Mathematics Lecture Notes for NCE
Year One
Prepared By: Mamman Magaji
Department of Integrated Science
Jarmai Ibrahim College of Advanced Studies, Tsiga
Course Introduction
Course Title: Mathematics for NCE Year One Students
Course Description:
This course introduces foundational mathematical concepts essential for NCE students. It is
designed to strengthen their numerical, algebraic, and problem-solving skills required for
further studies in mathematics and its application in teaching.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Perform basic arithmetic operations with confidence.
2. Solve simple algebraic equations and expressions.
3. Apply the order of operations to evaluate numerical expressions correctly.
4. Understand and apply the laws of indices and square roots.
5. Develop logical thinking through mathematical problem-solving.
Table of Contents
1. Basic Arithmetic Functions
2. Simple Algebraic Equations
3. Evaluation of Numerical Expressions
4. Positive and Negative Indices and Square Roots
5. [Next Topic Placeholder]
6. Exercises and Practice Questions
7. Summary and Revision Tips
1. Basic Arithmetic Functions
Definition: Arithmetic functions involve the basic operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.
Key Concepts:
- Addition (+): Combining two or more numbers to get a total.
Example: 5 + 3 = 8
- Subtraction (-): Finding the difference between two numbers.
Example: 9 - 4 = 5
- Multiplication (*): Repeated addition of a number.
Example: 6 * 3 = 18
- Division (/): Splitting a number into equal parts.
Example: 20 / 5 = 4
Solved Examples:
1. 15 + 9 - 3 = 21
2. (8 * 5) / 4 = 10
Exercise:
1. 17 + 6 = ?
2. 25 - 8 = ?
3. 7 * 4 = ?
4. 36 / 6 = ?
5. (12 + 8) * 2 = ?
2. Simple Algebraic Equations
Definition: An algebraic equation is a mathematical statement that uses variables, numbers,
and operations.
Key Concepts:
- Solving for x: Isolate the variable.
Example: x + 4 = 9 → x = 9 - 4 = 5
- Balancing both sides: What you do to one side, do to the other.
Solved Examples:
1. x - 3 = 10 → x = 10 + 3 = 13
2. 2x = 12 → x = 12 / 2 = 6
3. x/5 = 4 → x = 4 * 5 = 20
Exercise:
1. x + 7 = 15
2. x - 2 = 11
3. 3x = 18
4. x/4 = 6
5. x + 3 = 2x - 5
3. Evaluation of Numerical Expressions
Definition: It involves simplifying a mathematical expression by performing the operations
in the correct order.
Order of Operations (BODMAS):
- B - Brackets
- O - Orders (powers and roots)
- D - Division
- M - Multiplication
- A - Addition
- S - Subtraction
Solved Examples:
1. 2 + 3 * 4 = 2 + 12 = 14
2. (6 + 2) * 5 = 8 * 5 = 40
3. 18 / (3 + 3) = 18 / 6 = 3
Exercise:
1. 5 + 4 * 2 = ?
2. (7 + 1) / 2 = ?
3. 6 * (3 + 2) = ?
4. 20 - 3 * 4 = ?
5. (10 - 4) + 2 = ?
4. Positive and Negative Indices and Square Roots
Indices (Exponents):
- Positive index: x^n means multiply x by itself n times.
Example: 2^3 = 2 * 2 * 2 = 8
- Negative index: x^-n = 1 / x^n
Example: 2^-2 = 1 / (2^2) = 1/4
Square Root (√): A number which, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.
- Example: √25 = 5
Laws of Indices:
1. x^a * x^b = x^(a + b)
2. x^a / x^b = x^(a - b)
3. (x^a)^b = x^(a * b)
Solved Examples:
1. 3^2 = 9
2. 4^-1 = 1/4
3. √36 = 6
4. 2^3 * 2^2 = 2^(3+2) = 2^5 = 32
Exercise:
1. 5^2 = ?
2. √49 = ?
3. 2^-3 = ?
4. 10^3 / 10^2 = ?
5. (3^2)^2 = ?
