Math 112 Spring 2009 FAQ
LECTURES
Q: Is attendance at lectures required?
A: No. But attendance is strongly recommended. It will be much easier to succeed in this course if you attend all class sessions (including lectures and quiz sections) ready to participate fully. You are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class, whether or not you attend.
A: No. But attendance is strongly recommended. It will be much easier to succeed in this course if you attend all class sessions (including lectures and quiz sections) ready to participate fully. You are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class, whether or not you attend.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss a lecture?
A: Ask one of your colleagues if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Copy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
A: Ask one of your colleagues if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Copy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
Q: Is it OK if I talk to my friends during lecture?
A: Absolutely not. Talking not only distracts me from my job, it disturbs the students sitting near you. If you insist on having conversations during lecture, I will ask you to leave.
A: Absolutely not. Talking not only distracts me from my job, it disturbs the students sitting near you. If you insist on having conversations during lecture, I will ask you to leave.
Q: Is it OK if I leave lecture early?
A: I understand that every once in a while, you might need to take off early. One or two people leaving class quietly doesn't bother me at all. However, when more than a handful of people leave during the last five minutes of class, it distracts me and the rest of the class. If too many people start leaving, I will ask that the exodus cease.
A: I understand that every once in a while, you might need to take off early. One or two people leaving class quietly doesn't bother me at all. However, when more than a handful of people leave during the last five minutes of class, it distracts me and the rest of the class. If too many people start leaving, I will ask that the exodus cease.
HOMEWORK
Q: What is this week's homework assignment and when is it due?
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date here.
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date here.
Q: I'm not going to be in class on Friday. Can I still turn in my
homework?
A: Yes. You may either turn your homework in to your TA on Thursday during quiz section or place it in the box outside of Dr. T's office before 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Be warned, however, that the box will not be secure. It may be possible for another student to tamper with your assignment while in the box.
A: Yes. You may either turn your homework in to your TA on Thursday during quiz section or place it in the box outside of Dr. T's office before 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Be warned, however, that the box will not be secure. It may be possible for another student to tamper with your assignment while in the box.
Q: Does it matter if I do my homework in pen or pencil?
A: No. Just try and be neat.
A: No. Just try and be neat.
Q: Is there any identifying information I should include on my
homework?
A: You should put your name and section (for example, AA, BD, etc.) in the top right-hand corner of your assignment.
A: You should put your name and section (for example, AA, BD, etc.) in the top right-hand corner of your assignment.
Q: Some of the questions require me to draw on a graph or fill in a
table from the book. How do I include these in my homework?
A: There is an appendix at the back of the text that contains the tables and graphs. You can tear out these pages and include them in your homework.
A: There is an appendix at the back of the text that contains the tables and graphs. You can tear out these pages and include them in your homework.
Q: How is homework graded?
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
Q: I spent hours on my homework and did almost every problem except the
three that you chose to grade for correctness. So, even though I did
all this work, I still got a low grade. Do you think that's fair?
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
Q: I was sick on Friday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I turn it
in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I went skiing on Friday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I turn
it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was hungover on Friday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I
turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was in lecture on Friday and I had my homework done but I forgot
to turn in my homework. Can I turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty. (But remember, you can always put it in the box outside Dr. T's office before 1:30 on Friday and it won't be late.)
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty. (But remember, you can always put it in the box outside Dr. T's office before 1:30 on Friday and it won't be late.)
ACTIVITIES
Q: When do we do activities?
A: You work on group activities every Tuesday during quiz section, except during exam weeks.
A: You work on group activities every Tuesday during quiz section, except during exam weeks.
Q: I tend to work slowly. What if I don't finish the activity during
class?
A: If you are in class and working on the activity during the entire quiz section and still don't finish, you may finish the activity at home and turn it in during the next quiz section (but no later than that).
A: If you are in class and working on the activity during the entire quiz section and still don't finish, you may finish the activity at home and turn it in during the next quiz section (but no later than that).
Q: I prefer to work alone. Do I have to work in a group?
A: Yes. Part of learning how to do mathematics is learning how to communicate mathematical ideas. Group activities offer students the opportunity to articulate mathematical ideas and processes to their peers. We want to hear you having conversations about the material.
A: Yes. Part of learning how to do mathematics is learning how to communicate mathematical ideas. Group activities offer students the opportunity to articulate mathematical ideas and processes to their peers. We want to hear you having conversations about the material.
Q: My mathematical background is a lot weaker than everyone else in the
class. I don't have anything to offer a group. Do I have to work in a
group?
A: Yes. I've found that often students underestimate their abilities relative to the rest of the class. You may be surprised at what you know and what others don't know. Further, remember the point is to have conversations about the material. Asking your colleagues how they arrived at an answer or why something is true may start valuable conversations. In addition, in answering your questions, other group members may realize that they've made a mistake and your group can work to correct them.
A: Yes. I've found that often students underestimate their abilities relative to the rest of the class. You may be surprised at what you know and what others don't know. Further, remember the point is to have conversations about the material. Asking your colleagues how they arrived at an answer or why something is true may start valuable conversations. In addition, in answering your questions, other group members may realize that they've made a mistake and your group can work to correct them.
Q: One member of my group is a real jerk. Do I have to work with
him/her?
A: No. You can work with whomever you like. If this person is a real nuisance and you can't avoid him or her, speak to your TA or instructor.
A: No. You can work with whomever you like. If this person is a real nuisance and you can't avoid him or her, speak to your TA or instructor.
Q: I missed class on Tuesday. Can I make up the activity?
A: No. You may miss one activity without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one activity without penalty.
EXAMS
Q: When are the exams?
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website.
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website.
Q: What resources am I allowed to use on exams?
A: You're allowed to use a ruler, a calculator, and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of hand-written notes.
A: You're allowed to use a ruler, a calculator, and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of hand-written notes.
Q: Can I type my note sheet?
A: No. Note sheets must be hand-written. To construct a hand-written note sheet, start with a blank (both sides) sheet of paper and write on it.
A: No. Note sheets must be hand-written. To construct a hand-written note sheet, start with a blank (both sides) sheet of paper and write on it.
Q: Can I write on both sides of the note sheet?
A: Yes.
A: Yes.
Q: What am I allowed to put on the note sheet?
A: Anything you want as long as it's hand-written.
A: Anything you want as long as it's hand-written.
Q: Can I photocopy my friend's note sheet?
A: No. A photo-copied note sheet is not hand-written.
A: No. A photo-copied note sheet is not hand-written.
Q: What happens if I use a note sheet that is not hand-written?
A: Using a typed note sheet is an instance of academic misconduct. If you use any source on the exam other than what is described above, I will give you a zero on the exam (and offer you a hearing before the Committee on Academic Conduct).
A: Using a typed note sheet is an instance of academic misconduct. If you use any source on the exam other than what is described above, I will give you a zero on the exam (and offer you a hearing before the Committee on Academic Conduct).
Q: I want to do well in this course. What advice can you give me?
A: Read through these tips for how to study mathematics successfully.
A: Read through these tips for how to study mathematics successfully.
Q: I suffer from test anxiety. What should I do?
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
Q: I understand everything we do in class. Why do I get low grades on
exams?
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis for years and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems BEFORE you get to the exam.
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis for years and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems BEFORE you get to the exam.
CALCULATORS
Q: Are graphing calculators allowed?
A: Yes. If you already have a graphing calculator and you know how to use it, feel free to continue doing so.
A: Yes. If you already have a graphing calculator and you know how to use it, feel free to continue doing so.
Q: I don't have a graphing calculator. Should I buy one?
A: No. Graphing calculators are not necessary in this course, they tend to be very expensive (around $100), and can be difficult to use (depending on the model). You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15 or less and that will work just fine for this class.
A: No. Graphing calculators are not necessary in this course, they tend to be very expensive (around $100), and can be difficult to use (depending on the model). You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15 or less and that will work just fine for this class.
Q: What's a scientific calculator?
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button with an "ln" on it).
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button with an "ln" on it).
Q: Is there a calculator that you recommend?
A: Folks in the School of Business tell me that the HP 10bII (about $40) is a good choice for business students. If you don't plan on applying to the business school, then the HP 9s is a cheaper option (around $10) that will work just as well in this class. The TI-30X IIS and the TI-30X IIB (around $15) also look sufficient. As long as the calculator can compute powers, square roots and ln's, you've got the right kind.
A: Folks in the School of Business tell me that the HP 10bII (about $40) is a good choice for business students. If you don't plan on applying to the business school, then the HP 9s is a cheaper option (around $10) that will work just as well in this class. The TI-30X IIS and the TI-30X IIB (around $15) also look sufficient. As long as the calculator can compute powers, square roots and ln's, you've got the right kind.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
Q: What constitutes cheating in this class?
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on an activity, homework, or exam constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on an activity, homework, or exam are the same as for the student doing the copying.
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on an activity, homework, or exam constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on an activity, homework, or exam are the same as for the student doing the copying.
Q: What happens if I am accused of cheating?
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee, you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee, you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
Q: Should I cheat in this class?
A: No.
A: No.
MATH STUDY CENTER
Q: Where is the Math Study Center?
A: The Math 111/112 Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building: CMU B-006.
A: The Math 111/112 Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building: CMU B-006.
Q: What really goes on at the Math Study Center?
A: Math 112 students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
A: Math 112 students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
Q: I went to the MSC and waited an hour for the TA to answer one
question. What good is the MSC?
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
Q: I need a lot of intensive help with this course. Can I get that
kind of help at the MSC?
A: Not really. There will only be one or two tutors in the MSC at any given time. Most of the time, this means that the tutors will only be able to help each student or group of students for a few minutes at a time. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or outside the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).
A: Not really. There will only be one or two tutors in the MSC at any given time. Most of the time, this means that the tutors will only be able to help each student or group of students for a few minutes at a time. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or outside the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).