Math 111 FAQ
LECTURES
Q: Is attendance at lectures required?
A: No. But you are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class and understanding the material we covered.
A: No. But you are responsible for knowing about what goes on in class and understanding the material we covered.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss a lecture?
A: Ask one of your classmates if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Read through or recopy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
A: Ask one of your classmates if you may copy his/her notes and check the course website for any announcements or changes to the homework schedule. Read through or recopy the notes and ask your TA or instructor or another student about anything that you don't understand.
Q: Is it OK if I do homework for another class during lecture?
A: If you're discreet about it, I probably won't even notice. But if you're not paying attention to lecture anyway, you'd probably do a better job on your homework somewhere quiet. If you need to finish an assignment for another class, you might be better off skipping lecture, working at the library, and getting the lecture notes from a friend.
A: If you're discreet about it, I probably won't even notice. But if you're not paying attention to lecture anyway, you'd probably do a better job on your homework somewhere quiet. If you need to finish an assignment for another class, you might be better off skipping lecture, working at the library, and getting the lecture notes from a friend.
Q: Is it OK if I talk to my friends during lecture?
A: Absolutely not. Talking not only distracts me from my job, it disturbs the students sitting near you. If you insist on having conversations during lecture, I will ask you to leave. If you have something important to discuss, you might be better off skipping lecture, going to get a cup of coffee, and getting the lecture notes from a friend.
A: Absolutely not. Talking not only distracts me from my job, it disturbs the students sitting near you. If you insist on having conversations during lecture, I will ask you to leave. If you have something important to discuss, you might be better off skipping lecture, going to get a cup of coffee, and getting the lecture notes from a friend.
Q: Is it OK if I leave lecture early?
A: I understand that every once in a while you might need to take off early. A few people leaving class quietly doesn't bother me at all. However, when more than a handful of people leave during the last five minutes of class, or if they're noisy, it distracts me and the rest of the class. If too many people start leaving, I will ask that the exodus cease.
A: I understand that every once in a while you might need to take off early. A few people leaving class quietly doesn't bother me at all. However, when more than a handful of people leave during the last five minutes of class, or if they're noisy, it distracts me and the rest of the class. If too many people start leaving, I will ask that the exodus cease.
HOMEWORK
Q: What is this week's homework assignment and when is it due?
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date on the class webpage. It's also announced in class.
A: You can find this week's homework assignment and its due date on the class webpage. It's also announced in class.
Q: I'm not going to be in class when the homework is due. Can I still turn in my
homework?
A: Yes. You may either :
A: Yes. You may either :
1. turn your homework in to your
TA on Tuesday during quiz section or
2. ask a reliable classmate to turn it in for
you. Make sure you label it with your name, your TA's name,
and your quiz section!
3. put your homework in the specially provided box by my office door before
2:30 pm on the homework due date. Make sure you label it with your name, your TA's name,
and your quiz section!
Note: Methods #2 and #3 are obviously not secure and we cannot be responsible if your homework goes missing.
Q: Does it matter if I do my homework in pen or pencil?
A: No. But writing a clear and neat assignment, with clearly labeled parts, will ensure you get the most credit for your work. Also, do staple all your pages together!
A: No. But writing a clear and neat assignment, with clearly labeled parts, will ensure you get the most credit for your work. Also, do staple all your pages together!
Q: Is there any identifying information I should include on my
homework?
A: You should put your name, your TA and your section (for example, AA, BA, etc.) in the top right-hand corner of your assignment.
A: You should put your name, your TA and your section (for example, AA, BA, etc.) in the top right-hand corner of your assignment.
Q: Some of the questions require me to draw on a graph or fill in a
table from the book. How do I include these in my homework?
A: There is an appendix at the back of the text that contains the tables and graphs. You can tear out these pages and include them in your homework.
A: There is an appendix at the back of the text that contains the tables and graphs. You can tear out these pages and include them in your homework.
Q: How is homework graded?
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
A: Your homework grade will consist of two components: a completion grade and a correctness grade. You will receive a grade out of 4 points for completion. If you've done most of the problems, you should earn at least 4 points on your homework every time. On top of that, we will choose three problems to be graded in more detail, each worth two points, for a total of 6 correctness points. That makes a total of 10 points for each assignment.
Q: I spent hours on my homework and did almost every problem except
the three that you chose to grade for correctness. So, even though I did all
this work, I still got a low grade. Do you think that's fair?
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
A: It's not perfect, but yes, I think it's fair. The math department does not have the resources to pay someone to grade every problem in detail. Since you should have plenty of time to work the homework problems (and to seek assistance if necessary), it's reasonable for me to expect you to complete and have accurate write-ups of all assigned problems.
Q: I was sick on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I turn
it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I went skiing on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I
turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was hungover on Wednesday and didn't turn in my homework. Can I
turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
Q: I was in lecture on Wednesday and I had my homework done but I
forgot to turn in my homework. Can I turn it in late?
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one homework without penalty.
ACTIVITIES
Q: When do we do activities?
A: You work on group activities in quiz section on most Thursdays, as listed in the class Calendar.
A: You work on group activities in quiz section on most Thursdays, as listed in the class Calendar.
Q: I tend to work slowly. What if I don't finish the activity
during class?
A: If you are in class and working on the activity during the entire quiz section and still don't finish, you may finish the activity at home and turn it in during the next day in lecture (but no later than that).
A: If you are in class and working on the activity during the entire quiz section and still don't finish, you may finish the activity at home and turn it in during the next day in lecture (but no later than that).
Q: I prefer to work alone. Do I have to work in a group?
A: Yes. Part of learning how to do mathematics is learning how to communicate mathematical ideas. Group activities offer students the opportunity to articulate mathematical ideas and processes to their peers. We want to hear you having conversations about the material.
A: Yes. Part of learning how to do mathematics is learning how to communicate mathematical ideas. Group activities offer students the opportunity to articulate mathematical ideas and processes to their peers. We want to hear you having conversations about the material.
Q: My mathematical background is a lot weaker than everyone else's in
the class. I don't have anything to offer a group. Do I have to work in a group?
A: Yes. I've found that often students underestimate their abilities relative to the rest of the class. You may be surprised at what you know and what others don't know. Further, remember the point is to have conversations about the material. Asking your colleagues how they arrived at an answer or why something is true may start valuable conversations. In addition, in answering your questions, other group members may realize that they've made a mistake and your group can work to correct them.
A: Yes. I've found that often students underestimate their abilities relative to the rest of the class. You may be surprised at what you know and what others don't know. Further, remember the point is to have conversations about the material. Asking your colleagues how they arrived at an answer or why something is true may start valuable conversations. In addition, in answering your questions, other group members may realize that they've made a mistake and your group can work to correct them.
Q: One member of my group is a real jerk. Do I have to work with
him/her?
A: No. You can work with whomever you like. If this person is a real nuisance and you can't avoid him or her, speak to your TA or instructor.
A: No. You can work with whomever you like. If this person is a real nuisance and you can't avoid him or her, speak to your TA or instructor.
Q: I missed class on Thursday. Can I make up the activity?
A: No. You may miss one activity without penalty.
A: No. You may miss one activity without penalty.
EXAMS
Q: When are the exams?
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website (Syllabus and Calendar). They are also announced in class.
A: Exam dates are listed on the course website (Syllabus and Calendar). They are also announced in class.
Q: What resources am I allowed to use on exams?
A: You're allowed to use a ruler, a calculator, and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of notes, both sides.
A: You're allowed to use a ruler, a calculator, and one 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of notes, both sides.
Q: Can I type/copy/etc my note sheet?
A: Yes. However, it is to your benefit to use a handwritten sheet of notes. Creating the sheet is very useful in studying for the exam and allows you to locate items faster during the exam, since you are more familiar with its layout.
A: Yes. However, it is to your benefit to use a handwritten sheet of notes. Creating the sheet is very useful in studying for the exam and allows you to locate items faster during the exam, since you are more familiar with its layout.
Q: How should I study for exams?
A: I recommend reading through your lecture notes several times. Since your instructor writes the exams, lecture notes will give you insight into what your instructor feels is important. You should review all the worksheets, noting any new vocabulary, problem-solving techniques and processes that they introduce. Try to articulate the point of each worksheet. Make sure you know how to solve each of the Problems at the end of the worksheets. Once you've done all that, start looking at some old exams from the Exam Archive. I highly recommend that you get used to solving the problems from these old exams in a test-like setting. That is, do as much as you possibly can of each problem within a time limit and without asking for help or looking at the provided hints and answers.
A: I recommend reading through your lecture notes several times. Since your instructor writes the exams, lecture notes will give you insight into what your instructor feels is important. You should review all the worksheets, noting any new vocabulary, problem-solving techniques and processes that they introduce. Try to articulate the point of each worksheet. Make sure you know how to solve each of the Problems at the end of the worksheets. Once you've done all that, start looking at some old exams from the Exam Archive. I highly recommend that you get used to solving the problems from these old exams in a test-like setting. That is, do as much as you possibly can of each problem within a time limit and without asking for help or looking at the provided hints and answers.
Q: I suffer from test anxiety. What should I do?
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
A: Try one of the Student Counseling Center's Study Skills Workshops. They are offered periodically throughout the quarter.
Q: I attended every class and quiz section and I understand everything we do in class. Why do I get low grades
on exams?
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems on your own BEFORE you get to the exam. (and without the benefit of the answers)
A: During exams, you have to demonstrate your ability to solve problems, not simply your understanding of the material. (I've watched tennis and I understand how to play. That doesn't mean that I am able to play tennis. If I had to take a tennis test, I'd have to practice playing tennis myself...not just watch other people playing.) You MUST practice solving problems on your own BEFORE you get to the exam. (and without the benefit of the answers)
Q: How do I practice solving problems?
A: Try this: Go through your lecture notes and the worksheets and make a preliminary note sheet containing definitions and techniques you have trouble remembering. Do all the Problems at the end of the worksheets. Any time you get stuck, see if there is something on your note sheet that jogs your brain a bit. If there's nothing on your note sheet, try looking in your lecture notes or in the worksheets for a hint. If you find something that helps, add it to your note sheet and continue with the problem. If you still can't solve the problem, ask a friend or someone at the MSC if they can give you a push toward solving the problem. Once you figure out what you were missing, try to articulate it and add it to your note sheet. After you've finished doing this with all the Problems from the book, start on the old exams from the exam archive. Try using only your note sheet. If your note sheet is not enough, ask someone for help or use the hints and answers provided at the Exam Archive, adding to your note sheet as necessary. If you manage to get through all the old exams this way, you should be able to solve many problems from start to finish. You should also be very familiar with what's on your note sheet, which can save you time at the exam.
A: Try this: Go through your lecture notes and the worksheets and make a preliminary note sheet containing definitions and techniques you have trouble remembering. Do all the Problems at the end of the worksheets. Any time you get stuck, see if there is something on your note sheet that jogs your brain a bit. If there's nothing on your note sheet, try looking in your lecture notes or in the worksheets for a hint. If you find something that helps, add it to your note sheet and continue with the problem. If you still can't solve the problem, ask a friend or someone at the MSC if they can give you a push toward solving the problem. Once you figure out what you were missing, try to articulate it and add it to your note sheet. After you've finished doing this with all the Problems from the book, start on the old exams from the exam archive. Try using only your note sheet. If your note sheet is not enough, ask someone for help or use the hints and answers provided at the Exam Archive, adding to your note sheet as necessary. If you manage to get through all the old exams this way, you should be able to solve many problems from start to finish. You should also be very familiar with what's on your note sheet, which can save you time at the exam.
Q: How long do I need to spend studying for the exams?
A: I recommend 1 or 2 hours a night for one full week before the exam. Of course, some people will do just fine with much less and some people may need more.
A: I recommend 1 or 2 hours a night for one full week before the exam. Of course, some people will do just fine with much less and some people may need more.
CALCULATORS
Q: Are graphing calculators allowed?
A: Yes, but I would prefer you used a non-graphing one.
A: Yes, but I would prefer you used a non-graphing one.
Q: What's a scientific calculator?
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button labeled "ln"). You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15 and that will work just fine for this class.
A: A scientific calculator does computations a bit beyond the basic four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You'll need a calculator that can compute powers, square roots, and natural logs (look for a button labeled "ln"). You can get a good scientific calculator for around $15 and that will work just fine for this class.
Q: Is there a calculator that you recommend?
A: Folks in the School of Business say that the HP 10bII (about $30-$40) is a good choice for business students. If you don't plan on applying to the business school, then the HP 9s is a cheaper option (around $10-$20) that will work just as well in this class. The TI-30X IIS and the TI-30X IIB (around $15) also look sufficient. As long as the calculator can compute powers, square roots and logarithms, you've got the right kind.
A: Folks in the School of Business say that the HP 10bII (about $30-$40) is a good choice for business students. If you don't plan on applying to the business school, then the HP 9s is a cheaper option (around $10-$20) that will work just as well in this class. The TI-30X IIS and the TI-30X IIB (around $15) also look sufficient. As long as the calculator can compute powers, square roots and logarithms, you've got the right kind.
ACADEMIC CONDUCT
Q: What constitutes cheating in this class?
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on an exam or homework, constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on an exam or homework are the same as for the student doing the copying.
Discussion of homework and activities with others is encouraged, but the final work and write-up should be your own. Of course, absolutely no discussion or "peeking" is permitted during the exams. More information is available here.
A: All work is expected to be your own. Submitting another person's work as your own or copying work from another student on an exam or homework, constitutes cheating. Further, allowing someone to copy your work is also considered cheating. The consequences for allowing another student to copy your work on an exam or homework are the same as for the student doing the copying.
Discussion of homework and activities with others is encouraged, but the final work and write-up should be your own. Of course, absolutely no discussion or "peeking" is permitted during the exams. More information is available here.
Q: What happens if I am accused of cheating?
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then -- in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee -- you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
A: If you are accused of cheating, you have the right to a hearing before the university's Committee on Academic Conduct. Information on the hearing process and possible university sanctions can be found here. If you are found guilty of academic misconduct, then -- in addition to any sanctions imposed by the Committee -- you will receive a 0 on the assignment in question.
Q: Should I cheat in this class?
A: No. I take cheating very seriously.
A: No. I take cheating very seriously.
Math 111/112 MATH STUDY CENTER
Q: Where is the Math Study Center?
A: The Math 111/112 Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building (CMU), in room B-006. It is next door to the larger Math Study Center servicing Math 120/124/125/126.
A: The Math 111/112 Study Center is in the basement of the Communications building (CMU), in room B-006. It is next door to the larger Math Study Center servicing Math 120/124/125/126.
Q: What really goes on at the Math Study Center?
A: Math 111 students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
A: Math 111 students come to the MSC and work on their homework or study for exams. Some students work alone, some in groups. TAs and instructors for the course are in the room, available to answer questions. If you need help and the tutors are all busy, put your name on the waiting list on the board at the front of the room.
Q: I went to the MSC and waited an hour for the TA to answer one
question. What good is the MSC?
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
A: There may be times when the wait for help at the MSC is long, especially the day before a homework assignment is due or around exam time. We suggest that you start your studying early and go to the MSC early in the week when the wait will be shorter.
Q: I need a lot of intensive help with this course. Can I get that
kind of help at the MSC?
A: Not really. There will only be one or two tutors in the MSC at any given time. Most of the time, this means that the tutors will only be able to help each student or group of students for a few minutes at a time. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or at the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).
A: Not really. There will only be one or two tutors in the MSC at any given time. Most of the time, this means that the tutors will only be able to help each student or group of students for a few minutes at a time. If you need a personal tutor, you may want to try the tutor list available here or at the Math Student Services Office (PDL C-036).