Methods - Paul's Exam Predictions

[paulsterio]

Alright guys, I've done some statistical analysis and this is my prediction for what's going to be on this year's methods exam

Exam 1:

• Question 1 is almost guaranteed to be a simple differentiation question, it has been for the past few years. I'm predicting that it will have two parts, one where you have to find the derivative function and one where you will have to find the derivative at a certain point.
  
• Graphing - On the 2008 there were three graphs we had to draw, a hyperbola and a modulus (absolute) function and an exponential. In 2009, thankfully for them, there were no graphs to be drawn. Similarly, no graphs in 2010. I think this seems to be suggesting that VCAA is moving away from graphing in Exam 1, but knowing them, I'd say that there's a good chance there will be a graphing question on this year's Exam 1 - I'm thinking probably trigonometric, it's been ages since one of them has come up. Plus they're challenging, highly unlikely that an exponential/log will come up.
• Integration - Every year, apart from 2008, there's been a multi (often 2) part integration question. When these come up, usually part a. is a indefinite integral and b. is a definite integral and also, part a. always seems to be more well done. This suggests that people often make mistakes with numbers and mental arithmetic, so that's something to watch out for in Exam 1
• Inverse Functions - 100% probability of appearing on the exam, every single year there's always a "find the inverse" question. Remember to state "for inverse swap x and y" and remember that if it's asking for the function, you have to state the domain as well as the rule. They are usually always simple in Exam 1 - algebraic manipulation is tested somewhat but it's never hard, they're usually worth 3 marks.
• Trigonometry - There's always a solve the trigonometric equation type question, usually they give you a domain, but my predictions are that they might possibly give a general solution question this year, because they haven't come up in quite a while, but regardless, there will definitely be a trigonometric question. Stating the range, period or amplitude are also popular, they are also easy marks, so make sure you shoot them down easily if they come up in the exam.
• Integration by Recognition - Find a derivative and hence find an antiderivative - they usually come up every now and then, but I haven't seen them much, which makes them a high probability question for this year's exams.
• Probability - there will definitely be a question where you have to use the sum of all probabilities = 1, could be continuous or discrete, usually you have a variable "k" in there which you have to find - it's basically on every exam

I'll add more later

[paulsterio]

Reserved for MC

[99.96]

Graphing - On the 2008 there were three graphs we had to draw, a hyperbolaand a modulus (absolute) function and an

Hyperbola? I swear your getting spesh mixed up with methods, or my memory is so incredibly bad that i dont remember doing hyperbolas in methods.

[tony3272]

Not hyperbolas as in , But rather

[acinod]

It's quite possible to predict Exam 2 after Exam 1 since all the main topics that weren't covered in Exam 1 are bound to come up on Exam 2. VCAA is trying to test the course after all. Say in Exam 1 you get a probability question on discrete probability and binomial distribution. You can expect that very likely, the probability question in the extended response of Exam 2 is going to be on continuous random variables and normal distribution.

Hopefully we'll get a thread on Exam 2 predictions after Exam 1.

[99.96]

Not hyperbolas as in , But rather

Oh right...completely forgot those where called hyperbolas too

[thatisanote]

Add some more Helpful!

[lietzsche]

thanks! It'd be swell if you could predict what kind of assumed knowledge would be on exam 1 that's my area of downfall at the moment  (i.e 2010:similar triangles, 2008:area of an equilateral triangle, 2007:question 12)

[nacho]

i think we will have to draw a tan graph

[Greatness]

i think we will have to draw a tan graph

Yep i reckon. And there will be a question that tests your knowledge of derivatives, gradients, tangents, normals and what not. Like the last question of one exam a few years back.

[Lasercookie]

It'll be interesting to see how many of these predictions turn out to be true.

[paulsterio]

It'll be interesting to see how many of these predictions turn out to be true.

Apart from the last question, VCAA Exam 1's are generally 60% the same each year except with different numbers/functions

[pinkky]

very close to the real one,   

[RossiJ]

very close to the real one,   

haha, not at all

[Random_Guy]

So much for "100% chance" that there will be a "Find the inverse" question.