AKSUM POLYTECNIC COLLEGE AND TIGRAY ART COLLEGE

TRAINING, TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIAL (TTLM)

Sector: culture, sport and tourism
Occupation: Tourism Service Level- Two –Year one
Unit of Competence: carry out basic work place calculations
Revised by: APTC and TAC in 0917 G.C
Module Title: carrying out basic work place calculations
TTLM CODE:CST TUS1 M07 0817

LGCODE: CST TUS1 1-3 0817

Nominal Duration: 21hours

Price: 15 birr

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the module in carrying out basic work place calculations. It contains training materials and
activities for you to complete the unit of competency “carry out calculations, prepare estimates, and interpret
graphical representation of mathematical information.
It is one of the specialized and core Modules at national certificate level II (NCL II).
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete each learning out-
come of the module .In each learning out-com e there are information sheet, self check with model
answer, operation sheet and job sheet at the last (reference materials for further reading to help you
better understand the required activities).Follow these activities on your own and answer the self
check at the end of each information sheet. You may get model answer sheet at the end of each self
check (get one from your trainer or facilitator)to check your answer for each self check. If you have
questions do not hesitate to ask your facilitator (assistance).This module is prepared to help you
achieve the required competency carrying out basic work place calculations will be the source of
information for you to acquire knowledge and skill in this particular trade with minimum help from you
instructor. With the aid of this material you will be acquire the competency independently and at your
own place.

Take to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the training of this unit. Read through
learning guide carefully. It is divided in to three sections which cover all the skills and knowledge you n
to successfully complete this module. Work through all the information and complete the activities in ea
section. Read information sheets and complete the self check suggested references are included to
supplement the materials provided in this module; that is:-
Summary of Learning Outcomes: After completing this learning guide, you should be able to:

1. Carry out calculations

2. Prepare estimates
3. Interpret graphical representations of mathematical information
How to Use this TTLM

o Read through the Learning Guide carefully. It is divided into five sections that cover all
the skills and knowledge that you need.
o Read Information Sheets and complete the Self-Check at the end of each section to
check your progress
o Read and make sure to Practice the activities in the Operation Sheets. Ask your trainer
to show you the correct way to do things or talk to more experienced person for
guidance.
o When you are ready, ask your trainer for institutional assessment and provide you with
feedback from your performance.

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 LEARNING GUIDE
Learning Activities Special Instructions/Resources
Read topics & sub topics on carry out Refer to Information Sheet #1
calculations
Answer Self-Check # 1 Compare your answers with Model Answer
#1
Read topic and sub topic prepare estimates Refer to Information Sheet #2
Answer Self-Check # 2 Compare your answers with Model Answer
#2
Read topic & subtopic interpret graphical Refer to Information Sheet #3
representations Of mathematical information
Answer Self-Check # 3 Compare your answers with Model Answer
#3

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Module Basis..........................................................................................4
1.1Introduction......................................................................................5
1.2 About Calculations ...........................................................................6
1.2.1 Performing Workplace Counts.............................................................7
1.3 Carry out Manual Calculations..........................................................7
1.3.1 Basic Calculation Processes ...............................................................8
1.3.1.1Addition..................................................................................8
1.3.1.2 Subtraction ............................................................................8
1.3.1.3 Multiplication ..........................................................................8
1.3.1.4Division...................................................................................9
1.3.2 Applying Calculations In The Workplace ..............................................9
1.3.2.1 Interpret Instructions .............................................................9
1.3.2.2 Interpret Information .............................................................9
1.3.2.3 Interpret Procedures...............................................................10
1.3.3 Communication and Calculations ................................................10
1.4 Use Meaningful Numbers.................................................................11
1.4.1 Fractions and Percentages in Calculations ..........................................11
1.4.2 Mixed Numbers/Fractions and Calculations.........................................13
1.4.3 Units of Measurements in Calculations ..............................................14
1.5 Perform Electronic Calculations.....................................................17
1.5.1 Functions of Different Devices ..........................................................17
1.6 Check Accuracy and Address Problems.......................................... . . .20

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MODULE BASIS
This module is based on the unit of competency CST TUS1 07 1015 Carry out Basic
Workplace Calculations:

1. Carry out 1.1 Items are counted singly and in

calculations batches and sorted numerically, as
required in workplace tasks

1.2 Calculations needed to complete work

tasks are performed using the four
basic processes of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and
division

1.3 Calculations involving fractions,

percentages and mixed numbers, and
using the four basic processes, are
performed as required to complete
workplace tasks

1.4 The functions of a calculator, numeric

keypad or computer are used to
perform workplace tasks

1.5 Numerical information is self-checked,

cross-checked and corrected for
accuracy
2. Prepa 2.1 Quantities of materials and resources
re estimates required to complete a work task are
estimated

2.2 The time needed to complete a work

activity is estimated

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 2.3 Accurate estimates for work
completion are made

3. Interpret 3.1 Information represented in symbols,

graphical diagrams and pictorial representations
representation is Recognized, interpreted and acted
s of upon in workplace tasks
mathematical
information

Information#1
Lo1: Carry out calculations
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to this module, CST TUS1 07 0817:Carrying out Basic Workplace
Calculations.

The materials in this module outline the skills, knowledge and the right attitude required
to carry out basic routine workplace calculations, including:
 Carrying out required mathematical operations.
 Preparing basic estimates of mass, size and volume.
 Interpreting basic graphical representations of mathematical information.
 Carrying out calculations for routine industry related tasks using manual and
electronic processes.
 Applying the skills and knowledge needed to estimate and calculate manual load
shifting requirements.

1.2 ABOUT CALCULATIONS

Basic mathematical skills are essential in any workplace. Varieties of measurements are
required to be performed daily and must:
 Be accurate

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  Be appropriate to work place needs
 Meet work place standards and accuracy requirements

Basic mathematical operations and techniques can techniques

can involve:
 Money.
 Numbers.
 Formulas.
 Rules.
 Different representations of numbers.
 Measurements.
 Counts.
 Sorting.
 Listing.
 Comparisons.

A calculation is a basic mathematical operation and technique. It is a deliberate process

for transforming one or more inputs into one or more results, with variable change.

In this module we will review:

 Counting items singly, in batches and sorting numerically.
 Performing calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
 Performing calculations involving fractions, percentages and mixed numbers.
 Using calculators, numeric keypads or computers.
 Checking and correcting numerical information for accuracy.

1.2.1 PERFORMING WORKPLACE COUNTS

There are many items in a workplace that need counting, and often counts are recorded
as part of the business transaction.

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For example:
 Liters of fuel.
 Number of deliveries.
 Stock takes.

You may need to count items:

 Singly, e.g. individual passengers, vehicles, spare tires and parts.

 In batches, e.g. goods wrapped together on pallets, fleets of vehicles and invoices
for acustomer.
 Sorted numerically, e.g. passenger tickets, fuel receipts, tax invoices and training
assessments.
When performing counting tasks, you may need to interpret and follow operational
instructions and priorities work.

Instructions may relate to:

 When to conduct a count – for example, monthly or after a journey.
 Whether to sort items or rearrange the order – for example, as per administration
requirements.
 How to identify items already counted, such as items tagged or recorded on a
worksheet.

Counts can be used as further data for calculations.

1.3 CARRY OUT MANUAL CALCULATIONS

A manual calculation is the process of solving mathematical problems or equations
without the use of an electronic device, such as a calculator.

1.3.1 BASIC CALCULATION PROCESSES

You need to perform calculations in order to complete some work tasks. This is done
using the four basic of:
 Addition.

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  Subtraction.
 Multiplication.
 Division.

1.3.1.1 ADDITION
Addition is the process of adding two or more numbers together. For example:
1+9=10

12+5=17

90+110=200

1.3.1.2 SUBTRACTION

Subtraction is the process of taking away (minus), one or more numbers from another.
For example:

10-10=0

55-50=5

703-13=690

1.3.1.3 MULTIPLICATION

Multiplication is the process of taking one number and multiplying it by another number.
For example:

2x5=10

3x10=30

42x105=4410

1.3.1.4 DIVISION

Division is the process of dividing one number by another number. For example:

3÷3=1

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42÷6=7

75÷5=15

1.3.2 APPLYING CALCULATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Calculations are a routine part of your work in the transport and logistics industry. In
order to understand and apply them you will need to read and interpret:
 Instructions.
 Information, such as vehicle usage and loads.
 Procedures.

Some examples of instructions, information and procedures relevant to basic workplace

calculations are discussed below.
1.3.2.1 INTERPRET INSTRUCTIONS

Your work instructions may include, for example, taking a pre-determined route of 80
kilometers in length.The information provided to you states that your vehicle fuel
consumption is 8 kilometers per litre.You can use a division calculation to determine the
minimumfuel required for the trip.Divide the length of the trip (80km) by the fuel
consumption(8km per liter) to work out that the minimum fuel needed forthe trip is 10
liters (80 divided by 8).

1.3.2.2 INTERPRET INFORMATION

Interpreting information about the price of fuel per liter means that you can use a
multiplication calculation to determine the minimum fuel expense for the journey. For
example, 10 liters multiplied by the birr value of fuel per liter.

1.3.2.3 INTERPRET PROCEDURES

Your task procedures may include the loading and unloading of items to and from a
vehicle.

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If you know the number of items initially loaded onto the vehicle, then you can use
addition or subtraction to calculate the overall load on the vehicle at specific times. For
example, 100 boxes minus 11 boxes unloaded at the first drop site equals 89 boxes
remaining. A later collection of a further 5 boxes means that there are 94 boxes (89 plus
5) currently on the vehicle.

1.3.3 COMMUNICATION AND CALCULATIONS

In performing and applying workplace calculations, you will need to communicate with
other people, such as colleagues, management and sometimes technical or specialist
staff. You may also be required to liaise with different stakeholders and health & safety
officers.

When doing so, you may need to:

 Operate electronic communication equipment in line with required organisational
and workplace protocols. For example:
 Receive and confirm instructions and information, relating to calculations,
over the radio.
 Use a mobile phone to report back on any changes in the results of
calculations.
 Utilise email to send an attached spreadsheet of multiple calculations.
 Communicate effectively with others. For example:
 Request further information from colleagues in order to determine
calculations.
 Communicate your preference for making calculations using pen and paper.

Other basic manual calculations that you need to carry out may include:
 Converting calculations to fractions.
 Percentages.
 Using mixed calculations.

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Self check#1

Say true or false

1) Basic mathematical skills are essential in any workplace.

2) Varieties of measurements are required to be performed daily and must:
3) Calculations are a routine part of your work in the transport and logistics industry.
4) Interpreting information about the price of fuel per liter means that you can use a
multiplication calculation to determine the minimum fuel expense for the journey.
5) Multiplication is the process of taking one number and multiplying it by another
number.

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Answer

1) True
2) True
3) True
4) True
5) True
Information sheet#2

LO2: Prepare estimates

1.4 USE MEANINGFUL NUMBERS

Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated.

The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated

Numbers that hold the same value can be written andpresented in different formats.
These formats cancreate a more meaningful description for the reader,depending on
their usage of the results.

Fractions, percentages and decimals are used toexpress quantity in relation to a

whole.For example, take the fraction 1/4 (one quarter) andshow this as a percentage,
25%, or a decimal 0.25.This represents the same value of “the whole” or 100.In
everyday situations, it is more meaningful to say youcan eat 1/4 of an orange pie, rather
than a 200gram slice.

The calculations that you need to perform in order to complete workplace tasks may
include:
 Fractions, percentages and mixed numbers.
 Using the 4 basic processes, as required.

1.4.1 FRACTIONS AND PERCENTAGES IN CALCULATIONS

A fraction is where:
 The first number above the line (/) is called the numerator, such as 1 in ¼.
 The number below the line is called the denominator, such as 4 in ¼.

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In this example of a quantity in relation to a whole, means one part out of four.

A percentageis:
 A fraction, or ratio, with 100 fixed as the denominator.
 Formed by multiplying a decimal equivalent of a fraction, by 100. For example, the
fraction ¾ has a decimal equivalent of 0.75.
 0.75 x 100 = a percentage total of 75.
 Represented by the symbol “%” which means “per 100”. A percentage is shown as
a figure out of 100, such as 75%.

As seen in the above example, manual calculations can be used to convert fractions to
decimals andpercentages. They can also be used to convert percentages to decimals and
fractions.
For example:
 The fraction ½ converted to a decimal is 0.5, and converted to a percentage is
50%.
 The percentage 25%, converted to a decimal is 0.25, and converted to a fraction
is ¼.
In your workplace you may be required to use fractions and percentages in combination.
Read the following examples and determine the calculations for each:

Fractions

Diesel costs 2.00 birr per litre, the capacity of a tank is 200 litres and the tank is ½ full.
Use the multiplication method to determine the cost of filling the tank.

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Percentages

A company has 32 lost time injuries in a year. The target is to reduce this by 20%.
Using multiplication and subtraction methods, calculate the new reduced target.

1.4.2 MIXED NUMBERS/FRACTIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Mixed numbers are numbers that consist of a whole number and a fraction, such as 2 ½.
It is important that you are able to work with and understand mixed numbers as they
are often used within the workplace.

For example, a vehicle has a holding capacity of 10 tonnes (t). It is currently carrying 4
1/2 t. How many more tonnes can this vehicle hold?

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Self check#1

Say true or false

1) Fractions, percentages and decimals are used to express quantity in relation to a

whole.
2) The fraction ½ converted to a decimal is 0.5, and converted to a percentage is
50%.
3) The first number above the line (/) is called the numerator, such as 1 in ¼.
4) The percentage 25%, converted to a decimal is 0.25, and converted to a fraction
is ¼.
5) The number below the line is called the denominator, such as 4 in ¼.

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Answer
1) True
2) True
3) True
4) True
5) true

Information sheet #3
LO3: Interpret graphical representations of mathematical information
Information represented in symbols, diagrams and pictorial representations is
recognized, interpreted and acted upon in workplace tasks
UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS

The calculations you complete will most likely involve a wide range of units of
measurements. These may include:
Money

- described monetary value of an item

- Commonly measures in cents and birrs

Time

- May relate to the period of time a task takes to complete or when a task is
scheduled to start/end.

- Common unit of measurements includes seconds, minutes, hours, days etc.

Length and distance

- used to define how long an object is

- Common units of measurements include centimeters (c), meters (m),

kilometers (km).
Area

- Relates to the amount of space inside the boundary of a flat surface/space.

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 - Measured in units squared. E.g. m2
Volume

- amount of space inside a solid shape, e.g a box

- Measured in units cubed e.g m3.Liters also a unit of measurements that

relates to volume.

Weight/mass

- defines how heavy an object is

- Common units of measurement include grams (g), kilograms (kg) and tones
(t).

Weight

An example of a calculation involving weight is shown here:

A vehicle has a towing capacity of 1 ton. You have a load of 1214 kilograms. Use
subtraction to determine if you can use your vehicle to tow this load.

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Other Measures

You may also work with other units of measurement as they relate to your work.
For example, a tyre‟s air pressure is 83 psi and it should be 90 psi. Subtract these
numbers to find out how much air should be added.

1.5 PERFORM ELECTRONIC CALCULATIONS

In the workplace, your job can be made easier with the use of electronic devices. There
are many electronic devices and machines that can aid mathematical processes and
calculations by providing automatic operations. For example:
 Computers.
 Calculators.
 Numeric keypads.
 Adding machines.
These options are used for more complex calculations, and where accurate records need
to be saved, stored or kept for later use.

The procedures for identifying and using relevant workplace technology when carrying
out workplacecalculations involve many factors, including: Consider These Factors:
 The type of task - A simple task versus lengthy calculations.

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  The actual data - Is the data easily visible or stored in a device?
 Your company tools - Are these devices available in your workplace?
 The result - Are you after a rough estimate or an exact answer?
 Your physical location - Are devices readily accessible in your workplace?
 The device - Is it portable or attached to another piece of equipment?

1.5.1 FUNCTIONS OF DIFFERENT DEVICES

Electronic calculation devices come in all shapes and sizes. They include:
 Calculators – pocket size or available online.
 Numeric keypads – different makes and models attached to other equipment.
 Computers – mathematical software applications.
Functions of these devices may include:
 Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
 Percentage buttons.
 Finance-related buttons, e.g. „plus GST‟ (for prices and costing).
 „Clear‟ and „Clear All‟, to remove or change data.
 Save and delete.
 Memory buttons for storing data.
 Tables to organise data for calculations.
 Summaries, sub totals and totals.
 Refresh to update with the latest information.
 Use of formulas.

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In your workplace you may need to operate various devices and equipment and adapt to
their differences.
This should be done in accordance with standard operating procedures.

These procedures may include:

 How to turn the device on and off.

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  How to perform calculations, e.g. following workplace procedures, manufacturer
handbooks, online help and quick reference cards.
 How to obtain power to the device, e.g. battery-operated, solar-powered or
electrical.
Next, you will need to check the accuracy of your calculations.

1.6 CHECK ACCURACY AND ADDRESS PROBLEMS

It is important that your calculations are accurate; this means that they contain no
errors. The consequences of incorrect calculations can be disastrous.
Consider, for example, the results of miscalculating the height of a load before driving
under a bridge! As part of your operating procedures, you need to selfcheck and correct
numerical information for accuracy.

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Typical mathematical problems include:

 Not understanding the concepts of calculations.

 Not using the right method of calculation.
 Using incorrect data from which to start your calculations.
 Believing the result of a device, rather than having a “feel” for the result and re-
doing the calculation.
 Not allowing for decimal places.
 Working too quickly.
You need to promptly report and rectify any identified problems that may arise when
carrying out basic workplace calculations.

Appropriate actions and solutions to self-check and correct for accuracy, include:

 Redoing the calculations – several times if necessary.

 Asking a colleague to double-check the calculation with you or for you.
 Using an alternative device or machine.
 Ensuring accurate data input.
 Using comparison records.

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In summary counting, performing calculations, using tools and checking your results are
all part of your everyday work activities. On some occasions, estimates may suffice.
Remember to refer to the needs and procedures of your organization.
Self check #3
Answer the following questions
Module title:CarryingOut Basic Work Place Calculations
Name:––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
1. Convert the following measurements in to their equivalent unit.
1 kilometer = ––––––––––––meters
1 Littre =–––––––––––––––– milliliters
1 kilogram = ––––––––––––– grams

1 hour = ––––––––––––––––minutes

1 ton =–––––––––––––––kilograms

2. Look at the following diagram. Calculate the volume and write your answer in the space provided.

8cm

12 cm6 6 cm

12

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

3. The towing capacity of your vehicle is one ton. You have a load of 1214 kg. Can you use your
vehicle to tow this load?
4. What is the area,if the radius is 6 meters:

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Answer

1) 1000
2) 1000
3) 1000
4) 60’

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