MATH 240 Introduction to Mathematical Thought

Fall, 2006 COURSE INFORMATION 
MWF 1:00 -1:50 P.M.    ROOM: SH 116
Final Exam Schedule



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Last updated: 8/20/06

OFFICE: Library 1                                                                                         PHONE:826-4950
Office Hours (Tent.)- MWF 2:00-2:50 AND BY APPOINTMENT or chance!
E-MAIL: flashman@axe.humboldt.edu                       WWW: http://flashman.neocities.org/
PREREQUISITE: MATH 105 or 106 or 109 or math code 65. (or PERMISSION BASED ON OTHER COURSE WORK). 
Catalog Description
: Mathematical reasoning, writing, and proofs; sets, functions, topics in discrete mathematics, problem formulation, problem solving.
TEXTS:  The Keys to Advanced Mathematics : Recurrent Themes in Abstract Reasoning by Daniel Solow ( Paperback,  Books Unlimited,1995 )
Proof in Geometry by  A. I. Fetisov (Out of Print- Bookstore Reprint, D. C. Heath, Boston, 1963).

SCOPE: This course will provide a foundation for further work in mathematics.This will be accomplished primarily by informal but careful and rigorous exploration of key topics related to mathematical reasoning. This will include a discussion of many of the essential tools for any mathematical discourse and problem solving: sets, functions, and relations; problems and conjectures; evidence, proofs and refutations; and direct and indirect arguments.
Several topics from discrete mathematics will provide additional opportunities for using these tools.

Lectures will organize the topics to present materials not covered in the texts as well as those treated in the texts. We will cover material from Solow contained in chapters 1 to 3, 5.1, and 6.2.4; selections from Fetisov, and perhaps others as time permits.  Supplementary readings and materials will be supplied as appropriate.
Summaries of lectures may be available through the course webpage.


TECHNOLOGY: We may use the computer at various stages of this course to illustrate and investigate some of the topics. No particular software will be required..

TESTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
We will use the HSU Moodle
for access to information about the course- announcements - materials, assignments, and some quizzes.

Proof Analysis: Every other week students will be expected to read at least one proof presented for analysis.These will not be lengthy. A brief analysis responding to a list of questions is to be submitted on Wednesdays beginning September 6th.
The proof analysis will cover briefly the techniques of argument (direct, indirect, induction, etc.) and exposition (forward-backward organization, reference to prior work, definitions, etc.) used  in presenting the result.

Proof Without Words: An explanation of an alternate weekly proof without words will be assigned to be done cooperatively by partnerships and due on alternate Fridays beginning September  1st. (Accepted one day tardy at most!)
At most 3 persons per partnership.

The proof analyses and proofs without  words will be graded Honors(4)/Good(3)/Credit(2)/NCr(0). (Accepted one day tardy at most!)

Regular Homework: Shorter problem assignments (about 5-10 problems) will be made on a regular basis for each class.
Homework assignments will not be accepted after 5 p.m. of the due date and will be graded 
Well-done (4), Good (3),  Acceptable (2), Unacceptable(1) No Credit(0)

Reality Check Quizzes: During the term I will give several reality check quizzes. These will usually be available and submitted on  Moodle, covering work from the previous recent assignments and class discussions. 

Midterm Examinations: There will be two self-scheduled mid-term examinations.These will be announced a week in advance and will be worth 100 points each. There will also be a mid term coorperative assignment worth 50 points.

FINAL ASSESSMENT: The final assessment will be in two parts. Part I will be a partnership take home examination that will be due on the last day of the final examination period.
AT MOST 3 PERSONS PER PARTNERSHIP!
Part I will be distributed on the Friday before the last week of classes.
Part II will be an individual self-scheduled 90 minute examination given during the final examination period.
Part I will be worth 100 points. Part II will be worth 150 points or 300 points according to the following rule:
The final grade will use the score for Part II of the final that maximizes the average for the term based on all possible points.

GRADES: Final grades will be based on the accumulation of points in the various categories of assignments as indicated in the following chart:

Proof Analyses  25
Proof  w/o Words  25
Homework  100
Reality Check Quizzes 50
Midterm Examinations 250
Final Assessment Part I 100
Final Assessmant Part II 150 or 300
Total Points........... 700 or 850
** Active class participation will be considered in deciding individual grades after a general grade range has been assigned.
The total points available for the semester is 700 or 850.Notice that only 500 or 650 of these points are from examinations, so regular participation with more regular assignments  and quizzes is essential to forming a good foundation for your grades as well as your learning.

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