Explain this
AS Use of Maths - Algebra & Graphs (incorporating applying Maths)
How the publisher describes it:
“Written for the new AS Level in Use of Maths in conjunction with the Nuffield Curriculum Centre and developed in consultation with schools and colleges. This series is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to study maths to complement other areas of study by applying mathematics to other subjects and real life situations.”
Review by Steve Bishop
In brief:
Teachers using the AS Use of maths will find this been indispensable; teachers not using the syllabus will find the book an excellent source of inspiration for contextualising pure mathematics.
“Aplethora of real world examples which show the application of maths in what may be unfamiliar contexts”
The AS level, Use of Mathematics (UoM) is designed for students “who want to learn how to apply advanced mathematics in real and interesting contexts”. Consequently, there is more emphasis on process skills and lesser emphasis on content than in a traditional Mathematics AS. This emphasis on process is what makes this textbook different from most other traditional AS mathematics books. There is a strong emphasis on interpretation and analysis in this book, which covers the two compulsory modules of the AS UoM.
It is likely that this book will only be used by teachers and students who use this syllabus; and that would be a shame as there is a plethora of real world examples which show the application of maths in what may be unfamiliar contexts - which is the books strength.
Each section starts with “key web search terms”, which seem a little superfluous, and a map of the section. It is extremely well illustrated with clearly labelled and title graphs, line diagrams and many photographs. In each chapter there are discussion points, checkpoints, a revision summary and practice exam questions.
The mathematical content of this book includes: proportional, linear and quadratic models; power functions; exponential growth and decay; simulations; trigonometric functions; transformations of graphs; linearising data; and recurrence relations.
Linked in with the book are resource sheets, practice sheets and other IT-based activities. These were available for download from the Nuffield and Nelson Thorne websites but the links they gave us are now [June 2007] not working.
The Excel activities in the book were at times a little predictable, but they do provide useful models for IT-challenged teachers to follow. A final chapter on “Using technology”, provided a brief - too brief in the case of graphic calculators - look at using graphic calculators and spreadsheets. Autograph also gets a mention here but there is not much that can be said about autograph in two sentences! There is no mention of FXDraw or Omnigraph.
Teachers using the AS Use of maths will find this been indispensable; teachers not using the syllabus will find the book an excellent source of inspiration for contextualising pure mathematics.
Steve Bishop • Mathematics lecturer, City of Bristol College
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Nelson Thornes; New edition edition (12 May 2003)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0748769765
ISBN-13: 978-0748769766
Product Dimensions: 27 x 20 x 1.4 cm
