Mathematics Extension 2 (1U)

This course is offered in the year 12 HSC course only. This course is designed for students with a special interest in Mathematics who have shown that they possess particular aptitude for the subject. It represents a distinctly higher level in school mathematics involving the development of considerable manipulative skills and a high degree of understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus. The topics are treated in some depth. Thus the course provides a sufficient basis for a wide range of useful applications of Mathematics as well as an adequate foundation for further study of Mathematics.

Students will be admitted to Extension II by invitation only.

Course description

Mathematics Extension 2 provides students with the opportunity to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an appreciation of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration. Mathematics Extension 2 extends students’ conceptual knowledge and understanding through exploration of new areas of mathematics not previously seen.

The Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 course includes the Mathematics Extension 1 Year 12 course and the Mathematics Advanced Year 12 course.

The Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 courses form a continuum.

All students studying the Mathematics Extension 2 course will sit for an HSC examination.

What students learn

The study of Mathematics Extension 2 in Stage 6:

• enables students to develop strong knowledge, understanding and skills in working mathematically and in communicating concisely and precisely

• provides opportunities to develop strong mathematical manipulative skills and a deep understanding of the fundamental ideas of algebra and calculus, as well as an awareness of mathematics as an activity with its own intrinsic value, involving invention, intuition and exploration

• provides opportunities at progressively higher levels for students to acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to concepts within areas of mathematics that have applications in an increasing number of contexts

• provides a basis for progression to further study in mathematics or related disciplines and in which mathematics has a vital role at tertiary level

• provides an appropriate mathematical background for students whose future pathways will be founded in mathematics and its applications in such areas as science, engineering, finance and economics.

Course Structure

Year 12 course

The Mathematics Extension 2 course comprises five Topics, with the Topics divided into Subtopics.

Topic: Proof

• The Nature of Proof

• Further Proof by Mathematical Induction

Topic: Vectors

• Further Work with Vectors

Topic: Complex Numbers

• Introduction to Complex Numbers

• Using Complex Numbers

Topic: Calculus

• Further Integration

Topic: Mechanics

• Applications of Calculus to Mechanics

See more on NESA website