Wednesday 16 December 2015

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.
  1. 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
  2. Weightage: Almost 4-5 questions asked every year (in JEE Advanced)
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

78 comments:

  1. Awesome post!!!!!! Need some on Physics and Chemistry too.....

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  2. which book do you mean by amit gupta's integral calculus?

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    1. So sorry bro, my bad it's Amit agrawal :p

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  3. Did you cengage's chemistry series for jee advanced as well? Are they good ?

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    1. I don't think the questions are up to the mark for JEE Advanced.. The theory given is also way too much for JEE Advanced. So I think you should drop the idea, and only go for it if you have too much of time, which you probably won't have :p

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  4. Replies
    1. ITF is mostly based on practice, and mugging up ALL formulae written in the book. Do that, I think your problem will be solved.

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  5. I am in 9th grade now. Can you tell me what you studied at this time.
    I am trying my hands on 10th grade books
    Is that enough or what should i be studying right now

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    1. I never did any foundation course dude, sorry. If you want may be you can try a hand on NCERT books of 11th and 12th standard.

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  6. how is cengage's physical chemistry ? I just want a good book of physical chemistry for theory only?

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    1. Cengage physical chemistry is not that good.. I'd suggest go for o.p random instead.. Beware though, because there really aren't many good books on physical chemistry. Follow your coaching notes-if you have joined one- is my the best you can do.

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  7. Karan, every student knows that if he/she will work hard, he will get success. But why is it that one student works hard and one doesn't? What makes a student work hard. Don't say that it's will to study at IIT. Come on everyone out there, badly wants IITB CS, but why is it that only few work for it?

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  8. I tend to forget organic chemistry a bit. How to stay in touch with it till jee without spending too much time by starting from the basics?

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    1. Revise a few pages daily, or you can devote more time to it over the weekend. Both are feasible though I'd suggest you to go for the daily routine.

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  9. I tend to forget organic chemistry a bit. How to stay in touch with it till jee without spending too much time by starting from the basics?

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    1. Solve more problems. That will help you avoid forgetting

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  10. Replies
    1. Your query is more of a philosophical question. A student like me/Karan/Shobhna won't be able to answer your query. We haven't studied people. We have studied science. We don't have statistical data to answer your question. All I'd say is that at this stage you should not wonder about philosophical questions. There are plenty of Physics/Chemistry/Maths questions on which you can spend hours. Do that.
      You might feel that I'm being rude. But trust me, this is what creates a difference.

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    2. May be it's about destiny. Sabki apni apni kismat.
      Anyways, thanks bro.

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  11. Why no reply to my comment...
    :/

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  12. From where should i revise physical chemistry.....it's giving me a hard time.....and can u plz share ur e-mail id.....i need serious advice and mentoring....

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    1. Come on man, someone will mentor you and you will get top 10 rank in JEE?????
      Who mentors Mark Zuckerberg, who mentored Bill Gates? You need the ability to figure out things yourself to be successful in life (whatever field it is). I'm sorry but if you don't have this ability, then stop thinking about JEE.

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    2. Sorry I can't share my id. There are very few good books for physical chemistry. Try op tandon, or your coaching notes.

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  13. Will 150 of typical jee advanced level be enough per chapter for maths??

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    1. You won't get 150 problems of genuinely JEE Advanced level, however many books you trawl. Some topics like trigonometry and co-ordinate geometry require relatively less practice, while some like calculus require more. So study a bit smartly and you will be fine.

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  14. How did you master permutation and combination n probability ? its a really tough topic and has a lot of tricky questions and is consuming a lot of time.any special strategy that u followed for these topics?plz help

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    1. For anything tough/tricky, the only way out is to practice a lot of problems!

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    2. but i have only 3 months in my hand..i can't practise only mathematics .i have to revise physics ,chemistry also.that's why i had asked suggestion for any good book for practice,any straergy towards those topics

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    3. Well.. I used to think of every problem in p&c in terms of combinations. That made it quite easy. For probability, I used to solve problems on Bayes' theorem by using tree graph. Small tricks, but helped me quite a bit.

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    4. Well.. I used to think of every problem in p&c in terms of combinations. That made it quite easy. For probability, I used to solve problems on Bayes' theorem by using tree graph. Small tricks, but helped me quite a bit.

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  15. Book strategy for calculus anf trigo pls if possiblr pls suggest. About inorganic chemistry preparation as less time is left and the topics of s and p block are done by me only from ncert but its insufficient

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    1. Firstly, why that random name? Why not use your original name rather?
      Well, for the answer to your question, I'd suggest you to scroll through the blog posts. There is a post on each of the topic you mentioned above

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    2. sorry aman for the name as i have created this account very long back and forgot to change the name. I m NIKHIL . Further, I have read all of your post and m well aknoladged with all of them. I have completed the camculus book suggested by you(AMIT M AGRAWAL) during my course. I have 3 months more in hand and therefore willing to master calculus and coordinte geometry ..so it is requested to suggest me the source of practising problems for calculus and coordinate geometry which is of good quality and not very bulky comprising of repeated qns apart from the resonance revision package as i m planning it to solve 1 month before jee examination. In Physics i have completed hc verma and dc pandey of all the topics pls suggest a revision plan for the same. Apart i have also completed rc mukherjee and i am not able to find t a source of good problems for revision as most of problems avilable are not involving thinking process but bulks of calculation.
      The biggest problem i am encountring is of inorganic chemistry. I have completed the ncert . But when i go through past iit papers i see some qns out of ncert.so i m worried.When i see JD LEE i find it usefull for all the chapters rather than s,p,d block element as lot of extra information provided there also some it comprises of very less reactions.pls suggest about all my questions as early as possible as i think u r the best one who can show me path.. Thank You
      Nikhil Garg

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    3. Please ask questions pertaining to other topics in the relevant posts. As for mastering co-ordinate geometry, you won't find a better book than 'Advanced problems in co-ordinate geometry' by Vikas Gupta, Shri Balaji publication. For calculus, try going through some revision packages or Cengage publications.

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  17. Which book should i buy for jee maths tmh or sk goyal series? Also tell merits and demerits of both... and please tell me which edition to buy and give its link if possible.. i am preparing for jee 2017...

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    1. SKG is meant more for theory than practice. I'd suggest go for TMH. And don't try to use SK Goyal for theory either, as it does not have enough content and the problems(subjective ones at least) are also way too lengthy.

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  18. Hello Bhaiya ....I am 2017 aspirant and in my
    coaching trignometry is completed....i am
    thorough with all concepts but lack high level
    problem solving skills...i can tackle RD
    sharma and SL loney but Prblms plus by A
    Das Gupta seems very tough ....should i give
    time to master in this area or move ahed
    because i have told that direct que. are not
    asked.......PLEASE tell me whether there is
    application of concepts or problem solving
    skills in later ch. like calculus........Please help

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    1. Trig is going to be very helpful in calculus, complex numbers, vectors etc. However you require the basic understanding of trig, not very high level problems. So yes, you can go ahead. However, do take a look at summation of series involving trigonometric functions, as it will fall sequence and series and is quite tough to handle when asked all of a sudden. Chances are less that this sort of questions be asked, but better take ample precaution!
      -blog co-author.

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    2. Trig is going to be very helpful in calculus, complex numbers, vectors etc. However you require the basic understanding of trig, not very high level problems. So yes, you can go ahead. However, do take a look at summation of series involving trigonometric functions, as it will fall sequence and series and is quite tough to handle when asked all of a sudden. Chances are less that this sort of questions be asked, but better take ample precaution!
      -blog co-author.

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  20. Is Amit M Agarwal's book on vector and 3D sufficient for JEE Advanced ?

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    1. It's good for theory, but the problems are too lengthy. Cengage is much better.

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    2. http://www.amazon.in/Mathematics-Engineering-Entrance-Examinations-Geometry/dp/9352031520/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452861036&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=amit+m+aggarwal+vector

      i was referring to this book


      what do you think of the level of problems though ? i am no intelligent guy, but still managed to complete the book in 5 days. there are just 50 odd mutiple choice questions in each chapter and they seemed pretty short n below level to me. when u say lengthy, are you talking about the solved examples ? coz i too found them pretty lengthy

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    3. I was referring to the solved examples and subjective problems in the book. They won't be of much help anywhere.

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    4. And did u solve the objective ones ? Do u think they were too easy ? as compared to jee level?

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    5. Nah, I didn't bother with the subjective ones. Started out with it, but then realised it's simply a waste of time :p

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    6. Objective ones were a bit too easy, except for the calculus books. So no, didn't go for them either.

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    1. Think about arihant only for integral calculus. For all others go for cengage. Even for integral calculus, prefer cengage. If you get time and require some more practice, go for arihant's Amit Gupta's textbook.

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    6. Buy Cengage instead of Arihant. Add NCERT Chemistry of 11th and 12th standard. Your physics book list is okay. As for tricks, you'll figure them out by yourself. I haven't solved anything JEE related for 6 months now. So obviously I won't be able to help you.

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    9. So its final that i should buy maths of cengage rather than arihant ?

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    10. Read a previous post- an article by a junior- for my intro.
      And yes, go for Cengage.

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    12. Obviously it's your call in the end. I just tried explaining the pros and cons of each book to you. Cengage mathematics is used as a reference book in many nationally famous coaching classes. If you are still stuck for Arihant, go ahead and buy it.

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    14. Differential calculus is not that good. Integral is okay.

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    16. but there are lots and lots of errors in cengage books . According to me you should buy coordinate geometry and integral calculus of arihant and rest of cengage. Use cengage books for problem solving only along with the conceptual exercises.

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  22. Hello aman what are the most important topics in PCM where most toppers found difficulties and how to study them please tell me chartre wise strategy to study most difficult chapters Than you

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  23. overall,is cengage a agood book for practice if i am giving jee in 2017 and practising maths 4 hrs a day?

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  24. overall,is cengage a agood book for practice if i am giving jee in 2017 and practising maths 4 hrs a day?

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  25. Plzz tell me vikas gupta for jee advance is apt or not?

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  26. Plzz tell me vikas gupta for jee advance is apt or not?

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  27. Do we have to learn the conditions associated with every mathematical operation in ITF??

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