Grade 10 Maths Practice Paper 1

A Grade 10 CAPS-style Paper 1 practice test: equations and inequalities, exponents, number patterns, functions, compound interest and probability, worked.

This practice paper covers every Grade 10 Paper 1 topic in proportion to the CAPS mark weightings: equations and inequalities, exponents, number patterns, functions and graphs, finance and growth, and probability.

It's about 40% of the length of a real Paper 1, so give yourself 45 minutes (1.2 minutes per mark, the same pace as the real exam). Show all working, then mark yourself with the worked answers.

Topics covered

  • Quadratic equations and inequalities
  • Simultaneous equations
  • Exponents and exponential equations
  • Linear number patterns
  • Parabolas and exponential graphs
  • Compound interest
  • Venn diagrams

Questions with worked answers

  • Question 1.1: Equations (3 marks). Solve for x: x² − 5x − 14 = 0
  • Question 1.2: Inequalities (3 marks). Solve and represent on a number line: −3 < 2x + 1 ≤ 7
  • Question 1.3: Simultaneous equations (4 marks). Solve simultaneously: 2x + y = 7 and x − y = 2
  • Question 2.1: Exponents (3 marks). Simplify without a calculator: (2⁴ × 8²) ÷ 4³
  • Question 2.2: Exponential equations (3 marks). Solve for x: 5ˣ⁻¹ = 125
  • Question 3: Number patterns (5 marks). Given the pattern 3; 8; 13; 18; … (a) Find the general term. (b) Find T₃₀. (c) Which term equals 248?
  • Question 4: Functions (8 marks). f(x) = x² − 4 and g(x) = 2ˣ − 1. (a) Find the intercepts of f. (b) Write down the range of f. (c) Write down the asymptote and y-intercept of g.
  • Question 5: Finance and growth (4 marks). R12 000 is invested at 7.5% p.a. compounded annually for 5 years. Find the final amount.
  • Question 6: Probability (4 marks). Of 40 learners, 25 take Physics, 18 take Life Sciences and 7 take both. (a) How many take neither? (b) Find P(Life Sciences only).

How to use this paper

  • Work at about 1.2 minutes per mark: a 4-mark question should take about 5 minutes.
  • Leave a question you're stuck on and come back to it.
  • After marking, list the topics where you lost marks and revise those guides first.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an official Grade 10 paper?

No. It is a Snap&Learn practice paper in the style of a CAPS Grade 10 Paper 1. For official papers, see the November common papers linked on the Grade 10 papers page.

Why is it shorter than a real paper?

It samples every Paper 1 topic in proportion to the CAPS mark weightings, so you can practise the whole paper in under an hour. Combine it with full official papers closer to the exam.

Snap&Learn gives South African Matric learners instant, CAPS-aligned, step-by-step Mathematics solutions. Snap or upload a question and the AI shows every method mark the way the NSC memo awards them. Your first three AI solutions are free.