MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICS

The course aims to provide students with the skills needed for a pathway into the Year 10 Mathematics subjects. Students will develop essential content knowledge and problem-solving skills through studying a broad range of topics. The topics covered include:

• Number and Algebra
• Measurement and Geometry
• Statistics and Probability

General Mathematics

Students continue their mathematical practice to a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts whilst applying mental, written or technology-assisted forms of calculation as appropriate, and routinely use estimation to validate or provide bounds for their answers. General Maths prepares and is recommended for students considering a VCE Maths pathway.

Maths Methods

Maths Methods builds on the mathematical concepts covered in previous years to prepare students for further mathematical study. The subject will cover financial applications, geometry, measurement and trigonometry, statistics, probability and linear and non-linear relations. Math Methods will extend students mathematical skills through application, investigation and problem-solving tasks, with content designed to prepare students for VCE Math Methods and Specialist Maths.

Vocational Maths

In Vocational Maths there is a strong emphasis on the use of mathematics in practical contexts encountered in everyday life in the community, at work and at study. This subject is recommended for students considering a Vocational Major pathway.

General Mathematics 1&2

General Mathematics provides for different combinations of student interests and preparation for study of VCE Mathematics at the Unit 3 and 4 level. The areas of study for General Mathematics Unit 1 and Unit 2 are ‘Algebra and Structure’, ‘Arithmetic and Number’, ‘Discrete Mathematics’, ‘Linear Graphs’, ‘Graphs and Networks’ and ‘Statistics’.

Additional Expenses – All VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator

Mathematical Methods 1&2

Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 provide an introductory study of simple elementary functions of a single real variable, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. They are designed as preparation for Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 and contain assumed knowledge and skills for these units. The focus of Unit 1 is the study of simple algebraic functions and in Unit 2, students focus on the study of simple transcendental functions and the calculus of simple algebraic functions. The areas of study for these units are ‘Functions and Graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’ and ‘Probability and Statistics’.

Additional Expenses – all VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator

Specialist Mathematics 1&2

Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2 provide a course of study for students who wish to undertake an in-depth study of mathematics, with an emphasis on concepts, skills and processes related to mathematical structure, modelling, problem solving and reasoning. This study has a focus on interest in the discipline of mathematics in its own right and investigation of a broad range of applications, as well as development of a sound background for further studies in mathematics and mathematics related fields.

Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 and Specialist Mathematics Units 1 and 2, taken in conjunction, provide a comprehensive preparation for Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4. The areas of study for Units 1 and 2 of Specialist Mathematics are ‘Algebra and Structure’, ‘Arithmetic and Number’, ‘Discrete mathematics’, ‘Geometry, Measurement and Trigonometry’, ‘Graphs of Linear and Non-linear Relations’ and ‘Statistics’.

Additional Expenses – All VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator

Further Mathematics 3&4

Further Mathematics consists of two areas of study, a compulsory Core area of study to be completed in Unit 3 and module based area of study to be completed in Unit 4. The Core comprises ‘Data Analysis’ and ‘Recursion and Financial Modelling’. The Applications comprises two modules to be completed in their entirety, from a selection of four possible modules: ‘Matrices’, ‘Networks and decision mathematics’, ‘Geometry and measurement’ and ‘Graphs and relations’. Students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, and graphs. They should have a facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation.

Additional Expenses- All VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator. General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 are highly recommended.

Mathematical Methods 3&4

Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 include studies in algebra, graphs, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. Students are expected to be able to apply techniques, routines and processes involving rational and real arithmetic, sets, lists and tables, diagrams and geometric constructions, algebraic manipulation, equations, graphs, differentiation, anti-differentiation, integration and inference with and without the use of technology.

Additional Expenses- All VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator. Mandatory Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Mathematical Methods Unit 1 and 2.

Specialist Mathematics 3&4

Specialist Mathematics Units 3 and 4 consist of the following areas of study: ‘Functions and Graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’, ‘Vectors’, ‘Mechanics’ and ‘Probability and Statistics’. The course content highlights mathematical structure and proofs, and assumes concurrent or previous study of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4. Students are required to apply mathematical knowledge and skills creatively to solve problems in unfamiliar situations, including real-life contexts; learn and practice mathematical algorithms, routines and techniques, and to use them to find solutions to standard problems. Students are expected to apply techniques, routines and processes both with and without the use of technology. Where appropriate, students are expected to use CAS calculators and computers.

Additional Expenses- All VCE Mathematics subjects will require a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator. Mandatory Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Mathematical Methods Unit 1 and 2