Course Title :- Introductory Mathematics for Technicians

Course Code :- MATH1045

Level :- 1 CREDIT POINTS :- 4.0

Parent Programme :- National Engineering Technician Diploma

Type of Course :- Lecture and Tutorials

Date Validated :- August 2012 Date Modified :- 31 May 2024

TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD: (3+2+ 4) x 13 = 117 hrs.

The weekly hours committed to the course will typically include 5 hours of formal delivery with
students expected to manage directed learning and independent study in support of the
course.

The normal weekly workload will be:

Lecture: 3 hrs.

Tutorials: 2 hrs.

Directed and independent study: 4 hrs.

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this course, however, students are expected to undergo a
diagnostic test to assess their proficiency in mathematical fundamentals. Students who do not
receive at least seventy five percent (75%) will be required to invest two hours (2) per week to
improve their knowledge and skills.

ATTENDANCE

Students are required to be punctual and regular in attendance to classes at all times and to
maintain at least an 80% attendance record. In case of absence, students are expected to
inform the Programme Leader and course Instructor in writing. In cases where attendance falls
below 80% prior to add/drop deadline, students may be asked to deregister from a course.
Absence from classes after add/drop deadline has passed may result in the student being
debarred from writing the final examinations. In such cases the student may be awarded a
failing grade (F) on their transcript (Policy Ref. No AP 012).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course marks the beginning of the mathematics courses in the NETD Mechanical
Engineering Programme, aiming to furnish students with essential skills and knowledge to
seamlessly transition into advanced mathematics courses and to extend their understanding of
mathematical concepts learnt to application in real life problems. Emphasis is on applying
mathematical concepts to real-world challenges through well-structured coursework and
assignments, fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Individual and group
assessments will be conducted to assess student progress, with an emphasis on active
learning methodologies. Integrative assignments and projects will connect course material with
related topics. Topics covered include Algebra, Functions, Complex Numbers, Polynomial and
Rational Functions, Exponents, Radicals, and Trigonometry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, it is expected that the students would be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in applying fundamental mathematical principles to analyze

and solve real-world problems encountered in mechanical engineering and related
fields, thereby enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. [F1]

AREAS OF STUDY

This course will cover topics such as:

1. Algebra, Functions and Graphs

a. Simplify expressions, including rational expressions.

b. Factorise quadratic expressions.

c. Solve linear simultaneous equations using determinants (Cramer’s Rule) – 2 x 2

matrices

d. Solve simultaneous equations in two unknowns, one linear.

e. Write quadratic functions in the form a (x + h)2 + k.

f. Sketch the graph of a quadratic function.

g. Solve quadratic equations by factorization, completing the square and by using the
quadratic formula.

h. Identify direct, inverse and joint variation.

i. Determine the unknown quantity in a variation problem.

j. Solve application problems involving direct, inverse and joint variation.

k. Apply principles of algebra to solve non-routine word problems.

l. Define a function.
 m. Determine whether a relation is a function.

n. Identify functions, compute function values, function domain and range.

o. Recognise and interpret graphs of linear, quadratic, cubic, absolute -valued and
piecewise functions.

2. Exponents and Radical Functions

a. Define and apply rational exponents.

b. Use the properties of exponents to evaluate and simplify expressions with rational
exponents.

c. Solve algebraic equations involving exponents.

d. Solve real world problems involving exponents. Convert from exponent to radical form
and from radical to exponent form.

e. Solve equations with rational exponents.

f. Apply the multiplication and division properties to simplify radicals

i. Multiplication Property:

ab−−√nabn

a−−√nan

b√nbn

ii. Division Property:

ab−−√nabn

a−−√nan

b√nbn

g. Perform operations on radicals.

h. Rationalise the denominator of a radical expression with;

i. (i) one term or

ii. (ii) two terms in the denominator.

 i. Solve radical equations as well as real world problems involving radical functions.

3. Extending the number system – Introduction to complex numbers

a. Define a complex number.

b. Perform four (4) basic arithmetic operations on complex numbers in rectangular form.

c. Recognise the polar form and exponential form of a complex number (students are not
required to perform any calculations in polar or exponential form).

d. Convert from rectangular to polar form and vice versa using a calculator.

4. Polynomial and Rational Functions

a. Identify polynomials.

b. Simplify polynomial expressions (add, subtract, multiply and divide using long division
and synthetic division).

c. Define a rational function.

d. Differentiate between a rational function and a polynomial function.

e. Determine the discontinuities and asymptotes of rational functions.

f. Read and interpret graphs of rational functions.

g. Perform operations on rational expressions.

h. Solve simple rational equations.

5. Trigonometry

a. Define the trigonometric ratios sine, cosine and tangent of an angle.

b. Solve right triangles using the trigonometric ratios.

c. Determine and use the ratios of sides of special triangles.

d. Convert radians to degrees and vice versa.

e. Determine the reference angle for any given angle.

f. Use the Laws of Sine and Cosine.

g. Solve application problems involving trigonometry (e.g., in navigation and surveying).

h. Calculate the area of a triangle given:

i. two sides and the included angle or

ii. three sides.

 i. Find the ratios of the sides of the special triangles (450-450-900 and 300-600-900) and use
in an applied context.

j. Use simple trigonometric identities to simplify and rewrite trigonometric expressions

and do simple proofs. Identities:

i. cos2x+sin2x=1cos2x+sin2x=1

ii. tanx=sinxcosxtanx=sin⁡xcos⁡x

iii. cos(90−x)=sinx cos⁡90−x=sin⁡x

and

iv. sin(90−x)=cosxsin⁡90−x=cos⁡x

k. Recognise and use the graphs of the sine, cosine and tangent functions and determine
their amplitude and period.

l. Apply trigonometric models to solve real world problems.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

This course's teaching and learning methodology will include a variety of instructional
modalities, such as lectures, tutorials, and in-class exercises. Lectures will be created and
delivered to introduce students to the world of mathematics and its applications in engineering
problems. All lectures will build on prior topics and serve as a foundation for students to
progress.

ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS

Assessments shall be continuous over the course of the term with a final examination at the end
of the semester.

Assessment Element 1

weighting: 10%

assessment type: Coursework Assignments

special facilities: None

time/duration: 3 – 4 weeks

(CLO: 1)
Assessment Element 2

weighting: 40%

assessment type: Quiz

Quiz 1 10% Area of Study: 1

Quiz 2 15% Area of Study: 2 – 4;

(Up to Polynomial Functions)

Quiz 3 15% Area of Study: 4 - 5

(Rational Functions and Trigonometry)

special facilities: classroom

time/duration: 1-1.5 hrs.

(CLO: 1)

Assessment Element 3

weighting: 50%

assessment type: Final Examination

Final Test 50% Area of Study: 1 - 5

special facilities: Classroom

time/duration: Three (3) hours

(CLO: 1)

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

The evaluation method employed in this course is designed to provide students with timely and
consistent feedback via formative and summative assessments. Lectures will be used to teach
students essential mathematical ideas. Evaluation in this course will comprise one (1)
coursework assignment, three (3) quizzes, and a final examination designed to examine
students' fundamental understanding and knowledge. Formative evaluation will be conducted
as in-class exercises during weekly sessions.

This course's summative evaluation elements include assignments and quizzes that measure
basic understanding and knowledge.
Assessment 1: This is an assignment worth 10% as outlined in assessment element 1. This
assignment can be divided into an individual and/or group assignment and should be based on
a real-world problem specific to the discipline. It can be in the form of a project, research
problem or application problems and can be based on any of the topics outlined in the course.

Assessment 2: This will comprise a closed book quiz worth 10%. The quiz can consist of
multiple choice and structured questions or structured questions only and will be based on
topics as outlined in assessment element 2. Questions should be designed to test knowledge
and understanding as well as critical thinking and should include application to the specific
discipline.

Assessment 3: This is a closed book quiz worth 15% based on topics outlined in assessment
element 2. Please refer to assessment 1 which gives details on the type and level of questions.

Assessment 4: This is the final coursework quiz and it is worth 15%. It is a closed book quiz and
is based on topics as outlined in assessment element 2. Please refer to assessment 1.

Assessment 5: This is the final examination which is worth 50% and is based on all topics in the
course

AGGREGATION & RE-ASSESSMENT RULES

Assessment and reassessment regulations being observed are outlined in “ASSESSMENT

REGULATIONS FOR TAUGHT PROGRAMMES” - Approved by UTT Board of Governors: 2020-
2023.

The assessment components (assignments, quizzes and final examination) will be combined to
provide a single aggregated grade. To pass the course, the student must complete all of the in-
course tasks and assessments.

Students undertaking NETD – Mechanical Engineering must achieve an overall aggregated

mark of at least 50% in order to pass this course.

Students must pass both the coursework component and the final examination in order to
pass the course.

RECOMMENDED READING

Essential Textbook

1. Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus (Tenth Edition) – Allyn J. Washinghton

Additional Resources

1. https://www.khanacademy.org/
 Course Developed by Date

Course Author :- Ms. Arlene Smith May 2018

Modified by :- Ms. Arlene Smith, Dr Edward May 2024

Cumberbatch and Dr Norris Sookoo

Course Instructor :- Ms. Arlene Smith

[email protected],
[email protected],
Contact Information :-
[email protected]

Availability times in office :- To be determined