Addressing Common Math 30-2 Diploma Difficulties
The Math 30-2 Information Bulletin 2023-2024 includes a “General Commentary on the Mathematics 30-2 Diploma Examinations”. Within this commentary, students’ strengths and areas for improvement are identified. It is no doubt a priority for every Math 30-2 teacher to prepare his or her students in the best possible manner. Since these comments are based on the results of thousands of students across the province, paying particular attention to these difficulties, would be prudent in terms of this preparation.
Let’s take a closer look at these areas for improvement. Sometimes a greater awareness and a little extra practice can make all the difference. You will find 8 lessons addressing these difficulties. Each has a video and a set of about 8 practice questions complete with detailed solutions. Also included at the end is a video that discusses “Observations From Written Response Component”, which is a new feedback document in this 2023-2024 edition of the Bulletin.
Logical Reasoning
- “Weaker students continue to have trouble organizing and interpreting information that involves three sets, but they tend to perform better when a diagram is provided”.
- Organizing Information Involving 3 Sets
- https://mathpqjq.com/organizing-information-involving-3-sets/
Probability
- “Most students are able to convert probability to odds and vice versa, but weaker students find this difficult. Some students are having difficulty with odds statements compared to probability statements. Odds should be considered “part-part” and probability should be considered “part-whole.”
- Probability and Odds
- https://mathpqjq.com/probability-and-odds/
- “Students have difficulty calculating the probability of non-mutually exclusive events”.
- Probability of Non-Mutually Exclusive Events
- https://mathpqjq.com/probability-of-non-mutually-exclusive-events/
- “Students have difficulty calculating probabilities that involve permutations and combinations. Students have difficulty calculating probability when there is more than one case to consider”.
- Probability Involving Permutations and Combinations
- https://mathpqjq.com/probability-involving-permutations-and-combinations/
Relations and Functions
- “Students have difficulty solving exponential equations that cannot be written as powers with a common base.”
- Solving Exponential Equations With No Common Base
- https://mathpqjq.com/solving-exponential-equations-with-no-common-base/
- “Students are becoming more proficient in multiplying and dividing rational expressions, but continue to have difficulty in adding and subtracting rational expressions.”
- Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
- https://mathpqjq.com/adding-and-subtracting-rational-expressions-2/
- “Students have difficulty in solving rational equations, especially when the rational equation simplifies to a quadratic equation. They struggle with determining both possible solutions to a quadratic equation and then checking if they are valid solutions.”
- Solving a Rational Equation That Simplifies to a Quadratic Equation
- https://mathpqjq.com/solving-a-rational-equation-that-simplifies-to-a-quadratic-equation/
- “Students have difficulty analyzing sinusoidal functions, especially when the function models a context.”
- Analyzing Sinusoidal Functions Within a Context
- https://mathpqjq.com/analyzing-sinusoidal-functions-within-a-context/
Additional Feedback From the Information Bulletin
- Observations From Math 30-2 Diploma Written Response (NEW)
