Math IVA: Betsy Thomas

Course Overview:

Math IVA - Fall 2007                                Betsy Thomas

An Overview: Math IVA will build on many familiar ideas from Math IIIA, but will also introduce important new ones.  The course has four themes:
•    Calculus:  Sequences, series, limits, infinity, rates of change and Riemann sums, including their relationship to graphs.  Derivatives of all the basic functions.
•    Algebra and Trigonometry:  Advanced solving, simplifying and factoring, including trigonometric equations and identities.  Geometry.
•    Discrete Mathematics:  Combinatorics and probability.
•    New Objects and Representations:  Vectors, polar and parametric equations, matrices and complex numbers.

Grading:
15% - Group work.  As observed by me.  We will switch groups after each test, at which time you will get a group grade.  I will be looking for people taking initiative in the groups.  If you are able to explain something, actively seek to do so.  If you are confused, speak up and ask your group members for help.   Explaining your mathematical understanding to someone else is an important component of true knowledge.  Groups are a good opportunity for you to speak mathematically, so try to use precise terminology.

20% - Homework and Problem Sets.  Homework will be graded on effort.  Your written work should show that you can present your ideas clearly and thoroughly.    We will go over the homework as a class, as it is an opportunity for me to slip in some lecturing on the importance of various problems.

15% - Quizzes.  These will be about once per week and relate to a current topic.  If you are absent for a quiz, rather than making it up, your next one will count double.

30% - Tests.  Four of these per semester (every three weeks or so), cumulative in content.

20% - Semester exam. 

Office Hours:
    My free periods are 4th, 6th, 7th, plus lunch.  I encourage you to seek extra help from me as often as you feel the need. You can just drop by the math office, or make an appointment ahead of time.

Other Section Resources:

Test #1 Links

A collection of web links relevant to the first test

showcase

mathematicians

test #2 links

 

Test #3 Links

 

Test #4 links

 

Test #5 links