Numbers and Polynomials

Instructor: Paul Robinson

Class: MWF 4 (12:30-13:45); 205 Little Hall

Office: W 3,5 ; F 3

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 three in-class tests during the term: one in each even-numbered week; each test will count for 50 points. In addition, there will be six unannounced in-class quizzes during the term, each quiz counting for 10 points. Grades will be assigned (according to the usual scale: A 90%, B+ 85%, B 80%, and so on) on the basis of performance in either (a) all three tests or (b) two tests and five quizzes.

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

Test 2

Test 3