MAT135 - Topics in Contemporary Mathematics: Spring 2013

Welcome to MAT135! This page outlines the syllabus for Topics in Contemporary Mathematics at Three Rivers Community College for the Spring 2013 semester. This course is designed to expose you to mathematical topics that are both usable and relevant in today's world. You'll learn to apply mathematical ideas while working within a social context, enhancing your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.

Course Information

  • Course: MAT135 – Topics in Contemporary Math
  • Time: Monday, 6:30pm to 9:15pm
  • Room: Number D222

Instructor Information

  • Name: Tony Baker
  • Office Hours: Monday and Friday, 4:00pm till 6:00pm (Appointment Only)
  • Phone: (860)373-0143 (Leave a message)
  • Email: Padrick77@gmail.com

Required Materials

  • Textbook: Quantitative Literacy: Thinking Between the Lines (Crauder, 2012)
  • Supplies: Notebook, Writing Utensil, Graphing Calculator, Access to a computer connected to the internet.

Grading Breakdown

Your final grade will be determined based on the following components:

  1. Participation and Attendance (14%): Earn points by attending class and actively participating.
  2. Weekly Homework (26%): 13 Assignments focused on applying learned concepts. Complete all problems divisible by 5 in each section, showing all work.
  3. Chapter Quizzes (40%): 8 Tests will be posted online and due the following week in class.
  4. Final Exam (20%): Real-Life Application Project and Presentation.

Letter grades and corresponding numerical grades are as follows: A (93-100), A- (90-92), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D- (60-62), F (below 60)

Key Topics Covered

Throughout this course, we will explore a variety of mathematical topics, including:

  • Critical Thinking: Developing skills to analyze information and solve problems effectively.
  • Analysis of Growth: Understanding linear and exponential growth models. For example, we can represent exponential growth with the formula $$y = a(1+r)^x$$, where $y$ is the final amount, $a$ is the initial amount, $r$ is the growth rate, and $x$ is the number of periods.
  • Linear and Exponential Change: Comparing growth rates and understanding their applications.
  • Personal Finance: Applying mathematical concepts to manage finances.
  • Introduction to Probability: Understanding the likelihood of events. For instance, the probability of an event $A$ is given by $$P(A) = \frac{\text{Number of favorable outcomes}}{\text{Total number of possible outcomes}}$$.
  • Statistics: Analyzing and interpreting data.
  • Graph Theory: Studying relationships between objects using graphs.
  • Voting and Social Change: Exploring mathematical concepts related to voting systems.
  • Geometry: Investigating shapes, sizes, and positions of figures.

Important Policies

  • Attendance: Regular attendance is expected. It is the student's responsibility to request any missed work, assignments, or materials before the next class.
  • Academic Integrity: Students are expected to demonstrate their own knowledge. Cheating will result in a zero for the test.
  • Disabilities Statement: Students needing accommodations should contact the instructor and Chris Scarborough at (860) 892-5751 within the first two weeks of class.

Real-Life Application Project

This course emphasizes the practical application of mathematics. For the final exam, you'll complete a project and presentation demonstrating how a topic we studied impacts your daily life. This is a great opportunity to showcase your understanding and creativity!

Let's have a great semester! Remember to engage with the material, ask questions, and seek help when needed. Good luck!