Unit 39: Further Mathematics

Unit code H/615/1507

Unit level 5
Credit value 15

Introduction
The understanding of more advanced mathematics is important within an
engineering curriculum to support and broaden abilities within the applied subjects
at the core of all engineering programmes. Students are introduced to additional
topics that will be relevant to them as they progress to the next level of their
studies, advancing their knowledge of the underpinning mathematics gained in
Unit 2: Engineering Maths.
The unit will prepare students to analyse and model engineering situations using
mathematical techniques. Among the topics included in this unit are: number
theory, complex numbers, matrix theory, linear equations, numerical integration,
numerical differentiation, and graphical representations of curves for estimation
within an engineering context. Finally, students will expand their knowledge of
calculus to discover how to model and solve engineering problems using first and
second order differential equations.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to use applications of
number theory in practical engineering situations, solve systems of linear equations
relevant to engineering applications using matrix methods, approximate solutions
of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods, and review
models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations.
2. Solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications using
matrix methods.
3. Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and
numerical methods.
4. Review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations.

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Essential Content

LO1 Use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations

Number theory:
Bases of a number (Denary, Binary, Octal, Duodecimal, Hexadecimal) and
converting between bases.
Types of numbers (Natural, Integer, Rational, Real, Complex).
The modulus, argument and conjugate of complex numbers.
Polar and exponential forms of complex numbers.
The use of de Moivre’s Theorem in engineering.
Complex number applications e.g. electric circuit analysis, information and
energy control systems.

LO2 Solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications

using matrix methods

Matrix methods:
Introduction to matrices and matrix notation.
The process for addition, subtraction and multiplication of matrices.
Introducing the determinant of a matrix and calculating the determinant for a
2x2 matrix.
Using the inverse of a square matrix to solve linear equations.
Gaussian elimination to solve systems of linear equations (up to 3x3).

LO3 Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and

numerical methods

Graphical and numerical methods:

Standard curves of common functions, including quadratic, cubic, logarithm
and exponential curves.
Systematic curve sketching knowing the equation of the curve.
Using sketches to approximate solutions of equations.
Numerical analysis using the bisection method and the Newton–Raphson
method.
Numerical integration using the mid-ordinate rule, the trapezium rule and
Simpson’s rule.

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LO4 Review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential
equations

Differential equations:
Formation and solutions of first-order differential equations.
Applications of first-order differential equations e.g. RC and RL electric
circuits, Newton’s laws of cooling, charge and discharge of electrical
capacitors and complex stresses and strains.
Formation and solutions of second-order differential equations.
Applications of second-order differential equations e.g. mass-spring-damper
systems, information and energy control systems, heat transfer, automatic
control systems and beam theory and RLC circuits.
Introduction to Laplace transforms for solving linear ordinary differential
equations.
Applications involving Laplace transforms such as electric circuit theory, load
frequency control, harmonic vibrations of beams, and engine governors.

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Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1 Use applications of number theory in practical D1 Test the correctness

engineering situations of a trigonometric
identity using de
P1 Apply addition and M1 Deduce solutions of Moivre’s Theorem.
multiplication methods to problems using de Moivre’s
numbers that are Theorem.
expressed in different base
systems.
P2 Solve engineering
problems using complex
number theory.
P3 Perform arithmetic
operations using the polar
and exponential form of
complex numbers.

LO2 Solve systems of linear equations relevant to D2 Evaluate and

engineering applications using matrix methods validate all analytical
matrix solutions using
P4 Ascertain the M2 Determine solutions to appropriate computer
determinant of a given 3x3 a set of linear equations software.
matrix. using the Inverse Matrix
Method.
P5 Solve a system of three
linear equations using
Gaussian elimination.

LO3 Approximate solutions of contextualised examples D3 Critique the use of

with graphical and numerical methods numerical estimation
methods, commenting
P6 Estimate solutions of M3 Solve engineering on their applicability and
sketched functions using a problems and formulate the accuracy of the
graphical estimation mathematical models using methods.
method. first-order differential
equations.
P7 Calculate the roots of
an equation using two
different iterative
techniques.
P8 Determine the
numerical integral of
engineering functions using
two different methods.

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 Pass Merit Distinction

LO4 Review models of engineering systems using D4 Critically evaluate

ordinary differential equations first and second-order
differential equations
P9 Determine first order M4 Evaluate how different when generating the
differential equations and models of engineering solutions to engineering
their application to systems using first-order situations using models
engineering systems using differential equations solve of engineering systems.
analytical methods. engineering problems.
P10 Determine second-
order homogeneous and
non-homogenous
differential equations and
their application to
engineering systems using
analytical methods.
P11 Calculate solutions to
linear ordinary differential
equations using Laplace
transforms.

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Recommended Resources

Textbooks
BIRD, J. (2014) Higher Engineering Mathematics. 7th Ed. London: Routledge.
SINGH, K. (2011) Engineering Mathematics Trough Applications. Basingstoke,
Palgrave Macmillan.
STROUD, K.A. and BOOTH, D.J. (2013) Engineering Mathematics. 7th Ed:
Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Journals
Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics. Wiley.
Journal of Engineering Mathematics. Springer.
Journal of Mathematical Physics. American Institute of Physics.

Electronic
http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk
http://www.mathtutor.ac.uk

Links
This unit links to the following related unit:
Unit 2: Engineering Maths

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