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: Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1% · R9 · 000 is. 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: Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is. 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 Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 0.01 × 9000 = 90. 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: 1% · R9 · 000 is. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.01×9000=90.
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% · R9 · 000 is. 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: Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 is. 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 Employee UIF at 1% of R9 000 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: 1% · R9 · 000 is. 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
0.01×9000=90.
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
0.01×9000=90.
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
R90
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
R90
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R90
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…”
1.2 · 2 Marks
VAT 15% included in R115. Price before 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: VAT 15% included in R115. Price before VAT?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 15% · R115. 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: Price before VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Price before VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1151. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Price before VAT.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 1151.15=100. 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: 15% · R115. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1151.15=100.
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: 15% · R115. 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: Price before VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Price before VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1151. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Price before 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: 15% · R115. 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
1151.15=100.
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
1151.15=100.
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
R100
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
R100
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R100
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…”
1.3 · 2 Marks
24 × R250 instalments. 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: 24 × R250 instalments. Total paid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 24 · R250 instalments. 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: 24 × 250 = 6 000. 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: 24 × 250 = 6 000. 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: 24 · R250 instalments. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
24×250=6 000.
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: 24 · R250 instalments. 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: 24 × 250 = 6 000. 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: 24 · R250 instalments. 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
24×250=6 000.
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
24×250=6 000.
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
R6 000
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 000
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R6 000
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…”
2.1 · 3 Marks
Cash R5 000. HP 20 × R300. Extra?
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 R5 000. HP 20 × R300. Extra?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R5 · 000 · 20 · R300. 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. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Extra. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 6000 − 5000 = 1000. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 6000 − 5000 = 1000. 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: R5 · 000 · 20 · R300. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
6000−5000=1000.
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: R5 · 000 · 20 · R300. 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. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Extra. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 6000 − 5000 = 1000. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra.
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: R5 · 000 · 20 · R300. 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
6000−5000=1000.
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
6000−5000=1000.
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
R1 000
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
R1 000
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R1 000
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…”
2.2 · 3 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: A = 40+30 = 70. 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
If you have never seen this before: A = 40+30 = 70. B = 4×15 = 60. B is cheaper. 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: R40 · R2unit · R4unit · 15 units. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
A = 40+30 = 70. B = 4×15 = 60. B is cheaper.
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: A = 40+30 = 70. 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
A = 40+30 = 70. B = 4×15 = 60. B is cheaper.
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
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
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: B
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…”
2.3 · 3 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: × 1 000. 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
If you have never seen this before: × 1 000. 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: 2 m³. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
× 1 000.
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: × 1 000. 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
× 1 000.
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…”
3.1 · 3 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: Same direction. 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: Same direction. Correlation is not causation. 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?
Same direction. Correlation is not 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: 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: Same direction. 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
Same direction. Correlation is not 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. 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…”
3.2 · 3 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: 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected value.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 0.3 × 20 = 6. 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: R20 · 0.3 else · R0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.3×20=6.
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: 0. 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
0.3×20=6.
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…”
3.3 · 3 Marks
Inflation 5% two years on R200. After two years?
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: Inflation 5% two years on R200. After two years?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5% · R200. 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: After two years. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: After two years. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 200 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get After two years.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 200 × 1.05 × 1.05 = 220.50. 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: 5% · R200. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
200×1.05×1.05=220.50.
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: 5% · R200. 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: After two years. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: After two years. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 200 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get After two years.
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: 5% · R200. 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
200×1.05×1.05=220.50.
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
200×1.05×1.05=220.50.
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
R220.50
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
R220.50
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R220.50
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…”
4.1 · 4 Marks · Expected value and compound chance
Two fair coins. P(at least one head)?
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: Two fair coins. P(at least one head)?
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: P(at least one head). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: P(at least one head). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1 − P(TT) = 34. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(at least one head).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: 1 − P(TT) = 34. 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?
1−P(TT)=34.
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: P(at least one head). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: P(at least one head). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1 − P(TT) = 34. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(at least one head).
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
1−P(TT)=34.
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−P(TT)=34.
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
34
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
34
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 34
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…”
4.2 · 4 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: 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
If you have never seen this before: π r² h = 3.14 × 1 × 2 = 6.28. 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: 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?
π r² h=3.14×1×2=6.28.
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: 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: 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
π r² h=3.14×1×2=6.28.
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…”
4.3 · 4 Marks
On a SARS table you still
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: On a SARS table you still
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: On a SARS table you still. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: On a SARS table you still. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Bracket tax minus rebate. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get On a SARS table you still.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
If you have never seen this before: Bracket tax minus rebate. 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?
Bracket tax minus rebate.
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: On a SARS table you still. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: On a SARS table you still. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Bracket tax minus rebate. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get On a SARS table you still.
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
Bracket tax minus rebate.
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
Bracket tax minus rebate.
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
subtract the rebate on its own line
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
subtract the rebate on its own line
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: subtract the rebate on its own line
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…”
13 · 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…”
14 · 2 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: negative. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Correlation.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
negative
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?
negative
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: negative. 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
negative
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…”
15 · 4 Marks
Inflation 6% two years in a row on R100. After two years the price 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: Inflation 6% two years in a row on R100. After two years the price is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 6% · R100. 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: After two years the price is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: After two years the price is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 100 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get After two years the price is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
100×1.06×1.06=112.36. Not 12%.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 6% · R100. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
100×1.06×1.06=112.36. Not 12%.
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: 6% · R100. 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: After two years the price is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: After two years the price is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 100 × 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get After two years the price 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: 6% · R100. 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
100×1.06×1.06=112.36. Not 12%.
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
100×1.06×1.06=112.36. Not 12%.
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
R112.36
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
R112.36
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R112.36
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 · 3 Marks
Price including 15% VAT is R230. Price excluding 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: Price including 15% VAT is R230. Price excluding VAT?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 15% · R230. 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: Price excluding VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Price excluding VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 2301. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Price excluding VAT.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
2301.15=200.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 15% · R230. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
2301.15=200.
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: 15% · R230. 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: Price excluding VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Price excluding VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: 2301. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Price excluding 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: 15% · R230. 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
2301.15=200.
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
2301.15=200.
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
R200
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
R200
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R200
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
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
18 · 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…”
19 · 2 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: R300. 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
R300
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?
R300
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: R300. 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
R300
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…”
20 · 2 Marks
A basket of groceries in Cape Town costs R7000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Notes: A basket of groceries in Cape Town 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town 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 · 2 Marks
24 instalments of R200. 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: 24 instalments of R200. Total paid?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 24 instalments · R200. 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: 24 × 200 = 4 800. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Total paid.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
24×200=4 800.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 24 instalments · R200. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
24×200=4 800.
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: 24 instalments · R200. 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: 24 × 200 = 4 800. 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: 24 instalments · R200. 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
24×200=4 800.
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
24×200=4 800.
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 800
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 800
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R4 800
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 · 3 Marks
Deposit R1 000, then 12 × R450, cash was R5 500. Extra?
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 R1 000, then 12 × R450, cash was R5 500. Extra?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R1 · 000 · 12 · R450 · R5 · 500. 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. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Extra. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Extra 6400−5500=900.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R1 · 000 · 12 · R450 · R5 · 500. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Extra 6400−5500=900.
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: R1 · 000 · 12 · R450 · R5 · 500. 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. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Extra. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate: What we need to calculate: Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Extra.
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: R1 · 000 · 12 · R450 · R5 · 500. 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
Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Extra 6400−5500=900.
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
Total paid 1000+5400=6400. Extra 6400−5500=900.
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
R900
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
R900
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R900
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
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: 400 ℓ. 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
400 ℓ
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?
400 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: 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: 400 ℓ. 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
400 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
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…”
24 · 2 Marks
A basket of groceries in Mbombela costs R4000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Notes: A basket of groceries in Mbombela costs R4000 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 Mbombela costs R4000 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: R4000 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 = 4000 × 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=4000×1.06=4240.
2. What do we already know?
A basket of groceries in Mbombela costs R4000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
3. Which method — and why this one?
New=4000×1.06=4240.
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: R4000 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 = 4000 × 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 Mbombela costs R4000 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=4000×1.06=4240.
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=4000×1.06=4240.
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
R4240.00
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
R4240.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R4240.00
6. Check it like a marker
New=4000×1.06=4240.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R240.00
25 · 2 Marks · Expected value and compound chance
P(win R40)=0.2, else R0. Expected winnings?
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 R40)=0.2, else R0. Expected winnings?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 · 0.2 · 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 winnings. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Expected winnings. 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 winnings.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
0.2×40=8.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 · 0.2 · R0. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
0.2×40=8.
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 · 0.2 · 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 winnings. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find: We are required to find: Expected winnings. 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 winnings.
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 · 0.2 · 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
0.2×40=8.
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
0.2×40=8.
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
R8
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
R8
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R8
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 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
27 · 2 Marks
A basket of groceries in Kimberley costs R6000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Notes: A basket of groceries in Kimberley costs R6000 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 Kimberley costs R6000 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: R6000 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 = 6000 × 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=6000×1.06=6360.
2. What do we already know?
A basket of groceries in Kimberley costs R6000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
3. Which method — and why this one?
New=6000×1.06=6360.
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: R6000 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 = 6000 × 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 Kimberley costs R6000 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=6000×1.06=6360.
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=6000×1.06=6360.
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
R6360.00
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
R6360.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R6360.00
6. Check it like a marker
New=6000×1.06=6360.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R360.00
28 · 2 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: R5. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Expected.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
R5
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?
R5
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: R5. 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
R5
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…”
29 · 2 Marks
A basket of groceries in Gqeberha costs R6000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
Notes: A basket of groceries in Gqeberha costs R6000 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 Gqeberha costs R6000 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: R6000 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 = 6000 × 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=6000×1.06=6360.
2. What do we already know?
A basket of groceries in Gqeberha costs R6000 this year. Inflation is 6%. Next year's cost, to the nearest rand
3. Which method — and why this one?
New=6000×1.06=6360.
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: R6000 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 = 6000 × 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 Gqeberha costs R6000 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=6000×1.06=6360.
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=6000×1.06=6360.
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
R6360.00
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
R6360.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R6360.00
6. Check it like a marker
New=6000×1.06=6360.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R360.00
30 · 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…”