Instructor: Robert Hanson

Office: JWB 314 (Think "100 pi")

email: bobby@math.utah.edu (this is the best way to contact me)

Office Phone: 581-5568

Office Hours: MWF 10:30 -- 11:30

Section 4: MWF 9:40 -- 10:30 in LS 102

Section 7: MWF 11:50 -- 12:40 in JWB 335

Introductory Mathematical Analysis, Custom University of Utah Edition; Haeussler, Paul, and Wood.

Math ACT score of 23 or grade of C or better in MATH 1010. This means that you, as the student, should be familiar with exponents and radicals; linear functions, equations, inequalities; complex numbers; quadratic functions and equations; logarithm and exponential functions. In particular, Chapter 0 should all seem like easy review for you.

The title of this course is "Business Algebra." The major theme for the course is the study of functions and their properties. Functions play a very important role in the modern world. Therefore, we will be studying functions with the mathematical tools we have available right now, namely the tools of Algebra. The secondary goal of the course will be to use business, economics, and social science applications as motivation for studying Algebra. The point is NOT the applications themselves, but rather the underlying Algebra.

Mathematics is the art of solving problems. Algebra is a tool which we use in this art. The only way to learn how to use the tool is to solve problems. For that reason, homework is very important in this class. Accordingly, it is a major part of your grade. I should give you the ground rules for homework so that you are prepared to succeed in this class.

Homework will be done via a computer system we have here on campus known as Web Work. This system allows you to attempt a problem multiple times. My recommendation is that if there is a problem that takes you more than a couple of tries before you answer it correctly, you should find similar problems in the text book and practice those as well.

There will be three midterm examinations. These exams will cover the material in all readings, not just that covered in lecture. You must keep up with the readings.

The Final Exam for both sections will be held Thusday, December 14, 2006, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This will be a comprehensive exam, covering the material from the entire semester. You must pass this exam to pass the class.

The following relative weights will be used in determining the final grade for the course:

The grading scheme is as follows:

A at least 90%

B at least 80%

C at least 70%

D at least 60%

The +/– scores will be awarded at the fringes of these intervals.

Tutoring is offered by the Mathematics Department free of charge on a drop-in basis. The tutoring center is located in the Math Center. It is open 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday. It is closed on weekends and University holidays.

Students may drop any class without penalty or permission through Friday, September 1. Students may withdraw from a course without permission through Friday, October 20. In this case, a "W" grade will be recorded on the academic record and applicable tuition and fees will be assessed. Students may appeal withdrawal deadlines "in case of compelling, non-academic emergencies" by submitting a petition and supporting documentation to the office of the dean of their major college. The complete withdrawal policy is printed in the class schedule.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires accommodations be provided for students with physical, cognitive, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities. Please contact me at the beginning of the semester to discuss any such accommodations for this course.