University of Washington MATH 111 Syllabus

In this course, you will study the use of graphs and algebraic functions as they apply to the fields of business and economics. This course will prepare you for a course in the application of calculus to business and economics.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, a successful student should be able to do the following.

  • Translate a question from "real-world" language into graphical language and functional notation
  • Use graphs and equations (linear and quadratic) to:
    • Analyze speed and other rates of change
    • Analyze revenue, cost, and profit
    • Find optimal quantities and rates
    • Investigate supply and demand
  • Use exponential and logarithmic functions to solve problems involving:
    • Percent and proportionate change
    • Simple and compound interest
    • Discrete and continuous compounding
    • Annuities, loans, amortization

Class structure

The structure of the course may vary by instructor.
  • Lectures are generally scheduled three times a week, each lasting 50 minutes.  These may be traditional lectures where the instructor does most of the talking, or active learning sessions where you work on problems and then discuss, or a mix of both.
  • There are usually two 50-minute quiz sections per week.  Instructors may choose to use these sessions for group activities, problem-solving sessions, or as a drop-in Lab where students can work on assignments and get help from each other and teaching assistants.
  • You may be expected to watch videos online outside of class time.
  • Assessments of learning may include homework assignments, group activities, midterm exams, quizzes, and a final exam.

Course Materials

  • Webassign

     Every student must purchase an access code for Webassign in order to complete the homework. Webassign access includes an electronic copy of the Harshbarger/Reynolds text and will cover both Math 111 and Math 112.  You have a two-week grace period, beginning the first day of classes to try Webassign and the electronic text.  Once you decide to purchase Webassign, you may buy it online or from the University Bookstore. Students will access Webassign through the Canvas page for their course.

  • Texts

    • For the first few weeks of the quarter, your text will be the GATROC (Graphical Approaches to Rates of Change). Nothing to purchase, just follow the link. (If you want a hard copy, you'll need to print it yourself.)
    • Applied Mathematics for Business by Harshbarger/Reynolds (12th ed.) serves as the text for the remainder of the quarter. An electronic copy is included when you buy a Webassign access code. This text book is used in both Math 111 and 112. You are not required to purchase a hard copy.

  • Other Required Materials

    • In the first three weeks of the quarter, you'll need a way to draw lines on a graph in a pdf. You can either print them out and draw with a pencil and ruler or import them into an application that allows you to draw on them. You will therefore need one of the following:
      • a printer and a clear plastic ruler to draw straight lines on a graph OR
      • a way to electronically draw lines on a pdf using a computer or tablet (your phone is probably too small but may work if you have no other option)
    • a TI-30X IIS calculator

      On quizzes and exams, you are allowed to use a TI-30X IIS calculator.  This is the only make and model of calculator allowed during exams.  It is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.  If you don’t want to buy one, you may be able to borrow one from someone who has finished their 100-level math classes.

    Grading

    • Your grade in the course will be determined by your performance on the learning assessments assigned by your instructor.  You can expect that in-class assessments (like quizzes and exams) will make up the bulk of your grade (between 50 and 80%).
    • How grades are assigned is typically up to the instructor.  Instructors may apply a “straight” scale or “curve” the grades if overall percentages are relatively low.  Most instructors aim to set the course median between a 2.7 and a 3.1.

    Resources for Students with Disabilities 

    Your experience in this class is important to your instructional team. If you have already established accommodations with Disability Resources for Students (DRS), please communicate your approved accommodations to your instructor(s) at your earliest convenience so you can discuss your needs in this course.

    If you have not yet established services through DRS, but have a temporary health condition or permanent disability that requires accommodations (conditions include but not limited to; mental health, attention-related, learning, vision, hearing, physical or health impacts), you are welcome to contact DRS at 206-543-8924 or uwdrs@uw.edu or disability@uw.edu. DRS offers resources and coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and/or temporary health conditions. Reasonable accommodations are established through an interactive process between you, your instructor(s) and DRS. It is the policy and practice of the University of Washington to create inclusive and accessible learning environments consistent with federal and state law.

    Religious Accommodations 

    “Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy. Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form."

    Suggested schedule (10-week quarter with 2 midterm exams)

    Week 1

    • Introduction
    • GATROC Section 1:  Introduction to speed and rates of change
    • GATROC Section 2:  Graphical interpretation of average trip speed and average speed
    • GATROC Section 3:  Working backwards on a distance graph (find time(s) given average speed)

    Week 2

    • GATROC Section 4:  Other rates of change, working backwards from a rate graph
    • GATROC Section 5:  Translating between practical language, graphical language, and functional notation
    • GATROC Section 6:  Introduction to revenue, cost, and profit

    Week 3

    • GATROC Section 7:  Marginal cost, marginal revenue, and profit
    • GATROC Section 8:  Average cost, average variable cost, breakeven price, and shutdown price

    Week 4

    • GATROC Section 9:  Graphs of marginal cost, average cost, and average variable cost
    • Catch up and review
    • Midterm Exam

    Week 5

    • HR (Harshbarger/Reynolds) Sections 1.1 to 1.3:  Linear equations, inequalities, and functions
    • HR Section 1.6:  Business applications of linear functions (revenue, cost, and profit; supply and demand)
    • HR Sections 2.1 & 2.2:  Quadratic equations and functions, quadratic formula, vertex formula

    Week 6

    • HR Section 2.2:  Algebra and rates of change
    • HR Section 2.3:  Business applications of quadratic functions (revenue, cost, and profit; supply and demand; breakeven and shutdown price)
    • HR Sections 5.1 & 5.2: Introduction to exponential functions and logarithms, solving equations

    Week 7

    • HR Section 5.3:  Applications of exponential functions
    • Catch up and review
    • Midterm Exam

    Week 8

    • HR Section 6.1:  Simple interest
    • HR Section 6.2:  Discrete and continuous compounding, APY

    Week 9

    • HR Section 6.3 & 6.4:  Annuities
    • HR Section 6.5:  Loans and amortization

    Week 10

    • Catch up and review