Syllabus

Resources

Catalog Description

MA 100: Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematical Skills (3) Mathematical thought is studied through interactions between the foundations of knowledge and the study of the nature of mathematics. Topics include the basis of sets and logic, numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, financial management, probability and statistics, graphs and functions. This course fulfills the Track A general education requirement in mathematics. The course is intended as a terminal course and is not a prerequisite for any other course in mathematics. Offered every semester.

Course Objectives

The following are some of the objectives of this course.

To help solve some problems in daily life which require basic concepts and techniques in algebra
To review and learn basic techniques in algebraic manipulations of equations and inequalities in preparation for later courses in mathematics
To sharpen thinking habits by recognizing benefits and pitfalls of deductive reasoning
To appreciate how mathematical concepts, especially in algebra and geometry, developed in human history.
To understand how mathematics is used as the language to express complex relationships in the physical world.

Instructor

Bro. Robert K. Maruyama, S.M. office: Henry 123-E email: [email protected] phone: (808) 739-4605

Text Book

Topics

Topics covered in this course will include the following:

Problem Solving
Basics of Set Theory
Logic Rules
Number Representations
Real Number System
Equations and Inequalities
Graphs and Functions
Systems of Linear Equations
Basic Geometry
Introductory Statistics and Probability Theory

Course Requirements

The following is a summary of what is expected of you for the course. Refer to the section on Grading for further details.

Class Attendance
Online quizzes
Written quizzes
Tests
Final Exam

Class attendance is important, since main points of the course will be highlighted and detail and examples will be demonstrated in the class. Readings will provide you with further explanations on the concepts and techniques covered in the class. Problems for online quizzes will be similar to those found in the textbook exercises.

Tests

There are a number of tests scheduled for the term, in addition to the final exam. The format and contents of such tests will be described in the class. Their dates are indicated in the Class Schedule. (The format for the final exam will be announced later in the term.) In general, there will be no make-up tests and quizzes. Special cases will be considered when there are valid reasons, but arrangements must be made before the scheduled test dates.

Academic Honesty

The University Student Handbook defines plagiarism as follows: "Plagiarism is the offering of another as one's own. Plagiarism is a serious offense and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Complete or partial copying directly from a published or unpublished source without proper acknowledgment to the author. Minor changes in wording or syntax are not sufficient to avoid charges of plagiarism. Proper acknowledgment of the source of a text is always mandatory.
Paraphrasing the work of another without proper author acknowledgment.
Submitting as one's own original work (however freely given or purchased) an original exam, research paper, manuscript, report, computer file, or other assignments that have been prepared by another individual."

Whatever you submit for grading must be your own work. The penalty for copying in quizzes, tests, and any other assignments, for the first offense, a grade of 0 for all parties involved; for the second offense, an F for the course.

Attendance

Regular class attendance is important since you are responsible for all materials covered in the class. Attendance will be taken at all class sessions, and it will be considered as part of your final grade. If you need to be absent from a class, you should let the instructor know so that he can help you in catching up. Generally speaking, there will be no make-up tests. Make-up tests will be considered, with prior arrangements, only for excused absences because of serious reasons. Be sure to inform the instructor when you foresee that you must miss a test. A missed test due to an unexcused absence receives a score of 0.

Grading

The semester grade will be based on the following elements of your course responsibilities.

 Tests:                70 x (3)     210*
 Online Quizzes:       10 x (15)    150*
 Written Quizzes:      10 x (10)    100*
 Class Participation (attendance):   50
 Final Exam:                        100
 -----------------------------------------
 Total:                             610*

* The numbers are subject to change.

The following guidelines will be used in determining the final grades. A: >=90; B: >= 80; C: >= 70; D: >= 60; F: < 60 Test dates are indicated in the Schedule page .

Extra Credit Exercises

During the semester a number of extra credit exercises will be provided. They will be due on Friday of the week for which it is assigned. For late submissions will receive partial credits: 50% for 1-7 days late; 20% for 8-14 days late. These points will be used to calculate only the final grade points.

Getting Help

For "quick" questions the email is the simplest way to contact me. (The email address to use for this class will be announced in the class.) Feel free to drop in at my office during office hours or to set up an appointments outside those hours. It would be better to let me know when you are coming to ensure that I will be in my office when you come.

No Cellphones or Calculators

Cellphones must not be visible during the class. No calculators will be used during quizzes or tests