Math - Winter 1998

This class is the first quarter of a two-quarter precalculus sequence. Together with 2b 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. The main advantage of this sequence over the one quarter Precalculus class Math 3 is the pace; while in Math 3 it seems like a mad dash from start to end, in this class we actually have time to discuss the fine points and details of the theory. In 2a and 2b together we will cover roughly the same amount of material as in Math 3, with a lot more detailed review of algebraic concepts and some extra topics like systems of equations and conic sections.

In Math 2a we will start with an extensive review of algebra. Then we will consider the function concept, notation and application thereof. We will also discuss in great detail graphs of functions and how to interpret and manipulate them. Having laid the groundwork we then will discuss a variety of specific functions and their properties and applications of them in mathematical models of the real world. Among them are linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational functions and their graphs as well as exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs. Some of the applications include exponential growth (e.g. balance of a savings account, population growth) and decay (e.g. radioactive decay, carbon dating etc.).

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: Either a pass in Math 1, a score of 15 or higher on the math placement exam or applicable transfer credit. 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 or are unsure whether this is the right class for you, 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 is also available on the web page for this(and my other) class(es):

Math 1: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math1\Math1.html

Math 2A & 2B: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math2a\Math2a.html

Math 3: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math3\Math3.html

This class is a fast paced one quarter precalculus course. 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 this class we will cover a short review of algebra, function concept and notation, graphs of functions, polynomial and rational functions and their graphs, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs, applications of logarithms in growth (e.g. balance of a savings account) and decay (e.g. radioactive decay), trigonometry, trigonometric functions and their graphs, some analytic geometry.

The class moves at a very rapid pace and good skills in algebra are assumed (e.g. factoring polynomial expressions, manipulating fractional and exponential expressions, solving equations and inequalities). I also assume familiarity with a scientific calculator (you need one in this class), a graphing calculator is recommended but not required (the use of graphing utilities on exams is not permitted).

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: Either a pass in Math 1, a score of 20 or higher on the math placement exam (inquire at the math board) or a waiver by the math professor who deals with undergraduate affairs. Such a waiver will only be given in special circumstances like transfer credit etc.

If you have doubts whether you are adequately prepared for this class you should consider these alternative options. You can brush up specifically on your algebra skills in Math 1 (offered in Fall quarter only) and then take Math 3 in the Winter quarter. The other option you have is to take Math 2A (offered in Winter quarter only) and Math 2B (offered in Spring quarter only), which together are the equivalent of Math 3. That means that we have twice as much time for roughly the same material and can explain the material in much greater depth. You need a 15 or higher on the math placement exam to get into Math 2A and a pass in Math 2A to get into Math 2B. This option is particularly recommended for students who haven't had any trigonometry before or haven't had math in a long time.

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 or are unsure whether this is the right class for you, 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 is also available on the web page for this (and my other) class(es):

Math 1: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math1\Math1.html

Math 2A & 2B: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math2a\Math2a.html

Math 3: http:\\wwwcatsic.ucsc.edu\~math3\Math3.html

This is the first 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 1 through 6.

We will begin with a review of functions and then introduce the concepts of the limit, derivative, and integral of a function. During most of the course we will study techniques of differentiation and applications of the derivative.

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 2B or a pass in 3 or an appropriate score on the math placement test or transfer credit. Inquire at the math board for more details.

The grade is comprised of homework (10%), 2 equally weighted exams (25% each), and a comprehensive final exam (40%). 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.

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