Being Economical With Mathematics

Hi guys, this is Karan. I think this is high time that a formal post came through :P So here goes-

This is December, which means pretty much everyone’s syllabus will be completed once, or will be at least drawing to an end. This, I feel, is the perfect time to start becoming economical with your time and your study material.

Mathematics is a BIG fear of many JEE aspirants. Personally, maths was never my strongest subject, but towards the end, it did become the very base on which my JEE prep was based, and on which my rank rested. So here I am going to share some topics in maths which are quite popular with examiners, but are easy enough for you all to exploit.

1. Co-ordinate geometry: This is one of the simplest topics in maths, carrying huge weightage. Some questions in circle can be made tricky, the rest of the chapters are mostly formula-based, and require only a little bit of critical thinking.

1. What to do: MUG UP ALL FORMULAE. Mugging, for once, will give you an edge here. Also, be a little bit familiar with concepts of basic geometry, as they help in some of the trickier questions of circle and straight line.

2. From where to do: Cengage is a pretty decent book as far as variety of problems in this chapter is concerned. But if you REALLY wish to master it, Vikas Gupta’s Co-ordinate Geometry problem book is the best book I’ve across. It’s available on Shri Balaji website, and nowhere else. So go with either, or both, according to your needs
3. Weightage: Almost 4-5 questions asked every year (in JEE Advanced)

2. Theory Of Equations: This is, quite easily, one of the most enjoyable topics in mathematics. It tests the very fundamentals of your thinking, and thus can become a prickly point with some. However, practice it properly, and you will be scoring marks for absolutely no effort in the exam.

1. What to do: There’s nothing to mug up here. You just HAVE to get a feel of this chapter to really master it. And yes, brush up your concepts of calculus and sequences and series, because it is often hemmed in with either or both of them.
2. From where to do: Like all algebra chapters, you’ll be best served by solving TMH mathematics for JEE Advanced. It has some of the best questions on this chapter you are ever likely to encounter. Cengage, Arihant etc have more lengthy questions on this topic in their respective books. You can go for them if you have time.
3. Weightage: 1-2 questions, mixed in with calculus and sequences and series.

3. Vectors and 3D geometry: Of all the chapters to be mentioned in the post, these two are probably the easiest to master. They also carry a big bulk of weightage in mathematics section. Worth your while to spend a little time with these chapters.

1. What to do: Again, MUG UP ALL FORMULAE. These chapters also require a bit of visualization though, and that point is generally exploited by the paper setters. Also, these two have been a hot-spot for Multiple Correct Answer Type questions for the past 2-3 years. So be very careful while attempting these questions, because visualisation may just screw up the day for you!
2. From where to do: Cengage Publication book will mostly suffice. Many other books use recycled problems in this topic, so better not to go with too many books for this.
3. Weightage: 4-5 questions EVERY YEAR WITHOUT FAIL.

4. Differential Equations: My second most favourite topic in the entire syllabus. This chapter will test you on a number of things- primarily your ability to foresee the next steps of the solution.

1. What to do: This is quite an easy topic, and only requires the general knowledge of solving the variety of differential equations. That and a HELL of a lot of practice. However, the number of study hours you put into it weighs up nicely with the amount of marks you score on mastering it.
2. From where to do: Being a VERY important topic, you do need to ensure that you don’t leave any stone unturned in it’s preparation. Cengage publication is quite good for this topic, and the problems given at the end of Amit Gupta’s Integral Calculus Textbook should suffice.
3. Weightage: 2-3 questions every year, with a penchant for appearing in Integer type or single correct type questions.

5. Matrices and Determinants: This is not that popular a topic with the paper setters. However it’s innate easiness certainly makes good preying on simple questions.

1. What to do: Mug up the expansion all the regular determinants (will be given in any standard textbook). Also be very clear about the different types of matrices. However, it HAS turned into a horror show on two occasions when interlaced with P&C and Probability, once each.
2. From where to do: Cengage Algebra will do, though to be honest, no book can give you practice for the likes of the questions mentioned above.
3. Weightage: Possibly 1 question, mostly from Cramer’s rule. Can also go higher, depending upon the paper setters. Mixed to superb effect with PC and Probability.

That is just about it. Feel free to ask doubts in the comments section.

Mug strongly guys! This is the period where you will decide your destiny and future.

 All the very best!