Syllabus

In mathematics you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
-- John von Neumann, Nobel Prize winner.

Time and Place: TR 2:00-3:15 at 529 Smith Hall

Instructor: Peter Saveliev (call me Peter)

Office: 778F Smith Hall (in the alley)

Office Hours: MW 1:30-5:00, R 3:30-4:30 (tentative), or by appointment, or any time I am there (usually in the afternoon)
Office Phone: x4639

Home Phone: 697-7827 (9 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

E-mail: saveliev@marshall.edu (put Math 123 as the subject)
Class Web-Page: http://saveliev.net/m123.htm.
Prerequisites: solid algebra skills, fractions, linear and quadratic equations, some exponentials, some knowledge of Cartesian coordinates, graphs, familiarity with basic functions

Texts: Applied Mathematics for the Managerial, Life, and Social Sciences by Tan, 2nd edition (Chapters 1-5,7,8).
Computer Requirements: graphic calculator TI-83 or TI-83+.
Goals: understanding of functions, graphing, maximization/minimization, solving systems of linear equations, elementary probability problems, setting up math models for applications in business and economics -- being prepared for a business calculus course.

Group Problems: due weekly (please, staple!), each Thursday unless specified otherwise

Quizzes: based on the practice problems assigned daily, once or twice a week

Grade Breakdown: TOTAL=.25×HW+.15×E1+.15×E2+.15×E3+.30×FINAL
    - group problems and quizzes: 25% (quiz 10 points each, homework 10-30 points, 1-2 quizzes may be dropped, attendance 30 points and you loose 15 points per each 2 classes missed, class participation 30 points extra credit).
    - 3 exams: 15% each
    - final exam: 30%

Letter Grades: A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79, D: 60-69, F: <60

From the Catalogue:

MTH 123 - 3 - Selected Topics in College Algebra

Solve equations and inequalities, solve systems of linear equations, study of functions (including exponential and logarithmic functions), matrices, basic probability and statistics. Applications mostly in business and economics. (PR: MAT 097 or equivalent, or Mathematics ACT at least 19)

Assignment #1 (10 points):

Go to http://saveliev.net/m123.htm.
Read the Course Policy.
Try to set up a group (3-4 members) by Friday, then e-mail the list to me. For this purpose you can use the list of students. If you don't have a group you'll be assigned to a group at random.
Visit my office during the next two weeks to introduce yourself and receive the credit.