Math 20A

MATH 20A

Fall 1998

Instructors: Subject material: We shall cover parts of chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and most of chapter 5 of Calculus (Second Edition) by Hughes-Hallett et al. The course may be described briefly as differential calculus plus a smidgeon of integral calculus, with emphasis on the understanding of graphical, algebraic and numerical methods in roughly equal proportions. Examples and exercises from real world applications will be used to illustrate the concepts. If you find the going too tough, you may, after consulting with an advisor, transfer to Math 10A, where they cover essentially the same material at a slower rate, and generally with less difficult homework. You should make such a switch as soon as possible to avoid grade penalties.

Reading: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THE ASSIGNED MATERIAL IN ADVANCE OF THE LECTURE. This will be expected and it will enable you to maximize what you get out of the lectures.

Grading: There will be two midterm exams, given during the Fourth Hour (4:40--5:30), on Thursday October 22 and on Thursday November 19. The first midterm will account for 20% of your course grade and the second will account for 25% of your course grade. The final exam will be held Saturday December 12, 3--6 PM, and will be worth 40% of the course grade. There will be no makeup exams. The remaining 15% of your course grade will be accounted for by homework assignments to be handed in weekly. Students should buy blue books (available at the bookstore) in which to write their exam solutions.

Calculus lab: A lab for Math 20A students will be open Monday through Thursday, 12:20--8 PM, in AP&M 2402. There will usually be at least 2 tutors/TAs available to help with homework, calculators, and coursework. We strongly recommend that you make use of the Calculus lab.

Calculators: It is important that you bring your graphing calculator (preferably a TI-85) and the textbook to each lecture and recitation. The calculator will be used as an aid in learning concepts, not just as a means of computation. Calculator programs for the calculation of Riemann sums will be provided during the term. Help with using TI graphing calculators will be available in the Calculus lab.

Homework: There will be 2 categories of homework--- "individual recommended" homework and "group" homework. Group homework is to be turned in each week at your Section Meeting, on Tuesday. Group homework must be handed in by the group member who has the earliest Section on Tuesday. Late homework will not be accepted. Individual recommended homework is not to be turned in, but you are responsible for the subject matter covered in the assignments. The first homework will be assigned at the first lecture. After that, homework will be assigned in the Wednesday lecture, being due the following Tuesday. IT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE THAT YOU MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTs, AND THAT YOU SEEK HELP WITH PROBLEMS YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HANDLE. You can get help with homework assignments in the calculus lab, or with the TA or the instructor during office hours. A student solutions manual (available in the bookstore) has answers to roughly half of the odd-numbered problems.

Groups: Ideally, groups should consist of 3 individuals, but they may have 4 members. The TAs will help you form your groups during the first Section Meeting (September 29). Members of a group must have the same instructor; they should be registered for the same Discussion Section, if possible. Group homework should be handed in with the names AND SECTION NUMBERS of the group members listed on it. Only those who contributed to the group effort should be listed. You will be permitted one opportunity to "regroup," after the first Midterm Exam.


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September 23, 1998