Real functions
Exponential, logarithmic, square root, absolute value, rational and trigonometric: role of parameters, domain, range, inverse. Logarithm laws are a frequent sticking point.
Secondary 5 · SN sequence
Secondary 5 SN math: the last step before CEGEP.
SN 5 is the most abstract math course in high school and the prerequisite for CEGEP Science. We help your teen pass it and arrive at CEGEP with solid foundations for Calculus I.
Price$45 / hour
- First class free, no contract
- Tutors comfortable with CEGEP math
A heavy year, and a decisive one for admission
In SN 5, students no longer study one function at a time: they handle whole families of functions, with transformations, inverses and operations between them. Add trigonometric identities, vectors and conics on top. The level of abstraction rises again, and students who relied on memory in Secondary 4 feel it quickly.
There is no ministry exam in Secondary 5 math: exams are set by the school. But Secondary 5 marks matter for CEGEP admission, especially for Science (Sciences de la nature), which requires Secondary 5 TS or SN math plus Secondary 5 chemistry and physics. Every term counts.
What we cover
The SN 5 topics that take the most work
Trigonometric identities
Unit circle, radians, proving identities, sum and difference formulas (required only in SN). We learn which side of an identity to start from.
Vectors
Components, addition, scalar multiplication, dot product. Students manage the computations but struggle to interpret them geometrically.
Conics
Circle, ellipse, hyperbola and parabola: equations, foci, linking the rule to the graph. Many formulas look alike, so understanding where they come from matters.
Optimization
Two-variable inequalities, the polygon of constraints, the objective function. Translating the word problem into constraints is the step to get right.
Proof
Justifying each step with the right property. This is exactly what CEGEP math will expect.
What comes next
Getting ready for CEGEP and Calculus I in Secondary 5
The first math course in CEGEP Science is Differential Calculus (NYA). It assumes students handle the functions, factoring, exponents and trigonometry of SN 5 without hesitation. A student who finishes SN 5 with shaky habits often spends the first semester catching up on high school. See our Calculus I (NYA) page and our article on the high school to CEGEP transition.
At CEGEP, the R score then takes over for university admission; our R score calculator shows how it works.
- CEGEP Science
- Calculus I
- R score
Our approach
How SN 5 classes work
Each class starts from what is being taught at school that week. The tutor first checks the Secondary 4 prerequisites (factoring, quadratics, analytic geometry), because in SN 5 a single old gap is enough to sink a whole chapter. Before term exams, we redo past school exams under time limits. If SN 4 was rough, our Secondary 4 SN math page shows what we review first.
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
Is there a ministry exam in SN 5?
No. In Secondary 5 math, exams are prepared by the school or the school service centre. Secondary 5 results are still used for CEGEP admission.
SN 5 or TS 5: which is better for CEGEP Science?
Both are accepted for Science (Sciences de la nature). SN is more abstract, TS more concrete. The better choice is the one where your teen will get good results.
Can my child switch from SN to CST in Secondary 5?
Moving down from SN to CST is usually easier than the reverse, but the rules depend on the school. Keep in mind that CST 5 does not give access to CEGEP Science. Talk to the guidance counsellor before deciding.
Can you help during the summer before CEGEP?
Yes. A few summer classes are a good way to consolidate algebra and functions before Calculus I. Our tutors also teach CEGEP math courses.
How many classes should we plan for SN 5?
One 1-hour class a week is enough for most students, with two a week before term exams and the final exam.