NORTHWEST-SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GENERAL COURSE SYLLABUS

 

TITLE OF COURSE:  Mathematical Applications (MTH 116)

 

DIVISION:  Mathematics, Science, and Technology

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course provides practical applications of mathematics and includes selected topics from consumer math and algebra. Some topics included are integers, percent, interest, ratio and proportion, metric system, probability, linear equations, and problem solving. This is a terminal course designed for students seeking an AAS degree and does not meet the general core requirement for mathematics.

HOURS:         Credit:  3      Contact:  3      Lecture:  3       Clinical:  0        Lab:  0     

 

PREREQUISITE(S):  MTH 090 or appropriate mathematics placement score.


COREQUISITE(S): None

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S):  Mathematics, Its Power and Utility; 9th Edition; Karl J. Smith, Thomson Brooks/Cole Publishing Co. 2009.

 

SUPPLIES:  Scientific calculator is recommended.

 

GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVE:   All associate degree graduates should be able to use the mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations needed in their field of study or occupation. (3)

 

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S):  Upon successfully completing Mathematical Applications, the student will be able to:

 

1. Perform basic arithmetic operations on rational numbers using the order of operations where appropriate.

2. Simplify and evaluate variable expressions.

3. Solve linear equations.

4. Solve proportions and use proportions to solve application problems.

5. Solve a formula for a specified variable.

6. Convert within and between Metric and U.S. Standard systems, and calculate perimeter, area, volume, mass, and temperature in appropriate units.

7. Convert between decimals, fractions, and percents, and solve applied problems from consumer math topics such as simple interest, compound interest, sales tax, and discounts.

8. Perform set operations, find subsets, and use Venn diagrams to solve application problems.

9. Describe sample spaces, draw tree diagrams, and find probability of an event.

 

METHODS OF EVALUATION: 

 

  1. Course Grade Evaluation: (Minimum of 4 measurements)

A comprehensive final exam will be given and counted toward the student’s final average.  Make-up examinations, as such, will not generally be given. 

                        

  1. Evaluation of General Educational Objectives:  Student success on the General Educational Objective (3) is measured by student performance on each of the course objectives, which require use of mathematical concepts, notations, and manipulations.  Performance on each course objective will be evaluated using appropriate problems from the final exam.  Results will be tallied for each course objective.

 

  1. Use of Findings: Instructors will analyze data gathered from the assessment(s) for each course objective and changes will be made based on identified weaknesses.  The math department will meet once every two years to discuss findings and implement strategies to improve department and student performance.

OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS:

I.  Arithmetic, Calculators, and Problem Solving

     A.    Math Anxiety

     B.    Formulating the Problem

     C.    Fractions and Decimals

     D.    Rounding and Estimation

     E.    Exponents and Prime Factorization

     F.    Common Fractions

     G.    Adding and Subtracting Fractions


II. Sets and Logic

     A.    Introduction to Sets

     B.    Subsets

     C.    Operations with Sets

                 D.    Venn Diagrams

 

III. Sets of Numbers

     A.    Symbol Shock

     B.    Addition of Integers

     C.    Subtraction of Integers

     D.    Multiplication of Integers

     E.    Division of Integers

     F.    Rational and Irrational Numbers

 

IV. An Introduction to Algebra

     A.    Polynomials

     B.    Similar Terms

     C.    Simplification

     D.    Equations

     E.    Solving Equations

     F.    Problem Solving with Algebra

     G.    Inequalities


V. Percents and Problem Solving

     A.    Ratio and Proportion

     B.    Problem Solving with Proportions

     C.    Percent

     D.    Problem Solving with Percents

 

VI. Applications of Percent

      A.   Discount, Sale Price, and Sales Tax

      B.   Simple Interest

      C.   Buying on Credit

     D.    Credit Card Interest

     E.    Compound Interest

     F.    Buying a Home

    

VII.            Measurement and Problem Solving

A.                 Precision, Accuracy, and Estimation

B.                 Perimeter, Area, and Volume & Capacity

C.                 Miscellaneous Measurements

D.                 Converting Units

VIII.         Probability

A.            Introduction to Probability

B.            Probability Models

C.            Odds and Conditional Probability (Optional)

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT POLICY: It is the policy of Northwest-Shoals Community College to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act. Any student covered under this act needing and desiring reasonable accommodations for this class should notify Linda Waide at 331-5321. See NWSCC catalog for additional details.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Because class attendance is considered to be essential to the accomplishment of course objectives, excessive absences are discouraged. At no time should a student miss more than 20% of the class meetings for a course. These absences also include any absences accrued during late registration. Failure to adhere to the 20% policy may result in a failing grade based on academic performance. Students should discuss with the instructor what is considered “excessive” for a particular course. Any variation of this policy must be approved through the Chief Instructional Officer. A student who is absent due to required participation in a school activity must be allowed to make up work, according to guidelines issued by individual instructors.

 

 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY:  A student who is unable to complete a course is expected to withdraw from that course by the end of 60% of class meetings.  A student who withdraws by the date published in the schedule will receive a grade of “W” for the course.  This withdrawal is done only by student request.  The grade of “W” is allowed regardless of the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal. 

 

After the designated date of class withdrawal, the approval of the Chief Instructional Officer is required prior to allowing a student to withdraw. The determination of “WP” (withdrawal passing) or “WF” (withdrawal failing) will be made by the instructor for the course and is based on the student’s grades to the point of withdrawal.