Introduction to Finite Mathematics
Math 105 |
Spring 2001
Tracks A, B
Copley 243 |
Instructor: Dr. Hammack |
Office hours: |
Office: 238 Copley |
8:30-10:00 Tuesday, Thursday; |
Work: 752-7210 (and voice mail) |
11:00-12:00 Monday, Wednesday, Friday; |
Home: 353-8572 (before 9:30 p.m., please) |
and by appointment. |
E-mail: rhammack@rmc.edu |
www.rmc.edu/~rhammack |
Text: Finite Mathematics, by Barnett, Ziegler and Byleen, Eighth
Edition.
Finite mathematics encompasses a variety of topics which can be described,
analyzed and solved with elementary algebra, set theory, and arithmetic. It
is a large and multifaceted field with many applications. This course is intended
to acquaint you with a few of its more commonly used techniques and ideas, and
to give you an appreciation for its uses.
The primary purpose of this course is to improve your analytical and problem-solving
skills. If you do well in this course, you have a proven ability to think logically,
and analyze and solve quantitative problems. This ability is useful in academic
and professional work, and is highly valued by employers.
Material from Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 of the text is covered.
Homework: Frequent homework assignments are collected, graded and returned.
These assignments are important for two reasons. First, they help you understand
the material and keep you from getting behind. Second, they give you valuable
practice in communicating your ideas. Effective communication is a cornerstone
of Randolph-Macon's mission statement and is taken seriously in this course.
- Papers are collected at the beginning of class on appointed days.
- If you miss class on a day homework is due, give it to me early or
have a classmate turn it in for you.
- Exceptionally messy or illegible work may not be graded.
- I am attentive to how well you communicate your ideas. Points may be deducted
for bad style or sloppiness.
- I cannot guarantee that late homework will be graded.
- I encourage you to work together on homework, though the work you turn
in must be your own (not blindly copied).
In addition to the work you hand in, you should work lots of
extra problems for practice.
Tests: There are two in-class tests, tentatively scheduled as follows:
Test #1: |
Wednesday, March 21............................ |
Chapters 4, 5 |
Test #2: |
Wednesday, April 25 ............................. |
Chapter 6 |
These are closed-book and closed-notes tests. They are written under the assumption
that everyone is studying the material at least 7 hours per week outside
of class.
Final Exam: The Final exam is comprehensive, covering material from
Chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. The schedule is as follows.
A-Track: Wednesday,
May 23, 2:00--5:00 |
B-Track: Friday, May
25, 8:30--11:30 AM |
You have the option of taking either the A-Track or B-Track exam. However, please
clear it with me if you want to take the exam in the track that you are not enrolled
in. Space may be limited.
Make-up Tests: If a test is missed due to a documented illness or emergency,
then either a make-up test is scheduled, or that test grade is dropped. An unexcused
absence from a test results in a grade of zero. However, the final exam is mandatory,
and a make-up final can be given only with the consent of the Dean of the College.
Grading:
|
The 10-point grading scale will be used:
A: |
90-100 |
B: |
80-89 |
C: |
70-79 |
D: |
60-69 |
F: |
0-59 |
|
Your final average will be computed as follows:
Homework: |
20% |
Test #1: |
25% |
Test #2: |
25% |
Final Exam: |
30% |
Total: |
100% |
|
Attendance: I do not take attendance, but I do notice if you are not attending
class. If your grades are high, I do not mind if you miss class. However, if your
grades are low and you miss a lot of class, I will notify the Dean of Students.
As a matter of courtesy, you should arrive punctually and stay for the entire
duration of each class you attend. Please inform me ahead of time if you must
leave early.
Internet: I maintain a Web page for this course. To find it, go to my
home page (www.rmc.edu/~rhammack) and click on "Math 105."
There you will find the syllabus, homework assignments, a calendar, copies of
old tests, and solutions to the homework problems.
Office: Please feel free to stop by my office whenever you have a question,
or if you just want to chat. If my posted hours are inconvenient I will be happy
to schedule an appointment.
Tell me if you are having trouble. Catching up can be very difficult once you
get behind, so let me know as soon as you think there is a problem.
Tips for success: Here are some guidelines for success in Finite Math.
Nearly every F that I have given in this course has been the result of
negligence of one or more of these simple principles.
- Study a little each day, rather waiting to cram before tests. One hour of
study each day is a good start.
- Read and reread each section of the text carefully and actively. Make a
note of anything you don't understand.
- Resolve any question by further study, or by asking me or a classmate.
- Test your understanding by working odd numbered problems in the text. Answers
are in the back.
- Reserve lots of time for assigned homework. Think carefully about each problem.
Consider how it relates or contrasts with other problems. Be aware of its
connection to themes in the text.
- Write your homework solutions carefully. Communicating your solutions concisely
improves your understanding. Similarly, realizing you can't write a clear
solution is a signal that you need to study that topic further.
- Use your graded homework and tests as diagnostic tools. Concentrate on problems
for which you did not get full credit. Resolve any misunderstanding.
- Attend class regularly.
- Always check your understanding by working problems yourself. The fact
that you follow what is said in class does not necessarily mean you understand
it.
Notice: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other Federal
laws require Randolph-Macon College to provide a "reasonable accommodation"
to any individual who advises us of a physical, psychological, or learning disability.
If you have a physical, psychological, or learning disability that requires
an accommodation, you must first register with the Office for Disability Support
Services, located in the Higgins Academic Center.