Department of Math and Computer Science

Course Syllabus

Course:                                  Math 104                          Course Title:         Finite Mathematics

Semester:                              2008 Fall term                         Credit Hours:         3

Time (Section)                      MW 6-7:15PM (013)

Professor:                              Mr. John Onderko                    Office: DH 201  Phone: 732-2553 email is preferred

Email:                                     jonderko@edinboro.edu          Office hours      4:15 - 6PM M,W, R & 1:30-3PM W

Web page:      users.edinboro.edu/jonderko

 

 

Text:

Blitzer, R., Thinking Mathematically: Fourth Edition, Prentice Hall   ISBN# 0-13-175204-9

 

Course Description:

 

This class provides study and experience in mathematical representations, processing, problem solving, and thinking. Students analyze and solve problems in mathematical modeling, consumer mathematics, and statistics.

 

Prerequisites:

High School Algebra 1 and 2.

 

Objectives:

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an exposure to a variety of mathematical topics in an applied context. Successful completion of the course will be based upon the following objectives:

  • Able to interpret and apply appropriate problem solving techniques to arrive at a solution.
  • Able to apply course content to real-world applications.
  • Able to read the required course textbook to comprehend mathematics.
  • Able to use appropriate technology to simplify mathematical computations.
  • Able to convert units of measurement for linear distances, areas, and volumes.
  • Able to solve geometry problems which will include some basic trigonometry.
  • Have an understanding of probability and be able to apply it to solve problems of chance.
  • Able to use basic techniques of descriptive statistics to better understand a set of qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Become an informed consumer and able to perform computations to find interest earned, installment buying payments, mortgage payment plans, and loan amortization.

The main goal of the course is that the student achieves an understanding of the above concepts, and to successfully complete the course must demonstrate proficiency in application, mechanics and interpretation of these concepts.  You must be able to communicate the meaning of the mathematics in the context of the situation.

 

Technology:

A scientific calculator is required for this course.  The calculator must have the capability of calculating trig functions.  Graphing capability is not required.  The calculator must be brought to class daily.  A shared calculator is not acceptable.  Such a calculator costs less than $10

.

Attendance:

Attendance will be taken daily.  A 20 point bonus will be given to anyone missing less than 4 classes.  .  If you must miss a class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed from another member of the class.  It is expected that you will return to class prepared as if you had not been absent.

 

Notebook

Students are required to have a single subject, spiral bound notebook for homework for this course.  No other format will be accepted.  It may also be used for class notes.  Notes should be in the front (front to back) and homework in the back (back to front) of the notebook.  A marker is required to show location of homework.  Your name is required on the book.  The instructor will check and grade the homework notebook.

 

 

 Presentations       Each student will be required to make at least one presentation (of about 10  minutes in length)

                                on a mathematical topic which is being covered in class this term(see chapters being covered). 

                                Other mathematical topics will be accepted with advanced permission from the instructor.  Each

                                presentation will be based on a current magazine or newspaper article, or work/job experience.

Presentation materials and  a copy of the article are to be turned in to the instructor.  Grading will be up to 50 points based on the mathematical content.  Extra credit may be earned here for multiple presentations. 

 

 


 

Scoring:

The grade will be based on the following:

Unannounced quizzes:                                 100 points

Exams (6 during semester)  100 each          600 points

Comprehensive Final Exam                          200 points

Homework notebook                                       50 points

Presentation                                                    50 points   

 

Grading:

Add up all your points then:

 900+ = A,          770+ = C+       600+ = D                                            

 880+ = B+         700+ = C         <600 = F

 800+ = B           670+ = D

 

Daily Homework:

All homework should be done in the back of the notebook separate from class notes.  Practice homework is to be completed after each class period.  You are expected to complete these exercises before the following class.  Homework will not be collected daily but will be reviewed during exams.  A some time, at the beginning of class, will be dedicated to review this homework.  I am available in the office immediately before class (see office hours) or by appointment, or send me an email with questions.  The bookstore has the Student’s Solution Manual available for purchase.  This resource provides worked solutions to the odd numbered exercises which you may find helpful.

 

Unannounced Quizzes:

Some number of unannounced quizzes will be given.  You should be prepared for a quiz in each class.  They will be short and based on current material.  They may require use of the calculator.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.  There will be NO make up quizzes for any reason (including excused absences).

 

Exams:

There will be 6 in-class exams, one at the end of each chapter, scheduled throughout the semester (note the dates in BOLD below.  The material covered on the exam will be announced in class.  Attendance for exams is mandatory.  In the event that you miss an exam (excused or not), your score on the comprehensive final exam (adjusted to 120 points) will be used as a replacement score for the first exam missed.  Any other exams missed (excused or not) will receive a zero grade.

 

Schedule: Tentative

Week

Topic (Chapter from Text)

1   Aug 25,27

Intro & Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (Ch1)

2   Sep 3

Problem Solving (Ch1) Exam  & Measurement (Ch 9)

3   Sep 08, 10

Measurement (Ch 9) Exam  & Geometry  (ch10)

4   Sep 15, 17

Geometry (Ch10)

5   Sep 22, 24

Geometry (Ch10) Exam

6   Sep 29,Oct 1

Consumer Mathematics and Financial Management (Ch 8)

7   Oct 06, 08

Consumer Mathematics and Financial Management (Ch 8)

8   Oct 13, 15

Consumer Mathematics and Financial Management (Ch 8) Exam

9   Oct 20,22

Counting Methods and Probability Theory (Ch 11)

10  Oct 27, 29

Counting Methods and Probability Theory (Ch 11)

11   Nov 3, 5

Counting Methods and Probability Theory (Ch 11)

12   Nov 10, 12

Counting Methods and Probability Theory (Ch 11 )Exam + CH 12

13   Nov 17, 19

Statistics (Ch 12)

14   Nov 24

Statistics (Ch 12)

15   Dec 01, 04

Statistics (Ch 12) Exam  , final review

16  

Final Exam  see SCOTTS for date and time

 

Assignments:     A set of end of section exercises is assigned after each class and should be viewed by the student as the minimum set of homework.

Academic Integrity Policy:    

Any student found to be cheating or plagiarizing with respect to ANY COMPONENT of the course will be subject to immediate failure from the course.

Student appeals:    

Students should review the Student appeal procedure and the Grade Appeal Policy as described in the University catalog.