MATH 132 Topics in Mathematical Literacy
This is a college-level mathematics course, designed for college students who do not expect to need college algebra, a statistics course, or a higher-level mathematics course. Five major components are included: exponential and logarithmic functions, personal finance (including interest rates and annuities), basic logical thinking, basic principles of probability, and statistical reasoning.
Hours Weekly
3 hours weekly
Course Objectives
- 1. Apply mathematical processes to solve problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions.
- 2. Use appropriate formulas, algorithms, and technology to solve problems involving taxes, savings, loans, amortization tables, investments, and credit cards.
- 3. Use logical statements in both symbolic and English form and assess the validity of logical expressions.
- 4. Distinguish between deductive and inductive arguments (or reasoning).
- 5. Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.
- 6. Analyze outcomes, draw conclusions, or make decisions related to risk, pay-off, and expected value in various probability contexts.
- 7. Identify limitations and strengths in studies and polls including analyzing data collection methods, sources of bias, margins of error, and misuses of statistics.
- 8. Solve problems and make decisions using complex numeric summaries from studies and polls.
- 9. Identify and implement appropriate technologies to efficiently complete tasks that involve the solving of cross-discipline, mathematically appropriate problems and creating new works to communicate the processes used and solution.
Course Objectives
- 1. Apply mathematical processes to solve problems involving exponential and logarithmic functions.
- 2. Use appropriate formulas, algorithms, and technology to solve problems involving taxes, savings, loans, amortization tables, investments, and credit cards.
- 3. Use logical statements in both symbolic and English form and assess the validity of logical expressions.
- 4. Distinguish between deductive and inductive arguments (or reasoning).
- 5. Investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models.
- 6. Analyze outcomes, draw conclusions, or make decisions related to risk, pay-off, and expected value in various probability contexts.
- 7. Identify limitations and strengths in studies and polls including analyzing data collection methods, sources of bias, margins of error, and misuses of statistics.
- 8. Solve problems and make decisions using complex numeric summaries from studies and polls.
- 9. Identify and implement appropriate technologies to efficiently complete tasks that involve the solving of cross-discipline, mathematically appropriate problems and creating new works to communicate the processes used and solution.