Math - Spring 1998

This class is the second quarter of a two-quarter precalculus sequence. Together with 2a its main task is to prepare students for calculus (the "pre" in precalculus) as well as improve students' mathematical ability in general. Mathematical reasoning and mathematical models play a significant and ever increasing role in the natural as well as the social sciences. Whether one goes on to calculus or not this class aims to provide some insights as to how mathematical concepts and thinking are used in the real world.

In Math 2b we will continue our work where we stopped in Math 2a. We will review basic definitions of logarithms and exponentials and then finish the discussion of applications of the exponential and logarithmic functions. After that we will spend many weeks on trigonometry, trigonometric functions and their graphs and algebraic properties as well as applications. This is really the centerpiece of the course and we will devote a good half of the quarter to it. After trigonometry we will cover systems of 2 or 3 equations and conic sections (the study of the surfaces obtained by intersecting a plane with a double cone, which are circle, ellipse, parabola and hyperbola) plus applications. If we have time at the end of the quarter we will study sequences and series.

The class requires hard, constant work and it is very unlikely that you will succeed in this class without that. Usually at UCSC one unit translates to three hours of work/week, so expect to spend 15 hours/week for this class. Make use of all the available resources like office hours, drop-in tutoring, (mandatory) discussion sections where you will discuss and work on problems, etc. Nonetheless this class can only be successful for you with your active participation. We will try our best to assist you in your learning, but the ultimate responsibility for your learning resides with you.

Prerequisites for this class: A pass in Math 2a. Note: You cannot enroll in Math 2b without a pass in Math 2a or transfer credit for the equivalent of Math 2a. Inquire at the math board for more details.

The grade is comprised of homework (10%), quizzes in section (10%), 2 midterms (45%) and the comprehensive final (35%). This produces an overall score and that will be put on a curve.

If you have any further questions drop me an e-mail (bauerle@cats.ucsc.edu) or call/leave message on my voice mail at (408) 459-2964.

A lot more detailed information will be available starting Spring Break on the web page for this class:

Please visit the course website for Math 2A at:

http://wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu/~math2a/Math2a.html

Later in February or early March more information about Math 2b will be available at:

http://wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu/~math2a/Math2b.html

More info about the one-quarter Precalculus class Math 3 can be found at:

http://wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu/~math3/Math3.html

This is the second quarter in the three quarter "reformed" Calculus sequence 11A-B-C. The textbook is "Calculus:Hughes-Hallett, Gleason, et al.) and we will cover chapters 6 through 10.

We will continue with the study of definite integrals and antiderivatives and their applications. The class requires hard, consistent work and it is very unlikely that you will succeed in this class without that. Usually at UCSC one unit translates to three hours of work per week, so expect to spend 15 hours/week for this class. Make use of all the available resources like office hours, drop-in tutoring,and the mandatory four hours of discussion sections where you will discuss and work on problems, homework, etc. Nonetheless this class can only be successful for you with your active participation. We will try our best to assist you in your learning, but the ultimate responsibility for your learning resides with you.

Either a pass in Math 11A or an appropriate score on the placement test or transfer credit. Inquire at the math board for more details.

The grade is comprised of quizzes (10%), homework (5%), 2 equally weighted exams (25% each), and a comprehensive final exam (35%). This produces an overall score and that will be put on a curve.

If you have any further questions or are unsure whether this is the right class for you, drop me an e-mail (miglior@cats.ucsc.edu) or call and leave me a message on my voice mail at (408) 459-5325.

Visit my webpage at: www2.ucsc.edu/people/miglior/

Be sure to allow plenty of time to study and do the required homework assignments.

Revised 7/13/04.