Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra, Rutgers Math 026, Math 027, or equivalent. For purposes of this course, a real mastery of elementary algebra is more important than having survived intermediate algebra.
Text: Excursions in Modern Mathematics with Mini-Excursions, 6th Edition, by Peter Tannenbaum.
Meeting times: TTh 3:20-4:40 in Beck 111
Instructor: Dr. Michael Weingart
Teaching Assistant: Michael Weingart. If you are shy about asking the instructor for help, please don't hesitate to ask the TA.
Course Coordinator: Michael Weingart. If you have questions or comments about the overall structure of the course, please share them with the course coordinator.
Email: weingart [at] math [dot] rutgers [dot] edu
Office hours: M 5:00-7:00 and TBA in
Hill
209, and TBA in HHB7, and by appointment.
These times may change in response to popular demand.
Calculator: A basic calculator will be needed for both homework and examinations. Computers and calculators with typewriter keyboards or built-in computer algebra systems, such as the TI-89 and TI-92, will not be permitted on exams.
Online resources: This course uses Sakai, accessible at
sakai.rutgers.edu; login with your ordinary Rutgers username and password. Use Sakai to
view solutions to homework problems (which become available after each
assignment is due), view your grades, and participate in online threaded
discussions about the subject matter of the course.
The publisher's webpage for the textbook,
has such resources as online quizzes, which you may find helpful in preparing for exams.
Course topics: This section of Math 103 will cover chapters 1-8 and 10, on the mathematics of voting, weighted votings systems, fair division, the mathematics of apportionment, Euler circuits, the Traveling Salesman Problem, the mathematics of networks, the mathematics of scheduling, and exponential growth (with special attention to financial applications).
Grading: The overall course grade will be based on the results of the examinations, the scores on written homework, and on “one-point quizzes” given in class. Assuming that 20 one-point quizzes are given, the term grade will be based on a possible total of 500 points, as follows:
|
One point quizzes |
20 |
|
Homework |
80 |
|
Midterm Exam 1
|
100 |
|
Midterm Exam 2 |
100 |
|
Final Exam |
200 |
|
Total |
500 |
Homework: There will be a written homework assignment for each
chapter, and the lowest two scores on these nine assignments will be dropped. Due dates for each assignment are indicated tentatively on
the Sakai site, and will be announced definitively
in class.
Each homework assignment you submit must be neat, legible, stapled (if
more than one sheet of paper), with your name written clearly on top.
Since the solutions to each homework assignment will be posted
online the day the assignment is due, late homework will not be
accepted. Or, to put it another way, late homework will not be
accepted.
You are permitted, and in fact encouraged to work together, but
all homework assignments you submit must ultimately be your own work.
The list of homework problems to be completed for each chapter, subject to possible alterations to be announced in class, is as follows:
|
Chapter
1 |
12, 16, 20, 26, 34, 38, 42. |
|
Chapter
2 |
4, 8, 14, 17, 30cd, 34, 36, 48. |
|
Chapter
3 |
6, 12, 28, 34, 54, 68. |
|
Chapter
4 |
On pp.151-153, questions 6, 16, 28, 38, and 48; on p. A-10 (in the "mini excursion"), questions 12 and 14. |
|
Chapter
5 |
18, 20, 26, 28, 36, 42, 44, 58. |
|
Chapter
6 |
16, 30, 34, 40, 46, 48(use the cheapest link algorithm). |
|
Chapter
7 |
12, 20, 24, 56. |
|
Chapter
8 |
22, 24, 28, 30, 38, 46, 48, 52ab. |
|
Chapter
10 |
4, 10, 18, 24, 30, 32, 38, 42. |
One point quizzes: In most class meetings there will be a short quiz, or in-class exercise, usually on some topic discussed in the previous class or the current one. These quizzes will count for 1 point each. Credit will be awarded to anyone present who hands in a paper with their name on it. We will go over these in class right away, so that you can get immediate feedback about your understanding of the material.
Final exam: Wednesday May 13, 8-11am.
A few friendly words of advice: Never fall behind in a math course!!!!!
The ideas we'll be discussing need time to sink in, and are very difficult
to learn quickly right before an exam, so it is important to clear up
your confusions sooner rather than later. An excellent way to
improve your understanding of the subject is to study and work on
homework together with classmates. Explaining mathematical ideas to
others is often the most effective way to sort out your own confusions and
clarify your understanding; you don't know just what it is that you don't
know until you try explaining it to someone else.
You are also warmly invited to ask questions in class, which students are far too hesitant to do in math courses, or in office hours. I very much want you to succeed in this course.