Using Non-Spec Maths in Exam

[Srd2000]

Hi Y'All, with the exam 2 around the corner, I was wondering if we can use maths that isn't explicit in the specialist course? For example, cross products, Vieta's formula and half angle formula? Is this illegal or not advised in the exam???
I understand that most of the exam markers are spec teachers or past spec teachers, but if there was a question that had something unorthodox in the solution, even if it is totally correct and doesn't break maths, will we be marked down?

Thanks, best wishes to everyone on their exams

[Sine]

Hi Y'All, with the exam 2 around the corner, I was wondering if we can use maths that isn't explicit in the specialist course? For example, cross products, Vieta's formula and half angle formula? Is this illegal or not advised in the exam???
I understand that most of the exam markers are spec teachers or past spec teachers, but if there was a question that had something unorthodox in the solution, even if it is totally correct and doesn't break maths, will we be marked down?

Thanks, best wishes to everyone on their exams

You won't need to use those things in the exam - if you do need to use them you must have overlooked a much simper solution.

So if you happen to "need it" I would advise against it since they aren't in the study design - some assesors may be ok with it an others may not be. So I would errr on the side of caution.

Good luck on monday!

[Srd2000]

Fair enough. I understand that there's usually a simpler way to most questions. Just one instance that sparked this thought was a certain practice exam that required the volume of a parallelepiped and I've had to find the volumes of those boys before in extension physics so the formula for the volume using a cross and dot product came naturally.

Thanks

[vox nihili]

I'd also suggest it's not the best idea. Partially because using things outside of the course is often tantamount to showing off, and makes it more likely you'll end up with the wrong answer. Also because you can't rely on the assessors to know any maths beyond the course. The assessors are usually teachers; in many cases, they'll know very little content in their field of specialisation beyond VCE courses.