LG-MEMCOR0051A PERFORM COMPUTATIONS - BASIC

LEARNER’S GUIDE
PERFORM COMPUTATIONS - BASIC

Published by

HEART TRUST/NATIONAL TRAINING AGENCY

Produced by

Learning Management Services Department

Gordon Town Road
Kingston 7
Jamaica W.I.

This material is protected by copyright. Copying this material or any part of it by any means, including
digital or in any form is prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained from the HEART
Trust/NTA.

*** 2003***

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1

Welcome ................................................................................................................... 1
This Competency Unit.................................................................................................... 1
Before You Start ............................................................................................................. 2
Planning Your Learning Programme ............................................................................. 2
Self-Assessment Checklist ............................................................................................. 3
How To Use This Learner’s Guide ................................................................................ 4
Using the Computer and other Resources...................................................................... 5
Method of Assessment.................................................................................................... 5

Element 1: Applying Four Basic Rules of Calculations……………………………………. 6

Self-Assessment Checklist ........................................................................................... ….. 12

Element 2: Performing Basic Calculations Involving Fractions and Decimal…………….. 13

Self-Assessment Checklist ........................................................................................... …. 17

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LG-MEMCOR0051A:
PERFORM COMPUTATIONS -
BASIC

INTRODUCTION

Welcome

Welcome to the Learner’s Guide for Unit of Competency “Perform Computations - Basic”.
This is just one of a number of Learner’s Guides produced for the General Construction Skills
stream of the Building and Construction Industry, and it is designed to guide you, the learner,
through a series of learning processes and activities that will enable you to achieve the specified
learning outcomes for the competency unit.

The content of this guide was developed from the Competency Standard MEMCOR0051A,
which is one of the basic building blocks for the National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica
(NVQ-J) certification within the industry. Please refer to your Learner’s Handbook for a
thorough explanation of standards and competencies, and how these relate to the NVQJ
certification.

You are also advised to consult the Competency Standard and assessment instrument for a better
understanding of what is required to master the competency.

This Competency Unit

“Perform Computations - Basic” addresses the knowledge and skills requirements for
effectively use electrical/electronic measuring devices. There are two main areas or elements:

Element 1: Applying Four Basic Rules of Calculations

Element 2: Performing Basic Calculations Involving Fractions and Decimals

As you go through each element, you will find critical information relating to each one. You are
advised to study them carefully so that you will be able to develop the necessary knowledge,
skills and attitudes for using electrical/electronic measuring devices.

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Before you start

Before you start this Learner’s Guide, you need to:

a. Obtain a Learner’s Logbook that you will use to record evidence of your new
skills/competence. As you demonstrate your new skills, record your activities and have your
learning facilitator sign off on them. This will allow you to provide evidence of your
competence when you are being assessed against the competency standard.

b. Ensure that you have access to the facilities and equipment necessary for learning.

c. Ensure that your learning resources are available.

d. Ensure that you are wearing suitable clothing, that tools and equipment are safe, and that the
correct safety equipment is used.

e. Plan your learning programme (see below)

f. Understand how to use this Learner’s Guide (see below)

Planning your learning programme

The self-assessment checklist on the following page will assist you in planning your training
programme as it will help you to think about the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate
competency in this unit. As you go through the checklist you will be able to find out what
elements you have already mastered and which ones you will need to pay more attention to as
you go through the learning process.

To complete the self-assessment checklist, simply read the statements and tick the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
box. You should do this exercise now.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
- Perform Computations - Basic

Element 1 Applying Four Basic Rules of Calculations Yes No

1. I can perform simple calculations using four basic rules,

addition, subtraction, multiplication and division ( ) ( )

2. I understand the concept of and can perform simple calculations

involving length, perimeter, angles area and volume ( ) ( )

Element 2 Performing Basic Calculations Involving

Fractions and Decimals Yes No

1. I can perform simple calculations involving fractions and

mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

2. I can perform simple calculations involving decimal fractions

and mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

How did you do?

If you ticked all or most of the ‘Yes’ boxes then you might not need to go through the entire
guide. Ask your learning facilitator to assist you in determining the most appropriate action
you should take.

If you ticked a few of the ‘Yes’ boxes or none at all then you should work through all of the
guide, even though some of the material my be familiar to you.

Plan your learning based on your answers. Be sure to involve your learning facilitator in the
planning process.

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How to use this Learner’s Guide

This Learner’s Guide is designed to assist you in working and learning at your own pace.

We suggest that you:

• Go through the sections/elements as they are presented (starting at Section 1)

• Check your progress at each checkpoint to ensure that you have understood the material

• Observe the icons and special graphics used throughout this guide to remind you of what you
have to do and to enhance your learning. The icons and their meanings are as follows:

Complete Assessment Exercise

This exercise requires you to think about the knowledge and skills
that you have or will develop in this competency unit.

Definition Box
Words/phases are defined or explained in this box. The
words/phases being explained are in bold print.

Checkpoint
This denotes a brain teaser and is used to check your
understanding of the materials presented. No answers are
provided for the questions asked.

Activity
This denotes something for you to do either alone or with
the assistance of your trainer/supervisor.

Reference
Points you to the reference materials and other support
documents or resources used in compiling the unit content.

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• Ask your learning facilitator for help if you have any problems with the interpretation of the
contents, the procedures, or the availability of resources.

• Complete each activity as you come to it. If the activity requires you perform an actual task,
be sure to tell your learning facilitator when you get to that activity so that he/she can make
any arrangements, if necessary.

• Get your learning facilitator to sign and date the Learner Logbook when you have completed
an activity.

• Complete the self-assessment checklist at the end of each section or element.

When you have worked through all elements of the guide, and when you can tick every ‘Yes’
box, you are ready for assessment and should ask your learning facilitator to assist you in making
the arrangements to have your performance assessed.

Using the Computer and Other Resources

Where your activities refer you to the library, computer and Internet resources, ask your learning
facilitator to assist you with locating these resources. If you are getting your training in an
institution, there may be a library and a computer laboratory. If this is not the case, visit the local
library and find out what resources are available.

If you are new to the computer and the Internet, someone in the computer room should be able to
show you how to use these resources.

Please note that in many of your activities you have been referred to information on the Internet.
This is because the Internet has a vast amount of information that can help you in acquiring the
particular competencies. We would like to advise you, however, that we cannot guarantee that
all the sites will be available when you need them. If this happens, ask your learning facilitator
to assist you with locating other sites that have the information you require.

Method of Assessment

Competency will be assessed while you are actually performing the tasks related to this
competency, this may be in a real workplace or a simulated situation that accurately relates to the
work situation. You are advised to consult the associated competency standard and assessment
instrument for further details relating to the assessment strategies.

You may now start your learning. Have fun while you work!

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Quality Assurance

A feedback form is included at the back of each learner guide, so that all users are given the
opportunity to document any concerns, which they may have in regard to any aspect of the guide.
Such feedback will assist in the review of the guide. Users are encouraged to complete the form
and send it to the address given.

You may now start your learning. Have fun while you work!

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ELEMENT 1: APPLYING FOUR BASIC RULES OF CALCULATIONS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

As you go through this element you need to ensure that you acquire the required knowledge,
skills and attitude to apply the four basic rules of calculations. Your learning facilitator is there to
assist you through the various activities. Upon completion of the element you should be able:

1. Perform simple calculations using four basic rules, addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division.
2. Understand the concept of and performs simple calculations involving length, perimeter,
angles, area and volume.

PERFORMING SIMPLE CALCULATIONS

In all mathematics there are basic rules that apply. If you learn the rules you will be on your way
to knowing how to solve any problem, however, the rules are different for each division of
mathematics such as simple:
• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division

The rules that for simple mathematics are:

1. This sign (+) means plus or add.

2. This sign (-) means minus or subtract.
3. This sign (×) means product or multiply
4. This sign (÷) means division or divide

Examples:

Addition:

244 + 124 = 368

Subtraction:

244 – 124 = 120

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Examples:

Multiplication:

244 × 124 = 30,256

Division:

244 ÷ 124 = 1.9677

CHECKPOINT:

What are the four basic rules for performing simple

calculations?

ACTIVITY:

Complete the following calculations:

1. 389 + 305 – 134 + 16 – 105 =

2. 1353 x 142 =
3. 91299 ÷ 13 =

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UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF SIMPLE CALCULATIONS

The table below illustrates the necessary information needed to do simple calculations involving
length, perimeter, area and volume.

TWO-DIMENSIONAL SHAPES: PERIMETER: AREA:

Square:

4x x2

Rectangle:

2 (x + y) xy

Circle:
2πr

π r2

(π * d)

Ellipse:

π (1.5 (x + y) - (x * y)) πxy

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TWO-DIMENSIONAL SHAPES: PERIMETER: AREA:

Triangle (any):

x+y+z 0.5 z h

Triangle (right-angled):

0.5xy
x+y+z

THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS: SURFACE AREA: VOLUME:

Cube:

6 x2 x3

Cubeoid:

2 (x y) + 2 (x z) + 2 (y z) xyz

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THREE-DIMENSIONAL
SURFACE AREA: VOLUME:
OBJECTS:
Sphere:
4 π r3 / 3

4 π r2 or

4/3 π r3

Ellipsoid:

4πrxy/
No simple formula!
3

Cylinder:

2 π r h + 2 π r2 π r2 h

Cone / Pyramid:

0.5 p h + b bh/3

CHECKPOINT:

Explain the concepts of perimeter, area and volume. Give

applications of each concept in your field of study.

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ACTIVITY:

• A company is required to manufacture the support frame

from 30 x 30 square tube.

What is the total length of material required to make a single

frame?

(Ignore any saw cut allowance)

(A) 7.20 m

(B) 6.27 m

(C) 6.90 m

(D) 6.72 m

The frames are packaged in cardboard cartons for delivery.

Each carton is 950 mm long, 500 mm wide and 500 mm high.
What is the total volume of a package.

(A) 1950 mm3 (C) 0.2375 m3

(B) 2.375 m3 (D) 23.75 mm3

(C) 0.2375 m3

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ARE YOU READY TO PROVE YOUR COMPETENCY?

Now that you have completed this element see if you have fully grasped all the components by
doing the following self-assessment.

Checklist 1 Yes No

1. I can perform simple calculations using four

basic rules, addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division ( ) ( )

2. I can perform simple calculations and understand

conducting involving length, perimeter, angles,
area and volume ( ) ( )

Checklist 2 Yes No

1. Simple calculations are performed using four basic

rules of addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division ( ) ( )

2. Simple calculations and concepts involving length,

perimeter, angles, area and volume are performed
and understood ( ) ( )

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ELEMENT 2: PERFORMING BASIC CALCULATIONS INVOLVING

FRACTIONS AND DECIMALS

LEARNING OUTCOME

As you go through this element you need to ensure that you acquire the required knowledge,
skills and attitude to perform basic calculations involving fractions and decimals. Your learning
facilitator is there to assist you through the various activities. Upon completion of the element
you should be able:

1. Perform simple calculations involving fractions and mixed numbers using basic rules
2. Perform simple fractions involving decimals and mixed numbers using four basic rules

SIMPLE CALCULATIONS INVOLVING FRACTIONS AND MIXED NUMBERS

The basic rules for fractions are:

1. All fractions for addition must be changed to have the same denominator

Examples

Addition:

1⁄3 + 1⁄4 The L.C.M. of 3 and 4 is 12.

4⁄12 + 3⁄12 Write each fraction with denominator 12.

7⁄12 Add the numerators

Subtraction:

5⁄7 − 3⁄7 Both fractions are like fractions with a common denominator of 7.

Subtract the numerator.

Ans. = 2⁄7

Multiplication:

5⁄6 × 7⁄1 = 35⁄6 Sometimes you may cancel and reduce the fraction to its lowest term.

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Division:

To divide with fractions, multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor.

3⁄5 ÷ 3⁄4 = 3⁄5 ×4⁄3 = 4⁄5

Mixed Numbers

Addition:

1 ⅛ + 2⅜
= (1 + 2) + (⅛ + ⅜)
4
= 3 + ⁄8

= 31⁄2

Subtraction:

117⁄20 − 11
⁄20

= 1 + (17⁄20 − 11
⁄20)

= 16⁄20

Multiplication:

21⁄2 × 13⁄5

= 5⁄2 × 8⁄5 Write as mixed fractions

= 5⁄2 × 8⁄5 = 4⁄1

Ans. = 4

Division:

11⁄ 8 ÷ 1⅛

= 5⁄4 × 9⁄8 Write mixes numbers as fractions

= 5⁄4 × 8⁄9 Write the reciprocal of the divisor

= 5⁄4 × 8⁄9 = 10⁄9 Cancel

= 11⁄9

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CHECKPOINT:

What are the four basic rules that should be applied to performing
simple calculations involving fractions and mixed numbers?

ACTIVITY:

Complete the following calculations using the four basic rules.

1. 2⁄5 − 3⁄8 + 5⁄6 =

2. 3⁄4 × 5⁄8 ÷ 2⁄5 =

3. 1⅔ + 3⅝ − 2⅔ =

4. 2⅝ ÷ 9 × ½ =

SIMPLE CALCULATIONS INVOLVING FRACTIONS AND DECIMALS

The rules for decimals are:

1. In addition all decimals must be aligned.

2. In subtraction all decimals must be aligned.
3. In multiplication decimals do not align, however the total number of decimals in the
answer must equal the total number in the problem.
4. In division there will be no decimal in the divisor, but you must place enough zeros to
transfer any decimal in the divisor into the dividend. Then the decimal in the answer will
align with the decimal in the decimal.

Addition:

2.44 + 12.2 + 0.666 =

2.440
12.200
+0.666
15.306

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Subtraction:

12.2 − 0.666

12.200
− 0.666
11.534

Multiplication:

12.2 × 0.666

12.220
× .666
8.1252
Division
12.2 ÷ 0.66

18.318
0.666 12.2

CHECKPOINT:

What are the four basic rules for performing simple calculations
involving:

• Fractions
• Mixed numbers
• Decimals

ACTIVITY:

Complete the following:

1. 0.12 + 3.006 + 0.435 =
2. 19.989 − 8,672 =
3. 6.1 × 0.002 =
4. 3.785 ÷ 0.05 =

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ARE YOU READY TO PROVE YOUR COMPETENCY?

Now that you have completed this element see if you have fully grasped all the components by
doing the following self-assessment.

Checklist 1 Yes No

1. I can perform simple calculation involving

fractions and mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

2. I can perform simple calculations involving decimal

fractions and mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

Checklist 2 Yes No

1. Simple calculations are performed involving

fractions and mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

2. Simple calculations are performed involving decimal

fractions and mixed numbers using four basic rules ( ) ( )

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