2025 · practice · Mathematical Literacy · Grade 10

Grade 10 Mathematical Literacy — Northern Cape 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 · 83 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.

Sit it timed Formula sheet

Question breakdown

1.1 · 4 Marks
A spaza in Kimberley sells goods for R360 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Notes: A spaza in Kimberley sells goods for R360 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 Kimberley sells goods for R360 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R360 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 360 = 54. 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 360 = 54.
2. What do we already know?
A spaza in Kimberley sells goods for R360 before a 15% discount. The discount is
3. Which method — and why this one?
15% of 360 = 54.
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: R360 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 360 = 54. 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 Kimberley sells goods for R360 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 360 = 54.
  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 360 = 54.
  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
  R54.00
  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
R54.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R54.00
6. Check it like a marker
15% of 360 = 54.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R360.00
1.2 · 6 Marks
R480 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Notes: R480 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: R480 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R480 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=96. Smaller share=2 parts=192.
2. What do we already know?
R480 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 parts. One part=96. Smaller share=2 parts=192.
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: R480 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
  R480 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=96. Smaller share=2 parts=192.
  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=96. Smaller share=2 parts=192.
  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
  R192.00
  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
R192.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R192.00
6. Check it like a marker
5 parts. One part=96. Smaller share=2 parts=192.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R288.00
2.1 · 6 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
A rectangular plot is 12 m by 5 m. Area?
Formulas
P=2(L + W)A=L×WA_circle=π r²
Perimeter and area
Notes: A rectangular plot is 12 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 12 m by 5 m. Area?
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: 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 = 60 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 = 60 m². Perimeter would be 34 m.
2. What do we already know?
A rectangular plot is 12 m by 5 m. Area?
3. Which method — and why this one?
Area = length × width = 60 m². Perimeter would be 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: 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 = 60 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 12 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 = 60 m². Perimeter would be 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
  Area = length × width = 60 m². Perimeter would be 34 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
  60 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
60 m²
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 60 m²
6. Check it like a marker
Area = length × width = 60 m². Perimeter would be 34 m.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
34 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 · Income, spending and till slips
R40 excluding 15% VAT. Till total?
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: R40 excluding 15% VAT. Till total?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R40 excluding · 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: Till total. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Till total. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: VAT = 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Till total.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
VAT=0.15×40=6. Total 46.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R40 excluding · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
VAT=0.15×40=6. Total 46.
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 excluding · 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: Till total. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Till total. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: VAT = 0. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Till total.
  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 excluding · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  VAT=0.15×40=6. Total 46.
  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
  VAT=0.15×40=6. Total 46.
  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
  R46.00
  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
R46.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R46.00
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…”
8 · 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…”
9 · 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…”
10 · 2 Marks
A spaza in Mbombela sells goods for R280 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Notes: A spaza in Mbombela sells goods for R280 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 Mbombela sells goods for R280 before a 15% discount. The discount is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R280 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 280 = 42. 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 280 = 42.
2. What do we already know?
A spaza in Mbombela sells goods for R280 before a 15% discount. The discount is
3. Which method — and why this one?
15% of 280 = 42.
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: R280 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 280 = 42. 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 Mbombela sells goods for R280 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 280 = 42.
  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 280 = 42.
  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
  R42.00
  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
R42.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R42.00
6. Check it like a marker
15% of 280 = 42.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R280.00
11 · 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…”
12 · 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
13 · 2 Marks
On a plan, north is usually drawn towards the
How we got there
Read this like a teacher at the board. We go slowly, name every number, and say why we take each step.
Explain in another language · 11
1. What is the question asking?
Read the question twice. Circle the unknown. Underline every number and unit. The paper is asking: On a plan, north is usually drawn towards the
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
North arrow points up the page unless the plan says otherwise.
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?
North arrow points up the page unless the plan says otherwise.
4. Step-by-step working
1. 01 / 07
  Step A — Read the question twice
  Slow down. Circle the word that names the unknown. Underline every number and its unit. Do not grab a formula yet — first decide what the paper is actually asking.
  Why this step: If you can say the method in a sentence, you will pick the right formula. First-timers skip this and grab the first equation they remember.
2. 02 / 07
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: every number and its unit in the sentence. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
3. 03 / 07
  Step C — Name the method in words
  North arrow points up the page unless the plan says otherwise.
  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.
4. 04 / 07
  Working
  North arrow points up the page unless the plan says otherwise.
  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.
5. 05 / 07
  Step G — Sense-check the size
  Ask: is this the kind of number a Grade 10–12 paper would want? A speed of 3 000 ms for a learner walking, or a probability bigger than 1, means a unit or algebra slip. Estimate first: round the numbers and do the sum in your head.
  Why this step: Markers write ‘unrealistic’ in the margin when the method is right but the size is wild. A 10-second head check often finds a missing 10² or a unit that never changed.
6. 06 / 07
  Step F — Box the answer with its unit
  top of the page
  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.
7. 07 / 07
  Step H — What the marker is looking for
  On an NSC memo you usually earn: (1) a method mark for naming the right formula or idea in words, (2) an accuracy mark for substituting the given numbers with units, (3) an accuracy mark for the boxed answer with its unit. Write those three lines even if you are unsure of the arithmetic — blank pages score zero.
  Why this step: First-timers chase the final number and leave the method blank. The memo still pays out for the idea and the substitution even when the last line is wrong.
5. The answer
top of the page
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: top of the page
6. Check it like a marker
Does your answer appear as one of the options? Do the units match what was asked (m, N, J, °)? If you put the number back into the original equation, does it still hold? Estimate: is the size sensible?
7. A trap first-timers fall into
First-timers often grab the first formula they remember, mix units (cm with m, minutes with seconds), or drop a minus sign. Write the formula in words first: “this equals that, because…”
14 · 2 Marks · 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…”
15 · 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
16 · 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…”
17 · 2 Marks · Fair chance and relative frequency
A spinner with 5 equal sectors, one labelled win. P(win)?
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 spinner with 5 equal sectors, one labelled win. P(win)?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 5 equal. 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(win). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: P(win). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: One favourable out of five equal sectors. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(win).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
One favourable out of five equal sectors.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 5 equal. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
One favourable out of five equal sectors.
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: 5 equal. 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(win). Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: P(win). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: One favourable out of five equal sectors. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(win).
  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: 5 equal. 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
  One favourable out of five equal sectors.
  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
  One favourable out of five equal sectors.
  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…”
18 · 2 Marks · Income, spending and till slips
R80 excluding VAT. Till total with 15% VAT?
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: R80 excluding VAT. Till total with 15% VAT?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R80 excluding · 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: Till total with 15% VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Till total with 15% VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: R92. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Till total with 15% VAT.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
R92.00
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R80 excluding · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
R92.00
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: R80 excluding · 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: Till total with 15% VAT. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Till total with 15% VAT. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: R92. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Till total with 15% VAT.
  Why this step: Do not name the letters yet. First hunt: what already has a number (Given), what has no number (Missing), the word the paper wants (Find), and which formula still contains the missing letter (Calculate).
3. 03 / 08
  Step B — Write the given in a column
  Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: R80 excluding · 15%. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
  Why this step: A column with units stops you mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds. Markers can also see you started correctly.
4. 04 / 08
  Step C — Name the method in words
  R92.00
  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
  0.15×80=12. 80+12=92.
  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
  R92.00
  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
R92.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R92.00
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 · Scale on maps and plans
Scale 1:100. 5 cm on the plan 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 1:100. 5 cm on the plan is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 100 · 5 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: 5 cm on the plan is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: 5 cm on the plan 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 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 5 cm on the plan is.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
5 m
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 100 · 5 cm. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 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 · 100 · 5 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: 5 cm on the plan is. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: 5 cm on the plan 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 m. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get 5 cm on the plan 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 · 100 · 5 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
  5 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
  5×100=500 cm=5 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
  5 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
5 m
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 5 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…”
20 · 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…”
21 · 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…”
22 · 3 Marks
1:50 000. Ground distance 5 km. Map length in cm?
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: 1:50 000. Ground distance 5 km. Map length in cm?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 1 · 50 · 000 · 5 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: Map length in cm. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Map length in cm. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: 5 km = 500 000 cm. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Map length in cm.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
5 km=500 000 cm. 500 00050 000=10 cm.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 1 · 50 · 000 · 5 km. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 km=500 000 cm. 500 00050 000=10 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: 1 · 50 · 000 · 5 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: Map length in cm. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Map length in cm. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: 5 km = 500 000 cm. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Map length in cm.
  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 · 5 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
  5 km=500 000 cm. 500 00050 000=10 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
  5 km=500 000 cm. 500 00050 000=10 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
  10 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
10 cm
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 10 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…”
23 · 2 Marks
R360 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Notes: R360 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: R360 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: R360 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=72. Smaller share=2 parts=144.
2. What do we already know?
R360 is shared in the ratio 2:3. The smaller share is
3. Which method — and why this one?
5 parts. One part=72. Smaller share=2 parts=144.
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: R360 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
  R360 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=72. Smaller share=2 parts=144.
  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=72. Smaller share=2 parts=144.
  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
  R144.00
  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
R144.00
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: R144.00
6. Check it like a marker
5 parts. One part=72. Smaller share=2 parts=144.
7. A trap first-timers fall into
R216.00
24 · 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…”
25 · 2 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
26 · 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…”
27 · 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…”
28 · 3 Marks · Conversions, perimeter and area
Circle radius 7 m. Area? Use π = 227.
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: Circle radius 7 m. Area? Use π = 227.
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 7 m · 22/ · 7. 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: Use π = 227. Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: Use π = 227. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: π r² = 227 × 49 = 154. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Use π = 227.
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
π r²=227×49=154.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 7 m · 22/ · 7. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
π r²=227×49=154.
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: 7 m · 22/ · 7. 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: Use π = 227. Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: Use π = 227. Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: π r² = 227 × 49 = 154. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get Use π = 227.
  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: 7 m · 22/ · 7. 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
  π r²=227×49=154.
  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
  π r²=227×49=154.
  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
  154 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
154 m²
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 154 m²
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 · 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…”
30 · 2 Marks · Fair chance and relative frequency
A fair die. P(rolling a 4)?
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(rolling a 4)?
Before any working — hunt first
Given
Numbers and units already in the sentence: 4. 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(rolling a 4). Circle that word — that is the missing variable.
Find
We are required to find: P(rolling a 4). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula.
Calculate
What we need to calculate: One face out of six. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(rolling a 4).
In other words — as if you have never seen this before
One face out of six.
2. What do we already know?
Copy these onto the left of your page, one per line, with units: 4. Mixing cm with m, or minutes with seconds, loses a method mark.
3. Which method — and why this one?
One face out of six.
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. 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(rolling a 4). Circle that word — that is the missing variable. Find: We are required to find: P(rolling a 4). Write that as a symbol on the left, with a question mark, before you touch a formula. Calculate: What we need to calculate: One face out of six. Then substitute the given, one line at a time, to get P(rolling a 4).
  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. 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
  One face out of six.
  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
  One face 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
  16
  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
16
Copy onto your answer sheet — in this order
Answer: 16
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…”