Year 11 Subject Selection 2018 VCE Mathematical Methods CAS Units 1&2

This study enables students to: Aims This study enables students to: develop mathematical concepts, knowledge and skills (Basic skills) apply mathematics to analyse, investigate and model a variety of contexts and solve practical and theoretical problems in situations that range from well-defined and familiar to open-ended and unfamiliar (Applications) use technology effectively as a tool for working mathematically (Using technology)

Course Description Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 provides an introductory study of simple elementary functions (rules and graphs), 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 and 2 is the study of algebraic functions, and the areas of study are ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’ and ‘Probability and statistics’.

Course Description – cont. Students are expected to apply techniques, routines and processes to solve problems with and without the use of technology. Students should have the ability to perform relevant mental and by hand approaches to solving problems and estimation. The use of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically and in related assessment practices is incorporated throughout the subject.

Work Tasks Assessment tasks Work Structure Exercises from the text book Assignments Worksheets aimed at developing understanding Revision exercises Assignments (mainly focussed on basic skills) Topic tests (mainly focussed on basic skills and understanding) Applications tasks (applying skills on more extended or complex tasks) End of semester exam

Outcomes At the end of these units students should be able to: Define and explain key terms and concepts from functions and graphs, algebra, calculus and probability and statistics and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures Apply mathematical processes in non-routine contexts, including situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches, and analyse and discuss these applications of mathematics Select and use numerical, graphical, symbolic and statistical functionalities of technology to develop mathematical ideas, produce results and carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling or investigative techniques or approaches.

Subject pathway and Expectations Students considering this course must have done Year 10 Advanced Mathematics Students who enjoy a mathematical challenge and are prepared to work at their skills should be successful in this subject This is a fairly challenging mathematics course that contains a lot of rigour Being competent at Algebra is important in this course

Subject pathway and Expectations It can provide the background for science, engineering or high level business courses – or simply for those who enjoy the study of mathematics It leads to VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3&4 in Year 12 (and supports VCE Specialist Mathematics in Year 11 and 12) Students could also select VCE Further Mathematics Units 3&4 in Year 12

Calculator Students must have an approved calculator. The recommended calculator is the TI-Nspire CX CAS calculator

Staff contacts Geoff Neeson Ben Zhang More information…. Staff contacts Geoff Neeson Ben Zhang Helen Lightfoot for careers advice and the mathematics required for further study or training