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MathematicsGrade 1240 min

Grade 12 Maths Paper 1: Formula and Study Guide

Every Paper 1 topic with the formulas you must know — built for final exam revision.

Paper 1 topics

Algebra: quadratics (formula, discriminant, factorising), simultaneous equations, inequalities, nature of roots. Sequences and series: arithmetic (Tn = a + (n−1)d; Sn = n/2[2a + (n−1)d]), geometric (Tn = arⁿ⁻¹; S∞ = a/(1−r), |r| < 1), sigma notation. Functions: parabola, hyperbola, exponential and log graphs; shifting and reflecting. Calculus: first principles, rules of differentiation, tangents, cubic graphs, maxima/minima and rates of change. Financial maths: compound interest, depreciation, annuities and sinking funds, timelines.

Must-know formulas

  • x = [−b ± √(b² − 4ac)] / 2a
  • Sn (arithmetic) = n/2[2a + (n−1)d]
  • A = P(1 + i)ⁿ
  • f′(x) = lim[h→0] [f(x+h) − f(x)]/h

Strategy

Paper 1 rewards accuracy. Practise without a calculator, show every step, and re-do every question you get wrong within 48 hours.

Follow along (device voice)

Listen and follow along as each word is spoken

Paper 1 topics Algebra : quadratics formula, discriminant, factorising , simultaneous equations, inequalities, nature of roots. Sequences and series : arithmetic Tn = a + n−1 d; Sn = n/2 2a + n−1 d , geometric Tn = arⁿ⁻¹; S∞ = a/ 1−r , |r| < 1 , sigma notation. Functions : parabola, hyperbola, exponential and log graphs; shifting and reflecting. Calculus : first principles, rules of differentiation, tangents, cubic graphs, maxima/minima and rates of change. Financial maths : compound interest, depreciation, annuities and sinking funds, timelines. Must-know formulas - x = −b ± √ b² − 4ac / 2a - Sn arithmetic = n/2 2a + n−1 d - A = P 1 + i ⁿ - f′ x = lim h→0 f x+h − f x /h Strategy Paper 1 rewards accuracy. Practise without a calculator, show every step, and re-do every question you get wrong within 48 hours.