Course Title: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2015
Course Code: MATH5341
Course Title: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems
School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4327 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
Course Contact: Nancy Varughese
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4713
Course Contact Email: nancy.varughese@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Alice Abraham
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 |
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 |
Element: |
3. Use basic indices to solve problems. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Evaluate simple index form expressions |
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 |
Element: |
5. Substitute into and transpose simple equations and formulae. |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Substitute given values into simple equations and formulae |
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 |
Element: |
7. Present and evaluate statistical information. |
Performance Criteria: |
7.1 Collect, organise and graphically represent statistical data |
Element: |
8. Identify connections between formulae and graphical representations. |
Performance Criteria: |
8.1 Use graphical techniques to draw linear and simple non-linear graphs |
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 |
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this course, the student must be able to:
apply a wide range of strategies and techniques to solve mathematical problems including:
− using ratio, proportion and percent
− using trigonometry to determine lengths and angles
− using basic indices
− using measurements to solve mensuration problems in two and three dimensions
− substituting into and transposing simple equations and formulae
− solving problems by plotting points
− presenting and evaluating statistical information
− identifying connections between formulae and graphical representations
− using algebraic techniques to analyse and solve problems
Details of Learning Activities
Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:
- 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 | Exercise |
1 | 6 jul | number skills | L2: Order of Operations & Directed Numbers, Begin Fractions |
1.1, 1.2 |
2 | 13th Jul | basic calculations | L1: Fractions and Decimals, Rounding | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 |
L2: Scientific Notation, Significant Figures | 5.2, 2.4 | |||
3 | 20th Jul | L1: Calculations using Decimals | 2.5 | |
L2: Ratio and Proportion | 2.6 | |||
4 | 27th Jul | Algebra And Linear Graphs | L1: Percentages | 2.7 |
L2: Quiz 1 (20%) (Numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages) |
||||
5 | 3rd Aug | L1: Basic Algebra. Write equations and solve | 3.6 | |
L2: Solving Linear Equations | 3.4, 3.5 | |||
6 | 10th Aug | L1: Transposition & Substitution | 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 | |
L2: Graphing Linear Relations Workbook Assessment1 (15%) |
3.8 | |||
7 | 17th Aug | L1: Determining Linear Relations | 3.7 | |
L2: Types of Data. Collecting & Representing Data | 4.1 | |||
8 | 24th Aug | Statistics | L1: Mean, Median, Mode, 5-Figure summary | |
L2: Bivariate, Lines of best fit | 4.2 | |||
9 | 7th Sep | L1: Quiz 2 (20%) | ||
Indices | L2: Simplify Indices | 5.1 | ||
10 | 14th Sep | L1: Simplify Indices | 5.1 | |
L2: Assessed Project in Class (15%) (non-linear graphs) | ||||
11 | 21 Sep | Measurement | L1: Metric Conversion | |
L2: Pythagoras Theorem | ||||
12 | 28 Sep | L1: Perimeters of basic shapes and combined shapes | 6.1 | |
L2: Areas of basic shapes and combined shapes | 6.1 | |||
13 | 5 Oct | L1: Surface Area and Volume | 6.2 | |
L2: Excursion | ||||
14 | 12 Oct | Geometry & Trigonometry | L1 & L2: Trigonometric Ratios and Applications | 6.4 |
15 | 19 Oct | L1 & L2: Applications of Trigonometry | ||
16 | 26 oct | L1 & L2: Revision | ||
17 | 2 nov | L1: Revision | ||
L2: Open Book Test (30%) |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Solve Maths Problems Question Booklet, 2015 version 1.4 |
References
Any year 10 or 11 maths textbook. |
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 will include:
Worksheets (ungraded)
Exercises (ungraded)
Quizzes (graded)
Assignment (graded)
Tests (graded)
Assessment Tasks
2 Quizzes, 20% each = 40%
1 Workbook Assessment 15%
1 Assessed project 15%
Final Exam = 30%
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Classroom lessons 17 x 4 hours = 72 hours
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 (nancy.varughese@rmit.edu.au).
- 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