| A | B |
|---|
| prove or show | The answer to the question (an equation, formula, number or an expression) is given. You must show your workings very clearly - all the steps. |
| verify | The answer is given but here you are allowed to show that it is correct by 'checking it back' or 'substituting' it to the question. |
| deduce | Use an answer or result from an earlier part of the question to help you answer the next part of the question. |
| hence (e.g. 'hence show that') | Answer the next part of the question by using something you have shown in the earlier part of the question. |
| hence or otherwise | You can answer the next part in any way you want but it is probably easier to use the previous answer to help you. |
| explain | Give a reason in words. |
| simplify | Write in a more simple way, often by multiplying brackets or cancelling fractions or using some known maths result. |
| express | Write in a mathematical way. |
| state or write down | The answer should be easy or obvious, so you can just write it down. You don't have to explain your reasons. |
| calculate or determine or evaluate | Give a numerical answer after working something out. |
| solve | You must find the answer (solution, root) of an equation in the form x=.... (or y=....) |
| sketch (e.g. 'sketch the graph of...') | Show in a graph that you know the shape of a graph and that you have found and can show on the graph important points, like where the graph cuts the axes. |
