CAEC Math Part II: The Calculator Section
The bigger half of your math score, and the friendlier one
· 7 min read
The CAEC Mathematics test comes in two parts. Part I is the short no-calculator section (we covered it in its own guide). Part II is the main event: it is longer, it counts for most of your math score, and, happily, it hands you a calculator and a formula sheet. Here is exactly what to expect.
The format at a glance
- 30 questions in 90 minutes, about 3 minutes per question
- Calculator allowed throughout
- A formula sheet is provided
- Worth 75% of your overall math score
- Applied, real-world problems rather than abstract drills
Combined with Part I, the whole math test is 42 questions over two hours, and you need 55% overall to pass.
The four skill areas
- Number sense: fractions, decimals, and percentages in money contexts like tips, discounts, taxes, and simple interest, plus ratios, rates, and proportions.
- Patterns and relations: extending patterns, turning word problems into linear equations, applying and rearranging formulas, and logical reasoning.
- Geometry and measurement: unit conversions, scale factor and similar shapes, the Pythagorean theorem, perimeter and area of 2D shapes, and surface area and volume of 3D shapes.
- Data management and probability: reading tables and graphs, mean, median, mode, and range, and the probability of independent and mutually exclusive events.
About that formula sheet
The provided sheet covers the big formulas: perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, and circles, volumes of prisms, cylinders, cones, and pyramids, distance, simple interest, and the two probability rules. You do not need to memorize those, but you do need to know how to use them.
Two important exceptions: the Pythagorean theorem and scale factor are not on the sheet, so those two must live in your head. Our lessons on each cover exactly what to remember.
How to prepare for Part II
- Learn: work through the free Mathematics II lessons, one topic per sitting.
- Practise: sit the Math Practice Test on paper, with a calculator, under time.
- Review: for every question you miss, watch the matching video walkthrough to see the full worked solution.
Practise with the same calculator you plan to use, and get into the habit of estimating answers first so you catch typos on the calculator before they cost you marks.
Ready to work through it?
The Math Practice Test and Complete Workbook cover both parts of the math test with worked solutions for every question, and the free video walkthroughs show each Part II practice question solved step by step.
Disclaimer
This article is general information about the CAEC. CAEC Ready is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government, ministry of education, or official CAEC testing provider. Test details can change; confirm with your provincial provider.