Math 100: Introduction to Proof and Problem Solving (Fall 2014)

• Classes: T,Th 2-3:45, Stevenson 175. First day of class: Th, Oct. 2nd.

• Instructor: Robert Boltje;
  Office: McHenry 4190;
  Tel: 459-5001;
  Email: boltje AT ucsc DoT edu;
  Office hours: T 10-11:30am, Th 12-1:30pm, or by appointment.

• Teaching Assistants:
  • Yusuf Gören, ygoren AT ucsc DoT edu. You can find lots of useful information, including some help with LaTeX, on Yusuf's website (click on his name).
  • Jingyang Zhong; jzhong2 AT ucsc DOT edu; Office hours: Th 11:00-12:00, F 12:00-2:00 in McHenry 1266.

• Sections:
  • Math100-01A: Fr 11:00AM - 12:10AM, McHenry Clrm 1279 (Yusuf)
  • Math100-01B: Mo 12:30AM - 1:40PM, McHenry Clrm 1279 (Jingyang)
  • Math100-01C: We 2:00PM - 3:10PM, McHenry Clrm 1279 (Yusuf)
  • Math100-01D: Mo 2:00PM - 3:10PM, McHenry Clrm 1279 (Jingyang)

• Generalities about this class: The course Math 100 is of vital importance for your success in the Math Major. This course is designed to help you transition from algorithmic and calculation-oriented Mathematics, as you might know it from calculus, linear algebra, or differential equations, to proof-based Mathematics. The class teaches techniques of proof and also basic abstract concepts that will be used (without review) throughout all the higher numbered courses in Mathematics. In order to be successful in the Mathematics major and also to have fun with the higher classes, it is necessary to ace this class, not merely to pass it.

• LaTeX: This class satisfies the disciplinary writing requirement. As part of it you will be required to learn the type setting language of "LaTeX". LaTeX has become the standard for written communication in Mathematics and other sciences. You can download a free installation package for your own computer here. It should also be installed everywhere in the computer labs on campus (http://its.ucsc.edu/computer-labs/index.html). I recommend to play around and familiarize yourself with it before the start of classes.

• Supplementary Study Sessions: Because of the special importance of this class, the Mathematics Department is launching a pilot, supplementary study session for Math 100 this fall (in addition to the regular sections). Two math majors will lead active learning, collaborative study sessions for 90 minutes twice each week. The community aspect of collaborative learning means that you will work with your peers to solve problems that will help all of you gain a better understanding of your course material.
  • The success of the study sessions depends on teamwork between members. All students teach and learn from each other in the process.
  • Attendance at both sessions each week is mandatory (if you want to participate in the study session as well as the your regular discussion section). Students must commit to working with a team of peers who share a goal of mutual success.
  If you are interested in working together, with guidance from students who have been successful in Math 100, please submit your interest on the attached Doodle Poll until September 15th. The poll format required specific dates, but for now we really only want to know what days of the week are best for you, in morning, afternoon, or evening. Once we have that basic information, we will work on scheduling the times of the Study Sessions dependent on more follow up with the interested students.
  Space is limited! Do not hesitate!

• Tutoring: All UCSC students are eligible for up to 2 hours of tutoring per week per course and can sign up here. This service provided by "Learning Support Services" and it is free.

• Passing requirement: An overall score will be calculated from the following weighted components: Homework (weight 10% ), Quizzes (weight 10%), Midterm (weight 30%), and Final Exam (weight 50%). Passing requirement: 50% of the overall score.

• Syllabus

• Midterm: Thursday, November 6, 2pm-3:45pm, Stevenson 175.

• Final Exam: Tuesday, December 16, 12:00-3:00 pm, Stevenson 175.

• Textbook: Richard Hammack: Book of Proof. The book can be downloaded for free here. The Baytree Bookshop on campus has printed paperback versions available.

• Reading: I recommend preparing for each class by reading through the relevant sections in the book.
  
  • Th, October 2nd: 1.1-1.5.
  • T, October 7th: 1.5-2.1.
  • Th, October 9th, 2.1-2.6.
  • T, October 14th: 2.6-2.12.
  • Th, October 16th: 3.1-3.5.
  • T, October 21st, 4.1-4.5.
  • Th, October 23rd, 4.5-5.3.
  • T, October 28th, 5.3-6.4.
  • Th, October 30th, 7.1-7.4.
  • T, November 4th, 8.1-8.4.
  • Th, November 13th, 9.1-10.0.
  • T, November 18th, 10.1-10.3.
  • Th, November 20th, 10.3-11.3.
  • T, November 25nd, 11.3-12.1.
  • T, December 2nd, 11.5-12.3.
  • Th, December 4th, 12.4-12.6.
  • T, December 9th, 12.6-13.2.
  • Th, December 11th, 13.3-13.4.

• Homework: Needs to be dropped by 2pm on Fridays in the file cabinet located in McHenry, 1st floor, opposite of room 1240.
  
  • Due Friday, October 10th: 1.1: 12, 16, 22, 38, 42; 1.2: 2(f), 12; 1.3: 10, 14; 1.4: 6, 18; 1.5: 2(e), 4(e); 1.6: 6; 1.7: 8; 1.8: 6(a), 6(b). Use LaTeX for the problems that don't involve pictures. Fill in pictures by hand.
  • Due Friday, October 17th: 2.1: 6, 14; 2.2: 8; 2.3: 2; 2.4: 4; 2.5: 4, 8, 10; 2.6: 2, 10.
  • Due Friday, October 24th: 2.7: 6; 2.9: 6; 2.10: 8; 3.1: 4, 12; 3.2: 8; 3.3: 10; 12; 3.4: 12; 3.5: 8.
    
  • Due Friday, October 31st: 4: 10, 20, 24, 26; 5: 6, 18, 22, 26(!). Compile this LaTeX-file with additional problem.
    
  • Due Friday, November 7th: 6: 6, 16, 20, 24; 7: 10, 13, 22, 26.
    
  • Due Friday, November 14th: 7: 32, 34, 36; 8: 6, 12, 14, 22, 28.
    
  • Due Friday, November 21st: 9: 12, 14, 18, 28, 34; 10: 4, 8, 20.
    
  • Due Wednesday at noon, November 26th: 10: 30, 32; 11.0: 2, 12; 11.1: 14; 11.2: 2, 10, 12.
    
  • Due Friday, December 5th: 11.2: 14; 11.3: 2, 4; 11.4:4, 6, 8; <
    
  • Due Friday, December 12th: 12.1: 8, 10; 12.2: 14, 16; 12.3: 4; 12.4: 4; 12.5: 8; 12.6: 10, 14; For extra credit, here are three more problems related to Chapter 12.
    
  ! means "difficult".

• Major Qualification: This course is required to declare one or more of the majors in the Division of Physical & Biological Sciences. Your performance in this course may determine your eligibility for a science or math major. For more information on major qualification, please click here.