Applications of Mathematics

The purpose of the National 4 Applications of Mathematics Course is to motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to think through real-life situations involving mathematics and to form a plan of action based on logic. The Course develops confidence in being able to handle mathematical processes and information in a range of real-life contexts. The Course also enables learners to make informed decisions based on data presented in a variety of forms. The mathematical skills within this Course are underpinned by numeracy and are designed to develop learners’ skills in mathematical reasoning relevant to learning, life and work. 

The Course aims to: 

• motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical skills to tackle straightforward real-life problems or situations

• develop the ability to interpret straightforward real-life problems or situations involving mathematics 

• develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards the use of mathematics in straightforward real-life situations 

• apply mathematical operational skills with an appropriate degree of accuracy

• use mathematical reasoning skills to assess risk, draw conclusions and explain decisions

• communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way In addition, learners will have the opportunity to develop generic and transferable skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. These include numeracy, thinking skills, literacy and employability.

The course has three units which are:

Mathematics: Managing Finance and Statistics (National 4) 

The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills that focus on the use of mathematical ideas and strategies that can be applied to managing finance and statistics in straightforward real-life contexts. This includes using skills in budgeting as well as skills in organising and presenting data, to explain solutions and/or draw conclusions. The Outcomes cover aspects of finance and statistics in real-life situations requiring mathematical reasoning. 

Mathematics: Geometry and Measure (National 4) 

The general aim of this Unit is to develop skills that focus on the use of mathematical ideas and strategies that can be applied to geometry and measurement in straightforward real-life contexts. This includes using skills in interpreting and in using shape, space and measures to determine and explain solutions. The Outcomes cover aspects of geometry and measurement in real-life situations requiring mathematical reasoning. 

Numeracy (National 4) 

This unit develops learners’ numerical and information handling skills in solving problems involving number, money, time and measurement. As learners tackle real-life problems, they will decide what numeracy skills to use and how to apply these skills to an appropriate level of accuracy.  Learners will also interpret graphical data and use their knowledge and understanding of probability to identify solutions to straightforward real-life problems involving money, time and measurement.

Faculty Principal Teacher

Mrs S MacFadyen