Mathematics for Technicians

Mathematics for Technicians

In all branches and at all levels of engineering there is a need for the engineer and engineering technician to be able to solve problems quickly, efficiently and accurately. Most problems in engineering are expressed mathematically this is done so that important information is presented succinctly and without ambiguity. It is therefore vital that all those who purport to be engineers or engineering technicians have a firm grasp of fundamental mathematical principles and are able to apply these principles to engineering problems.

This unit has been designed to provide the essential mathematics knowledge and understanding necessary for those who wish to practice as engineering technicians and extends and deepens the mathematical concepts already acquired from GCSE or BTEC First Diploma study. It has also been designed to provide you with the numerical skills necessary to successfully complete all other scientific units in the National Engineering programme. In addition, this unit act as a prerequisite for the study of, Further Mathematics (Unit 28), enable progression onto engineering programmes offered by Higher Education establishments.

The unit is split into four outcomes, covering elements of algebra, trigonometry, statistics and elementary calculus techniques. In order to fill in some possible gaps that you may have in your prior mathematical knowledge, a short introductory section has been provided covering what is essentially revision material on arithmetic, decimal powers, estimation techniques and the use of Pythagoras theorem. Those already familiar with these very useful topics may just prefer to skip them and try the Test your knowledge questions within the section, to confirm understanding.

In outcome 1 of the unit, transposition of formulae has been included and although not strictly part of the unit syllabus, it has been added in view of its importance to prospective technicians and engineers. The content in the other three outcomes follows the BTEC unit syllabus exactly. Thus outcome 2 covers; triangular measure, circular measure and measuration, while outcome 3 covers, data handling and statistical measurement and finally outcome 4 covers aspects of the differential and integral calculus.

In order to aid your understanding of technician mathematics, you will find numerous fully worked examples and test your knowledge exercises spread throughout this unit.