General Mathematics

Course Details

• ATAR
• NTCET 20 points
• Prerequisites; Stage 1 General Mathematics Semester 2

About this subject

General Mathematics is a 20‑credit subject at Stage 2.

General Mathematics extends students’ mathematical skills in ways that apply to practical problem-solving. A problem-based approach is integral to the development of mathematical models and the associated key concepts in the topics. These topics cover a diverse range of applications of mathematics, including personal financial management, the statistical investigation process, modelling using linear and non-linear functions, and discrete modelling using networks and matrices.

Successful completion of this subject at Stage 2 prepares students for entry to tertiary courses requiring a non-specialised background in mathematics.

A graphical calculator is essential for the student to complete the subject successfully.

Topics

Stage 2 General Mathematics consists of the following six topics:

• Topic 1: Modelling with linear relationships
• Topic 2: Modelling with matrices
• Topic 3: Statistical models
• Topic 4: Financial models
• Topic 5: Discrete models
• Topic 6: Open topic.

Students study five topics from the list of six topics above. All students must study Topics 1, 3, 4, and 5.

Assessment

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 General Mathematics:

Information on External assessment (30%)

Assessment Type 3: Examination (30%)

Students undertake a 2-hour external examination in which they answer questions on the following three topics:

• Topic 3: Statistical models
• Topic 4: Financial models
• Topic 5: Discrete models.

The examination is based on the key questions and key concepts in Topics 3, 4, and 5. The considerations for developing teaching and learning strategies are provided as a guide only, although applications described under this heading may provide contexts for examination questions.