Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Gross R15 000. UIF 1%?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R15 · 000 · 1%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: UIF 1%. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: UIF 1%. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get UIF 1%.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 0.01 × 15 000 = 150. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R15 · 000 · 1%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.01×15 000=150.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R15 · 000 · 1%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: UIF 1%. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: UIF 1%. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get UIF 1%.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R15 · 000 · 1%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
0.01×15 000=150.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
0.01×15 000=150.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R150
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R150
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R150
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
2 · 5 Marks
Deposit R500 + 10 × R400. Total paid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Deposit R500 + 10 × R400. Total paid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R500 · 10 · R400. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Total paid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Total paid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 500 + 4 000 = 4 500. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Total paid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 500 + 4 000 = 4 500. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R500 · 10 · R400. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
500+4 000=4 500.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R500 · 10 · R400. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Total paid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Total paid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 500 + 4 000 = 4 500. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Total paid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R500 · 10 · R400. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
500+4 000=4 500.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
500+4 000=4 500.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R4 500
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R4 500
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R4 500
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
3 · 5 Marks
Including VAT R345. Excluding 15% VAT?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Including VAT R345. Excluding 15% VAT?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R345 · 15%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Excluding 15% VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Excluding 15% VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 3451. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Excluding 15% VAT.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 3451.15=300. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R345 · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
3451.15=300.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R345 · 15%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Excluding 15% VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Excluding 15% VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 3451. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Excluding 15% VAT.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R345 · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
3451.15=300.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
3451.15=300.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R300
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R300
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R300
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
4 · 5 Marks
A: 30+5n. B: 8n. Equal n?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A: 30+5n. B: 8n. Equal n?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 30 · 5n · 8n. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Equal n. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Equal n. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 30+5n=8n. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Equal n.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 30+5n=8n → 30=3n → n=10. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 30 · 5n · 8n. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
30+5n=8n→30=3n→n=10.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 30 · 5n · 8n. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Equal n. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Equal n. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 30+5n=8n. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Equal n.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 30 · 5n · 8n. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
30+5n=8n→30=3n→n=10.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
30+5n=8n→30=3n→n=10.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
10
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
10
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 10
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
5 · 5 Marks
0.4 m³ in litres?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: 0.4 m³ in litres?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.4 m³. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 4 m³ in litres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 4 m³ in litres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 4 m³ in litres.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 0.4 × 1 000 = 400. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.4 m³. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.4×1 000=400.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.4 m³. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 4 m³ in litres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: 4 m³ in litres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 4 m³ in litres.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.4 m³. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
0.4×1 000=400.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
0.4×1 000=400.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
400 ℓ
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
400 ℓ
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 400 ℓ
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
6 · 5 Marks · Expected value and compound chance
P(win R100)=0.05 else 0. Expected?
Formulas
E(X)=Σ (value × probability)
Expected value
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: P(win R100)=0.05 else 0. Expected?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R100 · 0.05 else · 0. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Expected. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Expected. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 0.05 × 100 = 5. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R100 · 0.05 else · 0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.05×100=5.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R100 · 0.05 else · 0. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Expected. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Expected. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R100 · 0.05 else · 0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
0.05×100=5.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
0.05×100=5.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R5
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R5
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R5
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
7 · 5 Marks · Bivariate data and scatter plots
x up, y down on a scatter. Correlation?
Formulas
positive / negativeno correlation
Describe the scatter
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: x up, y down on a scatter. Correlation?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Opposite directions. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: Opposite directions. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Opposite directions.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Opposite directions. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Opposite directions.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Opposite directions.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
negative
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
negative
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: negative
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
8 · 5 Marks
Tiles 0.5 m by 0.5 m to cover 8 m². How many?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Tiles 0.5 m by 0.5 m to cover 8 m². How many?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.5 m · 0.5 m · 8 m². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: How many?. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: How many?. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Each 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get How many?.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: Each 0.25 m². 80.25=32. We will name a method in words, write the formula with no numbers, then substitute one line at a time.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.5 m · 0.5 m · 8 m². Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Each 0.25 m². 80.25=32.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.5 m · 0.5 m · 8 m². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: How many?. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: How many?. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Each 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get How many?.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.5 m · 0.5 m · 8 m². Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Each 0.25 m². 80.25=32.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Each 0.25 m². 80.25=32.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
32
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
32
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 32
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
9 · 2 Marks
A loan of R15000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Notes: A loan of R15000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A loan of R15000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R15000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Repayment = 15000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Repayment=15000×1.12=16800.
2. What do we already know?
A loan of R15000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Repayment=15000×1.12=16800.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R15000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Repayment = 15000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A loan of R15000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Repayment=15000×1.12=16800.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Repayment=15000×1.12=16800.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R16800.00
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R16800.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R16800.00
6. Check it like a marker
Repayment=15000×1.12=16800.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R1800.00
10 · 2 Marks · Bivariate data and scatter plots
x up and y up on a scatter plot means
Formulas
positive / negativeno correlation
Describe the scatter
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: x up and y up on a scatter plot means
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: x up and y up on a scatter plot means. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: x up and y up on a scatter plot means. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Same direction: positive correlation. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get x up and y up on a scatter plot means.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Same direction: positive correlation. Not automatically causation.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Same direction: positive correlation. Not automatically causation.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: x up and y up on a scatter plot means. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: x up and y up on a scatter plot means. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Same direction: positive correlation. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get x up and y up on a scatter plot means.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Same direction: positive correlation. Not automatically causation.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Same direction: positive correlation. Not automatically causation.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
positive correlation
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
positive correlation
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: positive correlation
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
11 · 2 Marks
A loan of R20000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Notes: A loan of R20000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A loan of R20000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R20000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Repayment = 20000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Repayment=20000×1.12=22400.
2. What do we already know?
A loan of R20000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Repayment=20000×1.12=22400.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R20000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Repayment = 20000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A loan of R20000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Repayment=20000×1.12=22400.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Repayment=20000×1.12=22400.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R22400.00
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R22400.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R22400.00
6. Check it like a marker
Repayment=20000×1.12=22400.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R2400.00
12 · 2 Marks
A loan of R30000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Notes: A loan of R30000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A loan of R30000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R30000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Repayment = 30000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Repayment=30000×1.12=33600.
2. What do we already know?
A loan of R30000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Repayment=30000×1.12=33600.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R30000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Repayment = 30000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A loan of R30000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Repayment=30000×1.12=33600.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Repayment=30000×1.12=33600.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R33600.00
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R33600.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R33600.00
6. Check it like a marker
Repayment=30000×1.12=33600.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R3600.00
13 · 4 Marks
Tiles 0.25 m by 0.25 m. Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste)?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Tiles 0.25 m by 0.25 m. Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste)?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.25 m · 0.25 m · 4 m². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Each tile 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Each tile 0.0625 m². 40.0625=64.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.25 m · 0.25 m · 4 m². Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Each tile 0.0625 m². 40.0625=64.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 0.25 m · 0.25 m · 4 m². Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Each tile 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Tiles to cover 4 m² (no waste).
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 0.25 m · 0.25 m · 4 m². Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Each tile 0.0625 m². 40.0625=64.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Each tile 0.0625 m². 40.0625=64.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
64
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
64
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 64
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
14 · 2 Marks
Cash R8 000. HP 36 × R280. Extra paid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Cash R8 000. HP 36 × R280. Extra paid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R8 · 000 · 36 · R280. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Extra paid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Extra paid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 36×280 = 10 080. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra paid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
36×280=10 080. Extra 10 080−8 000=2 080.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R8 · 000 · 36 · R280. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
36×280=10 080. Extra 10 080−8 000=2 080.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R8 · 000 · 36 · R280. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Extra paid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Extra paid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 36×280 = 10 080. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra paid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R8 · 000 · 36 · R280. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
36×280=10 080. Extra 10 080−8 000=2 080.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
36×280=10 080. Extra 10 080−8 000=2 080.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R2 080
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R2 080
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R2 080
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
15 · 2 Marks
VAT in South Africa is
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: VAT in South Africa is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: VAT in South Africa is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: VAT in South Africa is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 15%. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get VAT in South Africa is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
15%. Some basic foods are zero-rated, not all food.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
15%. Some basic foods are zero-rated, not all food.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: VAT in South Africa is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: VAT in South Africa is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 15%. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get VAT in South Africa is.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
15%. Some basic foods are zero-rated, not all food.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
15%. Some basic foods are zero-rated, not all food.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
15%
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
15%
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 15%
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
16 · 2 Marks
Take-home is roughly
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Take-home is roughly
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Take-home is roughly. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Take-home is roughly. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Net = gross − deductions. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Take-home is roughly.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Net=gross−deductions.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Net=gross−deductions.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Take-home is roughly. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Take-home is roughly. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Net = gross − deductions. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Take-home is roughly.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Net=gross−deductions.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Net=gross−deductions.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
gross minus tax, UIF and other deductions
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
gross minus tax, UIF and other deductions
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: gross minus tax, UIF and other deductions
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
17 · 2 Marks
2 m³ Jojo tank in litres?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m³. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 2 000 ℓ. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
2 000 ℓ
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m³. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
2 000 ℓ
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m³. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 2 000 ℓ. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 m³ Jojo tank in litres.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m³. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
2 000 ℓ
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
× 1 000.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
2 000 ℓ
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
2 000 ℓ
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 2 000 ℓ
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
18 · 2 Marks
A: R40+R2/unit. B: R4unit. Cheaper at 15 units?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A: R40 + R2unit. B: R4unit. Cheaper at 15 units?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 · R2unit · R4unit · 15 units. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Cheaper at 15 units. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Cheaper at 15 units. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: B. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Cheaper at 15 units.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
B
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 · R2unit · R4unit · 15 units. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
B
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 · R2unit · R4unit · 15 units. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Cheaper at 15 units. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Cheaper at 15 units. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: B. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Cheaper at 15 units.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 · R2unit · R4unit · 15 units. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
B
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
A = 40+30 = 70. B = 4×15 = 60. B is cheaper.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
B (R60 vs R70)
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
B (R60 vs R70)
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: B (R60 vs R70)
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
19 · 4 Marks · Bivariate data and scatter plots
An outlier on a scatter plot is
Formulas
positive / negativeno correlation
Describe the scatter
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: An outlier on a scatter plot is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: An outlier on a scatter plot is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: An outlier on a scatter plot is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Circle it. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get An outlier on a scatter plot is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Circle it. Do not force it onto the trend line.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Circle it. Do not force it onto the trend line.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: An outlier on a scatter plot is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: An outlier on a scatter plot is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Circle it. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get An outlier on a scatter plot is.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Circle it. Do not force it onto the trend line.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Circle it. Do not force it onto the trend line.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
a point that breaks the pattern
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
a point that breaks the pattern
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: a point that breaks the pattern
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
20 · 2 Marks
A basket of groceries in Johannesburg costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Notes: A basket of groceries in Johannesburg costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A basket of groceries in Johannesburg costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R7000 this · 6%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Next year's cost, to the nearest rand. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Next year's cost, to the nearest rand. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: New = 7000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Next year's cost, to the nearest rand.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
New=7000×1.06=7420.
2. What do we already know?
A basket of groceries in Johannesburg costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
3. Which method — and why this one?
New=7000×1.06=7420.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R7000 this · 6%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Next year's cost, to the nearest rand. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Next year's cost, to the nearest rand. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: New = 7000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Next year's cost, to the nearest rand.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A basket of groceries in Johannesburg costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
New=7000×1.06=7420.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
New=7000×1.06=7420.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R7420.00
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R7420.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R7420.00
6. Check it like a marker
New=7000×1.06=7420.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R420.00
21 · 3 Marks
A: 40 + 4n. B: 10n. Usage where costs are equal?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A: 40 + 4n. B: 10n. Usage where costs are equal?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 40 · 4n · 10n. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Usage where costs are equal. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Usage where costs are equal. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 40 + 4n = 10n. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Usage where costs are equal.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
40+4n=10n→40=6n→n=6.67 units.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 40 · 4n · 10n. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
40+4n=10n→40=6n→n=6.67 units.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 40 · 4n · 10n. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Usage where costs are equal. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Usage where costs are equal. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 40 + 4n = 10n. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Usage where costs are equal.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 40 · 4n · 10n. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
40+4n=10n→40=6n→n=6.67 units.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
40+4n=10n→40=6n→n=6.67 units.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
n=6.67
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
n=6.67
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: n=6.67
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
22 · 2 Marks
Hours studied up, marks up. Correlation?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Hours studied up, marks up. Correlation?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: positive. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
positive
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
positive
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: positive. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
positive
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Same direction. Correlation is not causation.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
positive
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
positive
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: positive
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
23 · 2 Marks
Cylinder r = 2 m, h = 1 m. Volume? π = 3.14
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Cylinder r = 2 m, h = 1 m. Volume? π = 3.14
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m · 1 m · 3.14. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 14. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 14. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: π r² h = 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 14.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
π r² h=3.14×4×1=12.56.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m · 1 m · 3.14. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
π r² h=3.14×4×1=12.56.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2 m · 1 m · 3.14. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 14. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: 14. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: π r² h = 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 14.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2 m · 1 m · 3.14. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
π r² h=3.14×4×1=12.56.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
π r² h=3.14×4×1=12.56.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
12.56 m³
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
12.56 m³
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 12.56 m³
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
24 · 2 Marks
To choose the cheaper tariff at a given usage you
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: To choose the cheaper tariff at a given usage you
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Show both totals, then compare.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Show both totals, then compare.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 07
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 07
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
03 / 07
Step C — Name the method in words
Show both totals, then compare.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
04 / 07
Working
Show both totals, then compare.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
05 / 07
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
06 / 07
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
substitute that usage into both formulas
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
07 / 07
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
substitute that usage into both formulas
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: substitute that usage into both formulas
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
25 · 2 Marks · Expected value and compound chance
P(win R20)=0.3 else R0. Expected value?
Formulas
E(X)=Σ (value × probability)
Expected value
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: P(win R20)=0.3 else R0. Expected value?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R20 · 0.3 else · R0. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Expected value. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Expected value. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: R6. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected value.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
R6
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R20 · 0.3 else · R0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
R6
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R20 · 0.3 else · R0. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Expected value. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Expected value. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: R6. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected value.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R20 · 0.3 else · R0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
R6
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
0.3×20=6.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R6
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R6
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R6
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
26 · 2 Marks
A loan of R5000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Notes: A loan of R5000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A loan of R5000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R5000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Repayment = 5000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Repayment=5000×1.12=5600.
2. What do we already know?
A loan of R5000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Repayment=5000×1.12=5600.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R5000 is · 12%. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Amount repaid. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Amount repaid. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Repayment = 5000 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Amount repaid.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A loan of R5000 is repaid with 12% interest added once. Amount repaid?
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Repayment=5000×1.12=5600.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Repayment=5000×1.12=5600.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
R5600.00
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
R5600.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R5600.00
6. Check it like a marker
Repayment=5000×1.12=5600.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R600.00
27 · 4 Marks
A deal that is cheaper at low usage but dearer at high usage has
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A deal that is cheaper at low usage but dearer at high usage has
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
The lines cross at break-even usage. Compare both substitutions.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
The lines cross at break-even usage. Compare both substitutions.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 07
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 07
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
03 / 07
Step C — Name the method in words
The lines cross at break-even usage. Compare both substitutions.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
04 / 07
Working
The lines cross at break-even usage. Compare both substitutions.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
05 / 07
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
06 / 07
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
a higher per-unit rate after a low fixed charge, or the reverse — compare both graphs
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
07 / 07
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
a higher per-unit rate after a low fixed charge, or the reverse — compare both graphs
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: a higher per-unit rate after a low fixed charge, or the reverse — compare both graphs
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
28 · 2 Marks · Tariffs, tax tables and profit models
A break-even point is where
Formulas
choose the option with the smaller cost at that usage
Compare two deals
Notes: A break-even point is where
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: A break-even point is where
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: A break-even point is where. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: A break-even point is where. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Below break-even the business makes a loss. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A break-even point is where.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Below break-even the business makes a loss. Above it, a profit.
2. What do we already know?
A break-even point is where
3. Which method — and why this one?
Below break-even the business makes a loss. Above it, a profit.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: A break-even point is where. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: A break-even point is where. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Below break-even the business makes a loss. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get A break-even point is where.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
A break-even point is where
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Below break-even the business makes a loss. Above it, a profit.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Below break-even the business makes a loss. Above it, a profit.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
income equals costs
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
income equals costs
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: income equals costs
6. Check it like a marker
Below break-even the business makes a loss. Above it, a profit.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
profit is at its maximum
29 · 2 Marks
Hours of TV up, test marks down. Correlation?
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Hours of TV up, test marks down. Correlation?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Opposite directions: negative correlation. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Opposite directions: negative correlation.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Opposite directions: negative correlation.
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: no numbers yet — only a name, a diagram, or a worded unknown. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: Correlation. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Correlation. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Opposite directions: negative correlation. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
Opposite directions: negative correlation.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
Opposite directions: negative correlation.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
negative
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
negative
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: negative
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
30 · 2 Marks
Cylinder r=1 m, h=2 m. Volume? π=3.14
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: Cylinder r=1 m, h=2 m. Volume? π=3.14
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 m · 2 m · 3.14. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 14. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 14. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 6. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 14.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
6.28 m³
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 m · 2 m · 3.14. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
6.28 m³
4. Step-by-step working
01 / 08
Step A — Read the question twice
Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
02 / 08
Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 m · 2 m · 3.14. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: 14. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: 14. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 6. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 14.
Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
03 / 08
Step B — Write the given in a column
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 m · 2 m · 3.14. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
04 / 08
Step C — Name the method in words
6.28 m³
Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
05 / 08
Working
π r² h=3.14×1×2=6.28.
Why this step: We only do one job per line so a marker can follow the marks — and so you can find a slip without starting over.
06 / 08
Step G — Sense-check the size
Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
07 / 08
Step F — Box the answer with its unit
6.28 m³
Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
08 / 08
Step H — What the marker is looking for
On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
6.28 m³
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 6.28 m³
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”