AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Poll, paper and unofficial MS (first post)!
Maths exam discussion - share revision tips in preparation for GCSE, A Level and other maths exams and discuss how they went afterwards.
-
View Poll Results: How did you find the exam?
Pshh I could do it in my sleep! 14 5.56% Went pretty well 
29 11.51% It was okay... (maybe made silly mistakes?) 82 32.54% 
62 24.60% I died. 61 24.21% Fine I guess, couldn't careless. 4 1.59%
-
- Reputation:
- Respected Member
- Location: Raxacoricofallapatorius
- Posts: 179
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!I'm pretty sure the stationary points were (1/3, 1) and (-1/3, -1).(Original post by stunnaman)
For stationary points 8mar question what were the two points?
Was it (1/2,3/2) and (-1,-1/3) -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Posts: 32
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Same, I did ALL the practice papers from the AQA website, chronologically. By the time I got to 2011 I only lost a few marks from each paper.(Original post by Harantony)
I also never stress under exam pressure, but after seeing just the dirt question, I started panicking. There was probably at least one sub-part that threw me in every question. I've been getting purely As and A*s in my practice papers and got an A* in my mock, so Core 4 was going relatively well before this exam. I found it very difficult, as did 90% of the people I've spoken to. You'd need to be either perfect maths or doing further maths to find this easy.
I am most annoyed at my stupid mistake on implicit differentiation, somehow showing that sqrt(1/9) = 1/(sqrt(3)) instead of 1/3 - I was doing it right as well! - grrrr
----------
Harantony
Posted on my iPod
I was super confident about this exam. I was even looking forward to it! But it was bl**dy ridiculous!
I mean, I answered every question, but I'm certain I lost at least a few marks on most of them
And I can't resit it. Taking another gap year is out of the question lol. I guess I'll just have to face up to the fact I probably won't be going to my firm uni choice - which my heart was set on
Don't want to sound horrible but I feel better when people admit they hated it, especially if they're high achievers. I've been on this website all day lol. The people who actually found it easy must be autistically clever. Or they go to some very expensive private schools... anyway, it fills me with hope.
Examiners should realise that candidates are humans. Humans - no matter how clever and mathematically literate they can be - are not perfect, and they make mistakes.
With mistakes... you get stuck...
and that exam had a LOT of death traps. -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Posts: 54
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!LOL just noticed that.... the marks for question 5 are cut off lol ... should be able to work it if I cal see all the other marks(Original post by Oromis263)
Check out the first post in this thread, you will find a link to a scan of the paper and a unofficial solution/mark scheme for each question.
EDIT: Q5 was out of 9???
turns out I didnt miss out Q6
only 5 i think and last vector Q, now to find out what grade i got
Last edited by rugito; 15-06-2012 at 00:12. -
- Reputation:
- New Member
- Posts: 13
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Hey, would it be possible to link me to that page you mentioned? ^(Original post by Oromis263)
Check out the first post in this thread, you will find a link to a scan of the paper and a unofficial solution/mark scheme for each question.
Can't seem to find it :/
-
- Reputation:
- Overlord in Training
- Location: Alagaësia
- Posts: 3,499
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Not cool....(Original post by Collierja)
Same, I did ALL the practice papers from the AQA website, chronologically. By the time I got to 2011 I only lost a few marks from each paper.
I was super confident about this exam. I was even looking forward to it! But it was bl**dy ridiculous!
I mean, I answered every question, but I'm certain I lost at least a few marks on most of them
And I can't resit it. Taking another gap year is out of the question lol. I guess I'll just have to face up to the fact I probably won't be going to my firm uni choice - which my heart was set on
Don't want to sound horrible but I feel better when people admit they hated it, especially if they're high achievers. I've been on this website all day lol. The people who actually found it easy must be autistically clever. Or they go to some very expensive private schools... anyway, it fills me with hope.
Examiners should realise that candidates are humans. Humans - no matter how clever and mathematically literate they can be - are not perfect, and they make mistakes.
With mistakes... you get stuck...
and that exam had a LOT of death traps.
However, I would agree that there were a lot of parts that were just set up to steal marks away from candidates. A prime example was on the factor theorem question, where I'm fairly sure a lot of people won't have noticed they need to divide the -5 by (2x+1) before they integrate. At first I didn't spot it, but when I did I almost wrote the examiner I nice wee message saying that was a dick-ish thing to do. However, I didn't have the guts for that..
The general consensus at my college was that it was a bitch. We can but wait for august and see how they treat us, eh.
-
- Reputation:
- Respected Member
- Posts: 226
To be fair, anyone just integrating the quadratic should have thought "this is definitely too easy for 3 marks" it would just be a core 1 integral(Original post by Oromis263)
Not cool....
However, I would agree that there were a lot of parts that were just set up to steal marks away from candidates. A prime example was on the factor theorem question, where I'm fairly sure a lot of people won't have noticed they need to divide the -5 by (2x+1) before they integrate. At first I didn't spot it, but when I did I almost wrote the examiner I nice wee message saying that was a dick-ish thing to do. However, I didn't have the guts for that..
The general consensus at my college was that it was a bitch. We can but wait for august and see how they treat us, eh.
This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad AppLast edited by Dangerous Theory; 15-06-2012 at 00:23. -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Posts: 32
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Funnily enough that was one of the few questions I wasn't fooled by!(Original post by Oromis263)
Not cool....
However, I would agree that there were a lot of parts that were just set up to steal marks away from candidates. A prime example was on the factor theorem question, where I'm fairly sure a lot of people won't have noticed they need to divide the -5 by (2x+1) before they integrate. At first I didn't spot it, but when I did I almost wrote the examiner I nice wee message saying that was a dick-ish thing to do. However, I didn't have the guts for that..
The general consensus at my college was that it was a bitch. We can but wait for august and see how they treat us, eh.
But today was just a nightmare.
I think my problem is that I'm a perfectionist, but I'm also a pessimist. When something doesn't go my way I just give up - in other words, move on to the next question. Ugh, I can't even bear to think about it... -
- Reputation:
- Overlord in Training
- Location: Alagaësia
- Posts: 3,499
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!I'm sure it was fine. I'm like you, I can't stop checking what I've done over and over again until the invigilator comes round. I had a quick read through the paper before I started, took 5 minutes to think about a few things then begun. Possibly the tightest for time exam I've ever sat for maths, which is saying something (when compared with my M1, and the Jan C3 paper which I was happy I'd ironed out any slight errors by the end of the first half of the exam).(Original post by Collierja)
Funnily enough that was one of the few questions I wasn't fooled by!
But today was just a nightmare.
I think my problem is that I'm a perfectionist, but I'm also a pessimist. When something doesn't go my way I just give up - in other words, move on to the next question. Ugh, I can't even bear to think about it...
If you haven't already seen it (and if you dare) take a look at the first post, there are links to my solutions for each question from there.
-
- Reputation:
- Peer Of The TSR Realm
- Posts: 1,568
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012Do you think i could get marks for working out PB in this Q?(Original post by Oromis263)
Home.
Question 7.
a)![l_1 = l_2
\
\begin{bmatrix} 2\lambda \\ -2 \\ q - \lambda \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 8 + 2\mu \\ 3 + 5\mu \\ 5 + 4\mu \end{bmatrix}
\
so\ 2\lambda = 8+2\mu
\
-2 = 3 + 5\mu
\
q-\lambda = 5 + 4\mu
\
\Rightarrow \mu = -1 \Rightarrow \lambda = 3
\
q = 3 + 5 -4 = 4
\
P (6, -2, 1)](http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/latexrender/pictures/26/269741ead670e2d0dccc789add176c80.png "l_1 = l_2
\
\begin{bmatrix} 2\lambda \\ -2 \\ q - \lambda \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 8 + 2\mu \\ 3 + 5\mu \\ 5 + 4\mu \end{bmatrix}
\
so\ 2\lambda = 8+2\mu
\
-2 = 3 + 5\mu
\
q-\lambda = 5 + 4\mu
\
\Rightarrow \mu = -1 \Rightarrow \lambda = 3
\
q = 3 + 5 -4 = 4
\
P (6, -2, 1)")
b)![\begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ -1\end{bmatrix} \bullet \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ 4 \end{bmatrix}
\
\Rightarrow 2(2) + 0(5) -1(4) = 0 \Rightarrow cos\theta = 0, \theta = 90\ \therefore\ perpendicular](http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/latexrender/pictures/e8/e87bafbae4f280546f30cc155be76732.png "\begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ -1\end{bmatrix} \bullet \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ 4 \end{bmatrix}
\
\Rightarrow 2(2) + 0(5) -1(4) = 0 \Rightarrow cos\theta = 0, \theta = 90\ \therefore\ perpendicular")
I think I'll do the rest of this one by hand and upload a picture >.<
Attachment 157069
Thus coordinates of B were
I got 2+2U etc as well but didn't carry on from there. You reckon iwould get 1-2 marks? -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Posts: 32
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!And sorry if I offended you. Believe it or not, people think I'm really clever, some even say I'm autistically clever, but my result in this year's C4 will prove that I'm just autistic LOL(Original post by Oromis263)
Not cool....
However, I would agree that there were a lot of parts that were just set up to steal marks away from candidates. A prime example was on the factor theorem question, where I'm fairly sure a lot of people won't have noticed they need to divide the -5 by (2x+1) before they integrate. At first I didn't spot it, but when I did I almost wrote the examiner I nice wee message saying that was a dick-ish thing to do. However, I didn't have the guts for that..
The general consensus at my college was that it was a bitch. We can but wait for august and see how they treat us, eh.
-
- Reputation:
- Overlord in Training
- Location: Alagaësia
- Posts: 3,499
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Possibly a mark in there, but it was only 6 marks total, and there is a fair amount of working required after that to reach the final answer. I'm not a marker, but I'd say you'd get 1, perhaps 2 for getting PB, but don't hold me to it!(Original post by uxa595)
Do you think i could get marks for working out PB in this Q?
I got 2+2U etc as well but didn't carry on from there. You reckon iwould get 1-2 marks?
-
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Location: London
- Posts: 66
My exact feelings. Just because the examiners have run out of varied questions, by no means do they have to make it harder year apron year. It's not fair how, in 3006, I could have easily got an A but now I can barely get a B -_- Very unfair.(Original post by Collierja)
Same, I did ALL the practice papers from the AQA website, chronologically. By the time I got to 2011 I only lost a few marks from each paper.
I was super confident about this exam. I was even looking forward to it! But it was bl**dy ridiculous!
I mean, I answered every question, but I'm certain I lost at least a few marks on most of them
And I can't resit it. Taking another gap year is out of the question lol. I guess I'll just have to face up to the fact I probably won't be going to my firm uni choice - which my heart was set on
Don't want to sound horrible but I feel better when people admit they hated it, especially if they're high achievers. I've been on this website all day lol. The people who actually found it easy must be autistically clever. Or they go to some very expensive private schools... anyway, it fills me with hope.
Examiners should realise that candidates are humans. Humans - no matter how clever and mathematically literate they can be - are not perfect, and they make mistakes.
With mistakes... you get stuck...
and that exam had a LOT of death traps.
This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App -
- Reputation:
- Peer Of The TSR Realm
- Posts: 1,568
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Usually, i do well on time as well, and do well at the same time. (got an average of 89% going i think?)(Original post by Oromis263)
I'm sure it was fine. I'm like you, I can't stop checking what I've done over and over again until the invigilator comes round. I had a quick read through the paper before I started, took 5 minutes to think about a few things then begun. Possibly the tightest for time exam I've ever sat for maths, which is saying something (when compared with my M1, and the Jan C3 paper which I was happy I'd ironed out any slight errors by the end of the first half of the exam).
If you haven't already seen it (and if you dare) take a look at the first post, there are links to my solutions for each question from there.
If i had just 3-4 min, i think i could ironed out at least 15 marks worth of mistakes. I would have caught onto the final integration question mistake i made as well as the vectors and 1 other Q.
I was writing as the paper was taken off me. -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Posts: 32
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!Thank you(Original post by Oromis263)
I'm sure it was fine. I'm like you, I can't stop checking what I've done over and over again until the invigilator comes round. I had a quick read through the paper before I started, took 5 minutes to think about a few things then begun. Possibly the tightest for time exam I've ever sat for maths, which is saying something (when compared with my M1, and the Jan C3 paper which I was happy I'd ironed out any slight errors by the end of the first half of the exam).
If you haven't already seen it (and if you dare) take a look at the first post, there are links to my solutions for each question from there.
I'd rather just put it behind me, but thanks
-
- Reputation:
- Peer Of The TSR Realm
- Posts: 1,568
Re: AQA Core 4 Exam Discussion 14/06/2012 !Added a poll and unofficial mark scheme!I've already sat C4 last june in AS which was TERRIBLE and i've got 54(Original post by Oromis263)
Possibly a mark in there, but it was only 6 marks total, and there is a fair amount of working required after that to reach the final answer. I'm not a marker, but I'd say you'd get 1, perhaps 2 for getting PB, but don't hold me to it!
If i get 71 in stats, i have no need for core 4 (which i prey i've got considering i only know of 10 marks max lost).
So anything i gain over 54, is just a buffer for my stats really.
I reckon i've got 45-47 going over your answers and the QP myself afterwards.
Also, a Q for everyone.
If you do 3 applied maths modules (M1, M2 and then S2 in that order), will you get get the top 2 marks used for maths given you don't do FM?
I got 100 in M1, a high C for M2 and am hoping for 85ish in S1.
Will that mean my S1 and M1 are counted rather then the current M1 and M2. -
- Reputation:
- Adored and Respected Member
- Posts: 413
Just checking if anyone noticed, this exam was hard, but the space required to answer was really really small :L
I think I only turned over once!
Still struggled, maybe I didn't show enough working
This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App -
- Reputation:
- Thread Starter
- Adored and Respected Member
- Location: Surrey
Yes, they use your applied modules accordingly to produce the highest grade possible in A-level Maths.(Original post by uxa595)
Also, a Q for everyone.
If you do 3 applied maths modules (M1, M2 and then S2 in that order), will you get get the top 2 marks used for maths given you don't do FM?
I got 100 in M1, a high C for M2 and am hoping for 85ish in S1.
Will that mean my S1 and M1 are counted rather then the current M1 and M2. -
- Reputation:
- Adored and Respected Member
- Posts: 413
Can I just say, if you drew that diagram in the exam I'm very impressed! I scribbled down some random little thing that probably got cut off by the page :P(Original post by Oromis263)
Home.
Question 7.
a)![l_1 = l_2
\
\begin{bmatrix} 2\lambda \\ -2 \\ q - \lambda \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 8 + 2\mu \\ 3 + 5\mu \\ 5 + 4\mu \end{bmatrix}
\
so\ 2\lambda = 8+2\mu
\
-2 = 3 + 5\mu
\
q-\lambda = 5 + 4\mu
\
\Rightarrow \mu = -1 \Rightarrow \lambda = 3
\
q = 3 + 5 -4 = 4
\
P (6, -2, 1)](http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/latexrender/pictures/b3/b3331fc762a80f17f2d769726e98634c.png "l_1 = l_2
\
\begin{bmatrix} 2\lambda \\ -2 \\ q - \lambda \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 8 + 2\mu \\ 3 + 5\mu \\ 5 + 4\mu \end{bmatrix}
\
so\ 2\lambda = 8+2\mu
\
-2 = 3 + 5\mu
\
q-\lambda = 5 + 4\mu
\
\Rightarrow \mu = -1 \Rightarrow \lambda = 3
\
q = 3 + 5 -4 = 4
\
P (6, -2, 1)")
b)![\begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ -1\end{bmatrix} \bullet \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ 4 \end{bmatrix}
\
\Rightarrow 2(2) + 0(5) -1(4) = 0 \Rightarrow cos\theta = 0, \theta = 90\ \therefore\ perpendicular](http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/latexrender/pictures/bb/bb1e365f619ed2b86339b29427f47ba6.png "\begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 0 \\ -1\end{bmatrix} \bullet \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ 4 \end{bmatrix}
\
\Rightarrow 2(2) + 0(5) -1(4) = 0 \Rightarrow cos\theta = 0, \theta = 90\ \therefore\ perpendicular")
I think I'll do the rest of this one by hand and upload a picture >.<
Attachment 157069
Thus coordinates of B were
This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App
only 5 i think and last vector Q, now to find out what grade i got
