Mathematics - WInter 1999

This class is designed for students that need to review or brush up their algebra skills before going to Precalculus and Calculus or other science classes. A solid background and ability in algebra is necessary for success in further math classes as well as other science classes.

In this class we will cover the real number system, sets, absolute values, polynomial expressions, factoring of polynomial expressions, rational and exponential expressions and the respective rules to manipulate them, solving linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, sign graph method for solving inequalities, applications to the real world in the sense that word problems are solvable by setting up an equality or inequality to solve the given problem.

Sounds dry ? Well algebra is abstract and it's not quite like listening to Bob Marley, but algebra need not become your favorite subject for you to enjoy and have success in the class. A healthy dose of open mind and active participation goes a long way and I can promise you that I'll try my best to make this class interesting and well worth your time.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in this class. It is a five unit class, but students do not get credit towards their degree for Math 1. The units count towards full-time student status though which is important for financial aid etc.

One main feature of this class is the (mandatory) small discussion sections that allow for more personal attention by the teaching assistants (TA) and interaction among students and TA's. For students with weak math background this class provides the excellent opportunity of catching up at a very reasonable pace. 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. If you do not work hard in this class it is unlikely you will do well. Usually at UCSC one unit translates to three hours of work/week, so expect to spend 15 hours/week for this class.

As part of the class we will also discuss study habits and techniques, math and test anxiety as well as how to use your calculator.

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.

As of Fall 97 this class is no longer sufficient to place into Math 3. A special exam will be given at the end of the quarter for people who desire to go on to Math 3. Generally this is not recommended by me. Talk to me if you have questions about that. During the first week of class I will outline all the options and parameters with respect to the available math sequences.

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

Revised 7/27/04.