working out

[wombifat]

if we get the right answer, but don't show working out properly, do we lose marks? how good does our notation have to be?

[Flaming_Arrow]

if its a 2 mark question and you dont show working out and have the correct answer, you will only get 1 mark

[pHysiX]

just to be safe, show working out for everything. but for 1 mark questions, u can skip things here and there. just to be on the safe side and demonstrate understanding

[plato]

if its a 2 mark question and you dont show working out and have the correct answer, you will only get 1 mark

Sometimes a two-mark question may have two distinct answers. In some of these cases, one mark is given for each answer and working out may be ignored. But, as this is too hard to predict, I agree with pHysiX that you should play safe and show working where possible.

Be sure to give exact answers unless directed to write decimals otherwise your "correct" answer may not be accepted if you do not follow instructions.

[wombifat]

Are they really anal about notation? do you know?

[plato]

Yes.
Non mathematical, incorrect or inappropriate notation, such as calculator syntax, may be penalised.