MATH 190–1
Fall 2000
Classroom: 1124 JKHB.
Class Time: 8:00-8:50 a.m. MWF.
Instructor: Chris Grant, 283 TMCB, 378–4105, grant@math.byu.edu. The address for the website for this class is:
http://www.math.byu.edu/~grant/courses/m190/f00/index.html
Office Hours: Tentatively 10:00–10:50 a.m. MWF, and 12:00–12:50 p.m. MWF. Other times by appointment. (Or by simply dropping in. I am typically on campus from around 7 a.m. to around 6 p.m., and I probably spend most of that time in my office.)
Course Objectives: The main objectives of this course are:
  1. To teach you to think clearly and carefully about mathematics.
  2. To teach you to write clearly and carefully about mathematics.
  3. To teach you some strategies for solving mathematical problems.
  4. To teach you some basic concepts that are common to many areas of advanced mathematics.

This course will very likely be quite different from any other math course you've taken previously, since we will be more concerned with reasoning and communication than with computation. The problems you'll be asked to do will often not have routine, algorithmic solutions; often, you won't be able to start writing down a solution right away, but will have to think and experiment for a while first. Once you've found a solution, you'll be required to communicate your solution effectively. Some things to keep in mind are:

  1. As part of your answer, you need to present an argument that your solution is correct.
  2. Arguments are made up of statements (possibly using symbols and numbers).
  3. Statements contain verbs.
  4. Verbs are not interchangeable.
Text: A Transition to Advanced Mathematics, by Douglas Smith, Maurice Eggen, and Richard St. Andre. We will cover most of chapters 1 through 5 as well as some material from the later chapters. You are expected to read the text and ask questions about the parts you don't understand.
Grading: Your grade will be based on the number of points you obtain on homework, midterms, and the final exam. Their approximate contributions toward your final grade are, respectively, 50%, 25%, and 25%.
Homework:

Homework usually will be assigned each day we meet and will be collected once a week on Fridays at the beginning of class. (The last batch of homework will be due on Thursday, December 7, which is the last day of class.)

Homework that is turned in late, but less than one week late, will be eligible for 50% credit. Homework that is turned in one to two weeks late will be eligible for 25% credit. Homework that is turned in two to three weeks late will be eligible for 12.5% credit, etc. In case of an emergency (such as serious illness) or absence because of official university business, these deadlines may be extended by mutual agreement with the instructor. The length of the extension should be negotiated with the instructor as early as possible. In particular, extensions for foreseeable absences must be negotiated before the absences occur. Indeterminate extensions will not be given. Under no circumstances will homework be accepted (for any credit) after midnight, December 7.

You are permitted to discuss the homework problems with your classmates, but you should spend some time thinking about the problems on your own first. Also, you are required to write up your answers on your own in your own words. Do not consult any written notes taken during such discussions when writing your final answers. If you have any questions at all about the difference between permissible and impermissible collaboration, consult BYU's Academic Honesty Policy or ask your instructor.

Midterm Exams: There will be two midterm exams, one around the sixth week of the semester and the other around the twelfth week. Both of these exams will be objective (i.e., consist of true-false, multiple-choice, and matching questions) and will be given in class.
Final Exam: The final exam will be objective and will be given on Tuesday, December 12, from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. in our classroom.
Studying: The BYU Catalog states: "The expectation for undergraduate courses is three hours of work per week per credit hour for the average student who is appropriately prepared; much more time may be required to achieve excellence." You should plan your study time for this course accordingly.
Getting Help: If you are having trouble understanding the material, please ask questions in class. Also, please feel free to come see me in my office.
Honor Code: All students are expected to adhere to the honor code and dress and grooming standards.