CSCA

Mathematics
Preparation
Notebook
Official Training Guide for the China
Scholastic Competency Assessment

Author : Shaid Ahmed Bishal

Based on the official CSCA Mathematics Examination Syllabus (2025-26 Edition)

 Introduction to the CSCA Math Exam

This guide, developed by AR Education's expert trainer, provides a complete preparation

framework for the CSCA Mathematics exam. It is designed to equip students with the
fundamental mathematical skills, logical thinking ability, and problem-solving
competence required for undergraduate studies at Chinese universities.

 Exam Format Overview:

 Duration: 60 minutes
 Total Score: 100 points
 Question Type: 48 Multiple Choice questions (single correct answer)
 Test Language: Available in both Chinese and English

 Core Modules
The exam is divided into four key areas, which form the structure of this notebook:
1. Sets and Inequalities
2. Functions
3. Geometry and Algebra
4. Probability and Statistics
 Chapter 1: Sets and Inequalities
1.1 Sets
Definition: A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects, called elements.
Notation: Elements are enclosed in curly braces { }.
The symbol ∈ means "is an element of", and ∉ means "is not an element of".
The universal set (U) contains all possible elements under consideration,
while the empty set (∅ or {}) contains no elements.

Key Operations:
Union (A ∪ B): The set of all elements that are in set A, or in set B, or in both.
Intersection (A ∩ B): The set of all elements that are common to both set A and set B.
Complement (A'): The set of all elements in the universal set U that are not in set A.

1.1.1 Representation of Sets

 Roster Method: Listing all elements explicitly within braces, e.g., A = {2, 4, 6}.

 Set-Builder Notation: Defining a set by a property, e.g.{x | x is an even integer, 0< x < 8}.

 Interval Notation: Used for real number ranges; [a, b] includes but (a, b) excludes endpoints.

 Venn Diagrams: Visual circles showing relationships. Union (A∪B) & Intersection (A ∩ B).

Example : Basic Operations

Let the Universal Set U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}.
Let Set A = {1, 3, 5, 7} and Set B = {3, 7, 9}.
Union: A ∪ B = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}
Intersection: A ∩ B = {3, 7}
Complement of A: A' = {2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10}

1.2 Inequalities
Inequalities are mathematical statements that compare two values using symbols like
< (less than), > (greater than), ≤ (less than or equal to), and ≥ (greater than or equal to).

Linear Inequalities:
Solved by isolating the variable, similar to linear equations. Crucial Rule: Remember to reverse
the inequality sign if you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number.

Example : Linear Inequality

Solve for x: 5 - 3x ≤ 11
1. Subtract 5 from both sides: -3x ≤ 6.
2. Divide both sides by -3 and reverse the inequality sign: x ≥ -2.
3. Solution: [-2, ∞).

 Open Interval (a, b): Excludes endpoints (used for > or < and always for ∞).

 Closed Interval [a, b]: Includes endpoints (used for ≥ or ≤).

Quadratic Inequalities:
These are typically solved by finding the critical points (where the expression equals zero or is
undefined) and then testing the sign of the expression in the intervals created by these points on
the number line.

Example : Solve x² - x - 6 ≤ 0
1. Factor the quadratic expression: (x - 3)(x + 2) ≤ 0
2. Find Critical Points: Set the factors to zero to find the roots.
The critical points are x = 3 and x = -2.
3. Test Intervals: These points divide the number line into three intervals:
(-∞, -2), (-2, 3), and (3, ∞).
Test x = -3: (-3 - 3)(-3 + 2) = (-6)(-1) = 6 (Positive)
Test x = 0: (0 - 3)(0 + 2) = (-3)(2) = -6 (Negative)
Test x = 4: (4 - 3)(4 + 2) = (1)(6) = 6 (Positive)
4. Determine Solution: The inequality is "≤ 0", so we need the interval where the expression is
negative or zero. This occurs between the roots, inclusive.
5. Solution: -2 ≤ x ≤ 3, or in interval notation, [-2, 3].

Rational Inequalities:
A rational inequality involves a fraction with a polynomial in the numerator and denominator.
The key is to find where the expression is positive, negative, zero, or undefined.

General Steps to Solve:

P(x)
1. Move all terms to one side so the inequality is in the form Q(x)
>0 (or ≥,<,≤).
Find Critical Points: Set the numerator P(x) = 0 and the denominator Q(x) = 0.

2. Mark the Number Line: Place these points on a number line to create intervals.

3. Test Intervals: Pick a number from each interval and plug it into the original expression to
see if the result is positive (+) or negative (-).

4. Define the Solution: Choose the intervals that satisfy the inequality sign (> or <).

5. Important: Values that make the denominator zero must always be excluded (use an open
circle or parenthesis).

Example: Rational Inequality

�−1
Solve: �+2 ≥ 0

Critical points:
Numerator: x-1=0 ⇒ x=1
Denominator: x+2=0 ⇒ x= −2 (excluded)

Test intervals:
x−1
Interval Test x Sign
x+2
(−∞,−2) x=−3 4 Positive
 (−2,1) x=0 −0.5 Negative

(1,∞) x=2 0.25 Positive

We want ≥0 (positive or zero)

Expression is positive on (−∞,−2) and (1,∞).
Expression is zero at x=1 (numerator = 0).
Expression is undefined at x=−2.
Solution: (−∞,−2)∪[1,∞)

Absolute Value Inequalities

∣x∣< a means −a < x < a ∣x∣> a means x < −a OR x > a

Example 5: Absolute Value Inequality

Solve: ∣2x−1∣≥5
Split into two cases:
Case 1: 2x−1 ≥ 5 → 2x ≥ 6 → x ≥ 3
Case 2: 2x−1 ≤ −5 → 2x ≤ −4 → x ≤ −2
Solution: (−∞,−2]∪[3,∞)(−∞,−2]∪[3,∞)

Real CSCA Exam Questions

1. [Sets & Logic] If sets A = {1, 2} and B = {1, 2, 3}, then:
A. B ⊆ A B. A = B C. A ∈ B D. A ⊆ B

2. [Intersection & Intervals] If sets A = (-1, 3) and B = {2, 4}, then A ∩ B =:

A. {2} B. {2, 3} C. (2, 3) D. {2, 4}

3. [Quadratic Inequalities] The solution set of the quadratic inequality x2 - 5x + 4 < 0 is:
A. (-4, -1) B. (-∞, 1) ∪ (4, +∞) C. (-∞, -4) ∪ (-1, +∞) D. (1, 4)

Practice Problems (Chapter 1: Sets and Inequalities):

1. Given sets A = {1, 3, 5, 7} and B = {3, 4, 5, 6}, find A ∩ B and A ∪ B.

2. If the universal set U = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9} and C = {2,4,6,8}, find C'.

3. Solve for x: 5x − 3 ≤ 2x + 9.

4. Solve the quadratic inequality: x² − 9 ≥ 0.

5. Solve the rational inequality: (2x − 1)/(x + 3) < 0.

6. Solve the absolute value inequality: |2x − 5| ≥ 7.

7. Solve the compound inequality and write the solution in interval notation: −2 < 3x + 1 ≤ 7.

8. Let P = {x ∈ Z | −2 ≤ x ≤ 6} and Q = {x ∈ Z | x is even}. Find P ∩ Q.

9. Solve the quadratic inequality: x² − 4x − 12 < 0.

10. Solve and express the solution set in interval notation: (x − 2)/(x² − 9) ≥ 0.
 Chapter 2: Functions
2.1 Understanding Functions
Definition: A function is a rule that assigns to each input element (from the domain) exactly one
output element (in the range). It is often written as y = f(x).

Domain: The set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function is defined.
Range: The set of all possible output values (y-values) that the function can produce.

Properties: Functions can be described by their properties, such as monotonicity (increasing or

decreasing) and parity (even or odd).

An even function satisfies f(-x) = f(x) (symmetric about the y-axis).

An odd function satisfies f(-x) = -f(x) (symmetric about the origin).

2.2 Types of Functions

Power Function: f(x) = xᵃ.

Exponential Function: f(x) = aˣ (where a > 0, a ≠ 1). Characterized by rapid growth or decay.

Logarithmic Function: f(x) = logₐ(x) (where a > 0, a ≠ 1). The inverse of an exponential
function.

 loga(MN) = loga M + loga N

 loga(M/N) = loga M - loga N

 logaMk = k loga M

 loga a = 1 and loga 1 = 0

Hint: If you see a log question without a base (e.g., log 100), the base is assumed to be 10. If you
see ln x, the base is e.

Trigonometric Functions: sin(x), cos(x), tan(x). These periodic functions relate the angles of a
right triangle to the ratios of its side lengths.

Example 1: Find the domain of f(x) = √(x - 4)

The expression inside a square root must be non-negative to produce a real number.
Therefore, we set up the inequality: x - 4 ≥ 0.
Solving for x gives: x ≥ 4.
Domain: [4, ∞)

Example 2: Determine Function Parity

Is the function f(x) = 3x⁴ - 5 even, odd, or neither?
1. Find f(-x): f(-x) = 3(-x)⁴ - 5.
2. Simplify: Since (-x)⁴ = x⁴, we have f(-x) = 3x⁴ - 5.
3. Compare: f(-x) = f(x).
4. Conclusion: The function is even.
2.3 Sequences
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers. The CSCA exam focuses on two main types.

Arithmetic Sequence:
A sequence where the difference between consecutive terms is constant, known as the common
difference (d).

 n-th Term Formula: aₙ = a₁ + (n - 1)d

 Sum of First n Terms: Sₙ = n/2 * (a₁ + aₙ) = n/2 * [2a₁ + (n - 1)d]

Geometric Sequence:
A sequence where the ratio between consecutive terms is constant, known as the common ratio (r).

 n-th Term Formula: aₙ = a₁ * rⁿ⁻¹

 Sum of First n Terms: Sₙ = a₁(1 - rⁿ) / (1 - r), for r ≠ 1

Example 3: Arithmetic Sequence Sum

Find the sum of the first 20 terms of an arithmetic sequence if the first term is 5 and the common
difference is 3.
Using the formula Sₙ = n/2 * [2a₁ + (n - 1)d]:
S₂₀ = 20/2 * [2(5) + (20 - 1)3] = 10 * [10 + 19*3] = 10 * [10 + 57] = 10 * 67 = 670.
Answer: The sum is 670.

Example 4: Geometric Sequence Term

Find the 8th term of the geometric sequence where the first term is 5 and the common ratio is 2.
Using the formula aₙ = a₁ * rⁿ⁻¹:
a₈ = 5 * 2⁽⁸⁻¹⁾ = 5 * 2⁷ = 5 * 128 = 640.
Answer: The 8th term is 640.

2.4 Basics of Derivatives

The derivative of a function, f'(x), represents the instantaneous rate of change of the function.
Geometrically, it is the slope of the tangent line to the function's graph at a given point.

Power Rule: If f(x) = xⁿ, then f'(x) = n * xⁿ⁻¹.

Example 5: Applying the Power Rule

Find the derivative of f(x) = 2x³ - 5x² + x - 7.
Apply the power rule to each term:
The derivative of 2x³ is 2 * 3x² = 6x².
The derivative of -5x² is -5 * 2x¹ = -10x.
The derivative of x (or x¹) is 1 * x⁰ = 1.
The derivative of a constant (-7) is 0.
Derivative f'(x): 6x² - 10x + 1.

2.4.1 Trigonometric Derivatives

You must memorize these two:

 If f(x) = sin(x), then f'(x) = cos(x).

 If f(x) = cos(x), then f'(x) = -sin(x).

2.4.2 Geometric Meaning & Applications
The value of the derivative at a specific point x = a is the slope (m) of the tangent line at that
point.

Hint: If a question asks for the "equation of the tangent line," first find f'(a) to get the slope, then
use the point-slope formula: y - y1 = m(x - x1).

Example 6: Slope of Tangent

Find the slope of the tangent line to f(x) = sin(x) + x2 at the point where x = 0.
Find the general derivative: f'(x) = cos(x) + 2x.
Plug in x = 0: f'(0) = cos(0) + 2(0).
Calculate: Since cos(0) = 1, the slope m = 1.
Answer: The slope is 1.

2.5 Normal Distribution

Definition: A symmetric, bell-shaped curve described as N( μ, σ2), where μ is the mean and
σ is the standard deviation.

 Symmetry: The curve is perfectly symmetrical around x = μ.

 Area Rule: The total area under the curve is always 1 (representing 100% probability).

 μ (Mean): Shifts the curve left or right.

 σ (Standard Deviation): Controls how "flat" or "steep" the curve is.

Hint: Because of symmetry, the probability P(X < μ) = 0.5 and P(X > μ) = 0.5.

The Symmetry Property: As the curve is perfectly symmetrical, the mean acts like a mirror.
 Exactly 50% of the area is to the left.

 Exactly 50% of the area is to the right.

The 68-95-99.7 Rule (The Empirical Rule):

In a normal distribution, almost all data falls within three standard deviations of the mean:

 68% of the data falls within 1 standard deviation (μ± 1σ).

 95% of the data falls within 2 standard deviations (μ± 2σ).

 99.7% of the data falls within 3 standard deviations (μ± 3σ).

Example 1: Using the 50% Rule

A population's test scores follow a normal distribution with a mean (μ) of 70. What is the
probability that a randomly selected student scored more than 70?

 Identify the mean. μ = 70.

  Recall the symmetry property. The mean divides the bell curve into two equal halves.

 "more than" the mean, we look at the right half.

Answer: 0.5 (or 50%).

Example 2: Applying the 68-95-99.7 Rule

A factory produces lightbulbs whose lifespan follows N(1000, 502). What percentage of
lightbulbs will last between 950 and 1050 hours?

 Identify μ = 1000 and σ = 50.

 Calculate the range in terms of σ.

 1000 - 50 = 950 (This is μ - 1σ)

 1000 + 50 = 1050 (This is μ + 1σ)

 Apply the rule. The range [μ - 1σ, μ + 1σ] contains 68% of the data.

Answer: 68%.

Practice Problems (Chapter 2):

1. The domain of the function y = 1 / x+1 is:

A. [-1, +∞) B. (-1, +∞) C. (0, +∞) D. (-∞, -1) ∪ (-1, +∞)

2. Given an arithmetic sequence {an} where a1 = 2 and a5 = 10, find the common difference d:

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

3. What is the value of log31 + log28?

A. 0 B. 3 C. 4 D. 9

4. Which of the following functions is an odd function?

A. f(x) = x2 B. f(x) = cos x C. f(x) = x3 D. f(x) = |x|

5. The derivative of the function f(x) = sin x + x2 at x = 0 is:

A. 0 B. 1 C. 2 D. -1

6. A variable X follows a normal distribution N(100, σ2)$. The probability P(X < 100) is:

A. 0 B. 0.5 C. 1.0 D. Cannot be determined

7. In a geometric sequence an, if a1 = 3 and r = 2, then the 4th term a4 is:

A. 9 B. 12 C. 24 D. 48

8. The period of the function y = sin(2x) is: A. π/2 B. π C. 2\π D. 4\π

 Chapter 3: Geometry and
Algebra
3.1 Plane Analytic Geometry
The Line: A straight line can be represented by equations. The most common is the slope-
intercept form: y = mx + c, where 'm' is the slope and 'c' is the y-intercept.

 Parallel lines have equal slopes (m₁ = m₂).

 Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals (m₁ * m₂ = -1).

Example 1: Equation of a Perpendicular Line

Find the equation of the line passing through (2, 3) that is perpendicular to the line 4x - 2y = 6.
1. Find the slope of the given line. Rewrite in y = mx + c form: -2y = -4x + 6 → y = 2x - 3. The
slope (m₁) is 2.
2. The slope of the perpendicular line (m₂) is the negative reciprocal: m₂ = -1/2.
3. Use the point-slope form y - y₁ = m(x - x₁): y - 3 = -1/2(x - 2).
4. Simplify to slope-intercept form: y - 3 = -1/2x + 1 → y = -1/2x + 4.
5. Solution: The equation is y = -1/2x + 4.

Conic Sections:
 Circle: The set of all points equidistant from a center point (h, k).
Standard Equation: (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r², where 'r' is the radius.

 Parabola: The set of points equidistant from a point (focus) and a line (directrix).
Standard Equation: y² = 4px or x² = 4py.

 Ellipse: The set of points where the sum of the distances to two foci is constant.
Standard Equation: x²/a² + y²/b² = 1.
the foci are at (± c, 0) where c2 = a2 - b2.

 Hyperbola: The set of points where the difference of the distances to two foci is constant.
Standard Equation: x²/a² - y²/b² = 1 or y²/a² - x²/b² = 1.
The foci are at (± c, 0) where c2 = a2 + b2.

Example 2: Find the center and radius of the circle x² + y² - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0

1. Group x and y terms: (x² - 6x) + (y² + 4y) = 12.
2. Complete the square for x and y: To complete the square for x² + bx, add (b/2)².
For x: (-6/2)² = 9. Add 9 to both sides.
For y: (4/2)² = 4. Add 4 to both sides.
3. Rewrite the equation: (x² - 6x + 9) + (y² + 4y + 4) = 12 + 9 + 4.

4. Factor into standard form: (x - 3)² + (y + 2)² = 25.

5. Identify center and radius: Comparing to (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r², we have h=3, k=-2, and r²=25.

6. Solution: Center is (3, -2) and radius is r = 5.

3.2 Vectors and Complex Numbers
Vectors: A vector is a quantity with both magnitude (length) and direction. It can be represented
as v = <a, b> in 2D space.

 Vector Addition: <a, b> + <c, d> = <a+c, b+d>.

 Scalar Multiplication: k * <a, b> = <ka, kb>.

 Dot Product: u · v = u₁v₁ + u₂v₂. This results in a scalar value.

 Magnitude (Length): The magnitude of vector v = <a, b> is |v| = √{a2 + b2}.

 Midpoint Vector: If P is the midpoint of AB, then OP = ½ (OA + OB).

Example 3: Given vectors u = <-2, 5> and v = <3, 4>, find the dot product u · v.

u · v = (-2)(3) + (5)(4) = -6 + 20 = 14.

Solution: The dot product is 14.

Complex Numbers: A complex number is a number of the form z = a + bi, where 'a' and 'b' are
real numbers and 'i' is the imaginary unit, satisfying i² = -1.

 Addition/Subtraction: (a + bi) ± (c + di) = (a ± c) + (b ± d)i.

 Multiplication: (a + bi)(c + di) = (ac - bd) + (ad + bc)i.

 Modulus: For z = a + bi, the modulus |z| = √{a2 + b2}.

 Powers of i: Remember the cycle: i1=i, i2=-1, i3=-i, i4=1.

 Summation Property: 1 + z + z2 + ….. + zn is a common "trick" question.

If z3 = 1 and z ≠ 1, then 1 + z + z2 = 0.

Example 4: Calculate (4 - 2i)(3 + 5i).

Using the distributive property (FOIL):

(4)(3) + (4)(5i) + (-2i)(3) + (-2i)(5i) = 12 + 20i - 6i - 10i².

Since i² = -1: 12 + 14i - 10(-1) = 12 + 14i + 10 = 22 + 14i.

3.3 Solid Geometry

 3D Distance Formula: Between (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2):

 d = √{(x2-x1)2 + (y2-y1)2 + (z2-z1)2}

 Sphere: Volume V = 4/3 πr3; Surface Area S = 4πr2.

 Cylinder: Volume V = πr2h; Lateral Surface Area S = 2πrh.

 Practice Problems (Chapter 3):
1. If a line is perpendicular to the line x + 2y + 4 = 0, what is its slope?
A. -½ B. ½ C. -2 D. 2

2. If a complex number z satisfies z3 = 1 and z ≠ 1, find the value of 1 + z + z2 + ….. + z999.

A. 1 B. 0 C. -1 D. ½

3. Regarding the ellipse x2/4} + y2/20 = 1, which statement is correct?

A. It’s foci are on the x-axis. B. It’s foci are (0, ± 4).
C. Its major axis length is 4. D. It’s vertices are (± 4, 0) and (0, ± 20).

4. Let O be the origin, A and B be two points in the plane, and P be the midpoint of the segment
AB. The vector OP is represented by:
A. OA + OB B. ½ (OA + OB) [Link] - OA D. ½ (OB - OA)

5. If point P(1, y) lies on the terminal side of angle α and tanα = 2, then the value of y is:
A. 1 B. ½ C. 2 D. √3

6. In which quadrant does the point (-1, 3-π) lies?

A. First quadrant B. Second quadrant C. Third quadrant D. Fourth quadrant

7. What is the directrix of the parabola y2 = -x?

A. x = ¼ B. x = -¼ C. x = ½ D. x = -½

8. Which of the following statements regarding the function y = logax is correct?

A. Its domain is (-∞, +∞).
B. When a > 1, it is a decreasing function.
C. When 0 < a < 1, it is a decreasing function on its domain.
D. The graph always passes through the point (0, 1).

9. What is the distance between point P(-1, 2) and point Q(3, 1)?
A. √13 B. √17 C. 5 D. √5

10. A circle has its center at (-3, 2) and a radius of 4. Which equation represents this circle?
A. (x + 3)2 + (y - 2)2 = 16
B. (x - 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 16
C. (x + 3)2 + (y - 2)2 = 4
D. (x - 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 4
 Chapter 4: Probability and
Statistics
4.1 Classical Probability
Probability measures the likelihood of an event occurring. In a classical probability model, all
outcomes in the sample space are equally likely.
Probability Formula: The probability of an event E is given by:

 P(E) = (Number of favorable outcomes) / (Total number of possible outcomes)

 The probability of any event is always a number between 0 and 1, inclusive (0 ≤ P(E) ≤ 1).

Example 1: A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. What is the
probability of drawing a blue marble at random?
1. Number of favorable outcomes (blue marbles): 3
2. Total number of possible outcomes (total marbles): 5 + 3 + 2 = 10
3. Calculate Probability: P(Blue) = 3 / 10 = 0.3

Example 2: Two fair six-sided dice are rolled. What is the probability that the sum of the
numbers is 7?
1. Total Outcomes: Each die has 6 outcomes, so there are 6 × 6 = 36 possible pairs.
2. Favorable Outcomes: The pairs that sum to 7 are (1, 6), (2, 5), (3, 4), (4, 3), (5, 2), and (6, 1).
There are 6 favorable outcomes.
3. Calculate Probability: P(Sum is 7) = 6 / 36 = 1/6.

4.2 Data Analysis: Numerical Characteristics

Statistics involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. The CSCA exam focuses on key
numerical measures.

 Mean (Average): The sum of all data values divided by the number of data values. For a data
set {x₁, x₂, ..., xₙ}, the mean (μ or x̄) is (Σxᵢ) / n.

 Variance (σ²): A measure of how spread out the data points are from the mean. It is the
average of the squared differences from the Mean. Formula: σ² = Σ(xᵢ - μ)² / n.

 Standard Deviation (σ): The square root of the variance. It is a more intuitive measure of
spread as it is in the same units as the data. Formula: σ = √Variance.

Example 3: Find the mean and variance of the data set {2, 3, 5, 6, 9}.
1. Calculate the Mean (μ): μ = (2 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 9) / 5 = 25 / 5 = 5.
2. Calculate the squared differences from the mean:
(2 - 5)² = (-3)² = 9
(3 - 5)² = (-2)² = 4
(5 - 5)² = (0)² = 0
(6 - 5)² = (1)² = 1
(9 - 5)² = (4)² = 16
3. Calculate the Variance (σ²): σ² = (9 + 4 + 0 + 1 + 16) / 5 = 30 / 5 = 6.
4.3 Counting Principles
The CSCA exam often requires you to calculate the total number of outcomes before finding the
probability.

 Fundamental Counting Principle: If task A has n outcomes and task B has m outcomes, both
tasks together have nxm outcomes.

 Complementary Probability: Often, it is easier to find the probability of an event not

happening.

 Formula: P(at least one) = 1-P(none).

Example 4: There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. If three people are chosen at random,
what is the probability that at least two share the same animal?

1. Total Outcomes: Each of the 3 people can be any of the 12 animals. Total = 12x12x12 =
1,728.

2. Calculate the Opposite (All 3 are different):

1. Person 1 has 12 choices.
2. Person 2 has 11 choices (must be different).
3. Person 3 has 10 choices (must be different).
4. Outcomes = 12 x 11 x 10 = 1,320.

3. Find Probability of "All Different": 1,320 / 1,728 = 55/72.

4. Subtract from 1: 1 - 55/72 = 17/72

Practice Problems (Chapter 4):

1. Two fair dice are rolled simultaneously. What is the probability that the sum of the two
numbers is greater than 10?

2. In how many different ways can 4 students be seated in a row of 4 chairs?

3. A teacher needs to choose 2 students from a group of 6 to help with a project. How many
different pairs can be formed?

4. The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals. If three people are chosen at random,what is the
probability that at least two of them share the same zodiac animal?

5. The probability that a target is hit by a single shot is 1/3. If 3 shots are fired independently,
what is the probability that the target is hit at least once?

6. Find the mean, median and mode of the data set: {7, 8, 9, 10, 8, 6, 8}.

7. For the data set {2, 4, 6}, what is the variance (σ2)?
 CSCA Mathematics Formula Sheet
Sets & Inequalities
 Quadratic Formula: For ax² + bx + c = 0, the roots are x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a.

Functions & Sequences

 Arithmetic Sequence (n-th term): aₙ = a₁ + (n - 1)d

 Arithmetic Sequence (Sum): Sₙ = n/2 * (a₁ + aₙ)

 Geometric Sequence (n-th term): aₙ = a₁ * rⁿ⁻¹

 Geometric Sequence (Sum): Sₙ = a₁(1 - rⁿ) / (1 - r)

 Logarithm Properties: log(ab) = log(a) + log(b); log(a/b) = log(a) - log(b); log(aⁿ) = n*log(a)

 Derivative Power Rule: If f(x) = axⁿ, then f'(x) = a*n*xⁿ⁻¹

Trigonometry
 Pythagorean Identity: sin2α + cos2α = 1.

 Tangent: tanα = sinα/cosα = y/x.

 Double Angle: cos2α = 1-2sin2α = 2cos2α - 1.

 Period (T): For y = sin(ωx), T = 2π/ω.

Geometry & Algebra

 Distance Formula (2D): d = √[(x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)²]

 Midpoint Formula (2D): M = ((x₁ + x₂)/2, (y₁ + y₂)/2)

 Slope of a Line: m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)

 Line Equation (Slope-Intercept): y = mx + c

 Circle Equation: (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r²

 Vector Dot Product: u · v = u₁v₁ + u₂v₂

 Complex Number Imaginary Unit: i² = -1

Probability & Statistics

 Classical Probability: P(E) = (Favorable Outcomes) / (Total Outcomes)

 Mean (μ): μ = (Σxᵢ) / n

 Variance (σ²): σ² = Σ(xᵢ - μ)² / n

© AR Education. This material is developed by Shaid Ahmed Bishal for the exclusive use of AR
Education students. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution is prohibited.

Reference

[1]CSCA Mathematics Examination Syllabus-2025-26