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Higher Level Mathematics Revision Notes

Topic 3.3: Arithmetic

These notes teach Arithmetic clearly in simple English and then take it further with the higher-level material. The aim is to build understanding first and exam confidence second.

Curriculum Irish Leaving Certificate
Subject Mathematics
Level Higher Level
Premium feature Teacher-style explanations and cleaner study flow
Focus
Understanding before memorising
Interactive
Study tools and guided structure
Question Style
Explained examples and exam practice
Format
Website reading and printable notes

Subtopics Covered

  • Percentages & Taxation
  • Compound Interest & Depreciation
  • 📝 Exam Style Questions

What Makes This Version Better

  • Simple explanations first, then deeper higher-level extension
  • Clearer student-friendly language across the topic
  • Worked examples unpacked in steps
  • Interactive study tools where they genuinely help
  • SEO-friendly website naming and branding
Disclaimer This publication is an independent educational resource developed by ExamsLogic and compiled by experienced educators. It is based on publicly available official curricula, including Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, IB, and the Irish Leaving Certificate. This product is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by any examination board or governing authority. All registered trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Start Reading Open Study Tools

Learning Objectives

What You Should Be Able To Do

    Interactive Study Tools

    These tools are here to help students slow down and think about the method before rushing to an answer.

    Tool 1

    Study Planner

    Use this to break a topic into small study sessions.

    Plan: A clear breakdown will appear here.
    Tool 2

    Method Reminder

    This quick guide reminds students what to do when they feel stuck.

    • Read the story: what is the question really asking?
    • Choose the method: identify the correct idea before calculating.
    • Show the reason: do not skip the logic.
    • Check the answer: make sure it fits the situation.

    1. Percentages & Taxation

    Simple explanation: This section explains the main idea in simple English first, then builds toward the formal method used in exam questions.

    Understanding real-world financial calculations is a key competency.

    • Percentage Change: (New - Old) / Old × 100
    • VAT/Tax: Net amount × (1 + rate/100) = Gross amount.
    • USC/PAYE: Calculate tax on different income "bands" separately.

    2. Compound Interest & Depreciation

    Simple explanation: This section explains the main idea in simple English first, then builds toward the formal method used in exam questions.
    A = P(1 + i)^t
    A = Final amount, P = Principal, i = rate (as decimal), t = time

    Use minus (-) in the bracket for depreciation.

    Examiner Tip
    💡 Examiner Tip: Always use the "1+i" formula for compound interest. Never calculate simple interest per year unless the question specifically asks for "Simple Interest."
    Common Mistake
    ❌ Common Mistake: Confusing APR (Annual Percentage Rate) with the monthly rate. Always convert your interest rate to the correct time unit (e.g., divide monthly rate by 12, or use the APR equivalent formula for monthly).

    📝 Exam Style Questions

    Simple explanation: This section explains the main idea in simple English first, then builds toward the formal method used in exam questions.

    Easy Q1: An item costs €100 + 23% VAT. What is the total price?

    Medium Q2: You invest €1,000 at 5% compound interest for 3 years. Find the final amount.

    A1: 100 × 1.23 = €123.

    A2: 1000(1.05)^3 = 1000 × 1.157625 = €1,157.63.