VCE GENERAL MATHS (SPECIALIST) - 2011

A. SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF UNIT

To satisfy the outcomes of this course and pass General Maths (Specialist), you must
complete the following Outcomes (S/N result):

1. Outcome 1: Skills: define and explain key concepts, in relation to the

topics from the selected areas of study, and apply a range of
related mathematical routines and procedures. This outcome
comprises exercises from textbook, assignments, worksheets and tests. At least 80%
of bookwork must be completed; at least 40 % score on tests.

2. Outcome 2: Applications: apply mathematical procedures in non-routine

contexts and analyse and discuss these applications of
mathematics in at least three of the areas of study. Applications from
textbook and/or unseen questions to be answered in ‘SAC’ book.

3. Outcome 3: Use of Technology: use technology to produce results and

carry out analysis in situations requiring problem-solving, modelling
or investigative techniques or approaches in at least three of the
areas of study, i.e. use of CAS calculator.

B. ASSESSMENT

Letter grading of UG to A on the following:

1. Skills: assignments, topic tests, some with technology-free component

2. Applications: be based on the student’s performance on a selection of

tasks, as outlined above

3. Examination: There are two examinations for each Unit. The technology Free exam
consists of short answer questions and the Technology Active exam consists of multiple
choice, and analysis questions

C. COURSE OUTLINE

Unit 1:
Algebra – linear graphs, simultaneous equations (algebraic and graphical methods),
algebraic and literal equations
Arithmetic – real and complex number systems
Variation
Geometry – ratio and similarity, trigonometric ratios and applications, circle
theorems
Complex numbers

Unit 2:
Algebra – partial fractions, simultaneous equations involving linear and non-linear
equations
Vectors
Algebra – sequences and series
Kinematics and Statics
Geometry – further trigonometry

1
 Year 10 →11 GENERAL MATHS (SPECIALIST) ORIENTATION

Complete these exercises, with full working, and hand in to your teacher during the first week
next year.

A. Factorising And Expanding

1. Factorise and simplify where possible:

(a) 25 m 2 −16 n 2 (b) a 2 b 2 − 49 (c) 6 −150 p 2 (d) (2 x −1) 2 − ( x + 3) 2

1. Factorise fully:
(a) x 3 − 3 x 2 − x + 3 (b) 30 x 2 y 2 −12 x 3 y − 25 y +10 x

2. Factorise and solve for x:

(a) x 2 + x − 6 = 0 (b) 8 x 2 − 10 x = 12 (c) 6 x 2 − xy − 2 y 2 = 0

3. Express as a single fraction:

a 1
(a) 2 −
a −4 a+2

4. Factorise by completing the square:

(a) x + 8 x − 3
2
(b) x 2 − 5 x −1 (c) 2 x 2 + 4 x − 1

5. Expand and simplify:

(a) 3 y ( x + y ) (b) (8m −5)( 3 + m) (c) (3 p − 5q ) 2 (d) (11 +t )(11 −t )

B. Linear Equations and Algebra

6. Solve the following equations and inequations:

x  x 4 − 3x
(a) 4 + 2  = −16 (b) + 4 ≥ 3 (c) ≤4
3  5 7

7. Simplify the following:

x − 9 10 x − 5
2
( 2 y − 3)( y + 4) 3 y +12
(a) × (b) ÷
2 x −1 2 x + 6 ( y + 7)( y − 4) ( y + 7)( 3 − 2 y )

C. Simultaneous Equations Applications

For each of the following situations, use two pronumerals to stand for the unknown and solve
to find the value of the unknowns. Use the substitution and elimination methods at least once.

1. The sum of the ages of Chris and Julia is 30, and twice Chris’s age added to three times
Julia’s age gives 77. How old are they?

2. A box contains 20 coins whose total value is $1.55. If the coins are all 10c or 5c pieces,
how many of each are in the box?

3. A hospital dietician decides that each patient needs 400 units of protein in each meal. The
protein content will be obtained from meat and vegetables for most patients. To ontain the
necessary protein, patients are given either 200g of meat and 100g of vegetables or 150g of
meat and 125g of vegetables. Find the protein content of meat and vegetables.

2
D. Transposition

Transpose the following equations to make the letter in the brackets the subject:

4 3
1. A = 4πr 2 (r ) 2. V = πr (r) 3. A = 2πr ( r + h) ( h)
3
1 2 PRT
4. s = gt (t ) 5. V = u + at (t ) 6. I = (T )
2 100

E. Indices

Simplify and express with positive indices where necessary:

(5 2 p 3 ) × 5 p 4
1. 2a 3b4 × 7ab5 2. 18x5y7 ÷ 9x3y9 3.
25 p 5
2 m −3 n 2
4. b −2 c 4 5. 6.
x −2 p −1

F. Surds

1. Simplify each of the following:

4 15
(a) 3 6 ×5 2 (b) (c) 75 + 6 3 − 2 48
12 5
2. Express 4 5 as an entire surd.

3. Express each of the following in simplest form with a rational denominator:

7 4 3
(a) (b)
2 5 6

4. Expand and simplify each of the following:

(a) −6 2 (3 7 − 2 +1) (b) (2 5 +9)( 5 −2) (c) (3 7 + 4 2 ) 2

5. Express each of the following in simplest form with a rational denominator:

7 2 −2
(a) (b)
3− 5 2 3+ 7

3
GMS Orientation: Partial Fractions

Rewrite and solve the following partial fractions:

4 6
1. a) (x + 2)(x + 3) b) (2y – 1)(2y + 1)

10
c) x(x – 1)(x + 4)

2. Find the partial fractions for the following

5 2
a) 2 b) 2
(x – 2)(x + 3) y (y – 1)

3. Find the partial fractions for the following:

14 4
a) 2 b) 2
(x + 3)(x + 2) y (y + 1)

4. Try to find the partial fractions of the following:

3p + 1 4x – 5
a) 2 b) 2
(2p – 1)(p + 2) (2x + 1)(x – 6x + 9)

 Complete worksheet and hand in at the start of next year

 Full working must be shown where relevant