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Mathematics Skills

Maths Topics

Arithmetic

Print based materials

Print Materials to assist with any pre-requisite mathematics required in USQ courses. These materials are based on USQ's Tertiary Preparation Program. Mathematics modules are presented in increasing level of difficulty and complexity from Level A through to Level D.

More than just numbers (Level A)

  • Our number system (including whole numbers, place value & estimation)
  • Working with numbers (including power notation and the square root)
  • Calculations involving negative numbers
  • Order of calculations
  • Fractions (including equivalent fractions, mixed numbers and improper fractions, calculating with fractions, addition and subtraction of fractions, multiplication of fractions and division of fractions)
  • Decimals (including converting between decimals and fractions)

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The Power of Numbers (Level A)

  • Power notation
  • Calculating with powers including multiplying powers, dividing powers, negative indices, the zero index, adding and subtracting powers, special powers, fractional indices, finding a power of a power and finding a power of a product) 
  • Common applications of powers (including scientific notation, the metric system, converting between units)

Comparing numbers (Level A)

  • Comparing quantities of subtraction 
  • Comparing quantities by division (including percentages)
  • Ratios (including ratios in squares, rectangles, circles & triangles) 
  • Rates 

Video based materials

You can also watch some video snippets for some of arithmetic concepts

Calculating with negative numbers (print handout)

This 10 minute video covers how to calculate with negative numbers.

Calculating with negative numbers video

Order of operations (print handout)

This 6 minute video covers the importance of the order of operations with examples

order of operations

Fractions (print handout)

This 16 minute video covers:

  • Equivalent fractions 
  • Mixed number and improper fractions 
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Fractions video

Decimals: Fractions in other forms (print handout)

This 11 minute video covers:

  • the link between fractions and decimals
  • converting between fractions and decimals
  • percentages, including percentage increase and decrease
  • rates.

Image to play the video: Decimals: Fractions in other forms.

You can also get help Mastering your calculator – free, easy to follow online booklets on a range of scientific calculators.