Definition
Uses and
applies mathematical techniques, processes, and concepts to
understand and solve problems. Applies understanding of
mathematics, either explicitly or implicitly, to perform
basic computations, apply mathematical processes or utilize
tools, analyze problems, identify or specify patterns, and
draw conclusions.
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Behavioral Descriptions
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Proficiency Level 5
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Applies complex mathematical concepts
(e.g., calculus, linear algebra, set theory, advanced
algebra, etc.)
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Identifies and explains trends and
other characteristics among vast quantitative data using
advanced mathematical reasoning.
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Uses or develops equations to model
business problems.
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Proficiency Level 4
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Performs and applies complex
computations (e.g., algebra, trigonometry, statistics,
etc.).
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Understands role of probability in
explaining and predicting events.
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Applies advanced math, probability,
or statistics and interprets results.
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Proficiency Level 3
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Solves routine mathematical problems (e.g., volume/area
calculations, obtaining/transposing measurements,
calculation of sales tax, etc.).
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Independently applies simple mathematical techniques to
solve practical problems.
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Creates
tables and charts to store or explain quantitative
information.
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Proficiency Level 2
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Performs basic arithmetic (i.e., adding, subtracting,
multiplying, dividing).
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Uses arithmetic and basic numerical concepts such as
whole numbers to complete job tasks.
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Makes reasonable estimates of mathematical problems
without a calculator.
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Proficiency Level 1
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Needs a calculator to do basic computations.
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Attempts basic computations.
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Must use calculator to complete basic mathematical
calculations
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Suggested Activities for Development
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Take a basic math course.
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At time tax, figure your own
income taxes (read and fill out the proper forms).
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Spend 2-3 hours a week over
an 8-week period completing math exercises in workbooks
or online.
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Shadow someone in the
accounting department in your agency.
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When shopping, figure out the
percentage off in dollar amount without using a
calculator.
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Volunteer for a project that
involves interpreting charts and tables.
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Create a budget in Microsoft
excel using formulas to calculate expenses.
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Take an IQ test.
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Take a math portion of a
practice SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT test.
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Get involved in a project
that involves conducting a costs/benefit analysis.
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Take a Finance or Accounting
course online or at a local college or university.
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Take a statistical software
course (e.g., SPSS or Statistica).
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Tutor high school or college
students in their math classes.
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Volunteer to be the accounting secretary or accountant
for a professional or community organization.
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Recommended Courses
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Additional Resources
Books
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The Cambridge Workplace
Success Series,
The series teaches basic writing and math skills in the
vocational context of business and industry, and
encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills
essential to the workplace. Relevant, interesting,
scenarios set in realistic workplace environments will
increase students’ motivation to learn skills necessary
to be effective in their jobs.
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GRE/GMAT Math Workbook
by D. Stuart & Staff of Kaplan, Inc., (Kaplan, 2002).
Comprehensive review and powerful strategies for every
type of question, this intensive workbook provides you
with the targeted math training.
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Painless Math Word
Problems (Barron's
Painless Series) by M. F. Abramson, R. Spungin & L.
Hamilton (Barrons Educational Series, 2001) Learn to see
patterns in math word problems, then compute with
decimals, fractions, compare rates, and solve
proportions. Then using everyday, real-world examples,
they explore statistics and probabilities, and learn how
math can actually predict future outcomes and events.
Other areas of practical math are examined, with a final
chapter that searches out problems and activities that
can be found on the World Wide Web.
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MATH ESSENTIALS 2
by S. L. Slavin (Learning Express, 2000). This new
edition book is designed for adults in the workplace who
aspire to a supervisory or mid-level management position
but who are held back by their lack of basic math skills
and math anxiety. With this focus on mastering the
basics, this 20-step guide will also give the
1.5-million high school graduates who each year go
directly into the workplace an easy way to sharpen the
practical math skills they need in order to be
employable.
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1001 Math Problems by S. Tarbell (Learning
Express, 1999. This was written with the idea of helping
a reader overcome math anxiety by giving math problems
and explanations in a simple and engaging format. This
book is essential practice in dealing with whole
numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, basic
algebra, and basic geometry.
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All the Math You'll Ever Need: A
Self-Teaching Guide by S. Slavin. (John Wiley & Sons,
1999). Refreshes practical math skills for your personal
and professional needs, with examples based on everyday
situations. Offers straightforward techniques for
working with decimals and fractions. Demonstrates simple
ways to figure discounts, calculate mortgage interest
rates, and work out time, rate, and distance problems.
Contains no complex formulas and no unnecessary
technical terms.
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Basic Business Math
by R. Truchon & T. Hicks (Crisp
Publications Inc., 1997).
Using percentages, ratios
and proportions, paying sales tax, borrowing or
investing money, being paid a commission, purchasing
discounted products on sale, using credit cards... All
of these functions require basic math knowledge and
skills that are offered in this concise, easy-to-absorb
format. Readers may turn to a specific section of the
book and become proficient in a new area by working a
few problems. A post test is included in this revised
edition that will prepare readers with the ability to
understand the math in their lives, and to improve
skills at solving brain-teasers as well.
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Behavioral-Based Interviewing Questions
- Content Under Development
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