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Mathematical Methods – Units 1 – 4
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    • Mathematical Methods Unit 1

    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 the areas of study are ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’ and ‘Probability and statistics’. At the end of Unit 1, students are expected to have covered the content outlined in each area of study, with the exception of ‘Algebra’ which extends across Units 1 and 2. This content should be presented so that there is a balanced and progressive development of skills and knowledge from each of the four areas of study with connections between and across the areas of study being developed consistently throughout both Units 1 and 2.

    In undertaking this unit, 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 and differentiation with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout the unit as applicable.

    Area of Study 1

    Functions and graphs

    Area of Study 2

    Algebra

    Area of Study 3

    Calculus

    Area of Study 4

    Probability and statistics

    Outcome 1

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

    Outcome 2

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to 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.

    Outcome 3

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to 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.

    Mathematical Methods Unit 2

    In Unit 2 students focus on the study of simple transcendental functions and the calculus of simple algebraic functions. The areas of study are ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’, and ‘Probability and statistics’.

    At the end of Unit 2, students are expected to have covered the material outlined in each area of study. Material from the ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Algebra’, ‘Calculus’, and ‘Probability and statistics’ areas of study should be organised so that there is a clear progression of skills and knowledge from Unit 1 to Unit 2 in each area of study.

    In undertaking this unit, 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 and anti-differentiation with and without the use of technology. They should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout the unit as applicable.

    Area of Study 1

    Functions and graphs

    Area of Study 2

    Algebra

    Area of Study 3

    Calculus

    Area of Study 4

    Probability and statistics

    Outcome 1

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

    Outcome 2

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to 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.

    Outcome 3

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to 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.

    Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4

    Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 are completely prescribed and extend the introductory study of simple elementary functions of a single real variable, to include combinations of these functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. Units 3 and 4 consist of the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Calculus’, ‘Algebra’ and ‘Probability and statistics’, 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 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.

    For Unit 3 a selection of content would typically include the areas of study ‘Functions and graphs’ and ‘Algebra’, and applications of derivatives and differentiation, and identifying and analysing key features of the functions and their graphs from the ‘Calculus’ area of study. For Unit 4, this selection would typically consist of remaining content from the areas of study: ‘Functions and graphs’, ‘Calculus’ and ‘Algebra’, and the study of random variables and discrete and continuous probability distributions and the distribution of sample proportions. For Unit 4, the content from the ‘Calculus’ area of study would be likely to include the treatment of anti-differentiation, integration, the relation between integration and the area of regions specified by lines or curves described by the rules of functions, and simple applications of this content.

    Students should have facility with relevant mental and by-hand approaches to estimation and computation. The use of numerical, graphical, geometric, symbolic and statistical functionality of technology for teaching and learning mathematics, for working mathematically, and in related assessment, is to be incorporated throughout each unit as applicable.

    Area of Study 1

    Functions and graphs

    Area of Study 2

    Algebra

    Area of Study 3

    Calculus

    Area of Study 4

    Probability and statistics

    Outcome 1

    On completion of each unit the student should be able to define and explain key concepts as specified in the content from the areas of study, and apply a range of related mathematical routines and procedures.

    Outcome 2

    On completion of each unit the student should be able to 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.

    Outcome 3

    On completion of each unit the student should be able to select and appropriately 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.

    Assessment

    Satisfactory completion

    The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit.

    Levels of achievement

    Units 1 and 2

    Emmaus College students complete graded Assessment Tasks and Semester Examinations as part of the Assessment process for Units 1 and 2.

    Units 3 and 4

    The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority supervises the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4.

    Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Mathematics Methods are as follows:

    School-assessed Coursework Unit 3 17%
    School-assessed Coursework Unit 4 17%
    End-of-year examination 1 22%
    End-of-year examination 2 44%