MTH 114: Applied Business Calculus - Syllabus Spring 2007
Section 04: MWF 12:00 - 12:50 (O-109) & Th 11:00-11:50 (O-325)
Section 05: MWF 9:00 - 9:50 (O-109) & Th 9:30-10:20 (O-325)
Dr. Richard Di Dio
O-237, x1792; ude.ellasal|oidid#ude.ellasal|oidid; www.lasalle.edu/~didio
Office Hrs: Office hrs: MW 11-11:50 & 1:30-2:30; Th 12-1 + by appt.
Electronic Communication
- All class information, including news, labs, assignments, exam news, class notes, etc., will be available through WebCT
- E-mailing must be done through WebCT
- It is your responsibility to check the class site daily!
Course Description
MTH 114 is an introduction to single-variable calculus that focuses on mathematical modeling and business applications. The concepts and techniques of Calculus are developed in the context of these applications, which include break-even analysis, compound interest, elasticity, inventory and lot size, income streams, and supply and demand curves. Technology will be used throughout the course, in the form of a graphing calculator and electronic spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) to explore many of the concepts and applications
Computing Prerequisite
CSC 151 or its equivalent - Microsoft Excel will be used occasionally for graphing purposes and assignments. You are expected to know the basics of Excel coming into this course.
Text
Calculus Concepts Brief 3rd edition by LaTorre, Kenelly, Fetta, Harris, and Carpenter. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 2005
Calculator
The TI-84 or TI-83 calculator is required for the course. You must have it with you in class at all times. Knowing how to use it on exams is part of the course requirements A TI-83 calculator is required.
Testing /Grading
- Two Semester Exams - each worth 24% of final grade
- Comprehensive Final: worth 24%. Counted as 48% and lowest semester test dropped if beneficial.
- Quizzes + Assignments – 28% of final grade
- Final grade determined by:
<60 | 60 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 76 | 80 | 83.3 | 86.6 | 90 | 93.3 |
F | D | D+ | C- | C | C+ | B- | B | B+ | A- | A |
Exams
- The following dates are approximate
- Thursday, March 1, 2007
- Wednesday, April 18, 2007
- The final exam will be cumulative. There will be no exemptions from final.
- No calculator borrowing!
- No make-up semester exams given. One missed exam will count as the drop test. Missing more than one semester exam, or not taking the final exam, will result in failure of the course.
- Plagiarizing/cheating during exams will result in a failing grade in the course all parties concerned.
Homework
Homework problems will be assigned throughout the semester. Except for homework problems occasionally given as Assignments, they will usually not be collected. Please attempt all assigned problems before class. As a general rule, you should spend at least 2 hours on homework and studying for every hour of class time
Quizzes
- Weekly (approx.)
- Lowest quiz score dropped
- No make-up quizzes given. (1 missed quiz = dropped quiz)
- Three possible quiz scores:
- Full credit: perfect quizzes
- Half credit: minor mistake
- No credit: multiple minor mistakes or mistakes of substance
Assignments
- Extended homework assignments or computer assignments
- Late assignments will receive a grade of zero
Attendance Policies
- More than two unexcused absences/late arrivals will result in no ‘benefit of the doubt’ when grades are borderline. (Where borderline = 0.5 below grade threshold)
- Missing more than one exam, or the final exam, will result in a non-passing grade.
Important Dates
- Last date for pass/fail option: Monday 2/2/2007.
- Last date for withdrawal: Tuesday, 3/22/2007. Please consult me if you considering this option.
Miscellaneous
- Tutoring available in Olney 124
- Cell Phones off!!!
- No personal Internet activity (e.g. instant messaging, surfing) during computer lab sessions