MATH 113 - Applied Mathematics  Professor:  Joe Mailhot
Fall 2003 Office:  Room 411
Office Phone: 360-438-4353 Office Hours:  1 - 3, Monday and Wednesday
Textbook:
Mathematics with Applications, Graphing Technology Version, by Hungerford/Lial, published by Addison Wesley
Course Description:  Finite math is a course designed to take your from basic algebra up through integral calculus in one semeter.  As you might suspect, we will not be able to study all the subjects in great depth; however, we will cover them sufficiently to allow you to apply them to real problems.  There will be many examples of situations where mathematics is used to model life.  Our goal is to learn how to translate the descriptions of real problems into mathematical language, and then to find solutions to the problems we have formulated.  This could be the most important math course you take because it will give you a good overview of the way mathematics is used by people in many disciplines as a problem-solving tool.

Attendance Policy:  I encourage you to attend class every day, but you are not graded on attendance.

NOTE:    One thing that I will stress is communication skills.  Please use complete sentences when a w4itten answer is required.  Label your pictures and graphs properly and clearly.

TECHNICAL NOTE:  The text we will be studying assumes you have access to a graphing calculator.  I strongly suggest that you get one.  I am proficient with the T1 81, 82, 83 series calculator.  These go for about $80 new.  If you already own a Casio or HP or some other graphing calculator that's fine, however I am not as familiar with the operation of those.  IF you are in search of a used calculator, I suggest you try the engineering division or business and economics division.  Beg, Borrow (but don't steal) one before Thursday.
 

 

 


GATEWAY TEST:  I plan to give a simple gateway test on Thursday, Sept. 4th.  It will consiste of material from Intermediate Algebra.  We will review on Thursday and Tuesday and have other scheduled review times between then and the 4th. This material should be review for you and so if you have not mastered this material, it is not advisable that you continue in this course.  IF you do not pass the gateway test, you will be advised to drop the class, so study seriously!

GRADING:  There will be 3 tests worth 100 points each.  I will assign homework and collect it every week.  The total possible points for homework will be counted as 100 points.  I will also give periodic pop quizzes.  The intent is to help you keep up with the lectures.  The quiz scores will be counted as extra credit.  There will be a final exam worth 200 points.  The Final will be comprehensive, so I have worked out a nice system for you:  I will make the Final optional.  If you choose to take the Final and you get a better grade on the Final than you had before you took it, then you get the grade you got on the Final.  Otherwise, it is averaged in as if it were worth 200 points.

 
3 tests:= 300 points
Homework:
(Quizzes--Extra Credit)		 100 points
FINAL EXAM: 200 points
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 600 POINTS

GRADING SCALE
A = 90 B = 80 C = 65 D = 55
A Rough Schedule of Events:  
Review Gateway September 4
Chapters 3, 4, 5 Test October 9
Chapter 12 Test November 13
Chapters 13, 14 Test December 4
FINAL EXAM   TUEDAY, DECEMBER 9,   8 A.M.
Late Policy: Since homework is to be presented in class, you need to attend class that day.  If you cannot be in class that day, I will need to see your homework on or before that day.  If you are sick that day, drop it in the mail with the postmark for that day or give it to soeone who can get the homework to me.  I will accept late homework for up to a week, but it will only count for half credit.