Math 310

INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL REASONING

MATH 310 - WINTER 2008

Math 310 is the gateway to a Mathematical Science major. The course emphasizes mathematical arguments within an elementary setting. Students will discover that writing a rigorous mathematical proof is challenging endeavor. The goal of the course is for the students to learn how to write a sound mathematical proof and to appreciate its beauty.

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Instructor: Tatiana Toro.
Office: Padelford C-343, Phone: 543-1173.
E-mail: toro@math.washington.edu
Office hours: Tuesday 11-12, Friday 1:30-2:30 or by appointment.

TA INFORMATION:

TA: Art Sadovsky
E-mail: sadovky@u.washington.edu
Section: Monday 2:30-4:30 BLM 211.

TEXT: Mathematical Thinking, J. D'Angelo and D. West, 2nd Edition (required).

RESERVE LIST: Transition to Higher Mathematics, B. Dumas and J. McCarthy.

SYLLABUS: The following syllabus is tentative. It should give you a reasonable idea of what is ahead. The course will be divided in 4 + chapters as follows:

1. Numbers, Sets and Functions (Chapter 1).

2. Language and Proofs (Chapter 2).

3. Induction (Chapter 3).

4. Bijections and Cardinality (Chapter 4). Pigeonhole Principle (Chapter 10).

IMPORTANT DATES:

Midterm:

Friday February 15th, 2008.

Final Exam:

Math 310 A: Wednesday March 19, 2:30-4:20.

Math 310 B: Thursday March 20, 8:30-10:20.

GRADING POLICY: The grades will be determined on the basis of the following percentages.

Homework 40%.

There will 9 weekly homeworks due on Wednesdays at the beginning of class.

The assignements will be posted on-line a week prior to their due date..

Midterm 20%.

Final exam 40%.

MAKE-UPS:

Late homework assignments will NOT be accepted for any reason. You will be allowed to miss one homework assignment without penalty to your grade.

In the case of observance of religious holidays or participation in university sponsored activities, such as debate or athletics, arrangements must be made as soon as possible and at least one week in advance for exams. You will be required to provide documentation for your absence. Make-up exams will NOT be given. If you miss an exam due to unavoidable, compelling, and well-documented circumstances, your final exam will be weighted more heavily.