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Level 9

Level 9 Description

In Level 9, students develop familiarity with a broader range of non-linear and linear functions and relations, and related algebra and graphs.

Students apply index laws with integer indices to a range of numerical expressions and extend this to algebraic expressions involving numbers and pro-numerals. They use indices to express very large and very small numbers in scientific notation, and apply...

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Level 9 Content Descriptions

Number and Algebra

Real numbers Elaborations
  1. Solve problems involving direct proportion. Explore the relationship between graphs and equations corresponding to simple rate problems (VCMNA301)
    1. identifying direct proportion in real-life contexts
  2. Apply index laws to numerical expressions with integer indices (VCMNA302)
    1. simplifying and evaluating numerical expressions, using involving both positive and negative integer indices
  3. Express numbers in scientific notation (VCMNA303)
    1. representing extremely large and small numbers in scientific notation, and numbers expressed in scientific notation as whole numbers or decimals
Money and financial mathematics Elaborations
  1. Solve problems involving simple interest (VCMNA304)
    1. understanding that financial decisions can be assisted by mathematical calculations
Patterns and algebra Elaborations
  1. Extend and apply the index laws to variables, using positive integer indices and the zero index (VCMNA305)
    1. understanding that index laws apply to variables as well as numbers
  2. Apply the distributive law to the expansion of algebraic expressions, including binomials, and collect like terms where appropriate (VCMNA306)
    1. understanding that the distributive law can be applied to algebraic expressions as well as numbers
    2. understanding the relationship between expansion and factorisation and identifying algebraic factors in algebraic expressions
  3. Apply set structures to solve real-world problems (VCMNA307)
    1. using a sort algorithm to determine the median of a set of numbers
    2. exploring variation in proportion and means of random samples, drawn from a population
Linear and non-linear relationships Elaborations
  1. Find the distance between two points located on a Cartesian plane using a range of strategies, including graphing software (VCMNA308)
    1. investigating graphical and algebraic techniques for finding distance between two points
    2. using Pythagoras' theorem to calculate distance between two points
  2. Find the midpoint and gradient of a line segment (interval) on the Cartesian plane using a range of strategies, including graphing software (VCMNA309)
    1. investigating graphical and algebraic techniques for finding midpoint and gradient
    2. recognising that the gradient of a line is the same as the gradient of any line segment on that line
  3. Sketch linear graphs using the coordinates of two points and solve linear equations (VCMNA310)
    1. determining linear rules from suitable diagrams, tables of values and graphs and describing them using both words and algebra
  4. Graph simple non-linear relations with and without the use of digital technologies and solve simple related equations (VCMNA311)
    1. graphing parabolas, and circles connecting x-intercepts of a graph to a related equation

Measurement and Geometry

Using units of measurement Elaborations
  1. Calculate the areas of composite shapes (VCMMG312)
    1. understanding that partitioning composite shapes into rectangles and triangles is a strategy for solving problems involving area
  2. Calculate the surface area and volume of cylinders and solve related problems (VCMMG313)
    1. analysing nets of cylinders to establish formulas for surface area
    2. connecting the volume and capacity of a cylinder to solve authentic problems
  3. Solve problems involving the surface area and volume of right prisms (VCMMG314)
    1. solving practical problems involving surface area and volume of right prisms
  4. Investigate very small and very large time scales and intervals (VCMMG315)
    1. investigating the usefulness of scientific notation in representing very large and very small numbers
Geometric reasoning Elaborations
  1. Use the enlargement transformation to explain similarity and develop the conditions for triangles to be similar (VCMMG316)
    1. establishing the conditions for similarity of two triangles and comparing this to the conditions for congruence
    2. using the properties of similarity and ratio, and correct mathematical notation and language, to solve problems involving enlargement. For example, scale diagrams
    3. using the enlargement transformation to establish similarityunderstanding that similarity and congruence help describe relationships between geometrical shapes and are important elements of reasoning and proof
  2. Solve problems using ratio and scale factors in similar figures (VCMMG317)
    1. establishing the relationship between areas of similar figures and the ratio of corresponding sides (scale factor)
Pythagoras and trigonometry Elaborations
  1. Investigate Pythagoras’ Theorem and its application to solving simple problems involving right angled triangles (VCMMG318)
    1. understanding that Pythagoras' Theorem is a useful tool in determining unknown lengths in right-angled triangles and has widespread applications
    2. recognising that right-angled triangle calculations may generate results that can be integers, fractions or irrational numbers
  2. Use similarity to investigate the constancy of the sine, cosine and tangent ratios for a given angle in right-angled triangles (VCMMG319)
    1. developing understanding of the relationship between the corresponding sides of similar right-angled triangles
  3. Apply trigonometry to solve right-angled triangle problems (VCMMG320)
    1. understanding the terms 'adjacent' and 'opposite' sides in a right-angled triangle
    2. selecting and accurately using the correct trigonometric ratio to find unknown sides (adjacent, opposite and hypotenuse) and angles in right-angled triangles

Statistics and Probability

Chance Elaborations
  1. List all outcomes for two-step chance experiments, both with and without replacement using tree diagrams or arrays. Assign probabilities to outcomes and determine probabilities for events (VCMSP321)
    1. conducting two-step chance experiments
    2. using systematic methods to list outcomes of experiments and to list outcomes favourable to an event
    3. comparing experiments which differ only by being undertaken with replacement or without replacement
  2. Calculate relative frequencies from given or collected data to estimate probabilities of events involving 'and' or 'or' (VCMSP322)
    1. using Venn diagrams or two-way tables to calculate relative frequencies of events involving ‘and’, ‘or’ questions
    2. using relative frequencies to find an estimate of probabilities of ‘and’, ‘or’ events
  3. Investigate reports of surveys in digital media and elsewhere for information on how data were obtained to estimate population means and medians (VCMSP323)
    1. investigating a range of data and its sources. For example, the age of residents in Australia, Cambodia and Tonga, or the number of subjects studied at school by 14-year-old students in Australia, Japan and Timor-Leste
Data representation and interpretation Elaborations
  1. Identify everyday questions and issues involving at least one numerical and at least one categorical variable, and collect data directly from secondary sources (VCMSP324)
    1. comparing the annual rainfall in various parts of Australia, Pakistan, New Guinea and Malaysia
  2. Construct back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots and histograms and describe data, using terms including ‘skewed’, ‘symmetric’ and ‘bi modal’ (VCMSP325)
    1. using stem-and-leaf plots to compare two like sets of data such as the heights of girls and the heights of boys in a class
    2. describing the shape of the distribution of data using terms such as ‘positive skew’, ‘negative skew’ and 'symmetric' and 'bi-modal'
  3. Compare data displays using mean, median and range to describe and interpret numerical data sets in terms of location (centre) and spread (VCMSP326)
    1. comparing means, medians and ranges of two sets of numerical data which have been displayed using histograms, dot plots, or stem and leaf plots

Level 9 Achievement Standard

Number and Algebra

Students apply the index laws using integer indices to variables and numbers, express numbers in scientific notation, solve problems involving very small and very large numbers, and check the order of magnitude of calculations. They solve problems involving simple interest. Students use the distributive law to expand algebraic expressions, including binomial expressions, and simplify a range of algebraic expressions. They find the distance between two points on the Cartesian plane and the gradient and midpoint of a line segment using a range of strategies including the use of digital technology. Students sketch and draw linear and non-linear relations, solve simple related equations and explain the relationship between the graphical and symbolic forms, with and without the use of digital technology.

Measurement and Geometry

Students solve measurement problems involving perimeter and area of composite shapes, surface area and volume of rectangular prisms and cylinders, with and without the use of digital technology. They relate three-dimensional objects to two-dimensional representations. Students explain similarity of triangles, interpret ratios and scale factors in similar figures, and apply Pythagoras's theorem and trigonometry to solve problems involving angles and lengths in right-angled triangles.

Statistics and Probability

Students compare techniques for collecting data from primary and secondary sources, and identify questions and issues involving different data types. They construct histograms and back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots with and without the use of digital technology. Students identify mean and median in skewed, symmetric and bi-modal displays and use these to describe and interpret the distribution of the data. They calculate relative frequencies to estimate probabilities. Students list outcomes for two-step experiments and assign probabilities for those outcomes and related events.

Level 10

Level 10 Description

In Level 10, students extend their use of mathematical models to a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts, involving the use of all types of real numbers. They recognise the role of logical argument and proof in establishing mathematical propositions. Students apply mental, written or technology-assisted forms of computation as appropriate, and routinely use estimation to validate or...

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Level 10 Content Descriptions

Number and Algebra

Real numbers Elaborations
  1. Solve simple problems involving inverse proportion (VCMNA327)
    1. identifying inverse proportion in real life contexts such as exchange rates
    2. modelling problems involving inverse proportion and solving related equations
Money and financial mathematics Elaborations
  1. Connect the compound interest formula to repeated applications of simple interest using appropriate digital technologies (VCMNA328)
    1. working with authentic information, data and interest rates to calculate compound interest and solve related problems
Patterns and algebra Elaborations
  1. Factorise algebraic expressions by taking out a common algebraic factor (VCMNA329)
    1. using the distributive law and the index laws to factorise algebraic expressions
    2. understanding the relationship between factorisation and expansion
  2. Simplify algebraic products and quotients using index laws (VCMNA330)
    1. applying knowledge of index laws to algebraic terms, and simplifying algebraic expressions using both positive and negative integral indices
  3. Apply the four operations to simple algebraic fractions with numerical denominators (VCMNA331)
    1. expressing the sum and difference of algebraic fractions with a common denominator
    2. using the index laws to simplify products and quotients of algebraic fractions
  4. Expand binomial products and factorise monic quadratic expressions using a variety of strategies (VCMNA332)
    1. exploring the method of completing the square to factorise quadratic expressions and solve quadratic equations
    2. identifying and using common factors, including binomial expressions, to factorise algebraic expressions using the technique of grouping in pairs
    3. using the identities for perfect squares and the difference of squares to factorise quadratic expressions
  5. Substitute values into formulas to determine an unknown and re-arrange formulas to solve for a particular term (VCMNA333)
    1. solving simple equations arising from formulas
    2. re-arranging expressions to make a specified variable the subject such as calculating the radius of a sphere to produce a given volume
  6. Implement algorithms using data structures in a general-purpose programming language (VCMNA334)
    1. using two-dimensional arrays such as matrices to represent and implement sequences of transformations of sets of points in the plane
    2. using pointers in algorithms
Linear and non-linear relationships Elaborations
  1. Solve problems involving linear equations, including those derived from formulas (VCMNA335)
    1. representing word problems with simple linear equations and solving them to answer questions
  2. Solve linear inequalities and graph their solutions on a number line (VCMNA336)
    1. representing word problems with simple linear inequalities and solving them to answer questions
  3. Solve simultaneous linear equations, using algebraic and graphical techniques including using digital technology (VCMNA337)
    1. associating the solution of simultaneous equations with the coordinates of the intersection of their corresponding graphs
  4. Solve problems involving gradients of parallel and perpendicular lines (VCMNA338)
    1. solving problems using the fact that parallel lines have the same gradient and conversely that if two lines have the same gradient then they are parallel
    2. solving problems using the fact that the product of the gradients of perpendicular lines is –1 and conversely that if the product of the gradients of two lines is –1 then they are perpendicular
  5. Explore the connection between algebraic and graphical representations of relations such as simple quadratic, reciprocal, circle and exponential, using digital technology as appropriate (VCMNA339)
    1. sketching graphs of parabolas, and circles
    2. applying translations, reflections and stretches to parabolas and circles
    3. sketching the graphs of exponential functions using transformations
    4. plotting graphs of families of relations where the product of two variable is equal to a fixed constant
  6. Solve linear equations involving simple algebraic fractions (VCMNA340)
    1. solving a wide range of linear equations, including those involving one or two simple algebraic fractions, and checking solutions by substitution
    2. representing word problems, including those involving fractions, as equations and solving them to answer the question
  7. Solve simple quadratic equations using a range of strategies (VCMNA341)
    1. using a variety of techniques to solve quadratic equations, including grouping, completing the square, the quadratic formula, and choosing two integers with the required product and sum
  8. Solve equations using systematic guess-check-and-refine with digital technology (VCMNA342)
    1. refining intervals on graphs and/or in tables of values to determine with increasing accuracy when the values of two functions are approximately equal

Measurement and Geometry

Using units of measurement Elaborations
  1. Solve problems involving surface area and volume for a range of prisms, cylinders and composite solids (VCMMG343)
    1. investigating and determining the volumes and surface areas of composite solids by considering the individual solids from which they are constructed
Geometric reasoning Elaborations
  1. Formulate proofs involving congruent triangles and angle properties (VCMMG344)
    1. applying an understanding of relationships to deduce properties of geometric figures (for example the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal)
  2. Apply logical reasoning, including the use of congruence and similarity, to proofs and numerical exercises involving plane shapes (VCMMG345)
    1. distinguishing between a practical demonstration and a proof (for example demonstrating triangles are congruent by placing them on top of each other, as compared to using congruence tests to establish that triangles are congruent)
    2. performing a sequence of steps to determine an unknown angle giving a justification in moving from one step to the next.
    3. communicating a proof using a sequence of logically connected statements
Pythagoras and trigonometry Elaborations
  1. Solve right-angled triangle problems including those involving direction and angles of elevation and depression (VCMMG346)
    1. applying Pythagoras's Theorem and trigonometry to problems in surveying and design

Statistics and Probability

Chance Elaborations
  1. Describe the results of two- and three-step chance experiments, both with and without replacements, assign probabilities to outcomes and determine probabilities of events. Investigate the concept of independence (VCMSP347)
    1. recognising that an event can be dependent on another event and that this will affect the way its probability is calculated
  2. Use the language of ‘if ....then, ‘given’, ‘of’, ‘knowing that’ to investigate conditional statements and identify common mistakes in interpreting such language (VCMSP348)
    1. using two-way tables and Venn diagrams to understand conditional statements
    2. using arrays and tree diagrams to determine probabilities
Data representation and interpretation Elaborations
  1. Determine quartiles and interquartile range and investigate the effect of individual data values, including outliers on the interquartile range (VCMSP349)
    1. finding the five-number summary (minimum and maximum values, median and upper and lower quartiles) and using its graphical representation, the box plot, as tools for both numerically and visually comparing the centre and spread of data sets
    2. exploring the effect of varying data values, including outliers, on the interquartile range for different sets of data
  2. Construct and interpret box plots and use them to compare data sets (VCMSP350)
    1. understanding that box plots are an efficient and common way of representing and summarising data and can facilitate comparisons between data sets
    2. using parallel box plots to compare data about the age distribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with that of the Australian population as a whole
  3. Compare shapes of box plots to corresponding histograms and dot plots and discuss the distribution of data (VCMSP351)
    1. investigating data in different ways to make comparisons and draw conclusions
    2. using a dot plot, box-plot or histogram to construct a cumulative frequency distribution for a set of data
  4. Use scatter plots to investigate and comment on relationships between two numerical variables (VCMSP352)
    1. using authentic data to construct scatter plots, make comparisons and draw conclusions
  5. Investigate and describe bivariate numerical data, including where the independent variable is time (VCMSP353)
    1. investigating biodiversity changes in Australia since European occupation
    2. constructing and interpreting data displays representing bivariate data over time
    3. constructing scatter-plots for two numerical variables and investigate trends such as water storage levels over time or weight and height distributions
  6. Evaluate statistical reports in the media and other places by linking claims to displays, statistics and representative data (VCMSP354)
    1. investigating the use of statistics in reports regarding the growth of Australia's trade with other countries of the Asia region
    2. evaluating statistical reports comparing the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with that of the Australian population as a whole

Level 10 Achievement Standard

Number and Algebra

Students recognise the connection between simple and compound interest. They solve problems involving linear equations and inequalities, quadratic equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations and related graphs, with and without the use of digital technology. Students substitute into formulas, find unknown values, manipulate linear algebraic expressions, expand binomial expressions and factorise monic and simple non-monic quadratic expressions, with and without the use of digital technology. They represent linear, quadratic and exponential functions numerically, graphically and algebraically, and use them to model situations and solve practical problems.

Measurement and Geometry

Students solve and explain surface area and volume problems relating to composite solids. They use parallel and perpendicular lines, angle and triangle properties, similarity, trigonometry and congruence to solve practical problems and develop proofs involving lengths, angles and areas in plane shapes. They use digital technology to construct and manipulate geometric shapes and objects, and explore symmetry and pattern in two dimensions.

Statistics and Probability

Students compare univariate data sets by referring to summary statistics and the shape of their displays. They describe bivariate data where the independent variable is time and use scatter-plots generated by digital technology to investigate relationships between two continuous variables. Students evaluate the use of statistics in the media. They list outcomes for multi-step chance experiments involving independent and dependent events, and assign probabilities for these experiments.

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