Maths for science and technology

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	Time: 15 hours Level: Introductory

	Introduction Introduction Resource How do you feel about the mathematics in your course materials? It is quite possible that you do not feel as confident as you would like. If you have not done any mathematics recently, you may feel that...

	1 Preamble 1 Preamble Resource The mathematical skills assumed by Open University courses in the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Technology, vary greatly from course to course. Students are strongly...

	2 Reflection on mathematics 2 Reflection on mathematics Resource As you have seen from the Preamble, we have designed this toolkit for students on mathematics, technology and science courses who feel the need to get some more help with the mathematical content of their...

	3 Indices 3 Indices Resource In mathematics, we often need to find a shorthand way of representing information or data. Nowhere is this need more obvious than when we wish to represent something like the product of 2 multiplied by...

	4 Equations and algebra Solving equations using algebraic techniques Resource In mathematics, equations are used a great deal in arriving at a solution to a problem. In this section, we wish to refresh your memory of how you can solve an equation using algebraic techniques. We have... A Why use algebra? Resource We've seen examples in Section 2 where the quantities in problems are always related in a particular way. For example, V = u + at is a general expression connecting initial and final velocity (u and V),... B Simplifying algebraic expressions Resource Whenever we wish to solve an expression, we should first rearrange it to make it as simple as possible, then manipulate it. If we try to manipulate expressions in a complex form, we increase the possibility... C Changing the subject of an equation Resource Now, we will look at rearranging an equation. Before we do this, we would like you to look at some general rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers. Symbols... D Solving simple equations with one unknown Resource Now we wish to move on to equations where you can find a solution. The work that you have done so far on simplifying and rearranging equations will be used here. E Simultaneous equations Resource Simultaneous equations are pairs of equations that are both true (i.e. they are simultaneously true). They are both expressed as equations with two unknowns. By making one of these unknowns the subject...

	5 Units, significant figures and scientific notation 5 Units, significant figures and scientific notation Resource Have you come across an assignment question or an exam question where you think everyone is setting out to make life as difficult as possible for you? You know which formula to use but none of the figures...

	6 Basic trigonometry 6 Basic trigonometry Resource We are going to look at some of the basics of trigonometry relating to right angle triangles. So the first question is, What is a right angle triangle?

	7 Logarithms 7 Logarithms Resource The equation 23 = 8 means that 3 is the index of the power to which we raise the number 2 to produce 8.

	8 Further reading and sources of help 8 Further reading and sources of help Resource Where to get more help with using and interpreting tables, graphs, percentages, and with other aspects of numerical work.

	References and Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Resource