Subjects

Who is it for?

General Mathematics Units 3 and 4 is the final year VCE sequence for you if you are interested in developing your ability to apply mathematical techniques in day-to-day situations.

While some tertiary courses require no more than General Mathematics, if you are a student who is intending to specialise in Mathematics, or to pursue studies in maths-heavy disciplines such as engineering, medicine or the sciences, you may need to take the more rigorous Mathematics units at final year VCE level (for example, Mathematical Methods 3 and 4 or Specialist Mathematics 3 and 4).

What do you do?

Each week you are expected to study lessons or watch videos on new content, participate in online lessons, complete practice exercises, checking your answers as you go, and then complete work for submission. There are four School-assessed Coursework tasks (SACs) to be completed during the year.

What skills do you need?

You should have successfully completed General Mathematics Units 1 and 2 (or equivalent). Familiarity with mathematical software, such as a CAS calculator or Excel, is also recommended.

What skills do you develop?

This subject will give you a basic understanding of the use of mathematical terminology and techniques in some common real-world settings. You will be supported to develop methodical approaches to problem-solving and to become competent in the use of a CAS calculator.

Requirements

Internet:
Internet is needed to access this course. All work will be completed and submitted online weekly.

CAS technology:

• For this study, you need a VCAA-approved CAS technology. VSV course notes generally refer to the TI-Nspire CAS calculator. The textbook also contains instructions for both TI-Nspire CAS and Casio ClassPad calculators.
• If buying a new calculator, it is highly recommended to purchase a TI-Nspire CX CAS.
• You are encouraged to contact your Mathematics teacher if you require further advice before purchasing a calculator.

Recommended Textbook:

• Cambridge Senior General Maths VCE 3 and 4 Second Edition.
• You have the option of either purchasing the textbook or the eBook.
• You are encouraged to contact your Mathematics teacher for advice before purchasing a textbook.

You will need the following materials:

• ruler
• exercise book for your workings
• Graph book

Things to think about

In order to successfully complete General Mathematics Units 3 and 4, you need to have basic competence in Year 7–10 Mathematics topics. If you are unsure if your maths skills are at a standard sufficient to allow you to successfully complete the General Mathematics sequence (Units 3 and 4) you should contact your Mathematics teacher to discuss your situation.

Things you can do now

If you have access to the Cambridge text, you can begin looking through the text and preparing yourself for the year of study ahead.

In particular, you can revise the material on Data analysis (Chapters 1, 2 and 3).
You can also establish some basic maths skills and practise using your CAS calculator by following the links below.

Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.