Applied Business Mathematics

Course Description: Elements of calculus and finite mathematics with emphasis on applications to problems arising in business. Topics include polynomial and rational functions , modeling, limits, continuity, derivatives, maxima and minima of functions, matrices, systems of linear equations , linear inequalities, and linear programming. Exponential and logarithmic functions will be studied if time permits. No credit given for students with credit for MATH 124, 125, 135 or 152 (formerly MATH 122).

Course Requirements: Attend and participate in class regularly; complete homework assignments; take quizzes and tests, as scheduled. A general rule for any college course is that you are expected to put in at least 2 hours of work outside of class for every hour in class.

Calculator Use: The recommended calculator for this course is the TI-83+. Similar calculators such as the TI-83, TI-84, TI-84+ and TI-86 are also acceptable and may be used for examinations. Calculators with a symbolic capability such as the TI-89 and TI-92 are not al lowed on examinations . If you are wondering whether your calculator is acceptable, please ask the instructor.

Cell phones and other communication devices: Must be turned off at all times during class.

University Policies:

1. You must take the final examination at the time specified in the course selection book: Thursday, May 21, 2pm-4pm.

2. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible. My telephone numbers and office hours are given above.

I will need a copy of the accommodation letter from Student Disability Services in order to arrange your class accommodations. Contact Student Disability Services, room 241, Copernicus Hall, if you are not already registered with them. Student Disability Services maintains the confidential documentation of your disability and assists you in coordinating reasonable accommodations with your faculty.

3. In the event of a weather emergency which requires curtailment or cancellation of classes, listen to WTIC (1080 AM) or call (860) 832-3333 for the “general snow message.”

4. The last day to with draw from a course is Friday, March 20. Approvals for withdrawal are not required; however, it is strongly recommended that students consult with their academic advisors prior to deciding to withdraw. Cessation of attendance, notice to the instructor, or telephone calls to the Enrollment Center are not considered official notice of a student’s intention to drop the course.

After March 20 withdrawals are allowed only under extenuating circumstances and require approval of the course instructor, department chair and dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.
Poor academic performance is not considered an extenuating circumstance.

Resources Available:

1. If you need help, take advantage of your instructor's office hours. Do not wait until just before the first test to do so.

2. The Learning Center is located in Rooms 241 and 242, Copernicus. Free tutoring is available. A schedule for hours the Center is open will be posted soon after the beginning of the semester.

3. Form a study group with other students in your section. Explaining solutions to homework problems to each other is a good way to learn.

4. A list of private tutors for hire is available in the math department office, Room 107 Marcus White, 832-2835.

Course Material:

I am planning on covering the material contained in the following sections of the textbook:

Chapter 1: Linear Models and Systems of Linear Equations

1.1 Problem Solving: Linear Equations
1.2 Introduction to Linear Functions
1.3 Linear Models
1.4 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Graphically
1.5 Solving Systems of Linear Equations Algebraically

Chapter 11: Functions, Models and Average Rate of Change

11.1 The Coordinate System and Functions
11.2 Introduction to Problem Solving
11.3 Linear Functions and Average Rate of Change
11.4 Quadratic Functions and Average Rate of Change on an Interval
11.5 Operations on Functions
11.6 Rational, Radical and Power Functions
*11.7 Exponential Functions
*11.8 Logarithmic Functions
*11.9 Modeling Data with Functions

Chapter 12: Limits, Instantaneous Rate of Change, and the Derivative

12.1 Limits
12.3 Problem Solving: Rates of Change
12.4 The Derivative
12.5 Derivatives of Constants, Powers and Sums

Chapter 13: Applications of the Derivative

13.2 Marginal Analysis

Chapter 3: Linear Programming: The Graphical Method

3.1 Problem Solving: Linear Inequalities
3.2 Graphing Systems of Linear Inequalities
3.3 Solving Linear Programming Problems Graphically
3.4 Applications of Linear Programming

Appendix G: Linear Programming with Excel Solver (see page 1337)

Chapter 2: Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices

2.1 Matrices and Gauss-Jordan

The sections marked with an asterisk are optional and will be covered if time permits.

Evaluation

Minimum averages have been established for each of these grades:

The average for the course will be based on the following weights:

Schedule of Important Dates

Exam 1: Thursday, February 19, in class
Exam 2: Thursday, March 19, in class
Exam 3: Thursday, April 23, in class
Final Examination: Thursday, May 21, 2:00pm-4:00pm

Please note: The final examination for this course is cumulative. It covers the entire course.

Quizzes will be on Thursdays (other than exam days), starting on the 5^th of February. Usually, the quiz will be based on the homework problems that are due on the day it is given (exceptions will be announced in class).

Homework will be due on Thursdays of weeks that do not have an exam and on Tuesdays of weeks that have an exam. You are allowed to collaborate with other students on homework, but the solutions that you submit must be your own. Simply copying another student’s work (or allowing another student to copy your work) is considered cheating and is not acceptable.
Near the end of the semester, there will be one homework as signment that requires the use of Microsoft Excel.

Occasionally, there may be changes to the course schedule (for example, if classes are cancelled because of bad weather). Changes will be announced in class.

The information on this syllabus is subject to change (by the instructor); changes will be announced in class.