In regards to the course itself, it is not exactly totally different from the Mathematics Extension 1 course. A lot of Mathematics Extension 2 is basically an extension of the Mathematics Extension 1 course. For example, Conics extends some of the topics in Parametric representation of functions while Mechanics extends from Applications of calculus to the physical world. There is even a set topic called Harder Extension 1 topics. However, there are some unfamiliar concepts that will be found in the course such as notation of i in Complex numbers and implicit differentiation in Graphs. The topics studied in the Mathematics Extension 2 course are:
1. Graphs
2. Complex Numbers
3. Conics
4. Integration
5. Volumes
6. Mechanics
7. Polynomials
8. Harder Extension 1 Topics
Most of the topics that require background knowledge from the Mathematics Extension 1 course such as Integration, Mechanics, Polynomials and of course Harder Extension 1 topics are generally taught later in the course so that students can learn the foundations required during the Mathematics Extension 1 course beforehand.
The Mathematics Extension 2 course is designed for students with a talent and interest in Mathematics, especially if they wish to take advanced mathematics in their tertiary studies. Therefore, I would only recommend taking Mathematics Extension 2 if you have strong background knowledge and accomplished skills in Mathematics. It is through this measure that I believe would determine the amount of commitment placed onto the course and whether or not you will perform well in the course. Your performance in Mathematics Extension 1 is often a good indicator of how you will go if you were to take the Mathematics Extension 2 course. However, with that being said, on the contrary, I myself am somehow performing better (in terms of ranks) in Mathematics Extension 2 than Mathematics Extension 1....