620-082 Preliminary Mathematics B

This subject is available only to students enrolled in the extended BE or extended BSc degree. This subject is not available for science credit points.

620-081 Preliminary Mathematics A or equivalent.

This subject forms the second part of a two-semester sequence of subjects suitable for students who have taken standard mathematics in the final year of an international secondary school. On successful completion of 620-082, students will have acquired mathematical skills at least equivalent to those gained by the completion of VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 and Specialist Mathematics 3/4.

Complex numbers topics include algebra of complex numbers, modulus and argument; Argand plane, polar form and de Moivre's theorem; solution of polynomial equations; and regions in the complex plane. Vectors topics include geometrical vectors; and components, scalar product, resolutes, position vectors, differentiation of position vectors and kinematical applications. Calculus topics include derivatives of inverse functions including inverse trigonometric functions, chain rule applications, integration techniques using trigonometric and other substitutions and using partial fractions; areas of regions in the plane and volumes of solids of revolution; differential forms for velocity and acceleration, and velocity-time graphs; and simple differential equations. Coordinate geometry topics include sketching graphs of rational functions; asymptotic behaviour and stationary points; and conic sections, including parametric forms.

You will develop mathematical knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to analyse, investigate, model and solve problems in a variety of situations, ranging from well-defined and familiar situations to unfamiliar and open-ended situations.

Up to 24 pages of written assignments (10%), a 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (75%) and class tests totalling not more than 1.5 hours (15%).