Important Dates

Last day to withdraw: Thursday, Nov 21

Holidays: Sep 2 (Labor Day), Nov 11(Veteran’s Day), Nov 28-29(Thanksgiving)

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

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 8-12 hours per week outside of class time to practice and study for this course.  Ask for help immediately when something isn’t clear.

Grade Components

Tests: 80%

Homework: 10%

Quizzes: 10%

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100

B: 80 – 89

C: 70 – 79

D: 60 – 69

F: < 60

Where can I find my grades?

Grades will be posted in Blackboard.

What will we do in this class?

Tests: There will be 4 proctored tests given in this 8-week course. All tests should be taken during class time. Specific test dates are provided on the calendar and will also be announced during class sessions. DO NOT MISS ANY TESTS!  A MISSED TEST COUNTS AS A ZERO.  If you have an extraordinary circumstance which forces you to be absent on test day, you must contact the professor as soon as possible to discuss the situation. I will consider, but not guarantee offering a make-up time. My decision will be based on the circumstance as well as your overall effort/attendance in the course.

Homework: You will have homework assignment(s) on My Lab.

HOMEWORK IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS! Homework for sections taught in a class period is expected to be completed before next class. Homework should be done using My Lab Math. Each section on My Lab will have a due date. My Lab can be accessed through Blackboard. You will get immediate feedback on the answers. Another useful feature of My Lab is that it helps you with hints for solving problems and also a video presentation for most. Please keep a folder or a notebook for homework. Keep your work organized by writing the section name and numbering problems in order as they show up online. Do the homework problems by showing all your work (wherever applicable). If your answer is incorrect, redo the problem until you get it right. There is no limit on the number of trials for most problems before the due date for that particular section. Please try each problem and reach out for help as soon as you need it. Do make sure to have your work with you when you are seeking help.

Quizzes: You will have a take-home quiz every class day.  Quizzes must be turned in at the beginning of each class day. These will be graded for accuracy. Please make sure to show work clearly for each of the problems on the quiz for complete credit.

Group work/Participation: You are going to interact with each other quite a bit and talk to each other about math. There will be group activities every day in class.  You are expected to be an active participant and contribute to the discussion of the problems on the group activities.  Though you will be working with other students, everyone will record the work on their own paper. 

What happens if I miss something?

Dropped Grade Policy: 3 Homework grades and 2 quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester from grade calculations to account for life happenings.

Late Work Policy: No late work will be accepted as this is an accelerated course. See above about dropped grades.

Missed Exam Policy:  You are expected to take all tests on the scheduled date. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from taking a test, you must email your instructor within 24 hours to explain your absence and provide supporting documentation. Failure to notify your instructor will result in a zero on the test. If proper notification is given, the decision to allow a make-up will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances, the student is responsible for communicating with their instructor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their instructor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Participation Policy: Daily attendance is mandatory. Your own success in the course depends on your full commitment. You may be withdrawn if you have 4 absences and/or no course work done for a week.

Expectations

1. Attend all sessions
2. Arrive on time and stay for the duration of the session
3. Actively participate during class time and spend time outside of class working on homework
4. Finish the work assigned during class.

More information about the course can be found on Blackboard.

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

Mathematics for Business and Economics has four main mathematical topics: Linear functions and systems of linear equations and inequalities, counting and probability, functions and algebra review, and finance with the requisite exponentials and logs. 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.

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.