RATIONALE:
Core Mathematics was developed to offer students a sound base, in preparation for the University’s Mathematics courses. Additionally, the course is specifically designed so that it may be used as a substitute for a pass in CSEC mathematics. Core Mathematics is delivered along the principles of competency- based teaching and learning.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course sets out the basics of mathematical principles and moves into more advanced applications which will equip students to effectively cope with other mathematics courses they will encounter throughout their program. Topics include arithmetic operations, and basic statistics, trigonometry, and graphs.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
After completing this course students should be able Solve worded and numerically expressed mathematical problems.
Solve graphically and analytically mathematical problems.
Discuss the importance of mathematics to national development.
Apply mathematical concepts to effectively deal with real world situations.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT
Unit 1 Computation
Differentiate among subsets of real numbers [natural, whole, integer, rational, irrational]
State and apply number properties
[associative, commutative laws]
Approximate decimal numbers by rounding off [decimal places, significant figures.]
Represent decimal numbers in scientific notation.
Differentiate between prime and composite numbers.
Differentiate between prime and composite numbers..
Solve typical ratio/proportion problems
Unit 2 Consumer Mathematics
Compare simple interest and compound Interest investments
Solve hire-purchase and profit/loss problems
Apply currency conversion technique
Unit 3 Statistics
Topics to include only: Computation and Consumer Mathematics
Distinguish between discrete and continuous data
Interpret data from given statistical diagrams [Pie chart, Line, Bar graph)
Calculate statistical averages for grouped and ungrouped data [Mean, Mode, Median]
Determine which average is best suited for particular situations
Unit 4 Algebra
Simplify expressions by grouping like terms
Simplify algebraic fractions
Factorize algebraic expressions [By factor, Grouping, The difference of two squares, Quadratic factorization]
Solve linear equations including those containing fractions
Solve linear inequalities and represent them on number lines
Solve linear simultaneous equations
Unit 5 Sets
Appreciation and use of set terminology [Equal sets; Equivalent sets; Subsets including the 2n formula; Set builder notation]
Apply set symbols [Including union, intersection, and complement symbols]
Interpret and apply Venn- diagrams to identify regions and to solve typical 2 set worded
Unit 6 Trigonometry & Matrices
Topics to include only: Algebra (solving simultaneous equations and solving quadratic equations by factorization and formula) &Sets
Identify the types of triangles [equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right]
Use Pythagoras’ theorem to find the length of an unknown side in a right triangle
Unit 7 Graphs
LEARNING RESOURCES:
Text Books; Lecture Notes
REQUIRED TEXT(S):
Toolsie, R. (2010). Mathematics a Complete Course with CXC Questions Vol. 1.
San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. Caribbean Educational Publishers
