Senior Mathematics Assignment

1 INTRODUCTION
The introduction describes what the task is about and briefly outlines how the writer intends to complete the task

1.1 PURPOSE
Introduce the task in a way that can be read independently of the task sheet. What is the task asking you to do? Why is this
a problem to be solved?

1.2 TASK AS A MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM

Identify the mathematical concepts involved in the problem. Look in your syllabus for the terminology of the relevant
topics and concepts

1.3 ASSUMPTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

Identify observations and assumptions

Observations are data or information about the task. It may be numerical data given in the task or that you have
researched. You should have documentation for each observation that lists where you obtained the information.

Assumptions are decisions you made before solving the task. You should have documentation for each assumption. This
may be in the form of a logical reason for making the decision, an explanation about why the decision needed to be made
(or what the impact would have been if it wasn’t made), or why the assumption is relevant. To help with documentation,
think of the question “why”: observation – why is this correct data or evidence relating to the task? Where did the data
come from?; assumption – why did you make this decision?; strength/limitation – why is this a relevant
strength/limitation? What is the impact of this on the success of the solution?

A good way to show your observations and assumptions is in tables with a column for observation (or assumption) and a
column for documentation.

Eg:

Observation Documentation

Assumption Documentation

2 RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION (WORDS: 50%)

The main body details the solution to the problem

2.1 DETAILS OF PROCESS / CALCULATIONS

Describe and explain the mathematical processes and procedures used and the steps taken to produce a solution

2.2 MODIFICATIONS / REFINEMENTS TO MODEL

Justify and describe any required modifications that were identified, particularly if you had to change your assumptions
throughout your process. If you had no modifications or refinements then leave this section out.
3 CONCLUSION (WORDS: 30%)
The conclusion evaluates the quality of the solution. The specific parts of the conclusion depend on the type of problem.

3.1 EVALUATION OF REASONABLENESS

You should evaluate whether your solution is successful, judged against the task requirements, your observations and
assumptions. Explain how your solution did or did not meet the requirements.

3.2 STRENGTHS OF SOLUTION

The strengths of your solution are the benefits of your solution or the process you used compared to other possible
alternatives. Include documentation explaining why each strengths you mention is relevant or beneficial.

3.3 LIMITATIONS OF SOLUTION

Limitations are reasons why your solution or process is not as good or complete as other possible alternatives may be. You
should include documentation describing the relevance of your limitations, or suggesting ways the limitations could be
avoided.

A good way to show your strengths and limitations is in tables with a column for strength (or limitation) and a table for
documentation.

3.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
This section can be included in the limitations paragraph as mentioned above.

3.5 SUMMARY
This should be a brief summary of what your solution achieved.

Word count: following the guidelines as to what is and isn’t included.

4 APPENDICES
Any repeated calculation or tables of data

This is not marked or required. All data or calculations you want marked should be in the main report.