LC Ordinary Level – Exam Topics Overview

Paper 1 – Main Areas

• Number Systems – integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, scientific notation, HCF/LCM.
• Algebra – simplifying expressions, algebraic fractions, expanding/factorising, indices, linear/quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, inequalities, rearranging formulae.
• Complex Numbers – \(a+bi\), modulus, conjugate, operations, simple Argand work.
• Arithmetic & Money – estimation, error & tolerance, household bills, VAT, income tax, currency calculations.
• Sequences & Series – arithmetic and geometric sequences, sums, simple applications.
• Functions & Graphs – function notation, graph interpretation, using graphs to solve equations.
• Differentiation – slope, rate of change, increasing/ decreasing, maxima/minima (no integration at OL).

Paper 2 – Main Areas

• Probability – equally likely outcomes, counting, mutually exclusive & independent events, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams, Bernoulli trials, expected value.
• Statistics (Descriptive) – mean/median/mode, range, IQR, standard deviation, scatterplots & correlation.
• Statistics (Inferential) – interpreting a normal curve, z-scores, margin of error, 95% confidence interval, hypothesis testing, interpreting p-values and significance.
• Synthetic Geometry – key theorems, constructions, circle theorems, properties of shapes, proofs and logical reasoning.
• Coordinate Geometry – slope, distance, midpoint, line equations, intersection problems, coordinate problems in context.
• Trigonometry – right-angled ratios, sine & cosine rule, area given an angle, worded applications.
• Areas & Volumes – planar areas, sectors, volumes & surface area of solids, composite shapes, trapezoidal rule.