MATHEMATICS FOR BUSINESS ANALYSIS I – Spring 2008
Math 204, sec 2C MTWTh 09:10 AM – 10:10 AM
Instructor : Dr. C. Winfield
Phone : 424-7345
Office
Email
:
:
Room
Swart 222
: Swart 2 winfielc@uwosh.edu
Office hours : M T W Th. 10:20 – 11:20 AM,
Others by appointment
Text : Finite Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences and Social
Sciences, 11th edition by Raymond A. Barnett, Michael R. Ziegler and Karl E.
Byleen
Calculato r: TI-83 or TI-83 Plus Graphics Calculator is required.
Bring your calculator to class every day .
Course Description:
This course is designed to acquaint business students with mathematical techniques, which are useful in business and management. Topics include functions, matrix algebra and applications, linear programming, probability, and mathematics of finance .
Prerequisites:
Math 103 or Math 108 with a grade C or above.
Description of Students Who Take the Course:
The course is designed for students planning to major in Business, Economics or related subjects. The course is a prerequisite for Math 206.
General Goals and Objective for the Course:

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.

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.

Use geometric method to solve linear programming problems. Interpret information as an objective function with constraints, set up the linear
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programming problem, solve the problem and interpret the result in the context of the problem.
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Use basic counting techniques and calculate probabilities, including conditional probabilities. Apply the mathematical knowledge of probability to business problems and interpret the results.

Represent data with graphical and numerical summaries. Calculate probabilities for binomial and normal distributions. Apply the statistical skills to problems in various business settings and interpret the results.
Description of Specific Content:
The course will cover the following topics.

Functions: Linear, quadratic, rational, exponential and logarithmic function.
Transformation of functions and graphing.
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Mathematics of Finance: Simple and compound interest, future value and present value of annuities, sinking funds, and amortization.
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Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices: Solution of systems of linear equations by graphing, substitution, elimination by addition, Gauss-Jordan elimination and use of matrix inverse. The systems of equations considered will have a unique solution, no solution or an infinite number of solutions.

Linear Programming: Systems of linear inequalities in two variables, geometric approach to solving linear programming problems in two variables.

Probability and Statistics : Operations on sets, counting techniques including permutations and combination, basic properties of probability, conditional probability, Bayes formula, random variables and expected values. Graphical description and numerical summaries of data. Binomial distribution and normal distribution.
Exam : There will be 4 exams each weighed according 100 percentage points.
Typically, no make-up test will be offered and a score of 0 will be recorded for missed exams. Exceptions: Make-up exams will be available only in special situations, namely medical emergencies or prior arrangement under very special circumstances. Documentation will be expected in order for me to approve a makeup test. Expect make-up tests to be taken before the scheduled test and expect it to be different (perhaps harder) than the scheduled test. There is no cumulative final exam – but each one will seriously count!!
Tentative Dates: (exam date to be finalized at least 1 week in advance).
Exam 1 Feb. 28
Exam 2 March 20
Exam 3 April 17
Exam 4 May 15
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Quizzes/homework : There will be several short quizzes, most of them will be announced. Quizzes must be taken at the time they are scheduled in class, i.e., quizzes cannot be taken early or made up at a later time. I will drop the lowest percent score from this part of your grade.
Practice problems : Throughout the course a list of problems will be assigned at the end of class. These problems will not be graded or collected, but the majority of graded work will be based on these questions.
Attendance : Attendance will not be recorded, but it will be expected. Material already covered will not be repeated in class, except in review sessions for a test, time permits. Usually material missed can be discussed during office hours. To encourage attendance, I will have some short, UNNANNOUNCED quizzes, based on recent homework or practice problems.
Grading : 4 Exams 80% (20% each)
Quizzes/homework 20% (average based on percent scores)
Approximate grade scale will be according the given ranges
A: 90 and above B: 80 and below 90
C: 70 and below 80
F: below 60
D: 60 and below 70
Intermediate grades, AB or BC, may be assigned for scores sufficiently close to the next highest grade.
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