Investigating Mathematics

The study of Investigating Mathematics enables students to extend their mathematical and logical thinking by exploring topics which are not in the mandatory Stage 5 Mathematics syllabus.

Mathematics can involve an infinite number of possibilities and problems. Its applications are integral to scientific and technological advances in many fields. However, many people see Mathematics as a subject of fixed procedures. You learn the rules and follow the processes, often without developing understanding of any further applications.

Investigating Mathematics aims to emphasise Mathematics as both a reasoning and creative subject, where students are encouraged to consider logical patterns within our world.

This course is aimed at students that enjoy logic and problem solving. It is not aimed as an Extension Maths course; it is open to all students. This is a 100 hour course.

Investigating Mathematics is a  100 or 200 hour school developed elective. This course will not appear on the RoSA it will be reported on the School semester one and Semester Two reports using the Common Grade Scale

·         Cryptography

·       Logical Thinking

·       Number Theory

·       Set Theory

·       Discoveries and Development of Number

·       Geometrical Thinking

·   Create, interpret and appreciate methods of encrypting messages and data.

·   Develop strategies to solve logical problems, puzzles and paradoxes.

·   Gain an appreciation of the application of prime numbers to multiple scenarios.

·    Apply mathematical operations to numbers systems other than the base-10 system.

·    Apply abstract and generalisation processes to identify patterns and solve problems.

·    Appreciate the discoveries and development of number, from ancient civilisations to the modern era.

·    Use geometric constructions and processes to obscure patterns in shapes