MATH 166:503 - Topics in Contemporary Mathematics II
Spring 2015, TTh 11:10–12:25 in Heldenfels 111
Instructor: Lauren Grimley, Blocker 630A, lgrimley@math.tamu.edu.
Webpage: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~lgrimley/math166.html
Office hours: MW 10-11 am, F 1:45-2:45 pm, or by appointment, Blocker 630A.
Textbook: Applied Finite Mathematics, 2nd Edition by Tomastik / Epstein, published by Cengage
Learning (Brooks/Cole), ISBN 1133444288. Note: Your course fees for this class pay for an
electronic version of the textbook available on WebAssign. For more information on how to access
your eBook, visit http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/eHomework.
Course Description: (3 credits) Finite mathematics, matrices, probability and applications.
Prerequisites: High school algebra I and II and geometry. Credit will not be given for more than one
of MATH 141 and 166.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able to
(1) Interpret and evaluate logical statements, perform set manipulations, and identify set sizes.
(2) Compute probabilities of events.
(3) Identify types of random variables, compute probabilities, expected value, median, mode,
variance, and standard deviation for random variables
(4) Compute values from simple and compound interest, annuities, and sinking funds
situations.
(5) Solve systems of linear equations, perform matrix manipulations, compute matrix
multiplications and inverses
(6) Apply matrix and probability techniques to Markov processes and game theoretic
situations.
Preliminary Weekly Schedule:
(1) Logic, Truth tables, Sets (sections L.1-L.2, 1.1 in the book)
(2) Number of elements in a set, Sample spaces and events, Introduction to probability
(sections 1.1-1.4 in the book)
(3) Rules for probability, Conditional probability, Independent events (sections 1.4-1.6 in the
book)
(4) Bayes’ Theorem (section 1.7 in the book), EXAM 1
(5) Multiplication principle, Permutations, Combinations (sections 2.1-2.2 in the book)
(6) Probability applications of counting principles, Bernoulli trials, Random variables (sections
2.3-2.4, 3.1 in the book)
(7) Random variables and histograms, Measures of central tendency, Measures of spread
(sections 3.1-3.3 in the book)
(8) The normal distribution (section 3.4 in the book), EXAM 2
(9) Simple and compound interest, Annuities, Sinking funds (section F.1-F.3 in the book)
(10)
Amortizations, Writing systems of linear equations, Solving systems of linear
equations with unique and non-unique solutions (sections F.4, 4.3-4.4 in the book)
(11)
Systems of linear equations with non-unique solutions, Matrices, Matrix
multiplication with applications (sections 4.4, 5.1-5.2 in the book)
(12)
Inverse matrices (section 5.3 in the book), EXAM 3
(13)
Markov processes, Regular Markov processes, Absorbing Markov processes
(sections M.1-M.3 in the book)
(14)
Game Theory (sections G.1-G.2 in the book)
(15)
Review
Attendance and Make-up Policies: Late work and make-up exams and quizzes will not be
accepted unless a University approved reason is given to me in writing. If possible, notification
should be given prior to an absence or the due date for an assignment. If prior notification is not
possible, you must notify me within two working days of the missed assignment. For more
information about University approved excused absences, visit http://studentrules.tamu.edu/rule07.
Grading: Your grade will be determined by 10% homework, 15% quizzes, 16% each in-class exam
(for a total of 48%), and 27% final exam. A total score of 90% or more guarantees an A, a score of
80% or more but less than 90% is a B, a score of 70% or more but less than 80% is a C, a score of
60% or more but less than 70% is a D, and a score less than 60% is an F.
Exams: There will be 3 in class exams during the semester and a final exam. The first exam will be
in class on February 12, tentatively covering sections L.1, L.2, 1.1-1.7 of the text. The second exam
will be in class on March 12, tentatively covering sections 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4 of the text. The third
exam will be in class on April 16, tentatively covering sections F.1-F.4, 4.3-4.4, 5.1-5.3. The final
exam will be Thursday, May 7 from 3-5pm in HELD 111 and will be cumulative. Bring your student
ID to all exams.
Homework: There will be weekly online homework assignments posted on WebAssign. For more
information about WebAssign, including how to log in and help with technical difficulties, visit
http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/eHomework.
Suggested Homework: I will suggest additional homework problems throughout the semester.
These will not be collected or graded but serve as extra practice with the material. I strongly
recommend attempting the suggested homework problems, particularly in preparing for exams and
homework assignments.
Quizzes: There will be quizzes given throughout the semester, announced and unannounced, inclass or take-home. Thus be sure to keep up with the material.
Help Sessions/Week in Review: Help sessions are available for this course. At a help session,
students can come and ask questions to student help session leaders at their own convenience
within the hours that the sessions run. For more information about the schedule of help sessions
for this course, visit http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/helpsessions.html. A Week in Review is
also available for this course. Week in Reviews are given by an instructor who reviews topics
covered in class that week and works through additional examples. For more information about
the schedule of the Week in Reviews for this course, visit
http://www.math.tamu.edu/courses/weekinreview.html.
Other Important Dates: January 26 is the last day for adding/dropping a course. April 21 is the
last day to drop a course with no penalty (Q drop). For additional important dates, visit
http://registrar.tamu.edu/general/calendar.aspx.
Keys to success: Read material to be covered during class before coming to class. Study material
each week rather than waiting until the week of exams. Use your resources: if you need help you
can attend help sessions, week in review, and/or my office hours.
Academic Integrity: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” Students are
expected to maintain a high level of academic integrity as stated by the Aggie Honor Code. Cheating
and all other academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students will be required to state their
commitment to upholding the Honor Code on all exams. For more information about the Honor
Code, visit http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu.
ADA Statement: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute
that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other
things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning
environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you
have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room
B118, or call 979-845-1637. For additional information, visit http://disability.tamu.edu.