← Applications of Mathematics syllabus

ScotlandApplications of Mathematics

Planning and Decision Making

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you use expected values to choose between options when outcomes are uncertain?

Calculating expected values to compare decisions under risk, using decision tables and decision trees, and justifying a choice while recognising the limits of an expected-value approach.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics decision-making content, covering expected value as a decision criterion, decision tables and trees, comparing options under risk, and the limits of using expected value alone.
9 min answer →

How do you represent a project schedule over time and use it to plan resources and deadlines?

Representing project activities over time with Gantt charts and PERT, scheduling activities and resources, and using the schedule to track progress and manage deadlines.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics planning content, covering Gantt charts, PERT, representing activities over time, scheduling parallel tasks and resources, and tracking progress against a plan.
9 min answer →

How do you model a project as a network and find the shortest time to complete it?

Modelling a project with an activity network, finding the critical path and minimum completion time, and calculating the float (slack) of non-critical activities.
A focused answer to the SQA Higher Applications of Mathematics planning content, covering activity networks, precedence, the forward and backward pass, the critical path and minimum completion time, and the float of non-critical activities.
10 min answer →