Course Title: Use a range of techniques to solve mathematical problems
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 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: 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
David B Thomas
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
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 | Week beginning | Topics | Exercises |
1 | 9 Feb | Induction Number Skills – Order of Operations Number Skills – Directed Numbers |
1.1, 1.2 |
2 | 16 Feb | Fractions | 2.1 - 2.4, 5.2 |
3 | 23 Feb | Decimals and Significant Figures Ratio and Proportion |
2.5, 2.6 |
4 | 2 March |
Percentages Quiz 1 Basic Algebra |
2.7, 3.1, 3.3 |
5 | 9 March |
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Algebraic techniques to solve problems Solving Linear Equations |
3.2, 3.4 |
6 | 16 March | Graphing Linear Relations Determining Linear Relations Workbook Assessment1 (10%) |
3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 |
7 | 23 March | Applications of Linear Equations and graphs Lines of Best Fit |
worksheets |
8 | 30 March | Types of Data. Collecting & Representing Data Mean, Median, Mode, 5-Figure summary, |
4.1 – 4.4 |
9 | 6 April | Quiz 2 (20%) Scatter Plot, Line of Best Fit) |
4.5 |
10 | 13 April | Simplify Indices (2 Index Laws) | 5.1 |
11 | 20 April | Metric Conversion Simple Non-linear graphs and their equations |
9.1 - 9.6 |
12 | 27 April | Group Task: Non-linear graphs Presentation (10%) | 9.1 - 9.6 |
13 | 4 May | Pythagoras Theorem. Perimeters of basic shapes and combined shapes (correct units) |
6.3 |
14 | 11 May | Areas of basic shapes and combined shapes (correct units) Volumes of prisms and pyramids and combined shapes. (Correct Units |
6.1 6.2 |
15 | 18 May | Trigonometric Ratios and Applications | 6.4 |
16 | 25 May | Revision | worksheets |
17 | 1 & 8 June |
Workbook Assessment2 (10%) Exam |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text but some notes will be available in class |
References
Any Year 10 or Year 11 Mathematics textbook. |
0 7035 8505 0 |
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
- writing materials
Overview of Assessment
Assessment in this course may include:
Worksheets
Quizzes
Assignments
Tests
Assessment Tasks
2 Quizes, 20% each = 40%
2 Workbook Assessments 10% each = 20%
1 Group Presentation Task 10%
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 (60 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (50 – 59%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (0 – 49%)
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Assessment information
- All assessment types must be passed (exams, workbook and assignments etc.). 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 prac 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