Syllabus

 

COURSE: Math 12 Finite Mathematics

 

SEMESTER: Fall 2008

 

TIME/PLACE: T R 11:20 to 12:45 Juniper 4

 

PREREQUISITE: Math 104 or equivalent, or placement through the Columbia College assessment process.

 

INSTRUCTOR : Michael Sweeley

Email: Sweeleym@yosemite.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS: TBA

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

 

Ÿ  Text: Finite Mathematics, 2nd Edition, Berresford & Rockett ISBN 0-618-37221-0                         (A Solutions Manual is available, but not required)                                        

Ÿ  Graph Paper

Ÿ  Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-83 or TI-84 recommended)

Ÿ  Ruler

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Finite Mathematics is a survey of some great topics in applied mathematics, including: finance math, linear programming, probability and statistics, and game theory.

 

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF TOPICS:

Ÿ  Use exponential functions to analyze the effects of compound interest on investments, annuities, and loans.

Ÿ  Optimization problems involving systems of equations, systems of inequalities, and techniques of linear programming.

Ÿ  Describe and interpret data using statistical measures.

Ÿ  Use statistical techniques to draw conclusions from data.

Ÿ  Use Markov chains to project the long-term effects of current trends.

Ÿ  Gaming problems (This will make more sense later).

 

GRADING COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS:

 

1.  Exams                                                  60 %

2.  Coursework/Quizzes                                     20 %

3. Final Examination (Tuesday, December 9th 11AM to 1PM)    20%

 

 

NOTE:  Homework is due at the beginning of class (usually the day after it is assigned).  No late work will be accepted and no makeup tests/quizzes will be given without prior arrangements.  Two homework grades and one quiz grade will be dropped.  Your lowest exam grade will be replaced by your final grade, if your final is better.

 

 

 

GRADING SCALE:

 

A     90% -100%

B     80% -89%

C     70% -79%

D     60% -69%

F     below 60%

 

HOW TO SUCCEED:

 

1.  Attend class (every day, on time). Attendance is strongly correlated with student achievement.  Being in class every day is the easiest way to succeed.  I strongly advise you attend every class meeting.  Please be on time, as this will also help the class run smoothly. 

 

2.  Put in the time.  In college, two hours of outside work is expected for every hour spent in class, and this is never more true than in a math class.  Focus on understanding the concepts more than on rote memorization.

 

3.  Work with fellow students.  Discussing the material with other people will help you to internalize new ideas.  Study groups are a very effective way to learn.

 

4.  Read the sections in the book prior to lecture.

 

5.  Review that material and begin the homework shortly after lecture.  Research shows that people learn material better and faster when it is reviewed soon (about 15 minutes) after lecture.

 

6.  Make use of available resources such as the Math Resource Center (Juniper 5) and the Academic Achievement Center (Manzanita 18), and see me in office hours.  These facilities are provided for you, and we expect you to take advantage of them.

 

NOTE:

I expect that answering questions will be a big part of this class.  As students, nothing is more appropriate than for you to ask questions.  I want you to feel comfortable asking questions in class, and I am committed to providing a safe learning environment.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

September 19th     Last day to drop without getting a “W”

 

September 23rd   Last day to elect pass/no pass grading

 

November 13th    Last day to withdraw