The Complete Exam Preparation Guide for Matric Maths

A week-by-week Matric Maths exam preparation plan covering Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics, past papers and revision strategy.

This is the only Matric Maths exam preparation guide you need. It walks you through Paper 1 and Paper 2 topics, weekly past paper practice and the final 14-day revision sprint. Start with a diagnosis: write a recent Paper 1 and Paper 2 under timed conditions and mark them by topic. Spend the next weeks on the topics where you lost the most marks, with one full paper a week to track progress. In the last two weeks, switch to full papers and the formulas and theorems you must know by heart.

Practice questions with solutions

When should I start?

  1. At least 8 weeks before exams
  2. Sooner is better

Answer: 8 weeks minimum.

What's in Paper 1 vs Paper 2?

  1. P1: algebra, calculus, functions
  2. P2: trig, geometry, stats

Answer: Different focus.

When are the 2026 Maths papers?

  1. Paper 1: Friday 23 October 2026 at 09:00
  2. Paper 2: Monday 26 October 2026 at 09:00
  3. Each paper is 3 hours for 150 marks

Answer: 23 and 26 October 2026.

What should the final 14 days look like?

  1. Days 1–7: a full paper every second day, marked with the memo
  2. Days 8–12: only the topics where you lost the most marks
  3. Days 13–14: formulas, theorems and rest

Answer: Papers first, then weak topics, then rest.

Which topics carry the most marks?

  1. Paper 1: functions and differential calculus, about 35 marks each
  2. Paper 2: trigonometry, about 50 marks
  3. Then analytical geometry and Euclidean geometry, about 40 each

Answer: Functions, calculus and trigonometry.

Which formulas are not on the information sheet?

  1. The quadratic formula is given, but exponent laws and the derivative rules are not
  2. Euclidean geometry theorems are not provided
  3. Reduction formulae and special-angle values are not provided

Answer: Learn theorems, reductions, exponent laws and derivative rules by heart.

How do I prepare for Euclidean geometry?

  1. Learn each theorem with the wording accepted as a reason
  2. Practise the theorem proofs that are examinable
  3. In riders, mark all equal angles and sides on the diagram before you start

Answer: Theorems, proofs and labelled diagrams.

Tips

  • Do one full past paper per week, timed.
  • Mark with the official memo.

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