MATH103 • College Mathematics

This is a classic Face-to-Face class and we meet entirely in person. There will be no online discussions and if you have a question you can ask in class or email me at:

I will post handouts and hyperlinks to videos for the class on this web page which is accessible at the hosting URL
http://islandman.org/um/math103/.

So lets get started…

This is a fast paced mathematics course in an 8 week session.

I recommend you allocate approximately 20 hours per week to this course:

Lecture = 6 hours per week
Optional help session for one hour after each class = 2 hours per week
Reading study, video watching, and homework = 12 hours per week or more if you are mathematically challenged

If you have a day job, I recommend that you enroll only in this course this session, because there will be a lot of homework. Unfortunately, UMUC is not enforcing the prerequisite for this course which is MATH012 and unprepared students may feel uncomfortable in this course. I give you this warning notification so you can properly allocate time for the course. The course has a common final exam for all UMUC sections worldwide. Therefore, I must remain on schedule to cover all topics.

UMUC has moved to free online resources to support all courses and Will Tenney a UMUC faculty member has written a 433 page eBook titled Math for Today’s World. The eBook contains examples and exercises for each section that we will use for the course. Answers to all odd numbered exercises are in the appendix at the end of the book. You are required to do the specified exercises at the end of each section, which will be odd numbered problems so you can check your answers. I have split this ebook in to multiple PDF files so you can simply download two chapters at a time and included bookmarks to aid in navigation for each chapter, sections, exercises and answers.

Please acquire the following items before the first class:

Spiral notebook or ring binder for doing all homework
Several pencils or better a 0.7mm mechanical pencil with soft HB graphite
Good Eraser
Buy a recommended multi-line display Scientific calculator:
- Texas Instrument TI-36X Pro Reference Manual @ AAFES Price = $18.99
- Canon F-719SG Reference Manual @ MCX Price = $10.99
- or Texas Instrument TI-30X IIS (solar) Reference Manual
- or Casio fx-300ES Plus Reference Manual
- or Casio fx-115 ES Plus Reference Manual

I recommend that you get started with Week 1 content today, by clicking Week 1 in the navigation bar above or scrolling down.

Robert Laurie

Week 1: Number Theory and the Real Number System

This week we will be covering the Real Number System which is covered in Chapter 1 of the Math103 Book:

1.1 Signed Numbers and Order of Operation
1.2 Prime Factorization, GCF, LCM
1.3 Fractions also called Rational Numbers
1.4 Square Roots and Irrational Numbers
1.5 Exponents and Scientific Notation

The most important item to understand is the order of operation, which is described the acronym P E MD AS.

It is very important to do all assigned exercises in your homework notebook. Use enough paper to show the complete step-by-step process for each exercise. This is really for your benefit, so that you can track and learn from your mistakes. Chapter 1 is very important so that you have a firm foundation to build upon for the rest of the course. For the first week I have created a Chapter 1 Exercise Solutions handout, which provides more detail then the answer key in the appendix.

Please download and print the following before class:

Print eBook Chapter 1 (70 pages) you need to view Chapter 2 and 3 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for sections, exercises and answers.
Number Line Paper
Computer Algebra versus Traditional Algebra Notation
Slide Set 1: Section 1.1-1.2
Slide Set 2: Section 1.3-1.4
Slide Set 3: Section 1.5
Chapter 1 assignment and my solutions to some of the odd exercises.
- Section 1.1 all odd exercises (1 through 75)
- Section 1.2 all odd exercises (1 through 21)
- Section 1.3 exercises: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 103, 105, 107, 109
- Section 1.4 all odd exercises (1 through 45)
- Section 1.5 all odd exercises (1 through 75)

YouTube Video Links:

The focus for the first four weeks of the course is Algebra and links to informative YouTube videos for the Algebra content are displayed below:

Read and reflect on the topic of Math Anxiety which is described on the web page: math.about.com/od/reference/a/anxiety.htm

Week 2: Algebra and Problem Solving

This week we will be covering Algebra and Problem Solving which is covered in Chapter 2 and 3 of the Math103 Book:

Chapter 2: Algebraic Expressions and Linear Equations

2.1 Algebraic Expressions
2.2 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
2.3 Solving Linear Equations
2.4 Literal Equations (Formulas)

Chapter 3: Problem Solving

3.1 Translation Problems
3.2 General Strategy for Problem Solving
3.3 Ratios and Solving Problems
3.4 Percents
3.5 Inequalities

Please download and print the following before class:

Print eBook Chapter 2 and 3 (86 pages) you need to view Chapter 2 and 3 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for chapters, sections, exercises and answers.
Slide Set 4: Chapter 2
Slide Set 5: Chapter 3
Chapter 2 and 3 Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 2 and 3 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
Chapter 2 Assignment Exercises
- Section 2.1: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 27, 29
- Section 2.2: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57
- Section 2.3: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37
- Section 2.4: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15
Chapter 3 Exercise Assignment
- Section 3.1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 13, 15
- Section 3.2: 1, 3, 7, 11, 13, 15
- Section 3.3: all odd exercises (1 through 21)
- Section 3.4: all odd exercises (1 through 45)
- Section 3.5: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 29, 33

YouTube Video Links:

MathTV.com view topic list ALGEBRA > Simplifying Expressions.

Test 1 is scheduled for week 3 first class and will cover content from or eBook Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Test 1 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in one half page of single sided handwritten notes that is 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches. I suggest you simply take a standard letter size paper and fold it in half. You can add to these notes in Test 2 and 3. You need to bring pencil, eraser, and calculator to Test 1. You may download and view Sample Test 1 available here with answers attached.

Week 3: Polynomials, Factoring, and Quadratic Equations

This week we will begin with Test 1 , which will cover content from eBook Chapters 1, 2, and 3. Test 1 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in one page of handwritten notes on one side of an 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches area. You can add to these notes for test 2. You can download and view Sample Test 1 available here with answers attached. I highly recommend that you attempt to do the Sample Test 1 and target completion within the 1 hour time frame of the actual test 1.

You need to bring your own pencils, eraser, and calculator to Test 1 as they will not be provided.

After Test 1, we will continue with eBook Chapter 4 covering the topics of Polynomials, Factoring, and Quadratic Equations:

4.1 Multiplying Algebraic Expressions and FOIL
4.2 Factoring and Problem Solving by Factoring
4.3 Quadratic Formula

A quadratic equation is a polynomial equation of second degree, having the general form:

Quadratic Equation Std Form

The letters a, b and c are called coefficients: a is the coefficient of x², b is the coefficient of x, and c is the constant coefficient. A quadratic equation has two solutions (i.e., solutions for the unknown term x). In some cases, these solutions can have the same value. The values of the solutions can be computed using the quadratic formula as shown below:

Quadratic Formula

For example, the solutions of the quadratic equation

Quadratic Equation Example

can be determined by first substituting 2 for a, -14 for b, and 20 for c in the quadratic forumula

Quadratic Formula Values

and then solving the expression, which gives the solutions of the equation as x = 5 and x = 2.

Please download and print the following before class:

Math for Today’s World - Chapter 4 and 5 you need to view Chapter 4 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for chapters, sections, exercises and answers.
MATH 103 Slide Set 6: Chapter 4
Class Notes: Quadratic Equation AC-Method class smart board file.
Chapter 4 Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 4 and 5 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
- Section 4.1: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33
- Section 4.2: 3, 7, 11, 15, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73, 77, 81, 83, 85
- Section 4.3: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17

YouTube Video Links:

The ac-Method is a very systematic factoring method that allows you to factor trinomial mathematical expressions. Once you understand how to use the ac-method you can usually find the factors much quicker than FOIL. I found several videos on youtube.com covering the ac-Method. Try working out the exercises illustrated in these videos to understand the step-by-step factoring process. Then try it on homework exercises.

Week 4: Graphing, Functions, and 2-Variable Equations

This week we will cover eBook Chapter 5 topics:

5.1 Graphs and Functions
5.2 Graphing Linear Equations
5.3 Solving Systems of Linear Equations
5.4 Quadratic Functions
5.5 Exponential Functions
5.6 Logarithmic Functions

GeoGebra Classic 5 is a freeware graphing program that can be downloaded and installed from www.geogebra.org. It is helpful to to be able to graph various mathematical functions using graphing software and to check your homework solutions.

Please download and print the following before class:

Math for Today’s World - Chapter 4 and 5 you need to view Chapter 5 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for chapters, sections, exercises and answers.
X-Y Graph Paper 4 per sheet and print copies as needed to do the homework.
MATH 103 Slide Set 7: Chapter 5.1-3
MATH 103 Slide Set 8: Chapter 5.4-6
Earth Quake and Trajectory Exercises
Chapter 5 Exercise Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 4 and 5 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
- Section 5.1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 39
- Section 5.2: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49
- Section 5.3: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 35, 37, 39
- Section 5.4: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23
- Section 5.5: 1, 5, 9, 13, 15, 17
- Section 5.6: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 23

YouTube Video Links:

Test 2 is scheduled for next class, and will cover content from eBook Chapters 4 and 5. Test 2 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in one page of single sided handwritten notes that is 8.5 inches x 11 inches. You need to bring pencil, eraser, and calculator to Test 2. You may download and view Sample Test 2 from an earlier session.

Week 5: Financial Mathematics

Test 2 is scheduled for the first class, and will cover content from eBook Chapters 4 and 5. Test 2 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in one page of single sided handwritten notes that is 8.5 inches x 11 inches. You need to bring pencil, eraser, and calculator to Test 2. You may download and view Sample Test 2 from an earlier session.

Financial Mathematics will be the topic this week and after Test 2 we will begin to discuss eBook Chapter 6 covering the following financial mathematics topics:

6.1 Simple Interest
6.2 Compound Interest
6.3 Annuities
6.4 Mortgages

Please download and print the following before class:

Math for Today’s World - Chapter 6 and 7 You need to view Chapter 6 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for chapters, sections, exercises and answers.
Slide Set 9: Chapter 6
Formula Sheet
Chapter 6 Exercise Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 6 and 7 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
- Section 6.1: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33
- Section 6.2: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 39, 43
- Section 6.3: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13
- Section 6.4: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13

YouTube Video Links:

Week 6: Probability Theory

Probability Theory will be covered this week, with applications to situation analysis, risk tolerance, and gambling. We will be covering the following topics described in eBook Chapter 7 section numbers:

7.1 Counting Rules
7.2 Probabilities
7.3 Complement Rule and Addition Rule
7.4 Multiplication Rule and Conditional Probabilities

Please download and print the following before class this week:

Math for Today’s World - Chapter 6 and 7 You need to view Chapter 7 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for chapters, sections, exercises and answers.
Slide Set 10: Chapter 7.1-2
Slide Set 11: Chapter 7.3-4
Formula Sheet is same as last week
Chapter 7 Exercise Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 6 and 7 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
- Section 7.1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49
- Section 7.2: 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61
- Section 7.3: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49
- Section 7.4: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69

Roll Two Dice program:

Use graphical update in loop (slow)
Calculate all values then output (fast)

YouTube Video Links:

Test 3 is scheduled for the next class, and will cover content eBook Chapters 6 and 7. Test 3 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in the Formula Sheet. You need to bring pencils, eraser, and calculator to Test 3. You may download Sample Test 3 which I used in an earlier session.

Week 7: Statistics

Test 3 will be at the beginning of first class, so do not be late. It will cover content from eBook Chapters 6 and 7. Test 3 is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in the Formula Sheet. You need to bring pencils, eraser, and calculator to Test 3. You may download Sample Test 3 which I used in an earlier session.

Statistics will be the topic this week after Test 3. The Statistics content is in eBook Chapter 8.

Please download and print the following before class:

Math for Today’s World - Chapter 8 You need to view Chapter 8 content in class so you could view on paper, a notebook computer, iPad, or Kindle tablet device in class. I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for sections, exercises and answers.
Slide Set 12: Chapter 8 I added bookmarks to aid in navigation for sections, exercises and answers.
Formula Sheet is same as last week
z-Score Tables
Chapter 8 Assignment. Answers at the end of eBook chapters 8 which can be accessed with bookmarks.
- Section 8.1: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19
- Section 8.2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 37, 39, 41, 43
- Section 8.3: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25
- Section 8.4: 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65
- Section 8.5: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11

Your calculator may have a Statistics (STAT) mode that would do the standard deviation calculation after all data values are entered with frequencies. Please consult your Calculator User Manual below:

Texas Instrument TI-36X Pro Reference Manual @ AAFES Price = $18.99
Canon F-719SG Reference Manual @ MCX Price = $10.99
Texas Instrument TI-30X IIS (solar) Reference Manual
Casio fx-300ES Plus Reference Manual
or Casio fx-115 ES Plus Reference Manual

YouTube Video Links:

Week 8: Final Exam Time

Success

The Final Exam is the last class of the term. The Final Exam is comprehensive and any material covered in this eight week course may be on the Final Exam. The Final Exam is closed book, but you are permitted to bring in pencils, eraser, calculator, Formula Sheet and z-Score Tables. An example Final Exam and Answers can be downloaded and viewed here.

Please bring your notebook continuing homework, which I will examine for borderline grade cases. Please bring your Tests 1, 2, and 3 to me during the final exam time. I re-examine these tests when determining final grades if you are within a few points of the next grade in the course.

I hope you feel are more comfortable with mathematics after taking this course and you will find it a useful skill when you apply it in life situations. It is your best critical thinking skill to help you make financial decisions. Mathematics is the basis of technology development and understanding physical sciences. If you would like to progress in mathematics, please take the placement test and request MATH107 College Algebra. MATH107 is transferable to all universities and colleges.