Singapore Secondary 2 Mathematics Syllabus - Express & Normal Academic

This syllabus is designed for the Express and Normal (Academic) courses, implemented starting with the 2020 Secondary One cohort.

The syllabus aims to help students acquire mathematical concepts and skills for continued learning and application in other subjects, develop problem-solving skills, connect mathematical ideas within the subject and to other fields, and build confidence and interest in mathematics.

The curriculum is organized around three content strands: Number and Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Statistics and Probability. Learning experiences focusing on processes, metacognition, and attitudes are embedded within these strands. Real-world problem-solving is emphasized, providing opportunities for students to apply their learning and appreciate the relevance of mathematics. Example contexts include everyday life scenarios, personal and household finance, and data interpretation from tables and graphs.

Secondary Two Topics

The following topics are covered in Secondary Two, expanding upon the foundation built in Secondary One:

Number and Algebra

• Ratio and Proportion: Map scales (distance and area), direct and inverse proportion.
• Algebraic Expressions and Formulae: Expansion of the product of algebraic expressions, changing the subject of a formula, finding the value of an unknown quantity in a given formula, use of algebraic identities (e.g., (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²), factorization of linear and quadratic expressions, multiplication and division of simple algebraic fractions, addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions with linear or quadratic denominators.
• Functions and Graphs: Quadratic functions (y = ax² + bx + c), graphs of quadratic functions and their properties (positive or negative coefficient of x², maximum and minimum points, symmetry).
• Equations and Inequalities: Concept of equation and inequality, solving simple inequalities and representing solutions on the number line, graphs of linear equations in two variables, solving simultaneous linear equations in two variables (substitution, elimination, and graphical methods), solving quadratic equations in one variable by factorization, formulating linear equations to solve problems.

Geometry and Measurement

• Congruence and Similarity: Congruent and similar figures, properties of similar triangles and polygons (corresponding angles are equal, corresponding sides are proportional), enlargement and reduction of plane figures, solving problems involving congruence and similarity.
• Pythagoras' Theorem and Trigonometry: Use of Pythagoras' theorem, determining if a triangle is right-angled given side lengths, use of trigonometric ratios (sine, cosine, and tangent) of acute angles to calculate unknown sides and angles in right-angled triangles.
• Mensuration: Volume and surface area of pyramid, cone, and sphere.

Statistics and Probability

• Data Handling and Analysis: Analysis and interpretation of dot diagrams, histograms, and stem-and-leaf diagrams; purposes, uses, advantages, and disadvantages of different statistical representations; explaining misinterpretations of data; mean, mode, and median as measures of central tendency; calculating the mean for grouped data.
• Probability: Probability as a measure of chance, probability of single events (listing possible outcomes), probability of simple combined events (using possibility diagrams and tree diagrams).

This detailed breakdown of the Secondary Two Mathematics syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered, equipping students with the necessary mathematical foundation for further studies.