General Mathematics

Study Overview

The study of General Mathematics enables students to process and analyse information and to apply rules to solve a range of problems. It allows students to think in logical and analytical ways and to set work out neatly. General Mathematics is a good choice for students who want to study Mathematics in Year 11 but aren’t interested in Mathematical Methods. Studying General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 enables them to undertake General Mathematics Units 3 and 4, if they choose to continue with Mathematics in Year 12.

General Mathematics is a good choice for a student wanting to pursue a mathematics subject in Year 12. It satisfies some university prerequisite requirements and works well in combination with Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Nursing, Teaching or Psychology. Students who are proficient at Mathematics may like to broaden their skills and capitalise on their strengths by doing both General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods.

The prescribed calculator for purchase is the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire, which is also used in General Mathematics and should be retained from Year 10. The price is approx. $220.

Units

Unit 1: Data analysis, Probability and Statistics; Algebra, Number and Structure; Discrete Mathematics
Unit 2: Data Analysis, Probability and Statistics; Discrete Mathematics; Functions, Relations and Graphs
Unit 3: Data Analysis; Discrete Mathematics
Unit 4: Matrices, Networks and Decision Mathematics

2023MathematicsSD.docx

Assessment

Topic tests
Modeling and problem solving tasks
Application tasks
Examinations

Prerequisites / Suggested Prior Studies

Year 9 Core Mathematics or Year 9 Extension Mathematics
Year 10 Mathematics for General or Year 10 Mathematics for Methods

Future Pathways

Students who study General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 can choose to study General Mathematics Units 3 and 4. Students who do not intend to study Unit 3 and 4 Mathematics are recommended to study Units 1 and 2 Mathematics as many employers like to see that their potential employees have a minimum standard of mathematics skill.

Also, some university courses require a Year 12 sequence or two units of VCE Mathematics, for example primary teaching courses. In the long term, Mathematics can lead to careers in finance and business, computing and gaming, telecommunications, defense, health and science.

All students are advised to check the VTAC Guide for information regarding the pre-requisites for the course they may wish to pursue.