MATH1121 Mathematics 1A

This topic together with MATH1122 Mathematics 1B is designed for students who have studied SACE Stage 2 Mathematics and who wish to proceed to a degree in any discipline which requires higher level mathematics. It is the standard prerequisite for all higher level topics in mathematics that require knowledge of first year mathematics.

The material covered includes: functions, limits and continuity, differential calculus, computation of derivatives, the chain rule, Intermediate Value and Mean Value Theorems. Applications to graphing, rates of change, maxima and minima. Complex numbers, Euler's formula, complex exponential. Three-dimensional analytic geometry, matrices, systems of linear equations, vectors, equations of lines and planes.

This topic aims to introduce the basic concepts and techniques of differential calculus, complex numbers, linear algebra, systems of equations and matrices and provides the foundation for all areas requiring first year university mathematics. Intensive hands-on approach in the workshops aims to provide the students the essential skills in mathematical manipulations within the context of the course. The topic aims to develop a modelling and problem solving approach to mathematics and its applications through an appropriate combination of the underlying concepts and the facility of mathematical software.

1. Understand the key concepts which underlie single-variable differential calculus and linear algebra
2. Be familiar with the basic facilities available in Maplemathematical software
3. Use problem solving, critical and reasoning abilities