This third edition of Sigma Mathematics is the first full-colour textbook for NCEA Level 3 Statistics and Modelling.
It is organised into the seven Level 3 Statistics and Modelling Achievement Strands, and much new material has been added:
- Time series analysis has been upgraded to include seasonal adjustments, index number series, forecasting and non-linear time series.
- Extensive new sections have been added on two-way tables (contingency tables) in probability, and the conditional probability section has been upgraded to include this approach.
- In linear programming there is a new section on the ‘moving line’ approach.
- Scatterplots and correlation are included, with many questions on understanding and interpretation.
- Regression includes a full treatment of the coefficient of determination, R2, and goes as far as non-linear regression.
- Worked examples on the three main probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson) have been upgraded to reflect the use of technology.
- The mathematical modelling section has been extensively revised to include a focus on curve fitting.
All topics are accompanied by a large number of graded questions to reinforce students’ understanding, and wherever possible application-type questions and situations are provided to make the underlying mathematics more interesting and relevant. New investigations, spreadsheet activities and puzzles have been added to maintain the interest of fast finishers. Full and comprehensive answers are provided.
Recent developments in technology have revolutionised the learning of statistics and modelling, enabling students to focus on interpretation of data and modelling situations rather than laborious calculation. Sigma Mathematics includes a full range of instructions and worked examples that relate to:
- Spreadsheets – the one referred to is Microsoft Excel® but the instructions are largely generic and apply to other spreadsheet software.
- CAS (Computer Algebra Systems) calculators – the one referred to is the Casio ClassPad 300. Screenshots are displayed alongside worked examples to show the input and output.
The companion website for the series, www.mathematics.co.nz, has up-to-date links for the content of Sigma Mathematics. All of the spreadsheets referred to in this book, together with suggested answers to spreadsheet activities, can be downloaded from the website. Because statistics education is in a state of transition, the familiar tables of probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson) are included in the text for students who do not have access to appropriate technology in their classroom.
The Sigma Mathematics Workbook provides extra coverage of the curriculum and revision for the course, with plenty of NCEA-style questions. The workbook is closely related to the textbook, to make it easy to match the exercises with what is being done in class. It includes a companion CD, which has PowerPoint® demonstrations for key worked examples; extra exercises, some of them at Scholarship level; a revision section for exam preparation; full inclusion of all spreadsheets referred to in the text; and links to internet websites.