About Your Course

Instructional Methodology:

ONL—Online: Instruction and testing are fully online without required class times.

Synonym: 76631                                             Section: 009

Prerequisites: MATD 0370 with a C or higher or appropriate score on the TSI Mathematics Assessment.

GETTING HELP

ACC provides several free resources for students who need help; descriptions and links are below:

Office hours: Another name for office hours is “student hours.” This is the time your instructor has set aside to answer student questions, so feel free to drop by if you have questions. Office hours during the summer session are virtual.

Instructional Associates: Instructional Associates specific to the course you are taking are available for tutoring. To make an appointment, go to https://sites.google.com/a/austincc.edu/mathstudents/meet/list and then click on your course.

Learning Labs: The ACC Learning Labs provide tutoring in math and other subjects. To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/learning-lab. This site includes information about in person and virtual tutoring options.

Academic Coaching: Academic coaches offer extra support to students with study strategies; they want to help you learn to be an active participant in your own learning process. Go to https://www.austincc.edu/students/academic-coaching to learn more.

ACC Student Services: Services are offered in many areas, including Academic, Financial, Personal, and Technology Support. For more information, go to https://www.austincc.edu/studentsupport.

Making Time to Learn

We learn math by thinking about and working on mathematical problems, which takes time. Practice is crucial in a math course. To ensure that you have adequate time, set aside 10 - 15 hours per week outside of class time (watching video time) to practice and study for these two courses. Ask for help immediately when something isn’t clear.

Note to Students

A steady pace must be maintained throughout the semester to complete all required topics in a thorough manner. Students also have access to walk-in tutoring at the Learning Lab as well as virtual tutoring through ACC learning labs.

GRADES

Grade Components

Tests & Project: 80%

Written Homework: 10%

MLM Quizzes: 5%

MLM homework: 5%

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

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. 

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

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.  Some tests prohibit the use of graphing calculators.

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.

MATH 1324 COURSE CALENDAR

Note: Schedule changes may occur during the semester. Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

• Start Planning Ahead!
• Remember a "Due" date is not a "Do" date, but it can be.
• Plan a day and time to do each of these activities for each section: Read, Watch and then Do.
• Make a schedule during times/days you know you have available and stick to it the best you can.

Important Dates

Last day for 70% refund: Thursday, January 25th Last day to withdraw: Monday, April 22nd

*Holidays: Spring Break March 11th – March 17th, Easter Sunday, March 31st (The college will be closed on these dates).

(Please note these are the ONLY holidays this semester.)

Course Content

Course Description

Credit Hours: 3, Contact Hours: 3

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.

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.

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.

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. 

 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.