Post by: Novashock on May 07, 2014, 08:50:09 pm
Post by: M_BONG on May 07, 2014, 09:30:09 pm
Hi guys! I'm new here, and I am trying out for the selective test. I have recently started tutoring at JAC after returning from oversees, and my school is lagging in maths. In English I feel confident in my abilities but I am seriously doubting myself in Maths. At school, we just started ratios and after that we will be doing geometry, but I am a bit ahead, I know the general Linear Equation, Gradients, Pythagoras Theorem, for trig, do I just need to know SOHCAHTOA? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thx! :)Yeah there are some questions on SOHCAHTOA/trig ratios.
I didn't do any tutoring for the test and still got into Melbourne High. Main thing is to keep re-doing the practice exam they put up on the website because the structure doesn't actually change and the questions are really similar on the actual exam.
Good luck :)
Post by: Hannibal on May 07, 2014, 10:02:52 pm
Here are some videos on Trigonometry if you are a visual learner:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yhifhHihRIQ
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F21S9Wpi0y8
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T8B8Tcz8kog
Post by: Novashock on May 08, 2014, 05:16:04 pm
Yeah there are some questions on SOHCAHTOA/trig ratios.Thx! I'll try doing that! What else do I need to know?
I didn't do any tutoring for the test and still got into Melbourne High. Main thing is to keep re-doing the practice exam they put up on the website because the structure doesn't actually change and the questions are really similar on the actual exam.
Good luck :)
You will probably be expected to know the very basics. If you need some resources, in the Year 9 Essentials Textbook Chapter 3, the bulk of the stuff you need to know is covered. Maybe see if you can find it in your local library :)Thx! But by basics, do you mean also the sine/cosine rule, other things, or just the SOHCAHTOA?
Post by: Hannibal on May 08, 2014, 07:44:47 pm
Thx! I'll try doing that! What else do I need to know?Thx! But by basics, do you mean also the sine/cosine rule, other things, or just the SOHCAHTOA?Yeah, probably just SOHCAHTOA :P. Sine/Cosine rules are Year 10 stuff, but if you are up to that level already, go for it! :).
Post by: Novashock on May 08, 2014, 09:46:02 pm
Yeah, probably just SOHCAHTOA :P. Sine/Cosine rules are Year 10 stuff, but if you are up to that level already, go for it! :).
Thx. So can you tell me what else I need to practice for my maths? I really want to get into Suzanne Cory or MHS, so yeah.
Post by: alchemy on May 08, 2014, 10:42:45 pm
Post by: Novashock on May 09, 2014, 07:13:06 pm
Maybe do some 'similar triangle' and basic circle geometry questions. Those don't require a calculator so they might test you on it. When I did the test, I remember some similar triangle questions that essentially involved ratios.
Thx, I'll try doing that. Do you guys know what to study for algebra? Easily my weakest link when it comes to maths. Some sites would also be nice.
Post by: Hannibal on May 11, 2014, 05:09:09 pm
Algebra is a broad area of Maths, here is a mixture of stuff from Years 8-10:
Thx, I'll try doing that. Do you guys know what to study for algebra? Easily my weakest link when it comes to maths. Some sites would also be nice.
Year 8:
- Simplifying (10x+2y+4x+3y)
- Standard Equations with no Surds (3x=4x+2(3+2))
- Inequalities (3x+2>5)
- Linear Equations (y=mx+c)
- Expanding ((6+x)(4+2))
- Basic Factorising (6x+3=3(2x+1))
Year 9:
- Simultaneous Equations (2x+4=y, 2x+18=22)
- Quadratic Equations (y=ax^2+bx+c) [There's a few variations]
- Factorising Trinomials (x^2+4x+4=(x+2)^2)
- Perfect Squares ((x+2)^2)
- Difference of Perfect Squares ((x+2)(x-2))
Year 10:
- Quadratic Formula
- Completing the Square
[Insert more stuff here :P]
Post by: alchemy on May 11, 2014, 05:42:36 pm
Algebra is a broad area of Maths, here is a mixture of stuff from Years 8-10:
Year 8:
- Simplifying (10x+2y+4x+3y)
- Standard Equations with no Surds (3x=4x+2(3+2))
- Inequalities (3x+2>5)
- Linear Equations (y=mx+c)
- Expanding ((6+x)(4+2))
- Basic Factorising (6x+3=3(2x+1))
Year 9:
- Simultaneous Equations (2x+4=y, 2x+18=22)
- Quadratic Equations (y=ax^2+bx+c) [There's a few variations]
- Factorising Trinomials (x^2+4x+4=(x+2)^2)
- Perfect Squares ((x+2)^2)
- Difference of Perfect Squares ((x+2)(x-2))
Year 10:
- Quadratic Formula
- Completing the Square
[Insert more stuff here :P]
That's more than enough. Remember the emphasis is placed on problem solving and 'non-routine' questions to differentiate even the best students.
Post by: Shinkaze on May 11, 2014, 07:45:37 pm
and even you don't know the Year 9 or 10 ones, year 8 maths will get you there if you know it well enough! (well for me at least anyway)
I remember I don't even know how to do
- Inequalities (3x+2>5)
- Basic Factorising (6x+3=3(2x+1))
Year 9:
- Simultaneous Equations (2x+4=y, 2x+18=22)
- Quadratic Equations (y=ax^2+bx+c) [There's a few variations]
- Factorising Trinomials (x^2+4x+4=(x+2)^2)
- Perfect Squares ((x+2)^2)
- Difference of Perfect Squares ((x+2)(x-2))
Year 10:
- Quadratic Formula
- Completing the Square
You shouldn't be worrying on getting ahead, instead try to make your foundation really strong! It will get you there :)
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions! I'm more than happy to answer them! (got a superior for maths too!)
Post by: Novashock on May 11, 2014, 07:52:27 pm
For maths, you need to know Year 8 algebra really really well
and even you don't know the Year 9 or 10 ones, year 8 maths will get you there if you know it well enough! (well for me at least anyway)
I remember I don't even know how to do
You shouldn't be worrying on getting ahead, instead try to make your foundation really strong! It will get you there :)
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions! I'm more than happy to answer them! (got a superior for maths too!)
That's more than enough. Remember the emphasis is placed on problem solving and 'non-routine' questions to differentiate even the best students.
Algebra is a broad area of Maths, here is a mixture of stuff from Years 8-10:Thx alot all of you guys. The year 8 book we use at school is Cambridge essentials maths 8. Also will i need to know sine/cosine law for the test?
Post by: Shinkaze on May 11, 2014, 08:00:59 pm
Also, like I said I did almost no preparation so I didn't even bother to work ahead of everyone else...
I remembered last year I don't even know what Trigonometry is...don't even say about sine/cosine law...
Post by: Hannibal on May 11, 2014, 08:47:14 pm
Thx alot all of you guys. The year 8 book we use at school is Cambridge essentials maths 8. Also will i need to know sine/cosine law for the test?Yeah, same. The only chapter I perceived as difficult was Linear Graphs (Which I did no study for and completely crammed in the night before a test :D). Also, does your school provide you with free HotMaths access? There's further revision/questions on there that's a little harder than in the textbook, so if you are revising over easier stuff, try and use that! :)
Post by: Novashock on May 12, 2014, 07:44:59 am
Yeah, same. The only chapter I perceived as difficult was Linear Graphs (Which I did no study for and completely crammed in the night before a test :D). Also, does your school provide you with free HotMaths access? There's further revision/questions on there that's a little harder than in the textbook, so if you are revising over easier stuff, try and use that! :)
Hey I used that textbook last year too!Yes, we do have access to HotMaths. I've learnt linear graphs at JAC, and so no more things needed for Trig? D-Day is coming closer and closer and I feel dumber and dumber, not to mention the nervousness that's sinking in. I ask my teacher at school to help me on my algebra, because i don't think just watching youtube videos actually helps me. Any other tips? Thx again!
Also, like I said I did almost no preparation so I didn't even bother to work ahead of everyone else...
I remembered last year I don't even know what Trigonometry is...don't even say about sine/cosine law...
Post by: Shinkaze on May 12, 2014, 04:36:18 pm
I don't think it is necessary to know trigonometry but since you know some that's great!
It's normal to feel dumb as it is coming closer but DO NOT GIVE UP! Since you've prepared, you're halfway there! It is okay to feel nervous but DON'T let it affect your exam performance! I know many people who are smart who should be able to get in but because they get too nervous and didn't perform their best :'(
If your teacher is willing to help you at school, GREAT! (my teacher wouldn't because she describe it as 'a plan to get out of school') Ask the teachers and watch youtube videos together! It will help you lots!
Post by: Hannibal on May 12, 2014, 05:03:27 pm
And JAC is crazy, they go through a chapter in the textbook at school in a week... If you can keep up with them, you will smash the exam. Just keep working hard, and I'm sure you'll make it! :)
Post by: Shinkaze on May 12, 2014, 05:34:08 pm
Back then I remembered people telling me about trigonometry and it is on the test and honestly I haven't even heard of the word until then! Yeah if you ever get stuck you can ask me too if you like! I will try my best to help! (although I might not know some of the stuff because I'm not smart)
Yeah JAC is so crazy
Post by: Novashock on May 12, 2014, 08:28:02 pm
Agree with Hannibal!
Back then I remembered people telling me about trigonometry and it is on the test and honestly I haven't even heard of the word until then! Yeah if you ever get stuck you can ask me too if you like! I will try my best to help! (although I might not know some of the stuff because I'm not smart)
Yeah JAC is so crazy
Honestly, you aren't dumb. I didn't even know what Trignometry was in Year 8, I'm sure there will be a lot of people who don't in the exam too. If you ever get stuck, ask people on AN. Even pop in on the Methods/Science boards and ask a question, I'm sure there's plenty of people willing to help you out.Thank you guys. The thing is that my teacher would't help me in class because there are 19 students waiting to learn about angles and 3 waiting to learn about algebra. Also i know this sounds weird, but the support you guys are giving me make me feel better than ever. So right now i'm going through my year 8 book, getting help on my algebra at school and JAC, and reading the dictionary for the writing tasks. The RC and VB should be easy if they are similar to the JAC tests. Thx Again guys.
And JAC is crazy, they go through a chapter in the textbook at school in a week... If you can keep up with them, you will smash the exam. Just keep working hard, and I'm sure you'll make it! :)
Post by: Shinkaze on May 12, 2014, 08:51:22 pm
If your teacher is willing to help you, GREAT! Even if it is out of class time, I would appreciate it a lot!
Aww thank you you make me feel good about helping out!
Yeah go ahead with what you're doing, you're on the right track!
Post by: Novashock on May 14, 2014, 07:00:23 pm
Aww thank you you make me feel good about helping out!Actually I should be the one thanking you! Thank you, and all the other contributors! If I pass, its going to be thanks to you guys as well as everyone else who helped me! Thanks again!
Post by: alchemy on May 14, 2014, 09:02:19 pm
Guys i need help with surds! are they going to be in the test?
Possibly, although I can't quite remember now. Just be familiar with basic operations with them; multiplying surds, dividing, simplifying and rationalising.
Post by: Hannibal on May 14, 2014, 09:08:07 pm
Guys i need help with surds! are they going to be in the test? are they just numbers with no whole square root? Please help!!!Actually I should be the one thanking you! Thank you, and all the other contributors! If I pass, its going to be thanks to you guys as well as everyone else who helped me! Thanks again!Basic Surds are explored in Year 9, and then further done in Year 10, so there probably won't be much of it on the test (Might be something though). For these examples / indicates a square root
/4 = 2, because 2x2 is equal to 4. To simplify surds that aren't perfect squares (Perfect squares are numbers like 4,9,16,25,36,49), you need to split it into two separate surds, and one of them HAS to be a perfect square. So for the /12, you have to split it into /4 x /3. You can then simplify this into 2 x /3 because /4 is 2. If a surd cannot be split into one perfect square and something else, then it is already in its simplest form. This is the basic simplification of surds, more is included in these videos:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AGQ9Gtn6CLQ (Simplifying Part 1)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_PuK5vhojRU (Simplifying Part 2)
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IZtgOKs208M (Equations)
Post by: Novashock on May 14, 2014, 09:17:14 pm
Possibly, although I can't quite remember now. Just be familiar with basic operations with them; multiplying surds, dividing, simplifying and rationalising.
Basic Surds are explored in Year 9, and then further done in Year 10, so there probably won't be much of it on the test (Might be something though).Thanks, i'll be doing those then. Any other tips would be nice.
Post by: Novashock on May 23, 2014, 07:58:11 am
Post by: SKGUN11 on May 24, 2014, 08:26:54 pm
Hey Guys say I get great marks in my 4 English tests and above average or around it in my maths. Do I get in? Also I need help thinking of a title. I just call my stories something obvious, like the fire,the ocean,etc. Basically I use the word THE too much and need help thinking of better titles. Also Passive text is just where the subject is dropped and the object becomes the subject, right? Thx for the help!This depends on your school really. The 5% rule?
But with 4 superiors and the rest anything better than average, you are quite possibly in!
Post by: Hannibal on May 24, 2014, 11:28:14 pm
Active sentence - David drew on the paper
It's generally better to use the active, simply because it sounds more engaging :). As for titles, I'm pretty sure that would constitute for a tiny fraction of your mark. Perhaps learn a few synonyms of basic words, and instead of saying fire, say something like conflagration or inferno.
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on May 25, 2014, 08:45:46 am
Post by: Hannibal on May 25, 2014, 08:59:09 am
I was wondering whether we need a title for our analytic and creative pieces when we do the test. So far I've been giving no title to my pieces. Cheers.You aren't required to do one, but it gives your piece a little bit of flare :). Try not to overthink it though, just put down whatever comes to mind.
Post by: rosalie.brown on May 25, 2014, 09:17:18 am
I would recommend that you include a title in both your creative and analytical pieces. I would also suggest that you use your planning time to write down a title (particularly in your creative pieces) based on the main idea of your story.
Best of luck,
rosalie.brown. :)
Post by: SKGUN11 on May 25, 2014, 06:24:28 pm
Yes, we do have access to HotMaths. I've learnt linear graphs at JAC, and so no more things needed for Trig? D-Day is coming closer and closer and I feel dumber and dumber, not to mention the nervousness that's sinking in. I ask my teacher at school to help me on my algebra, because i don't think just watching youtube videos actually helps me. Any other tips? Thx again!Hey,
I did the exam last year and I do remember there was 1 question of trig in the exam and a couple on surds. Thats the hardest and only year 9 thing you will get. Everything else is year 8 and you must work on timing. I wasn't really dumb but I felt dumb at that time. The problem was that I spent too long learning and not preparing. When I say preparing, I mean learning/figuring out techniques to use in the exam (e.g. doing the easy questions first in the WHOLE paper and then going to the hard ones when later. Keeping in mind that every question is only 1 mark.) I only did 1 proper practise exam and like 3 others that were year 10 standard and made me feel even dumber. Look, just keep your confidence up, you have about 2-3 weeks? Still plenty of time really. Just prepare and do lots of practise essays and chapter reviews in your book. Even if you're not successful, start learning/preparing earlier for year 10 admission or JMSS. Then you feel more prepared and might even build more confidence. You may noy neccesarily become academically smarter by doing this but you will be "smarter". And that is what MHS is looking for, not just academic but who can have good techniques to do that many questions in that many minutes. Really its ridiculous if you can complete every single question correctly and do the essays to you BEST in fking 15 mins!!! Just keep up your confidence and realise what your up against isnt really that hard! :D
Good Luck buddy and do your best :D
Post by: Novashock on May 25, 2014, 11:16:20 pm
Good Luck buddy and do your best :DThanks a lot. 3 Saturdays till D-Day. My dad makes me do his old year engineering math books, and I get much more from watching TV than doing that. I don't usually put titles in my JAC essays, so yeah. Also Thanks everyone else too.
The 5% rule?Geez, that makes me feel really good. But i'm getting really nervous. I think 5-7% of our year 8s are going for the test. Also apparently we need to take some ID or our passports to the test. Is that true?
But with 4 superiors and the rest anything better than average, you are quite possibly in!
Post by: Shinkaze on May 26, 2014, 03:37:40 am
Quote
Also apparently we need to take some ID or our passports to the test. Is that true?
Yeah that is true! You need a photo identification so anything that has your registered name and photo on it (eg. a library card will do)
Post by: Novashock on May 26, 2014, 07:58:31 am
Yeah that is true! You need a photo identification so anything that has your registered name and photo on it (eg. a library card will do)Oh, Thank for that. My parents didn't want me taking a passport with me to the test, because I might have lost it, but if anything else will do, that's great!
Post by: Shinkaze on May 26, 2014, 04:34:26 pm
Quote
Oh, Thank for that. My parents didn't want me taking a passport with me to the test, because I might have lost it, but if anything else will do, that's great!Ahahah you're welcome! It's alright because my parents don't trust me with my passport as well...
Post by: Novashock on May 28, 2014, 09:28:12 pm
Post by: SKGUN11 on May 28, 2014, 10:16:48 pm
i'm pretty sure none of the tests need a calculator, but my friend(he is also doing the test) said we need to take one to the test, Do we?No calculators are allowed, nor phones. I think watches are allowed. The test is simple enough to not need a calculator, you just need to be quick. ;)
Post by: Novashock on June 05, 2014, 05:02:54 pm
~|3. In case it isn't clear, check the attached picture. It's the same, except the x doesn't have a square. How do I work it out. Also, if you could write down what it's called, it would be nice. Thanks anyway. Peace!
Post by: Hannibal on June 10, 2014, 04:24:28 pm
Guys, I need help with this type of question. Pretend this (~) means square and this (|) means square root.So how to simplify the cube root of x? I think the answer is x to the power of a third :) (There's a chance I may be wrong though).
~|3. In case it isn't clear, check the attached picture. It's the same, except the x doesn't have a square. How do I work it out. Also, if you could write down what it's called, it would be nice. Thanks anyway. Peace!
Post by: IndefatigableLover on June 10, 2014, 04:38:08 pm
So how to simplify the cube root of x? I think the answer is x to the power of a third :) (There's a chance I may be wrong though).The answer is actually
Generally the way to convert from fractional powers to a root is simply:
Post by: Hannibal on June 10, 2014, 04:41:03 pm
In case it isn't clear, check the attached picture. It's the same, except the x doesn't have a square.
The answer is actuallyHe said that there is no ^2 on the x notated, so wouldn't the power just be a third, rather than 2/3?
Generally the way to convert from fractional powers to a root is simply:
Post by: IndefatigableLover on June 10, 2014, 04:49:09 pm
He said that there is no ^2 on the x notated, so wouldn't the power just be a third, rather than 2/3?Well if there's no power inside the root then it would be the power to a third but I was just going with the picture that Novashock attached..
Post by: Hannibal on June 10, 2014, 04:59:27 pm
Well if there's no power inside the root then it would be the power to a third but I was just going with the picture that Novashock attached..Fair enough, both answers work for their respective questions :P.
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 03:51:29 pm
Peace Out!
Novashock :-)
Post by: Hannibal on June 12, 2014, 04:18:46 pm
thanks Guys for all your help. This is it. One day left. Just wanted to know if algebraic factorizing would be in the test. And how to calculate the surface area. That's it for now. thanks to all those that contributed, your help is greatly appreciated. 8)Both those things will likely be on the test, so definitely brush up on them :). In terms of surface area, I like visualising the different sides to an object, and then calculating the area of each one, then adding it up. Best of luck - I am confident you'll make it! :D
Peace Out!
Novashock :-)
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 04:47:02 pm
Best of luck - I am confident you'll make it! :D
Thanks dude (or dudette) Now I just wanted to know the difference between Monic and Non-Monic.
Post by: Hannibal on June 12, 2014, 05:12:17 pm
Non monic - The number before the x squared (a) in a quadratic equation is more than one
Thanks dude (or dudette) Now I just wanted to know the difference between Monic and Non-Monic.
Monic - The number before the x squared (a) in a quadratic equation is one
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 10:00:18 pm
Non monic - The number before the x squared (a) in a quadratic equation is more than oneThanks. Just need to know my year 8 text book and the year 9 basics. That All? ??? Do we need to learn extensively about consumer arithmetic and interest? Also Do you guys recommend Cramming the final hours before the exam? And final question, how does the 5% rule work? Only the top 5% from a schools year 8 level, and say 5% of a year 8 level is 6 students and 9-11 students from that school so the test. How many get in? Is it 5% from our school get into the selective schools, or 5% from our school gets into each of the school (so 5% to MHS, 5% to Suzanne Cory, 5% to Mac.Rob, etc)
Monic - The number before the x squared (a) in a quadratic equation is one
Thanks again ;) Stay cool 8)
Post by: Shinkaze on June 12, 2014, 10:04:05 pm
Quote
Is it 5% from our school get into the selective schools, or 5% from our school gets into each of the school (so 5% to MHS, 5% to Suzanne Cory, 5% to Mac.Rob, etc)
It is 5% from your school get into the selective schools so including MHS, Suzanne Cory, Mac.Rob and Nossal :)
Post by: Hannibal on June 12, 2014, 10:06:00 pm
Thanks. Just need to know my year 8 text book and the year 9 basics. That All? ??? Do we need to learn extensively about consumer arithmetic and interest? Also Do you guys recommend Cramming the final hours before the exam? And final question, how does the 5% rule work? Only the top 5% from a schools year 8 level, and say 5% of a year 8 level is 6 students and 9-11 students from that school so the test. How many get in? Is it 5% from our school get into the selective schools, or 5% from our school gets into each of the school (so 5% to MHS, 5% to Suzanne Cory, 5% to Mac.Rob, etc)Hey Nova,
Thanks again ;) Stay cool 8)
Please don't cram before the exam, it will stress you out more than anything. Maybe just read over a few notes, to get you in the mood :). The 5% rule basically means that no more than 5% of your current cohort can leave to that selective school (To my understanding, but it could also be that a maximum of 5% of the selective school's cohort can contain your school)
Post by: Novashock on June 12, 2014, 10:17:12 pm
Hey Nova,
Please don't cram before the exam, it will stress you out more than anything. Maybe just read over a few notes, to get you in the mood :).
It is 5% from your school get into the selective schools so including MHS, Suzanne Cory, Mac.Rob and Nossal :)Thanks, Will do ;D Now I better get some sleep, I have two big days in front of me.
Post by: Novashock on June 13, 2014, 07:18:18 pm
Concrete is made by mixing screenings cement and sand in the ratio 3:1:15. How much sand would be needed to make 125 tonnes? How do I know how much the ratio makes, and how do I solve these types of questions? Please help!!
Post by: Eyes-_- on June 13, 2014, 07:26:12 pm
For ratios this is how I do it( not sure if its the right way or whatever )
3:1:15, you add these together then divide the answer into the total amount eg.
125 divided by 19 (125/19). Then when you get the quotient ( for this it is a really long one 6.57... )
you use the quotient and multiply it by the parts if you want to find the 3 part (screening) it will be 6.57... * 3 or whatever it asks for.
Post by: sparked on June 13, 2014, 07:27:06 pm
For every 15 parts of sand there are 3 parts of cement and 1 part of screenings.
Therefore, if sand makes up 15 parts of 19, then 15/19 = %78.9473 of the total mixture.
.789473*125 tonnes = ~ 98.68 tonnes of sand.
Post by: Novashock on June 13, 2014, 07:34:05 pm