ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS A
The study of mathematics is not compulsory but it is very important for building the skills for further study, employment and living in the modern world. Having decided to study mathematics, you will need to choose carefully the course which best suits your needs.
If your aim is to study at university and the level of maths that you studied in Year 10 was high enough (for example, successfully studying Mathematics A in Year 10) you should plan to study T Maths (see other flier). If, however, you wish to study maths at a less specialised level, for example, to gain skills for CIT study or employment, then A Maths is the appropriate level.
Essential Mathematics focuses on using mathematics effectively, efficiently and critically to make informed decisions. It provides students with the mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding to solve problems in real contexts for a range of workplace, personal, further learning and community settings. This subject provides the opportunity for students to prepare for post-school options of employment and further training.
Unit 1
provides students with the mathemati-cal skills and understanding to solve problems relating to calculations, applications of meas-urement, the use of formulas to find an un-known quantity, and the interpretation of graphs.
Calculations, percentages and rates
Measurement
Algebra
Graphs
Unit 2
provides students with the mathemati-cal skills and understanding to solve problems related to representing and comparing data, percentages, rates and ratios, and time and motion.
Representing and comparing data
Percentages
Rates and ratios
Time and motion
Unit 3
provides students with the mathemati-cal skills and understanding to solve problems related to measurement, scales, plans and models, drawing and interpreting graphs, and data collection.
Measurement
Scales, plans and models
Graphs
Data collection
Unit 4
provides students with the mathemati-cal skills and understanding to solve problems related to probability, earth geometry and time zones, and loans and compound inter-est.
Probability and relative frequencies
Earth geometry and time zones
Loans and compound interest