QCE Maths Methods PSMT walkthrough quiz

Practical Statistics and Mathematics Test, a 1-hour exam

Problem-Solving and Modelling Task, a take-home report of up to 10 pages or 2000 words

Pre-Senior Mathematics Test

Public Statistics and Modelling Task

Introduction, Method, Results, Conclusion

Formulate, Solve, Evaluate and Verify, Communicate

Aim, Hypothesis, Data, Discussion

Title, References, Appendix, Cover

Just compute

Translate the real-world context into a mathematical model, stating assumptions, defining variables, and choosing techniques

Skip the setup

Use only intuition

Only by-hand methods

A combination of by-hand reasoning and CAS, with all steps shown clearly enough that an assessor can follow

Only CAS output with no commentary

Verbal explanation alone

Verifying the calculator works

Checking the model against assumptions, testing edge cases, considering sensitivity, comparing results to expected ranges

Repeating the calculation

Reading the question again

Use of colourful fonts

Mathematical conventions (notation, units, labelled diagrams), clear logical flow, appropriate use of language, professional report format

Long sentences

Bullet points exclusively

10 pages OR up to 2000 words (whichever applies)

5 pages

Unlimited

500 words

Linear y = mx + c

Exponential y = A e^(kt), with k estimated from data and the model tested against actual values

Trigonometric y = sin(x)

Polynomial of degree 7

Be hidden

Be stated explicitly at the formulation stage and re-tested in the evaluation stage

Be ignored

Be added at the end

I will model this.

This report addresses (specific real-world question) by formulating a (model type) using variables (X, Y, ...) under assumptions (A1, A2, ...). The model is then solved using (techniques) and evaluated against (data or expected behaviour).

Mathematics is useful.

Models are abstract.