MA 103 - Foundations of Mathematics
(Online) - Section 2
Instructor: Danny
Rumpf
Office
Hours: By appointment
E-mail : drumpf@frederick.edu
Campus mailbox: 889
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You must send your email address to the instructor before class
begins |
Class time: Online class
Class Start Date: 8/21/2010
Class End Date: 12/11/2010
Last day to drop: November
1, 2010
Refund Schedule: 100%
by 8/2, 75% by 9/3, and 50% by 9/10
Course Description: Covers various topics within mathematics for those whose need is a survey of mathematical principles rather than the in-depth analysis required for a mathematics or science-related program. Depending on instructor preferences, areas covered may include: problem solving strategies, logic, numeration systems, set theory, classification of numbers, algebra, financial management, geometry, measurement and right triangle trigonometry, probability, statistics, graphs, systems of equations, linear programming.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: MA 082 or appropriate score on math placement test
Co-requisites: None
Core Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to
1. articulate the concepts of practical mathematics. This will be accomplished through writing and speaking in effective, organized, clear, and grammatically correct English appropriate for mathematics. (gen ed obj. 1)
2. interpret and analyze tables, graphs, and diagrams to convey quantitative information and solve practical mathematical problems. (gen ed obj. 13)
3. perform mathematical operations and apply them to practical situations. (gen ed obj. 11)
4. generate and evaluate alternative solutions to practical mathematical problems.
(gen ed obj. 5)
5. demonstrate a variety of problem-solving techniques using different mathematical tools and alternative representations of numerical and analytical concepts with application to numerical data. (gen ed obj. 12)
6. use the technology of a changing world appropriate to practical mathematics.
(gen ed obj. 19, 21)
7. display academic honesty and adhere to professional standards in their fields. (gen ed obj.23)
Specific Learning Outcomes: Students will be able to
1. solve linear programming problems by testing an objective function on a feasible region
2. understand and manage real-life financial and consumer related issues.
3. use counting principles and probability theory to solve problems involving analysis of outcomes and problems concerning uncertainty.
4. collect, analyze and interpret data.
5. solve problems using geometric and trigonometric principles.
Learning Outcomes that will be included as instructors choose and time allows:
1. Strengthen their ability to solve problems using inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, and estimation techniques.
2. Understand the concepts and notation of operations with sets and use the theory of sets to assist with problem solving.
3. Use deductive reasoning and logic to derive valid conclusions.
4. Understand the workings of various numeration systems.
Course Texts and Resources: Thinking Mathematically, 4th
Edition, Robert Blitzer, TI83 or TI84 graphing calculator.
Instructional Methods:
Weekly assignments-
Exams- There will be an on campus exam at
the end of each of the three major units:
Linear Programming and Finance Mathematics, Probability Theory, and
Graph Theory
Individual Mathematical Explorations-
Reading, practice problems, a graded on-line quiz, and a graded website review
are required for each of three individual mathematical explorations.
Progress Report: You may access your grades at any time during this
course through frederick.blackboard.com
Description
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Point Value
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Weekly
Assignments |
10% |
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Exams |
50% |
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Individual
Explorations |
40% |
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TOTAL |
100% |
Final Grades will be
awarded based on the following scale:
A: 90% - 100% B: 80% - 89% C: 70% - 79% D: 60% - 69% F: Under 60%
Codes of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct: Students are required to uphold the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct. Students who violate either of these codes may receive a failing grade in the class. Information about these codes and other student policies, procedures, and penalties is available on the Student Policy and Procedures web page at http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/studentpolicies.aspx. Work in this course is subject to the provisions of the FCC Code of Academic Honesty. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. As a student, it is your job to practice academic honesty at ALL times. Make sure that all sources, particularly Internet sources, get proper credit for quotations, paraphrases, and ideas.
Student Services: Varieties of services are available to assist
students in succeeding at FCC. Students
can learn more about these services by visiting the Student Services web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/index.aspx
Students with
disabilities who are in need of accommodations or who have questions related to
disabilities services should contact the Services for Students with
Disabilities (SSD) office at 301-846-2408.
Students can learn more about these services by visiting the Services
for Students with Disabilities web page: http://www.frederick.edu/student_services/disability.aspx
Participation Policy: Everyone is expected to keep up with
assignments and participate in the shared responses. Since this class is online, you will not have
the constant stimuli of your classmates around you. That means you will have to take control of
your own motivation by staying up with the assignments, responding to your
classmate’s questions, and getting help when you need it. There is a great deal of help available if
you have a question or begin to lag behind.
Do not suffer in silence!
Email Communication: Email is an instructional tool essential to
student-instructor and student-student communication. In the Blackboard environment by default,
your email address is available to all students in this course.
However, students are permitted to use email addresses of other students
in this course only for the purpose and the duration of this course. Students who are concerned about the privacy
of their personal email address are reminded of commercially available products
that allow them to create unique email addresses specifically for the purpose
and duration of this course. The
instructor can be expected to respond to regular student email inquiries
(grades, posted assignments, and tests excluded) within the period of 24 to 48
hours. All assignments need to be in rich text format (.rtf)
Topical Outline
(Online Course): Weeks 1-5 Linear Programming and Finance Mathematics
Weeks 6-10 Probability
Theory
Weeks 10-15 Graph Theory
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NOTE: Your instructor reserves the right to make changes
to this outline as needed. |
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For each section assigned from the text… First, you need to read the given section. As you read, jot down questions about ideas or methods you do not understand. Second, do the section exercise problems I have listed for you to do. (Remember the starred numbers are optional Bonus problems.) Keep your work in your assignment notebook. Forget how? Refer to the Assignment Guide. Third, check your answers in the solutions manual. Bonus questions? Send answers to me. Due by end of unit. Trouble? Refer to your Getting Help Guide.
For each Shared Response assigned… First, read the question thoroughly. Second, take time off-line to formulate your response. Third, post your response to the Discussion Board. Forget the details of how to do this? Refer to your Weekly Assignment Guide. Trouble? Check out my shared response in the Discussion Board, and/or refer to your Getting Help Guide
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Text Assignment
Read, and do exercises in your notebook. |
Shared Response |
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Week 1
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7.2 (33- 48, all)
7.4 (1 – 19 odd, 41, 50*)
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How do the slope and y-intercept influence the “look” of a line on a graph? Think of an example of two variables from life that vary in a direct (positive slope) way, and two that vary in an inverse (negative slope) way. Explain these examples. |
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Week 2 |
7.5 (1,3,5,7,9,11, George Dantzig*)
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Describe a situation in your life in which you would really like to maximize or minimize something, but you are limited by at least two constraints. Can linear programming be used in this situation? Explain your answer.
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Week 3
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8.2 ( 1, 3, 11, 17, 21, 27, 29, 37, 39* )
8.3 (3, 9, 13, 17, 23, 27, 29, 41*, 43 )
8.4 (1 – 21 odd, 25, 37*)
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Read the fine print on your credit card receipt (or a friend’s if you don’t have one). What is the APR and method of calculating finance charge for your card? What advice would you offer a young person who is tempted to charge too much, and is having trouble saving money? |
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Week 4 |
8.5 (1- 13 odd, 16, 18, 19)
8.6 ( 1 – 13 odd, 14*, 16 – 19 all, 20*)
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Read the blue box on page 470. Did your parents do this for you? Why or why not? Will you do this for your children? Why or why not? What do you think would be a good plan for investing at the time of a child’s birth so that the child has money for college at age 18?
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Week 5 |
UNIT 1 EXAM is a take-home exam due by the end of week 5 Unit 3 bonus problems due as well
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MATHEMATICAL EXPLORATION 1 DUE BY THE END OF WEEK 5 |