Delta Mathematics (second edition)

Delta Mathematics (second edition) was published in November 2002.  It is the companion text to the best-selling Sigma Mathematics (second edition).  Designed for the Year 13 Mathematics with Calculus course, Delta Mathematics gives a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the prescription.   Each chapter contains detailed yet clear explanations and worked examples, followed by an abundance of carefully graded, classroom tested exercises (with full answers).  A particular feature is the inclusion of extension problems for students sitting Scholarship, but the main emphasis is on providing many basic problems so that Bursary students of all abilities can gain skills and enjoy success.   There is also a variety of investigations, spreadsheet work and references to using technology.  These can be used with the internally assessed component for Level 3 NCEA starting in 2004. Those studying mathematics at technical institutes and universities will also find this an invaluable reference book.

So what is new compared with the first edition? The textbook has been completely reorganised – using the new ‘magazine style’ layout like the junior series. The content has been grouped into ‘strands’ – Calculus, Algebra, Trigonometry and Geometry The exercises are shorter and have been broken up to make them more accessible to students There are 40 chapters now instead of 22. This will make it easier to develop a scheme of work that fits the needs of your students. Most proofs have been collected together and placed in the appendix to make them easier to refer to, and also to give a smoother approach to new work in the chapters. A special ‘technology’ icon appears wherever a graphics calculator or software package would help students. Spreadsheets are used, and in many places there are references to applets and webpages that are linked from the www.mathematics.co.nz website. There are plenty of new investigations – in the same style as other books in the series. These are both independent of, and related to, the coursework. Many of these investigations could be profitably used when preparing students for the internally assessed component in NCEA when it is introduced. There are many mathematical puzzles included.  These will motivate students – some are quite challenging! Like the old Delta Mathematics, there are plenty of extension questions included. These have been moved to the end of each exercise to make them easier to find. The book starts with a preliminary section which includes ‘pre-requisite’ work that students need to be familiar with before confidently starting the Year 13 Maths with Calculus course.  Teachers will be able to assess whether students would benefit from working through some of this material.

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Links related to Delta Mathematics (Second edition) Links

Spreadsheets  files used in Delta Mathematics - for download:  Spreadsheet Files

Associated write-on notes    Calculus 13