Functions and modelling
Recognizing a linear, simple quadratic, exponential, step or periodic situation from a table or graph. Students often mix up rate of change and initial value.
Secondary 4 · CST sequence
Secondary 4 CST math: pass the course that leads to the diploma.
CST is a real math sequence, built around everyday and civic life and well suited to projects in the arts, communications or social science. We help your teen succeed in it calmly, ministry exam included.
Price$45 / hour
- First class free, no contract
- A short report after every class
CST is not a plan B
Cultural, Social and Technical (CST) math has 4 credits a year and teaches math through concrete situations: comparing phone plans, reading a survey, finding the height of a building. It is not a watered down version of the other sequences; it is a different use of math. Many students finally find it makes sense after a rough Secondary 3.
Still, CST 4 is required for the DES, and the ministry's uniform exam weighs on the final result. For a student who has carried gaps since elementary school, this is often where it all comes to a head. Our job is to fill those gaps (fractions, percentages, equations) while keeping pace with the school's material.
What we cover
What we work on in CST 4
Systems of equations
Comparing two plans or offers and finding where they break even. Turning the text into equations is the step that blocks most students.
Two-variable statistics
Scatter plots, regression lines, estimating the correlation coefficient. Students need to say whether a prediction is reliable, not just compute it.
Metric relations and trigonometry
Trigonometric ratios and the sine law in triangles, to find a height or a distance you cannot measure directly. Misidentified angles cause most errors.
Analytic geometry
Slope, distance, midpoint and the equation of a line, often built into a map or floor plan situation.
Writing out the solution
In application situations, a bare answer earns little. We practise showing steps, units and a closing sentence.
Exam prep
The CST 4 exam: where the points are
As in the other sequences, the 3 hour exam has 6 multiple choice questions, 4 short answer questions and 6 application situations (60 % of the points). In CST, geometry made up 46 % to 54 % of the points in 2025-2026, so that is where we focus review. The exam's weighting is confirmed every year; check the current year's document.
A handwritten memory aid is allowed, and writing it yourself is already great review. We also practise resetting the calculator well before exam day. The January, June and August sessions are listed in our ministry exam calendar, and our Secondary 4 exam guide has an 8 week study plan.
What comes next
What CST opens at CEGEP
With CST, students can go into vocational training (DEP) and many CEGEP programs, including Social Science without math, the arts and communications. Some technical programs ask for Secondary 5 CST; for example, Computer Science Technology at Cégep de Sainte-Foy accepts CST 5. Science (Sciences de la nature), however, requires Secondary 5 TS or SN. Details are in our article CST, TS or SN.
- CST 4
- DES
- Uniform exam
- Vocational training
How it works
Getting started is simple
- 1
Pick a time
Choose the subject and a free time slot. We assign a qualified tutor.
- 2
Free first class
The tutor assesses the level and finds what is blocking.
- 3
Follow the progress
After every class, a short report arrives by email and in your parent space.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Questions? Call or write to us:
Other math courses
Does CST close doors at CEGEP?
Mainly Science (Sciences de la nature) and some math profiles, which ask for Secondary 5 TS or SN. For many other programs, CST is enough. Always check the admission page of the program your teen is aiming for.
Can my child move from CST to SN in Secondary 5?
Some schools allow it, but it requires extra learning and depends on the bridges the school offers (catch-up classes, summer school). Ask the school administration early.
My child barely passed Secondary 3. Is CST 4 realistic?
Yes, as long as the basics are rebuilt from the fall. We start with fractions, percentages and equations, because every CST 4 chapter relies on them.
Is a graphing calculator allowed?
Calculator rules are set out in the exam information document and by the school. In every case its memory must be cleared before the exam, so we practise doing that ahead of time.
Can classes be in English or Persian?
Yes. Classes are given in French, English or Persian, which helps a lot for students who arrived in Quebec recently and are learning math in French.