New Mathematics Counts (2nd Edition by Tay Choon Hong, Mark Riddington, Martin Grier) builds on the strengths of its well-received first edition.   This edition meets requirements of the latest Mathematics syllabuses for the GCE "N" and GCE 'O" level examinations set by the Ministry of Education, Singapore.   The first edition was a revised version of the Mathematics Counts for Secondary 1 to 5 **Normal (Academic).   

The series consists of five coursebooks designed specially for students following the Normal (Academic) Course Syllabus prescribed by the Ministry of Education.   The material has been prepared not only to help students excel in the GCE 'N' level Mathematics examination but also with a view to preparing these students to proceed to sit for the GCE 'O' level examination.   Thus, the series is different from most others.

The material is arranged in a sound pedagogical sequence in which abstract reasoning is supported by concrete examples.   For instance, in the chapter on Simultaneous Equations, the graphical solutions to the linear simultaneous equations are presented together with the algebraic solutions.   In this approach, the graphical solutions provide the concrete pictorial examples and help students understand better the solutions obtained algebraically.

Care is given to introducing concepts one a time to allow students to grasp them with ease.   Understanding of concepts is further enhanced by the judicious use of worked examples and graded exercises.

In Books 1 and 2, emphasis is placed on the mastery and application of basic skills so that a sound basis is formed for subsequent studies.   The basic skills include estimation and mental calculation, and the handling of data.

Throughout the series, activities are used to guide students to use thinking skill, such as induction and find out for themselves fundamental mathematical theorems and rules.   In addition, students are also introduced to the use of computer programs in a number of activities.

Through appropriate worked examples and activities, students are encouraged to use problem solving strategies (heuristics) such as estimating, building a model, tabulation, systematic listing, working backwards, using equations and simplifying the problem.   Wherever possible, diagrams are used to make difficult word problems less daunting and more manageable.

Features of the 2nd Edition books in this series:

Enhances Understanding
- Concepts are presented in a simple, clear and logical manner.   The use of diagrams, figures and models helps students visualise mathematical concepts and ideas more clearly.
- Sidebar features provide necessary pointers to key concepts in main text.
- Worked examples guide students in understanding and applying the main concept learned.
- End-of-chapter summaries recap key learning outcomes and important mathematical formulae.
Motivates Learning
- Interesting and relevant chapter openers arouse interest in the topics covered.
- Thought-provoking facts and activities enhance learning and make it more enjoyable through the exploration and investigation of mathematical ideas.

Build Exam Confidence
- Ample questions, carefully gradated according to level of difficulty, are provided throughout the textbook to reinforce concepts covered.   They also help students identify their areas of weakness and misconception.
- Challenging questions and past-year examination questions have been incorporated to induce higher-order thinking skills and build exam confidence.

1. Mathematics in Practical Situations
2. Indices and Standard Form
3. Pythagoras' Theorem and Trigonometry
4. Coordinate Geometry
5. Quadratic Equations
6. Graphs of Non-linear Funtions
7. Congruence and Similarity
8. Symmetry and Angle Properties of Circles
9. Cumulative Frequency and Box-and-Whisker Plot