Roughly how the marks are spread
Confirm the current weighting against the DBE examination guidelines for your year.
- Statistics, including regression and ogives — about 20 marks.
- Analytical geometry — about 40 marks.
- Trigonometry, including identities, equations, graphs and the sine, cosine and area rules — about 50 marks.
- Euclidean geometry, including circle theorems and similarity — about 40 marks.
Worked example: analytical geometry
Given A(−2, 1) and B(4, 5), find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of AB. Midpoint = ((−2+4)/2, (1+5)/2) = (1, 3). Gradient of AB = (5−1)/(4−(−2)) = 4/6 = 2/3, so the perpendicular gradient is −3/2.
Equation: y − 3 = −3/2 (x − 1), that is y = −3/2 x + 9/2. Always state the midpoint and both gradients — each is a mark.
Worked example: circle geometry reason writing
If PQ is a tangent to a circle at T and TR is a chord, then the angle between the tangent and the chord equals the angle in the alternate segment. Write the reason exactly: 'tan-chord'.
Geometry marks are split between the statement and the accepted reason. A correct angle with no reason usually earns half the marks available.
Presentation rules that protect marks
- Redraw or label the diagram in the answer book before you start.
- Number each statement so your reasoning can be followed.
- Use accepted abbreviations from the examination guidelines, not invented ones.
- Check your calculator is in degrees before any trigonometry question.
Official sources
Check the latest information with your school and the Department of Basic Education.