Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2026: To achieve success in Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 for the 2026 academic year, learners must focus on the practical application of mathematical concepts to real-life situations. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is pending, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive roadmap for your revision.
The curriculum is split into two distinct papers, each testing specific core pillars of everyday mathematics. Both papers are 3 hours long and carry 150 marks each.
Download Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Access the official documents to ensure your study plan is 100% aligned with the 2026 assessment requirements:
- Download Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
- Download Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)
For more support, including tax tables and past papers, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources hub.
Paper 1 – Finance and Data Handling Focus
Weighting: Finance (60%), Data Handling (35%), Probability (5%)
Paper 1 tests your ability to manage money and interpret information from the world around you.
Core Topics for Paper 1:
- Finance: Personal and business budgets, banking (fees and interest), loans, and the South African tax system (PAYE/Income Tax).
- Data Handling: Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data using measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and measures of spread (range, quartiles).
- Probability: Understanding the likelihood of events occurring, often integrated into financial or statistical contexts.
Paper 2 – Measurement and Maps/Plans Focus
Weighting: Measurement (55%), Maps and Plans (40%), Probability (5%)
Paper 2 shifts the focus to physical space, dimensions, and navigation.
Core Topics for Paper 2:
- Measurement: Calculating perimeter, area, and volume for various shapes. Conversions between metric units and understanding time and temperature.
- Maps, Plans, and Representations: Interpreting scale drawings, floor plans, and elevation maps. Navigating using distance and direction.
- Applied Finance: Calculating costs related to measurement, such as the price of tiling a floor or the profit/loss on a construction project.
Key Focus Areas for 2026
To reach a “Level 7,” pay close attention to these high-weighting skills:
- Tax Table Proficiency: Ensure you can accurately calculate income tax using the latest SARS tax brackets.
- Growth Charts: Master the interpretation of percentile growth charts, as these are frequently used to test data spread.
- Scale Conversions: Be comfortable moving between “number scales” and “bar scales” on maps.
- Logical Reasoning: Always check if your answer makes sense in a real-world context (e.g., you cannot have 5.4 people in a car).
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Mathematical Literacy Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that context is everything. Whether you are calculating interest on a loan in Paper 1 or the volume of a water tank in Paper 2, always read the scenario carefully.
Start your preparation early by practicing with previous years’ tax tables and map work questions. For the latest 2026 matric calendar and expert revision tips, stay tuned to My Courses.
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