Math 171 (section 501, Spring 2008): Analytic Geometry & Calculus

MAIN LECTURES on TuTh: 11:10-12:25 in BLOCKER 163
+ QUIZ SECTION on M: 13:50-14:40 in CE 222

Instructor: Prof. J. Maurice Rojas
E-mail: rojas@math.tamu.edu, Office Phone: (979) 845-2083
Web Page: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~rojas
Office Hours: TuTh 10:00-11:00, W 15:00-16:00, and by appointment, in Milner 206

Math 171 is the 1st semester of our 3 semester sequence of calculus, intended mainly for mathematics, chemistry, and physics majors. Math 171 gives a rigourous and challenging introduction to vectors, vector functions, limits, derivatives and their applications, the Mean Value Theorem, and integrals (including the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus). Math 171 also imparts some experience with simple proofs and some basics of Maple. The harder you work, the greater your ultimate pay-off: enforcing high standards on yourself means good grades, a stronger mind, and a solid foundation for your future courses and endeavors.

HANDOUTS, HOMEWORK, AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

POLICIES AND SYLLABUS

TEXTBOOK:
[Ste99] Calculus: Early Vectors, by James Stewart, Brooks/Cole Co. ISBN 978-0534493486. (Inexpensive copies of the 1998 "Preliminary Edition" can be found on-line.)

Useful Resources:

• Amy Austin's Streaming Video Page
• David Manuel's Week in Reviews.
• A schedule of help sessions.

Prerequisites:

Math 150 (Functions, Trigonometry, and Linear Systems)

Syllabus:

The material we cover will definitely include everything in our textbook up to and including Section 5 of Chapter 6. Along the way, we will become familiar with the standard notation of basic logic, basic set theory, and functions. In particular, you will do simple proofs. We will also learn a little Maple (enough to plot functions, solve algebraic equations, compute limits, and compute derivatives) and a little Matlab (enough to plot functions and the roots of polynomials). Maple and Matlab are actually easy enough to use that we won't need too much time to cover the basics.

Major Exam Schedule:

Midterm I: Feb. 14, 2008 (thursday)

Midterm II: Mar. 27, 2008 (thursday)

Midterm III: April 24, 2008 (thursday)

Final: May 2, 2008 (friday) during 15:00-17:00

Grading Policy: Attendance (5%) + Weekly Quizzes (25%) + 3 Midterms (40%) + Final (30%)

The setting of letter grades does NOT follow any pre-set percentage. My exams and quizzes tend to be hard so, for example, 78% MIGHT get you a B. I reiterate: It ain't over till it's over, so always do your best. I give precise information on overall class score distribution throughout the semester. So the best way to get an idea of how you are doing is to compare your score with the score distribution of your class.
Homework is not graded but you should seriously consider doing it: Many quiz and midterm problems will be very similar to assigned homework problems.
Regrades: If you feel that a quiz or exam has been graded erroneously then you must let me know within 1 week. In which case, I will regrade the entire exam. I am usually generous with grading the first time around and much pickier the second time.

Makeup Work:

...will be given ONLY in case of an absence authorized under University Regulations (http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule7.htm). A note from your doctor or academic advisor is necessary. If you know in advance that you will miss an oral presentation then please contact me beforehand, via e-mail. In any event, you MUST notify me by the end of the next working day or forfeit your right to a make-up.

Students With Disabilities:

Every effort will be made to accomodate your specific needs --- just discuss the matter with me at the beginning of the semester. Please contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (845-1637) if you need any additional assistance.

Policy on Academic Dishonesty:

AGGIE HONOR CODE: ``An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.'' You can see http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor for more information about these rules of conduct which you must follow.

Please see http://www.math.tamu.edu/~rojas/hqf289.html for further details on homeworks, handouts, projects, and other announcements.

Copyright Information: Please note that all written and web materials for this course have an implied copyright. In particular, you can xerox (or download) ONE copy for your own use, but you may not reproduce them for others. SELLING THIS MATERIAL IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, VIOLATES COPYRIGHT LAWS, AND WILL BE VIGOUROUSLY PROSECUTED.