Complete Guide to Additional Mathematics (A-Math) Topics

Are you struggling to master certain O-level A-Math topics as you find them difficult to
understand? You’re not alone. Many students find this subject challenging due to the complexity of
concepts and the level of detail required.

But don’t worry – this article will guide you through the most difficult topics and provide practical
tips to master the concepts for each topic. From quadratic functions to kinematics, we’ve got you
covered. Let’s dive in and make A-Math a breeze!

1. Quadratic Functions, Equations & Inequalities

 Challenging concept: Discriminant
 Challenges:
o Understanding what the discriminant is and how it affects the nature of the roots.
o Solving problems where you need to find an unknown coefficient using
the discriminant.
o Dealing with quadratic inequalities and interpreting the results correctly.
 Tips & Strategies:

 The discriminant 𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐 determines the nature of the roots.

o 1. Understand the Basics:

 𝐷 > 0: Two distinct real roots

 𝐷 = 0: One real root.
 𝐷 < 0: No real roots.

 “Roots are real and distinct” means 𝐷 > 0

o 2. Interpret Question Wordings Correctly:

 “Real and equal roots” means 𝐷 = 0

 “Roots are not real” means 𝐷 < 0
 “Roots are real” means 𝐷 ≥ 0
o 3. Practice Solving for Coefficients:
 When asked to find an unknown coefficient, use the discriminant to set up
an equation.
 Solve this new quadratic equation carefully.
o 4. Master Quadratic Inequalities:
 Sketch the quadratic graph to visualize the problem
 Identify the range of values where the expression is positive or negative.
 For more details on discriminant revision, you can visit the link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-
sheet/#quadraticformula

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2. Surds
 Challenging concept: Simplifying and Rationalising
 Challenges:
o Simplifying complex surd expressions.
o Rationalising the denominator.
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Familiarise yourself with the Surd Rules
 Break down the surd into its prime factors and perfect square factors
 Simplify each part before combining them.
 For more details, refer to this link >> https://jimmymaths.com/surds-rules-o-
level-a-math-formula-sheet/
o 2. Rationalise the Denominator:
 Multiply the numerator and denominator by the conjugate of the
denominator.
 Simplify the resulting expression.
o 3. Practise with Different Examples:
 Work on various problems to get comfortable with different types of
surd expressions.

3. Polynomials & Partial Fractions

 Challenging concepts: Solving Cubic Equations and Partial Fractions
 Challenges:
o Finding the roots of cubic equations
o Decomposing functions into partial fractions, particularly with repeated or quadratic
denominators.
 Tips & Strategies:
o Solve Cubic Equations

 Test values like 𝑥 = 1, 2, 3 or 𝑥 = −1, −2, −3 to find the first

 1. Use the Factor Theorem

factor.

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  Once the first factor is identified, use long division or the method
of comparing coefficients to find the remaining quadratic factor.
 Factorise this quadratic expression to get two more linear factors and
solve the equation.
o Master Partial Fractions:
 1. Repeated Linear Denominators:
 For repeated linear denominators, remember that the numerators will
be a constant.

5𝑥 + 4 𝐴 𝐵
Example:
= +
(𝑥 + 2)2 𝑥 + 2 (𝑥 + 2)2
 2. Quadratic Denominators:
 First, check if the quadratic denominator can be factorized into two
linear factors.
 If it can be factorized, the numerator will be a constant.

3𝑥 − 5 𝐴 𝐵
Example:
= +
𝑥 −4
2
𝑥−2 𝑥+2

 If it cannot be factorized, the numerator will be in linear form.

2𝑥 + 3 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵
Example:
= 2
𝑥2 + 1 𝑥 +1

o For more details on partial fraction concepts and revision notes, you can visit the link
>> https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#partialfractions

4. Binomial Expansions
 Challenging concept: Finding specific term in the product of binomials with variable terms
 Challenges:

o Finding the term independent of 𝑥.

o Finding a term or a coefficient in a multiple/product of binomials.

 Tips & Strategies

o 1. Observe how the specific term can be obtained by multiplication.
 Analyze how different terms from each binomial contribute to the
desired term.

𝑛
o 2. Apply the General Formula to derive the appropriate term.

= ( ) 𝑎 𝑏 to find the term you

𝑛−𝑟
𝑇𝑟 𝑟 𝑟
 Use the binomial expansion formula:

o 3. Term independent of 𝑥 is a constant which is equals to 𝑥0

have observed to contribute to the desired term.

 Use the general formula to find the term independent of 𝑥 and equate
the derived power to be 0 to find 𝑟.

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5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
 Challenging concept: Solving by Substitution
 Challenges:
o Understanding the properties of logarithms and exponents.
o Solving equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions.
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Master the basics:
 Review the laws of exponents and logarithms to understand their properties.
You can visit this link to review all the laws of exponents and logarithms
>>
https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#exponential
 Practise converting between exponential and logarithmic forms to strengthen
your foundation.
o 2. Use substitution:
 Substitute variables to simplify complex equations.
 Apply substitution to make the equation more straightforward and solvable.
o 3. Solve step-by-step:
 Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps to avoid
feeling overwhelmed.
 Verify each step to ensure accuracy and catch any potential mistakes.
 Work through different types of exponential and logarithmic equations
to gain confidence and proficiency.

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6. Trigonometric Functions, Identities and Equations
 Challenging concept: Solving trigonometric equations, proving trigonometric identities,
sketching trigonometry graphs, Using R-formula
 Challenges:
o Solving trigonometric equations
o Sketching trigonometric graphs
o Proving complex trigonometric identities.
o Using R-formula
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Solving trigonometric equations
 Simplify the given equations to a single trigonometric function on the Left-
hand side (LHS) of the equation and a constant/fraction on the right-hand
side of the equation (RHS).
 Determine which quadrant the angle lies in using the ASTC rule.
For more details, refer to this link >> https://jimmymaths.com/astc-trigo-rule-
how-to-solve-trigo-equations/
 Find the basic/reference angle (by calculating the positive inverse
trigonometric function). P.S: Do not put in negative inverse trigo function
in your calculator as that will result in the principal value. For revision on
principal value concept, you can visit this link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/how-to-find-trigo-principal-value/
 State the angle(s) according to the quadrant it is at, and the question
requirements.
o 2. Sketching trigonometric graphs
 Memorise the basic shapes of each trigo function. You can refer to
the pictures below.

 For 𝑦 = 𝑎 sin 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 and 𝑦 = 𝑎 cos 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐,

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 𝑎 stands for the amplitude
If 𝑎 is a negative value, the graph will be a reflection of the


original shape about the 𝑥-axis.



360°
𝑏 =𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑


 𝑐 stands for the ‘centre line’ or the equilibrium

 Max value is (𝑎 + 𝑐) and minimum value is (𝑎 − 𝑐)
 For 𝑦 = 𝑎 tan 𝑏𝑥,
180°
𝑏 =𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑


 The amplitude, maximum and minimum value is undefined.

 For more detailed notes, refer to this link >> https://jimmymaths.com/your-
complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#trigo
o 3. Proving trigonometric identities
 Review the identities in your formula sheet. You can review the
identities from our formula sheet via this link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/your-
complete-a-math-formula-sheet/
 Begin your proof from the more complicated side of the equation. This
makes it easier to simplify and manipulate.
o 4. Using R-formula
 R-formula is a combination of sine and cosine functions into a single

𝑎 sin 𝜃 ± 𝑏 cos 𝜃 = 𝑅 sin(𝜃 ± 𝛼)

function.

𝑎 cos 𝜃 ± 𝑏 sin 𝜃 = 𝑅 cos(𝜃 ∓ 𝛼)

Where 𝑎 > 0, 𝑏 > 0 and 𝛼 is acute,
𝑅 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏2
𝑏
𝛼 = tan−1
𝑎
 Ensure the first trigo function is positive. Choose the R-formula according to

For example, given −3 cos 𝜃 + 7 sin 𝜃, we should rearrange such that the
the first trigo function which is positive.

sine function which is positive comes first as 7 sin 𝜃 − 3 cos 𝜃. As



such, we will use 𝑅 sin(𝜃 + 𝛼).

 For more details, refer to this link >> https://jimmymaths.com/how-to-use-
trigo-r-formula/

7. Coordinate Geometry
 Challenging concept: combining circle, curve and discriminant concepts
 Challenges
o Solving problems that involve multiple concepts, such as circles and parabolas.
o Applying the discriminant in coordinate geometry problems.
 Tips & Strategies
o 1. Grasp and memorize the fundamentals
 Know the formulas to find the midpoint of two points, distance/length
between two points, parallel and perpendicular gradients, equation of

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a straight line, collinear points, and area of a polygon.

Page 7 of 14
 For more details, refer to this link >> https://jimmymaths.com/coordinate-
geometry-formulas/
o 2. Find the centre and radius of a circle
 Whether the circle is in standard form or general form, you must know how
to obtain the centre and the radius.
o 3. Use the discriminant
 When a question involves an unknown coefficient of an equation of a line
or curve interacting with the circle, use the given information about the
nature of their interactions to determine the discriminant and work out to
find the unknown coefficient.

8. Linear Law
 Challenging concept: Manipulating logarithmic functions into linear equations
 Challenges:

𝑌 = 𝑚𝑋 + 𝑐.
o Unsure of how to convert exponential or logarithmic functions into linear equation

 Tips & Strategies:

o 1. Recall and apply the laws of logarithms
 Review the laws of logarithms from our formula sheet via this link >>

o 2. Identify 𝑌 and 𝑋 variables.

https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#exponential

 𝑌 represents the y-axis while 𝑋 represents the x-axis. Look for keywords

 For example, “Plot log 𝑦 against 𝑥2” means 𝑌 = log 𝑦 and 𝑋 = 𝑥2.
in the question like ‘plot’ and ‘against’ to determine the variables.

the LHS which represents 𝑌 to become log 𝑦.

Hence, you will need to manipulate the given non-linear equation such that

o 3. Ensure 𝑚 and 𝑐 do not contain 𝑥 and 𝑦 variables.

 Make sure 𝑚 (slope) and 𝑐 (intercept) are constants and do not include
the variables 𝑥 or 𝑦.

9. Proofs in Plane Geometry

 Challenging Concept: Circle Properties and Tangent-Chord Theorem
 Challenges:
o Difficulty in recalling and applying various geometric properties.
o Confusion in identifying relevant properties to use in proofs.
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Ensure you know all the key geometric properties.
 Familiarize yourself with all the angle properties especially when a pair of
parallel lines are involved and triangles or quadrilaterals are present. For
more details on angle properties, you can visit this link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/angle-properties-o-level-exam-preparation-guide/

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  Familiarize yourself with all the circle properties, especially when the
tangent is involved. For more details on circle properties, you can visit this
link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/circle-properties-o-level-exam-preparation-guide/
o 2. Identify all radii:
 Always identify all the radii in a given problem and mark them as having the
same length. This will help highlight isosceles or equilateral properties of
triangles and make solving the question easier.
o 3. Know how to prove similar and congruent triangles
 The question may ask you to prove similar and congruent triangles or you
may need to use the properties of similar and congruent triangles in order
to find certain angle in the diagram.
 Ensure you know which tests can be used to prove similar and congruent
triangles. You can visit the link below for more detailed review on the
similar and congruency tests:
 Similar triangle tests: https://jimmymaths.com/similar-triangles-
test- o-level-exam-preparation-guide/
 Congruent triangle tests: https://jimmymaths.com/congruence-test-o-
level-exam-preparation-guide/

10. Differentiation
 Challenging Concept: Differentiating logarithmic and exponential functions
 Challenges: Difficulty in remembering how to differentiate exponential and
logarithmic functions.
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Differentiate exponential functions
 Keep the exponential function the same, then differentiate the exponent

 For example, differentiate 𝑦 = 5𝑒3𝑥+2 will result in

and multiply it with the exponential function.

𝑑𝑦
= (5𝑒3𝑥+2)(3)
𝑑𝑥
= 15𝑒3𝑥+2
o 2. Differentiate logarithmic functions
 The derivative of a logarithmic function is a rational function where the
numerator is the derivative of the argument in logarithmic function and the

 For example, differentiate y = ln(3𝑥 + 7) will result in

denominator is the argument itself.

𝑑𝑦 3
=
𝑑𝑥 3𝑥 + 7
o For more details and rules on differentiation, you can visit the link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#differentiation

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11. Integration
 Challenging Concept: Integrating rational functions.
 Challenges: Uncertainty in how to integrate rational functions.
 Tips & Strategies:
o 1. Integrate Rational Functions:
 Recall that the derivative of a logarithmic function is a rational function.
Conversely, integrating a rational function results in a logarithmic
function.

denominator. If it is, then integrate it as ln (𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟). If it is not,

 First, ensure that the numerator of the rational function is the derivative of its

manipulate it so the numerator becomes the derivative of the denominator.

 For example:
Integrate 22𝑥
𝑥 +1 = ln(𝑥 + 1) + 𝐶
2

Derivative of 𝑥 + 1 is 2𝑥 which is the numerator.

o
2

Integrate 2 = 2 ln(3𝑥 + 2) + 𝐶
3𝑥+2
3
o
Derivative of 3𝑥 + 2 is 3 which is supposed to be the
numerator. However. Since 2 is the numerator, we have to
introduce a coefficient of 2 which comes from factoring out
3
constants to match the derivative of the inner function,
allowing us to integrate using the natural logarithm.
 If the denominator is a quadratic function, you may need to simplify the
rational function into partial fractions. Often, questions will first ask you to
find the partial fractions and then to integrate the expression. For more
examples and details on the techniques, you can visit the link >>
https://jimmymaths.com/your-complete-a-math-formula-sheet/#integration
o 4. Using answers from previous parts:
 For questions with ‘hence’, always use the answer you found from the
previous part to tackle this question. This kind of question is mostly
testing you if you remember that differentiation and integration are the
reverse/opposite functions of each other.
 Often, the previous part of the question involves differentiating a
function and you will need to integrate another function that is very
similar to the answer you found from previous part.
 Manipulate the derived function from previous part to match the expression
tested in the question. This may involve dividing or multiplying by a
constant.
 For integration, you can also differentiate the answers to check if the
answer is correct.

11. Applications of Differentiation and Integration

 Challenging Concepts: Second Derivative Test (Differentiation) and Area between
Graphs (Integration)
 Challenges:
o Misconceptions: Many students use the second derivative test wrongly to determine
the nature of the turning points.
Page 10 of 14
 o Finding the area bounded by the curve and the 𝑦-axis.
 Tips & Strategies:
2
𝑦
o 1. Understanding the second derivative:
 The second derivative 𝑑 helps determine the concavity of a function.
𝑑𝑥2
𝑑 𝑦
2
> 0, the function is concave up  minimum point.
𝑑𝑥
 If
2
𝑑 𝑦
2
 < 0, the function is concave down  maximum point.
𝑑𝑥2
If

𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
> 0 < 0
𝑑𝑥2 𝑑𝑥2
Concave up Concave down

Maximum point

Minimum point

o 2. Use the first derivative test if the second derivate test is inconclusive.
 If the second derivative test equals 0, it could be a point of inflexion, and
the nature of the point cannot be determined. In this case, use the first
derivative test. Check the sign of the first derivative test before and after the
point to
determine if it’s a maximum, minimum, or point of inflexion.

o 3. Integrate with respect to y when finding the area between the curve and the y axis
 When finding the area between the curve and y axis, you need to integrate

equation such that 𝑥 is the new subject and the equation is now in terms of 𝑦.
with respect to y. Before you do this, make sure you have rearranged the

Page 11 of 14
12. Kinematics
 Challenges: Relating displacement, velocity, acceleration and finding total distance
 Concepts tested:

Differentiate

Displacement Velocity Acceleration

Integrate
 Tips & Strategies:

correct expression, often used to find the constant 𝐶 after integration.

o 1. Understanding question wordings/keywords as this is crucial for forming the

 ‘instantaneous rest’ or ‘stationery’: 𝑣 = 0. This indicates the particle

 ‘t seconds after passing fixed point O’ means at 𝑡 = 0, displacement 𝑠 = 0.

is changing direction (turning) at this point.

 ‘t seconds after motion has begun’ means at 𝑡 = 0, velocity 𝑣 = 0.

 ‘starting from a point 5 m from a fixed point O’ means at 𝑡 = 0, displacement
𝑠 = 5.
 ‘Maximum/minimum speed’ means 𝑎 = 0
o 2. Draw diagrams to find total distance

which happens at instantaneous rest 𝑣 = 0.

 Assume the particle travels in a straight line until it changes direction,

 Find the displacement of the particle at every instantaneous rest.

 As such, the total distance covered is not just the difference between
the initial and final displacement. Draw diagrams to track the particle’s
movements according to the time (𝑡) and accurately calculate the total
distance covered.
𝑡 =2 𝑡 = 𝑡 =2
𝑣 =0 0 𝑣 =0

𝑠=5
𝑠=
0
 Take n o𝑠t e=t h−a 4t distance travelled is also equals to the area under the
velocity- time graph

For access to more revision notes, please visit the link below
https://jimmymaths.com/secondary-math-notes/

Page 12 of 14
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