VCE Units 3 & 4 - Mathematical Methods
VCE Units 3 & 4 - Mathematical Methods
Overview
Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods extend the introductory study from Units 1 & 2 of simple elementary functions, to include combinations of these functions, algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, and their applications in a variety of practical and theoretical contexts.
Unit 3
Students study a selection of content that includes various common functions and their graphs, and the use of algebra to solve and analyse these. They also investigate the applications of derivatives and differentiation to identify and analyse key features of the functions.
Areas of Study
- Functions and graphs
- Algebra
- Calculus (differential)
Unit 4
Students extend their study of Calculus to include anti-differentiation and integration and apply that knowledge to a range of contexts involving the content studied in Unit 3. They also study random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, and sample proportions.
Areas of Study
- Calculus (integral)
- Probability and statistics
Forms of Assessment
Students undertake one Application Task in Unit 3. This is a function and calculus-based mathematical investigation of a practical or theoretical context involving content from two or more areas of study and is 4–6 hours duration over a period of 1–2 weeks.
Students undertake two Problem Solving or Modelling Tasks in Unit 4. Both tasks are 2-3 hours duration over a period of 1 week and one of the modelling tasks must focus on Probability and Statistics, the other can be a combination of any of the other areas of study.
Students then sit 2 exams at the end of the year that covers all content studied from Units 1 – 4. Exam 1 is a technology free exam of 1 hour duration. Exam 2 is a technology allowed exam of 2 hours duration.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Students need to have successfully completed Mathematical Methods Units 1 & 2.