Mathematical Methods Units 3 & 4

Mathematical Methods incorporates a range of skill areas including, but not limited to, algebra, trigonometry, probability and calculus. Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 extends concepts developed in Units 1 and 2. For example, the simple model of a pendulum studied in units 1 and 2 using trigonometric functions may be extended to include an exponential function to model the decay of the pendulum’s amplitude. Simple probability applications are extended to an understanding of the normal distribution including applications of standardization of data such as examination results. Assumed knowledge and skills for Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 are contained in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2, and these will be drawn on, as applicable in the development of related content from the areas of study, and key knowledge and skills for the outcomes of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.

Unit 3 Mathematical Methods includes content from the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’ and applications of derivatives and differentiation to identifying and analysing key features of the functions described in these areas of study and their graphs. Unit 4 consists of remaining content from the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Calculus’ and 'Algebra' and 'Probability'.

Structure

It is expected that students will have successfully completed ‘Advanced Mathematics’ in year 10, General Mathematics (Methods) Units 1 and 2 and also Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 prior to attempting Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.

Units 3 and 4: Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 consists of the following areas of study: ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Calculus’, ‘Algebra’ and ‘Probability’ which must be covered in progression from Unit 3 to Unit 4, with an appropriate selection of content for each of Unit 3 and Unit 4. Assumed knowledge and skills for Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 are contained in Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2, and these will be drawn on, as applicable in the development of related content from the areas of study, and key knowledge and skills for the outcomes of Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4.

In Unit 3, a study of Mathematical Methods would typically include a selection of content from the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’ and applications of derivatives and differentiation to identifying and analysing key features of the functions described in these areas of study and their graphs. In Unit 4, this selection would typically consist of remaining content from the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Calculus’ and 'Algebra' and probability.

Mathematical Methods Assessment

• Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 20 per cent
• Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 14 per cent
• Units 3 and 4 examination 1: 22 per cent
• Units 3 and 4 examination 2: 44 per cent

Note: Students undertaking Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 in 2008 or 2009 will be expected to have access to a TI-84Plus graphics calculator. From 2010 students will be expected to have access to a TI-Nspire(CAS+) calculator. These calculators will be available for purchase through the school as applicable.