How to Score 90+ in HSC Maths: A Smart Chapter-by-Chapter Strategy

Mathematics is a unique subject in the HSC syllabus. Unlike Physics or Chemistry, it is 100% problem-based. This is fantastic news because it means that with the right strategy and consistent practice, it's one of the easiest subjects to score full marks in. You just need to know how to approach it.

This isn't about studying harder; it's about studying smarter. Let's break down the syllabus into manageable parts and build a strategy to help you cross that 90-mark milestone.

Part 1: The Foundation - Easy Wins and Core Concepts

Before diving into the calculus behemoth, secure your foundational marks. Some chapters in Maths are relatively easy, logical, and high-scoring. Master these first to build confidence.

• Mathematical Logic: This is the lowest-hanging fruit. Master truth tables, logical connectives, and circuit diagrams. It's a guaranteed scorer.
• Matrices: Focus on methods of inversion (Adjoint and Elementary Transformation). The problems are procedural and easy to perfect with practice.
• Vectors & 3D Geometry (Line and Plane): These chapters are highly interconnected. Treat them as one large unit. Focus on understanding the concepts of dot product, cross product, and their applications. A strong visualization of these concepts is more important than memorizing formulas.

You can use our HSC Syllabus Tracker to check off these foundational chapters as you complete them.

Part 2: The Core - Conquering Calculus

Calculus (Differentiation and Integration) forms the largest and most challenging part of the syllabus. But here's the secret: it's a domino effect. Master the first piece, and the rest becomes dramatically easier.

Strategy 1: Differentiation is the Key

Differentiation is the single most important chapter in your entire Maths syllabus. It is the key to unlocking Applications of Derivatives and a significant portion of Differential Equations. Do not move forward until you can solve any differentiation problem from your textbook with confidence.

Strategy 2: Create a Master Formula Sheet

You cannot solve problems if the tools aren't at your fingertips. Create two dedicated formula sheets:

1. The Differentiation Sheet: All standard derivatives, rules (product, quotient, chain), and derivatives of inverse trig functions.
2. The Integration Sheet: All standard integrals, integration by parts, partial fractions, and the important properties of definite integrals.

Review these sheets for 15 minutes every single day. It's the most effective way to internalize them.

Strategy 3: Practice, Don't Just Read

You cannot learn Maths by watching someone else do it or by reading a solved example. Your brain builds the necessary connections only when you solve problems yourself. After learning a concept, solve at least 15-20 related problems before moving on.

Part 3: The Finishing Touch - Probability

Probability Distribution and Binomial Distribution are relatively standalone topics. They require a different way of thinking. Practice these thoroughly as they are often easy marks if you understand the core concepts of random variables and probability mass functions (p.m.f.).

Your Ultimate Weapon: Solving Past Papers

Once you have a decent grasp on the syllabus, start solving past HSC board papers. This is non-negotiable. It helps you:

• Understand the paper pattern and marks distribution.
• Identify the most frequently asked question types.
• Master time management, a skill we discuss in our Physics exam guide.

Aim to solve at least 5-7 previous years' papers in a timed, exam-like environment. As the countdown clock on our homepage shows, every day matters, so schedule these practice sessions now!