MAS 3300                Numbers and Polynomials              MWF 3rd(9:35-10:25)
Section 3165                                                             LIT 233
Spring 1997

INSTRUCTOR:        Dr. Garvan
                   483 Little Hall
                   392-0281 extn 248
                   email: frank@math.ufl.edu

HOME-PAGE:  http://www.math.ufl.edu/~frank/numpolyspring97.html

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:40-11:30, or by appointment.

PREREQUISITES: MAC 3312 or MAC 3512 or MAC 3473.

TEXT: Kermit Sigmon, Numbers and Polynomials Course Notes. Available from 
the University Copy Center, 1620 W. University Ave.

COURSE CONTENT: We will cover the following:

o  Chapter 1.   Elementary Algebraic and Order Properties of the Real Numbers
o  Chapter 2.   The integers, well-ordering and induction
o  Chapter 3.   Elementary Number Theory
o  Chapter 4.   Rational and Irrational numbers (4.15-4.26 Decimal Expansi*ons 
                Optional) (4.27-4.32 Cardinal Numbers Optional)
o  Chapter 5.   Fields and Subfields
o  Chapter 6.   Complex Numbers
o  Chapter 7.   Polynomials
Special attention will be devoted to developing the ability to read and write 
mathematical proofs.

COURSE GOALS: By the end of the semester, you should :
     1. know how to communicate mathematical ideas effectively;
     2. know how to recognize a valid mathematical argument;
     3. know how to write a mathematical proof;
     4. be able to successfully present a mathematical proof to the class;
     5. understand the basic theory of the course material;
     6. know how to use the computer package MAPLE to do symbolic computations;
     7. know how to use the internet to access course material.

GRADING: The course grade will be based on

o  two in-class tests  -  40%

o  in-class presentation of proofs [Each student is required to satisfactorily 
   present a proof in class].

o  homework and notes  -  30%  - [Students are required to maintain a folder of
   course notes, proofs and homework. This will be checked at random.]

o  one computing assignment  -  10%

o  final exam  -  20%

Grades: A (90%), B+ (85%), B (80%), C+ (75%), C (70%), D (60%).

DATES:          Martin Luther King Day  Monday, January 20
                Test 1                  Friday, February 14
                Spring Break            March 10 - March 14
                Test 2                  Friday, March 28
                Last day of classes     Wednesday, April 23
                Study/Review days       April 24-25
                FINAL EXAM              Thursday, May 1, 3:00pm-5:00pm

NOTE: Documentation is needed for a make-up midterm exam.