MTH 118W - Mathematical Explorations

Credits: 4

Provides a course for students majoring in fields that do not have a specific mathematics requirement. Emphasizes practical applications of mathematics, problem solving, and the communication of mathematics. Includes core topics in Finance, Probability, Statistics, and Geometry. Integrates measurement in the geometry topic, and infuses algebra throughout all topics. A minimum of 4 additional topics will be selected from Economics, Calculus, Graph Theory, Set Theory, Game Theory, Number Theory, Logic, Voting, Apportionment, Combinatorics, Linear Programming, or other approved topics. Credit may be earned in MTH 118W or MTH 118AW, but not both. A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED.

Prerequisite(s): MATH LEVEL 5
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 60 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Math
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

1. Apply basic concepts for mathematical finance.

Apply the concepts and formulas of compound interest, simple interest and future value and present value annuities.
Model a scenario for wealth accumulation.
Work with amortization tables
Explore the brilliant human invention of compound interest and exponential growth.

2. Apply the basic concepts of statistics.

Present data using statistical graphs: stem and leaf plots, bar graphs, histograms, line graphs, circle graphs, and box and whisker plots.
Interpret several types of graphs.
Summarize data using the following measures of central tendency: mode, median, and mean.
Summarize data using the following measures of dispersion: standard deviation, variance and range.
Apply and interpret percentiles.
Describe features of a normal distribution.

3. Apply concepts of elementary probability.

Use sample spaces to show possible outcomes and calculate probabilities.
Use a tree diagram to represent the outcomes in a sample space and calculate probabilities.
Compute probabilities in a binomial experiment.
Determine the odds in favor of or against an event occurring.
Compute the expected value of an event.
Determine whether two events, A and B, are dependent or independent.
Determine whether two events, A and B, are mutually exclusive.
Compute compound probabilities, that is P(A and B) or P(A or B).

4. Apply concepts in geometry.

Find the area of rectangles, squares, parallelograms, triangles, and circles.
Find the perimeter of any given polygon and the circumference of any given circle.
Find the volume of rectangular solids, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
Find the surface area of rectangular solids and cylinders.
Explore and describe the numerical and geometric patterns that occur in art and nature.
Perform conversions in various systems of measurement.
Work with English and Metric systems of measurement.
Convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

5. Communicate effectively about mathematics.

Provide complete written solutions to problems using appropriate terminology.
Articulate important ideas and conclusions in writing.

6. Use technology (graphing calculator) appropriately to assist in mathematical problem solving.

Use the Finance menu of the graphing calculator to simplify complicated mathematical calculations.
Use the binomial probability distribution function of the calculator to simplify binomial probability calculations.
Use the Stat Plot feature of the graphing calculator to assist in generating statistical graphs.
Use the Stat menu of the graphing calculator to assist in calculating complicated statistics such as the standard deviation.

7. Demonstrate an understanding in specialized areas of mathematics.

Faculty members will choose at least 4 objectives from the following list A-K:

Apply the mathematics of economics.
1. Use and apply growth models such as population growth, Ponzi schemes, and chain letters.
2. Use and apply decay models such as population decline, radioactive decay, half-life and carbon-14 dating.
3. Use and apply logistic models.
4. Describe the mathematics behind the Consumer Price Index.
5. Model biological populations with chaos theory.
Investigate and apply the elementary concepts of calculus. Define a derivative and provide several of examples of its use.
1. Define an integral and provide several of examples of its use.
2. Explain the relationship between a derivative and a rate of change.
3. Explain the relationship between and integral and an area.
4. Solve elementary problems in differential calculus.
5. Solve elementary problems in integral calculus.
Use graph theory to solve problems.
1. Define, understand, and use Euler paths and circuits.
2. Solve problems using Euler's Theorem.
3. Define, understand, and use Hamilton paths and circuits.
4. Use directed graphs to model relationships and realistic situations.
5. Define, understand, and use spanning trees for both connected and weighted graphs.
Demonstrate understanding of set properties.
1. Identify the basic properties of sets and subsets.
2. Define and use the complement of a set.
3. Use Venn diagrams to visualize set relationships.
4. Perform operations with sets (union and intersection).
5. Use Venn diagrams to organize survey results.
Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between mathematics and various games.
1. Explain the mathematics behind a variety of games.
2. Use game theory to solve games.
Apply concepts in number theory.
1. Apply mathematics to identification numbers.
2. Apply the division algorithm and modular arithmetic to check-digit schemes.
3. Explain the encoding of data involving a variety of codes including binary codes and UPC Bar codes.
4. Explore and describe patterns and relationships in the Fibonacci numbers.
5. Explore and describe patterns and relationships in Pascal’s triangle.
Apply the concepts of logic.
1. Define, compare and contrast inductive and deductive reasoning.
2. Construct and use truth tables.
3. Use the definitions of negation, conjunction, and disjunction.
4. Understand and use a variety of statements (conditional statement, equivalent statements, tautologies, conditional statements).
5. Write the contra positive, converse, and negation of a conditional statement.
6. Write equivalent statements using DeMorgan’s laws.
7. Use forms of valid arguments to draw logical conclusions.
8. Use Euler diagrams to determine validity.
9. Apply Boolean logic to web searches.
10. Use logic to solve puzzles.
Demonstrate understanding of the mathematics of apportionment.
1. Understand the apportionment problem.
2. Use a variety of apportionment methods.
Discuss the mathematics of voting.
1. Use a variety of voting methods to determine an election’s winner.
2. Use a variety of criteria to determine a voting system’s fairness.
Use the Fundamental Counting Principle to determine the number of outcomes in a sample space.
1. Use the Fundamental Counting Principle to count permutations.
2. Determine the number of permutation and combinations in a given scenario.
3. Solve problems using permutation and combination formulas.
4. Calculate probabilities using permutations and combinations.
Solve optimization problems using linear programming.
1. Write an objective function describing a quantity that must be minimized or maximized.
2. Define constraints mathematically with linear inequalities.
3. Solve a linear programming problem graphically.
4. Solve a linear programming problem with technology using the Simplex Method.