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NSW Curriculum
NSW Education Standards Authority

11–12Mathematics Standard 11–12 Syllabus

Record of changes
Implementation from 2026
Expand for detailed implementation advice

Content

Year 12 – Standard 1

Depreciation and loans
Depreciation
  • Explain the similarities and differences between the declining balance formula and the compound interest formula

  • Compare straight-line depreciation and declining balance depreciation either numerically or from a given graph

  • Use a spreadsheet to model depreciation using the straight-line and declining balance methods

Loans
  • Compare and analyse the costs associated with buy now, pay later, short term and long term loans

  • Model a reducing balance loan as an application of compound interest, given the interest rate per time period, with periodic repayments, using a table for up to three time periods

  • Examine the effect of changing the repayment frequency, making additional repayments or a making a lump-sum payment on the term and cost of repaying a loan

  • Use a spreadsheet to model and solve problems involving a reducing balance loan in a variety of contexts

Credit cards
  • Explain how credit cards are an example of a reducing balance loan

  • Compare credit card interest rates with interest rates for other loan types

  • Identify the various fees and charges associated with credit card usage, and explain the meaning of an interest-free period

  • Interpret a credit card statement, examining the implications of only making the minimum payment

  • Calculate the compound interest charged on a transaction or outstanding balance for a given number of days

  • Compare credit cards and personal loans as options to meet short-term, medium-term and long-term financial goals

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