The discussion centers on the "Mathematics Methods" course, particularly within the context of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) in Australia. Key topics covered include linear algebra, polynomial functions, calculus (both differentiation and integration), and probability. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding these concepts for further studies in mathematics and related fields. Recommendations for preparatory resources include Apostol's "One-variable Calculus" for foundational learning and proof-writing skills.
PREREQUISITESStudents preparing for VCE Mathematics Methods, educators seeking to understand the curriculum, and anyone interested in foundational mathematics for further studies in mathematics, physics, or engineering.
big help thanks! well the thing is that i wanted to get a headstart on this course and i was thinking of doing specialist maths to but first i wanted to see how i handled methods.majesticman said:physics2 i think you being misled here badly by the yanks here...lol
not their fault too ..they are merely guessing here
i finished VCE 2 yrs ago and i assume you are in yr 10 or 11...
MM units 1 and 2 start of with linear algebra, quadratic, cubic...and then some general polynomial stuff, log and exponential, differentialtion of polynomails and integration, applications of those 2...
and then some probability including combinitorics and permutations
I have been tutoring school kids so i keep abreast with the course these days..feel free to ask me if u want to know more
wow that's great thanksUlagatin said:Majestic is correct. I live in Australia and am currently doing Maths Methods 4 (one step down from pre-tertiary level) - I'm in Grade 10. I will be studying Maths Methods 5 next year (pre-tertiary level) and this focuses on both integral and differential calculus (unlike level 4: just differentiation in regards to calculus). Please note that Methods is the pure mathematics course, and is generally what is required for entry into mathematics courses at universities/colleges
Next step up is Maths Specialised 5 (pre-tertiary; hardest difficulty prior to university/college) and this covers complex numbers, further principles in integration and differention, sets, sequences, divergence and convergence of functions, and an introduction to linear algebra. This would certainly give you a big leg-up if you do this (have to do Methods 5 in Year 11) if you intend to study further mathematics (and particularly analysis-based mathematics) at university/college.
I intend to do Maths Specialised in Year 12 myself (looking to dbl. major in maths and physics, in a combined degree with comp. sci.). My biggest interest is physics (and then comp. sci).
At the moment, I am working through Apostol's "One-variable Calculus" book which I found a copy of, and I would recommend this. It isn't too difficult (although I'm only ~80 pages through) but it certainly loads new information on to you quickly but in a concise and understandable manner. It will also teach you how to write proofs which certainly can't hurt regardless of where you want to go, post Methods 5. If you want to find out more about Apostol's books, I would suggest talking to Mathwonk (a resident maths professor on this forum)!
Hope this helps (and clears confusion about this subject).
Cheers,
Ulagatin