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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "MA 100-3"
COURSE NAME: "Finite Mathematics"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Fall 2025
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Natalie Orlando
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course develops the quantitative skills which a liberal-arts educated student should acquire. It is intended to give the student an appreciation for the use of mathematics as a tool in business and science, as well as developing problem solving and critical thinking abilities. The course introduces the student to important topics of applied linear mathematics and probability. Topics include sets, counting, probability, the mathematics of finance, linear equations and applications, linear inequalities, an introduction to matrices and basic linear programming.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is a traditional finite mathematics course. It addresses the quantitative skills which a liberal-arts educated student should acquire. The student learns about some of the important applications of mathematics. This course is designed for students who have had two years of high school algebra or the equivalent.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completing this course, the students should be able to acquire basic Skills in Financial Mathematics, Matrices and graphing linear equations/inequalities. The course can be views as a preparation for advanced mathematics; financial mathematics; or as the necessary exposure to mathematics required in a traditional liberal-arts education curriculum.
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Finite Mathematics, International Edition | Stefan Waner, Steven Costenoble | Cengage | 978-1285056272 | | | | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Class Tests | There will be 3 Class Tests. Each test will be based on the most recent material studied in class. Each quiz will be of equal weight for a total of 60% (The lowest grade out of the test can be dropped)
** No retakes possible for any reason, the average will be re-weighted if a test is missed**
** Calculators are required, GDC (Ti-nSpire or Ti-84 Plus CE-T) but cannot be shared during assessments** | 50% |
| Homework | Partial credit on homework is not given for submitted assignments. Late homework or those not submitted properly on Moodle are not accepted and will receive a result of 0%. | 10% |
| Attendance | Attendance is mandatory, students who miss 5 classes or more without the proper justification from the administration will get a 0%. | 5% |
| Final Exam (Comprehensive) | | 35% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Session
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Session focus
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Exam Dates
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Week 1-Week 2
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Review
· Real Numbers
· Exponents
· Radicals
· Factoring Algebraic Expressions
· Rational Expressions
· Solving Polynomial Equations
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Week 3-Week 5
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Functions & Linear Models
· Linear Functions
· Slope of a Line
· Finding the Equation of a Line
· Linear Regression Model
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Week 4
Test 1
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Week 6-Week 8
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System of Equations
· Solving a System of Equations Graphically
· Solving a 2x2 System Algebraically
· Special Systems
· Solving a 3x3 System using Matrices
· Applications of Systems of Equations
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Week 8
Test 2
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Week 9- Week 11
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Financial Mathematics
· Simple Interest
· Compound Interest
· Annuities
· Loans
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Week 11
Test 3
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Week 12- Week 14
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Probability
· Basic Probability
· Conditional Probability
· Venn Diagrams
· Probability Distributions
· Binomial Distribution
· Normal Distributions
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Final Exam (See University Schedule for Date and Time)
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