National 5 Applications of Mathematics SQA

This subject is broken down into 28 topics in 6 modules:

  1. Numeracy 5 topics
  2. Financial Skills 5 topics
  3. Statistical Skills 4 topics
  4. Measurement Skills 7 topics
  5. Geometric Skills 4 topics
  6. Graphical Data and Probability Skills 3 topics
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  • 6
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  • 28
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  • 10,614
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Applications of Mathematics

Numeracy

Selecting and Using Appropriate Numerical Notation and Units

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Selecting and Using Appropriate Numerical Notation and Units

Understanding Numerical Notation

  • Numerical Notation involves the way numbers are written and understood.

  • It's important to be able to read and write numbers in whole number form, decimal form, and fractions.

  • Required to understand scientific notation, especially when dealing with very large or small values.

  • Recognise the difference between positive and negative numbers in context.

  • Understand ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) and their use in different contexts.

Utilizing Appropriate Units

  • All numerical values should be presented with appropriate units, unless they are dimensionless.

  • Familiarise yourself with common units such as kilograms for mass, metres for length, and seconds for time.

  • Need to understand metric prefixes such as kilo-, centi-, and milli-.

  • Conversion between different units within the same system, e.g. centimetres to metres, is crucial.

  • Learn to convert between imperial and metric units for some values like length (miles to kilometers) and weight (pounds to kilograms).

  • Understand time conversions, including seconds to minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days.

Practical Application of Numerical Notation and Units

  • Accurately use appropriate numerical notation and units in problem-solving situations.

  • Consider the appropriate level of accuracy or estimation based on the context of the problem.

  • Recognise when conversion between units is required in a problem.

  • Determine the appropriate scale for reading diagrams, maps or similar representation.

  • Check final answers to ensure they are in the correct format and feature the correct units.

Course material for Applications of Mathematics, module Numeracy, topic Selecting and Using Appropriate Numerical Notation and Units

Applications of Mathematics

Measurement Skills

Calculating a Quantity

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Calculating a Quantity

Calculating a Quantity

Measure Units

  • Understand that quantities are presented in specific units of measurements.
  • Familiarize yourself with both the imperial system (inches, feet, yards, miles, ounces, pounds, stones, gallons) and the metric system (metres, litres, grams).
  • Ensure that you can convert between different units. For instance, 1 kilometre equals 1000 metres, 1 pound equals 16 ounces.

Basic Calculation

  • Be able to perform basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • Be capable of using a formula to calculate a specific quantity. E.g., to calculate area of a square, use side x side.
  • Understand how to calculate percentages for quantifiable values in a given scenario, such as discounts or increases.

Use of Proportions

  • Grasp that proportions can be used to calculate quantities.
  • Know that a proportion states that two ratios or fractions are equivalent. For instance, if 20 apples cost 5 pounds, then 40 apples cost 10 pounds.
  • Understand that proportional relationships can constitute a key part of calculations involving quantities.

Scientific Notations

  • Understand scientific notations are used to express very large or very small quantities.
  • For instance, 4.5 x 10^7 represents a large quantity, while 5.2 x 10^-3 represents a small quantity.

Use of Estimation

  • Recognize that estimation can be used when an exact figure is not necessary.
  • When estimating, it's important to judge whether the answer seems reasonable.
  • Bear in mind that estimation is often used to check the plausibility of a calculated answer.

Errors and Accuracy

  • Realise that calculations involving measurements are subject to errors.
  • Become familiar with the concept of accuracy and know how to express a given measurement to the required degree of accuracy.
  • Be conscious of the differences between absolute, relative, and percentage errors, and know how to calculate each type.

Course material for Applications of Mathematics, module Measurement Skills, topic Calculating a Quantity

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