Math125: Finite Mathematics and Modeling: Syllabus

• Semester:  Online Course
• Instructor:  Greg Fiore
• E-mail:  gfiore@ccbcmd.edu
• Phone:  (410) 285-9744
• Fax:  (410) 285-9414
• Division:  Math and Science
• Course Number and Title:  Math 125: Finite Mathematics and Modeling
• Semester Credit Hours:  3
• Total Contact Hours:  Online
• Prerequisites:  Math 083, or sufficient math placement score, or consent of the instructor

Course Description

We will study the application of mathematics to Business, Investment, Finance, Science, and the Social Sciences. Many practical applications will be examined to illustrate the uses of mathematics. Topics include matrices, solving systems of equations using matrices and technology, linear programming, mathematical models, the mathematics of finance, difference equations, and probability. This course is intended for students interested in Business, Management, Computer Information Systems, Horticulture, Allied Health, or the the Life or Social Sciences.

Core objectives include:

• Write a system of linear equations in matrix form and solve using the Gaussian Elimination Method.
• Write a system of linear equations in matrix form and solve using the Gauss-Jordan Method.
• Solve a system of equations using an internet web site.
• Use technology to find a linear model for bivariate data. Determine the strength of the model, and use it to make predictions.
• Solve linear programming problems using the graphical method.
• Solve linear programming problems using the simplex method.
• Solve linear programming problems using an internet web site.
• Determine when a problem can be solved using difference equations.
• Derive a difference equation for a given problem, solve it, and interpret the solution.
• Solve problems involving simple interest and compound interest.
• Solve problems involving annuities and mortgages.
• Use difference equations to solve problems involving diet, dosages, carbon dating, and others.
• Use an internet site to compare mutual funds and mutual fund fees, and to examine the effect these fees have on retirement or other long term savings plans.
• Define probability and construct probability distributions.
• Use trees to construct a sample space, and to solve probability problems.

Assignments and Tests	Point Value
1 Midterm Exam	100
8 Assignments	160
Participation and Biography	40
Final Exam	100
Total Points	400

Final Points	Letter Grade
360 - 400	A
320 - 359	B
280 - 319	C
240 - 279	D
0 - 239	F

• Required: The coursebook is Finite Mathematics and Modeling by Greg Fiore, and is ONLY AVAILABLE from the Dundalk campus bookstore (order online from the Dundalk bookstore using the URL http://www.bookstore.ccbc.cc.md.us, and click on Dundalk. Or call the bookstore directly at 410-285-9670.). No other textbook is required.
• Required: TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator. TI 82 or any other calculator is not acceptable.
• Internet sites to be presented in the course.

Students will learn primarily from reading the text and working exercises. You are expected to give 6-8 hours each week to reading and problem solving. Private email, the discussion board, fax, and the phone will be available for help from the instructor. There will be no in-person class meetings. Students will test at the test center of their choice.

Here are some tips you should follow which will help you to succeed in this course:

• Set aside a specific time each week to work on this course. The estimated amount of time you should spend is a minimum of 6 hours/week
• Keep in touch with me and your classmates by frequently checking your course e-mail, bulletin board, and calendar. This will help build a sense of community among us. Using the various communications tools provided in this course effectively is the same as "raising your hand" and participating in class discussions.
• Be aware of the time lag that is inherent in most on-line courses. Although the communications tools make it appear that the transfer of information such as assignments is "instantaneous", it does not mean that the reply will be instantaneous. One of the hardest things about an on-line course is becoming comfortable with its asynchronous nature. In general, expect assignments to be returned within 48 hours after the assignment due date .
• Familiarize yourself with published deadlines.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Remember that there are traditional ways for keeping in touch. Use the telephone, a fax, or make an appointment to meet with me on campus.
• Work off-line and save your assignments on your computer before submitting them electronically. You can use the saved version of your work to copy and paste to an on-line assignment or you can attach the saved file to an e-mail or bulletin board message. This will prevent a lot of frustration should your Internet connection or your system "fail".

 

Here are some comments from the course evaluations from students who have taken Math 125 on line:

• I found the coursebook to be very easy to follow and well structured.
• The coursebook was very easy to read.
• The coursebook was very informative and very easy to use. It couldn't have been any better.
• One of the best parts of the course was learning how to use the TI83 to solve problems.
• The best part of the course for me were the finance problems. They are relevant to life today.
• I think the best part of the course was finance. I am considering refinancing my home, and what I learned about amortization will prove helpful. I liked being able to figure out how much money I can save by paying more per month on my mortgage.
• The best part of this class is that I did not have to go to college to attend this class. I did not have to drive and park at school.
• I liked not using a standard textbook.
• The course was great. I learned a lot. I have trouble with math, but I enjoyed learning this because it was practical and useful.
• The class material was presented wonderfully. You were always quick to repond to questions and concerns, which was very encouraging. Thank you for all of the help you provided.
• This was my first online class, and I enjoyed it. This course is worth it and I was given the help I needed to learn.

Enjoy the course!