MATHEMATICS – FORM 3
EXTENDED STUDY NOTES AND REVISION GUIDE
Subject: Mathematics
Class: Form 3
Purpose: Examination Preparation, Problem Solving, and Advanced Practice
INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, measurements, patterns, and logical reasoning. It
develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Mathematics is applied in daily life,
science, technology, business, and industry.
TOPIC 1: NUMBER SYSTEMS
Whole Numbers
Numbers without fractions or decimals
Examples: 0, 1, 2, 3, …
Integers
Positive and negative numbers including zero
Examples: … –3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3 …
Fractions
Proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers
Operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Decimals
Numbers with digits after the decimal point
Operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Percentage
Expressed as “per hundred” (%)
Conversion: fraction ↔ percentage, decimal ↔ percentage
TOPIC 2: RATIO, PROPORTION, AND DIRECT VARIATION
Ratio
Comparison of two quantities of the same type
Example: 2:3
Proportion
Equality of two ratios
Used in sharing, recipes, maps, and scaling
Direct Variation
Relationship where one quantity increases/decreases with another
Formula: y = kx
TOPIC 3: ALGEBRA
Algebraic Expressions
Examples: 2x + 5, 3y – 7
Simplification
Combining like terms
Expanding brackets
Equations
Linear equations: x + 5 = 10
Quadratic equations: ax² + bx + c = 0
Factorisation
Factorising common terms and special products
Difference of squares: a² – b² = (a – b)(a + b)
TOPIC 4: GEOMETRY
Plane Figures
Triangle, square, rectangle, circle, parallelogram
Properties of Shapes
Sides, angles, symmetry, diagonals
Perimeter and Area
Perimeter = sum of sides
Area formulas:
Rectangle = length × breadth
Triangle = ½ × base × height
Circle = πr²
Volume and Surface Area
Cube: Volume = a³, Surface area = 6a²
Cuboid: Volume = l × b × h, Surface area = 2(lb + bh + hl)
Cylinder: Volume = πr²h, Surface area = 2πr(h + r)
TOPIC 5: TRIGONOMETRY
Basic Ratios
Sine, Cosine, Tangent: sin θ = opposite/hypotenuse, cos θ = adjacent/hypotenuse, tan θ =
opposite/adjacent
Applications
Finding heights and distances
Solving right-angled triangles
TOPIC 6: STATISTICS
Data Collection
Primary data (from surveys)
Secondary data (from books, reports)
Data Presentation
Tables
Bar charts
Pie charts
Line graphs
Measures of Central Tendency
Mean, Median, Mode
TOPIC 7: PROBABILITY
Meaning of Probability
Likelihood of an event occurring
Formula: Probability = Number of favorable outcomes / Total number of outcomes
Examples
Tossing a coin: P(heads) = 1/2
Rolling a die: P(3) = 1/6
TOPIC 8: MEASUREMENT
Length, Mass, Time, Area, Volume
Units: metre, kilogram, second, cm², m³
Conversion between units
Practical applications in daily life
TOPIC 9: FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
Simple Interest
Formula: SI = P × R × T / 100
Compound Interest
Formula: A = P(1 + R/100)^T
Profit and Loss
Profit = Selling Price – Cost Price
Loss = Cost Price – Selling Price
Percentage formulas for profit and loss
TOPIC 10: MENSURATION AND APPLICATIONS
Perimeter, Area, and Volume
Real-life application in construction, farming, and architecture
Examples
Calculating area of a garden
Calculating volume of water in a tank
TOPIC 11: MATHEMATICAL REASONING
Problem Solving Steps
Understand the problem
Identify known and unknown values
Plan the solution
Solve using appropriate method
Verify the answer
Importance
Develops logical thinking
Helps in exams
Applies mathematics in real life
CONCLUSION
Mathematics is essential for academic success and daily life. Mastery of numbers, algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, statistics, and problem-solving equips students with skills needed for further education
and careers. Continuous practice ensures fluency and confidence in the subject.