Mathematics proficiencies

Understanding / Fluency / Problem-Solving / Reasoning

Year 9

Number and algebra: Archers in the plane

Summary of task

Students were asked to find the coordinates of a point where an archery target could be placed such that it is equidistant from three archers.

Proficiencies

At this year level understanding includes describing the relationship between graphs and equations, simplifying a range of algebraic expressions and explaining the use of relative frequencies to estimate probabilities and of the trigonometric ratios for right-angle triangles.

At this year level fluency includes applying the index laws to expressions with integer indices, expressing numbers in scientific notation, listing outcomes for experiments, developing familiarity with calculations involving the Cartesian plane and calculating areas of shapes and surface areas of prisms.

At this year level problem-solving includes formulating and modelling practical situations involving surface areas and volumes of right prisms, applying ratio and scale factors to similar figures, solving problems involving right-angle trigonometry and collecting data from secondary sources to investigate an issue.

At this year level reasoning includes following mathematical arguments, evaluating media reports and using statistical knowledge to clarify situations, developing strategies in investigating similarity and sketching linear graphs.