Math 112 Course Syllabus

In this course, you will study the concepts of differential and integral calculus in specific contexts with emphasis on applications to economics.  Topics will include:  rates of change, tangent lines, derivatives, accumulation, area,  integrals, multi-variable functions, and partial derivatives.

Suggested Class Schedule:  

  • Week 1:
    • Average Rates of Change
    • The Slope of a Tangent Line
    • The Derivative (Power Rule, Sum Rule, Coefficient Rule)
    • Applications of Derivatives (emphasis on Marginal Analysis)
  • Week 2:
    • Product and Quotient Rules
    • The Generalized Power Rule
    • Putting the Rules Together
  • Week 3:
    • The Second Derivative
    • The Graph of the Derivative and Applications
  • Week 4:
    • Critical Values and Local Optima, Curve Sketching
    • Concavity
  • Week 5:
    • The Second Derivative Test and Global Optima
    • Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  • Week 6:
    • The Indefinite Integral
    • Applications of Indefinite Integrals
  • Week 7:
    • Definite Integrals and Areas
    • Evaluating Definite Integrals with the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
    • Area Between Curves
  • Week 8:
    • Applications of Definite Integrals
    • Multivariable Functions
    • Mechanics of Partial Derivatives
  • Week 9:
    • Interpreting Partial Derivatives
    • Applications of Partial Derivatives
  • Week 10:
    • Catch up and Review for Final Exam

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

    If you took Math 111 at UW within the past few quarters, then you should not have to purchase anything new.  Your Webassign access should still work --- the Webassign folks will have office hours (via Zoom) early in the quarter to help with access issues.  If you did not take Math 111 at UW, then you must purchase an access code for Webassign in order to complete the homework. Webassign access includes an electronic copy of the Harshbarger/Reynolds text.  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 via the Canvas page for the course.

  • Text 

    Applied Mathematics for Business by Harshbarger/Reynolds (12th ed.) serves as the text for Math 112.  An electronic copy of the text is included with Webassign access and will suffice for most students.  Students are not required to purchase a hard copy of the text.

  • Other Required Materials

    • One of the following for homework and lecture:
      • 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."