PARADIGM O Level

MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

NUMBERS MAPS AND SCALE DIRECT & INVERSE PROPORTONS

Irrational Numbers
Cannot be expressed as a fraction (eg. Pi, Square roots) Maps and Scales Level 1:
*Key in calculator to check!
Level 1: Length to Area Level 2: Area to Length y is directly proportionate to the square root of x. Given
Real Numbers
simplify that 𝑦 = 10, when 𝑥 = 25, express y in terms of x. Find y when
Rational Numbers simplify

Can be expressed as a fraction squareroot

𝑥 = 5.
square
Recurring decimals included

Natural Numbers Prime Numbers Composite Numbers Integers

Positive Whole Numbers Divide by itself or 1
(1, 2, 3, 4, 5) (2, 3, 5....)
More than 2 Factors
(4, 6, 8, 9...)
Whole Numbers
*0 included NUMBER PATTERNS
Level 2:
Linear Sequence (Common Difference between numbers)
HCF/LCM 2 5 8 11 14
If 2 men can make 40 chairs in 6 days, how long will 12 men
take to make 150 chairs?
Level 1: General Formula
Level 1: Finding HCF & LCM Fix one variable &
Common difference (𝑑) = +3, First term (𝑎) = 2 2 men 40 chairs 6 days
adjust the other two.
General Term = 𝑑𝑛 + (𝑎 − 𝑑) 12 men 40 chairs 1 day
Find HCF and LCM between 40 and 125 Adjust proportionately
= 3𝑛 + (2 − 3) = 3𝑛 − 1 12 men 150 chairs 3.75 days
Step 1: Prime Factorisation using Logic
40 = 2 3 x 5 Level 2: Typical Follow-Up Questions
125 = 53 Does 28 lie in the sequence? −1 + 3𝑛 = 28
Level 3:
HCF = 5 (Common Number, Lower Power)
LCM = 2 3× 53 (Every Number, Higher Power)
∴ Since n is not integer, 28 does not lie in the
sequence. 𝑀 is inversely proportionate to 𝑁 .2If N is increased by
30%, find the percentage decrease in M.
Level 2: Perfect Square and Cubes
Two Level Increment (Additional Knowledge) Percentage Decrease
Find the smallest integer to make 40𝑛 a perfect square & cube.
SPLIT
40 = 2 3 x 5
Perfect Square: 𝑛 = 2 × 5 (Make Power Multiple of 2) REPLACE
Perfect Cube: 52 (Make Power Multiple of 3)

2𝑎 = 2 → 𝑎 = 1
Level 3: Finding Multiples SPLIT AND REPLACE
2𝑎 = Second Increment 3𝑎 + 𝑏 = 4 → 𝑏 = 1
FRAMEWORK
Given that 𝐴 = 23 × 5 × 7, find the smallest possible integer 3𝑎 + 𝑏 = First Increment 𝑎+𝑏+𝑐=3→𝑐=1
value of 𝑘 such that 𝐴 × 𝑘 is a multiple of 3575. 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = First Term Note:
1) Increase to (BECOME) vs Increase by (ADD)
3575 = 5 × 11 × 13
2
Does not apply to Geometric Progression 2) Percentage Decrease vs Percentage Change
𝐴 = 5 × 11 × 13 (Squares, Powers, Multiplication)
What is lacking in 𝑘 to make A a multiple of 3575?

Advance: Finding Original Values (Must Know) (Additional Knowledge)

Given the HCF is 6 & LCM is 300 for 12 & 𝑥. Find 𝑥.
Greetings from Paradigm!
1.
HCF: 6 = 2 × 3 Hope this Cheatsheet can help you
When finding n+1, replace n with n+1
in your O Levels Preparation.
LCM: 300 = 22 × 3 × 52
We wish you all the best !
12 = 22 × 3
𝑥 = 2 × 3 × 52 2.
Both must have 2 × 3 as it is the HCF, then see what is lacking Sum of the first (n+1) terms - Sum of the first (n)
to create your LCM. terms will give us (n+1) term,
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

EXPANSION FACTORISATION FRACTIONS

EXPANSION FACTORISATION Simplifying algebraic fractions

Step 1: Always Remember Sign, Number & Algebra Step 1: Take Out Common Factors (to be considered first) Steps: Fully Factorise then Cancel
Step 2: Step 2:
a) Rainbow a) Grouping

Step: Cancel
Pair them up

Sometimes you need to rearrange Multiplication & Division of algebraic fractions

Steps: Fully Factorise then Cancel (If Divide, Flip Fraction)
b) Algebraic Identities

If got 5 terms, factorise first When pairing doesn’t work,

think of group in 3 (Rare)

b) Working backwards from calculator / Factorisation frame

CALCULATOR

Addition & Subtraction of algebraic fractions

Note: Square Every Term Change Solution to Factor
Steps: Factorise, make Denominator same, Combine, simplify
Note: Your expression must be fully
factorized (Step 1 & coefficient of 𝑥2 must
Application Question: not be negative).

CALCULATOR
1) Given that (𝑥 − 𝑦)2 = 50 and 𝑥𝑦 = 7, find the value of
𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 .

Note: Please remember factorising Negative to Change Signs!

Calculator

CHANGING SUBJECT FORMULA

2) Given 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 29 and 2𝑥𝑦 = 20, find the value of Remove Roots, Fractions, Brackets
c) Difference of Squares/Squareroot Method
(𝑥 − 𝑦)2 . Rearrange→Factorise→Divide

Remove Brackets
Simplify

Rearrange (ALL
Remove Square with x to Left)
Root

Remove Fraction Divide

Remember the Sq.Root Numbers
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

SOLVING ALGEBRA LINEAR INEQUALITY INDICES

1. Factorisation Concept (When to Flip Sign?) Laws of Indices

Rule: Expand & Shift everything to the left Divide by Negative Swapping
Negative Fractional Zero
−𝑥 < 5 4<𝑥 Basic Rules
Powers Powers Powers
𝑥 > −5 𝑥>4

4𝑥 − 40 < 3𝑥 + 8 ≤ 3𝑥 − 12
or
4𝑥 − 40 < −2𝑥 + 8 and −2𝑥 + 8 ≤ 3𝑥 − 12
6𝑥 < 48 and 20 ≤ 5𝑥
2. Replacement Question (Hence) Same power different base:
𝑥 < 8 and 𝑥 ≥ 4
Look at previous part,
Hence, Solve (𝑦 − 3) − 9(𝑦 − 3) + 20 = 0
2

𝑦 − 3 = 5 or 𝑦 − 3 = 4 ∴4≤𝑥<8 Simplifying
𝑦 = 8 or 𝑦 = 7 Please take note, Rule:
Flip Signs:
3. Square Roots (Completing the Square) 1. Positive Powers 2. Simplify Bases 3.Split Powers
1) Multiply or Divide by Negative
2) Swap Positions. Note: Be careful of Brackets and Divide
Rule: Square root both sides (INCLUDE ± !)

or
or Simplify Simplify
STANDARD FORM
4. Quadratic Formula Simplify Simplify
Rule: Use Mode 3,3 first, if answer decimal then use this formula Standard Form
Identify your coefficient a, b, c.
Solving
Present your working! You MUST show the substitution of values. Rule:
1. Value Must be Between 1-10 Rule: You want to compare Powers, so your job is to
2. Memorise the Naming Conventions 1. Change Base, Combine Base, Compare Power!
Kilo +3 Milli -3 Solve
5. Completing the Square Mega +6 Micro,u -6 Change Base
Giga +9 Nano -9 Common Base
Tera +12 Pico -12 Combine Base
Coefficient of 𝑥 2 must be:
Positive and One 3. Use ENG (Casio Calculator to help you Simplify Long
Numbers) Solving Indices through Factorisation
Factorise if it is not e.g.

Without using a calculator, show that 217 − 214 is divisible by 7.

Then you conduct C.T.S, on
the experience in Bracket.
Timeline to O Levels
Since it has a factor of 7, it is divisible by 7.
Jun – Complete Topical Revision (TYS) & Notes
Jul – Kickstart Prelim Papers Solve
Aug – Prepare for Prelims
Sep – Complete Yearly TYS + Prelim Papers
Oct – Final Revision. Ready to ACE O’s!
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

QUADRATIC GRAPHS SPEED TIME GRAPH COORDINATE GEOMETRY

Note: ALWAYS look at AXIS & UNITS before you start.
Line of Symmetry Paper 1
Distance
Equation of Lines
For Distance-Time Graph, look at Y Axis for Total Vertical Line Horizontal Line Slope Line
Roots Roots Distance Distance travelled, usually distance do not 𝑥=𝑎 𝑦=𝑏 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + c
decrease. 10

9
Gradient:
Y Intercept 8

Distance (m)
7

5 Length of Line:
4

Graph Sketching Type 1 (Factorise Method) 3

Basic Questions
2

Step 1: Find Roots

1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Mode 3,3 and Sub 𝑦 = 0 Time (s)

1. Finding Unknown Coordinates
2. Draw Curve (Coordinates, Axis, Smoothness)
Speed (Rate of Change of Distance) Note: Please Ensure Axis Correct before Draw Curve
3. Finding Turning Points, Y Intercept, Roots
4
4. Finding Range where Graph is Above or Below a Certain value
5. Finding Gradient and Tangent

v (m/s)
Step 2: Find your Minimum Point

Advance: Intersection (Make Curve = Line)

𝑥 Coordinate of Minimum Point = 2
t(s)
4 6

Graph Equation, x 0 1 2
𝑦 coordinate of Minimum Point = Gradient of Speed-Time Graph gives you ACCELERATION.
y 1 3 5
Step 3: Find Y Intercept Sub 𝑥 = 0, y = 2 Area under Speed-Time Graph gives you TOTAL DISTANCE. Level 1: Solve
Simply Draw 𝑦 = 3 and look at intersect
Graph Sketching Type 2 (Completing the Square)
Level 2: Solve
Step 1: Find your turning point***
Question: Finding Speed at a Particular Point Draw 2𝑥 + 1 with the help of a table.
Turning Point: (−4, −3)
Step 1: Find Gradient of the Line Level 3: Solve
Turning Point: (2, 3) Remember my job is to make Curve = Line
Step 2: Use Gradient to get the Missing Value
∴ for 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘, the turning point is (ℎ, 𝑘)
2

Step 2: Find Y-Intercept (As Usual) Note: DO NOT USE (Prone to Careless)
𝑆𝑢𝑏 𝑥 = 0
Step 3: Find Roots (Square Root Method) Acceleration (Rate of Change of Speed)
𝑆𝑢𝑏 𝑦 = 0
Deceleration = Retardation. Retardation itself has
Draw 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 4 with the help of a table
NEGATIVE connotation. Do not need to add Negative in
𝑥 − 4 = ±2 𝑥 = 2 or 6 front of value.
If 𝑥 has no real solutions, graph lies entirely above or below the axis. Forming New Equation*(Reverse Intersection L3)

Draw the line Curve Equation:

SPEED TIME GRAPH CONVERSION
GRAPH FUNCTIONS Write down the 𝑥 coordinates of the point where line
intersects the curve.
Find the equation, in the form
which is satisfied by the values of 𝑥 found in previous part.
Note: Equate Curve and Line and Make into the Given Form
Accelerating
uniformly

Decelerating
uniformly
Reflect about x-axis if it’s Negative
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

CONGRUENCY & SIMILARITY ANGLES AND POLYGONS Bearings

1. Measure clockwise from NORTH
Proving Congruency 2. Bearing of A from B. We look at B!
Sum of Interior Angles: 3. Bearing have 3 Digits. 004°, 063°, 297°, can have
You need to have minimally 1 Side: SSS, SAS, AAS, RHS
(𝑛 − 2)(180°) decimals, e.g.,012.3°
Cannot prove by ASS or AAA!
4. ALWAYS drop your North Line DOWN LONGER! This will
Sum of Exterior Angles: expose yourself to more angle properties
Proving Similarity (Alternate Angles, Corresponding Angles, Interior Angles)
360° Triangle Quadrilateral Pentagon Hexagon

Note: Please Remember Corresponding Naming Order

1. AA Property Interior + Exterior = 180°
2. All Corresponding Sides have the same ratio. (SSS) If regular polygon, Heptagon Octagon nonagon Decagon
3. 2 of the Corresponding Sides have the same ratio and the divide by the number of
included angle is equal. (SAS) sides, n, to find each angle.
If not, subtract individual
Finding Unknown Sides exterior angles

Trigonometry Formula
Sub in what you have,
to find your unknown. ANGLES OF ELEVATION & DEPRESSION
Right
Angle
Similar Figures

Non-Right
Angle

The surface areas of two similar spheres are in the ratio of Finding the GREATEST ELEVATION
4:25. Area of Triangle
Step 1: Draw your Shortest Perpendicular Line
a) The radius of the larger sphere is 10cm. Find the radius of
Step 2: Apply Area Formula to find SHORTEST DISTANCE
the smallest sphere. Caution for Obtuse Sine Rule
b) If the mass of the smaller sphere is 1.6kg. Find the mass of
the larger sphere. When you use Sine Rule to Get Your Angle, please double Step 3: Use TOA to find the Angle
a) From Area to Length (Just Square Root) check if the angle should be less or more than 90°.
Example:
Ratio of Surface Area = 4:25
Ratio of Length = 2:5 This is because both 𝑠𝑖𝑛30 = 0.5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛150 = 0.5 and
Radius of Smallest sphere = when you use inverse sin (0.5) on your calculator, it will
show 30°.
b) From Length to Volume/Mass/Cost (Just Cube)
Ratio of Length = 2:5 Therefore, look at the diagram and if you know that angle
Ratio of Volume = 8: 125 is more than a right angle, take 180° − 30° = 150°
Mass of Larger Sphere =
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

MENSURATION CIRCLES MATRICES

Mensuration Addition and Subtraction of Matrices
Circle Properties
Cone Pyramid Explanation questions:
1. 1) Understand every
Angles in the same element
2) Remember the word
segment are equal ‘RESPECTIVELY’
2.
Surface Area: Surface Area: Base Area + Side

Volume: Volume:
Product of a Scalar Quantity and a Matrices
Angle in a semicircle is a
right angle, 90.
Hemi-Sphere Sphere 1.

Surface Area: Surface Area: Angle at the centre is Multiplication of Matrices

twice the angles at the
Volume: Volume:
circumference. 1.

Prism Cylinder
Angles in opposite segments
Product of the above matrix 𝐥 × 3 and (3 × 𝟐) will produce a matrix of (l × 2).
of a circle are supplementary. *Knowing this concept allows you to rearrange or produce a new matrices for
(opposite angles in a cyclic Adds to 180 solving
Surface Area: Base Area + Side Surface Area: quadrilateral are
supplementary.
Volume: Cross Sectional Area x L Volume:
A tangent to a circle is FINANCE
perpendicular to the radius at
the point of contact. Simple Interest: Compound Interest:

ARC SECTOR SEGMENT Tangent from external point

are equal.
Compound Interest Periods

Look for Radius, Tangent, Diameter (RTD) FIRST to determine which 1. Remember outputs of Formula.
properties you will be using! 2. Hire Purchase is simply an instalment plan with down
payment.
Method 1: Elimination
Method 2: Reverse Engineer Invest $10,000, compounded at 12% per annum for 3 years

Special Questions: Interest Rate Periods

1. Isosceles Triangle (2 Radiuses) Compound Yearly 12% 3
Remember that 2 angles are the same in isosceles triangle
Compound Semi 12 ÷ 2 = 6% 3 x 2 = 6
Annually
2. Question indicates Parallel Lines
Use Corresponding Angles or Alternate Angles Compound Quarterly 12 ÷ 4 = 3% 3 × 4 = 12
Compound Monthly 12 ÷ 12 = 1% 3 × 12 = 36
Must Know 3. Does the point lie inside/on/outside the circles?
If Angle is equal to the Angle on the same segment, ON Circle
1) Arc Length = Base Taxes
If Angle is less than the Angle on the same segment, OUTSIDE
Circumference of Cone If Angle is more than the Angle on the same segment, INSIDE Chargeable Income Rate (%) Gross Tax Payable ($)
First $20,000 0 0
2) Radius of Arc is Next $10,000 2 200
4. Does the 4 points lie on a circle?
Equal to Slant Length of Use opposite angles in the cyclic quadrilateral to prove
First $30,000
Next $10,000
-
3.50
200
350
Cone OR First $40,000 - 550
Use Angles in the same segment is equal to prove Next $40,000 7 2,800
First $80,000 - 3,350
Next $40,000 11.5 4,600
 PARADIGM O Level
MATH
MATH SPECIALIST Paradigm E Math Mathematics

EXAM CHEATSHEET
SPECIALIST

SETS STATISTICS PROBABILITY

Symbols Finding Mean & Standard Deviation Concept

SET/VENN DIAGRAM NOTATION TABLE Addition of Probability Probability Diagram

SYMBOL DEFINITION EXAMPLE EXPLANATION P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)

Head Tail
∈ element of A ∈B A is an element of B
Head H,H H,T
∉ not an element A ∉B A is not an element of B Multiplication of Probability
of Tail H,T T,T
P(A or B) = P(A) x P(B)
⊆ subset of A ⊆B A is a subset of B Finding Standard Deviation
⊄ not a subset of A ⊄B A is not a subset of B Product of the above matrix 𝐥 × 3 and (3 × 𝟐) will produce a
∩ intersection A ∩B A intersection B Casio 96 Casio 97 Sharp W531S matrix of (l × 2). *Knowing this concept allows you to
Step 1: On Frequency Step 1: On Frequency Step 1: Key in Data
(in both sets)
Shift Mode Down 4 1 Shift Menu Down 2 1 Mode 1, 0
rearrange or produce new matrices for solving.
∪ union A ∪B A union B Step 2: Key in Data
Mode, 2, 1
Step 2: Key in Data
Menu, 3, 1
Step 2: Retrieve SD
ON, Alpha, 8, 2
(in set A and/or B) Step 3: Retrieve SD Step 3: Retrieve SD Press 1 for Average,
' complement A' A complement (not A) ON, Shift 1, 4 OPTN, 3 Press 3, for Standard Dev

VECTORS
1. Each object in a set is called the element/member of the set. Standard Deviation
∈
2. If x is an element of set A, we write x A.
Method
3. Listing the elements. ___{ }___ Concept 1) Addition of Vectors (Direction is very important)
4. An empty set or a null set is a set containing no elements. It 2) Check if the question is asking for column vectors or
∅
is denoted by ___{ } / _____ Mode: Highest Frequency coordinates.
5. The number of elements of set A is denoted by n(A). 3) Explanation of relationship between 3 points.
⊆
6. Difference between Proper Subset and Subset. 𝐴 𝐵, A is a
Mean: Average
Median: Middle Value (See Saw Method) Method 1 Method 2
subset of B when every element of A is in B & whatever A has, B
⊂
(Similar Triangle) (Non-Similar Triangles)
also has and may have more. 𝐴 𝐵, A is a proper subset of B
Range = Highest Value - Lowest Value
when every element of A is in B & B has at least one more Median = 50 Percentile
element than is not in A. Upper Quartile = 75 Percentile
Area of Figures: Break into Mini Triangles to find Ratio
7. The universal set, denoted by __𝜀__. Lower Quartile = 25 Percentile
Interquartile Range = UQ - LQ

Explanation
Venn Diagram Explanation Question:
Use Median for Performance
Use Inter Quartile Range for Cosistency
Step 1: Start with Longer Vector
*Shifting of curve changes median but not
Step 2: Factorise
IQR
*Steeping/Flattening of curve changes IQR Step 3: Replace
Buy may not change Median (Depends on
Qn)

A ∪B A ∪B' Since BC = 2AB and B is a common point, A, B, C are

collinear.
Statistics Explanation (Misleading Question)
1. Aspect: Graph does not start from Y Axis
Misinterpretation: False Impression that … but in reality it is….
2. Aspect: Year is left out/Biased Title
Misinterpretation: Unable to conclude….
3. Aspect: Objects/Table not of the same size
A' ∪B A' ∪B' Misinterpretation: It is unclear how ___ is determined as different
readers can have different interpretations.