RATIONALE:Core Mathematics was developed to offer students a sound base, in preparation for the University's Mathematics courses. Additionally, the course is specifically designed so that it may be used as a substitute for a pass in CSEC mathematics. Core Mathematics is delivered along the principles of competency- based teaching and learning.COURSE DESCRIPTION:The course sets out the basics of mathematical principles and moves into more advanced applications which will equip students to effectively cope with other mathematics courses they will encounter throughout their program. Topics include arithmetic operations, and basic statistics, trigonometry, and graphs.GENERAL OBJECTIVE:To prepare students for a sound base in College MathematicsCOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:After completing this course students should be able Solve worded and numerically expressed mathematical problems.Solve graphically and analytically mathematical problems.Discuss the importance of mathematics to national development.Apply mathematical concepts to effectively deal with real world situations.SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENTUnit 1 Computation Differentiate among subsets of real numbers [natural, whole, integer, rational, irrational]State and apply number properties[associative, commutative laws]Approximate decimal numbers by rounding off [decimal places, significant figures.]Represent decimal numbers in scientific notation.Differentiate between prime and composite numbers.Differentiate between prime and composite numbers..Solve typical ratio/proportion problemsUnit 2 Consumer Mathematics Compare simple interest and compound Interest investmentsSolve hire-purchase and profit/loss problemsApply currency conversion techniqueUnit 3 Statistics Topics to include only: Computation and Consumer MathematicsDistinguish between discrete and continuous dataInterpret data from given statistical diagrams [Pie chart, Line, Bar graph)Calculate statistical averages for grouped and ungrouped data [Mean, Mode, Median]Determine which average is best suited for particular situationsUnit 4 Algebra Simplify expressions by grouping like termsSimplify algebraic fractionsFactorize algebraic expressions [By factor, Grouping, The difference of two squares, Quadratic factorization]Solve linear equations including those containing fractionsSolve linear inequalities and represent them on number lines Solve linear simultaneous equationsUnit 5 Sets Appreciation and use of set terminology [Equal sets; Equivalent sets; Subsets including the 2n formula; Set builder notation]Apply set symbols [Including union, intersection, and complement symbols]Interpret and apply Venn- diagrams to identify regions and to solve typical 2 set wordedUnit 6 Trigonometry & MatricesTopics to include only: Algebra (solving simultaneous equations and solving quadratic equations by factorization and formula) &SetsIdentify the types of triangles [equilateral, isosceles, scalene, right]Use Pythagoras' theorem to find the length of an unknown side in a right triangleUnit 7 Graphs Plot graphs of linear equationsSolve a pair of linear simultaneous equations graphicallyLEARNING RESOURCES:Text Books; Lecture NotesREQUIRED TEXT(S):Toolsie, R. (2010). Mathematics a Complete Course with CXC Questions Vol. 1.San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago. Caribbean Educational Publishers