Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
MATH 300
VCU

Fall 2024
TR 2:00-3:15
Hibbs 216


Instructor: Richard Hammack
Office hours:
Office: Harris Hall 4166
Tuesday 12:30-1:45
Phone: 828 6237
Thursday 9:30-10:30
E-mail: rhammack@vcu.edu
and by appointment
Course web page: https://richardhammack.github.io/math300/

Prerequisite: MATH 201 with a minimum grade of C

MATH 300: Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to basic concepts of mathematical reasoning and the writing of proofs in an elementary setting. Direct, indirect and induction proofs. Illustrations of the concepts include basic proofs from mathematical logic, elementary set theory, elementary number theory, number systems, foundations of calculus, relations, equivalence relations, functions and counting with emphasis on combinatorial proofs.

Text: Book of Proof, Third Edition, By Richard Hammack
Paperback: ISBN: 978-0-9894721-2-8  ($21.75)
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-0-9894721-3-5  ($36.15)
Also, a FREE PDF version of the textbook is at  https://richardhammack.github.io/BookOfProof/

You are expected to keep up with the reading. There are frequent quizzes, two tests, and a final exam. Details follow.

Exercises:
There is an Exercise List of odd-numbered exercises from the text. (Odd numbered exercises have answers or solutions in the back of the text.) You should work these for practice. Quiz and tests questions will be similar to (sometimes identical to) problems on the Exercise List. Keep in mind that there can be many correct approaches for some proof-oriented questions, so the fact that your answer does not match the book's does not necessarily mean it is wrong. Ask me if you are ever unsure about the validity of your solution.

Quizzes: There will be a short quiz during nearly every class meeting. Quizzes are closed-book and closed-notes. No calculators, etc. All you will need is something to write with (and to have studied).

Tests: There are two closed-book tests, as noted on the course calendar. Use of calculators is not allowed during tests. In writing the tests, I assume that you have been studying the material at least 6 hours per week outside of class.

Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive, covering all material discussed in class. It is closed-book and closed-notes. It is scheduled for 12:30-3:20 PM on Thursday December 12. In writing the final exam, I will assume that you have been studying the material at least 6 hours per week outside of class, throughout the entire semester.

Participation: Participation means that you in some way demonstrate intellectual involvement in the course. It does not necessarily mean that you ask questions and volunteer answers. Active participation may include your working lots of exercises, taking advantage of office hours, and displaying preparedness, dedication and intellectual curiosity. Things that could cause you to lose participation points include sleeping in class, using a cell phone in class, missing too much class, and rude behavior. (Not that I expect you would do any of these things!)

Grading:
The 10-point grading scale is used:

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: 0-59

Your final average will be computed as follows:

Quizzes: 32%
Highest Test Grade: 32%
Participation: 4%
Final Exam: 32%

Total: 100%

 

Attendance: I do not take attendance, but I do notice if you are not attending class. If your grades are high, I do not mind if you miss class occasionally; otherwise, excessive absences may result in a reduced participation score.

As a matter of courtesy, you should arrive punctually and stay for the entire duration of each class you attend. Please inform me ahead of time if you must leave early.

Make-up Work: Under normal circumstances I do not make a distinction between excused and unexcused absences. An absence of any type can impact your performance. I do not give makeup tests, nor do I give makeup quizzes. I will drop your lowest test grade and several low quiz grades. If you miss one test, then that counts as the dropped grade. If you miss the final exam for a legitimate reason (i.e. a documented illness or emergency) then I can give you a grade of Incomplete (I) for the course, and you will need to make up the missed exam.

Internet: Information about this course is posted on my web page (not on Canvas). Go to https://richardhammack.github.io/math300/index.html There you will find the syllabus, assignments, copies of old tests, and other materials. Solutions for all graded work (quizzes and tests) will be posted after the due dates.

Email: Any email correspondence concerning this course should be through your official VCU email address. University policy prevents me from discussing many aspects of the course through other email addresses. I may send email messages either to the whole class or individuals in the class. It is your responsibility to check your VCU email regularly.

Cell Phones: Please be sure that all cell phones and other electronic devices are stowed away and unused for the entire duration of each class. Using such devices in class on may lower your participation score. Phones are not allowed during tests and quizzes.  Smart Watches or Wearables that are voice or data connected (i.e. iOS and/or Android enabled devices such as an Apple Watch) are not permitted during quizzes and exams. Violation will be considered an honor offense.

Office: Please feel free to stop by my office whenever you have a question, or if you just want to chat. If my posted hours are inconvenient, I will be happy to schedule an appointment. Tell me if you are having trouble. Catching up can be very difficult once you get behind, so let me know as soon as you think there is a problem.

Last day to withdraw
: October 25


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