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Mathematics · Year 1

Mathematics Foundation for chemical engineers

A step-by-step foundation in the core mathematics needed for any STEM degree, covering algebra, factorisation, graphs, geometry, trigonometry, vectors and number nomenclature.

Lessons
44
Videos
44
Practice questions
39
Themes
8
Start learning free

No card needed. Every lesson is open on every plan.

The subject

What Mathematics Foundation covers

This course covers a comprehensive range of foundational topics essential for any degree programme and for most STEM professions, providing a detailed step-by-step guide to mastering the core topics of mathematics. It spans algebra, factorisation, graphs, geometry, trigonometry, vectors and number nomenclature, with each topic detailing the core concepts needed to progress to the next level. Designed for students and adult learners with little to no prior knowledge, it pairs detailed fundamental theory with a wide range of applications that solidify understanding. Learners come away able to handle number nomenclature and basic operations such as fractions, percentages, standard deviation and functions; work confidently with algebra including brackets, factorisation, inequalities, surds, indices, straight lines, quadratics and polynomials; apply geometric concepts spanning Pythagoras, areas of basic and composite shapes, arc lengths and similar shapes; use basic trigonometry including graph transformations, CAST diagrams and the sine and cosine rules; and work with vectors as 2D and 3D entities.

What you’ll be able to do

  • Explain what it means to change the subject of a formula
  • Define the gradient as the steepness of a line relative to the horizontal
  • Distinguish natural numbers, integers and rational numbers
  • State Pythagoras' theorem for a right-angled triangle
  • Identify the three types of trigonometric graph
  • Interpret the x and y components of a vector in two dimensions
The lessons

Every lesson, theme by theme

44 lessons in 8 themes, pitched at Year 1. Your year decides what comes first, never what you can open.

Algebra & Equations

10 lessons

  1. 1Changing The Subject of The FormulaYear 1
  2. 2Introduction To SurdsYear 1
  3. 3InequalitiesYear 1
  4. 4Adding & Subtracting SurdsYear 1
  5. 5Common FactorYear 1
  6. 6TrinomialsYear 1
  7. 7Completing The SquareYear 1
  8. 8Simultaneous EquationsYear 1
  9. 9Quadratic FormulaYear 1
  10. 10Sketching QuadraticsYear 1

Straight Lines & Gradients

2 lessons

  1. 1The GradientYear 1
  2. 2Equation of A Straight LineYear 1

Numbers & Arithmetic

6 lessons

  1. 1Number NomenclatureYear 1
  2. 2Introduction To FractionsYear 1
  3. 3Scientific NotationYear 1
  4. 4PercentagesYear 1
  5. 5Reverse PercentagesYear 1
  6. 6Compound InterestYear 1

Geometry & Mensuration

7 lessons

  1. 1PythagorasYear 1
  2. 2Area of A TriangleYear 1
  3. 3Sector AreaYear 1
  4. 4Arc LengthYear 1
  5. 5Introduction To VolumeYear 1
  6. 6Composite VolumeYear 1
  7. 7Similar ShapesYear 1

Trigonometry

6 lessons

  1. 1Trigonometric GraphsYear 1
  2. 2The CAST DiagramYear 1
  3. 3Trigonometric EquationsYear 1
  4. 4The Sine RuleYear 1
  5. 5The Cosine RuleYear 1
  6. 6BearingsYear 1

Vectors

4 lessons

  1. 1Introduction To VectorsYear 1
  2. 2Adding & Subtracting VectorsYear 1
  3. 3Vector PathwaysYear 1
  4. 4Vector MagnitudeYear 1

Statistics & Functions

2 lessons

  1. 1Standard DeviationYear 1
  2. 2FunctionsYear 1

More in Mathematics Foundation

7 lessons

  1. 1Introduction To IndiciesYear 1
  2. 2Multiplying Out BracketsYear 1
  3. 3Rationalise The DenominatorYear 1
  4. 4Multiplying & Dividing SurdsYear 1
  5. 5Difference of 2 SquaresYear 1
  6. 6Algebraic FractionsYear 1
  7. 7The DiscriminantYear 1
Before you start

What it builds on

This one starts from scratch: no other subject is assumed.

How you’ll learn it

Mathematics Foundation, at your pace

  • Video lessons

    44 lessons and 44 videos, each with what you’ll be able to do by the end.

  • Practice, marked as you go

    39 practice questions, marked the moment you answer, with hints when you’re stuck. Step-by-step worked solutions come with Core.

  • CERA, when it doesn’t click

    Ask CERA to explain any idea in Mathematics Foundation another way, or to test you on it. Every day, on every plan.

Ready when you are

Build a plan around exactly where you’re stuck

Tell us where you are and get a pathway with your first lesson, your first practice set and a weekly study target. You won’t need an account until you want to keep it.

  • Free to start
  • No card needed
  • Change your answers any time

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