Grade Components

Tests: 70%

Homework: 10%

WS/Quizzes: 10%

Projects: 10%

Final Exam: optional to replace one low or missing test

Grading Scale

A: 90 – 100            B: 80 – 89         C: 70 – 79     D: 60 – 69         F: < 60

Final Exam: optional to replace one low or missing test

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

Supplemental Materials recommended:  printer, 3-ring binder, lined notebooks or paper, writing utensil

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, excluding the TI 30Xa. Other calculator brands can also be used. Note: The book will show you how to utilize a graphing calculator to do the work for you, however you are expected to learn a method of showing work by hand. For four out of five exams you will be only allowed to use the online Desmos scientific calculator or your own scientific calculator.  I recommend the TI 30XS Multiview.  The Desmos Scientific Calculator  will be provided during exams.

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/studenttechnology-services.

Book Sections Covered:

A2 Operations with Polynomials

A3 Factoring Polynomials

A4 Operations on Rational Expressions

A5 Integer Exponents

A6 Rational Exponents and Radicals

A7 Quadratic Equations

1.1 Linear Equations and Inequalities

1.2 Graphs and Lines

2.1 Functions

2.2 Elementary Functions; Graphs and Transformations

2.3 Quadratic Functions

2.4 Polynomial and Rational Functions

2.5  Exponential Functions

2.6 Logarithmic Functions

3.1 Simple Interest

3.2 Compound and Continuous Compound Interest

3.3 Future Value of Annuities; Sinking Fund

3.4 Present Value of Annuities; Amortization

4.1 Systems of Linear Equations in Two and More Variables

4.4 Matrices: Basic Operations

4.5 Inverse of a Square Matrix

4.6 Matrix Equations and Systems of Linear Equations

5.1 Linear Inequalities in Two Variables

5.2 Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two Variables 

5.3 Linear Programming

7.3 Basic Counting Principles

7.4 Permutations and Combinations

8.1 Sample Spaces, Events, and Probability

8.2 Union, Intersection, and Complements of Events, Odds

8.3, Conditional Probability, Intersection, and Independence

8.5 Random Variable, Probability Distribution and Expected Value

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.