Mathematical Methods

Mathematics

VCE

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Mathematics is the study of function and pattern in number, logic, space and structure, and of randomness, chance, variability, and uncertainty in data and events. It is both a framework for thinking and a means of symbolic communication that is powerful, logical, concise and precise. Mathematics also provides a means by which people can understand and manage human and natural aspects of the world and interrelationships between these. Essential mathematical activities include conjecturing, hypothesising and problem-posing; estimating, calculating, computing and constructing; abstracting, proving, refuting and inferring; applying, investigating, modelling and problem-solving.

Mathematical Methods Units 1–4 provide for the study of simple elementary functions, transformations and combinations of these functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts.

This study enables students to:

  • develop mathematical concepts, key knowledge and key skills
  • apply mathematics to analyse, investigate and model a variety of contexts and solve practical and theoretical problems in situations that range from well-defined and familiar to open-ended and unfamiliar
  • apply computational thinking and algorithms, and use technology effectively as a tool for working mathematically.

Assessment activities

  • assignments
  • tests
  • solutions to sets of worked questions
  • summary notes or review notes
  • mathematical investigations
  • exams.

Selection advice

Mathematical Methods may be a prerequisite for some university courses. Year 10 Analytical Maths is a prerequisite for this study. Units 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods can only be attempted after Units 1 and 2 have been completed. Students should seek guidance from the Careers Coordinator as to which Maths they should undertake for their desired university course.

Links to further pathways

Mathematical Methods Units 1–4 provide for the study of simple elementary functions, transformations and combinations of these functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts. They also provide background for further study in, for example, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), humanities, economics and medicine, and may be a prerequisite for some university courses.