Reasonableness Consideration: Consider the solution's reasonableness and the model's utility.
Verification and Evaluation: Verify results and evaluate the solution in relation to the original problem.
Explore strengths and limitations.
Refine the solution/model iteratively if necessary.
Real-World Solution Check: Ensure the model provides a complete solution to the real-world problem.
Methodological Rigour: Emphasize that problem-solving and mathematical modeling are iterative, not linear, processes.
Communication and Justification: Solutions/models must be clearly communicated and justified.
Use mathematical and everyday language.
Draw conclusions, discuss results, strengths, and limitations.
Offer further explanations, justifications, and/or recommendations in the context of the initial problem.
Teaching Problem-Solving and Mathematical Modelling
Teaching For vs. Learning Through: Consider teaching for and learning through problem-solving and mathematical modelling.
Teaching For: Teaching specific mathematical rules, definitions, procedures, problem-solving strategies, and critical model elements.
Learning Through: Presenting problems that require applying previously taught knowledge and skills to develop new mathematical understanding.
Explicit and Connected Approach: Requires fluency of critical facts and processes at each step.
Three Approaches (Based on Galbraith (1989))
Dependent:
Teacher explicitly demonstrates and teaches concepts and techniques.
Students solve and evaluate/verify.
Teaching For
Guided:
Teacher influences concept and technique choices.
Guidance is provided through all stages
Moving towards Learning Through
Independent:
Teacher cedes control, students work independently.
Students choose their own solutions/models.
Learning Through.
Approach Exclusivity: These approaches are not mutually exclusive.
Independent Approach as Extension: An independent approach can extend from a dependent or guided activity.
Foundational Understanding: Students need relevant foundational understanding and skills before independent work.
Progress Monitoring: Teachers should closely monitor student progress.
Strategies for Retaining and Recalling Information
The Spacing Effect:
Recall and revisit information at intervals for better retention.
Multiple exposures over spaced intervals solidify long-term memory.
Plan teaching sequences to revisit previously taught information at intervals.
Repeated opportunities allow for formative feedback.
The Retrieval Effect:
Practice remembering through regular, low-stakes questioning/quizzes.
More effective than searching through notes.
Inability to remember should be seen as a learning opportunity.
Trying to recall strengthens memory and identifies learning gaps.
More difficult retrieval practice is better for long-term learning.
Interleaving:
Interspersing concepts, categories, skills, or question types during revision.
Contrasted with blocking (grouping elements together).
Example:
Blocking: AAAAA BBBBB CCCCC
Interleaving: ABCBC ABACA CBAB
Interleaving leads to better long-term recall.
Ensures spacing occurs.
Enhances inductive learning by highlighting differences between related concepts.
Spacing without interleaving does not appear to benefit this type of learning.
Interleaving can feel counterintuitive, but testing performance indicates greater learning.
Reporting Standards (A-E)
Reporting standards are summary statements that describe typical performance at each of the five levels (A–E).
A:
Recalls, uses, and communicates comprehensive mathematical knowledge from Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics in simple familiar, complex familiar, and complex unfamiliar situations.
Evaluates reasonableness of solutions, justifies procedures and decisions, and solves mathematical problems in those situations.
B:
Recalls, uses, and communicates thorough mathematical knowledge from Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics in simple familiar and complex familiar situations.
Evaluates reasonableness of solutions, justifies procedures and decisions, and solves mathematical problems in those situations.
C:
Recalls, uses, and communicates mathematical knowledge from Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics in simple familiar situations.
Evaluates the reasonableness of solutions, justifies procedures and decisions, and solves mathematical problems in simple familiar situations.
D:
Recalls, uses, and communicates partial mathematical knowledge from Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics in simple familiar situations.
Sometimes evaluates reasonableness, justifies procedures/decisions, and solves problems in simple familiar situations.
E:
Recalls, uses, and communicates isolated mathematical knowledge from Algebra, Functions, relations and their graphs, Calculus and Statistics in simple familiar situations.
Rarely evaluates reasonableness and infrequently justifies procedures/decisions in simple familiar situations.
Unit Reporting
Units 1 and 2:
Schools judge individual assessment instruments using school-determined methods (reporting standards or ISMG).
Marks aren't required for unit result reporting to QCAA.
Unit assessment program comprises instruments allowing student demonstration of objectives.
A–E unit judgment is made using reporting standards.
Schools report student results to QCAA as Satisfactory (S), Unsatisfactory (U) or Not Rated (NR).
Units 3 and 4:
Schools mark internal assessments using ISMGs.
Provisional mark by criterion reported to QCAA for each internal assessment.
QCAA confirms results and combines them with external assessment results.
QCAA determines subject result as mark out of 100 and A–E grade.
Unit 1: Surds, Algebra, Functions and Probability
Topics:
Surds and quadratic functions
Binomial expansion and cubic functions
Functions and relations
Trigonometric functions
Probability
Overview: Working with surds, relationships between variable quantities, binomial theorem, quadratic/cubic/reciprocal functions, graphs of relations, trigonometric functions, inferential statistics, conditional probability and independence.
Unit Objectives:
Recall mathematical knowledge.
Use mathematical knowledge.
Communicate mathematical knowledge.
Evaluate the reasonableness of solutions.
Justify procedures and decisions.
Solve mathematical problems.
Topic 1: Surds and Quadratic Functions
Sub-topic: Surds (4 hours)
Concept: Understand a surd as an irrational number represented using a square root or radical sign.
Simplification: Simplify square roots of natural numbers with perfect square factors.
Example: (45=9×5=95=35)
Rationalization: Rationalize the denominator of fractional expressions.
Example: (37=37×33=3×37×3=321)
Operations: Use four operations to simplify surds.
Example: (5−25+45=35) and (23×511=1033)
Sub-topic: Quadratic Functions (7 hours)
Features of Graphs: Recognize and determine features of graphs y=x2, y=ax2+bx+c, y=a(x−h)2+k, and y=a(x−x<em>1)(x−x</em>2). Includes parabolic nature, turning points, symmetry axes, and intercepts.
Algebraic Solutions: Solve quadratic equations using factorization, quadratic formula, completing the square, and technology.
Graphing: Sketch graphs of quadratic functions with/without technology.
Discriminant: Use the discriminant to determine the number of solutions.
Turning Points/Zeros: Determine turning points and zeros of quadratic functions.
Modeling: Model and solve problems involving quadratic functions.
Topic 2: Binomial Expansion and Cubic Functions
Sub-topic: Binomial Expansion (3 hours)
Combinations: Understand a combination as an unordered set of r objects taken from a set of n distinct objects.
Pascal's Triangle: Link Pascal's triangle and the notation (r)(n).
Binomial Theorem: Use the binomial theorem (x+y)n=xn+(1n)xn−1y+…+(rn)xn−ryr+…+yn to expand expressions.
Example: (2x−1)3
Sub-topic: Cubic Functions (9 hours)
Polynomial Identification: Identify coefficients and degree of a polynomial.
Expansion: Expand quadratic and cubic polynomials from factors.
Features of Graphs: Recognize and determine features of graphs of y=x3, y=a(x−h)3+k, and y=a(x−x<em>1)(x−x</em>2)(x−x3). Includes shape, intercepts, and behavior as x→∞ and x→−∞.
Solving: Solve cubic equations using technology and algebraically when factorized.
Graphing: Sketch graphs of cubic functions with/without technology.
Modeling: Model and solve problems involving cubic functions.
Topic 3: Functions and Relations
Sub-topic: Introduction to Functions and Relations (5 hours)
Relation Concept: Understand a relation as a mapping between sets, a graph, and a rule/formula that defines one variable in terms of another.
Distinction: Distinguish between functions and relations using the vertical line test.
Notation: Recognize and use function notation, domain/range, independent/dependent variables.
Piece-wise Functions: Use piece-wise functions as combinations of sub-functions with restricted domains.
Modeling: Model and solve problems involving piece-wise functions.
Sub-topic: Graphs of Relations (4 hours)
Circular Shapes: Recognize and determine features of the graphs of x2+y2=r2 and (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2, including circular shapes, centers, and radii.
Parabolic Shapes: Recognize and determine features of the graph of y2=x, including parabolic shape and symmetry.
Square Root Functions: Recognize and determine features of graphs of y=ax−h+k, including shape, intercepts, and behavior as x→∞ and x→−∞.
Sketching: Sketch graphs of relations.
Modeling: Model and solve problems involving relations.
Sub-topic: Reciprocal Functions (2 hours)
Hyperbolic Shapes: Recognize the hyperbolic shape, intercepts, asymptotes, and behavior as x→∞ and x→−∞ of the graphs y=x1 and y=x−ha+k
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve reciprocal functions.
Topic 4: Trigonometric Functions
Sub-topic: Circular Measure and Radian Measure (2 hours)
Radian Measure: Define, use, and understand the relationship between radian and degree measure.
Arc Lengths/Areas: Calculate lengths of arcs and areas of sectors in circles.
Sub-topic: Introduction to Trigonometric Functions (8 hours)
Unit Circle: Understand the unit circle definition of cos(θ), sin(θ), and tan(θ) and periodicity using radians.
Exact Values: Understand and use exact values of cos(θ), sin(θ), and tan(θ) at integer multiples of 6π and 4π.
Graphing: Sketch graphs of y=sin(x), y=cos(x), and y=tan(x) on extended domains.
Parameter Effects: Recognize and determine the parameters a, b, h, and k effect on the graphs of y=asin(b(x−h))+k, y=acos(b(x−h))+k.
Sketching Parametric Trig Functions: Sketch the graphs of y=asin(b(x−h))+k, y=acos(b(x−h))+k.
Solving Trig Equations: Solve trigonometric equations, including using the Pythagorean identity sin2(A)+cos2(A)=1
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve trigonometric functions.
Topic 5: Probability
Sub-topic: Language of Events and Sets (4 hours)
Outcomes/Sample Spaces/Events: Use concepts and language of outcomes, sample spaces, and events as sets of outcomes.
Set Notation: Use set language and notation for events, including A′ for complement of A, A∩B for intersection, and A∪B for union. Recognize mutually exclusive events.
Illustrations: Use everyday occurrences to illustrate set descriptions/representations and set operations using Venn diagrams.
Sub-topic: Conditional Probability and Independence (7 hours)
Probability Rules: Use the rules P(A′)=1−P(A) and P(A∪B)=P(A)+P(B)−P(A∩B).
Conditional Probability: Understand the notion of conditional probability and recognize language indicating conditionality.
Notation and Formula: Use the notation P(A∣B) and the formula P(A∩B)=P(A∣B)P(B).
Independence: Understand and use the notion of independence of event A from event B, defined by P(A∣B)=P(A).
Formula for Independent Events: Use the formula P(A∩B)=P(A)P(B) for independent events.
Relative Frequencies: Use relative frequencies from data as point estimates of conditional probabilities or indications of possible event independence.
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve probability.
Unit 2: Calculus and Further Functions
Topics:
Exponential functions
Logarithms and logarithmic functions
Introduction to differential calculus
Applications of differential calculus
Further differentiation
Overview: Exponential graphs and applications, logarithms, logarithmic laws and functions, rates of change, derivatives, calculus of power and polynomial functions, curve sketching, tangents and normals, rates of change, differentiation rules.
Unit Objectives:
Recall mathematical knowledge.
Use mathematical knowledge.
Communicate mathematical knowledge.
Evaluate the reasonableness of solutions.
Justify procedures and decisions.
Solve mathematical problems.
Topic 1: Exponential Functions
Sub-topic: Indices and Index Laws (4 hours)
Usage: Using indices (including negative and fractional indices) and the index laws.
Conversion: Convert radicals to and from fractional indices.
Scientific Notation: Understand and use scientific notation.
Sub-topic: Introduction to Exponential Functions (6 hours)
Qualitative Features: Recognize, and determine the qualitative features of graph y=rx (where r > 0), including asymptote and intercept.
Parameter Effects: Recognize and determine the effect of the parameters h, k, and r on the graph of y=r(x−h)+k (where r > 0).
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve logarithmic functions (e.g. decibels in acoustics and the Richter scale for earthquake magnitude).
Topic 3: Introduction to Differential Calculus
Sub-topic: Rates of Change and the Concept of Derivatives (10 hours)
Average Rate of Change: Determine average rate of change in practical contexts.
Derivative from First Principles: Use the rule f′(x)=limh→0hf(x+h)−f(x) to determine the derivative of simple power and polynomial functions from the first principle.
Instantaneous Rate of Change: Interpret the derivative as the instantaneous rate of change.
Tangent Gradient: Interpret the derivative as the gradient of a tangent line of the graph of y=f(x).
Power Rule: Use the rule dxdxn=nxn−1 for positive integers
Derivative as Function: Understand the concept of the derivative as a function.
Properties of Derivatives: Recognize and use properties of the derivative: dxd(f(x)+g(x))=dxdf(x)+dxdg(x)
Calculating Derivatives: Calculate derivatives of power and polynomial functions.
Topic 4: Applications of Differential Calculus
Sub-topic: Graphical Applications of Derivatives (12 hours)
Instantaneous Rates of Change: Determine instantaneous rates of change.
Equation of Tangent/Normal: Determine the equation of a tangent and a normal of the graph of y=f(x).
Displacement-Time Graphs: Construct and interpret displacement-time graphs, with velocity as the slope of the tangent.
Velocity as Rate of Change: Recognize that velocity is the instantaneous rate of change of displacement with respect to time.
Stationary Points: Use the first derivative of a function to determine and identify the nature of stationary points.
Curve Sketching: Sketch curves associated with power functions and polynomials up to degree 4, finding stationary points and local/global maxima and minima, and examine behavior as x→∞ and x→−∞.
Topic 5: Further Differentiation
Sub-topic: Differentiation Rules (11 hours)
Chain Rule: Use the chain rule, if y=f(u) and u=g(x) then dxdy=dudy×dxdu to determine derivatives of composite functions involving power and polynomial functions.
Product Rule: Use the product rule, dxd(uv)=udxdv+vdxdu, to determine the derivative of products of functions involving power and polynomial functions.
Quotient Rule: Use the quotient rule, dxd(vu)=v2vdxdu−udxdv, to determine the derivative of quotients of functions involving power and polynomial functions.
Problem Solving: Solve problems involving combinations of the chain, product, and quotient rules to differentiate functions involving power and polynomial functions, expressing derivatives in simplest and factorised form.
Unit 3: Further Calculus and Introduction to Statistics
Topics:
Differentiation of exponential and logarithmic functions
Differentiation of trigonometric functions and differentiation rules
Further applications of differentiation
Introduction to integration
Discrete random variables
Overview: Derivatives of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions, differentiation techniques, optimization problems, graph sketching, integration, discrete random variables, modelling random processes.
Unit Objectives:
Recall mathematical knowledge.
Use mathematical knowledge.
Communicate mathematical knowledge.
Evaluate the reasonableness of solutions.
Justify procedures and decisions.
Solve mathematical problems.
Topic 1: Differentiation of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Sub-topic: Calculus of Exponential Functions (6 hours)
Limits: Estimate the limit of hah−1 as h→0 using technology, for various values of a > 0.
Definition of e: Recognize that e is the unique number a for which the above limit is 1.
Graph of y=ex: Recognize and determine the qualitative features of the graph of y=ex, including asymptote and intercept.
Derivatives: Use the rules dxdex=ex and dxdef(x)=f′(x)ef(x).
Sub-topic: Calculus of Logarithmic Functions (8 hours)
**Graph of y=ln(x): **Recognize and determine the qualitative features of the graph of y=ln(x)=loge(x), including asymptote and intercept.
Inverse Relationship: Recognize and use the inverse relationship of the functions y=ex and y=ln(x).
Solving Equations: Solve equations involving exponential and logarithmic functions with base e.
Derivatives: Use the rules dxdln(x)=x1 and dxdln(f(x))=f(x)f′(x).
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve derivatives of exponential and logarithmic functions.
Topic 2: Differentiation of Trigonometric Functions and Differentiation Rules
Sub-topic: Calculus of Trigonometric Functions (5 hours)
Derivatives of Sine: Use the rules dxdsin(x)=cos(x) and dxdsin(f(x))=f′(x)cos(f(x)).
Derivatives of Cosine: Use the rules dxdcos(x)=−sin(x) and dxdcos(f(x))=−f′(x)sin(f(x)).
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve derivatives of trigonometric functions.
Sub-topic: Differentiation Rules (5 hours)
Chain Rule: Use the chain rule to determine the derivative of composite functions involving exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
Product Rule: Use the product rule to determine the derivative of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
Quotient Rule: Use the quotient rule to determine the derivative of exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
Problem Solving: Solve problems that involve combinations of the chain, product, and quotient rule to differentiate exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
Topic 3: Further Applications of Differentiation
Sub-topic: The Second Derivative and Applications of Differentiation (10 hours)
Second Derivative: Understand the concept of the second derivative as the rate of change of the first derivative function.
Acceleration: Recognize acceleration as the second derivative of displacement/position with respect to time.
Concavity/Inflection Points: Understand concepts of concavity and inflection points and their relationship with the second derivative.
Second Derivative Test: Understand and use the second derivative test for finding local maxima and minima.
Graph Sketching: Sketch the graph of a function using first and second derivatives to locate stationary points and points of inflection.
Optimization: Model and solve optimization problems using first and second derivatives.
Topic 4: Introduction to Integration
Sub-topic: Anti-differentiation (9 hours)
Anti-Differentiation: Recognize anti-differentiation as the reverse of differentiation.
Notation: Use the notation ∫f(x)dx for anti-derivatives or indefinite integrals.
Power Rule for Integration: Use the formula ∫xndx=n+1xn+1+c for n=−1.
Integral of ex: Use the formula ∫exdx=ex+c.
Integral of 1/x: Use the formula ∫x1dx=ln(x)+c, for x > 0.
Integrals of Sine and Cosine: Use the formulas ∫sin(x)dx=−cos(x)+c and ∫cos(x)dx=sin(x)+c.
Linearity of Integration: Use the formulas ∫(f(x)+g(x))dx=∫f(x)dx+∫g(x)dx and ∫kf(x)dx=k∫f(x)dx.
Integrals of Linear Functions: Determine indefinite integrals of the form ∫f(ax+b)dx.
Determining f(x): Determine f(x) given f′(x) and an initial condition f(a)=b.
Determining Displacement: Determine displacement given velocity and the initial value of displacement.
Determining Displacement (Acceleration): Determine displacement given acceleration and initial values of displacement and velocity.
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve indefinite integrals.
Topic 5: Discrete Random Variables
Sub-topic: General Discrete Random Variables (5 hours)
Discrete Random Variable: Understand the concepts of a discrete random variable and its associated probability function.
Point Estimates: Use relative frequencies obtained from data to determine point estimates of probabilities.
Uniform Discrete RVs: Recognize uniform discrete random variables and model phenomena with equally likely outcomes.
Non-Uniform Discrete RVs: Recognize non-uniform discrete random variables and use them to model random phenomena.
Mean (Expected Value): Determine and use the mean (expected value) of a discrete random variable: E(X)=μ=∑p<em>ix</em>i, where p<em>i is the probability of outcome x</em>i.
Variance: Determine and use the variance of a discrete random variable: Var(X)=∑p<em>i(x</em>i−μ)2, where p<em>i is the probability of outcome x</em>i, and μ is the mean.
Standard Deviation: Determine and use the standard deviation of a discrete random variable, Var(X).
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve discrete random variables and associated probabilities.
Sub-topic: Bernoulli Distributions (2 hours)
Bernoulli Model: Use a Bernoulli random variable as a model for two-outcome situations.
Context Identification: Identify contexts suitable for modelling by Bernoulli random variables.
Mean and Variance: Recognize and determine the mean p and variance p(1−p) of the Bernoulli distribution with parameter p.
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve Bernoulli random variables and associated probabilities.
Sub-topic: Binomial Distributions (5 hours)
Bernoulli Trials: Understand the concepts of Bernoulli trials and a binomial RV as the number of 'successes' r, in n independent Bernoulli trials, with success probability p.
Context Identification: Identify contexts suitable for modelling by binomial random variables.
Probabilities: Determine and use probabilities P(X=r)=(rn)pr(1−p)n−r associated with the binomial distribution with parameters n and p.
Mean and Variance: Calculate the mean np and variance np(1−p) of a binomial distribution.
Probability Language: Use probability language, including at most, at least, no more than, no less than, inclusive and between.
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve binomial distributions.
Unit 4: Further Calculus, Trigonometry and Statistics
Topics:
Further integration
Trigonometry
Continuous random variables and the normal distribution
Sampling and proportions
Interval estimates for proportions
Overview: Integral calculus, fundamental theorem, areas under/between curves, cosine and sine rules, continuous random variables, normal distribution, sample and population proportions, statistical inference.
Unit Objectives:
Recall mathematical knowledge.
Use mathematical knowledge.
Communicate mathematical knowledge.
Evaluate the reasonableness of solutions.
Justify procedures and decisions.
Solve mathematical problems.
Topic 1: Further Integration
Sub-topic: Fundamental Theorem of Calculus and Definite Integrals (3 hours)
Area Estimation: Use sums of the form ∑f(x∗<em>i)δx</em>i to estimate the area under the curve y=f(x).
Definite Integral: Recognize the definite integral ∫<em>abf(x)dx as a limit of sums of the form ∑f(x∗</em>i)δxi.
Fundamental Theorem: Understand and use the fundamental theorem of calculus: ∫abf(x)dx=F(b)−F(a).
Area Calculation: Use the definite integral to determine the area under the curve y=f(x) between x=a and x=b if f(x) > 0 over this interval.
Sub-topic: Applications of Integration (8 hours)
Area Calculation: Calculate the area enclosed by a curve and the x-axis over a given domain.
Area Between Curves: Calculate the area between curves.
Trapezoidal Rule: Use the trapezoidal rule, ∫<em>abf(x)dx≈2w[f(x</em>0)+2(f(x<em>1)+f(x</em>2)+f(x<em>3)+…f(x</em>n−1))+f(xn)], where w=nb−a, to approximate an area and the value of a definite integral.
Total Change: Calculate total change by integrating instantaneous or marginal rates of change.
Modeling: Model and solve problems that involve definite integrals, including motion problems.
Topic 2: Trigonometry
Sub-topic: Cosine and Sine Rules (10 hours)
Sine Rule: Use the sine rule (ambiguous case is required):sin(A)a=sin(B)b=sin(C)c, where a, b, and c are the side lengths, and A, B, and C are opposite angles.