WACE Maths Methods study guide
WACE Maths Methods · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
WACE Mathematics Methods is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) mathematics course offered in Western Australian senior secondary schools and examined by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCA). It suits students who intend to study mathematics, engineering, physical sciences, economics or health sciences at university, and who are comfortable with algebra and graphical reasoning. The course builds a calculus-centred view of functions: polynomial, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic families are studied through their graphs, transformations, derivatives and integrals, with probability and statistics providing the modelling and inference strand. The written examination is structured as short-answer and extended-response work, so marks come from clear setting-out as much as from final answers. The WACE Maths Methods study guide has 5 sections and about 1,358 words.
01Functions and Graphs
A function is a rule assigning each input in its domain exactly one output. Candidates must handle function notation, implied (maximal) domains, composite functions and inverse functions.
297 words, about 1 min02Trigonometric Functions
Work in radians unless degrees are stated. Know exact values for multiples of π/6, π/4, π/3 and the symmetries of the unit circle.
287 words, about 1 min03Calculus
Differentiation from first principles, the power, product, quotient and chain rules, and derivatives of sin, cos, tan, eˣ and ln x. Interpret derivatives as gradients and rates of change.
271 words, about 1 min04Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
Understand y = eˣ and y = ln x as inverses, with domains and asymptotes: eˣ 0 for all x, and ln x only for x 0. Apply log laws: log(ab) = log a + log b, log(a/b) = log a − log b, log(aⁿ) = n log a, and change of base.
276 words, about 1 min05Probability and Statistics
Distinguish discrete and continuous random variables. For discrete variables, use probability distributions summing to one, and compute E(X) = ΣxP(x) and Var(X) = E(X²) − [E(X)]².
227 words, about 1 min