Course Title: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2016

Course Code: MATH5341

Course Title: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3305 - Certificate III in Science

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4713

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Alice Abraham

alice.abraham@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 110

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None.

Course Description

The purpose of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to use a range of specialist techniques and concepts to solve mathematical problems.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21058 Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems

Element:

1. Use ratio, proportion and percent to solve problems

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Determine a ratio from information in a practical problem and express it in simplest form
1.2 Divide a quantity into a given ratio
1.3 Convert between fractions, decimals and percent forms
1.4 Calculate a percentage increase or decrease of a quantity
 

Element:

2 Use trigonometry to determine lengths and angles

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Use Pythagoras’ Theorem to determine an unknown side of a right angled triangle
2.2 Use Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometric ratios to find unknown side lengths and angles in right-angled triangles
 

Element:

3 Use basic indices to solve problems

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate simple index form expressions
3.2 Simplify simple exponential expressions using the first two index laws
3.3 Convert between decimal numbers and numbers expressed in Standard Notation
3.4 Perform calculations with numbers expressed in Standard Notation, using a calculator
 

Element:

4 Use measurements to solve mensuration problems in two and three dimensions

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Determine lengths and perimeters of rectangles, triangles, circles and simple combined shapes using appropriate and correct units
4.2 Determine areas of rectangles, triangles, circles and simple combined shapes using appropriate and correct units
4.3 Determine volumes of prisms and pyramids with rectangular, triangular and circular cross-sections and with simple combined shapes as cross sections using appropriate and correct units
 

Element:

5 Substitute into and transpose simple equations and formulae

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Substitute given values into simple equations and formulae
5.2 Write equations to solve simple problems
5.3 Transpose simple formulae
5.4 Solve simple linear equations
 

Element:

6 Solve problems by plotting points

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Plot given points and points determined from the general formula y = mx on the Cartesian plane
6.2 Determine the gradient of a straight line
6.3 Determine the equation of a straight line, where the equation has the general form y = mx, y = a and x = b
6.4 Use interpolation and extrapolation to make predictions from the line of best fit, noting limitations
 

Element:

7 Present and evaluate statistical information

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Collect, organise and graphically represent statistical data
7.2 Interpret, analyse and describe statistical information
 

Element:

8 Identify connections between formulae and graphical representations

Performance Criteria:

8.1 Use graphical techniques to draw linear and simple non-linear graphs
8.2 Develop equations for given linear graphs, including lines of best fit
 

Element:

9 Use algebraic techniques to analyse and solve problems

Performance Criteria:

9.1 Develop formulae to describe relationships between variables and substitute into formulae to find particular values
9.2 Use a range of techniques to solve a range of algebraic problems and perform algebraic manipulations
 


Learning Outcomes



 
 


Details of Learning Activities

- discussion of mathematical concepts relevant to each topic
- discussion of the mathematical routines and procedures for solving problems related to each topic
- working independently or in groups in solving problems on exercise and work sheets
- working in groups to solve more challenging problems requiring interpretation and evaluation of results


Teaching Schedule

week date (mon) topics L1=>Lesson 1, L2=>Lesson 2
1 8 feb number skills L1: Order of Operations & Directed Numbers
L2: Begin Fractions
2 15 feb Basic
Calculations
L1: Fractions and Decimals, Rounding
L2: Scientific Notation, Significant Figures
3 22 feb   L1: Calculations using Decimals
L2: Ratio and Proportion
4 29 feb Algebra
And
Linear Graphs
L1: Percentages
L2: Quiz 1 (20%)
(Numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages)
5 7 mar   L1: Basic Algebra. Write equations and solve
L2: Solving Linear Equations
6 14 mar   L1: Transposition & Substitution
L2: Graphing Linear Relations
Workbook Assessment (15%)
7 21 mar   L1: Determining Linear Relations
L2: Types of Data. Collecting & Representing Data
8 28 mar Statistics L1: Mean, Median, Mode, 5-Figure summary
L2: Bivariate, Lines of best fit
9 4 apr   L1: Quiz 2 (20%)
L2: Simplify Indices
10 11 apr Indices L1: Simplify Indices
L2: Assessed Project in Class (15%)
(non-linear graphs)
11 18 apr Measurement L1: Metric Conversion
L2: Pythagoras Theorem
12 25 apr   L1: Perimeters of basic shapes and combined shapes
L2: Areas of basic shapes and combined shapes
13 2 may   L1: Surface Area and Volume
L2: Excursion
14 9 may Geometry &
Trigonometry
L1 & L2: Trigonometric Ratios and Applications
15 16 may   L1 & L2: Applications of Trigonometry
16 23 may   No lessons
17 30 may   L1: Revision
L2: Open Book Test (30%)
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Students are required to purchase:

- a scientific calculator for use in class and when completing assessment tasks

- lined exercise book in which to complete Exercises

- binder with plastic sleeves for storing Exercises and Worksheets
 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment in this course may include:
Worksheets
Quizzes 
Assignments
Tests 


Assessment Tasks

2 Quizzes, 20% each: 40%

1 Workbook Assessment: 15%

1 Assessed project: 15%

Final Exam: 30%
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Tutorials 17 x 1 hour = 17 hours
Work outside class on Exercises, Worksheets etc = 6 hours
Assignment work = 5 hours
Revision and preparation for assessment tasks = 10 hours

TOTAL 110 hours

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (50 – 59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

All assessment types must be passed (tests and assignments). For example, if there are two tests you need to have an average of 50% to pass. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the workbook component).
APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF ASSESSABLE WORK- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51, or emailed to the Coordinator.
Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
Students requiring extensions longer than 7 days must apply for Special Consideration (see the ‘Help me’ link in blackboard, via myRMIT studies or http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration) For missed assessments such as exams - you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview