Applied Mathematics This is the mathematics that is used to describe or to solve ‘real-world’ situations and problems. Within this section there are three main areas: Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics (Decision Mathematics is only available to Further Mathematicians). Statistics – Collecting and analysing data and using this to make predictions about future events. Many subjects make use of statistical information and techniques. An understanding of probability and risk is important in careers including insurance, medicine, engineering and sciences. Mechanics – Modelling and analysing the physical world around us, including the study of forces and motion. Mechanics is particularly useful to pupils studying physics and engineering. Decision Mathematics – Using algorithms and other methods to find efficient solutions to real life problems, such as finding the shortest route between two points in a network. Decision is particularly useful for business, computing and economics careers. Core Mathematics The easiest way to think of Core Mathematics is that it is mathematics done for its own sake, often referred to as Pure Mathematics. In fact, it is not that simple because even the most abstract mathematics will almost always have applications.