This page gives you a revision order and an honest checklist for every SPM Mathematics chapter. Print it or copy it, and tick only what you can do on a fresh question.
It works alongside the SPM Mathematics guide. For exam format, read the Mathematics exam guide and confirm details on the Lembaga Peperiksaan website.
How should I use the checklist?
Take each “I can” line and test it with one question you have not seen before. Tick it only if you finish without notes and can say why each step is there.
Leave a line blank if you needed a worked example. A blank line is useful, because it tells you what to revise next.
Which order makes sense?
Revise in this order. The first group holds skills that the later groups reuse.
| Stage | Chapters | Why here |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Algebra and number base | Quadratic functions and equations, Number bases, Set operations | Notation and algebra used by most later chapters |
| 2. Reasoning and graphs | Logical reasoning, networks in graph theory, linear inequalities in two variables, graphs of motion | Apply reading and drawing skills |
| 3. Data and chance | Dispersion of ungrouped data, probability of combined events, dispersion of grouped data | Depend on careful arithmetic and tables |
| 4. Money | Consumer mathematics and financial planning, insurance, taxation | Percentages and supplied tables |
| 5. Form 5 shape and algebra | Variation, matrices, congruency and transformations, trigonometric ratios and graphs | Build on earlier algebra and graphs |
What is the I-can checklist?
Copy these lines and tick them as you go.
Stage 1: algebra and number base
- I can tell whether an expression is quadratic after simplifying, and name a, b and c.
- I can solve a quadratic equation by making one side zero and factorising.
- I can read roots and the turning point from a quadratic graph.
- I can convert between base ten and base 2, 5 or 8, and check the answer by expanding.
- I can add and subtract numbers written in another base.
- I can read ∪, ∩ and ′ and fill a two-set or three-set Venn diagram from the centre outwards.
Stage 2: reasoning and graphs
- I can decide whether a statement is true or false and write its negation.
- I can read a network and trace a path or find a shortest route.
- I can draw and shade the region of a linear inequality in two variables.
- I can find speed, distance and acceleration from a distance-time or speed-time graph.
Stage 3: data and chance
- I can find the range, interquartile range, variance and standard deviation of a small data set.
- I can draw a sample space or tree diagram and use it for a combined-event probability.
- I can estimate a mean from a grouped frequency table and read an ogive.
Stage 4: money
- I can work out a multi-step percentage problem without mixing up the base amount.
- I can follow an insurance or tax table supplied in the question and calculate from it.
- I can separate income, relief and rebate and put the steps in order.
Stage 5: Form 5 shape and algebra
- I can write a variation as an equation and find the constant.
- I can multiply two matrices and use an inverse matrix to solve a pair of equations.
- I can describe a combined transformation in the correct order.
- I can use sine, cosine and tangent ratios and read their graphs.
What does a weekly pattern look like?
Adjust this pattern to your school timetable, and change the numbers after the first week.
- Two sessions on the weakest stage 1 skill. Do fresh questions, not rereading.
- One session on the current school chapter. Use a practice set and mark it honestly.
- One session on mistakes. Record each wrong step in the mistake log and paper-error review.
- One short recall session. Try two or three old checklist lines from memory, using the spaced recall planner.
Plan the weeks with the realistic revision planner. Log the lines you have actually ticked in the skill evidence tracker.
When should I move on from a chapter?
Move on when you can tick the chapter’s lines on fresh questions, even if the last question was not perfect. Return to it once a week with one question.
If a chapter stays blank after a few honest attempts, more rereading rarely adds much. That is a good point to ask a teacher, and online one-to-one Mathematics tuition works from the questions you have not been able to finish. Keep the glossary open for terms, and read the Form 4 and Form 5 overviews for a wider map.