How to study Grade 12 Mathematics (CAPS): papers, topics and a revision plan
Grade 12 Mathematics is examined in two 3-hour papers of 150 marks each: Paper 1 covers algebra, number patterns, functions, finance, calculus and probability, and Paper 2 covers statistics, analytical geometry, trigonometry and Euclidean geometry.
- Papers
- 2
- Total marks
- 300
- Time per paper
- 3 hours
How is the Grade 12 Mathematics exam set out?
You write two external papers, each 3 hours long and worth 150 marks, for 300 marks in total.
| Paper | What it covers | Marks | Time | 2026 NSC date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Algebra, number patterns, functions and graphs, finance, differential calculus, probability | 150 | 3 hours | Friday 23 October 2026, 09:00 |
| Paper 2 | Statistics and regression, analytical geometry, trigonometry, Euclidean geometry | 150 | 3 hours | Monday 26 October 2026, 09:00 |
- Each paper is spread over four cognitive levels: knowledge 20% (about 30 marks), routine procedures 35% (52–53 marks), complex procedures 30% (45 marks) and problem solving 15% (22–23 marks).
- An information sheet of formulae comes with both papers. The surface area and volume formulae for right prisms are not on it, so learn them.
- If you make more than one attempt at a question and do not cross any out, only the first attempt is marked.
Every Grade 12 paper and its start time is on the 2026 matric exam timetable.
What does each Mathematics paper cover?
Trigonometry carries the most marks of any topic (50 in Paper 2), followed by analytical and Euclidean geometry (40 each) and functions and calculus (35 each in Paper 1).
| Paper | Topic | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Algebra, equations and inequalities | 25 |
| Paper 1 | Number patterns | 25 |
| Paper 1 | Functions and graphs | 35 |
| Paper 1 | Finance, growth and decay | 15 |
| Paper 1 | Differential calculus | 35 |
| Paper 1 | Counting principle and probability | 15 |
| Paper 2 | Statistics and regression | 20 |
| Paper 2 | Analytical geometry | 40 |
| Paper 2 | Trigonometry | 50 |
| Paper 2 | Euclidean geometry | 40 |
- Trigonometric functions are examined only in Paper 2.
- Not examined: solving quadratics by completing the square, pyramid schemes, conditional probability, concurrency, and interpreting standard deviation with the normal distribution.
- In finance you can be asked for any variable in the future and present value formulae except the interest rate i.
- Seven theorem proofs are examinable, including the tangent-chord theorem, the proportionality theorem and "equiangular triangles are similar".
How do I revise each Mathematics topic on Hlayiso?
Read the Hlayiso notes for one topic, then drill that topic with real exam questions before moving on.
As of October 2026, Hlayiso has 794 Grade 12 Mathematics past papers and memos (290 of them memos), 1 503 past exam questions sorted by topic and 85 note sections, all free to read.
| Topic | How to revise | Practise |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra, equations and inequalities | Write equations in standard form before using the quadratic formula, and check surd equations for extraneous roots. | 68 questions |
| Number patterns | Separate arithmetic, geometric and quadratic patterns, then practise sums in sigma notation. | 135 questions |
| Functions and graphs | Sketch each function with intercepts, asymptotes and turning points, and read inequalities off the graph. | 188 questions |
| Finance, growth and decay | Draw a timeline for every annuity and count the payments before choosing a formula. | 71 questions |
| Differential calculus | Drill first principles with full limit notation, then cubic graphs and optimisation. | 201 questions |
| Counting principle and probability | Use tree diagrams and the product rule; test independence with P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B). | 98 questions |
| Statistics | Use your calculator for standard deviation and the regression line, and enter the data twice. | 139 questions |
| Analytical geometry | Prove properties with gradients, midpoints and distances; never assume them from the sketch. | 145 questions |
| Trigonometry | Practise reduction formulae, identities and compound angles until co-ratios are automatic. | 79 questions |
| Trigonometric graphs | Focus on points of intersection and reading values off two graphs. | 67 questions |
| Sine, cosine and area rules | Work two- and three-dimensional problems step by step from the triangle you know. | 68 questions |
| Euclidean geometry | Learn the proofs and write every statement with its reason in the accepted wording. | 244 questions |
What is a good six-week Mathematics revision plan?
Spend the first week finding your weak topics, four weeks fixing them, and the last week writing full papers under exam conditions.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Write one recent Paper 1 and Paper 2 under timed conditions, mark them with the memo and list your three weakest topics. |
| Week 2 | Functions and graphs, and differential calculus: one topic a day from the notes, then 10 to 15 questions by topic. |
| Week 3 | Algebra, number patterns, finance and probability, with one mixed Paper 1 section at the end of the week. |
| Week 4 | Trigonometry and Euclidean geometry: learn the proofs and reasons, then do riders from past papers. |
| Week 5 | Analytical geometry and statistics, plus one full past paper every second day. |
| Week 6 | Full papers only: the November 2025 papers first, then 2024. Redo every question you lost marks on. |
What should I do the night before each Mathematics paper?
The night before a Mathematics paper, revise what you know rather than starting anything new.
- Check the paper, date and 09:00 start time on the timetable.
- Pack your calculator (set to degrees), pens, pencil, eraser, ruler, compass and protractor.
- Read the information sheet so you know which formulae are on it and which are not.
- For Paper 2, read through the theorem proofs and the list of accepted reasons once.
- Do five routine questions you can already answer, to warm up, and stop there.
- Go to bed at your usual time and set two alarms.
What mistakes do Mathematics examiners report?
Examiners marking the November 2025 papers reported that weak algebra from earlier grades held candidates back in both papers.
- Quadratic and surd equations solved without writing them in standard form first, or without checking for extraneous solutions.Instead: Rearrange first, substitute your answers back and reject the ones that fail.
- Inequality answers written with "and" or the wrong notation, after finding the correct critical values.Instead: Draw a number line or the graph and write the interval exactly.
- Finance questions answered with the simple interest formula, A and P swapped, or the wrong number of annuity payments.Instead: Write the timeline and the value of n before you substitute.
- First principles written with incorrect limit notation or h left out of the denominator.Instead: Write the full definition on every line until the limit is taken.
- Statistics data entered into the calculator incorrectly, giving answers close to the memo but wrong.Instead: Enter the data twice and compare the results.
- Geometry facts assumed from the diagram, and reasons left incomplete, such as leaving out the parallel lines in the proportionality theorem.Instead: Only use what is given or proved, and give a full reason for every statement.
Common questions about Grade 12 Mathematics
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When are the 2026 Grade 12 Mathematics papers written?
The DBE timetable sets Mathematics Paper 1 for Friday 23 October 2026 and Paper 2 for Monday 26 October 2026. Both start at 09:00 and last 3 hours.
How many marks is each Grade 12 Mathematics paper?
Each paper is worth 150 marks and lasts 3 hours, so the final exam is 300 marks in total.
Which Grade 12 Mathematics topics carry the most marks?
Trigonometry is worth 50 marks in Paper 2, analytical geometry and Euclidean geometry 40 each, and functions and graphs and differential calculus 35 each in Paper 1.
What was the Grade 12 Mathematics pass rate in 2025?
Of the 254 415 candidates who wrote Mathematics in November 2025, 64.0% achieved 30% or more and 41.9% achieved 40% or more, down from 69.1% and 47.9% in 2024 (DBE 2025 Diagnostic Report).
Which formulae are not on the Mathematics information sheet?
The surface area and volume formulae for right prisms are not provided. For optimisation questions on cones, spheres or pyramids, the relevant formulae are listed in the question.
Sources
The facts in this guide come from these Department of Basic Education documents.
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