A-level Mathematics (what was I thinking...)

A-Level mathematics teaches you the solid basics which are then applied for more advanced principles.

Integration, Three dimensional Geometry, Numerical methods, Differential equations are basically the fundamental blocks of all the sciences and engineering. Like somebody mentioned before, Computing is purely based on mathematics. Say, Eigenvectors, Matrices, Transformations which are taught at A-level are used in producing graphical simulations. Numerical method, Linear interpolation (A-level topic), is used in engineering to program CNC machines (manufacturing).


Have I used A-level mathematics anywhere? Yes, during my industrial placement in the manufacturing industry of reinforced concrete . How? I was estimating the percentage error for the smoothness of the panel surface. And it is just one example.


For a practical type of person like me it is easy to see where I can apply the obtained knowledge. Hence I am an engineering applicant.

You are not wrong.

I'm barely scraping an A in GCSE Maths and I picked A-level Maths. IMO it's a complete waste of time, impracticable and useless in later life. It may impress employers but an A/A* in GCSE Maths is sufficient enough to prove that you are not mathematically inept. I'm going to change my A-level option ASAP. Most people who do it find it miserable, hard and boring. Does anyone else agree?

*YAWN*

I'm going to watch Pirates of The Caribbean. Anyone else coming with me ?

Don't worry mate, it's not that important, given you don't want to pursue a career in Maths.

Perhaps you should reread it. It says that that employers look for "problem solving, logical thinking, conceptual ability, communication, data handling and interpretation, and research" and "recognise that you have them if you’ve studied maths". A-level mathematics shows this, which is impressive. No doubt. However employers aren't looking for half the skills you learnt in A-level maths because they aren't practicable and you would probably have forgotten them. Just like my Maths teacher (who has a degree) forgot what she did at A-level and has to revise it every now and then.

I'm barely scraping an A in GCSE Maths and I picked A-level Maths. IMO it's a complete waste of time, impracticable and useless in later life. It may impress employers but an A/A* in GCSE Maths is sufficient enough to prove that you are not mathematically inept. I'm going to change my A-level option ASAP. Most people who do it find it miserable, hard and boring. Does anyone else agree?

And which aspects of maths do you think are totally impractical?
Name each one you think is impractical and I will name a practical use.

4? Is it even out yet? It's in theater's on the 18th (where I live).

As far as my own experience goes, I absolutely love maths and am taking both maths and further maths to A2 and intend to take a joint hons in theoretical physics and maths at uni. I know a lot of people who have struggled with the course and I think that's swayed their opinion towards not liking it. Additionally, it's often perceived to be cool to dislike maths - it certainly was at my old school - and I don't think that helps anyone enjoy the subject. I agree that maths isn't entirely applicable to the rest of life unless you intend to pursue a career in which maths forms a large part. But I refuse to let you tell me maths isn't beautiful.

You clearly have not read my posts and are ignorant about where I stand on students who study Mathematics. Instead of repeating yourself, look at them and shut up.

Maths is a very interesting subject and it's very rewarding, which is why I took it. Maths is also very cool.

However, it needs dedication because it's also bloody difficult.

Can't speak for FP2-4 but FP1 is just like any other Core module in my opinion. I can't really see how any other further maths module would be different. Though I would say something like STEP or AEA would have a huge workload.

STEP and AEA are based on FM and Maths. They are just extra maths exams for students applying for certain courses. There are no preparation for them apart from past papers. We used AEA papers for FP3 and FP4 practice. Questions are very interesting to solve because they are synoptic and require a deeper understanding of maths concepts which is what Further Maths is about.

FP3 is 180 pages of differential equations and polar integration, FP4 is 160 pages of three dimensional geomentry, FP1 and FP2 are a mixture of topics. They are not based on one another and involve proofs unlike Core Maths, that's probably the main difference.

You are not wrong.

Change it. I flew through GCSE Maths and am struggling to maintain my A at A-level. If you haven't got the commitment to learn and practise, don't take it.



The volume of revolution.
Other parts of integration.
Differentiation.
Sec, cosec, cot.
Iteration
Vectors
Binomial expansion
E^x and lnx

...Basically, the whole of the A2 level core modules.

And to be fair, the whole of Mechanics as well. Unless I'm going to become an engineer, I don't need to know what the turning force of a child stood on a plank is.

So, in terms of day-to-day usage, A-level Maths is fairly useless. I accept that all of it is useful if you're going to go into that area of work though.

Yes yes yes, I know what AEA and STEP involve I don't need a lecture about it.

Still, I see no reason why FP3-4 creates a bigger workload than any other maths module.

I will give you an example: After finishing C4 in 2-3 weeks I spent 3 month understanding FP3 content.

It may impress employers