MAT 2200; 00-651, Diff Calc, MWF
Book: Calculus, Edwards - Penney, 6th ed. (Early Transcendentals)
Instructor: Dr. Roy Smith, 448 Boyd,
(706)542-2595; roy@math.uga.edu, rcsmith9@earthlink.net (use both)
Prerequisite material: algebra, geometry, precalculus, trig.
You must know the material taught in these prerequisite courses, not merely
have passing grades in them. Begin reviewing now.
Course Objectives: acquire a fundamental working knowledge of the theory
and application of one variable differential calculus, including stating
definitions and theorems, making computations, and proofs.
Topics include: limits of functions, continuity, derivatives, tangents to
curves, applications to maximizing quantities, related rates of change,
graph sketching, separable differential equations. We cover chapters
2,3,4,5.2,8.3 of Edwards-Penney. You are
responsible for reading these
sections, (even those not lectured on), and asking questions on them.
Four tests:(approx.)I: Feb.4; II: Feb.28; III: April
1; IV: April 25.
Final Exam:
Midpoint:
IMPORTANT: The final is given when scheduled by the university and cannot
be moved. If you have a valid medical reason that you cannot attend a
test, or if you are on a varsity team and must be out of town, tell me
IN
ADVANCE of the test. In any case, there are no makeups.
GRADING FORMULA: Your grade will not be lower than:
15% HW/quizzes + 60% Test Average + 25% FINAL EXAM. Letter grades are
normally : 90-100=A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 60-69=D;
0-59=F.
Attendance is Required. 4 absences and you could receive a WF.
Academic Honesty: In all work for credit, do your own research, thinking,
computations and writeup. You may "brainstorm" with others
during problem
assignments. Notes, books, and calculators, are not allowed on tests.
Read the University policy on academic honesty [available on the web].
NOTE: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course;
deviations may be necessary, e.g. in scheduling of tests.
EXPECTATIONS AND ADVICE
1) LEARN ALL THE BASIC INFORMATION.
Attend every class. Read every assigned section with pencil in hand.
Study the book and lectures until you know and understand all definitions,
theorems, formulas and procedures. This includes memorizing and
reflection. You should know perfectly: definition of limit, derivative,
continuous function, tangent line, maximum; mean value theorem and
corollaries, tests for max/min, etc..., and be able to explain clearly what
each means, and what each is good for.
2) DEVELOP COMPUTATIONAL POWER.
Works lots of problems, the harder the better, and practice making
detailed, accurate calculations. This means working at least twice as
many
problems as the few that are to be handed in. Spend as much time as it
takes on this. I frequently choose problems from the book, or similar
ones, to put on tests. Study the worked examples, then vary the given
information and rework the problem.
3) PRACTICE LOGICAL REASONING.
One of the chief benefits of a mathematics course is in learning to make
logical arguments. (This can help you in arguing with a judge, the IRS,
or
your boss.) This includes understanding the principles behind the
procedures well enough to explain why they work, and adapt them to solve
problems which have not been explicitly treated in lectures. It also
means
being able to make a clear correct statement and prove it. Practice by
understanding my proofs and the book's, and attempt some "prove" or
"show"
problems.
Tests: I will test you on your understanding of each topic, not just your
ability to repeat computations like ones worked on the board. You must be
able to state general principles correctly, apply them to old and new
situations, and write up solutions in understandable, correct form, using
words in complete sentences. It is important to keep up, and study for
the
final, since students who do not restudy carefully for the final, even
those who did well earlier, usually do not do well on the final.
Ask questions: I will review anything from previous courses, if you ask me.
People who ask the most "dumb" questions tend to get the
highest grades.
Get all troublesome points explained well before the test on that topic.
I
am never available for help on the day of a test.
Essentials for success: 1. Attend class, 2. Read the book,
3. Work problems, 4. Think about the ideas, 5. Ask questions.