Home, 1/18 (last message)
Well, that took longer than I thought, but here's the final update of these pages, which includes scores and solutions of the last few exams and joysheets. You can find everything on the "scores and docs" page. Keep in mind that final exam scores are always weaker than other exams, because the best students do not take it.
I enjoyed teaching this course. Although for many of you a weekly cold shower would have been preferable to this class, many students made good progress and I saw willingness on your part to put in an effort. I thank everyone for going to the board to work on problems, even if you weren't thrilled by it.
I'd wish you a good break now, but the next semester has already started. Have a good spring semester, then!
Home, 12/5
Exam 4 turned out well — see scores on the "scores and docs" page.
The final exam, which is comprehensive, will take place on Thursday at 1:30PM in our usual classroom. (If anyone wishes to take the final exam earlier, you can do it with one of my other classes, on Tuesday at 10:30 or Thursday at 10:30.)
The final will have six pages and consist of problems like the ones on the exams during the semester. Therefore, to start preparing yourself for it, make sure you can do all the problems on the four exams we have had. (Solutions to all of our exams are now available.) Also, check out the sample final exam on the "scores and docs" page. No one should have any problem finishing the exam, since it is 50% longer than a usual exam, but you get twice the time.
Office hours schedule Monday-Thursday:
Monday 10:00-1:30, Tuesday 9:00-10:30 and 1:00-3:00
Wednesday 10:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00, Thursday 9-10:30, 12:30-1:30
To attend office hour by Zoom, send me an email first, so I can start the meeting.
Home, 11/27
Exam 3 turned out well, not surprising, since the material was easier. In any case, good job, class!
I have updated the grades on Canvas: remember that your overall score is found in the assignment "current" and that Canvas' own grade computation (the "headline grade") is inaccurate. Use the grade computer on these pages to see what you need to make on the next exam to get a desired grade.
Speaking of: Exam 4, covering sections 13.1, 14.1 and 14.2 is scheduled for Friday. Check out sample exam 4, but ignore problems 5 and 6, as those will not have been covered in class (there will be substitutes from the sections we cover.) I will grade it shortly afterwards and inform you of your overall score by Sunday noon so you can make the decision on whether to take the final exam on the following Thursday (12/9).
Expect one more joysheet next week, but I am not sure I can get it back to you before the exam — I see a busy week coming!
On Monday, we will start the new section 14.1.
Two more notes on grades. You may have noticed a change in your overall MyLab score, especially if you have missed doing an assignment. I realized MyLab was not counting the unattempted assignments, so I updated the settings so it does (one gets a zero for an unattempted assignment that is past due).
Also, a careful reader of the syllabus would have found an "in-class worksheets" category, worth 4% of your overall grade. A careful student would have noticed we haven't had any during the semester. For this reason, I am removing the "in-class worksheets" category and splitting the 4% between Mylab and joysheet scores, so they are now worth 10% each. I updated the grade computer to reflect this.
Home, 11/20
Due to popular demand, Exam 3 has been rescheduled for Monday. I will return joysheets 8 and 9 by Sunday afternoon.
MyLab for section 13.1 will be up soon, but it will not be due until after Thanksgiving.
Home, 11/13
Exam 3, covering sections 12.1-12.5, is scheduled for Friday. Check out sample exam 3 for some representative problems. Exam 3 is comparatively easy: make sure you understand the concepts and the computations, so you can get a good score to help your overall grade.
On Monday, we will finish section 12.5, and start section 13.1 (13.1 will not be on the exam). Joysheet 9 is due on Wednesday: if I get it by then, I will return it to you before the exam. Discussion of homework in section 12.5 will occur on Wednesday, along with taking any questions ahead of the exam. MyLab for section 12.5 is due on Thursday.
Home, 11/6
Exam 2 turned out better than exam 1, but that still leaves something to be desired. Your overall scores have been updated on Canvas.
What is more worrying is that fewer students are turning in joysheets and online homework. This has to and can improve, especially since the last few sections are easier than the previous ones. Take advantage of this to rack up some points by consistently doing online homework and submitting joysheets.
On Monday, we will discuss briefly homework in section 12.3. MyLab homework for that section is due on Thursday.
Home, 10/30
After exam 2, take a little break, but don't forget the homework. It has been assigned for section 12.1 on MyLab, and we will discuss some of it on Wednesday.
Home, 10/23
Exam 2, covering sections 11.1, 11.4, 11.6-11.8 is scheduled for Friday. Check out sample exam 2 for some representative problems.
On Monday, we will finish working on homework in section 11.8 and then start some new material, which is not going to be on the exam. MyLabs for 11.8 and Joysheet 7 (distributed on Friday, available in "scores and docs") are due on Tuesday. While the joysheet can be turned in a little later, if you get it to me by Tuesday, you will get it back before the exam.
Home, 10/16
Sorry for such a long delay to getting your exams back, but I finally returned them to you after fall break, and later updated your overall scores in Canvas. Remember to look under "current" in Canvas/grades for your overall score. DO NOT RELY on the "headline" grade on Canvas — it is not accurate.
Exam 1 turned out in line with my previous mathematical concepts classes. It is usually the most difficult exam of the four. If you did not get what you were hoping for, improve your efforts for this chapter, which is independent from the previous one.
Joysheet 5 was due yesterday, and I gave out joysheet 6 in class yesterday, due Wednesday. On Monday, we will discuss homework in section 11.7, and its MyLab is due on Wednesday.
We are on the verge of finishing chapter 11, so expect an exam week after next. Wednesday?
Home, 10/2
On Monday, we will finish working on homework in section 11.4, then start some new material. MyLabs for 11.1 and 11.4 are due on Tuesday.
I am rather busy this weekend, so doubt that I will grade the exams by Monday. Expect them on Wednesday.
Home, 9/25
Exam 1, covering sections 8.1-8.7, is scheduled for Wednesday. Check out sample exam 1 on the "scores and docs" page for some representative problems. You can ignore problem 8 on the sample exam — we have not covered such problems — instead, review problem 6 on joysheet 3.
On Monday, we will do a little of the new material and spend about half the class reviewing for the exam. I will post some homework for sections 11.1 and 11.4 that we will go over on Friday.
Joysheet 3 was due yesterday, and you will get it back before the exam. Joysheet 4 is due on Monday: if you turn it in by Monday night, you will get it back before the exam, but you can turn it in until Friday if you didn't have enough time to do it.
Home, 9/18
On Monday, we will finish sections 8.6 and 8.7 and go over homework from those sections. The MyLabs are due on Tuesday (8.6) and Thursday (8.7). Another joysheet will be handed out next week.
Exam 1, covering sections 8.1-8.7, will be given the following week. I am thinking Wednesday (9/29).
Home, 9/10
On Monday, we continue with section 8.5.
Don't forget the MyLab for section 8.4, due on Monday.
I am planning for Exam 1, covering sections 8.1-8.6, to come week after next. If you want to jump-start exam preparations, check out sample exam 1 (except problem 8) on the "scores and docs" page.
Home, 9/3
On Wednesday (Tuesday for section C), we will discuss homework in section 8.4, due on MyLab on Friday.
Other things due: Joysheet 1 tonight and Joysheet 2 on Wednesday. Joysheet 2 was handed out today: if you missed it you can find it on these pages or on Canvas.
Submit Joysheets by taking their pictures, putting them in a PDF file and uploading them on Canvas/assignments. See bottom of this page for submission tips and apps that collate pictures into PDF files.
Remember to seek help when you are having trouble. Office hours are always available for questions, and you can get help elsewhere on campus: see the newly updated "free tutoring" page.
Have a good long weekend!
Home, 8/27
On Monday, we will discuss homework in section 8.3, due on MyLab on Wednesday. Homework over 8.2 is due on Monday.
The homework sheet has been posted up to section 8.4. Note that 8.4 also has some additional problems on the very sheet.
Free tutoring information has been updated: it is available now. You are always most welcome to stop by for office hours for questions, and this is another place where you can get some help.
Home, 8/20
On Monday, we will discuss homework in sections 8.1 and 8.2. Work on these so you can ask and answer questions over them.
For the homework, you will need access to the book and the online homework. If you haven't done so already, get yourself set up with instructions below. First online homework is due on Friday of next week.
Home, 8/16
Welcome to the course! Look around to familiarize yourself with the layout of these webpages. To get to other pages, click on the links in the menu (or drop-down, if viewing on a smartphone). The most often-used pages are in the first line of the menu (or the first several choices of the drop-down). "Scores and docs," for example, has all the documents for the course.
This page is for both sections, -04 and -C04. Anything written here applies to both sections unless specifically stated.
Your first exercise is to find the syllabus on these pages and read it. The items there that are typically of greatest interest to students are from "Homework" to "Make-ups."
These pages will get more content as information becomes available. Check back often: useful information is provided in the "home" section (which you are reading), typically updated weekly.
Here are some specific items related to COVID-19.
Masks: To repeat the university's policy, they have to be worn while in class, my office, or in the building. They have to cover your nose and your mouth at all times.
Canvas: will mainly be the repository of class notes, your grades, and a place to upload worksheets. Information about the course and weekly messages will be posted to this website (also accessible from Canvas). (Why bother with the website outside of Canvas? Two reasons: it's easier to make updates to it, and it stays public, something I value, and you may grow to as well, as a service to future students of this same course.)
Textbook and online homework: In this course, you have signed up for "Inclusive Access," which automatically bills you for access to the online homework system and includes the e-book. You can access these materials by following the instructions here. (On Canvas, look under "Modules" to find Pearson materials.)
Office hours: At most one person will be allowed in my office at a time. Of course, you have to wear a mask. I may take your temperature with a touchless thermometer, and you will be able to check mine with the same. If you come and see someone in my office, let me know you are there, so I may be able to help you concurrently while you sit in the foreroom, or we can all go to a larger room, if several students have the same questions.
Assignments and exams: To minimize handoff of physical objects between people and thus reduce chance of transmission of the virus, all assignments will be submitted and returned on Canvas. Exams will be taken in person.
Assignment submission: is through Canvas as PDF files only, to facilitate easier grading and return.
Important: try to reduce the size of the files you are uploading: If you are scanning, resolution of 100dpi has been good enough for exam solutions, so it should be adequate for your assignments. (Resulting smaller files are quicker to upload and download).
If you don't have a scanner, take pictures with your phone. Make it nice: lay the assignment sheet on a flat surface with good lighting. Use a lower resolution setting for the camera, to reduce final file size. Then use an app to bundle the pictures into a PDF. Some phones have native support for this, for others you can download a free app. Here are some that have been recommended to me: default notes app on the iPhone, Adobe Scan, Tiny Scanner, CamScanner, Notebloc.