Mathematics Extension 1

The Mathematics Extension 1 course is primarily a Calculus-based course in which students need excellent algebraic and curve sketching skills to succeed. Within this course, many of the topic areas of the 2 Unit Mathematics Advanced course are further extended and explored in much greater detail. It provides a sound basis for the further study, as a major discipline, of Mathematics at a tertiary level. For example, it may be appropriate for those students who wish to pursue tertiary studies in some of the Physical Sciences, Computer Science and certain Engineering courses. The responsibility rests with the student to check any tertiary course requirements concerning prerequisites or assumed knowledge of any secondary Mathematics course.

This course moves at a very fast pace with limited time for consolidation of each concept. It quickly builds in intensity and difficulty, with each new topic utilising the concepts previously studied. Even highly capable students who do not apply themselves appropriately or consistently enough can find this course a significant challenge. Therefore this course is intended for students who have demonstrated a very high level of competency in their study of 5.3 Mathematics during Years 9 and 10. This course is strongly recommended only for those students who have gained a scaled report mark in excess of 80% in Year 10 5.3 Mathematics at Barker College.

Students who have demonstrated outstanding mathematical ability and results in the Mathematics Extension 1 course during Year 11 should consider the significant benefits of undertaking the Mathematics Extension 2 course in Year 12.

Preliminary Course Topics

• Functions
• Polynomials
• Inverse Trigonometric Functions
• Further Trigonometric Identities
• Rates of Change
• Combinatorics

HSC Course Topics

• Mathematical Induction
• Vectors
• Trigonometric Equations
• Further Calculus Skills
• Applications of Calculus
• Binomial Distribution

Assessment Structure

The assessment for Mathematics Extension will include a mix of in-class tests, investigation-style tasks and an examination.