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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "MA 100-2"
COURSE NAME: "Finite Mathematics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Margaret Kneller
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday, 10 am to 11 am, and by appointment

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.

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 .
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The student will acquire basic skills in financial mathematics, matrices, and graphing of linear equations/inequalities. The course may be viewed as either preparation for more advanced mathematics (and finance) courses, or as the necessary exposure to mathematics required in a traditional liberal-arts education curriculum.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Finite MathematicsWaner & CostenobleCengage9781285056272  I will refer to the 5th and 6th editions of the Text--either edition is suitable for the students.   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Test OneGiven Week 420
Test TwoGiven Week 820
Test ThreeGiven Week 12 to 1320
Final 40

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A 90%-100% (The student demonstrates complete, accurate, and critical knowledge of all the topics, and is able to solve problems autonomously.
B 80%-89% (The student usually has an accurate knowledge of the subject matter and uses clear logic in his/her arguments.)
C 70%-79% (The student has the essential knowledge of the subject matter, understands the topics, and can express it in appropriate mathematical statements.) C minus: 60%-69% (The student has the minimum knowledge of the subjects covered.)
D 50%-59% (The student has a superficial knowledge of the subject matter, is uncertain and makes many errors.)
F below 50% (Little or no knowledge of the subject matter.)

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Cooperative participation in class is expected.
Attendance will be taken at the start of class. If you are late (and so miss attendance call), then this will be counted as a ½ absence.

CALCULATORS: hand-held calculators may be used.  Calculators within mobile devices may not be used in exams. During exams, calculators may not be shared.

HONESTY
• Honest participation in a test, or final exam, means that you take a test/final based on only your own knowledge. No notes are used except those explicitly allowed by the professor.
• Cheating is not tolerated (please see the University Catalogue for the policy regarding academic dishonesty).  Letting a classmate copy from your test, is participating in cheating.

No MAKE-UP TESTS will be given (no make-up test for illness, travel, transport issues, etc.).
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.
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.

SCHEDULE

 

Session

Topic

Assignment--See the Assignments Posted in MyJCU

Other

Weeks 1 to 2

ALGEBRA REVIEW Real Numbers, Exponents and Radicals, Multiplying and Factoring Algebraic Equations, Rational Expressions, Solving Polynomial Equations

Chapter 0 (5th and 6th edition)

Weeks 3 to 5

FUNCTIONS and LINEAR MODELS Functions from the Numerical and Algebraic Viewpoints, Functions from the Graphical Viewpoint, Linear Functions

Chapter 1 and 2 (5th ed.)
Chapter 1.1 to 1.3 (6th ed.)

Test 1-Week 4

Weeks 6 to 8

SYSTEMS of LINEAR Equations and MATRICES Systems of Two Linear Equations in Two Unknowns, Using Matrices to Solve Systems of Equations, Applications of Systems of Linear Equation, Graphing Linear Inequalities

Chapters 2 and 4 (5th ed.)
Chapter 3 and 5.1
(6th ed.)

Test 2-Week 8

Weeks 9 to 12

MATHEMATICS of FINANCE Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Annuities, Loans

Chapter 5 (5th ed.)
Chapter 2
(6th ed.)

Test 3-Week 12 or 13

Weeks 13 to 14

Linear Programming

Chapter 4.1 to 4.2 (5th ed.)
Chapter 5.1 to 5.2 (6th ed.)