Maths Methods has earned a reputation as the "hard" Maths subject. Whether youâre studying under the QCE, VCE, HSC or any other state curriculum, Mathematical Methods is often thought of as a challenging subject and a step up from General Maths. In fact, many students wonder whether it's worth choosing it as a senior subject with its complex and abstract concepts like calculus, algebraic manipulation and probability. In this post, we'll dive deep into what makes this subject tricky and how you can tackle it with confidence.
Why Do Students Find Maths Methods Tough?
1) Complex Concepts
Maths Methods covers topics like calculus, trigonometry, and statistical analysis, all of which require a solid understanding of the fundamentals. If you're finding simple algebra, linear equations and quadratics easy so far in Year 10, you'll most likely already have the pre-requisite skills you need to do well in calculus. However, the topics that you will learn in Methods is challenging because they require you to think critically and apply concepts you know in new ways. This requires a solid understanding of everything that you've learned in school so far and can be a major leap if you are finding Year 10 content difficult so far.
Keep it mind that mastering these new advanced topics requires frequent practice and revision so that you can tackle problems when they are presented to you in different ways.
2) Complex Problem-Solving
The exam questions in Maths Methods arenât just asking you to recall information â theyâre testing your ability to solve problems under pressure. The questions are designed to be tricky, often requiring you to combine several concepts to arrive at a solution.
Being able to recognise keywords is extremely important in Maths Methods. When you study calculus, you'll often come across phrases in worded problems that indirectly provide you with information.
'Initial' and 'start' tell you that t=0 in kinematics questions and 'at rest' tells you that the velocity of the object is 0.
3) Time Pressure
The content in Maths Methods moves quite fast as well in both Year 11 and 12. To do well in this subject, you'll need to be able to keep up with schoolwork and homework as each new lesson is often a new concept or topic. During the QCE exams, time management also becomes crucial. Youâre given a limited amount of time to solve some pretty challenging problems and this pressure can make the subject feel even harder. You need to be quick and accurate and thereâs little room for error.
Practice and a clear understanding of what you are learning is key in this subject. This is why most students in Year 11 and 12 often seek additional tutoring for clarification and help with understanding important concepts such as algebra, calculus and probability.
How to Do Well in Maths Methods
Practice, Practice, Practice
Consistent practice is key to mastering Maths Methods. Work on past papers, tackle different types of questions, and challenge yourself with the toughest problems you can find. The more you practice, the better youâll get at applying your knowledge under exam conditions.
Focus on Understanding
Itâs not enough to just know the formulas â you need to understand how and why they work. Dive deep into the concepts and make sure youâre comfortable with the underlying principles. If youâre struggling, donât hesitate to seek extra help from teachers, tutors, or online resources.
Use Your Resources
Make the most of all available resources, from textbooks to tutoring. Sometimes hearing a concept explained in a different way can make all the difference. Also, get to know your calculator inside and out â this will save you precious time during exams.
Manage Your Time
Time management is crucial during exams. Start with the questions you find easiest to secure those marks, then tackle the harder ones. If you get stuck, move on and come back later. This strategy can help you maximise your score.
Looking to score 90+ in Maths Methods? Check out our step-by-step ATAR guide for QCE Mathematical Methods.
Do I Need Maths Methods?
What Jobs Require Maths Methods?
Fields such as medicine, computer science, economics and engineering all require a solid understanding of the concepts covered in Maths Methods. However, we recommend checking the subject pre-requisites with your university to confirm whether you do need to take this subject.
Is Maths Methods a Prerequisite for Medicine?
Technically, you don't need to do Maths Methods in high school to become a doctor. Although most universities will state it as a strict prerequisite for their medical degrees, there are ways around this.
University bridging programs can often be a great solution for students wanting to pursue degrees like medicine. In these courses, you'll be able to do a crash course on Maths Methods content after you graduate Year 12 to meet your course requirement. This way, your study load in Year 11 and 12 will be much more manageable which can help maximise your ATAR score.
Not sure what ATAR Maths subject to choose? Read our QCE Maths guide to help you decide whether Essential Maths, General Maths, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths is the right fit for you.
Final Thoughts
So, is Maths Methods hard? Yes and no. The challenges you face in this subject are definitely advanced but with consistent effort, a solid understanding of the concepts and smart study strategies, you can do extremely well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drop Maths Methods?
Deciding whether to drop Maths Methods depends on your future goals and how you're managing the subject. If you're finding it extremely difficult despite putting in the effort, and it's negatively affecting your performance in other subjects, it might be worth considering a change. However, remember that Maths Methods is often a prerequisite for certain university courses, particularly in fields like medicine, engineering and science. Make sure you do your research and consider bridging programs if you do decide to drop down to General Maths.
Is Maths Methods harder than General Maths?
Yes, Maths Methods is generally considered harder than General Maths. Maths Methods covers more complex and abstract concepts such as calculus, algebraic manipulation and probability. General Maths, on the other hand, focuses on more practical, everyday mathematical concepts. If you're aiming for a high ATAR or a course that requires strong maths skills, Maths Methods is often the better choice despite its difficulty.
Is Year 11 Maths Methods harder than Year 10 Maths?
Yes, Year 11 Maths Methods is typically more challenging than Year 10 Maths. The jump from Year 10 to Year 11 involves a significant increase in complexity as you'll learn advanced concepts such as calculus. Students often find the workload and expectations higher, making Year 11 a noticeable step up from Year 10.
Should you do Maths Methods in Year 10?
Taking Maths Methods in Year 10 can be extremely beneficial if you're strong in Maths and want to challenge yourself early on. It can give you a head start on the concepts you'll encounter in Years 11 and 12, making the transition smoother. However, this depends on your confidence and ability in Maths. If you feel ready for the challenge, starting Methods early can be a great advantage.
Is Maths Methods hard?
Yes and no. The subject covers complex and abstract topics that require strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. While it's challenging, with consistent effort, practice, and the right support, you will be able to successfully navigate Maths Methods and even excel in it.