Math 1030 Section 5: Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
Days and Time: MW 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Room: LCB 225
Instructor: Erika Meucci
Office: JWB 115
Email: meucci@math.utah.edu (preferred method of contact)
Website: http://www.math.utah.edu/∼meucci/teaching.html
Phone: 801-581-3901
Office Hours: MW 1:30 PM - 3.00 PM or by appointment
Prerequisites
The prerequisite for this class is a C or better in Math 1010 (Intermediate Algebra), at least a score of 23 on the math
portion of the ACT, or placement by an appropriate score in the Math Placement Exam (administrated through the
Testing Center). Therefore the students should be able to manipulate variable expressions, work with simple linear
equations and graphs, work with fractions and exponents and know the basic properties of simple geometric shapes.
Text
Using and Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach, Fourth Edition, by Jeffrey O. Bennett
and William L. Briggs ISBN 0-536-47692-6 and the price (at the campus bookstore) is 57.60 USD old, 76.80 USD
new.
Course Description
In Math 1030 we develop mathematical concepts useful in studying questions that arises in the Social and Behavioral Science, Business and Liberal Arts. The topic covered center around measuring, describing and analyzing
change in practical contexts. There will be an emphasis on developing the critical thinking skills necessary to
translate world problems into mathematical notation. Over the semester we will cover the following topics:
• Venn diagrams (sections 1C-1D in the textbook)
• Unit conversion and problem-solving techniques (2A-2B)
• Ratios and percents (3A-3B)
• Putting number and measurements in perspective (3C-3D)
• Compounding interest, savings plan and loan payment formulas (4B-4D)
• Linear and exponential modeling (8A-8C,9A-9C)
• Fundamentals of geometry (10A).
Students are expected to read each section that is covered in the lectures.
Note: Math 1030 does not satisfies a Math 1050 or a Math 1090 prerequisite.
Grading
Your grade will be determined according to the following:
10%
10%
15%
15%
20%
30%
Quizzes
Homework
Midterm 1
Midterm 2
Project
Final exam
Tentative grading scheme: A (100-93), A- (93-90), B+ (90-85), B (85-80), B- (80-75), C+ (75-70), C (70-65), C(65-60), D+ (60-55), D (55-50), E (0-50).
Homework
Homework problems will be assigned weekly. They are to be handed in at the beginning of class every Wednesday
and will be posted on the course website. Homework will be graded 50% on completion and 50% on correctness and
it will be considered incomplete if not all the problems have been attempted and/or if insufficient supporting work is
given for solutions. Any assignment not turned in to me by the evening of the day it is due will NOT be accepted.
The homework set must be stapled together with a cover sheet with homework number, your name and date.
Quizzes
An in-class quiz will be administrated every Wednesday of the semester and it will consist of two problems selected
from the homework assignment handed in on that same Wednesday. There will be no opportunity to make up a
missed quiz. However, your lower two quiz grades will be dropped at the end of the semester.
Midterms
There will be two 50-minute midterms during the semester. The dates are shown below.
Midterm 1
Midterm 2
Wednesday, March 17
Wednesday, April 7
You MUST bring a valid ID to each midterm to verify your enrollment in this course. Absence from an exam will
be excused only if you can provide verifiable and convincing evidence that you have a significant illness or serious
family crisis that will prevent you from attending. Except under extremely unusual circumstances, if you know ahead
of time you will be unable to make any of the tests at the scheduled time and wish to take the test at a different time,
you must request alternative arrangements (which may or may not be granted depending on your reasons) prior to
the test date. Once the test date is past, no make-ups will be allowed.
Project
You will work on a project in groups consisting of two to four people. This will be an opportunity for you to use the
skills you have developed in this class to solve a practical, real world problem. More details about this project will be
given on a later date. Format and grading criteria for this project will be discussed before the students are expected
to begin working on it. Later projects will not be accepted.
Final Exam
The departmental final exam will be comprehensive and will be administrated on Monday, May 3, 6:00-8:00 PM.
Class Rules
1. Please do not interrupt the class with any reasons, for example, coming to class late, leaving early, not turning
off your cell phone, listening to your music even with a headphone, social chatting with your classmate in class,
bringing your friend in class, and doing anything that do not relate to MATH 1030.
2. Please respect your classmates and instructor.
3. Based on some statistics, you are required to study at least 3 hours per unit per week outside the classroom
in order to succeed in class, which means that you need to study at least 9 hours per week for this class.
Calculators
Students will need a calculator for this class. A scientific calculator will be sufficient. Cell phones are NOT allowed
on quizzes or exams.
Important Dates
• Monday, January 18 : Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No class)
• Wednesday, January 20 : Last day to drop classes
• Monday, January 25 : Last day to register, elect CR/NC, or audit classes
• Monday, February 15 : Presidents’ Day (No class)
• Friday, March 5 : Last day to withdraw from classes
• Monday - Saturday, March 22 - 27: Spring break
• Friday, April 23 : Last day to reverse CR/NC option
• Wednesday, April 28 : Last day of classes
• Monday, May 3 at 6:00-8:00 PM : Final exam
Tutoring
The Mathematics Tutoring Center offers free, drop-in tutoring to students enrolled in Math 1030, among others.
The center is located at the T. Benny Rushing Mathematics Center (adjacent to LCB and JWB). The center’s
hours are Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please go to
http://www.math.utah.edu/ugrad/tutoring.html for more information.
Nondiscrimination and Disability Access Statement
The University of Utah is fully committed to policies of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity, and vigorously
pursues affirmative action in all programs, activities, and employment with regard to race, color, national origin,
sex, age, and status as a person with a disability. Religion, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran or
veteran of the Vietnam era also are protected under nondiscrimination and equal opportunity employment policies.
The University seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities.
Reasonable prior notice is needed to arrange accommodations. Students should call 801-581-5020 or 801-5851813 (both are TDD). Evidence of practices not consistent with these policies should be reported to the Employee
Relations/Dispute Resolution Office, 801-581-8365 (voice or TDD). If you require special accommodations under
the ADA please inform me through official channels early in the semester.
Disclaimer
This syllabus has been created as a preview to the course and I have tried to make it as accurate as possible.
However, I reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the above policies as I deem appropriate. Any such
changes will be announced in class.