Applied Finite Mathematics

MATH 143

Syllabus and Instructor Information

Spring 2000

Instructor: Dr. Raj Markanda

Office:MJ-117 (Phone 626-2468)

Office Hours: posted on the door, other times by appointment.

e-mail:markandr@northern.edu

My Homepage: http://www.northern.edu/markandr/index.html

Course Objectives: 

The primary purposes of the course are to develop problems solving skills that require a logical structure and to provide the essential algebraic, statistical and business mathematics background for work in other fields or courses.The students also work on “real life” problems in many disciplines that use algebra, statistics and business mathematics thus giving insight into the importance of mathematical skills in almost all aspects of society.

The students will learn to use Microsoft Excel to graph data and algebraic functions.

Course Outline:

Elementary, linear, quadratic and polynomial functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; simple and compound interest; annuities, systems of linear equations; linear programming; counting principles, permutations and combinations; probability; graphing data; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal distribution.

Class Procedure:

Course activities will include lecture, discussion, study of textbook, use of scientific calculator, homework, weekly quizzes, class participation, 3 tests and a comprehensive final.All tests will have multiple choice questions.

Test 1: Chapters 1 and 2

Test 2: Chapters 3 and 4

Test 3: Chapters 5 and 6

Final: Chapters 1-7.

Grading scale:HW10%

Quizzes10%

Class

Participation5%

3 Tests50%

Final25%

91 - 100 %= A

81 - 90 %=B

71 - 80 %=C

61 - 70 %= D

Below 61%=F

Written Reports

(due April 18, 2001)

Note: Discuss the content and use of any twoFinite Mathematics websites.

Each report should be typed and at least two page long.

Help is also available at these sites.

http://www.prenhall.com/barnett

http://147.4.150.5/~matscw/RealWorld/index.html

http://www.webmath.com

http://www.coolmath.com/index.html

http://www.exploremath.com

http://www.sosmath.com

Note: Use the search engine to look for sites for “Finite Mathematics”

Attendance:

:Attending class is an important component to doing well in this class.Mathematics is a subject which builds on concepts covered each day in class.Hence, it is important to be diligent in attending class so that one does not fall behind.There will also be announcements made in class regarding exams, homework, and quizzes which should not be missed.If it is necessary to miss class due to scheduled university events, family emergencies, etc., you should contact me beforehand in order to make special arrangements for tests and quizzes.

Final Examination:

The final examination shall be a comprehensive examination. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2001 from9:45-11:45 am .