorization or the quadratic formula
✓ Substitute the values back into the original (1)

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LITERAL EQUATIONS (MANUPILATING FORMULAE)

• A literal equation is usually a formula, such as 𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐 2

• You will note that there is ussually more than one variable
• You must be able to CHANGE (rewrite) the formula so that one variable
appears on the left-hand side of the equation

SECTION B: EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

1.1 Solve for x in each of the following:

1.1.1 (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 (2)
4
1.1.2 6𝑥 − 7 = 𝑥 (correct to TWO decimal places). (4)

1.1.3 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 ≤ 40 (4)

1.2 Solve for x and y in the following simultaneous equations.

𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2 = 0 and 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 4 (6)

1
1.3 Make ‘a’ the subject of the formula, 𝑠 = 𝑢𝑡 − 2 𝑎𝑡 2 . (2)

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QUESTION 2

2.1 Given: 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 3)

Solve for 𝑥 if:

2.1.1 𝑓(𝑥) = 0 (2)

2.1.2 𝑓(𝑥) < 0 (represent your answer on a number line) (4)

2.2 Solve for 𝑥 if 2𝑥 2 − 7 = −3𝑥 (rounded off to TWO decimal places) (4)

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2.3 Solve algebraically for 𝑥 and 𝑦 simultaneously if:

(6)
2
𝑦 − 𝑥 + 1 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 + 7 = 𝑥 + 2𝑥

2.4 The FORMULA to determine the resistance in a circuit is:

1 1 1
= +
𝑅 𝑟1 𝑟2

2.4.1 Express 𝑅 as the subject of the formula. (3)

2.4.2 Calculate 𝑅 the total resistance of the electrical circuit if

(2)
𝑟1 = 30 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟2 = 30.

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SECTION C: HOWEWORK QUESTION

QUESTION 1

1.1 Solve for x if:

1.1.1 (2 x − 1) ( x + 3) = 0 (2)

1.1.2 x 2 − 4 x −12  0 (4)

1.2 Solve for x and y simultaneously if:

x + 2 y = 3 and x 2 − 2 xy + y 2 = 9 (7)

1.3 The formula for calculating the distance travelled by an object at

time t seconds is:
s = ut + 12 at 2

where u is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration of the object.

1.3.1 Make u the subject of the formula. (2)

1.3.2 Hence, calculate the value of u if acceleration, a = 3 m/s 2 and

the distance travelled after 4 seconds is 36 m . (2)

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SESSION NO: 5

TOPIC: ALGEBRA (REVISE SESSIONS 2, 3 AND 4)

SECTION A: NOTES ON CONTENT

This purpose of this session is to expose you to the Grade 12 NSC examination,
Paper 1. The questions in Section B covers the Algebra you were taught in Grade
11 and that was covered in Sessions 2, 3 and 4 above.

It is very important that you realise that you are already preparing for your Grade 12
examination!

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SECTION B: EXAM TYPE QUESTIONS

2023 JUNE NSC EXAM

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2022 NOVEMBER NSC EXAM

QUESTION 1

1.1 Solve for x:

1.1.1 x (7 + x) = 0 (2)

1.1.2 4 x 2 − 5x − 4 = 0 (Correct to TWO decimal places) (3)

1.1.3 2x 2 − 8  0 (3)

1.2 Solve for x and y if:

y = 5x − 2 and y = x 2 + 4 x − 8 (5)

1.3 The diagram below shows the movement of a piston inside the engine cylinder of a car.
Alongside is the formula for calculating the swept volume (SV), which is equal to the
base area of the cylinder, multiplied by the length of the stroke ( L).

d = diameter  d2 L
SV =
4

Where:

SV = swept volume (in cm 3 )

stroke L (cm) L = length (in cm)
d = diameter (in cm)

1.3.1 Make L the subject of the formula. (2)

1.3.2 Hence, calculate (rounded to the nearest cm), the numerical value of L
if SV = 1 020 , 5 cm 3 and the diameter d = 10 cm. (2)

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1.4 Given the binary numbers: P = 1 010 2 and Q = 10 000 2

1.4.1 Write P in decimal form. (1)

1.4.2 Determine P  Q in binary form. (2)

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QUESTION 3

3.1 Simplify the following without the use of a calculator:

8 x3 y 2
3.1.1 (leave the answer wit h positive exponents)
16 xy 4 (2)

48 + 12
3.1.2 (3)
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3.2 If log 5 = m , determine the following in terms of m:

3.2.1 log 25 (2)

3.2.2 log 2 (3)

3.3 Solve for x: log 2 ( x + 3) − 3 = − log 2 ( x − 4) (5)

[15]

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