Numbers and Polynomials

MAS 3300

Section 7178


Instructor: Paul Robinson

Class: MWF 7 (13:55-14:45); 251 Matherly Hall

Office: W 3, 6; F 3, 9

Text: Kermit Sigmon, Numbers and Polynomials, Third Edition


The primary focus of this course is on learning to write clear and rigorous mathematical arguments. In order to facilitate this, the actual subject matter of the course is intentionally familiar - primarily, the fundamental properties of various number systems.

There will be two in-class tests during the term, along with a third test during finals week; in addition, there will be regular homework assignments. Grades will be assigned (according to the usual scale: A 90%, B+ 85%, B 80%, and so on) on the basis of performance in the three 50-point tests and the best five 10-point homework assignments.

Attendance will be expected; class participation will be encouraged.

 

NOTE: The text for this course may be obtained either from University Copy Center (1620 West University Avenue) or by direct download as a pdf file. This file may be viewed in one of the several versions of Adobe Reader; as an alternative viewer, we suggest Foxit Reader 2. We remark that Foxit allows annotation such as notes and highlights, a feature not currently available in Adobe freeware; moreover, Foxit Reader tends to be substantially faster than Adobe Reader.


Examinations

Test 1    28 September

Test 2    16 November

Final     11 December (10:00-12:00)


 Homeworks

Homework 1

Homework 2

Homework 3

Homework 4

Homework 5

Homework 6

Homework 7