Grade 12 · Mathematics · Paper 1 · CAPS
Algebra and Cubic Polynomials – Grade 12 Mathematics (Paper 1)
What Algebra & Cubic Polynomials covers, how it is examined in Mathematics Paper 1, the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 13
- Marks of practice
- 121
- Study time
- ≈ 5 h 20 min
What it covers
Paper 1 opens with algebra, and this topic gets you ready for it: quadratic equations solved by factorising or the formula, quadratic inequalities, the nature of roots, pairs of equations where a straight line meets a parabola, and equations with surds or exponents. The Grade 12 part is the cubic polynomial – using the factor theorem, and its partner the remainder theorem, to find a first factor, then dividing it out to factorise the cubic fully and solve cubic equations. You will use this algebra again in almost every other Paper 1 question, especially calculus.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Mathematics Paper 1 – Friday 23 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Algebra, equations & inequalities ≈ 25/150 in Paper 1 (mostly Gr 11 work + factor theorem)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 1 of Mathematics Paper 1. Cubic factorising turns up again when you sketch cubic graphs in calculus.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Gr 11 algebra revision: equations, inequalities, nature of roots45 min
- Remainder and factor theorems25 min
- Factorising a cubic30 min
- Solving cubic equations30 min
- Unknown coefficients35 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 45 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions13 questions · 121 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 25 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 5 h 20 min |
Mathematics Paper 1 is written on Friday 23 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 13 exam-style questions on Algebra & Cubic Polynomials (121 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 5 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Mathematics Paper 1
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Algebra & Cubic Polynomials? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Algebra & Cubic Polynomials as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Maths P1 topics
Questions about Algebra & Cubic Polynomials
How many marks is Algebra & Cubic Polynomials worth in the matric exam?
In Mathematics Paper 1 (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Algebra, equations & inequalities ≈ 25/150 in Paper 1 (mostly Gr 11 work + factor theorem). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 1 of Mathematics Paper 1. Cubic factorising turns up again when you sketch cubic graphs in calculus. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Algebra & Cubic Polynomials?
About 5 h 20 min: 2 h 45 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 2 h 25 min for the 13 exam-style questions (121 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Mathematics Paper 1 exam in 2026?
Mathematics Paper 1 is written on Friday 23 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Algebra & Cubic Polynomials?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Algebra & Cubic Polynomials as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.