1. Year 12 Subject Selection 2018 VCE Mathematical Methods CAS Units 3 & 4

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)

3. Course Description
VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 extends the 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. The assumed knowledge and skills are from VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2. The areas of study for Unit 3 and 4 are Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’ and ‘Probability and statistics’.

4. 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.

5. Work Tasks Assessment tasks Work Structure
Exercises from the text book
Assignments
Worksheets aimed at developing understanding
Revision exercises
Practice SACs (School-Assessed Coursework)
Practice Exam Questions
Application Task (50 marks)
Unit 3
Analysis Task 1 (25 marks)
Unit 4
Analysis Task 2 (25 marks)

6. 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 se 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.

7. Subject pathway and Expectations
Students considering this course must have done Year 10 Advanced Mathematics and VCE Mathematical Methods CAS Units 1 & 2
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

8. Subject pathway and Expectations
This course can provide the background for science, engineering or high level business courses – or simply for those who enjoy the study of mathematics
Students could also select VCE Further Mathematics Units 3 & 4 or VCE Specialist Mathematics Units 3 & 4 whilst in Year 12

9. Extra activities/costs?
Students sit two trial exams on two Saturday mornings during Term 4.
They also attend on the last Friday of the Term 3 holidays to go over last year’s exam.
There no extra costs.

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

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