Command words: find, show, explain, hence
“Show that” needs a reason chain; “find” needs a value; “hence” means use the previous result.
Key formulas
Show that
The answer is given. Your job is a clear bridge from the givens to that result. Do not reverse-engineer from the end without reasons.
Hence
Something earlier must be reused. If you ignore it and start afresh, you may lose method marks tied to the intended route.
Explain / describe
Words matter. A correct number with no geometric reason can still lose marks.
Worked example
Worked example
Problem. A question says: “(a) Show that AH = 6 cm. (b) Hence find the volume.” What must your part (b) use?
Solution. Part (b) must use AH = 6 from part (a). Starting volume from scratch without that height ignores the command word “hence” and can lose method marks.
Quick filter
Underline the command word before touching a calculator.
Review quiz
A “show that AH=5” question mainly requires:
Practice questions
- Rewrite a “show that” question as a checklist of required reasons.
- Give an example of a “hence” dependence between two parts.
Study notes
Can I use a different method on “hence”?
Only if it still uses the previous result; otherwise you miss the point of the word.