The purpose of the National 4 Applications of Mathematics Course is to motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to think through real-life situations involving mathematics and to form a plan of action based on logic.

The Course develops confidence in being able to handle mathematical processes and information in a range of real-life contexts. The Course also enables learners to make informed decisions based on data presented in a variety of forms.

The mathematical skills within this Course are underpinned by numeracy and are designed to develop learners’ skills in mathematical reasoning relevant to learning, life and work.

The Course aims to:

- motivate and challenge learners by enabling them to select and apply mathematical skills to tackle straightforward real-life problems or situations

- develop the ability to interpret straightforward real-life problems or situations involving mathematics

- develop confidence in the subject and a positive attitude towards the use of mathematics in straightforward real-life situations

- apply mathematical operational skills with an appropriate degree of accuracy

- use mathematical reasoning skills to assess risk, draw conclusions and explain decisions

- communicate mathematical information in an appropriate way