Math is one of the most widely taken Milliy sertifikat (National Certificate) subjects. The exam has 45 tasks in 150 minutes, and it is not only multiple choice: there are open tasks where you write the answer yourself, and they are exactly the ones that give a lot of points.
Exam structure
In open tasks the answer is written as a number: a whole number, a decimal (for example, 4.5) or a fraction.
| Part | Tasks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Closed (test) | 35: 10 easy, 25 medium | 1.3 or 2.2 |
| Open (a/b) | 10, each with two parts | a) 1.5 + b) 1.7 |
| Total | 45 tasks, 150 minutes | 100 raw points |
Topics that come up most
- Algebra: equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, systems of equations, absolute value.
- Functions: linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphs.
- Sequences: arithmetic and geometric progressions, the sum of terms.
- Trigonometry: basic identities, equations, values of angles.
- Derivatives and integrals: the value of a derivative, tangent lines, finding an area.
- Geometry: areas of triangles and quadrilaterals, circles, volume and surface area of solids, vectors.
How to split your time
- Leave about 80-90 minutes for the test questions and 50-60 minutes for the open tasks.
- If one question takes more than 4-5 minutes, mark it and move on.
- Part a) of an open task is usually easier: always solve it, because the parts are marked separately.
- Keep the last 10 minutes for the marked questions and for checking your answers.
Common mistakes
- Losing a sign (forgetting a minus), especially when opening brackets.
- Not checking the domain: the expression under a logarithm or a root.
- Not writing the answer in the form asked: for example, giving one root when the sum was asked for.
