QMI1500/101/3/2022

Tutorial letter 101/3/2022

Elementary Quantitative Methods

QMI1500

Semesters 1 and 2

Department of Decision Sciences

Important information
This is an online module. Please register on my Unisa,
activate your my Life email address and make sure that
you have regular access to the my Unisa module website,
QMI1500-2022-S1/S2.

Bar code
CONTENTS

Contents
1 Welcome 3
1.1 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 Overwiew of QMI1500 3
2.1 Purpose and outcomes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Curriculum transformation 4
4 Contact details 4
5 Resources 4
5.1 Joining my Unisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5.2 Study material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.3 Printed Study Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.4 Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.5 Library services and resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 Student support services for the module 7
6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7 How to study online 7
7.1 What does it mean to study fully online? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7.2 my Unisa tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8 Study Plan 8
9 Assessment 9
9.1 Compulsory assignment due dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9.2 Semester mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9.3 Submission of assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9.4 Feedback on Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
10 Examination 11
11 Let’s go! 11
12 List of formulas attached to the examination paper 12

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1p Welcome
Dear Student
We are pleased to welcome you to the module QMI1500 and hope that you will find it both interesting and
rewarding. We shall do our best to make your study of this module successful. You will be well on your way
to success if you start studying early in the semester and resolve to do the assignments properly.
In this module you will learn useful mathematical skills that will enable you to solve practical problems. You
will learn how beautiful and elegant numbers can be and what fun it is to work with them. So if you are
frightened of numbers, this module is going to help you get rid of your fears. It will, however, not happen
overnight – one has to work hard and do lots of exercises to master mathematics.
Learning to do mathematics is like building a wall – one brick fits on top of the other. So make sure that
you are familiar with one section of the work before moving on to the next. We hope that we will enjoy a
happy and successful semester together.
1.1 Getting started.
Owing to the nature of this module, you can read about the module and find your study material online.
Go to the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and password. Click on
“ my Modules” at the top of the web page and then on “Sites” in the top right corner. In the new window,
click on the grey Star icon next to the modules you want displayed on your navigation bar. Close the window
in the top right corner. Then select the option ”Reload to see your updated favourite sites”. Now go to your
navigation bar and click on the module you want to open.
2 Overwiew of QMI1500
2.1 Purpose and outcomes
Once you have completed this module successfully, you will be able to do basic numerical calculations, basic
elementary mathematical modelling, financial mathematics, elementary descriptive statistics and apply some
elementary differentiation rules.
After working through the study material, you will be able to
1. do the basic numerical calculations necessary to correctly use variables, fractions, powers, roots, ratios,
proportions, percentages and correctly apply units to measure area and volume.
2. apply mathematical concepts to do basic modelling; differentiate between some types of functions and
finding optimal values using systems of linear functions.
3. apply the basic concepts of financial mathematics to solve elementary practical financial problems,
by using simple and compound interest, simple discount, the time value of money, annuities and
amortisation.
4. apply the basic techniques of descriptive statistics to small data sets, for example, data collection,
presentation and calculating measures of locality and dispersion.
5. apply some elementary differentiation rules to determine optimal and marginal cost, revenue and profit.
Every topic in the study guide is divided into themes. At the beginning of every theme the outcomes for
that theme are given. These outcomes specify what you should be able to do upon concluding that theme.
The examiners follow the learning outcomes and assessment criteria as specified in the study material.
Therefore, all the learning outcomes of the study guide must be mastered for examination purposes, unless
mentioned otherwise. Hence, the learning outcomes are your EXAM SCOPE.
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3 Curriculum transformation
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response to
this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum
transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching
and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies
and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be integrated at both programme and module levels
as a phased-in approach. You will notice a marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented
by Unisa, together with how the content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace
these changes during your studies at Unisa in a responsive way within the framework of transformation.
4 Contact details
Your lecturer for this module will be announced on the home page of the QMI1500 module site on my Unisa.
You can contact the Department of Decision Sciences at:
Telephone number: 012 433 4684
Email: qm@unisa.ac.za
To contact the University, follow the instructions on the Contact us page on the Unisa website. Remember
to have your student number available whenever you contact the University.
Whenever you contact a lecturer via e-mail, please include your student number in the subject line to enable
the lecturer to help you more effectively.
5 Resources
5.1 Joining my Unisa
The my Unisa learning management system is the University’s online campus which will help you communi-
cate with your lecturers, other students, and the administrative departments within Unisa. To claim your
my Unisa account, please follow the steps below:
1. Visit the my Unisa website at https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal.
2. Click on the “ Claim Unisa login” link on the top of the screen under the orange user ID box.
3. A new screen will load, prompting you to enter your student number. Please enter your student
number and click “ continue”.
4. Enter your surname, your full name, your date of birth and, finally, your South African ID number
(for South African citizens) OR your passport number (for foreign students). Then click “continue”.
Remember to enter either an ID number or a passport number, NOT both.
5. Please read through the guidelines and click all the check boxes to acknowledge that you have read
all the information provided. Once you are done, click the “ Acknowledge” button to redirect you to
the final page in the process.
6. The final page will display your my Life e-mail address, and your my Life AND my Unisa password.
This password will also be sent to the cellphone number displayed on the page for safekeeping.
7. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for your my Life e-mail account to be created.
Remember, the password provided is your my Unisa AND my Life password.
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5.2 Study material

There are no prescribed books, e-reserves or recommended books for this module. You only
have to buy a financial calculator. See section 5.4.
Please take note that all the study material can be downloaded (and printed if required) from
my Unisa.
5.3 Printed Study Material
After registering for QMI1500, the Department of Despatch should supply you with copies of the following
study material:
• Tutorial Letter 101, 2022 (this tutorial letter), containing general information
• a study guide: Elementary Quantitative Methods
• a work-book containing additional exercises
Remember, all the study material is also available on my Unisa. Other tutorial letters will be posted online
only on my Unisa during the course of the semester.

5.4 Calculator
The use of a financial calculator is absolutely essential for this module. You may use any make or model
that you prefer. However, the Department of Decision Sciences has decided to provide instructions only for
the following models:
• SHARP EL-738 or SHARP EL-738F or SHARP EL-738FB
The calculator may be purchased from most shops selling electronic appliances as well as online webpages.
It is advisable to purchase your calculator as soon as possible as it takes time to master the use of it.
The notes on the calculator are under “ Additional Resources” on the QMI1500 module site my Unisa.
PLEASE NOTE:
The SHARP EL-733A financial calculator or the SHARP EL-5250 and SHARP EL-5120 programmable
calculators may still be used. No assistance will however be given to users of these calculators. You may
however find the manual for the SHARP EL-733A financial calculator, the SHARP EL-5120 programmable
calculator and the SHARP EL-5250 programmable calculator online.

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5.5 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:
• For a general Library overview, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/About-the-Library Library @ a glance.
• For detailed Library information, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library.
• For research support and services (eg personal librarians and literature search services), go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Research-support.
The Library has created numerous Library guides to assist you: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Frequently asked questions about the Library:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Information about services that the library provide to students living with disabilities can be
obtained from the links:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/c.php?g=355436&p=2399892
Information about services that are available can be obtained from
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Students-with-disabilities.
A form that can be completed to get special assistance can be obtained from the link
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Register-to-study-through-Unisa/Forms-&-codes.
Select form “ARCSWiDO1” and a PDF form named “ARCSWiD 01” will open.
• A-Z databases:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php
• Subject-specific guides:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/?b=s
• Information on fines & payments:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/fines

Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport or send an email to Lib-help@unisa.ac.za.
Insert your student number in the subject line please.
General library enquiries can be directed to Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za.

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6 Student support services for the module

The Study @ Unisa website is available on my Unisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies.
This website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with anxiety. This
is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning institution.
Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is a mega university and all our
programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully online learning mode. It is for this
reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students additional/extended support so that you
can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and learning journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In
this regard we offer a specialised student support programme to students entering Unisa for the first time.
We refer to this programme as Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to
provide you with prompt and helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can
access information. The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

• FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at Unisa can
be accessed using the link www.unisa.ac.za/FYE.
• FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.
• FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to your
first-year studies (eg videos on how to submit assignments online).
• FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail to
fye@unisa.ac.za.

7 How to study online

7.1 What does it mean to study fully online?
Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at Unisa.

• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online on my Unisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your activities
and submit all your assignments on my Unisa. In other words, you may NOT post your assignments
to Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will com-
municate with you via e-mail and SMS, and use Announcements and the Discussions tools on
my Unisa.
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7.2 my Unisa tools

The main tool that we will use is the Lessons tool. This tool will provide the content of your module.
It is very important that you log in to my Unisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at least once
a week and check for new announcements. You can also set your my Life e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone. To get the most out of the online module, you MUST
go online regularly to stay connected and to complete the assignments on time.

8 Study Plan
As this module is of a mathematical nature, you will not be able to master it in a short period
of time. You will have to work consistently and according to a timetable if you want to be
successful.
There are about three months (± 12 weeks) of study time in a semester. In this short period you have to
work through the study material and prepare yourself for the examination. In view of the fact that your
study time is limited, you will have to plan carefully. We suggest that you spend at least 45 minutes per day
on this module. The study guide is divided into topics. Each topic is further divided into themes.
In the study plan on the next page we have allocated the themes to different weeks. You should have enough
time to complete all the themes that are allocated to a specific week. By the end of each week
• you should have worked through the designated section of the study material (including the examples
and activities).
• you should have completed the exercises at the end of the relevant themes.
Only then should you continue with the next part of the study material. The workbook contains additional
exercises on each topic. Complete as many of the exercises in the workbook as possible. This will help you
to master the topics sufficiently well and complete the module successfully.

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If you follow this schedule you will have enough time left to revise the study material before the examination.
Semester 1: Week 1 starts on 6 February 2022.
Semester 2: Week 1 starts on 17 July 2022.

Work covered Study time Semester 1 Date Semester 2 Date

Theme 1.1 to Theme 1.6 Week 1 6 Feb - 12 Feb 17 Jul - 23 Jul
Theme 1.7 to Theme 1.9 Week 2 13 Feb - 19 Feb 24 Jul - 30 Jul
Theme 2.1 to Theme 2.2 Week 3 20 Feb - 26 Feb 31 Jul - 6 Aug
Assignment 1
Theme 2.3 to Theme 3.2 Week 4 27 Feb - 5 Mar 7 Aug - 13 Aug
Theme 3.3 to Theme 4.1 Week 5 6 Mar - 12 Mar 14 Aug - 20 Aug
Theme 4.2 to Theme 4.4 Week 6 13 Mar - 19 Mar 21 Aug - 27 Aug
Assignment 2
Theme 4.5 to Theme 4.6 Week 7 20 Mar - 26 Mar 28 Aug - 3 Sep
Theme 5.1 to Theme 5.3 Week 8 27 Mar - 2 Apr 4 Sep - 10 Sep
Theme 5.4 to Theme 5.5 Week 9 3 Apr - 9 Apr 11 Sep - 17 Sep
Theme 6.1 to Theme 6.4 Week 10 10 Apr - 16 Apr 18 Sep - 24 Sep
Assignment 3
Revision Week 11 17 Apr - 23 Apr 25 Sep - 1 Oct
Assignment 4
Exam preparation Week 12 24 Apr - 30 Apr 2 Oct - 8 Oct

9 Assessment
Assessment of your understanding and sound knowledge of the contents of this module will be through
completion of four multiple choice assignments as well as a two and a half hour multiple choice examination.
There are four compulsory assignments per semester. The marks of each of the four assignments will con-
tribute towards your semester mark as indicated in the table in Paragraph 9.1. All assignments must be
submitted by the due dates. Late assignments will not be marked, which means that you will obtain a poor
semester mark.
Your semester mark will contribute 20% towards your final mark for the module QMI1500.
The written examination will contribute 80% towards your final mark for the module QMI1500.
You must obtain a subminimum of 40% in the examination before the semester mark is taken into account.
Your final mark for module QMI1500 must be at least 50% in order to pass.
Note that you have to submit Assignment 01 by its due date to get admission to the exami-
nation.

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9.1 Compulsory assignment due dates

Due dates and unique numbers
Assignment Type First semester Second semester Weight
01 (Theme 1.1 – 2.2) MCQ * * * * 25%
02 (Theme 2.3 – 4.4) MCQ * * * * 25%
03 (Theme 4.5 – 6.4) MCQ * * * * 25%
04 (Theme 1.1 – 6.4) MCQ * * * * 25%

* The assignment dates and unique numbers will be made available once they are available.

Each semester’s assignment questions are published on the QMI1500 module site
on my Unisa, under “ Additional Resources”.

Assignment 4 will take on the form of a mock exam to familiarize yourself with the system and the
way the actual exam will be done. This assignment will be conducted online and non-venue based. That
means that you can do the assignment anywhere you wish, as long as you have internet connectivity. The
mark of Assignment 4 will contribute 25% towards your semester mark. Specific information regarding this
assignment will be communicated on my Unisa before the date.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL EXTENSIONS BE GRANTED FOR SUBMISSION OF THE AS-

SIGNMENTS.

9.2 Semester mark

• Suppose you obtained the following marks for your assignments during the semester:
Assignment Percentage (%)
01 55
02 60
03 63
04 61
• The marks of all four assignments will contribute to your semester mark as set out in the table in
Paragraph 9.1.
• Your semester mark is then calculated as follows:
semester mark = (0,25 × Ass 01 %) + (0,25 × Ass 02 %) + (0,25 × Ass 03 %) + (0,25 × Ass 04 %)
= 0,25 × 55 + 0,25 × 60 + 0,25 × 63 + 0,25 × 61
= 59,75 rounded to 60%.
• Your semester mark will contribute 20% towards your final mark for the module QMI1500.
Your semester mark was calculated as 60%.
The written examination will contribute 80% towards your final mark for the module QMI1500.
Suppose you obtained 47% in the examination.
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• Your final mark is then calculated as follows:

final mark = 0,2 × semester mark + 0,8 × examination mark
= 0,2 × 60 + 0,8 × 47
= 49,60 rounded to 50%.
This is your final mark.
YOU CAN SEE THAT HAVING A GOOD SEMESTER MARK CAN BE A HUGE BENEFIT!

9.3 Submission of assignments

You must submit all assignments electronically through my Unisa. See Study @ Unisa for instructions to
submit MCQ assignments.
To complete and submit an assignment via my Unisa, do the following:
• Log in on my Unisa with your student number and password.
• Select the module (QMI1500).
• Click on Assessment info in the menu on the left.
• Click on the assignment number you want to submit.
• Follow the instructions on the screen.

9.4 Feedback on Assignments

You will receive the correct options for the multiple-choice questions automatically. These will also be
available on my Unisa. A tutorial letter containing solutions to each assignment will be posted on my Unisa
after the due date. Please check your answers after you have received the feedback. This is an important
part of your learning experience and should help you to be better prepared for the next assignment and the
examination.

10 Examination
You are automatically admitted to the examinations by submitting Assignment 01 before its
due date.
The provisional examination dates can be found on my Unisa at
https://myadmin.unisa.ac.za/tool/1f95735b-9137-4e57-803f-43820fb508b7/default.do.
You will received detail information and instructions well in advance before the examination.

11 Let’s go!
In conclusion, we hope we will enjoy a happy and successful semester together. Please remember that we
are here to help you, no matter how big or small your problem might be.
It is now time to start. Clean your desk, unpack your books, make yourself a cup of coffee and let’s get the
QMI1500 ball rolling.
Enjoy the journey!
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nnn List of formulas attached to the examination paper
The following list of formulas will be provided in the examination. No explanations will be given — you
should know when to use which formula.
n
1
I = P in S =P +I x= xi
n i=1
n

(xi − x)2
S i=1
S = P (1 + in) P = S2 = n−1
(1 + in)

n

fi xi
i=1
D = Sdn P =S−D x=
n

n

fi x2i − n × x2
P i=1
P = S(1 − dn) S= S2 =
(1 − dn) n−1

S Q3 − Q1
S = P (1 + i)n P = QD =
(1 + i)n 2
 
ln PS  1
S n S
n= i= −1 CV =
ln(1 + i) P x

   
(1 + i)n − 1 i m!
S =R× R=S× m Px =
i (1 + i)n − 1 (m − x)!

   
(1 + i)n − 1 i(1 + i)n m!
P =R× R=P × m Cx =
i(1 + i)n (1 + i)n − 1 (m − x)!x!

y = ax + b y = ax2 + bx + c discriminant = b2 − 4ac

√
y2 − y1 b b b2 − 4ac
a= xm =− x=− ±
x2 − x1 2a 2a 2a

If y = ax (a > 0, a = 1), then loga y = x.

If f (x) = a (a is a constant), then f  (x) = 0.

If f (x) = xn , then f  (x) = nxn−1 .

If f (x) = axn , then f  (x) = anxn−1 .

If f (x) = g(x) + h(x), then f  (x) = g  (x) + h (x).

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