Required Materials: The text is Finite Mathematics and Applied Calculus, by Frank C. Wilson, Houghton Mifflin, 2007. A TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus graphing calculator is also necessary.

Catalog Description: This course contains introductory topics in mathematics for students in arts and business. Topics include lines, linear systems, matrices, linear programming, introduction to counting functions, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic models, financial math. Prerequisite: MATH 100 or 103 or passing a placement exam.

Goals: You will learn how to set up and solve applied problems using fundamental concepts of systems of equations, linear programming, linear and nonlinear models, and mathematics of finance.

Topics:

Functions and Linear Models

Functions (Section 1.1)

Linear Functions (Section 1.2)

Linear Models (Section 1.3)

Systems of Linear Equations

Systems of Linear Equations (Section 2.1)

Using Matrices to Solve Linear Systems of Equations (Section 2.2)

Linear System Aplications (Section 2.3)

Linear Programming

Graphing Linear Inequalities (Section 4.1)

Solving Linear Programming Problems Graphically (Section 4.2)

Nonlinear Models

Quadratic Fuction Models (Section 5.1)

Higher-Order Polynomial Fuction Models (Section 5.2)

Exponential Function Models (Section 5.3)

Logarithmic Function Models (Section 5.4)

Choosing a Mathematical Model (Section 5.5)

Mathematics of Finance

Solving Exponential Equations (Section 6.1)

Simple and Compound Interest (Section 6.2)

Future Value of an Increasing Annuity (Section 6.3)

Present Value of a Decreasing Annuity (Section 6.4)

Reading Homework: Possibly the most important homework in this class is the reading homework. You should do your reading with pencil and paper handy. Read slowly, thoughtfully, and analytically. Your goal is to understand the math theory well enough that you can apply it to solving new problems. There are many examples in the text. Go through these step by step and think about the reason for each step. The will help you to better understand the class presentations. For class discussion, I will always assume that you have done the assigned reading.

Routine Homework: Routine written homework will usually be assigned each class and due the next class. Students may work collaboratively on these problems. Each assignment will consist mostly of problems where the answers are in the back of the book. One or two problems will be designated as graded problems. These are to be placed at the end of the assignment. All work is to be submitted on 8.5 by 11 inch paper without frayed edges and is to be done in pencil. All the work for each problem is to be shown. Where necessary or helpful, include some clear, plain English.

Each regular homework counts 10 points. If an assignment has two graded problems, each is worth 3 points. A single graded problem is worth 5 points. However, the non-graded problems must be submitted in order to receive credit for the graded problems. All assignments are submitted at the beginning of the period in which they are due. If an assignment is not ready for submission at the time due, you are to submit a paper with an explanation and statement relating to when it will be turned in. However, credit will not be given for graded problems once solutions are posted or they have been discussed in class. Also, penalties may be assessed for late homework.

Finally, at the end of each assignment, include a short comment about how things are going. Comments could be about difficulties experienced, things that are going well, suggestions for the class, requests for appointments, etc. In general, comment on whatever it would be helpful for me to know.

Tests: There will be four hour exams and a department cumulative final examination, with dates to be announced.

Make-up Exams: Make-up exams will not usually be given. Failure to take an exam results in a score of 0. For exceptional circumstances, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading: The routine homework will count for 15% of the final grade, with the lowest 1/7 of the homework grades being dropped. Each hour exam counts for 17% of the final grade, and the final exam counts for 17%. The following percentage scale will be used as a base:

A 90–100 B 80–89 C 65–79 D 60 – 64 F 0–59

The final grade may be adjusted downward due to attendance as explained below.

Attendance: Daily attendance is important and expected. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Each absence beyond 3 will result in a 1% reduction in the final course grade. If you enter the class after attendance is taken, you may see me after class to have the recorded absence changed to 1/2 an absence. Also, from page 25 of the 2009-10 CBU Catalog:

Any student who has missed a total of eight (8) hours or approximately 20% of class time may be given a mark of "F" after the last day to withdraw from classes has passed.

Plagiarism: The Christian Brothers University policy on plagiarism is clearly stated in the Compas and will be followed in this class.

Resources: Information for this course can be found on my World Wide Web homepage, which can be accessed at