S08 U130 Mathematics for Business and Economics

Prof. Todorov

Materials:
1. Calculus Concepts (Third Edition): An Informal Approach to the Mathematics of Change by LaTorre, Kenelly, Fetta, Harris, Carpenter, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2002; and
2. TI-83 or TI-83 Plus calculator, which should be brought to each class.

Course Content: An introduction to some of the important mathematical concepts and tools (e.g., modeling, exponential and logistic functions) used to solve problems in business and economics. MTH U130 is a prerequisite for MTH U131 (Calculus for Business and Economics). Note that MTH U130 may not be used to satisfy the mathematics proficiency requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Problem Sets: The course is organized around a series of problem sets, which are detailed later on in this document. I will keep you informed of when each problem set should be completed. The problem sets include problems from the textbook, from the document ''Supplementary Problems'', and review quizzes from the document ''Review Quizzes''. After the discussion of a review quiz is completed in class, a corresponding quiz will be given in the following class. A midterm review (the document ''Midterm Review'') will also be assigned as a problem set. After it is discussed, a midterm will follow.

Examinations: There will be a quiz (approximately 35 minutes) every week or two and a full period midterm. The final exam is a two hour examination. All students (without legitimate conflicts) will take the final exam at the scheduled time. The final exam is cumulative and is common for all sections of MTH U130. Do not make travel plans which conflict with the final exam.

Project: A project involving mathematical modeling is required. This project is described in detail in the class packet.

Grading: Your final course average is computed by adding the following quantities: 15% of the project grade, 30% of the weekly quiz average, 15% of the hour exam grade; and 40% of the final exam grade. It is the Mathematics Department policy that an I (Incomplete) grade is rarely given. It is intended to cover real emergency situations in which a student is doing satisfactory work (at least C minus) but is unable, due to circumstances beyond the student’s control, to complete all course requirements (e.g., is unable to take the final exam due to hospitalization). An I grade may not be used to rescue a failing grade, or to postpone the final.

Problems with your instructor: From time to time, students feel like they are not being treated fairly. Please do not hesitate to let me know about your problems and concerns. If there is a conflict which we cannot resolve and you want to pursue the issue, you can contact the Undergraduate Chair, Professor Alex Martsinkovsky: 567 Lake, 373-5510, a.martsinkovsky@neu.edu.

Office hours: MWTh 9:15-10:15am to and by appointment. If you want to see me, but cannot do so during my office hours, then please see me before or after class or contact me via email to try to arrange an appointment.

Last modified January 12, 2008

© 2004 Northeastern University Department of Mathematics
URL: www.math.neu.edu