Pythagoras' theorem in two and three dimensions appears in General Mathematics, Units 1-2, section 6 (Geometry and trigonometry: Shape and measurement) in the Victorian Certificate of Education Mathematics Study Design (Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority, 2010). It also comes in Further Mathematics, Units 3-4 (Applications: Geometry and…

In some secondary mathematics curricula, there is a topic called Stereometry that deals with investigating the position and finding the intersection, angle, and distance of lines and planes defined within a prism or pyramid. Coordinate system is not used. The metric tasks are solved using Pythagoras' theorem, trigonometric functions, and sine and…

I report on the findings from research and literature on (a) use of symbols in mathematics, (b) algebraic/trigonometric expressions, (c) solving equations, and (d) functions and calculus. From these, some insights and implications for teaching and learning are derived.

As time has progressed, the role of applied mathematics has become increasingly important. Indeed there are now more students enrolled in applied mathematics courses in senior high schools and colleges than in pure mathematics. Such courses become more relevant both to the student and to future employers, if the same constants and equations that…