Tips for CBSE Mathematics Exam (For Class 10 - SA II)

Piles of notes, loads of books around, last minute revision and late night studies! Yes, Boards have reached your doorsteps. The last few days before the examination call for ‘smart and quick study'. Previously maths was considered as the only subject where it was possible to score hundred percent. Even today this holds true for the well-prepared.
Let us start by analysing the unit-wise weightage of marks.

SECOND TERM	MARKS: 80
UNITS	MARKS
II ALGEBRA Quadratic equations and Arithmetic progressions	20
III GEOMETRY Circles and Constructions	16
IV MENSURATION Areas related to circles, Surface areas and volumes	20
V TRIGNOMETRY Heights and Distances	8
VI COORDINATE GEOMETRY	10
VII PROBABILITY	6
TOTAL	80

• From the chart, it is apparent that the units, Algebra and Mensuration account for 50% of the total marks, so prepare these units well.
• But do not leave any stone unturned, prepare for the rest of the units with the same vigor.
• Construction (Geometry) is one such topic where one can score full marks if they are fully-versed with the constructions.

Pattern of the Paper
The Mathematics paper has 4 sections viz. A, B, C and D. Section A contains MCQ questions of 1 mark. Section B and C contains short answer questions (SA) of 2 and 3 marks respectively. Section D contains long answer questions (LA) of 4 marks each.
There is no overall choice in the question paper. However, internal choice is provided in one question of 2 marks, 3 questions of 3 marks and two questions of 4 marks.

To know which type of questions come from which chapter, have a look at the table given below.

SECTION	A	B	C	D	Total Questions	Total Marks
UNITS	MCQ (1)	SA I (2)	SA II (3)	LA (4)	Marks	Total
Algebra	2	2	2	2	8	20
Geometry	4	1	2	1	8	16
Mensuration	2	2	2	2	8	20
Trigonometry	1	-	1	1	8	8
Coordinate geometry	-	2	2	-	4	10
Probability	1	1	1	-	3	6
Total Questions	10	8	10	6	34
Total Marks	10	16	30	24		8

(Even though the weightage remains the same, the pattern of the individual questions may vary.)

1) Long answer questions usually come from algebra, geometry, mensuration and trignometry. So, prepare long answer questions of these chapters very well.

2) Answers of MCQ should be given in one or two words only. So, do not waste your time in writing the question or whole solution during exam.

Some common mistakes that students do:

Here are a few common mistakes that students tend to make.

Mistake: -21+4 = 17 Correction: -21+4 = -17 (Take care of the signs) Mistake: 2(x2+1) = 2 x2+1 Correction: 2(x2+1) = 2x2+2 (Caught within Brackets) Mistake: sin (x+y) = sin x + sin y Correction: sin (x+y) ≠ sin x + sin y (Tricks with Trignometry)

Tips to Revise

1. Maths is a subject that cannot be read. Practice makes maths perfect. So, practise maths by writing and actually solving the questions.
2. Practice all the NCERT questions including the solved examples.
3. You can solve additional exercises from reference books and those available on www.meritnation.com for additional practice.
4. Practice all the Board questions asked in the last five years (that comes under current syllabi). To have a look at the board papers, visit here.
5. On the eve of the exam, go through the revision notes available on www.meritnation.com.
6. You can write down all the formulae/identities/results to speed up recollection of the same during the exam.
7. We advise you to take proper sleep, do not do overnight revision because a fresh mind is very important on the D-day.

All the best friends!!