SS3 MATHEMATICS
TAKE YOUR MATHEMATICS SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
The term begins with a revision of the laws of indices and the use of logarithm tables, and the calculation of the logarithm of numbers; the theory of logarithms; and the rules connecting logarithms — log(p/q) = log p − log q, log pq = log p + log q, and logₐxⁿ = n logₐx — with practice applying each rule (Weeks 1–2).
Matrices are then introduced: the definition of a matrix, order and notation, and the types of matrices (null, unit, etc.); addition and subtraction of matrices; and scalar multiplication of 2×2 and 3×3 matrices (Week 3). This continues into surds and further matrix work: the transpose of a matrix; the determinant of 2×2 and 3×3 matrices; the solution of simultaneous equations using the determinant method; the inverse of a 2×2 matrix; conjugate of binomial surds; simplification of surds including the difference of two matrices; and application of surds to solving triangles involving trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45°, 60° and evaluating expressions involving surds (Week 4).
Arithmetic of finance follows in two parts: revision of simple interest and compound interest, and the definition and calculation of depreciation and determination of annuity (Week 5); then the definition and computation of amortisation, and the solution of problems in the capital market involving bonds, debentures, shares, income tax rate and value added tax (Week 6).
A revision unit on the application of linear and quadratic equations follows — simultaneous linear and quadratic equations, word problems on linear and quadratic equations, and word problems on simultaneous equations, including one linear and one quadratic (Weeks 7–8).
The term concludes with trigonometry: the graphs of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine graphs for 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°, and the interpretation of graphs of trigonometric functions (Weeks 9–10), followed by revision (Week 11) and examination (Week 12).
Meet Your Instructors
What you'll learn
- Apply the laws of indices and logarithms, including the product, quotient and power rules, to calculate and simplify expressions.
- Define a matrix, state its order, identify types of matrices, and perform addition, subtraction and scalar multiplication on matrices.
- Find the transpose, determinant and inverse of 2×2 and 3×3 matrices, and use the determinant method to solve simultaneous equations.
- Compute simple interest, compound interest, depreciation and annuity for given financial scenarios.
- Compute amortisation and solve capital-market problems involving bonds, debentures, shares, income tax and value added tax.
- Solve simultaneous linear and quadratic equations and apply them to word problems in real-life and financial contexts.
- Sketch and interpret the graphs of sine and cosine functions over the interval 0° ≤ x ≤ 360°.
- Simplify surds, find the conjugate of a binomial surd, and apply surds to solving triangles involving trigonometric ratios of 30°, 45° and 60°.
What's Included
- Completes the algebraic and geometric foundation needed for the WASSCE/NECO/JAMB mathematics examinations.
- Equips students with matrix algebra, a gateway skill for tertiary study in the sciences, engineering, economics and computer science.
- Develops practical financial literacy — interest, depreciation, annuities and capital-market instruments — that students will use well beyond the classroom.
- Strengthens graphical interpretation skills, which are essential for further mathematics, physics and economics.
- Reinforces earlier algebraic technique (linear and quadratic equations) through applied revision, consolidating readiness for final examinations.