What will we do in this class?

Tests:

There will be 8 exams, each of which will count equally towards your grade.  You must show your work. The dates of the exams are noted on the schedule. Most tests will be administered in class, however, occasionally some tests may be administered in the testing center due to calendar changes.

Written Homework Assignments: All homework assignments have “practice problems” from the text that are graded on work shown as well as “printed problems” that are graded on accuracy. Assignments are graded on a 10 points scale. Here is the process to follow with written homework:

1. Complete the listed textbook problems on a separate sheet of paper and check your answers. It is important to get this feedback before going on to the problems printed on the worksheet for which there are no answers provided. This is worth 5 points
2. Complete the printed problems directly on the worksheet. Try to come up with a way of checking your answers without having solutions provided. This is worth 5 points
3. Take pics of the all the pages (printed problems first) and using an app like genius scan,  turn on the pics into ONE PDF FILE. Then submit into the appropriate homework link on blackboard.

Written homework is graded by completion and correctness. In order to get a perfect score, you must show all your work, following an appropriate process, and get a correct answer. If you are uncertain about your answers, it is worth seeking help before turning in the assignment.

Other Daily Assignments: Occasionally there may also be other daily assignments such as quizzes and group activities. It is important that you be present in class in order to participate and complete these assignments.

Group work: We will break into groups often. During that time, we expect you to engage with your classmates by turning on your mic and cam, writing on the shared whiteboard or pdf.

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: The lowest 5 homework grades will be dropped

Late Work Policy: Late assignments are counted as zeros (no exceptions)

Missed Exam Policy: If an exam is missed for a justifiable reason (determined by professor) then the final exam grade will replace the missed exam

Attendance Policy: Daily attendance is mandatory. This corequisite option covers material from three courses, and involves group activities on a daily basis. Your partners depend on you for group work, and your own success in the course depends on your full commitment.

There is no such thing as an “excused absence”. The end-result of missing a class is the same regardless of the reason. You miss instruction. Your partners are let down. You miss an opportunity to turn in homework. The goal is to minimize these disruptions, and to take personal responsibility to make up for any missed class on your own time.

Expectations:

1. Attend all classes
2. Arrive on time and stay for the duration of class
3. Participate during that time and spend time outside of class working on homework
4. Engage with your classmates

Class Participation Policy: Your success in the class is directly determined by your level of participation. We designed it this way on purpose. When we ask you a question, please respond (even if you’re not sure).

Required Materials 

This is a First Day™ class. The cost of required course materials, including an online version of the textbook and software access, has been added to your tuition and fees bill. 

Textbooks:

Finite Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, 14th Edition by Barnett, Ziegler, Byleen, & Stocker. Pearson Publishing (MyLab software) ISBN: 9780134862576

Intermediate Algebra, OpenStax publication by Lynn Marecek at Santa Ana College. Available free for download as pdf. See your instructor’s Blackboard course for a link.

MyLab Math is an optional interactive online course that accompanies the Math for Business and Economics textbook. There is no MyLab Math course to accompany the Intermediate Algebra textbook. Access to MyLab Math is included in the cost of your First Day Access.

Calculator: You will need a scientific calculator that handles exponents, logarithms and simple probability and statistics.  Most ACC faculty are familiar with the TI family of calculators. Hence, TI calculators are highly recommended for student use.  Other calculator brands can also be used.  Your instructor will determine the extent of calculator use in your class section.

Other Technology: Access to a webcam and microphone are required for this course. Eligible students can check out required technology at https://www.austincc.edu/students/student-technology-services.

Course Description

Credit Hours: 7, Contact Hours: 7

MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business and Economics (3-3-0). A course in finite mathematics for business students including linear equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, the exponential and logarithmic functions, the mathematics of finance, systems of linear equations and matrices, linear programming, the simplex method, and an introduction to probability and statistics.

MATD 0424 – Developmental Business Math (4-4-0). A course designed to develop the skills and understanding contained in secondary school algebra. Topics include review of operations and properties of real numbers, negative exponents, functions, graphing linear equations, solving linear and quadratic equations and systems of linear equations, solving linear inequalities, operations on polynomials and factoring, introduction to rational, radical, and exponential functions, and applications with a business focus.

Course Rationale

This course is required in certain degree plans, such as Accounting, Computer Information Systems and Economics. For some students, this is the first half of a two-semester finite mathematics/business calculus sequence. This is also a preparation course prior to taking two semesters of business calculus, although the preferred preparation for two semesters of business calculus is MATH 1314.  Finally, some students take this course as a general mathematics elective.

MATH 1324 Course Objectives

Mathematics for Business and Economics has five main mathematical topics: functions, matrices, linear programming, probability and statistics. The objectives of the course are for students not only to know the mathematics of these concepts, but also to be able to apply the concepts to analyze and interpret information in business and financial application problems.

MATH 1324 Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, a student should be able to:

1. Identify the basic graphs and properties of polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Apply the knowledge of functions to business applications such as simple, compound or continuous compound interest, ordinary annuities, finding the maximum or minimum for quantities which are quadratic functions, and finding break even points.
2. Perform basic operations with matrices, and use matrix methods to solve systems of linear equations. Apply the knowledge of matrices to business problems such as inventory, production, and total cost.
3. Use geometric method to solve linear programming problems. Interpret information as an objective function with constraints, set up the linear programming problem, solve the problem and interpret the result in the context of the problem. 
4. Use basic counting techniques and calculate probabilities, including conditional probabilities. Apply the mathematical knowledge of probability to business problems and interpret the results.
5. Calculate measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. Apply the mathematical skills to problems in various business settings and interpret the results. 

MATD 0424 Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

1. Perform operations involving integers, fractions, decimals, radicals, percents, signed exponents, ratios and proportions.
2. Evaluate and perform basic operations on functions, find the domain and range of functions, and solve equations involving functions.
3. Identify slope and intercepts from linear equations and graphs of lines. Find linear equations from given points and graphs of lines.
4. Graph linear equations and inequalities, including systems of each, as well as absolute value and quadratic functions.
5. Simplify, factor, and perform basic operations on algebraic expressions, including polynomials and rationals.
6. Solve linear, quadratic and rational equations by symbolic methods and solve linear inequalities. 
7. Solve basic application problems using linear and quadratic models, finance formulas, and 2x2 systems of linear equations.
8. Use mathematical language, symbols, and notation to communicate mathematical concepts, demonstrate reasoning, and solve problems.

General Education Competencies

1. Critical Thinking – gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information is covered in every SLO. 
2. Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning – applying mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods is covered in every SLO.
3. Written, Oral and Visual Communication – communicating effectively adapting to purpose, structure, audience and medium is covered in every SLO.