MCAT

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/assessment/view-detailed.do?standardNumber=91027

MCAT assessment dates for 2017

The MCAT is to be assessed in schools on two days:

·        Tuesday 19 September 2017

and/or

·        Thursday 21 September 2017.

Schools determine the day on which students will sit the MCAT.

 

1.      Overview

The Level 1 Mathematics Common Assessment Task (MCAT) must be delivered on

Tuesday, 19 or Thursday, 21 September 2017.

 

Candidates should have 60 minutes to complete the MCAT.

 

No calculators are permitted in the MCAT assessment.

Achievement Standard

 

Subject Reference		Mathematics and Statistics 1.2
Title		Apply algebraic procedures in solving problems
Level	1	Credits	4		Assessment		External
Subfield	Mathematics
Domain	Algebra
Status		Registered		Status date		9 December 2010
Planned review date		31 December 2019		Date version published		17 November 2016

 

This achievement standard involves applying algebraic procedures in solving problems.

 

Achievement Criteria

 

Achievement	Achievement with Merit	Achievement with Excellence
·      Apply algebraic procedures in solving problems.	·      Apply algebraic procedures, using relational thinking, in solving problems.	·      Apply algebraic procedures, using extended abstract thinking, in solving problems.

 

Explanatory Notes

 

1             This achievement standard is derived from Level 6 of The New Zealand Curriculum, Learning Media, Ministry of Education, 2007, and is related to the material in the Teaching and Learning Guide for Mathematics and Statistics, Ministry of Education, 2010 at http://seniorsecondary.tki.org.nz.  The following achievement objectives taken from the Equations and Expressions, and Patterns and Relationships threads of the Mathematics and Statistics learning area are related to this standard:

·        generalise the properties of operations with fractional numbers and integers

·        generalise the properties of operations with rational numbers including the properties of exponents

·        form and solve linear equations and inequations, quadratic and simple exponential equations, and simultaneous equations with two unknowns.

 

This standard is also derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.  For details of the Marautanga achievement objectives to which this standard relates, see the Māori versionof the standard.

 

 

2             Apply algebraic proceduresinvolves:

·        selecting and using procedures in solving problems

·        demonstrating knowledge of algebraic concepts and terms

·        communicating solutions using appropriate mathematical symbols.

 

Relational thinking involves one or more of:

·        selecting and carrying out a logical sequence of steps

·        connecting different concepts and representations

·        demonstrating understanding of concepts

·        forming and using a model;

and also relating findings to a context, or communicating thinking using appropriate mathematical statements.

 

Extended abstract thinkinginvolves one or more of:

·        devising a strategy to investigate or solve a problem

·        identifying relevant concepts in context

·        developing a chain of logical reasoning, or proof

·        forming a generalisation;

and also using correct mathematical statements, or communicating mathematical insight.

 

3             Problems are situations that provide opportunities to apply knowledge or understanding of mathematical concepts and procedures and methods.  The situation will be set in a real-life or mathematical context.

 

4             Students need to be familiar with procedures related to:

·        factorising

·        expanding

·        simplifying algebraic expressions involving exponents, such as  or

·        substituting values into formulae

·        manipulating and simplifying expressions such as  or  

·        rearranging formulae such as  or 

·        solving linear equations or inequations such as 5x + 12 = 3 - 2x  or 3(x - 2) < 7

·        solving quadratic equations such as (8x + 3)(x - 6) = 0, x² + 5x – 6 = 0, 3x² =10x -8 (completing the square and the quadratic formula are not required)

·        solving simple equations involving exponents such as x³ = 8, 5^x=125

·        solving pairs of simultaneous linear equations with two unknowns.

 

5             Electronic technology is not permitted in the assessment of this achievement standard.

 

6             Assessment Specifications for this achievement standard can be accessed through the Mathematics and Statistics Resources page found at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/ncea-subject-resources/.