Is it worth getting Essentials?

[Professor Polonsky]

So, basically... The questions in Maths Quest are terrible. They're very repetitive, and not very challenging at all. The SACs my school sets are generally more difficult, which is a problem. I don't particularly want to do these questions, and I don't feel like they're good practice for SACs.

Is Essentials any better? I can't see myself working from two textbooks in Further (one is bad as it is), so it'd replace Maths Quest. If the questions are of harder difficulty, then it might serve as a good incentive to do more work.

[Stick]

Essentials explains the theory better, but you'll probably be just as frustrated with the questions. They're designed so that you can develop the skill, not test it. You should buy a study guide and use that instead, especially for SAC revision.

[saba.ay]

I used the Essential textbook when I studied Further, and tbh, it's probably not worth it. For further, imo, the questions are probably the same regardless which textbook you use. The questions from Maths Quest, though they're easy, as you said, should be fine. I'd say you buy some decent study guides and work through them if you're really after some additional work.

[McFleurry]

Essentials explains the theory better, but you'll probably be just as frustrated with the questions.

This: there really isn't must point unless you want to spend approx $70 on something. For SACs, past SACs and past VCAA papers are best. Save prac exams for September/when you've finished the course.

[Professor Polonsky]

Thanks guys I really appreciate your help.

Any suggestions for decent study guides? I haven't really been looking at them, so not sure what's out there on the market.

[brenden]

Further Notes was a very clear explanation of the theory (certainly made its way into my bound references)... From memory, the questions were much better than the Maths Quest questions, however, I didn't do many questions from Further Notes. I'll find my copy and do a few questions (if I can find my fucking CAS ) and report back regarding the difficulty (if we can call it that)

[simba]

I think you will do fine with nathsquest, that was the textbook that I used last year
And in terms of other sources, all I actually used was the vcaa past exams and my teacher gave me a few tsfx practice exams
I think just doing exam style questions are most helpful if you want to be really prepared (for exam time!)

[McFleurry]

Thanks guys I really appreciate your help.

Any suggestions for decent study guides? I haven't really been looking at them, so not sure what's out there on the market.

Um, I didn't get one...I found that simply doing prac exams and past VCAA exams were the best way to prepare for the exam.

[Yacoubb]

My school uses the Essential Further Mathematics textbook, and I've purchased a cheap, $10 Maths Quest from A&G to do extra questions in addition to the ones I do from the Essential textbook. By doing that, you're in a way confirming that you know the theory and the approach you must take to these types of questions.

Just remember that doing practice exams is ultimately the best way to ensure you've thoroughly understood the theory component + that, in a way, you're ready for the exam

[Dedicated]

Try stewart's calculus using the relevant sections. It's good for specialist as well. The problem solving questions in that are very good.

[Dedicated]

Opps just realized this is for further. Ignore the above as it is only good for methods or spesh.

[Stick]

Thanks guys I really appreciate your help.

Any suggestions for decent study guides? I haven't really been looking at them, so not sure what's out there on the market.

It's in my guide.