Please note: This is not the syllabus in its entirety, please see the pdf syllabus provided to you in your course. The full pdf syllabus can be viewed via Professor McCullough's website after Wednesday 5/20/2026. 

GRADES

Grade Components

Tests & Project: 80%

Written Homework: 10%

MLM Quizzes: 4%

MLM homework: 6%

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: Students should familiarize themselves with the Desmos calculators. The link to the Desmos Scientific Calculator and Desmos Graphing Calculator will be provided in the first question of each test. Handheld calculators are not permitted 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.

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, and an introduction to probability.

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. Some students take this course as a general mathematics elective.

Course Objectives
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.

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.

General Education Competencies

1. Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral, and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
2. Critical Thinking: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Apply mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.