Maths in focus (2 Viewers)

Magical Kebab

Member
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
708
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
This is the textbook we are using at school and I was just wondering if it's worth buying another book just because the questions in this seem kinda easy but the explanations seem great. So is it worth buying Cambridge for example?
 

Ms106

Complexity
Joined
Jul 22, 2010
Messages
58
Location
NSW
Gender
Male
HSC
2012
Just use Maths in Focus then do Past papers.
 

Siddy123

Active Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2011
Messages
672
Location
Compton
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
Maths in Focus is great at explaining the concept.
However the quality of questions don't suffice.
Perhaps another book such as Cambridge or Fitzparick would be of greater help to you.
In regards to the pricing of these books, they are quite pricey, I suggest you look at the Buy/Sell Classifields, many EX-students are selling good condition books for incredibly low prices(20-25 bux?).

All the Best:)
 

Carrotsticks

Retired
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Messages
9,494
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
N/A
I believe it is worth it to purchase the Cambridge series.

They have an excellent variety of questions catering to all skill levels, from the beginner to *perhaps* even the State Ranker.
 

theind1996

Active Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Messages
1,256
Location
Menai
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
N/A
I believe it is worth it to purchase the Cambridge series.

They have an excellent variety of questions catering to all skill levels, from the beginner to *perhaps* even the State Ranker.
But don't you think that Cambridge, in some cases have poor explanations?
 

qwerty44

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
557
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
But don't you think that Cambridge, in some cases have poor explanations?
Even if that is the case, he has Maths in Focus for explanations and simple questions. After that he can move onto Cambridge questions.

However I found that Cambridge explanations are pretty good, but like I said when it isn't just use Maths in Focus.
 

someth1ng

Retired Nov '14
Joined
Sep 18, 2010
Messages
5,558
Location
Adelaide, Australia
Gender
Male
HSC
2012
Uni Grad
2021
I would look for Maths in Focus then do past paper questions. I got an E4 in MX1 (46) last year - what I did was learn concept from the textbook (Jones and Couchman) then go through past trial papers and do any question within range (by topic).
 
Last edited:

slyhunter

Retired
Joined
May 17, 2009
Messages
6,803
Gender
Male
HSC
2011
Everything depends on the student, getting a Cambridge doesn't automatically mean a good mark.
 

EpikHigh

Arizona Tears
Joined
Dec 17, 2011
Messages
499
Gender
Male
HSC
2013
Everything depends on the student, getting a Cambridge doesn't automatically mean a good mark.
That's true but if you look at the questions from Maths in Focus and Compare it to Cambridge. Maths in Focus' questions are darn simple and using Maths in Focus for HSC and with the questions in it won't put you up to the level of questions that are in the HSC.
 

such_such

Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2010
Messages
416
Location
yes
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
2013
My school used Maths in Focus mainly, but when it comes to revision, the teacher uses Cambridge questions. I reckon if you can successfully do the extension sections in Cambridge, you thoroughly understand the topic and ideas, which means you can basically do almost everything for that topic.
 

funnytomato

Active Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2011
Messages
848
Gender
Male
HSC
2010
This is the textbook we are using at school and I was just wondering if it's worth buying another book just because the questions in this seem kinda easy but the explanations seem great. So is it worth buying Cambridge for example?
you could probably borrow one from school library or your teacher, and see how you find it
then decide whether or not it's gonna be a good investment
 

Peeik

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
274
Location
Sydney
Gender
Male
HSC
2009
Cambridge has good explanations but it can be hard to understand for those who arent use to the jargon used in math. But you already have MIF so you should get all your info there.
I suggest getting cambridge and do all the foundation and at least 80% of the development questions. Attempt the extension if you want a challenge. But as people above me have mentioned, a 'textbook' doesnt get band 6s/E4s unless you put in the hard work.

I highly recommend that you accompany this with exam papers from other schools so that you are well prepared for 'exam type questions'.
 

Timske

Sequential
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
794
Gender
Male
HSC
2012
Uni Grad
2016
This is the textbook we are using at school and I was just wondering if it's worth buying another book just because the questions in this seem kinda easy but the explanations seem great. So is it worth buying Cambridge for example?
Definitely worth buying Cambridge
 

seanieg89

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2006
Messages
2,662
Gender
Male
HSC
2007
I strongly recommend Cambridge as it is written by an actual mathematician (Dr Pender). The exposition is clear and the questions are excellent.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 2)

Top