MAT 110 -- Fall 2010
Applications of Finite Mathematics with Computing

Tues/Thur, 8:30-9:45 am, Chambers 3234


Outline


Instructor:
Stephen L. Davis; click here for my weekly schedule.

Texts:
L. Goldstein, D. Schneider, & M. Siegel, Finite Mathematics & Its Applications, 10/e, Prentice Hall, 2010.

Overview:

What is "finite mathematics"? Short answers could be "it's not calculus," or "mathematics that does not involve limits (or the notion of infinitesimally small)." Unfortunately, these responses try to define finite mathematics by what it's not. For an alternative perspective, consider the topics we'll look at in this course: linear equations and sytstems of linear equations, matrices, sets and counting, probability and statistics, Markov processes, and game theory.

The sections of the text that we will cover and an estimate of when each section will be introduced is given in the calendar below. We will use the Excel spreadsheet environment to extend our computational power. No prior experience with Excel is assumed.

Note: Homework assignments and other course announcements will be posted on Blackboard. This semester my classes are testing a new version of Blackboard; access this via http://blackboardtest2.davidson.edu/.

Evaluation:

There will be three "take-home" writs and two in-class reviews as indicated below. We will also have a final examination and several Excel-based assignments. Other factors, such as participation in class and persistence with homework, may provide additional color to this evaluation. With a "writ" being the unit of measure, reviews will be worth 2 writs each, the Final Examination will carry the weight of 3 writs, Excel-based assignments will be worth 2 writs, and other considerations will account for at most 1 writ. Thus, the recipe for your grade in this course is distributed as roughly

Class Policies:

The writs, reviews, and final examination are pledged events; you are expected to be vigilant in upholding the Honor Code.

Some assignments (ordinary homework from the text or Excel projects) will be done collaboratively, while others must be done independently. Generally, homework exercises are open for discussion, though it is always assumed that you can defend whatever you turn in. On a given event, it should be clear what level of peer assistance is permissable, but do not hesitate to ask for clarification if the ground rules are vague. Homework will be collected on Mondays (by 12:30 pm) and on Thursdays (in class).

You should come to class prepared to discuss readings and problems from the text. Each member of the class is a valuable resource for others in the class. Absences and tardiness diminish the quality of the course; come to class and come on time. I monitor attendance; missing 20% of class meetings can trigger action to encourage more faithful attendance. In any event, you are responsible for all material discussed in class, whether you are present or absent.

Schedule Guesstimate:

( volatile! )
Date Section Event/Topic
Aug 24, 26 1.1,1.3 1.4, 1.5 ch 1: Linear Equations
Aug 31, Sep 2 2.1, 2.2 2.3 ch 2: Matrices
Sep 7, 9 2.4 2.5 Weekend Writ #1 (due Sep 14)
Sep 14, 16 2.6 5.1 ch 5: Sets & Counting
Sep 21, 23 5.2, 5.3 5.4, 5.5
Sep 28, 30 5.6 Review Review #1
Oct 5, 7 5.7 6.1, 6.2 ch 6: Probability
Oct 12, 14 no class 6.3, 6.4 Fall Break
Oct 19, 21 6.5 6.6 Weekend Writ #2 (due Oct 26)
Oct 26, 28 6.7 7.1, 7.2 ch 7: Probability & Statistics
Nov 2, 4 6.8, 7.3 7.4
Nov 9, 11 8.1, 8.2 .. ch 8: Markov Processes
Nov 16, 18 Review 9.1, 9.2   ch 9: Game Theory; Review #2  
Nov 23, 25 .. no class Thanksgiving
Nov 30, Dec 2 9.3 .. Mid-Week Writ #3 (due Dec 2)
Dec 7 debrief Reading Day
Dec 10--16 Final Examination