2025 · practice · Mathematical Literacy · Grade 10

Grade 10 Mathematical Literacy — Gauteng practice

Notes

Answer every question. Show the formula, the substitution, and the answer with units. Calculators allowed. These are original practice papers in the style of the province, not a copy of a department PDF.

90 min · 88 Marks · 30 questions

Learn the paper in the app: notes, a marks breakdown, the formula you need, and the board working. You do not need to download it.

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Question breakdown

1.1 · 4 Marks
A spaza in Johannesburg sells goods for R400 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Notes: A spaza in Johannesburg sells goods for R400 before a 15% discount. The discount 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: A spaza in Johannesburg sells goods for R400 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R400 before · 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: The discount is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The discount is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 15% of 400 = 60. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The discount is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
15% of 400 = 60.
2. What do we already know?
A spaza in Johannesburg sells goods for R400 before a 15% discount. The discount is
3. Which method — and why this one?
15% of 400 = 60.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R400 before · 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: The discount is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The discount is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 15% of 400 = 60. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The discount 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  A spaza in Johannesburg sells goods for R400 before a 15% discount. The discount is
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  15% of 400 = 60.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  15% of 400 = 60.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R60.00
  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.
8. 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
R60.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R60.00
6. Check it like a marker
15% of 400 = 60.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R400.00
1.2 · 6 Marks
R540 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Notes: R540 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share 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: R540 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R540 is · 2 · 3. 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: The smaller share is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The smaller share is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 5 parts. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The smaller share is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
5 parts. One part=108. Smaller share=2 parts=216.
2. What do we already know?
R540 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 parts. One part=108. Smaller share=2 parts=216.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R540 is · 2 · 3. 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: The smaller share is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The smaller share is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 5 parts. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The smaller share 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  R540 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  5 parts. One part=108. Smaller share=2 parts=216.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  5 parts. One part=108. Smaller share=2 parts=216.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R216.00
  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.
8. 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
R216.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R216.00
6. Check it like a marker
5 parts. One part=108. Smaller share=2 parts=216.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R324.00
2.1 · 6 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
A rectangular plot is 13 m by 5 m. Area?
Formulas
P=2(L + W)A=L×WA_circle=π r²
Perimeter and area
Notes: A rectangular plot is 13 m by 5 m. Area?
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 rectangular plot is 13 m by 5 m. Area?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 13 m · 5 m. 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: Area. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Area. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Area = length × width = 65 m². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Area.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Area = length × width = 65 m². Perimeter would be 36 m.
2. What do we already know?
A rectangular plot is 13 m by 5 m. Area?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Area = length × width = 65 m². Perimeter would be 36 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 13 m · 5 m. 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: Area. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Area. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Area = length × width = 65 m². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Area.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  A rectangular plot is 13 m by 5 m. Area?
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Area = length × width = 65 m². Perimeter would be 36 m.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Area = length × width = 65 m². Perimeter would be 36 m.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  65 m²
  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.
8. 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
65 m²
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 65 m²
6. Check it like a marker
Area = length × width = 65 m². Perimeter would be 36 m.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
36 m
2.2 · 4 Marks · Mean, median, mode and graphs
1 kg=
Formulas
mean=(sum of values)n
Arithmetic mean
Notes: 1 kg=
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: 1 kg =
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 kg. 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: 1 kg =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 1 kg =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Kilo means thousand. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 1 kg =.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Kilo means thousand.
2. What do we already know?
1 kg=
3. Which method — and why this one?
Kilo means thousand.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 kg. 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: 1 kg =. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 1 kg =. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Kilo means thousand. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 1 kg =.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  1 kg=
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Kilo means thousand.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Kilo means thousand.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1 000 g
  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.
8. 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
1 000 g
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1 000 g
6. Check it like a marker
Kilo means thousand.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
100 g
3.1 · 6 Marks
A bus leaves at 07:40 and arrives at 09:10. The trip takes
Notes: A bus leaves at 07:40 and arrives at 09:10. The trip takes
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 bus leaves at 07:40 and arrives at 09:10. The trip takes
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 07 · 40 and · 09 · 10. 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: The trip takes. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The trip takes. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The trip takes.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more.
2. What do we already know?
A bus leaves at 07:40 and arrives at 09:10. The trip takes
3. Which method — and why this one?
From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 07 · 40 and · 09 · 10. 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: The trip takes. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The trip takes. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The trip takes.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  A bus leaves at 07:40 and arrives at 09:10. The trip takes
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1 h 30 min
  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.
8. 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
1 h 30 min
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1 h 30 min
6. Check it like a marker
From 07:40 to 08:40 is 1 hour, then 30 minutes more.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
2 h 30 min
3.2 · 6 Marks · Mean, median, mode and graphs
Which graph shows a constant rate?
Formulas
mean=(sum of values)n
Arithmetic mean
Notes: Which graph shows a constant rate?
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: Which graph shows a constant rate?
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: Which graph shows a constant rate. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Which graph shows a constant rate. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Which graph shows a constant rate.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero.
2. What do we already know?
Which graph shows a constant rate?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 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: Which graph shows a constant rate. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Which graph shows a constant rate. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Which graph shows a constant rate.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Which graph shows a constant rate?
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  a straight line through the origin
  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.
8. 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 straight line through the origin
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: a straight line through the origin
6. Check it like a marker
Constant rate means the same increase every step: a straight line from the origin if it starts at zero.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
a horizontal line not through the origin
7 · 2 Marks
South African VAT 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: South African VAT 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: South African VAT is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: South African VAT is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: CAPS and SARS use 15%. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get South African VAT is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
CAPS and SARS use 15%.
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?
CAPS and SARS use 15%.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 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: South African VAT is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: South African VAT is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: CAPS and SARS use 15%. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get South African VAT 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).
3. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  CAPS and SARS use 15%.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  CAPS and SARS use 15%.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  15%
  Why this step: A number without a unit is half a mark on a Physics paper, and a marker can miss a Maths answer that is buried in working.
8. 08 / 08
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
15%
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 15%
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
8 · 3 Marks · Mean, median, mode and graphs
3, 7, 8, 10, 12. Median?
Formulas
mean=(sum of values)n
Arithmetic mean
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: 3, 7, 8, 10, 12. Median?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 · 7 · 8 · 10 · 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: Median. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Median. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Ordered already. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Median.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Ordered already. Middle value is 8.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 · 7 · 8 · 10 · 12. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Ordered already. Middle value is 8.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 · 7 · 8 · 10 · 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: Median. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Median. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Ordered already. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Median.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 · 7 · 8 · 10 · 12. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Ordered already. Middle value is 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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Ordered already. Middle value is 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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  8
  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.
8. 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
8
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 8
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
9 · 2 Marks · Scale on maps and plans
Scale 1:100 000. 3 cm on the map is how many km on the ground?
Formulas
real distance=map distance×scale number
Scale factor
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: Scale 1:100 000. 3 cm on the map is how many km on the ground?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 100 · 000 · 3 cm. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given.
Missing
After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: how many km on the ground. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: how many km on the ground. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 3 × 100 000 = 300 000 cm = 3 km. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get how many km on the ground.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
3×100 000=300 000 cm=3 km.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 100 · 000 · 3 cm. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
3×100 000=300 000 cm=3 km.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 100 · 000 · 3 cm. Copy each one into a column. A name without a number is not given. Missing: After you copy the given, the letter that still has no number is missing. The paper is pointing at: how many km on the ground. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: how many km on the ground. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 3 × 100 000 = 300 000 cm = 3 km. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get how many km on the ground.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 100 · 000 · 3 cm. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  3×100 000=300 000 cm=3 km.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  3×100 000=300 000 cm=3 km.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  3 km
  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.
8. 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
3 km
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 3 km
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…”
10 · 2 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
A rectangle 12 m by 5 m. Perimeter?
Formulas
P=2(L + W)A=L×WA_circle=π r²
Perimeter and area
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 rectangle 12 m by 5 m. Perimeter?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 m · 5 m. 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: Perimeter. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Perimeter. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 34 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Perimeter.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
34 m
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 m · 5 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
34 m
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 12 m · 5 m. 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: Perimeter. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Perimeter. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 34 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Perimeter.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 12 m · 5 m. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  34 m
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  P=2(12+5)=34 m. Fencing, not grass.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  34 m
  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.
8. 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 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 34 m
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
11 · 3 Marks
Fixed R40 plus R3 per unit. 15 units cost?
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: Fixed R40 plus R3 per unit. 15 units cost?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 plus · R3 per · 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: 15 units cost. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 15 units cost. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 40 + 3×15 = 85. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 15 units cost.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
40+3×15=85.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 plus · R3 per · 15 units. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
40+3×15=85.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 plus · R3 per · 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: 15 units cost. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 15 units cost. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 40 + 3×15 = 85. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 15 units cost.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 plus · R3 per · 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  40+3×15=85.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  40+3×15=85.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R85
  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.
8. 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
R85
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R85
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…”
12 · 2 Marks
3 km in metres?
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: 3 km in metres?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 km. 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: 3 km in metres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 3 km in metres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 3 000 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 3 km in metres.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
3 000 m
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 km. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
3 000 m
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 km. 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: 3 km in metres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 3 km in metres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 3 000 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 3 km in metres.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 km. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  3 000 m
  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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  3 000 m
  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.
8. 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
3 000 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 3 000 m
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 · 2 Marks
A spaza in Bloemfontein sells goods for R200 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Notes: A spaza in Bloemfontein sells goods for R200 before a 15% discount. The discount 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: A spaza in Bloemfontein sells goods for R200 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R200 before · 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: The discount is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The discount is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 15% of 200 = 30. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The discount is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
15% of 200 = 30.
2. What do we already know?
A spaza in Bloemfontein sells goods for R200 before a 15% discount. The discount is
3. Which method — and why this one?
15% of 200 = 30.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R200 before · 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: The discount is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The discount is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 15% of 200 = 30. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The discount 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  A spaza in Bloemfontein sells goods for R200 before a 15% discount. The discount is
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  15% of 200 = 30.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  15% of 200 = 30.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R30.00
  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.
8. 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
R30.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R30.00
6. Check it like a marker
15% of 200 = 30.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R200.00
14 · 2 Marks
A jacket R250 is 20% off. Sale price?
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 jacket R250 is 20% off. Sale price?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R250 is · 20%. 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: Sale price. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Sale price. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 20% of 250 = 50. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Sale price.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
20% of 250 = 50. 250 − 50 = 200.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R250 is · 20%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
20% of 250 = 50. 250 − 50 = 200.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R250 is · 20%. 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: Sale price. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Sale price. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 20% of 250 = 50. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Sale price.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R250 is · 20%. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  20% of 250 = 50. 250 − 50 = 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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  20% of 250 = 50. 250 − 50 = 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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…”
15 · 2 Marks
2.5 m in centimetres?
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: 2.5 m in centimetres?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2.5 m. 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: 5 m in centimetres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 5 m in centimetres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: × 100: 250 cm. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 5 m in centimetres.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
× 100: 250 cm.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2.5 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
× 100: 250 cm.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 2.5 m. 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: 5 m in centimetres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 5 m in centimetres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: × 100: 250 cm. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 5 m in centimetres.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 2.5 m. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  × 100: 250 cm.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  × 100: 250 cm.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  250 cm
  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.
8. 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
250 cm
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 250 cm
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
16 · 2 Marks
R2.50 per kWh, 20 kWh. Cost?
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: R2.50 per kWh, 20 kWh. Cost?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R2.50 per · 20 kWh. 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: Cost. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Cost. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Cost.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
2.50×20=50.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R2.50 per · 20 kWh. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
2.50×20=50.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R2.50 per · 20 kWh. 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: Cost. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Cost. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Cost.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R2.50 per · 20 kWh. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  2.50×20=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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  2.50×20=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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R50.00
  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.
8. 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
R50.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R50.00
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 jacket R400 is 25% off. Sale price?
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 jacket R400 is 25% off. Sale price?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R400 is · 25%. 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: Sale price. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Sale price. 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 Sale price.
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: R400 is · 25%. 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
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R400 is · 25%. 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: Sale price. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Sale price. 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 Sale price.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R400 is · 25%. 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.
4. 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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  25% of 400 = 100. 400−100 = 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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…”
18 · 4 Marks
Taxi: R12 for first 3 km, then R2.50 per extra km. 7 km costs?
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: Taxi: R12 for first 3 km, then R2.50 per extra km. 7 km costs?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R12 for · 3 km · R2.50 per · 7 km. 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: 7 km costs. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 7 km costs. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Extra 4 km × 2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 7 km costs.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Extra 4 km×2.50=10. 12+10=22.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R12 for · 3 km · R2.50 per · 7 km. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Extra 4 km×2.50=10. 12+10=22.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R12 for · 3 km · R2.50 per · 7 km. 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: 7 km costs. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 7 km costs. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Extra 4 km × 2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 7 km costs.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R12 for · 3 km · R2.50 per · 7 km. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Extra 4 km×2.50=10. 12+10=22.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Extra 4 km×2.50=10. 12+10=22.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R22.00
  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.
8. 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
R22.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R22.00
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 · Mean, median, mode and graphs
Marks 10, 20, 30, 40. Mean?
Formulas
mean=(sum of values)n
Arithmetic mean
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: Marks 10, 20, 30, 40. Mean?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 10 · 20 · 30 · 40. 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: Mean. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Mean. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 25. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Mean.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
25
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 10 · 20 · 30 · 40. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
25
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 10 · 20 · 30 · 40. 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: Mean. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Mean. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 25. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Mean.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 10 · 20 · 30 · 40. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  25
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  (10+20+30+40)4=25.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  25
  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.
8. 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
25
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 25
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
Ratio 4:8 simplified 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: Ratio 4:8 simplified is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 · 8 simplified. 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: Ratio 4:8 simplified is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Ratio 4:8 simplified is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1:2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Ratio 4:8 simplified is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1:2
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 · 8 simplified. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1:2
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 · 8 simplified. 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: Ratio 4:8 simplified is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Ratio 4:8 simplified is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1:2. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Ratio 4:8 simplified 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 · 8 simplified. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  1:2
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Divide both by 4.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1:2
  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.
8. 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
1:2
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1:2
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…”
21 · 4 Marks · Fair chance and relative frequency
Bag: 4 green, 6 yellow. P(not green)?
Formulas
P(E)=n(E)n(S)
Theoretical probability
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: Bag: 4 green, 6 yellow. P(not green)?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 green · 6 yellow. 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(not green). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: P(not green). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Not green = yellow = 610=35. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(not green).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Not green=yellow=610=35.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 green · 6 yellow. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Not green=yellow=610=35.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4 green · 6 yellow. 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(not green). Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: P(not green). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Not green = yellow = 610=35. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(not green).
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4 green · 6 yellow. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Not green=yellow=610=35.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Not green=yellow=610=35.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  610
  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.
8. 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
610
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 610
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
22 · 2 Marks
R420 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Notes: R420 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share 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: R420 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R420 is · 2 · 3. 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: The smaller share is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: The smaller share is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 5 parts. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The smaller share is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
5 parts. One part=84. Smaller share=2 parts=168.
2. What do we already know?
R420 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 parts. One part=84. Smaller share=2 parts=168.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R420 is · 2 · 3. 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: The smaller share is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: The smaller share is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 5 parts. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get The smaller share 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  R420 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  5 parts. One part=84. Smaller share=2 parts=168.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  5 parts. One part=84. Smaller share=2 parts=168.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R168.00
  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.
8. 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
R168.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R168.00
6. Check it like a marker
5 parts. One part=84. Smaller share=2 parts=168.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R252.00
23 · 2 Marks
Write 3:6 in simplest form.
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: Write 3:6 in simplest form.
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 · 6 in. 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: Write 3:6 in simplest form. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Write 3:6 in simplest form. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Divide both by 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Write 3:6 in simplest form.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Divide both by 3.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 · 6 in. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
Divide both by 3.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 3 · 6 in. 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: Write 3:6 in simplest form. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Write 3:6 in simplest form. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Divide both by 3. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Write 3:6 in simplest form.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 3 · 6 in. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Divide both by 3.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Divide both by 3.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1:2
  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.
8. 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
1:2
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1:2
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 · Fair chance and relative frequency
A fair die. P(even)?
Formulas
P(E)=n(E)n(S)
Theoretical probability
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 fair die. P(even)?
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(even). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: P(even). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 36. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(even).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
36
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?
36
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 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(even). Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: P(even). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 36. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(even).
  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).
3. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  36
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  2, 4, 6 — three faces out of six.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  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.
8. 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
36
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 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…”
25 · 2 Marks · Income, spending and till slips
Income R3 000, spending R2 740. Surplus?
Formulas
VAT=15100×price excluding VAT
South African VAT at 15%
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: Income R3 000, spending R2 740. Surplus?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R3 · 000 · R2 · 740. 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: Surplus. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Surplus. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: R260. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Surplus.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
R260
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R3 · 000 · R2 · 740. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
R260
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R3 · 000 · R2 · 740. 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: Surplus. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Surplus. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: R260. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Surplus.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R3 · 000 · R2 · 740. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  R260
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  3000−2740=260.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R260
  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.
8. 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
R260
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R260
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 · 4 Marks
1.2 km + 450 m in metres?
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: 1.2 km + 450 m in metres?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1.2 km · 450 m. 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 km + 450 m in metres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 2 km + 450 m in metres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 km + 450 m in metres.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1.2 km=1 200 m. 1 200+450=1 650 m.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1.2 km · 450 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1.2 km=1 200 m. 1 200+450=1 650 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1.2 km · 450 m. 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 km + 450 m in metres. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 2 km + 450 m in metres. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 km + 450 m in metres.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1.2 km · 450 m. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  1.2 km=1 200 m. 1 200+450=1 650 m.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  1.2 km=1 200 m. 1 200+450=1 650 m.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1 650 m
  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.
8. 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
1 650 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1 650 m
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…”
27 · 2 Marks
Prepaid electricity R2.20 per kWh. 30 kWh costs
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: Prepaid electricity R2.20 per kWh. 30 kWh costs
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R2.20 per · 30 kWh. 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: 30 kWh costs. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 30 kWh costs. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: R66. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 30 kWh costs.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
R66.00
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R2.20 per · 30 kWh. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
R66.00
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: R2.20 per · 30 kWh. 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: 30 kWh costs. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 30 kWh costs. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: R66. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 30 kWh costs.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R2.20 per · 30 kWh. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  R66.00
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  2.20×30=66.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  R66.00
  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.
8. 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
R66.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R66.00
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
28 · 2 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
A rectangle 8 m by 3 m. Perimeter?
Formulas
P=2(L + W)A=L×WA_circle=π r²
Perimeter and area
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 rectangle 8 m by 3 m. Perimeter?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 8 m · 3 m. 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: Perimeter. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Perimeter. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: P = 2(8+3) = 22 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Perimeter.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
P=2(8+3)=22 m.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 8 m · 3 m. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
P=2(8+3)=22 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 8 m · 3 m. 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: Perimeter. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Perimeter. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: P = 2(8+3) = 22 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Perimeter.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 8 m · 3 m. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  P=2(8+3)=22 m.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  P=2(8+3)=22 m.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  22 m
  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.
8. 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
22 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 22 m
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 · Scale on maps and plans
Scale 1:50 000. 2 cm on the map is
Formulas
real distance=map distance×scale number
Scale factor
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: Scale 1:50 000. 2 cm on the map is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 50 · 000 · 2 cm. 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 cm on the map is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 2 cm on the map is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 1 km. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 cm on the map is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
1 km
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 50 · 000 · 2 cm. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
1 km
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 50 · 000 · 2 cm. 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 cm on the map is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 2 cm on the map is. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 1 km. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 2 cm on the map 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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 50 · 000 · 2 cm. 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.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  1 km
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  2×50 000=100 000 cm=1 km.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  1 km
  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.
8. 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
1 km
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 1 km
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
30 · 2 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
A rectangular plot is 9 m by 5 m. Area?
Formulas
P=2(L + W)A=L×WA_circle=π r²
Perimeter and area
Notes: A rectangular plot is 9 m by 5 m. Area?
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 rectangular plot is 9 m by 5 m. Area?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 9 m · 5 m. 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: Area. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Area. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: Area = length × width = 45 m². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Area.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
Area = length × width = 45 m². Perimeter would be 28 m.
2. What do we already know?
A rectangular plot is 9 m by 5 m. Area?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Area = length × width = 45 m². Perimeter would be 28 m.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 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.
2. 02 / 08
  Step A2 — Hunt: Given, Missing, Find, Calculate
  Given: Numbers and units already in the sentence: 9 m · 5 m. 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: Area. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Area. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: Area = length × width = 45 m². Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Area.
  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).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  A rectangular plot is 9 m by 5 m. Area?
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  Area = length × width = 45 m². Perimeter would be 28 m.
  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.
5. 05 / 08
  Working
  Area = length × width = 45 m². Perimeter would be 28 m.
  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.
6. 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.
7. 07 / 08
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  45 m²
  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.
8. 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
45 m²
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 45 m²
6. Check it like a marker
Area = length × width = 45 m². Perimeter would be 28 m.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
28 m