Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics Learning Area whakataukī

Kei hopu tōu ringa ki te aka tāepa, engari kia mau ki te aka matua.

Cling to the main vine, not the loose one

This whakataukī comes from the pūrākau of Tāne's ascent to the heavens to collect te kete ngā mātauranga, or the baskets of knowledge. The main vine is strong and has secure foundations, whereas the loose vine can be buffeted by the wind, so anyone climbing it will not reach the top. The pūrākau helps to illustrate that knowledge, as in te kete ngā mātauranga, is a taonga, and to show the need for hard work and problem-solving to gain solid knowledge.

This subject covers algebra, graphs, geometry, measurement, number, probability, statistics and trigonometry. Mathematics helps students to think numerically, and to develop logical, sequential thinking along with problem solving. Skills needed in a changing work place and in most areas of study. Statistics develops students’ statistical literacy, a skill that is needed to correctly interpret media releases and information relating to students areas of interest.

Calculus

Students taking this subject will be solving problems and equations involving trigonometric functions, differentiation and integration in calculus, and to solving problems involving manipulating real and complex numbers. The skills taught are challenging but encourage students to think abstractly and to acquire skills needed in some lines of further study. 

Statistics

Students studying Statistics will be analysing time series, bi-variate data and using a mathematical model involving curve fitting to solve a problem. Level 2 and 3 statistics prepare students for future studies that require statistical analyses, enable them to correctly interpret statistical figures and graphs in the media, and to develop probability and distribution skills. Many tertiary courses now require statistical skills.

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Courses in this Learning Area

Calculus is very important in: Tertiary courses in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Structural Design, Economics, Architecture or any career that has a major mathematical component. Statistics leads to careers in: Business Studies, Commerce, Education, Geography, Health Studies, Marketing, Nursing, Politics, Psychology, Social Work, Journalism, Town Planning, any career involving prediction, sampling and probability., Construction and infrastructure, Manufacturing and technology, The Primary Industries, The Service Industries, Social and Community services, Accountant, Actuarial Science, Computer Analyst or programmer, Economist, Engineering Analyst, Information Scientist, Marketing Research Analyst, Mathematician, Meteorologist, Numerical Analyst, Operations Research, Statistician, Systems Analyst, Teacher, Architecture or any career that has a major mathematical,