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

You will find more details of these at the beginning of each part.

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 were good at, or enjoyed, science subjects when at school, you may find the last two relatively easy.

Discuss the matter with your tutor and make your choice.

Resources
You will only need a calculator for this Outcome. If tackling the Statistical or Scientific Notation sections, a scientific calculator is virtually essential; otherwise a wee cheapie will do.