As a Sec 3 student in Singapore, you’ve probably heard this many times — Additional Mathematics (A Math) is not just an advanced version of Elementary Math (E Math); it’s a whole new challenge. With new concepts like quadratic inequalities, trigonometric identities, and differentiation being introduced, it’s no surprise that many students feel overwhelmed.
To cope, most students turn to A Math notes — some download free ones from Telegram groups or websites, while others invest in paid A Math notes from reputable tutors or education platforms. But the real question is: which type of notes actually help you score in your exams?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of free vs paid A Math notes, what makes a good set of Sec 3 A Math notes, and how to choose the best resource to help you succeed in school.
1. The Appeal of Free A Math Notes
There are tons of free math notes circulating online — from student-made Google Drive folders to free PDFs from Telegram groups and forums.
Pros of Free Notes:
- Cost-effective: Free notes are, well, free — perfect for students on a tight budget.
- Easily accessible: You can download them instantly without any signup or payment.
- Wide variety: There are many different formats, styles, and sources to choose from.
Cons of Free Notes:
- Lack of structure: Free notes often jump between topics or skip key explanations.
- Inconsistent quality: Many are written by students or tutors without much editing. You’ll find typos, missing steps, or outdated syllabus content.
- Not exam-focused: Most free notes lack emphasis on question types tested in Sec 3 mid-year and end-of-year exams.
- No support: You can’t ask questions or get clarifications if you’re confused about a step or concept.
Verdict: Free A Math notes are a decent supplementary resource, but they often fall short when it comes to providing clear guidance and structured learning — especially if you’re struggling with new Sec 3 topics like logarithms or trigonometric transformations.
2. Why Paid A Math Notes Might Be Worth the Investment
Now let’s talk about paid A Math notes — those created by experienced tutors or educational publishers who have taught hundreds of students and understand the syllabus inside out.
Pros of Paid Notes:
- Structured and syllabus-aligned: Good paid notes follow the MOE A Math syllabus closely. Every topic is explained clearly, with proper progression from concept to application.
- Exam focus: Paid notes often include exam tips, common mistakes to avoid, and worked solutions for typical O-Level questions.
- High quality diagrams and formatting: You get clean layouts, proper math notation, and visual aids that actually help you understand.
- Bonus resources: Many paid note bundles include practice questions, step-by-step solutions, or even QR codes linking to video explanations.
- Trusted by top students: Premium notes often come recommended by high performers and are used by tuition centres.
Cons of Paid Notes:
- Cost: Quality comes with a price — usually ranging from $15 to $50 for a complete set.
- Over-reliance: Some students may rely too heavily on the notes without truly understanding the logic behind the math.
Verdict: If you’re serious about improving your A Math grades, investing in well-crafted Sec 3 A Math notes can be a game-changer. The clarity, structure, and exam focus give you a clear advantage over random free materials.
3. What Makes a Good Set of A Math Notes?
Whether you’re considering free or paid resources, here’s a checklist of features that define effective A Math notes:
Clear Topic Structure
Each chapter should begin with a topic title, learning objectives, and key formulas.
Step-by-Step Examples
Look for notes that include worked solutions with clear explanations, not just the final answers.
MOE Syllabus Aligned
Ensure the notes are relevant to Singapore’s latest A Math syllabus — including updated topics like:
- Quadratic functions
- Binomial expansion
- Differentiation & integration
- Trigonometric identities
Summary Pages & Formula Sheets
Great notes include summaries for quick revision — ideal for exam preparation.
Practice & Application
The best A Math notes include:
- Past year question samples
- “Try it yourself” questions
- Common exam pitfalls
4. Real Student Example: From C5 to A2 Using Paid Notes
Let’s take the example of Clara, a Sec 3 student from a neighbourhood school. She started A Math with a C5, struggling especially with graphs and algebraic proofs. She tried using free PDFs online but found them confusing and scattered.
Eventually, she bought a set of curated A Math notes recommended by her tuition teacher. The notes were structured by topic, included colored diagrams, and even came with bonus worksheets.
After two months of using the notes for her revision:
- She moved from C5 to B3 in her mid-year exams.
- By the end-of-year exams, she scored A2 and eventually made it into JC.
Clara says the biggest difference was how easy the notes made it to revise — she no longer had to google formulas or worry if she missed a concept.
5. So… Free or Paid? Which Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your goals and current situation.
| If you’re just starting A Math | Try free notes first to get a feel. But don’t hesitate to switch to premium notes if you’re struggling to understand or revise. |
|---|---|
| If your grades are slipping | Paid notes will likely give you the clarity and structure you need to catch up fast. |
| If you’re aiming for A1 or A2 | You need notes that are exam-focused, reliable, and well-organized — paid notes offer all that and more. |
6. Final Thoughts: Notes Are Tools — Use Them Wisely
At the end of the day, notes are just one part of your A Math strategy. You still need to practice consistently, clarify doubts, and stay motivated.
But having the right notes can make a big difference — especially when they save you time, reduce confusion, and give you a clear revision roadmap.
If you’re looking for Sec 3 A Math notes that are designed to help you score, we’ve got a professionally crafted set built specifically for Singapore’s O-Level syllabus — with:
- Step-by-step solutions
- Exam tips
- Bonus worksheets