Math 140: Quantitative Mathematics I – Syllabus

 

Instructor:         Prof. Mark Wiener                            Email: mathmark@hotmail.com (best contact)

Department of Mathematics               Adjunct Office:   SCI 351

Dept. Phone:   973-720-2158           Adjunct Office Phone:   973-720-3800

William Paterson University                Office Hrs:           Mon/Wed 10:45-11:15am

Webpage: http://www.mathmark.com                           Tues/Thurs 2:45-3:15pm

Home office phone:   973-625-1275

Cellphone (emergencies only, please):   973-219-7542

 

Course Info:      Spring 2009

Section Math 140-01

Section Math 140-02

Tues/Thurs 3:30-4:45 pm

Mon/Wed 9:30-10:45 am

Sci 433

Sci 220

Text:         Stefan Waner and Steven R. Costenoble, Finite Mathematics and Applied Calculus, 4th Edition, Brooks/Cole Pub., 2007

Calculator:      Basic graphing calculator is “required.”  The Texas Instrument TI-83-Plus, TI-83 or TI-86 (or equivalent) is highly recommended.  The TI-89 is highly discouraged.

Blackboard:    http://bb.wpunj.edu       Although this is in no way an on-line course, supplemental course material, homework assignments, and announcements will, from time to time, be posted on Blackboard.  Please familiarize yourself with this application immediately.

Course Objectives:

Students majoring in business, economics and social sciences are provided with the:

  1. Process of converting application problems into a mathematical model using functions, systems of equations, inequalities, etc.
  1. Mathematical theory for understanding decision making process using the methods of linear algebra and linear programming.
  1. Use of the theory to solve the mathematical models with the aid of computers.
  1. Sample application problems in business to prepare them for a challenge of reformulating and solving their own problems in the future.
  1. Use of mathematics to understand finance problems such as loan payments and annuities.

Student Learning Outcomes:  Students will be able to:

1.      Effectively express themselves in written and oral form through class participation and communicate clearly in writing, in an organized fashion, by translating real life problem into a mathematical model and vice versa; which will be assessed through homework assignments and quiz/exam questions.

2.      Apply critical thinking skills for converting application problems into mathematical models using functions, systems of equations, inequalities, etc; which will be assessed through class assignments and quiz/exam questions.

3.      Locate and use information to formulate linear programming problems and solve these problems using the Simplex Method or graphical methods, which will be assessed through homework assignments and examination questions.

4.      Work effectively with others in completing homework assignments as well as in-class assignments.

5.   a.   Describe the use of linear equations and their role in modeling.

b.      Solve systems of linear equations using Gauss Jordan method and formulate application problems.

c.       Perform matrix operations. Use matrices to model application problems.

d.      Formulate Linear Programming (LP) problems and solve them graphically.

e.       Understand the Simplex Method and use it to solve LP problems.

f.        Understand simple and compound interest and solve annuities, loan payments/mortgage problems.

Outline of Course Content:

  1. Linear Equations and Inequalities: linear functions; slope and equations of straight lines; linear mathematical models
  1. Systems of Linear Equations: solving by Gauss-Jordan method; solving large problems using computer software; application problems
  1. Matrix Theory: addition, multiplication and inverse; associated applications; Input-Output models
  1. Linear Programming (LP): graphing systems of linear inequalities and solving LP problems graphically; application problems for LP; Simplex Method to solve LP problems
  1. Mathematics of Finance: simple and compound interest rates; problems involving annuities, loans and bonds
  1. Nonlinear Models: quadratic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions

Teaching Methods:

This course is taught as a combination of lectures and in-class work. Computer software (spread-sheet based) may be used to build understanding of real life problems. Strong emphasis will be given to business applications, developing mathematical models and interpretations of results.

Course Expectations:

Grades will be based on homework, attendance, class participation, quizzes, tests and a final exam using the following weights:

Homework/Quizzes/Class participation/Attendance                   15%

Tests                                                                                        55%

Final Exam                                                                               30%

 

Homework assignments (or parts of them) may/will be collected each week.  Students may be called to the board to write the solution of homework problems and those participating students will earn extra credit for effort and participation.

 

Attendance to class is expected; more than 3 unexcused absences could result in a lowering of student's final grade.

 

In general there will be no makeup tests or quizzes, and if you do not contact Professor Wiener via email (mathmark@hotmail.com) within 36 hours of the missed test or quiz (and have an extraordinarily good reason), there will definitely be no makeup.