DSS 103: Mathematics for Social Scientists I - Algebra and Trigonometry

Mathematics begins with sets. This course covers everything from basic definitions and membership notations to complex set algebra and De Morgan's laws. You will master cardinality, power sets, and the classification of number systems including rational, irrational, and complex numbers. The curriculum moves from simple operations like union and intersection into element-wise proofs, Cartesian products, and the mechanics of relations and functions. Set theory is the language of modern data and logic. These concepts are essential for computer programming, database management, and statistical analysis. Understanding functions and mappings allows you to model real-world dependencies in engineering, economics, and the sciences. Mastering these foundations provides the exact logical framework needed to solve complex problems in technology and research. Upon completion, you will be able to simplify set expressions and solve grouping problems using Venn diagrams and the inclusion-exclusion principle. You will know how to perform element-wise proofs and calculate set cardinalities. You will also gain the ability to evaluate composite functions and prove whether a mapping is one-to-one, onto, or bijective. This course is designed for undergraduate students and secondary school leavers entering STEM disciplines. It provides a necessary logical foundation for anyone moving into calculus, data science, or advanced mathematics. The clear, direct instruction ensures that any student can develop the systematic thinking required for professional technical roles.

Mathematics requires absolute precision. This course provides a rigorous grounding in real number operations, from integers and rational numbers to complex systems and algebraic laws. You will learn to handle polynomials, solve equations ranging from linear to biquadratic, and navigate simultaneous systems. The syllabus covers inequalities, sign tables, partial fractions, indices, logarithms, and the systematic simplification of surds. These tools are essential for success in engineering, accounting, and the sciences. Clear mathematical thinking allows you to model financial risks, calculate structural loads, and write efficient computer code. Proficiency in these operations ensures accuracy in any career that relies on quantitative data and logical deduction. You will gain the ability to classify number systems, apply algebraic theorems, and solve complex equations in one or more unknowns. You will acquire the skills to manipulate inequalities, resolve algebraic fractions, and simplify expressions using the laws of indices and logarithms. The course provides the technical competence required to handle surds and find roots of compound expressions effectively. This training is built for undergraduate foundation students and secondary school leavers entering university. It provides a necessary bridge for anyone needing to strengthen their mathematical base before advanced study. Even those in non-technical roles will find value in the disciplined analytical approach required to master these foundational concepts.

Stop counting one by one. This course provides the mathematical tools to calculate arrangements and selections with speed. You will master the fundamental counting rules including product, addition, subtraction, and division. The curriculum covers linear and cyclic permutations, identical objects, and restricted placements where items must be together or apart. We conclude with combinations, derangements, and the calculation of shapes within geometric frameworks. Counting is the engine of probability and modern computing. These skills are vital for cryptography, software development, and statistical analysis. You will apply these methods to calculate network paths, secure passwords, and optimise logistics. In any technical career, the ability to quantify possibilities is the difference between guessing and knowing. You will solve complex arrangement problems using standard formulas and logical shortcuts. You will handle specific constraints like fixed positions or items that cannot be next to each other. You will learn to distinguish between permutations and combinations in practical scenarios. You will also calculate the number of lines, triangles, and diagonals in geometric figures using combinatorial principles. This foundation is for undergraduate students and secondary school leavers aiming for high scores in competitive exams. It is also essential for professionals in engineering, finance, and data science who require a refresher on discrete mathematics. Anyone seeking to improve their logical deduction and analytical speed will find value here.

Mathematical induction proves a statement is true for every whole number using a starting point and a logical link. It works like a chain reaction where one step confirms the next. This course explains the core principle and applies it to many types of problems. You will study standard series, fractional series, divisibility, and inequalities. The content also covers recursive sequences, matrix powers, and set theory to give you a complete understanding of the method. Programmers use this logic to check that software code works without mistakes. Engineers use it to prove that formulas for structural designs or machines are safe. This skill is vital for anyone in technology, finance, or data science because it makes logical thinking a clear, repeatable process. It removes guesswork and provides the certainty needed for professional work in any technical field. You will learn the three-step induction method to solve different kinds of mathematical proofs. You will prove formulas for series, check if expressions are divisible, and handle difficult inequalities. You will also find general formulas for repeating sequences and solve problems involving matrices and sets. By the end, you will write clear, logical proofs that are required for university mathematics examinations. This course is for university students starting science or engineering degrees and senior secondary school students preparing for higher education. It is also helpful for workers who want to improve their reasoning and problem-solving. Even those not studying mathematics will benefit from the clear way of thinking this course teaches. It provides the basic skills needed for any career that requires logic and proof.

Stop manually multiplying brackets. This course teaches the systematic expansion of binomial expressions using Pascal's triangle and the formal Binomial Theorem. We cover the fundamental proof for positive integers before moving to individual term identification and the general expansion for negative or fractional powers. You will master the mechanics of series expansion from simple squares to complex infinite series. The Binomial Theorem is a core tool in probability, statistics, and financial engineering. It allows for the approximation of complex functions and the calculation of compounding interest or risk factors. Engineers and data scientists use these principles to manage error margins and optimise algorithms. Understanding these patterns is essential for any career involving quantitative analysis or technical forecasting. You will expand binomials to any power and identify specific terms within a series without full expansion. You will demonstrate the theorem's proof and apply Pascal's triangle for rapid computation. You will also calculate expansions for non-integer indices and determine the range of validity for these series. These skills enable the simplification of advanced algebraic expressions. This curriculum is for undergraduate students and secondary school leavers entering science or technology tracks. It provides the necessary foundation for engineering, physics, and economics degrees. Professionals needing a mathematical refresher for data analysis will find the direct approach efficient. Any learner requiring precise algebraic tools for higher education will gain immediate value.

Standard numbers cannot solve every square root. This course teaches you to use complex numbers for such problems. You will learn number systems, algebra, and how to use the Argand plane. Lessons cover polar forms, De Moivre's theorem, and finding roots. You will also study sine, cosine, and log functions through many worked examples. These methods are vital for electrical engineering, physics, and signal processing. You need these skills to calculate electricity flow and wave behaviour. Engineers use these tools to build machines and structures. Mastering this allows you to solve the difficult maths used in modern technology and research. It provides the logic needed for all advanced technical work. You will learn to add, multiply, and divide complex numbers. You will switch between rectangular, polar, and exponential forms using Taylor series. You will gain the skill to find Nth roots of unity and solve hyperbolic equations. You will also learn to draw complex equations on a graph accurately. By the end, you will handle advanced mathematical expressions without errors. This course is for university students in engineering or maths who must pass advanced modules. It also serves technical workers who need to refresh their skills. The step-by-step examples make the topics easy to follow for anyone starting out. This knowledge is a requirement for anyone pursuing a career in high-level science or technology.

This course provides a complete guide to trigonometry, from the principles of circular measure to functions of any angle. It covers the unit circle definitions and culminates in a full treatment of the addition and factor formulae. This is the mathematical language of cycles, waves, and angles. A command of trigonometry is essential for any field that models periodic or geometric systems. It is used extensively in physics to analyse waves and oscillations, in engineering for structural analysis and signal processing, and in computer graphics for rotations and 3D modelling. By the end of this course, you will be able to convert between degrees and radians, define the six trigonometric functions for any angle using the unit circle, and apply the addition and factor formulae to manipulate and simplify trigonometric expressions and solve equations. This course is a mandatory prerequisite for any student of mathematics, physics, or engineering. It provides the necessary foundation for the study of calculus, complex numbers, and vector analysis.