How to prepare for the maths exam
The exam consists of solving one of the two problems set and answering four of the eight questions provided; the time allowed is 6 hours.
Key points
The Ministry of Education, by Ministerial Decree 132026, has designated Mathematics as the subject for the second paper of the school-leaving examination for the scientific stream. The exam will take place on 19 June. Despite the recent changes introduced for the oral examination, nothing has changed regarding its structure: it consists of solving one of the two problems set and answering four questions from the eight provided; the time allowed is 6 hours. It should be noted that candidates must only complete the required number of problems and questions; any additional exercises will not be marked. The exam is worth up to 20 marks.
The aim of the second exam is to assess the skills, knowledge and abilities acquired by students throughout their secondary school education and is therefore not limited to the topics covered in the final year. In fact, the topics covered do not relate solely to mathematical analysis (the study of functions, differential and integral calculus) but also to topics from previous years. This is demonstrated by the consistent inclusion of questions relating to Euclidean geometry, analytical geometry in space, optimisation problems, probability and combinatorics. Naturally, as the subject in question is Mathematics, there will be no references to or questions on Physics.
How to choose a problem and questions
Don’t panic or get anxious if, at first glance, the exercises seem ‘tricky’. To make the right choice, read the text of both problems carefully to interpret and understand every detail; highlight the information provided – not just the figures, but also the conditions and constraints set out in the question. Identify the topics the problem relates to and outline the procedure to follow and the strategy to apply for the solution. A careful reading will make the problem seem less complicated than it appears. Follow the same procedure when choosing which questions to attempt. Do not worry if this analysis takes a little time; it is better to make a careful and decisive choice than to rush into an exercise only to realise, whilst working on it, that it is more difficult than expected. This is a pointless and risky waste of time.
Which exercise should I start with?
Once you’ve chosen the problem and the questions, start with the ones you feel are most within your reach, so that you can relax and build your confidence. If you think it’s better to tackle the questions first because they seem easier, go ahead; you’ll approach the problem with greater determination and a calmer mindset.
Usually, the two problems are divided into several parts, and each part serves as a prelude to or is related to the next one. Often, however, the following point provides guidance on the previous one, so that the candidate can still continue with the exercise. Therefore, if you encounter difficulties in solving a particular point, carry on with the others and return to the previous point later, with a clearer mind and greater determination.
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