MTH1020

Analysis of change

Coordinator: Dr Anthony Lun

6 points - Three 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour problem class per week and one 2-hour computer laboratory per fortnight - First/second semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: MTH1010 or VCE Mathematical Methods units 3 and 4 (with a average grade of C or above in CATs 2 and 3) - Recommendations: students who have not achieved an average grade of B or above in CATs 2 and 3 for VCE Specialist Mathematics units 3 and 4 are advised to complete this subject prior to MTH1030 - Prohibitions: GAS1613, MAT1010, MAT1050, MAT1055, MAT1811

Objectives On the completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in determining basic properties and behaviour of functions by analytic, numerical and graphical means; developed skills in using computer algebra and spreadsheet software as aids to analyse change in real-life problems; be able to give a geometric interpretation of the limiting processes involved in taking the derivative and the integral of a function; and developed and/or strengthened their ability to communicate in mathematics, present and interpret mathematical results, including report writing, and to work in teams.

Synopsis Properties of real and complex numbers; algebraic functions and common transcendental functions; modelling change using elementary functions; limits and continuity; rate of change, derivatives, local and global extrema; sums and integrals, anti-derivatives, area and volume; real-life examples on the analysis of change.

Assessment Examination (3 hours): 60% - Computer laboratory work: 5% - Assignments, projects and computer laboratory reports: 35%

Prescribed texts

Hughes-Hallett D and others Calculus - single variable 2nd edn, Wiley, 1998

Back to the 1999 Science Handbook