BOSSLEY PARK HIGH SCHOOL

MATHEMATICS (2 UNIT)
MATHEMATICS EXTENSION 1 (3 UNIT)
The Mathematics (2 Unit) Course
This course is intended for students who have a general competence in all the skills included
in the School Certificate Mathematics Course. It is intended to give these students an
understanding of, and competence in, some further aspects of mathematics that are applicable
to the real world.
The course is a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at
tertiary level in support of courses such as life sciences or commerce.
The Mathematics Extension 1 (3 Unit) Course
The course is intended for students who have demonstrated a mastery of the skills included in
the School Certificate Mathematics Course and who are interested in the study of further
skills and ideas in mathematics. It is intended to give these students a thorough
understanding of, and competence in, aspects of Mathematics, including many which are
applicable to the real world.
The course is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major
discipline at a tertiary level and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and
engineering sciences.
AIMS
1. To give an understanding of important mathematical ideas such as variable, function,
limit, etc., and to introduce students to mathematical techniques which are relevant to
the real world.
2. To understand the need to prove results, to appreciate the role of deductive reasoning
in establishing such proofs, and to develop the ability to construct these proofs.
3. To provide those mathematical skills required for:
a) concurrent studies in Science, Economics and Industrial Arts
b) further studies in mathematics, the physical sciences and the technological
sciences.
In achieving these aims:

Understanding of the basic ideas and precise use of language must be emphasised.
A clear distinction must be made between results which are proved and results which
are merely stated or made plausible.
Where proofs are given, they should be carefully developed, with emphasis on the
deductive processes used.
Attaining competence in mathematical skills and techniques required many examples
given as teaching illustrations and as exercises to be undertaken independently by the
student.
1

Realistic problems should follow the attainment of skills and techniques of problem
solving should be continually developed.
NOTES
1. E The Mathematics (2 Unit) course consists of all items in Topics 1 to 14 not
preceded by an E.
2. The Mathematics Extension 1 (3 Unit) Course consists of all items in Topics 1 to 18
and also requires 2 Unit Extension 1 students to study harder problems on 2 Unit
topics.
3. Students are not required to reproduce proofs of results contained in items
preceded by the symbol .
4. N Teachers should refer to the Notes on the syllabus Part B for specific
examples and treatments for items preceded by an N.
5. P Preliminary Course.
6. H Higher School Certificate Course.
TEXTBOOKS
MATHEMATICS

-JONES AND COUCHMAN 2 UNIT MATHEMATICS

-J. CORONEOS COMBINED 2 UNIT COURSE (REVISED EDITION)
-M GROVE

EXTENSION 1

MATHS IN FOCUS

- J. CORONEOS SIMPLIFIED 3 UNIT COURSE (REVISED EDITION)

SUGGESTED RATE OF PROGRESS

Topic 1
2 Unit students generally will need to thoroughly revise this topic. Teachers may
prefer to treat Topic 3 first, however, it is essential that all students have a thorough
grounding in basic algebra before study in the remainder of the course.

2 Unit Extension 1 students generally will have mastered this topic. Teachers may
prefer to revise some of this topic incidentally in studying later topics.

CALCULATORS
It is assumed all students will possess a scientific calculator although it should not be
assumed all students have fully mastered its use.
In all topics students should be instructed on the correct and most efficient use of the
calculator for that topic.
Students are not permitted to use graphics calculators in the H.S.C. exams and should not rely
on their use during the teaching of the course.

TOPIC 1: ARITHMETIC AND ALGEBRA

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 1.1

Review of arithmetical operations on rational numbers and

quadratic surds.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Basic operations with fractions and decimals.

Conversions between fractions, decimals and percentages.
Determination of powers and roots.
Scientific notation, approximations and significant figures.
Expressions involving parenthesis, powers and roots. N.B.
Correct use of calculator.
6. Quadratic surds, basic operations and rationalising
denominators.
P 1.2

Inequalities and absolute values.

1. Review inequalities.
2. Absolute value - define
a = a for a 0
a = -a for a 0
ab

=
Derive
3.

a +b

as the distance of x from the origin and

distance between x and y on a number line.
4. Simple graphs involving absolute values.
x

x y

Algebraic expressions, substitution, factorisation, algebraic

fractions.
P 1.3

1. Simplifying expressions with grouping symbols.

2. Substitution. Include:
basic operations
powers and roots
integers, fractions and decimals
surds.
3. Factorisation. Include a 3 b 3 = (a b)
4. Algebraic fractions
reduction using factors
multiplication and division
addition and subtraction.

as the

P 1.4

PE

1. Linear equations. Include unknown in the denominator.

2. Linear inequalities. Include absolute value but not with the
unknown in the denominator.
3. Quadratic equations using:
factors
formula.
4. Simultaneous equations.
5. Other inequalities. Include the unknown in the
denominator.

TOPIC 2: PLANE GEOMETRY

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 2.1

Preliminaries on diagrams, notation, symbols and conventions.

<

<

1. Diagrams: students must be able to sketch from data

and understand information shown on a diagram.
Vertices named in CYCLIC order.
2. Notation for points, line and angles.
- AB describes line, line segment, ray or length.
- Angle:
ABC or ABC or B
3. Symbols.
Is parallel to
Is perpendicular to
Is congruent to

Is similar to
|||

Therefore

Because
Definition of special plane figures.
P 2.2
1. Isosceles and equilateral triangles.
2. Quadrilaterals
Parallelogram
Rectangle as a special parallelogram
Square as a special rectangle
Rhombus as a special parallelogram.
3. Regular polygons.
P 2.3

Proofs are to be provided for both general results and examples.

Setting out of arguments is to be demonstrated and practiced.
(i.e. GIVEN, TO BE PROVED, CONSTRUCTIONS, PROOF).
Results may be used in subsequent proofs provided mention is
made of its use.
1. Angles on a straight line, vertically opposite angles,
angles at a point.
2. Parallel lines, transversal and angles formes. Tests for
parallel lines.
3. Angle sum of triangles, quadrilaterals and the general
polygon. Exterior angle of a triangle. Size of the angles
of a regular polygon. Sum of the exterior angles of the
general polygon.

4. Congruence of triangles. Statement of tests for

congruency.
5. Properties of isosceles and equilateral triangles
6. Properties of quadrilaterals
parallelogram
rhombus
rectangle
square.
7. Intercept properties of transversals to parallel lines.
8. Similarity of triangles, statement of tests for similarity.
9. Pythagoras' Theorem; proof using similar triangles.
Converse.
10. Area formulae for triangle, parallelogram, trapezium,
P N2.4
H N2.5
P EN2.6
P E2.7

P E2.8

rhombus.
Application of above properties to the solution of numerical
exercises requiring one or more steps of reasoning.
Application of above properties to the solution of theoretical
problems requiring one or more steps of reasoning.
Harder problems on 2.4 and 2.5.
Definitions of: circle, centre, radius, diameter, arc, sector,
segment, cord, tangent.
Concyclic points.
Cyclic quadrilaterals.
Angle subtended by an arc or chord at the centre and
the circumference.
Arc subtended by an angle.
Common tangent.
Simple angle properties of a circle.

P E2.9
Derivation of further angle, chord and tangent results using
properties obtained in 2.3 and 2.8.
P EN2.10
Applications of all the above properties to numerical and
theoretical problems requiring one or more steps of
reasoning.

TOPIC 3: PROBABILITY
OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 3.1

Random experiments, equally likely outcomes.

Probability of a given result.
1. P(E) = n(E)
n(S)
2. If one of E 1 , E 2 ,..., E n must occur then
P(E 1 ) + P(E 2 ) +...+P(E n ) = 1
3. 0 P(E) 1
4. Simple and composite events from knowledge of the
possible outcomes.
5. Complementary events P() + P(E) = 1.

H 3.2

Sum and product of results.

1. For mutually exclusive events
P( A B ) = P(A) + P(B)
2. General result
P( A B ) = P(A) + P(B) - P(AB)

H 3.3

1. Experiments involving successive outcomes.

2. Tree diagrams.
3. Use of complementary events where appropriate.
(N.B. "At least").

TOPIC 4: REAL FUNCTIONS OF A REAL VARIABLE AND THEIR

GEOMETRICAL REPRESENT
OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 4.1

1. Dependent and independent variables.

2. Functional notation y = f(x)
(Practice use of other symbols such as x = f(t))
3. Range and domain, natural domain.

P 4.2

The graph of a function.

1. The curve y = f(x). Arc between two ordinates.
2. Simple examples to include:
- different types of domain
- bounded and unbounded ranges
- continuous and discontinuous curves
- curves which display symmetries
- curves with "sharp corners"
- curves with asymptotes
3. Sketching, showing main features.
4. Odd and even functions.

P 4.3

Algebraic representation of geometrical relationships.

Locus problems.
1. Problems involving a set of points satisfying a given
condition.
2. Circle as a locus.
(x-a)2 + (y-b) 2 = r2
Finding the centre and radius of the circle, given by
x2 + y2 + 2ax + 2by + c = O
3. Parabola defined as a locus.
x2 = 4ay
Introduce the terms - focus
- directrix
- vertex
- axis
- focal length
4. Derivation of the equation of any parabola with horizontal or
vertical axis.
5. Finding the vertex and focus of the parabola given by
y = ax2 + bx + c

REGISTER
8

P 4.4

Region and inequality.

Simple examples which admit a simple geometric description
(such as interior, bounded by, etc.) and which admit a simple
algebraic description - using one (or more) inequalities in x and
y.

TOPIC 5: TRIGONOMETRIC RATIOS

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER

P 5.1

1. Review of trigonometric ratios using and unit circle.

2. Graphs of y = sin xo, y = cos xo.

P 5.2

1. Trigonometric ratios of: - , 90o - , 180o , 360o .

2. Pythagorean identities: sin2 + cos2 = 1
1 + cot2 = cosec2
tan2 + 1 = sec2

P 5.3
P 5.4

1. The exact ratios for 0o, 30o, 45o, 60o, 90o.

2. Extension to 135o, etc.
Bearings.
1. Common descriptions: due North, South East, N30oE, etc.
2. Bearings measured clockwise from North given in standard
three figure notation.
e.g. 023o (instead of N23oE)
210o (instead of S30oW)
3. Angle of elevation and angle of depression.

P 5.5

P EN5.6

1. Sine rule.
2. Cosine rule.
3. Area of a triangle = .a.b.sinC.
Harder applications of 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5.

P E5.7

1. Expressions for cos (A B)

sin (A B)
tan (A B)
2. Formulae for cos2, sin2, tan2.

P E5.8

Denoting tan by t, expressions for sin, cos, tan are to be

2
derived.

REGISTER
10

P EN5.9

1. Simple trigonometric identities and equations.

2. General solution of trigonometric equations.
- quadratic solution of trigonometric equations.
- substitutions to solve sin2 = cos.
- acos + bsin = m.
* NOTE: Sum and product formulae for the sine and cosine
functions are not included.

11

TOPIC 6: LINEAR FUNCTIONS AND LINES

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 6.1

The linear function y = mx + b and its graph.

P 6.2

1.
2.
3.
4.

P 6.3

1. The point of intersection of two lines.

2. The solution of two linear equations in two unknowns.
3. The equation of a line through the point of intersection of two

The gradient of a line. Significance of b in y = mx + b.

The equation of a line through (x1, y1) with slope m.
The equation of a line through (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).
The GENERAL EQUATION of a line.
ax + by + c = 0
5. Parallel lines.
6. Perpendicular lines.

lines.
(a1x + b1y + c1) + k(a2x + b2y + c2) = 0
P 6.4
P 6.5
P E6.6
P 6.7
E
H N6.8

Regions determined by lines. Linear inequalities.

1. Distance between two points.
2. Perpendicular distance of a point from a line.
The angle between two lines.
1. The midpoint of an interval.
2. The coordinates of a point dividing an interval in a given
ratio (internally and externally).
Coordinate methods in solving geometrical problems (with
specified data).

12

TOPIC 7: SERIES AND APPLICATIONS

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H N7.1

Arithmetic series
1. Definition. Common difference (d).
2. Formula for the nth term (Tn, Un).
3. Formulae for the sum of n terms.

H N7.2

Geometric series.
1. Definition. Common ratio (r).
2. Formula for the nth term (Tn, Un).
3. Formulae for the sum of n terms.

H 7.3

1. Geometric series with common ratio between -1 and 1.

2. Limit of xn, as n , for |x| < 1 using the calculator.
3. Limiting sum.

H EN74

H 7.5

1. Mathematical induction.
2.
Applications.
Applications.
1. Arithmetic series: increments in salaries, increases in costs,
etc.
2. Geometric series: superannuation, compound interest,
simplified hire purchase and repayment problems.
3. Recurring decimals.

13

TOPIC 8: THE TANGENT TO A CURVE AND THE DERIVATIVE

OF A FUNCTION
OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 8.1

Informal discussion of continuity. Refer to curves such as

y = 1, y = |x|
x
x

P 8.2

1. Notion of the limit of a function Lim f(x)

x0
2. Formal definition of continuity.
f(x) is continuous at x = c if
(a) f(x) is defined at x = c
(b) the limit of f(x) as xc exists
(c) Lim f(x) = f(x)
xc
3. Continuity of
(a) f + g
(b) f - g
(c) fg
in terms of the continuity of f and g.

P 8.3

Gradient of a secant to a curve.

P 8.4

1. The tangent as the limiting position of a secant.

2. Gradient of the tangent as the limiting value of the gradient
of the secant.
3. Equations of the tangent and the normal at a given point of
the curve y = f(x) using (ii).

P 8.5

1. Formal definition of the gradient of y = f(x) at the point where

P 8.6

x = c. The derivative (differential coefficient).

2. Notations f (c), dy at x = c
dx
3. Simple numerical examples.

P 8.7

1. The gradient or derivative as a function.

2. Notations f (x), dy, d(f(x)), y
dx
dx
1. Differentiation of xn for positive integral values of n.
2. The tangent to y = xn.

14

8.8 1. Differentiation of x and x from first principles.

-1

2. Theorems for differentiating:

(a) d(cu) = c du
dx
dx
(b) d(u v) = du dv
dx
dx dx
(c) d (uv) = udv + vdu
dx
dx
dx

(d) d(F(u)) = F (u) du

dx
dx
(e) d u = u d 1 + 1 du
dx v
dx v v dx
= v du - u dv
dx
dx
2
v
where u and v are differentiable functions of x.
P 8.9

1. Review of index laws.

2. Differentiation of:
(a) the general polynomial
(b) xn for n rational
(c) (f(x))n
(d) f(x)
g(x)
where f(x) and g(x) are general polynomials.

15

REGISTER

TOPIC 9: THE QUADRATIC POLYNOMIAL AND THE PARABOLA

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
2

P 9.1

1.
2.
3.
4.

The quadratic polynomial ax + bx + c.

Graph of the quadratic function y = ax2 + bx + c.
Roots of a quadratic equation.
Relation between the graph and the roots of the quadratic
equation.
5. Quadratic inequalities - solution using the graph of the
quadratic function.

P 9.2

1.
2.
3.
4.

P 9.3

1. Classification of quadratic expressions:

positive definite, negative definite or indefinite.
2. Greatest or least value of ax2 + bx + c when x = -b
2a
3. Identity of two quadratic expressions.

P 9.4

Equations reducible to quadratics.

Solution of quadratic equations by completing the square.

Derivation and use of the quadratic formula.
The discriminant. Conditions for real, equal or rational roots.
Relations between roots and coefficients:
+ = -b
= c
a
a

1. Let u = x 2, etc.
2. Let u = x 2, 3x, etc.
E

P 9.5

3. Let u = (x + 1), etc.

x
1. The parabola defined as a locus.
2. The equation x2 = 4Ay or y = x2
4A
3. Definition of FOCUS, DIRECTRIX, VERTEX, AXIS,
FOCAL LENGTH.
4. The equations x2 = -4Ay, y2 = 4Ax, y2 = -4Ax.
5. Use of change of origin when vertex is not at the origin (0, 0).
6. Expressing the general quadratic y = ax2 + bx + c in the form
(x - x0)2 = 4A(y - y0)

16

REGISTER
P E9.6

1. The parametric equations x = 2At, y = At2.

2. Equations of the tangent and normal at the point "t".
3. Equation of the chord of contact of the tangents from an
external point.
4. Proving geometrical properties.
(a) Tangent at a point is equally inclined to the axis and the
focal chord (parabolic reflection).
(b) Tangents at extremities of a focal chord intersect at right
angles on the directrix.
5. Simple locus problems.

17

TOPIC 10: GEOMETRICAL APPLICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIATION

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 10.1

Significance of the sign of the derivative - f(x) increasing or

decreasing.

H 10.2

1. Stationary points on curves, dy = 0

dx

2. Turning points : f (x) changes sign as x passes through the

abscissa of the point. Identify maximum and minimum by
considering sign of f (x).
3. Distinction between local maximum (and minimum) and the
greatest (and least) value of a function for a given domain.

H 10.3

The second derivative. Notation f (x), d2y, y

dx2

H 10.4

Geometrical significance of the second derivative.

1. Concavity.
2. Points of inflexion.
3. Use of second derivative to distinguish maximum and
minimum.
Cases where dy = 0 and d2y = 0 should be discussed.
dx
dx2

H 10.5
E

1. Sketching of simple curves.

2. Horizontal and vertical asymptotes.

H 10.6

Problems on maxima and minima.

H 10.7

Tangents and normals to curves.

H 10.8

The primitive function and its geometrical application.

18

TOPIC 11: INTEGRATION

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H N11.1

The definite integral as a limiting sum.

Notation ab f(x) dx is the area under the curve y = f(x)
between
x= a and x = b.

H N11.2

H 11.3

The relation between the integral and primitive function.

Approximate methods.
1. Trapezoidal rule.
2. Simpson's rule.
(a) Three function values, One "strip" or Two subintervals
(b) Five or more function values, More than one "strip" or
Four or more subintervals.
(These may be done as 2 or more applications of (a))
NB: Students should sketch to evaluate the width of each strip.

H 11.4

Applications of integration.
1. Areas bounded by
a) a curve and the x-axis.
b) a curve and the y-axis.
c) two curves.
Emphasise a sketch for each problem.
2. Volumes of solids of revolution.
a) about the x-axis.
b) about the y-axis.
c) standard results for the cone and sphere.
H E11.5

Methods of integration, including reduction by simple

substitutions (which are to be given).

19

TOPIC 12: LOGARITHMIC AND EXPONENTIAL FUNCTIONS

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 12.1

1. Review of index laws.

2. Definition of ar for a >0, where r is rational.
3. Use of calculator in numerical exercises and to verify
examples of index laws.
4. Algebraic computations involving index rules.

H 12.2

1. Definition of the logarithm to the base a.

Use of the terms EXPONENT, BASE, LOGARITHM.
(Emphasise the logarithm is the index).
2. Algebraic properties of logarithms and exponents (should be
derived) from the index laws.
a) log a1 = 0
b) log a(xy) = log a x + log a y
c) log a (xc) = c.log a x
3. Use of calculator in numerical exercises.

H 12.3

1. Graphs of y = ax and y = log a x (using calculators to establish

table of values).
2. Change of base formula: log a x = log b x
log b a
Numerical exercises on calculator.

H N12.4

1. The derivative of y = ax
2. The derivative of y = log ax
3. Natural logarithms:

dt

= 1n x + c

t
4. Exponential function, y = ex, as the inverse of y = 1n x.
H 12.5

Differentiation and integration of simple composite functions

involving exponentials and logarithms.

20

TOPIC 13: THE TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 13.1

1.
2.
3.
4.

Circular measure of angles - radians.

Arc length.
Area of sector.
Revision of trigonometric ratios for

- x,

x, 2 x, etc (using radians)

5. Revision of trigonometric identities and trigonometric

equations using radians.

H 13.2

The functions sin x, cos x, tan x, cosec x, sec x, cot x and their
graphs.

H 13.3

1. Properties, including PERIODICITY, of graphs of the

functions sin x, cos x, tan x.
2. Using graphs to solve simple trigonometric equations.

H 13.4

1. Approximations to sin x, cos x, tan x when x is small.

2. Lim sin x = 1
x0
x

H 13.5
H 13.6
E

H 13.7

3. Using 2 to find other limits e.g.: Lim

x0

sin 3x
2x

Differentiation of sin x, cos x, tan x.

1. Primitive functions of sin x, cos x, sec2x.
2. Primitive functions of sin2x and cos2x (using cos 2 results).
3. Primitive functions of functions of the type cos x . sin2x
Extension of 13.2 - 13.6 to functions of the form aSin(bx + c),
etc.

21

TOPIC 14: APPLICATIONS OF CALCULUS TO THE PHYSICAL WORLD

(SEE NOTES TO SYLLABUS)
OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 14.1

Rates of change as derivatives with respect to time.

1. Notations dx = x , d2x =

x , etc.

dt
dt2
2. Exercises when equation is given e.g.
if dv = 5t, find v when t = 5
dt
E

H 14.2

H 14.3

H 14.4 E

3. Harder problems when the equation is not given.

1. Exponential growth and decay.
2. Rate of change of populations. The equation
dn = kN where k is the population growth constant.
dt
3. The equation dn = k(N - P),
dt
where k is the population growth constant and P is a
population constant.
1. Velocity and acceleration as time derivatives.
2. Finding v, a given displacement as a function of time.
3. Finding x given a or v as a function of time given initial
conditions.
4. Velocity and acceleration as functions of x.
5. Motion of a projectile - parametric equations.
Derive the result for RANGE on horizontal plane and the
condition for MAXIMUM RANGE.
(v2 when = 45o)
g
1. Description of SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION from the
equation x = aCos(nt + ) where a > 0, n > 0.
2. Amplitude, frequency, period and phase for S.H.M.
3. The differential equation of the motion

= -n2x

4. Extension to S.H.M. about x = b, x = b + aCos (nt + )

END OF 2 UNIT COURSE
22

TOPIC 15: INVERSE FUNCTIONS AND THE INVERSE TRIGONOMETRIC

FUNCTIONS
OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
-1

H 15.1

1. Inverse functions. Notation f . Reflection in the line y = x.

Domain of f(x) is range of f -1(x).
2. The functions y = log a x and y = a x as inverse functions.
3. The relation dy . dx = 1
dx dy

H 15.2

The inverse trigonometric functions.

1. y = sin-1x has domain

-1 x 1

and range - y
2
2
2. y = cos-1x
3. y = tan-1x
4. Solutions of:

sin = b for |b| 1

cos = b for |b| 1
tan = b

H 15.3

The graphs of sin-1x, cos-1x, tan-1x.

H 15.4

Simple properties of inverse trigonometric functions.

1. sin-1(-x) = -sin-1x
cos-1(-x) = - cos-1x
tan-1(x) = -tan-1x
2. sin-1x + cos-1x -
2

H 15.5

1. The derivatives of sin-1 x

a
cos-1 x
a
tan-1 x
a
2. The corresponding integrals.

23

TOPIC 16: POLYNOMIALS

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 16.1

1. Definitions of POLYNOMIAL, DEGREE, POLYNOMIAL

EQUATION.
2. Real zeros of a polynomial. Real roots of a polynomial
equation.
3. Graphs of simple polynomials.
a) For large x, P(x) Pnxn
b) A polynomial of ODD DEGREE has at least one real zero.
c) At least one maximum or minimum value of P(x) occurs
between any two distinct real zeros.

P 16.2

1. Long division of one polynomial by another.

2. Division expressed in the form
P(x) = A(x) .Q(x) + R(x)
3. The REMAINDER THEOREM.
4. The FACTOR THEOREM.

P 16.3

Roots and coefficients of a polynomial equation.

1. Double and multiple roots.
2. A polynomial equation of degree n has at most n roots.
3. Relations between coefficients and roots of quadratic
equations derived from ax2 + bx + c = a(x - )(x - )
4. Corresponding results for equations of degree 3 and higher.

H 16.4

Iterative methods of approximating the roots of a polynomial

equation.
1. Halving the interval.
2. Newton's method.

24

TOPIC 17: BINOMIAL THEOREM

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
H 17.1

1. Expansion of (1 + x)n for n = 1, 2, 3, 4.

2. Pascal's triangle.
3. Notation: nCk is the coefficient of xk in the expansion of
(1 + x)n.
Also written n
k
4. Proof of Pascal's triangle relations.
a) nCo = nCn = 1.
b) nCk = n-1Ck-1 + n-1Ck for 1 k n - 1
5. Expansion of (a + x)n

H N17.2

1. Proof by MATHEMATICAL INDUCTION of the formula

for
n
Ck = n(n-1) (n-2)...(n-k + 1)
1 x 2 x 3 x ...x k

H N17.3

1. General formula

( a + b ) n = n C k a k b n k
k =0

2. Finite series and properties of binomial coefficients.

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TOPIC 18: PERMUTATIONS, COMBINATIONS AND FURTHER PROBABILITY

OUTCOMES:

REGISTER
P 18.1

1. Systematic enumeration in a finite sample space.

2. Definition of nPk - the number of ways of arranging n objects
k at a time - order being significant.
n
Pk = n!
(n - k)!
3. Definition of nCk - the number of ways of choosing k objects
from a collection of n - unordered selection.
n

Ck = nPk
k!
= n!
(n - k)!k!
4. Examples including LOTTO, TRIFECTAS, QUINELLAS,
etc.
5. Combinatorial proofs of
a) nCk = nC-n k
b) n+1Ck= nCk + nCk-1
H 18.2

Binomial probabilities and the binomial distribution

P(x = r) = nCrprqn-r
END OF 3 UNIT COURSE

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