Math 171 (section 504, Fall 2009): Analytic Geometry & Calculus

MAIN LECTURES on TuTh: 12:45-14:00 in BLOCKER 164
+ QUIZ SECTION on W: 15:00-15:50 in BLOCKER 160

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 14:00-15:00 and by appointment, in Milner 206

Assistant Instructor: Luiz Maltez-Faria
E-mail: maltezfaria@neo.tamu.edu
Office Hours: W 16:00-17:00, F 13:00-14:30, and by appointment, in 6th Floor Blocker Math Lounge

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: 9/24/09, 2009 (thursday)

Midterm II: 11/3/09, 2009 (tuesday)

Midterm III: 12/3/09 (thursday)

Final: December 16, 2009 (wednesday) during 8:00-10:00

Grading Policy: Attendance (5%) + Weekly Quizzes (25%) + 3 Midterms (40%) + Final (30%)
NOTE: Attendance implies attention as well. So disruptive behavior such as talking, reading newspapers, or use of electronic devices (such as a listening to music or texting) will be counted as 2 absences (on the day of the offense). We are all here to learn, so please pay attention.

The setting of letter grades does NOT follow any pre-set percentage: the grades depend on (a) how you compare to the rest of the class and (b) how the class is doing overall compared to prior classes in my experience. My exams and quizzes tend to be hard so, in a typical class, you MIGHT be able to get an A with less than a 90% for your final overall score. On the other hand, in an exceptionally strong class, you should expect that you'll have to do significantly better than 90% to get an A.

I reiterate: It ain't over till it's over, so always do your best.

I give precise information on overall class score distribution, and how your class compares to other earlier classes, throughout the semester. The homework and quizzes are meant to give you up to date feedback but only the in-class quizzes count toward your final score (as detailed above): your homework grade will only be used to help decide border-line cases (i.e., if you're on the cusp between A and B, a sufficeintly good homework grade can push you up to A). On occasion, quiz and midterm problems will be very similar to assigned homework problems, so you are obviously encouraged to do the homework. Usually, only the hardest 3 problems of a homework will be graded.

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. Please also note that if you write your exam or quiz in pencil then you forfeit your right to a re-grade. (Sorry, but a few dishonest souls with erasers have forced me to enact this policy.)

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/hqf171.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.