Outcome 3

Apply a wide range of numerical skills.

Performance Criteria

(a) Work with a numerical concept
(b) Decide the operations to be carried out
(c) Carry out complex calculations
(d) Carry out sustained calculations

Because this can cover such a wide range of topics, the material for this Outcome has been organised as follows.

First of all there is a General Section which covers topics such as basic calculator skills, rounding off to so many decimal places, simple percentages, estimating and checking. Much of this is, frankly, below the level of Intermediate 2, but I think it is best that you at least read it over, even if you don’t do the SAQs, to make sure we’re on the same wavelength.

There then follow six Specialised Sections which cover the following topics:

• Applications in Social Arithmetic
• More Complex Arithmetical Skills
• Ratio and Proportion
• Index Numbers
• Statistical Calculations
• Formulae and Scientific Notation

The idea is that you won’t study them all (well, you can if you’re interested) but will either choose, or be directed by your tutor towards, say four of these six sections. Which four will largely depend on your own background and expertise. For instance, if you have a background in business or office work, the first four seem logical; if you are good at, or enjoy, science subjects, you may find the last two relatively easy.

Discuss the matter with your tutor and make your choice.