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There is new content on algorithms and coding in the Number and Algebra strand (Patterns and algebra sub-strand). Is it expected that a particular approach, platform or language is used?
No. Various approaches to developing and coding algorithms can be used and may involve natural language, structured language or pseudo-code or a formal programming language.
Algorithms can be implemented by acting out a script, using robots, and various technologies, software and applications. These should be employed as suits the level at which the student is working, and the nature of the activity or task.
The following documents can be used as a planner to summarise a brief description of suitable activities related to the elaborations for the content descriptions for algorithms and coding.
Algorithms and coding in the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics sample activities for elaborations F–6
Algorithms and coding in the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics sample activities for elaborations 7–10
How should schools deal with the selection of optional content from 10A so that students are suitably prepared for subsequent study of VCE Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2?
Schools use a variety of teaching and learning strategies and organisational structures, suited to their context, to ensure that students have relevant mathematical background from the Victorian Curriculum Mathematics that enables them to pursue various pathways of post-secondary study. Relevant content from 10A for subsequent study of Mathematical Methods Units 1 and 2 is covered in the content descriptions: VCMNA355, VCMNA356, VCMNA358, VCMNA359, VCMNA360, VCMNA362, VCMNA363, VCMNA364, VCMNA368.
How many faces, edges and vertices does a cone have?
The terms face, edge and vertex are generally used in reference to a polygon, such as a triangle, or a polyhedron, such as a square-based pyramid.
The pointy bit of a cone is called its apex or vertex. A cone can be said to have two surfaces, a flat surface which is a circle, and a curved surface. The circumference of the circle forms a boundary curve between these two surfaces (where they meet or join).
Likewise, a cylinder could be said to have two flat surfaces (top and bottom circles) and a curved surface, with two boundary curves and no vertices.