5 Grade 11 Math concepts to master for your exam
Ontario math exams are around the corner and sometimes it can feel like there is so much info to cover that it can be overwhelming to know where to start. At our Toronto math tutoring centre, we totally get it and that’s why we’ve put together a list of the most important concepts in MCR3U so that you can kickstart your study game with the topics that are sure to be on your exam!
1. Exponential Functions
Grade 11 math is where most Ontario math students are likely to be introduced to exponential functions and get deep into exponent laws. Make sure to brush up on all your exponent rules and familiarize yourself not only with graphing exponential functions, but solving growth and decay problems as well!
2. Trigonometry
Trigonometry is all about triangles and angles, and it's a key concept you'll need to master in Grade 11 math, even though it will likely have been introduced to you in Grade 10 math. Make sure you understand SOHCAHTOA, Sin Law and Cos Law, and also how to use them to solve word problems involving angles and sides of triangles. You may also need to understand the CAST rule and unit circle and how to apply it to trigonometric functions, so make sure you brush up on that too!
3. Functions
Functions are what this ENTIRE COURSE is all about - it’s in the name of the course, so you can bet that functions will be super important on your exam. Make sure you understand the different types of functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, and absolute functions. You'll also need to know how to graph functions and use them to solve problems, and you’ll need to be familiar with function notation as well as the vertical line test!
4. Trigonometric Functions
We mentioned Trig earlier in this list but remember that you’ll also need to know all about Trigonometric functions, which are functions that relate to Sine, Cosine and Tangent. Make sure you know how to graph and transform these functions, they will for sure pop up on your final math exam.
5. Algebra
Okay, we’re putting Algebra in here because students forget that algebra isn’t just something you learn in Grade 8 math, it’s a fundamental concept in math, and you'll encounter it throughout your high school math career. Make sure you understand the basics of algebra, including solving equations, graphing linear equations, and factoring polynomials because no matter what topic you’re tackling in Grade 11 math, you’ll need algebra skills to get you there. Sometimes students can’t get the right answer in a Grade 11 math problem, not because they don’t understand the concept, but because their Algebra skills need a little tweaking!
So, there you have it guys - five of the hottest topics that will show up on your Grade 11 Ontario math exam. Make a list, get organized, tackle some practice problems - you’ve got this!
Vanessa Vakharia is the author of 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 + 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝟚 , the host of the Math Therapy podcast, and the founder of The Math Guru tutoring studio.