Math 103-01,02 (Fall 2020)
Excursions in Mathematics, Fall 2020, Math 103 - 01,02
You will want to check back here regularly as I may post a variety of course materials or links to various resources.
Syllabus on blackboard
Homework:
Regular graded homework is on WebWorK
Check back soon for suggested homework assignments.
Projects:
Population & GDP project (posted to blackboard)
Mortgage project (posted to blackboard)
Rubiks cube project (posted to blackboard)
Probability project (posted to blackboard)
Course notes & review materials:
You are advised to acquire a copy of the textbook. I may provide some of my own notes or review materials as well in order to supplement the text.
Exponents and logarithms
You will want to check back here regularly as I may post a variety of course materials or links to various resources.
Syllabus on blackboard
Homework:
Regular graded homework is on WebWorK
Check back soon for suggested homework assignments.
Projects:
Population & GDP project (posted to blackboard)
Mortgage project (posted to blackboard)
Rubiks cube project (posted to blackboard)
Probability project (posted to blackboard)
Course notes & review materials:
You are advised to acquire a copy of the textbook. I may provide some of my own notes or review materials as well in order to supplement the text.
Exponents and logarithms
Applications of exponential and logarithms
Financial math
Counting
Online Calculators for binomial:
https://stattrek.com/online-calculator/binomial.aspx
http://onlinestatbook.com/2/calculators/binomial_dist.html
Excel worksheet that I used in class for binomial
Videos we watched about string vibrations:
plucked string
modes of resonance
Videos we watched about fractals:
Koch snowflake
Logistic map and Mandelbrot set
Here are a few other interesting links to check out about fractals:
Mandelbrot zoom video
Mandelbrot explorer app
Rubik's Cube:
Here are my instructions for solving Rubik's cube.
Introduction to the cube
Solving the 1st layer
Solving the 2nd layer
Solving the 3rd layer
Studying and learning advice:
Studying is generally a very personal endeavor. You are advised to figure out what works for you. For most, mathematics is best learned by active engagement. Solving many problems and performing many calculations is advised. Often the best learning occurs when a problem is attempted multiple times with failure before succeeding.
Reflection is a key component to learning. Whether you solved a problem correctly or not or if you do or don't feel like you understand a particular concept, focusing on it with intent and active attention will help you make progress. Solving the same problem multiple times even if you already achieved the correct solution will help hard-wire the concepts and methodology in your brain. Try different approaches. Check for similar examples online or in other course materials. Mathematics Stack Exchange has a great wealth of information as well where many students have probably already asked the same questions you have. There are many other online math forums as well.
Persistence is absolutely necessary! You will be rewarded by your efforts!
A note about the quizzes, exams, and material coverage:
Quizzes generally only cover the material learned in the previous week or two. Each quiz is worth 25 points, and this can be thought of symbolizing that it is roughly one quarter of a regular exam in length. Normally quizzes are from 1-2 pages in length. They are timed for 15 to 25 minutes. The actual content may vary from 1-2 longer problems (i.e. longer more involved calculations) or 6-8 short problems (e.g. quick calculations, short answer, checking basic concepts, terminology, or multiple choice).
Regular exams only cover the new material since the last regular exam. Each regular exam is worth 100 points. Regular exams are normally 4-6 pages long and are timed for 50 minutes. You can use the quizzes as a rough guide for the exams, i.e. a regular exam will be roughly equivalent to four quizzes.
The Final Exam will cover any new material since the last regular exam and/or quiz and additionally will be comprehensive over the entire course. It is timed to 120 minutes, and thus can hypothetically be 2.4x the length of a regular exam. As a general guideline, you can expect it to be roughly equivalent to two complete exams.
These are only general guidelines and are meant to help you prepare for the quizzes and exams. Exams and quizzes are constructed so as to be able to be completed in the allotted time for a student who has sufficient preparation through attending class, studying, and completing all assignments with intention and effort.
Financial math
Counting
Online Calculators for binomial:
https://stattrek.com/online-calculator/binomial.aspx
http://onlinestatbook.com/2/calculators/binomial_dist.html
Excel worksheet that I used in class for binomial
Videos we watched about string vibrations:
plucked string
modes of resonance
Videos we watched about fractals:
Koch snowflake
Logistic map and Mandelbrot set
Here are a few other interesting links to check out about fractals:
Mandelbrot zoom video
Mandelbrot explorer app
Rubik's Cube:
Here are my instructions for solving Rubik's cube.
Introduction to the cube
Solving the 1st layer
Solving the 2nd layer
Solving the 3rd layer
Studying and learning advice:
Studying is generally a very personal endeavor. You are advised to figure out what works for you. For most, mathematics is best learned by active engagement. Solving many problems and performing many calculations is advised. Often the best learning occurs when a problem is attempted multiple times with failure before succeeding.
Reflection is a key component to learning. Whether you solved a problem correctly or not or if you do or don't feel like you understand a particular concept, focusing on it with intent and active attention will help you make progress. Solving the same problem multiple times even if you already achieved the correct solution will help hard-wire the concepts and methodology in your brain. Try different approaches. Check for similar examples online or in other course materials. Mathematics Stack Exchange has a great wealth of information as well where many students have probably already asked the same questions you have. There are many other online math forums as well.
Persistence is absolutely necessary! You will be rewarded by your efforts!
A note about the quizzes, exams, and material coverage:
Quizzes generally only cover the material learned in the previous week or two. Each quiz is worth 25 points, and this can be thought of symbolizing that it is roughly one quarter of a regular exam in length. Normally quizzes are from 1-2 pages in length. They are timed for 15 to 25 minutes. The actual content may vary from 1-2 longer problems (i.e. longer more involved calculations) or 6-8 short problems (e.g. quick calculations, short answer, checking basic concepts, terminology, or multiple choice).
Regular exams only cover the new material since the last regular exam. Each regular exam is worth 100 points. Regular exams are normally 4-6 pages long and are timed for 50 minutes. You can use the quizzes as a rough guide for the exams, i.e. a regular exam will be roughly equivalent to four quizzes.
The Final Exam will cover any new material since the last regular exam and/or quiz and additionally will be comprehensive over the entire course. It is timed to 120 minutes, and thus can hypothetically be 2.4x the length of a regular exam. As a general guideline, you can expect it to be roughly equivalent to two complete exams.
These are only general guidelines and are meant to help you prepare for the quizzes and exams. Exams and quizzes are constructed so as to be able to be completed in the allotted time for a student who has sufficient preparation through attending class, studying, and completing all assignments with intention and effort.