In this week’s H2 Math tuition class, we had a go at this particular Rate of Change question from Victoria Junior College. JC students widely consider this to be a very difficult Rate of Change question, but I want to talk about a very interesting observation. Look at the solution independently from the original H2 Math question. It is surprisingly similar to that of an O Level question, isn’t it?
Given that both solutions are virtually identical, why is H2 Math so much harder than O Level Additional Math then? Two words: Instructional components (or rather, the lack thereof).
To explain, when it comes to doing Additional Math questions in secondary school, it is very much a guided process. Questions at this level are usually very instructional, relatively speaking. All the information you need to solve a question will be laid out in front of you. You will be clued in step-by-step. It is a rather straightforward affair of getting from point A to point B.
This is the simple reason why it feels like the rug is pulled out from beneath your feet when it comes to H2 Math. A Level questions have missing instructions. The critical bits are there of course, just not in plain view. It is now up to you to parse the question and glean all necessary bits of data you need. This is the only way to make logical leaps across the yawning chasms. It is a bit like assembling Ikea furniture without any instructions!
So, my advice is: prepare to do a lot of head-scratching as you attack JC Math questions with a fine-tooth comb. The good thing is that building bridges that lead you to the solution is truly rewarding. As they say, there's nothing as satisfying as scratching an itch.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjYzY1GpKqI