Why is Mathematical Literacy offered as a Matric subject?
The inclusion of Mathematical Literacy as a fundamental subject in the FET band is in order to ensure that South Africa’s citizens of the future are competent, numerate consumers of mathematics. It is hoped that the study of Mathematical Literacy will ensure a broadening of the education of the learner, who can then take his/her place with confidence in modern society in South Africa. The study of Mathematical Literacy will help the learner become: 1. A self-managing person: A mathematically literate person should be able to cope with financial issues (hire purchase, mortgage bonds, investments etc.), be able to read maps, follow timetables, estimate and calculate areas and volumes, and understand house plans and sewing patterns. 2. A contributing worker: A mathematically literate person should be able to deal with work-related formulae, read statistical charts, deal with schedules and understand instructions involving numbers. A participating citizen: A mathematically literate person
