Further Maths

Pearson (Edexcel) 9FM0 Mrs Nicky Connock Further Mathematics

Why should I study Further Mathematics? • Mathematics is the language of commerce, • engineering and other sciences. It is elegant and beautiful, exciting and • challenging, perfect and truthful. It is an attractive qualification, highly sought after • by employers. We are living in the golden age of mathematics right now!

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking Further Mathematics?

To study A level Further Mathematics you would typically be expected to have achieved an 8 or 9 at GCSE or IGCSE Mathematics.

What will I learn?

How to: • Use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve • problems. Solve quite complicated problems by using • mathematical arguments and logic. Understand and demonstrate what is meant by • proof in mathematics. Simplify real life situations so that you can use mathematics to show what is happening and • what might happen in different circumstances. Use the mathematics that you learn to solve problems that are given to you in a real-life • context. Use calculator technology and other resources (such as formulae booklets or statistical tables) effectively and appropriately and understand the • limitations of such technology. Reflect on the ideas that some of the greatest • minds of the millennium have produced. Use advanced mathematical techniques in Further Mathematics topics.

Who is this course suitable for? • Those with a facility for Mathematics, logical thought and who aim at perfection. • Those who want to get to grips with more of the • many different branches of mathematics. Those who want to see the beauty of the subject and see its ‘real’ face; the maths beyond the more functional aspects studied in A level maths.

Further Maths gives you the opportunity to see why so many people have studied this subject, with such dedication and devotion, for so • many centuries. Those who like surprises, and also that sense of

‘correctness’ you get when you meet a new idea that just strikes you as an ‘obvious’ revelation, • now you know it. Those who want to challenge themselves • mathematically. Those who want to start exploring the ‘rules’ that govern the universe.

How is the course assessed?

Pupils taking Further Mathematics must also complete A level Mathematics. In addition to the examinations for A level Mathematics they would typically do:

Topics:

Compulsory papers: Pure Mathematics 1 and 2 (Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations). Two written papers. Option papers with topics chosen from Mechanics, Statistics, Decision & Pure.

Two written papers.

What could I go on and do at the end of my course?

Further Mathematics at A level normally, but not always, leads into university courses with a strong mathematical or statistical base. This often includes subjects such as Mathematics, Engineering or Economics, although Further Mathematics is not always a requirement to study these at University.