Last reviewed: 25 October 2026
Our Grade 9 maths topic list covers the whole syllabus. This guide is narrower. It targets the five topics Grade 9 learners miss most on the maths CBC Challenge: linear inequalities, bearings, money, volume of solids and indices. Most learners who try the Challenge do well overall, so these topics are where the extra marks are.
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How the KJSEA Mathematics paper is built
KJSEA Mathematics (903) runs for two hours. In 2026 it is sat on Wednesday 28 October, from 8.30 to 10.30 am, according to the KNEC 2026 KJSEA timetable. Published outlines of the paper describe a short multiple-choice section followed by a larger structured section, where working earns marks (Education News Hub summary of the KJSEA structure). So showing every step matters as much as the final answer. Our KJSEA maths paper-day guide covers timing and kit.
1. Linear inequalities
Solve an inequality like an equation, with one extra rule: if you multiply or divide by a negative number, flip the sign. Example: 3 − 2x > 9 gives −2x > 6, so x < −3. Forgetting to flip is the commonest error. When showing a solution on a number line, use an open circle for < or > and a filled circle for ≤ or ≥. The Maths Is Fun guide to solving inequalities walks through the flip rule with simple examples.
2. Bearings
Three rules settle almost every bearing question:
- Measure from north.
- Turn clockwise.
- Write the answer with three figures: 045°, not 45°.
For a back bearing, add 180° if the bearing is less than 180°, or subtract 180° if it is more. So the back bearing of 070° is 250°. Always draw a north line at each point before measuring.
3. Money
Money questions in Grade 9 cover profit and loss, discounts, commission, simple interest, hire purchase and currency exchange. Two habits prevent most errors:
- Write the formula first. Simple interest = P × R × T ÷ 100. Profit % = profit ÷ cost price × 100. Learners often divide by the selling price by mistake.
- Read exchange rates carefully. If KES 130 buys 1 US dollar, then to change dollars to shillings you multiply, and to change shillings to dollars you divide.
4. Volume of solids
For prisms and cylinders, volume = area of cross-section × length. For a cylinder that is πr²h. Common slips: using the diameter instead of the radius, and mixing units. Convert everything to the same unit first, and remember 1,000 cm³ = 1 litre. Water tank and jerrican questions are popular, so practise converting cm³ to litres. The cylinder page on Maths Is Fun shows the formula with a diagram.
5. Indices
Learn the laws as a set: aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ, aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ, (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ and a⁰ = 1. When bases differ, rewrite them as the same base first: 8 = 2³ and 4 = 2², so 8 × 4 = 2⁵ = 32. In equations such as 2ˣ = 32, write 32 as 2⁵ and compare the powers, so x = 5.
A focused plan for the final days
- Do one 10-question Grade 9 maths Challenge set and note the “Revise next” topics on the results screen.
- Spend 15 minutes on the first topic using this guide, then practise only that topic.
- Every other day, sit a timed section from our Grade 9 revision papers, showing full working.
Related revision: linear equations and Pythagoras’ theorem.