GEC PILOT STUDY

MARKING GUIDELINES 2024

MATHEMATICS PAPER 1
GRADE 9

SECTION A

 One mark per answer.

 No half marks may be allocated.
 Tick () only the correct answer and underline the incorrect answer.

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
1. D 8  A number divided by zero is undefined.
0
2. B 5  125 = 5 × 5 × 5
200 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 5 × 5
510 = 2 × 3 × 5 × 17
HCF = 5
3. A 1 800  75 = 3 × 5 × 5
450 = 2 × 3 × 3 × 5 × 5
1800 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5 × 5
LCM = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 5 × 5
4. C Indirect proportion.  As time decreases, the speed increases
with the product of time and speed
remaining constant.

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 1

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
5. C 2
hour  𝑑
3 Speed =
𝑡
6
=
24
= 0,25 km/h
𝑑
Time =
𝑠
10
=
0,25
= 40 min
2
= h
3
OR
𝑑
Speed =
𝑡
6
=
24 ÷ 60
= 15 km/h
𝑑
Time =
𝑠
10
=
15
2
=3 h
6. A 4,5 %  2023 − 2006 = 17 years
𝐴 = 𝑃 ( 1 + 𝑖 )𝑛
𝑖 17
𝑅11 291,45 = 𝑅5300 (1 + )
100
17 11291,45
( √ − 1) × 100 = 𝑖
5300

4,5 % = 𝑖
7. C (−𝑎 × 𝑒)(𝑏 × −𝑔)  Changing the order of factors does not
change the product.
8. B 1
− 5 and 5  The sum of additive inverses is zero.
The product of multiplicative inverses is 1.
9. A 22  6 − (3 − 5) + 9 − (−15) ÷ 3
= 6 − (−2) + 9 − (−5)
= 22
10. A −21  5(3)(4) − 5(3 − (4) × 3)
−3 − 2
60 − 5(−9)
=
−5
60 + 45
=
−5
= −21

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 2

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
11. D −1  3
√125 − 32 + 0 + 1
3
−4 + √121 − √64

5−9+0+1
=
−4 + 11 − 4
−3
=
3
= −1
12. A 16  2
3 50
√27 + √ 2
3
42 − √8
( √49 )
2
3+5
=( )
16 − 2
7
7 2
= (8 × )
14
= 16
13. A 6𝑛5  3𝑛3 × 2𝑛2
= 3 × 2 × 𝑛3+2
= 6𝑛5
14. B −8𝑥 6 𝑦 3  (−2𝑥 2 𝑦)3
= (−2)3 (𝑥 2 )3 𝑦 3
= −8𝑥 6 𝑦 3
15. A 6  2−2 × 63 × 3−2
= 2−2 × (2 × 3)3 × 3−2
= 2−2 × 23 × 33 × 3−2
= 2−2+3 × 33−2
= 21 × 31
=6

OR
6
1 216 1
× ×
4 1 9
=6

16. C −3  −3(𝑥 −1 𝑦 2 )−3 × (𝑥𝑦)−5

𝑥 𝑦11
2
= −3𝑥 3 𝑦 −6 × 𝑥 −5 𝑦 −5
= −3𝑥 3−5 𝑦 −6−5
= −3𝑥 −2 𝑦 −11
−3
= 2 11
𝑥 𝑦

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 3

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
17. B 𝑦4  1 −2
𝑦 2 + −2
4 𝑦
( 2 )
𝑦 × 𝑦2
−2
𝑦2 + 𝑦2
( 2 )
𝑦 × 𝑦2
−2
2𝑦 2
= ( 2+2 )
𝑦
2−2 × 𝑦 −4
=( )
𝑦 −8
4−1 × 𝑦 −4
=
𝑦 −8
= 4 × 𝑦 −4+8
−1

𝑦4
=
4

OR

1 −2
𝑦 2 + −2
𝑦
( 2 )
𝑦 × 𝑦2
−2
𝑦2 + 𝑦2
( 2 )
𝑦 × 𝑦2
−2
2𝑦 2
= ( 2+2 )
𝑦
2
𝑦4
=( 2)
2𝑦
𝑦8
=
4𝑦 4
𝑦4
=
4

18. D 2𝑦 2  √4𝑥 6 𝑦 −2 × (𝑥 2 )−2

𝑥 (2𝑥)0 𝑦 −3
2𝑥 3 𝑦 −1 × 𝑥 −4
=
1𝑦 −3
= 2𝑥 × 𝑥 −4 × 𝑦 −1 × 𝑦 3
3

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 4

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
= 2𝑥 3−4 𝑦 −1+3
= 2𝑥 −1 𝑦 2
2𝑦 2
=
𝑥
19. B Add 1 to the previous term to 
get the next term.

20. A 8; 13  0; 1; 1; 2; 3; 5; 8; 13
Add the previous two terms to determine the
next term. (Fibonacci)
21. C 

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3

2 dots 3 dots 4 dots
1 row 2 rows 3 rows
1 column 2 columns 3 columns
3 anchor dots in each pattern
22. A 324 cm2  9th square’s side = 18 cm
Area = 𝑠 2
= (18 cm)2
= 324 cm2
23. D −3p𝑞2 r and 5p𝑞2 𝑟  Like terms have the same variables with the
same exponents.
24. D 3  The term with the smallest coefficient is
−2𝑥 3 and the exponent of 𝑥 is 3.
25. D 3  Only plus and minus signs separate terms.
26. A 3
−6𝑦 + 12𝑦 − 1 2  −3𝑦(2𝑦 2 − 4𝑦) − 1
= −6𝑦 3 + 12𝑦 2 − 1
27. D 5y 2 + 3y − 2  15𝑦 3 − 3𝑦(−𝑦 + 2) + 6𝑦 2
3𝑦
15𝑦 + 3𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 6𝑦 2
3
=
3𝑦
15𝑦 3 + 9𝑦 2 − 6𝑦
=
3𝑦
2
= 5y + 3y − 2
28. C 5𝑦 4 
9 8
4 √y 8 + y
16

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 5

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()

16𝑦 8 + 9𝑦 8
=√
16

25y 8
=√
16
5y 4
=
4
29. B 1  1 2
16𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + (4𝑥 − )
4 2
1 1
= (4𝑥 − ) (4𝑥 − )
2 2
1
= 16𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 2𝑥 +
4
1
= 16𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 +
4
30. C 16  9𝑝2 − 8𝑞
𝑟
1
9(−1)2 − 8 (8)
=
1
2
9−1
=
1
2
=8×2
= 16
31. A (5𝑎 − 4𝑏)(5𝑎 + 4𝑏)  25𝑎2 − 16𝑏 2
= (5𝑎 − 4𝑏)(5𝑎 + 4𝑏)
32. C (𝑦 − 7)(𝑦 − 4)  𝑦 2 − 11𝑦 + 28
= (𝑦 − 7)(𝑦 − 4)
33. B 9(𝑝 − 2)(𝑝 + 5)  9𝑝2 + 27𝑝 − 90
= 9(𝑝2 + 3𝑝 − 10)
= 9(𝑝 − 2)(𝑝 + 5)
34. C 2(𝑎 − 2)  2𝑎2 − 10𝑎 + 12
𝑎+2 𝑎(𝑎 + 2) − 3(𝑎 + 2)
2(𝑎2 − 5𝑎 + 6)
=
(𝑎 + 2)(𝑎 − 3)
2(𝑎 − 2)(𝑎 − 3)
=
(𝑎 + 2)(𝑎 − 3)
2(𝑎 − 2)
=
𝑎+2
35. C 4−𝑝−𝑞  48𝑟 − 3𝑟(𝑝 + 𝑞)2
12𝑟 + 3𝑝𝑟 + 3𝑞𝑟
3𝑟[16 − (𝑝 + 𝑞)2 ]
=
12𝑟 + 3𝑝𝑟 + 3𝑞𝑟

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 6

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
3𝑟[4 − (𝑝 + 𝑞)][4 + (𝑝 + 𝑞)]
=
3𝑟(4 + 𝑝 + 𝑞)
3𝑟[4 − 𝑝 − 𝑞][4 + 𝑝 + 𝑞]
=
3𝑟(4 + 𝑝 + 𝑞)
= 4−𝑝−𝑞
36. D 1  −2 = −4𝑚
2 −2
=𝑚
−4
1
𝑚=
2
37. B −14  𝑎
= −2
7
𝑎 = −14
38. A 𝑥=4  (𝑥 − 4)2 = 0
𝑥−4=0
𝑥=4
39. C 𝑥 = 3 or 𝑥 = 1  (𝑥 − 3)(1 − 𝑥) = 0
𝑥 − 3 = 0 or 1 − 𝑥 = 0
𝑥 = 3 or −𝑥 = −1
𝑥=1
40. D 𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3  𝑦 is the selling price, 𝑥 is the cost price.
Selling price = double cost price minus
three.
41. A 5  4(𝑥 − 1) = 16
𝑥−1=4
𝑥=5
42. C (1; 1)  𝑦 = 𝑥2 − 1
1 ≠ (1)2 − 1
Does NOT satisfy the equation.
43. B 𝑥 = 6 or 𝑥 = −3  𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 18 = 0
(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 3) = 0
𝑥 = 6 or 𝑥 = −3

44. B −1  2𝑚 + 0,5 = 1
1
2𝑚 = 1 −
2
2𝑚 = 2−1
𝑚 = −1
45. A 1  6𝑥
0 or − 𝑥 = 4𝑥 2
4 3
6𝑥 − 3𝑥 = 12𝑥 2
12𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 = 0
3𝑥(4𝑥 − 1) = 0
1
𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 =
4

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 7

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
46. C 10 and 12 or −10 and − 12  Let the first even number be 2𝑥.
2𝑥(2𝑥 + 2) = 120
2
4𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 120 = 0
4(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 30) = 0
4(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 5) = 0
𝑥 = −6 or 𝑥 = 5
Even numbers: 10 and 12 of − 12 and − 10
47. B −4  Input −1 2 5 8
Output 𝑏 −1 2 5

Output = Input – 3
𝑏 = −1 − 3
𝑏 = −4
48. C 7  𝑦 = −2𝑥 − 3
= −2(−5) − 3
= 10 − 3
=7
49. D Multiply by −3  −2(−3) = 6
−1 (−3) = 3
2 ( −3) = 6
∴ multiply by −3
50. C  The table clearly indicates the 𝑥-intercept,
(−2; 0) and the 𝑦-intercept, (0; 1).

51. D −3  2𝑎
− + 1 = −8𝑎
22 3
−2𝑎 + 3 = −24𝑎
−2𝑎 + 24𝑎 = −3
22𝑎 = −3
−3
𝑎=
22
52. B 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 4  ′
A(3; −2) → A (2; 0)
Join the points.
𝑦-intercept = 4
vertical change
Gradient = horizontal change
−2 − 0
=
3−2
= −2

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 8

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
The equation is 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 4.

53. C (0; 3)  𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 3

If 𝑥 = 0 then 𝑦 = 3.
54. B 𝑦=3  Gradient of a horizontal line equal to zero.
𝑦-intercept of 𝑓 is 3, therefore 𝑦 = 3.
55. D −3  The gradient of a line is equal to the
2
coefficient of 𝑥 in 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐.
56. A 𝑦 = −𝑥 − 2  𝑦1 − 𝑦2
𝑚=
𝑥1 − 𝑥2
−3 − (−2)
=
1−0
−1
=
1
= −1
𝑦-intercept: (0; −2)
c = −2
Substitute in 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
𝑦 = −𝑥 − 2
57. D (2; 0) and (0; 4)  𝑥 −intercept: 𝑦 = 0
4𝑥 + 2(0) = 8
𝑥=2
(2; 0)
𝑦-intercept: 𝑥 = 0
4(0) + 2𝑦 = 8
𝑦=4
(0; 4)
58. C 𝑐 < 0; 𝑚 > 0  The 𝑦-intercept is negative and the gradient
is positive.
59. D −3
2  Use any two of (−2;3); (4; − 1) or (1; 1).
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
m=
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
−1 − 3
=
4+2
4
=−
6
2
=−
3

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 9

Key
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification
()
60. C  2𝑦 − 6𝑥 − 4 = 0
𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2 Standard form

∴ gradient = 3 and 𝑦-intercept = 2

SECTION A TOTAL [60]

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 10

SECTION B

Marking guideline for Section B

 Do not penalise the learner for the same mistake more than once.
 There are no half marks.
 Underline errors committed by learners do not place a cross (X).
 In instances where learners have used different but mathematically sound
strategies to solve problems, they (learners) must be credited.
 Consistent accuracy must be applied.

M a mark for a correct method

key

A a mark for accurate calculation

CA a mark for consistent accuracy

Mark
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification

61. −5𝑥(2𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 ) + 𝑥 2 (1 + 16𝑥) (3)

−3𝑥
−10𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 3
= M Simplification: 1 mark
−3𝑥
2
−9𝑥 + 36𝑥 3 −9𝑥 2 + 36𝑥 3: 1 mark
= CA
−3𝑥
= 3𝑥 − 12𝑥 2 CA Answer: 1 mark

OR OR

−5𝑥(2𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 ) + 𝑥 2 (1 + 16𝑥)
−3𝑥
−5𝑥(2𝑥 − 4𝑥 2 ) 𝑥 2 (1 + 16𝑥)
= +
−3𝑥 −3𝑥
−10𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 3 𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 3
= + M Simplification: 1 mark
−3𝑥 −3𝑥 10 20 1 16
10 20 1 16 3
𝑥 − 3 𝑥 2 − 3 𝑥 − 3 𝑥 2:
= 𝑥 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 𝑥 2 CA 1 mark
3 3 3 3
= 3𝑥 − 12𝑥 2 CA Answer: 1 mark

62. 2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3) (3)

2𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 = 𝑥 2 − 9 M 𝑥 2 − 9: 1 mark
2 Standard form: 1 mark
𝑥 − 6𝑥 + 9 = 0CA
(𝑥 − 3)2 = 0
𝑥 = 3CA Answer: 1 mark

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 11

Mark
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification

63. Used (−1; 2) and (5; −1). (5)

Any 2 applicable points may be used. M
Identification of 2 points:
2 − (−1) 1 Mark
Gradient =
−1 − 5
2+1
=
−1 − 5
3
= Gradient calculation:
−6
1 1 Mark
= −  CA
2 OR
1 2 marks for the correct
𝑦 =− 𝑥+𝑐
2 gradient
𝑦-intercept: Substitute any applicable point.
Substitution of gradient
1
0 = − (3) + 𝑐 M and point:
2
1 Mark
3 Calculation of 𝑦-intercept:
𝑐 =0+
2 : 1 Mark
3 1
= 𝑜𝑟 1  CA Equation: 1 Mark
2 2
1 1
𝑦 = − 𝑥 + 1  CA
2 2

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 12

64. Number of Blocks per Total number Correct number of blocks (4)
layers in layer of blocks. for 3 stacks: 1 mark
stack
1 1 1 Correct number of blocks
2 1+2=3 4 for next 3 stacks: 1 mark

3 3+2=5 9 Correct number of blocks

4 5+2=7 16 for next 3 stacks: 1 mark
5 7+2=9 25
Answer: 1 mark
6 9 + 2 = 11 36
7 11 + 2 = 13 49
8 13 + 2 = 15 64
9 15 + 2 = 17 81
10 17 + 2 = 19 100

OR

OR
Number
of layers Total number of blocks used.
in stack
1 1
2 1+3=4
3 1+3+5=9
4 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 16
5 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 = 25
6 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 36
7 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 49
8 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15
= 64
9 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15
+ 17 = 81
10 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13 + 15
+ 17 + 19 = 100

Number of blocks is equal to number of layers

multiplied by itself. M
Number of blocks = 𝑦. Number of layers = 𝑥
Maths sentence: 1 mark
𝑦 = 𝑥 × 𝑥 M Formula: 1 mark
𝑦 = 10 × 10 M Substitution: 1 mark
𝑦 = 100CA Answer: 1 mark
Full marks for correct
answer only.

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 13

Mark
No. Expected answer Rational/Clarification

SECTION B TOTAL [15]

TOTAL [75]

Grade 9 Mathematics Marking Guidelines Paper 1 14