Quadratic functions
Going from general form to vertex form, finding the vertex and the zeros, and connecting the rule to the graph. Classic mistake: losing track of the sign of a.
Secondary 4 · SN sequence
Secondary 4 SN math: keep up and pass the ministry exam.
Secondary 4 Science (SN) is often the year math gets serious. We help your teen understand the algebra instead of memorizing it, and walk into the ministry exam prepared.
Price$45 / hour
- First class free, no contract
- The same tutor every week
Why Secondary 4 SN catches so many students off guard
In Secondary 3, most problems come down to first-degree equations and straight lines. In SN 4, students move on to second-degree expressions, factoring and formal justification, with 6 credits a year instead of the 4 in CST. There is more content, it moves faster, and a chapter that was shaky in October becomes a wall in February.
This year also counts toward the diploma. The DES requires a pass in Secondary 4 math, and the ministry's uniform exam is part of the final result. Our guide to passing the Secondary 4 math exam explains how the exam is built; our classes turn that plan into weekly practice.
What we cover
The SN 4 topics where students get stuck
Factoring
Common factor, difference of squares, perfect square trinomials, product and sum. It is the tool for the whole year: if factoring is slow, everything else slows down.
Systems of equations
Solving by comparison, substitution or elimination, then interpreting the answer in context. Many students find x and forget to answer the actual question.
Analytic geometry
Slope, distance between two points, midpoint, parallel and perpendicular lines. The arithmetic is easy; justifying every step is what earns the marks.
Trigonometry
Trigonometric ratios and the sine law in triangles. Errors usually come from picking the wrong ratio or a calculator stuck in the wrong angle mode.
Two-variable statistics
Scatter plots, regression lines and correlation. Students learn to read the graph and write a clear conclusion.
Exam prep
How we prepare for the SN ministry exam
The exam lasts 3 hours (plus 15 extra minutes if needed) and has three sections: 6 multiple choice questions, 4 short answer questions and 6 application situations worth 60 % of the points. Algebra carries a lot of weight in SN: in 2025-2026 it made up 48 % to 54 % of the points. For 2025-2026 the exam counted for 50 % of the competency Uses mathematical reasoning; check the current year's document with the school.
From spring on, we alternate short A and B style questions with fully written C style situations, then run a timed mock exam. Session dates for January, June and August are in our ministry exam calendar, and the secondary final grade calculator shows how the exam affects the final mark.
What comes next
Where SN 4 leads
SN 4 leads directly to Secondary 5 SN math, which, together with Secondary 5 chemistry and physics, is the prerequisite for Science (Sciences de la nature) at CEGEP. If the load is too heavy, Secondary 5 CST is still an option. Our article on choosing between CST, TS and SN lays out what each choice means.
- Quadratics
- Factoring
- Ministry exam
- CEGEP Science
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
My child had 80 % in Secondary 3 and is failing SN 4. Is that normal?
It happens often. SN 4 asks for far more algebra and rigour than Secondary 3, and factoring or exponent rules are often not automatic yet. The first class is used to pinpoint exactly what is missing.
Can my child switch from SN to CST during the year?
That depends entirely on the school. Some allow a change after the first term, others only between Secondary 4 and 5. Talk to the math teacher and the guidance counsellor early, before deciding.
How many classes a week does SN 4 need?
Most students take one 1-hour class a week during the year, and two a week in the weeks before the June exam.
Do you also prepare for the August retake?
Yes. We go back over what went wrong in June, then practise timed application situations so your teen reaches the August session with a solid method.
Are classes available online?
Yes, anywhere in Quebec, live with camera and screen sharing. In Montreal, classes can also take place at home or in a quiet public place like a library, depending on tutor availability.
How much does SN 4 tutoring cost?
$45 an hour for high school. The first class is free, with no contract or registration fee, and packages of 8 and 12 classes give 5 % and 10 % off.