Is H2 Math Hard? 7 Reasons Students Struggle & How to Overcome Them (2026)

Before we dive into why H2 Math is hard, let's address a common question: should you even take H2 Math, or is H1 Math the better choice?

Entry Requirements:

• H2 Math — You'll need a pass in O-Level Additional Mathematics (A Math). Without A Math, H2 Math will be extremely challenging because the H2 syllabus assumes you already know A Math concepts.


• H1 Math — O-Level Elementary Mathematics (E Math) is sufficient. The syllabus is self-contained and doesn't build on A Math.

Workload Difference:

• H2 Math covers both Pure Mathematics (Functions, Calculus, Vectors, Complex Numbers) and Statistics (Probability, Distributions, Hypothesis Testing). It's assessed in two 3-hour papers totalling 200 marks.


• H1 Math is lighter — it focuses primarily on Statistics with some basic Pure Math. It's assessed in one 3-hour paper worth 100 marks.

University Requirements:

• If you're considering Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or Quantitative Finance — you'll almost certainly need H2 Math.


• For Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, or Business — H1 Math is generally sufficient.


• If you're unsure about your future direction, H2 Math keeps more doors open.

Already in H2 Math and thinking about dropping? Read my guide on the transition from H2 to H1 Mathematics before making that decision.

Based on feedback from thousands of students I've taught, here's how H2 Math topics rank in difficulty. Understanding this can help you plan your study time effectively.

Most Challenging:

• Vectors (up to 30 marks) — Requires 3D spatial visualisation, combining dot/cross products, lines, and planes. Many students struggle because they can't "see" the geometry. This single topic accounts for roughly 15% of your A-Level grade.


• Complex Numbers — Abstract concepts with no real-world intuition to lean on. The Argand diagram, loci, and De Moivre's theorem require a completely new way of thinking.


• Integration Applications (up to 30 marks combined with techniques) — Not just knowing the techniques, but recognising which technique to apply and combining multiple methods in one question.

Moderately Difficult:

• Sequences & Series — Method of differences and convergence proofs can be tricky.


• Probability — Conditional probability questions are notoriously tricky; small misinterpretations lead to completely wrong answers.


• Differential Equations — Setting up the DE from a word problem is where most marks are lost.

More Approachable:

• Functions — Methodical once you understand the definitions.


• Graphing Techniques — Systematic and visual; most students find this manageable with practice.


• Basic Differentiation — Builds directly on A Math, so the transition is smoother.

If you want to see the full topic list, check out our H2 Math curriculum breakdown.

"The syllabus prepares students adequately for A-Level H2 Mathematics."

GCE O-Level Additional Mathematics (Syllabus 4047)

This opening line in the O-Level A Math syllabus cannot be overstated. Coming into JC H2 Math without remembering O-Level Additional Math concepts is like building a house without a foundation — it may stand, but not firmly.

Mathematics builds upon fundamental concepts (axioms). If your secondary school foundation is weak, H2 Math becomes exponentially harder. I've written a detailed comparison of O-Level A Math vs H2 Math that shows exactly how these topics connect.

At JC level, questions demand greater conceptual understanding and logical reasoning, often combining multiple topics in a single question. For example, a simple O-Level algebra question that earns 2 marks might require deeper analysis and logical deductions at the H2 level — still for just 1 mark.

Moreover, trigonometric functions and identities — foundational in O-Level A Math — appear frequently across H2 topics such as Vectors and Complex Numbers. The challenges JC students face often stem from underestimating this jump.

According to Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, solving math problems taps into a mix of intelligences — spatial, logical, and interpersonal. For instance, when finding the volume of a solid of revolution using integration, students need to:

1. Visualise the 3D solid after rotation


2. Identify how to add or subtract volumes of simpler solids


3. Translate these ideas into correct mathematical expressions


4. Evaluate the integral to find the answer

Similarly, topics like Vectors, Complex Numbers, and Sequences & Series require strong spatial reasoning and pattern recognition.

JC life can be hectic. With lectures, tutorials, CCAs, and social commitments, many students lose consistency in their studies. Initially, most students start off strong — attending every lecture, submitting tutorials on time. But once the workload increases, priorities shift, and revision becomes last-minute.

H2 Math, however, requires consistency. Without it, you'll fall behind quickly. I've covered this in detail in my guide on how to study for H2 Math effectively, which includes a week-by-week study plan.

The H2 Math syllabus is significantly more extensive than O-Level Math. For example, the Vectors topic alone in H2 Math is roughly 4 times heavier than in O-Level E Math — yet both are taught over a similar time period.

H2 Math Vectors combines multiple prior concepts:

• Trigonometric identities


• Similarity and congruency


• Coordinate geometry

These O-Level concepts are treated as prerequisites, meaning no marks are given for re-explaining them. See our curriculum breakdown for the full scope of what's covered.

One of the most common traps is believing H2 Math is too difficult, so it's fine to do poorly. This self-fulfilling belief leads to less effort, less practice, and lower performance.

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."

Albert Einstein

Einstein's point highlights the importance of perseverance — or what modern psychologists call a growth mindset. Mathematical mastery is built through practice, persistence, and patience — not shortcuts.

In H2 Math exams, the Graphing Calculator (GC) and MF27 formula list are your two essential tools. However, many students:

• Don't explore the GC's advanced functions (e.g., solving equations, sketching graphs, finding numerical integrals)


• Don't know what formulas are included or missing from the MF27 list


• Waste precious exam time looking up formulas they should already know how to apply

The MF27 replaced the older MF26 from the 2023 syllabus onwards, so make sure you're using the correct and current version.

You don't have to face H2 Math alone. Here are free resources I've created specifically to help students like you:

• 100 H2 Math Integrals — 100 carefully curated integration problems with full video solutions. Covers every technique you need for A-Levels.


• Free Vectors Mini Course — 30 days of free access to complete Vectors video lessons, practice questions, and guidance. No credit card required.


• MF27 Formula List — Interactive viewer with PDF download. Know exactly what's on the formula sheet and what isn't.


• Question Bank — Over 5,000 H2 Math questions with full video solutions, organised by topic.


• TYS Video Solutions — Past year A-Level paper solutions on YouTube, completely free.


• All Free H2 Math Resources — Browse the complete collection.

Struggling with H2 Math is more common than you think. Mathematics can be tricky, but it's not impossible to master. Here's what I recommend:

1. Identify the root cause. Is it weak foundations? Poor time management? A specific topic? Re-read the 7 reasons above and be honest with yourself about which ones apply to you.


2. Build a study plan. Read our complete H2 Math study guide for a week-by-week plan you can follow for Common Tests, Prelims, and A-Levels.


3. Use free resources. Start with our free H2 Math resources — they're designed to help you fill gaps and build confidence without any cost.


4. Consider whether you need extra help. If you've been consistently struggling despite putting in effort, external support can make a real difference. Read our guide on whether H2 Math tuition is necessary and how to choose the right H2 Math tutor.


5. Don't rush the H2-to-H1 decision. If you're thinking of dropping to H1 Math, read this guide first — the decision has real implications for university applications.

With the right guidance, consistent practice, and the right mindset, you can conquer H2 Math and build confidence in one of the most rewarding academic challenges.