Math 2350 - Business Calculus
Spring 2016
Textbook: College Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences – Barnett, Ziegler, & Byleen, 13th Edition
Lecturer: Cynthia (Cindy) Vadnais
Email:
Office Location: Ross Hall 220
Phone: 766-6432 (office), 745-7274 (home)
Office Hours: MW 11-1 and by appointment.
Lecture: MWF 10-10:50 CR310
Discussions: Please refer to your course schedule booklet for this information.
Course Prerequisites:
Grade of C or better in Math 1400 or level 4 on Math Placement Exam (MPE) or Math ACT of
26 or Math SAT of 600.
ACT and SAT scores are valid for 3 years and the MPE score is valid for 1 year.
Course Description: Combines with 2355 for one-year series in business math, primarily for students in the
College of Business. Includes review of functions, their graphs and algebra; derivatives and their applications;
exponential and logarithmic functions; integration and applications; and applications are generally geared to
business problems.
Material: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1-2.6, 10.1, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.7, 11.1-11.7, 12.1, 12.2, 12.5, 12.6, 13.1, 13.2, 13.5, 14.1
Grading: You have two grading options to choose from. Clearly in a class this large there is a
diversity of learning styles. These options adapt the grading to reflect these learning styles.
If you want option B do nothing. You only need to come see me, at my office, if you are
going to choose option A, and then you must do so by noon, February 5th.
Option A is for those students who do well on their own (and know they will do well) and do not
stress during a testing situation. Do not choose this option just because you do not want to go to
the discussions. Very few people should pick this option. Those who choose this option and
aren’t sure that they should, may be setting themselves up for failure!
Option B is for those students who learn best in a classroom setting and/or tend to stress during
testing. The majority of you should be choosing this option.
Any student repeating the course will choose option B.
Option A Option B
*Four exams at 19% each 76% *Four exams at 13% each 52%
*MyMathLab Online 14% *MyMathLab Online 14%
* Final Exam 10% *Quizzes (10pts each) 12%
*Homework Notebook
(problems on syllabus) 12%
*Final Exam 10%
Course Grades: 90-100 A, 80-89.9 B, 70-79.9 C, 60-69.9 D, Below 60 F.
Exam Dates: Exam 1: Wednesday, February 24th
Exam 2: Wednesday, March 23rd
Exam 3: Wednesday, April 13th
Exam 4: Monday, May 2nd
Final Exam: Monday, May 9th, 10:15-12:15
Dates for Exams 1 through 4 may change. It is your responsibility to be in class so that you are aware of
any changes. You do not have the option of making other time arrangements for taking the exams or the
final. You will be instructed as to what you need to bring for each exam.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Ø If you have a physical, learning, or psychological disability and require accommodations, please let me
know as soon as possible. You will need to register with, and provide documentation of your disability
to, University Disability Support Services (UDSS) in SEO, room 330 Knight Hall, 766-6189, TTY:
766-3073.
Ø If you feel that you have what people refer to as math anxiety I highly suggest that you call or visit
the Counseling Center in room 341, Knight Hall and get some help. The phone number is 766-2187.
With math anxiety many people score very low on math exams. This is something that may cause you
to not pass the course.
Course Net Site: This syllabus specifies policies applicable to Math 2350. Additional information can be
found at http://www.uwyo.edu/cvadnais/2350.html. Additionally, other helpful documents will
be posted to the course net site during the semester. This is not the same as the MML site.
Your Learning: In Math 2350 you are expected to assume greater responsibility for your learning. For
example, since you must decide when you need help, you must understand yourself as a learner. Help is available
on the Internet. For example, try the Idea Sheets: www.usu.edu/are/ideasheets/ . Another good way to start
taking control of your learning is to take a learning styles inventory. You might try one for engineering majors
by Richard Felder and Linda Silverman: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles. During the next few weeks
take time to look at other strategies for success posted on the Math Lab site: http://math.uwyo.edu/Mathlab.asp.
Studying in college is most likely different from what it was in high school. For the big picture, check out the
UW LeaRN Center: uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/BetterGrades/resources.asp and their award-winning handbook:
“A Road to Academic Success” http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/lrn/guide.htm.
DETAILS
Homework Notebook – Your homework notebook consists of your completely hand worked book
problems, listed on the syllabus.
You must use a spiral or perfect bound notebook. Feel free to use the front and back of each page.
Each set of problems for a particular section must be worked out in sequential order, one column wide.
This means that if you don’t know how to do a particular problem(s) you will need to leave space so the
problems are in order.
When we collect these notebooks we will only look in the left margin for the problem numbers.
Centered at the top of each page you will write the associated chapter and section number. For example,
problems associated with chapter 1, section 2 would have 1.2 at the top of the respective pages. (See the
example at the net site)
Your notebook will be collected May 3rd during your discussion time.
Your legible name (first & last), course number (2350) & discussion section number must be printed on
the outside of the front cover of your notebook.
No late notebooks will be accepted. Late is the same as losing 12% of your course grade.
If you are repeating the course, you may not turn in your notebook from a previous semester.
We will look at all of your work and decide a notebook grade, based on completeness, neatness,
following directions, organization, etc.
You may ask any discussion leader, or me, any time during the semester to look at your notebook to see if
your format is correct.
Notebooks will be returned during your discussion time on Thursday May 5th. Any notebooks not
picked up during this time will lose 2 of the possible 12 notebook points.
Discussions - Each discussion section will be devoted to answering questions concerning problems sets
assigned from the book (those listed on the last page of this syllabus) and clarifying concepts presented in
lecture.
Do the assigned homework and come with questions.
You are expected to bring your book, notebook & calculator and be prepared to work.
The time will not be devoted to having the discussion leader lecture over the material I already covered.
Other problems from the book, besides those assigned, may be looked at. I expect you to be proactive!
The last 10 minutes of each discussion a quiz will be given. Each quiz will be worth 10 points.
You must be in class the entire hour if you wish to take the quiz.
No take home or group quizzes will be given.
Occasionally notebook problems may be looked at for part of your quiz score.
Your 4 lowest quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the semester.
MyMathLab (MML) Homework: 14% of your final grade is based on homework problems worked
online via MML. I will provide you with a separate set of instructions for online registration.
Online assignments are usually around 10-12 questions per section. These problems are chosen as representative of the basic concepts presented in the sections. These few questions will not adequately prepare you for the exams. Instead, these will help you develop a basic proficiency in the topics, and give you immediate feedback so you know how well you are doing. More in-depth problems are in the textbook, and you are encouraged to work odd numbered problems in addition to any assignments given.
Most homework assignments on MML can be revisited as many times as you like. If you miss a question, you should redo that question until you succeed. You should settle for nothing less than 100% on each online homework assignment. Due dates are shown in MML and on the course calendar. You will not be able to work an assignment for a better grade after the due date has passed. There are times that the site is overloaded so do not wait until the last minute to do the online homework. If you procrastinate and fail to get the assignment done at the last minute you will receive a zero (or whatever score you have recorded) for that assignment. Your 4 lowest scores will be dropped at the end of the semester. I will give you 5 extra points toward exam 1 if you register for MML by noon February 1st.
Course Objectives
Math 2350 stresses applications in business and economics, and is intended to give you, the business student, the
appropriate conceptual and computational mathematical background for future study in business.
Objectives
Math 2350 students shall:
1. Demonstrate mastery of algebraic skills;
2. Evaluate limits from their graphs and/or equations of functions;
3. Analyze and apply the notions of continuity and differentiability to algebraic functions;
4. Utilize differentiation and integration techniques, along with critical thinking, to solve problems
involving functions unique to business applications.
Exit Skills
Specifically, by the end of the course you should acquire skills needed to
Ø Demonstrate mastery of algebraic computations including factoring, rational expressions, exponents,
and radicals.
Ø Solve linear and quadratic equations. Graph equations and understand properties of functions.
Ø Understand the relationship between exponential functions and logarithmic functions. Perform
computations involving these.
Ø Solve applications involving profit, cost, revenue, demand, and supply functions.
Ø Use graphical and numerical evidence to estimate limits and identify situations where limits fail to exist.
Ø Apply algebraic rules to calculate limits.
Ø Analyze and apply notions of continuity and differentiability to algebraic functions.
Ø Find the derivative of a function using the limit of the difference quotient.
Ø Illustrate and analyze, algebraically and geometrically, the average rate of change and the instantaneous
rate of change and interpret.
Ø Find slopes and equations of tangent lines at a given point.
Ø Mechanically calculate a variety of derivatives, with paper and pencil, using the following: power rule,
quotient rule, chain rule, implicit differentiation, higher order derivatives, and derivative rules for
exponential and logarithmic functions.
Ø Solve, and interpret, problems applying derivatives to marginal analysis in business and economics.
Ø Use the compound interest formula to solve problems.
Ø Solve and interpret problems involving related rates.
Ø Solve and interpret applications involving elasticity of demand.
Ø Use derivatives to sketch graphs and solve applied problems.
Ø Find local extrema and points of inflection of a function.
Ø Use first and second derivative information to sketch the graph of polynomial functions.
Ø Determine absolute extrema of a function.
Ø Solve optimization problems and communicate the results.
Ø Understand the relationship between derivatives and integrals.
Ø Calculate general antiderivatives using basic integration formulas and rules.
Ø Use an initial condition to find a particular solution to an antiderivative.
Ø Evaluate definite and indefinite integrals using substitution.
Ø Understand and apply the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus to evaluate definite integrals.
Ø Evaluate indefinite integrals utilizing basic formulas and rules.
Ø Solve real world multi-step integral applications utilizing critical thinking skills and interpret the results.
Ø Apply integration techniques to find the area under a curve and the area between curves.
This course fulfills the Quantitative Reasoning (QB) requirement of the University Studies Program.
QB courses develop a student’s numerical, logical, geometric, algorithmic, and critical thinking skills as well
as their ability to integrate these ways of thinking with verbal, written, and creative thinking skills. Students
will demonstrate mathematical and logical skill needed to formulate, analyze and interpret quantitative
arguments in a variety of settings.
OTHER INFO
Ö During class cell phones are to be turned off (both vibrate & ring) & put away.
You should not to be text messaging during class or utilizing any other features on your phone.
Ö Any student with ear buds in their ears during class will be asked to leave class.
Ö Make-up quizzes and exams are allowed only with a “University authorized absence” slip.
Authorized Absences (unireg 713): For participation in a University-sponsored activity or for unusual
circumstances, such as personal hardship, an authorized absence may be issued to the student by the
Director of Student Life or the Director’s authorized representative. If a student has been hospitalized, or if
the student has been directed by the Student Health Service or the student’s private physician to stay at the
student’s place of residence because of illness, the Health Service medical staff or the student's private
physician may issue a statement to the student giving the dates of the student's confinement.
Ö A good calculator is needed for the course. Throughout the course I highly recommend the usage of either
a TI-84 or a TI-89. However, you may also choose to use a nongraphics calculator. Since there is a
variety of calculators being used for the course, you will not be allowed to simply give answers to problems
because your calculator has certain formulas built in. The built in formulas should be used to check the
work you have done. I expect you to bring your calculator to every class. For exams or quizzes you will
not be allowed to borrow a calculator from someone else. Don’t put yourself in the position, because you
forget your calculator, of trying to do work by hand. No palm pilots, cell phone calculators or calculators
larger than the TI graphing calculators are allowed.
Ö I expect you to keep noise to a minimum during lectures. You and the person(s) you are talking with may
not care to hear the lecture but that does not give you the right to deny others the right to learn. If you find