| Course: | MTH U165, Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning |
| Time and place: | MWTh 1:35 PM-2:40 PM, 011 Kariotis Hall (#35 on the campus map) |
| Textbook: | E. Scheinerman, Mathematics: A Discrete Introduction, Second edition. Brooks/Cole, 2006 |
| Instructor: | Professor Andrei Zelevinsky |
| Office and phone: | 431 LA, x5648 |
| Email: | andrei (at) neu (dot) edu |
| Office hours: | MWTh. 10:30 - 11:35, or by appointment |
The main objective of the course is to prepare incoming math majors for more challenging mathematical courses at Northeastern by covering the basics of mathematical reasoning and problem solving. The course focuses on learning to write logically sound mathematical arguments and to analyze such arguments. We will attempt to cover most of the material in the first five chapters and in Chapter 7 of Scheinerman's book. Here is a more detailed list of topics to be discussed (if time allows):
The grading will be based on weekly quizzes (60%), and the final exam (40%).
Attendance will be taken and you are expected to be present for every class. It is your responsibility to be aware of any changes in the syllabus announced in class. Students are responsible for all information given when they are absent.
It is University policy that no grade, including an incomplete, can be changed after one year. Exceptions must be authorized by the Academic Standing Committee.
All students without legitimate conflicts (approved by the instructor) will take the final exam at the scheduled time. Do not make travel plans that conflict with the final exam.
Homework:
Sep. 9: read "To the Student" preface (pp. xv-xvii), Sections 1 and 2; p.2, #1.1; pp.5-7,
#2.1-2.3, and the following two problems.
Sep. 10: read Section 3; pp. 6-7, #2.6, 2.9(a); p.15, #3.1-3.4, 3.8.
Sep. 14: read Section 4; p. 25, #4.2, 4.5, 4.8, 4.9, 4.13.
Sep. 16: p. 25, #4.1, 4.3, 4.4; read Section 5; p. 27, #5.1-5.9.
Sep. 17: read Section 6; pp. 32-33, #6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10(a,b), 6.11(a,b).
Sep. 21: review Sections 5 and 6; pp. 32-33, #6.12, 6.14, 6.16, 6.19.
Sep. 23: Chapter 1 Self Test, pp. 34-36, #1, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17.
Sep. 24: read Section 7; pp.43-44, #7.1, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.9.
Sep. 28: p.45, #7.11, 7.13, 7.14; read Section 8; pp.48-49, #8.1, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.7.
Sep. 30: review sections 7 and 8; p.81, #2-6.
Oct. 1: read Section 9; pp.57-58, #9.1-9.3, 9.5-9.8.
Oct. 5: read Section 11; p. 74, #11.1, 11.2, 11.5-11.9.
Oct. 7: pp. 74-75, #11.12, 11.14, 11.16.
Oct. 8: read Section 16 (Note: skip the first paragraph); pp. 113-115, #16.2-16.5, 16.8, 16.10, 16.14.
Oct. 14: pp. 114-115, #16.11 - 16.13, 16.17.
Oct. 15: pp. 115-116, #16.18 - 16.19, 16.21 - 16.23, 16.27, 16.28.
Oct. 19: read Section 21 up to Proposition 21.5 inclusive
(you may skip the proof of Theorem 21.2 on p. 157); p. 168, #21.3.
Oct. 21: p.134, #14, 16, 17; p. 168, #21.4.
Oct. 22: read Section 21 to the end; p. 190, #5-8; pp. 169-170, #21.8(a-c).
Oct. 26: read the end of Section 20 starting with page 149; p. 154, #20.6, 20.8;
pp. 169-170, #21.8(d-f), 21.10.
Oct. 28: pp. 190-191, #5 - 8, 10.
Oct. 29: read Section 22 up to Proposition 22.3 inclusive; p. 188, #22.1, 22.2 (b, e, f, g, h).
Nov. 2: read Section 22 up to Theorem 22.9 inclusive; p. 188, #22.2 (i-p).
Nov. 4: pp. 189-190, #22.14, 22.16(a-c); pp.191-192, #15, 18.
Nov. 5: read Section 23; pp. 204-205, #23.2-23.4, 23.9, 23.11, 23.12.
Nov. 9: pp. 204-205, #23.8, 23.13-23.15; read Section 25; pp. 215-216, #25.1, 25.9-25.12.
Nov. 12: read Section 24; pp. 210-211, #24.1-24.3, 24.9, 24.10.
Nov. 16: p. 210, #24.4-24.6; pp. 242-243, Chapter 5 Self Test, #1, 4-6, 8.
Nov. 18: review Section 24 (including the homework); read Section 34; p. 297, #34.1, 34.2.
Nov. 19: review Sections 24 and 25; read Section 35; pp. 307-308, #35.1 (a-d), 35.2, 35.10.
Quizzes and tests:
Quiz 1: Thursday, Sep. 17 (on Sections 2-4).
Solutions.
Quiz 2: Thursday, Sep. 24 (on Sections 4-6).
Solutions.
Quiz 3: Thursday, Oct. 1 (on Sections 7-8).
Solutions.
Quiz 4: Thursday, Oct. 8 (on Sections 9, 11).
Solutions.
There will be no quiz on October 15.
Quiz 5: Thursday, Oct. 22 (on Section 16).
Solutions.
Quiz 6: Thursday, Oct. 29 (on Sections 20, 21).
Solutions.
There will be no quiz on November 5.
Quiz 7: Thursday, Nov. 12 (on Sections 22, 23).
Solutions.
Quiz 8: Monday, Nov. 23 (on Sections 23-25).