MATHEMATICS/
NUMERACY
Moments in Mathematics
Junior School
Measurement has been an area of focus for our Year 7 students this term. This has included learning and applying the perimeter, area, and volume formulas for two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects, and carefully considering appropriate units – and conversions of units – for each type of measurement.
Some classes then put their knowledge into practice around the school, using trundle wheels to determine the actual dimensions of various locations, rooms, and buildings so that they could then calculate the perimeters, areas, and volumes of those spaces.
Students extended their understanding by applying the topic knowledge to composite shapes and objects, which are created by combining more than one shape or object together, as well as using their skills to solve problems within real-world contexts.
Senior School
This week our Year 11 General Mathematics students have started exploring linear relations. They have been applying algebraic techniques to work with linear equations, as well as utilising technology to support and check their solutions.
Simple applications of linear relations and equations involve using variables to represent unknown quantities to solve scenarios. More complex scenarios involve multiple variables and finding solutions using simultaneous equations.
By the end of this topic, our students will also have worked with and sketched linear inequalities, and had experience with linear programming – the method of modelling scenarios where there is a need to minimise or maximise some quantity given certain constraints. A common application of linear programming is working out how to maximise a business’ profits, where production capacity, available seating, amount of staff required, and wage and utility costs are all examples of constraints that must be taken into account.
Family Fun
Happy end of term! The answers to the last edition’s puzzles were “none because the barn is already built!” and “16”. Our holiday challenge is for you to create your own Tangram tiles. Tangrams are a seemingly simple yet challenging puzzle involving arranging seven polygons (four-sided shapes) into a variety of arrangements, most traditional of which is a big square.
To make it a little more interesting our challenge for you is to create your own set of Tangram tiles but to be creative with what you use to make them. Paper is an easily accessible material and works well, but can you think of another material – perhaps an unusual one – to use instead? Whatever materials you decide on, use your Tangram tiles to create shapes and pictures, either by researching some to try and recreate or by coming up with some of your own.
We are excited to see and share what you come up with so please email a photo of your Tangram tiles – in any arrangement that you like – to Ms Benedetti along with a description of what materials you used