Class 9 Mathematics: How to Build a Strong Base

Class 9 Mathematics is where many students first feel that the subject is changing. Proofs appear, algebra grows and calculations become longer. A strong base now makes Class 10 boards, and later JEE and other exams, much easier.

The key chapters

Number Systems: rational and irrational numbers, real numbers and laws of exponents.
Polynomials and Algebra: factorization, identities and the factor theorem.
Linear Equations in Two Variables and Coordinate Geometry: graphs and the plane.
Geometry: lines and angles, triangles, quadrilaterals and circles, with their proofs.
Mensuration: areas, surface areas and volumes.
Statistics: data and its representation.

ICSE adds topics such as Commercial Mathematics and a wider treatment of Geometry. Check your board's current syllabus.

How to learn each chapter

Read the concept and understand each definition.
Solve the solved examples yourself without looking at the answer.
Do the exercise in the order given: easy to hard.
Redo your wrong answers after a few days.

How to handle proofs

Learn what is given and what is to be proved. Draw a large, clear figure. Write each statement with its reason, such as "angles in the same segment are equal". Practice each theorem proof until you can write it from memory.

Build speed and accuracy

Learn squares to 30, cubes to 10 and the basic identities by heart.
Practice mental calculations for ten minutes a day.
Check your answer by substituting it back wherever possible.

Take a test every month

A short test on the chapters you have finished shows what has not stuck. Fix those chapters at once, before they pile up.

Early support makes a difference. Gyan Sanchar teaches students from Class 6 to 12, with foundation and board-exam preparation for Class 6 to 10. See our foundation courses, try the free EQ test or book a free demo class.